2 Peter 3
We are walking in today: Let Scripture Interpret Scripture!!!! PART 3!!!!!
Witness snare throughout the Bible: H4170 mowqesh-- bait, lure, snare, to ensnared
Psalm 64:5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares H4170 privily; they say, Who shall see them?
The Torah ....................
Exodus 23:33 They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare H4170 unto thee.
The prophets ...............…
Amos 3:5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin H4170 is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?
The writings .............
Job 34:30 That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared. H4170
Proverbs 22:25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare H4170 to thy soul.
4. All the Words of the Prophets
Our next Guideline is seen in the Book of Luke, where we see Yahushua talking to His Disciples. Here Yahushua reveals a great truth for us today, a valuable piece of information that has been ignored by most Bible Teachers. Notice the following passage:
Then he said unto them, O fools ['foolish'], and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: (Luke 24:25)
In the above passage, Yahushua tells us that it is the 'foolish' who are slow of heart to believe [to be "DO-ers" of] all that the prophets have spoken. By contrast, being quick to believe 'all that the prophets have spoken' is the realm of the 'wise.'
This tells us that we should be "DO-ers" of all the words of the prophets, and that we can use the words of the prophets to validate truth.
We see the same principle in the book of Acts:
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, (Acts 15:15)
In the above passage, the apostle James confirms and validates the actions and words of Simon Peter, by finding their agreement with the words of the prophets!
As if that were not enough, Peter then goes on to tell us that we too, should be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets:
This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: (2 Peter 3:1-2)
If we are to avoid being among the foolish, among those who are slow of heart, our interpretation must also be in agreement with all the words of the prophets!
Let's see some Scripture examples of how we may use this guideline.
In this example, we will see how the apostle Paul believed [was a "DO-er" of] all the words of the Prophets, and that Paul exhorts us to follow his example.
What did Paul himself believe, and do?
In order to determine what Paul believed and did, we must look closely at Paul's testimony:
And this I [Paul] confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the Elohim [God] of my fathers, believing [being a "DO-er" of] all that has been written in the Torah and in the Prophets (Acts 24:14 - The Scriptures 1998)
In the above passage, Paul tells us he worships the Elohim [God] of his fathers, 'believing' [being a "DO-er" of] all things which are written in the law and in the Prophets.
The apostle Paul is telling us that he is a "DO-er" of all the Words of Messiah, which include the Words Messiah spoke to Moses and all the Prophets.
But what did the Prophets speak? What did the apostle Paul do and practice?
Notice the following words of the prophet Ezekiel:
I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; 20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God. (Ezekiel 20:19-20)
In the above passage, the prophet Ezekiel looks backward, reminding us of the commandments of Torah. Now notice the words of Ezekiel that look forward prophetically, to Believers in Messiah under the New Covenant:
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. (Ezekiel 37:24)
In the above passages, the prophet Ezekiel confirms a New Covenant promise. The Most High tells us He will give us a new heart; and He will put His Spirit within the Believers, and will cause them to walk in His statutes, and keep and do His judgments. This refers to walking in obedience to all the New Covenant statutes, judgments, and commandments that are written in Torah.
Do we see Ezekiel's prophetic words as a testimony in the life of the apostle Paul?
We now know that the apostle Paul was a "DO-er" of all that has been written in the Torah and in the Prophets. We can now understand that Paul was careful to keep all the commandments, statutes, and judgments of Torah, including the Biblical Feast days and Sabbath days.
Let's look further at Paul's testimony:
Now... Paul and his company... went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. (Acts 13:13-14)
And when the Hebrews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. (Acts 13:42)
And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, (Acts 17:2)
But [Paul] bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. (Acts 18:21)
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. (Acts 20:16)
Defending himself, Paul said, Neither against the Torah of the Hebrews, nor against the sanctuary, nor against Caesar have I sinned in anything. (Acts 25:8-HRB)
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)
In the above passages, Paul reveals that his manner was to assemble on the Sabbath days, and to observe the Biblical Feast days and other commandments of Torah.
With Paul's testimony in mind, notice next what Paul says:
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers [imitators] of me. (1 Corinthians 4:16)
Be ye followers [imitators] of me, even as I also am [an imitator] of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Brethren, be followers [imitators] together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (Philippians 3:17)
In the above passage, Paul exhorts all of Messiah's followers [including us today] to be 'imitators' of him, as he is [an imitator] of Messiah (1Corinthians 11:1). Paul exhorts us to do as he did, by observing The Most High's Sabbath Days and Feast Days, and by walking orderly and keeping the Law, according to his own example for us to follow.
Fiveamprayer, have you been taught the above information about Paul from your Bible Teachers?
No? Why not?
Scripture tells us in detail, the reason that many Bible teachers today do not teach these Scriptures!
We recall that in a Biblical sense, to 'know' something is to experience that thing. When Paul tells us he writes to those who 'know' the Torah, he is telling us that he writes to those who experience or practice Torah.
So it is, that from a Biblical standpoint, it is not until we 'know' Torah by experiencing and practicing Torah, that we truly 'know' Torah. And because many Bible Teachers today have themselves been taught not to experience Torah, they do not really 'know' Torah — and according to the apostle Peter, they are unlearned!
Peter goes on to give us more details:
"...even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest [twist], as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:15-16)
Those who read Paul's letters without knowing [practicing] Torah, will not understand Paul's message. They do not 'know' Torah, so from a Biblical standpoint they are 'unlearned' and unstable. They will simply 'wrest' or twist the apostle Paul's words, just as Peter warned us in 2 Peter 3:16.
Peter reminds us to "be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets." The apostle Paul likewise exhorts us to imitate him, and become "DO-ers" of all things which are written in the law and in the Prophets!
Let's look at another example of how we may test the many popular, modern Bible doctrines using the words of the Prophets:
In this example, we will look at some of the apostle Paul's words. Our goal is to confirm the true meaning of Paul's words, by comparing them to the words of the Holy Prophets of old.
In Paul's letter to the Galatians, he tells them they had begun well, but they had become bewitched, and were being led away from New Covenant practices and principles. Many teachers today, however, teach a non-Biblical meaning for Paul's exhortation.
Let's look at the New Testament passage, and then use the words of the Prophets in Scripture to spot the error:
"Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of [for] you, lest [that perhaps] I have bestowed upon you labour in vain." (Galatians 4:10-11)
The above passage is translated correctly in modern Bible translations, but the notes found in many Bibles actually change the meaning of Paul's words in this passage to fit modern church doctrines.
Notice that the Bible notes in many Bibles speculate that Paul is here rebuking the Galatians for observing 'Biblical' feast days. But is this true?
We recall from the above example, that Paul was a "DO-er" of all that is written in the Law [Torah] and in the Prophets. The apostle Paul is telling us that he is a "DO-er" of all the Words of Messiah, including the Words Messiah spoke to Moses, and the Words Messiah spoke to all the Prophets.
So let's see what the Prophets of old say about the Biblical feast days:
And this day [Passover] shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. (Exodus 12:14)
And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever. (Exodus 12:17)
Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. (Isaiah 56:2)
In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten. (Ezekiel 45:21)
In the above passages, we see a few of the many, many words of the Prophets, who continue to call The Most High's people to observe His Feasts. The Most High's Feasts include His weekly Sabbath days, His annual Passover, and His annual Feast of Unleavened (Lev 23:1-44).
And in the previous example above, we saw that Paul observes the Biblical Sabbath days and Feast days, and other commandments of Torah.
We also saw in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, that Paul exhorts us to keep the Feast of Passover and Unleavened.
We also saw in 1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1, and Philippians 3:17, that Paul exhorts us to be followers [imitators] of him.
Since Paul himself kept all the 'Biblical' feast days [as we saw in the previous example above], and since Paul exhorts us to be 'imitators' of him (1 Co 4:16,11:1; Php 3:17), we must ask the next question:
Question: "How could Paul be afraid for the Galatian Believers, and consider his labour to be in vain, if the Galatians were imitating Paul's example, by observing the 'Biblical' feast days as Paul did?"
So we see that when we compare the Galatians 4:10-11 Passage with Paul's own words and testimony, the notion that Paul is rebuking the Galatians for keeping of 'Biblical' Feast days does agree.
This is further evidence that Paul is not rebuking the Believers for observing 'Biblical' Feast days.
But this is still not enough evidence thus far. Let's look for further confirmation from the words of the Prophets, to see what else the Prophets have to say about Believers in Messiah observing 'Biblical' Feast days.
In the following passage, notice carefully that the prophet Zechariah describes a future scenario in Messiah's Kingdom:
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. (Zechariah 14:16-19)
As we have noted in other writings, the Scriptures tell us in great detail that the observing of all the Biblical Feasts are vital, present-day provisions of the Everlasting [New] Covenant!
And as we see in the above Zechariah passage, in the future, all the earth will be subject to Yah's Everlasting [New] Covenant provisions of keeping the Torah, including all the Biblical Feasts.
The Prophet Zechariah is telling us that in Messiah's future Kingdom on earth, all the nations on earth will receive either Blessings or chastisement, according to how they obey, just as it is today!
In Messiah's future Kingdom, those who 'believe' Messiah's words, and observe His Feast days, will receive Blessings. But those who not 'believe' Messiah's words, and do not observe His Feast days, will receive punishment.
So we see in this example, the notion that the apostle Paul is rebuking the Believers for observing 'Biblical' Feast days, actually contradicts Paul's own words and testimony, and in particular, contradicts the words of the Prophets!
We may now conclude that in the Galatians passage, the apostle Paul is not rebuking the Believers for observing 'Biblical' Feast days.
We must then ask, "Why is the apostle Paul rebuking the Believers in Galatians 4:10-11?"
Upon close inspection, we find that in the Galatians 4:10 passage, Paul is referring back to the "weak and beggarly elements of the world" (Gal 4:3; Col 2:8,20).
Paul then tells us these "weak and beggarly elements" [Greek stoicheon< 4747>] are of the world, and are the worldly precepts that will perish, and will be done away with, because they are not based on Messiah's Words (Col 2:8).
Instead, Paul tells us in Colossians 2:20-22, that these same stoicheon are based on man-made 'ordinances' [dogmas; decrees of men] that are according to the "commandments and doctrines of men."
Did we catch this? The 'elements of the world' are not based on based on Messiah's Words.
The commandments to observe the Feasts of The Most High, however, are Messiah's Words. The Scriptures tell us plainly that it was the WORD of The Most High [Messiah Himself], who spoke the words to Moses and all the Prophets.
So we see further proof that Paul is not rebuking the Believers for observing 'Biblical' Feast days.
The "days and months and seasons and years" to which Paul refers in Galatians, are the popular [but man-made] 'holy' days "not commanded" in Scripture. These are man-made days of pagan origin — the popular religious 'holidays' celebrated by the nations. These 'holy' seasons and 'holy' days were popular in ancient times, even before the birth of Messiah, and they were popular in Paul's day.
Today these same pagan 'holy' days continue to attract and deceive many, and are popular within the modern Christian culture!
As we can read in any Encyclopedia, these modern Religious 'holy days' are of ancient, pagan origin, but have been 'Christianized' and given new names and new 'packaging,' and have been vigorously promoted by Rome for almost two thousand years.
Today these ancient customs are known as Christmas [from the pagan 'Saturnalia' Sun worship celebration on 25 December], Easter [from the pagan 'Ishtar' fertility celebration featuring eggs and rabbits in the Spring], Good Friday, Lent, All-saints Day, and many other 'holy' days, months, seasons, and years not mentioned in Scripture.
There are many more words that the Prophets have spoken, which describe in much more detail some of the pagan celebrations forbidden to The Most High's people. For example, Jeremiah 10:1-4 warns us against observing certain Religious rites that are not commanded in Scripture! Note that this particular warning tells us that bringing an evergreen tree into the home, and decorating it as part of a Religious celebration, is one of the ways of the heathen that we are to avoid.
As we have seen in the few examples above, we will be able to detect any false doctrines, false teachers, and false prophets — and avoid deception — if we will only be mindful of all the words of the Prophets.
Let us now look at the next Biblical Guideline.
5. No Private [Our Own, non-Biblical] Interpretation
Many have heard that we are not to have 'private' interpretation of Scripture. In order to see what this means, let us notice the following passage:
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private <2398> interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20)
n the above passage, we are told that no prophecy of the Scriptures is of any 'private' [Greek idios, Strong's Number <2398>, "privately, ones own"] interpretation. A prophecy of Scripture is any word of Scripture, whether uttered from the mouth of The Most High, or inspired to the writer by the Holy Spirit.
And so we are told that the interpretation of these Bible words is not to be 'our own' [non-Biblical] interpretation. When a Scripture passage is interpreted correctly, it must have the same meaning today, as when it was originally written.
And so in order for an interpretation to be true, the interpretation must find agreement with all the Biblical Guidelines of Scripture, and must not have any contradiction, when considering all of Scripture.
Here we must note that 'All Scripture' has many levels of truth, just as layers of an onion. One Scripture passage may have one meaning in its Biblical and historical context, but may also have many additional meanings, on several levels, in a prophetic context.
For example, words may have several levels of meaning in the direct, literal sense, but may take on additional meanings in the allegorical or 'prophetic' sense. To interpret these words in a prophetic sense requires much study of the Scripture, especially in the Book of Proverbs (See Prov 1:2-6).
Despite the many levels of meanings, there is one unifying principle of Scripture that can tell us if an idea or interpretation of a Scripture passage is true, on any level, either literal or prophetic.
This principle tells us that for an idea or interpretation to be true, it must not be in contradiction to all of Scripture considered as a whole.
That is, an interpretation must have no contradiction within All of Scripture, in either 'Old' or 'New' Testament writings, regardless of how many levels of interpretation may be apparent. There must also be two or 3 witnesses of Scripture to confirm an idea as true.
If the supposed idea or interpretation seems to contradict any Scripture passage, we may then conclude that the idea is in error. We must then propose a different meaning or interpretation for that passage, so that we may find the meaning that agrees with all of Scripture.
Let us now look at the next guideline.
6. Do Not Add to or Remove From Scripture
This next principle is of great importance, for if we fail to adhere to this, we will not come to fully know Messiah, nor our Heavenly Father.
The Words of Father, as we see written in Scripture, must not be added to, or taken away from. Notice the following Scripture passages:
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)
What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. (Deuteronomy 12:32)
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:6)
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:18-19)
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19)
The implications of the above passages are serious! It is here that many of the stumbling-blocks of man-made Bible doctrines originate.
This principle tells us first, that we are not to add to, or take from, the Words of Scripture. Fair enough.
But most Bible Teachers today have taught that Messiah Himself has done this very thing — that He added to, and removed from, the Words of Scripture!
When Messiah was walking on the earth, in His own body, if He had added or removed anything from Scripture, he would have broken the Law — He would have violated Torah, which is committing a sin (1 John 3:4)! If Yahushua had committed any sin at all, He would have been unfit as a perfect, sinless sacrifice — and He would have been disqualified from being our Redeemer and Saviour!
So we see from this principle, that any ideas or interpretation regarding Messiah's Words, as well as His actions, must be based on this truth — that Messiah Himself added nothing new to the Scriptures, nor diminished or removed anything old from the Scriptures.
That is, Yahushua Messiah did not 'change' anything written in the Scriptures! He did not add any new commandments or ordinances to the New Covenant — and He did not remove or nullify any commands or ordinances, or their application today, from the 'old' Testament writings. He did not change or remove the Scriptures, nor any of its truths, nor any of its application for us today! To do so would have disqualified Him — and we would not be forgiven of our sins!
Instead, He became a sacrifice, and His walk of obedience to Torah became an example for His people to follow today! His timely fulfilment of certain existing Covenant provisions did not 'nullify' any Scripture. Instead, His fulfilment ushered in a new phase of His dealings with man, as promised in the 'old' testament writings, and as described in detail in the book of Hebrews.
Let us look at an example, to see what this means for us today.
There are many examples today of removing words from Scripture, and adding words to Scripture. We can see one example by merely reading the Scriptures. In this example, we will look at Isaiah 42:8, to see what it says, according to various translations.
Notice the following passage in several translations:
"I am יהוה, that is My Name...." (Isaiah 42:8a — The Scriptures 1998)
"I am THE MOST HIGH: that is my name...." (Isaiah 42:8a RNKJV — Restored Name King James Version)
"I am THE MOST HIGH; that is My name...." (Isaiah 42:8a HRB — Hebrew Roots Bible)
"I am THE MOST HIGH; that is My name...." (Isaiah 42:8a LEB — Lexham English Bible)
"I am THE MOST HIGH, that is My name...." (Isaiah 42:8a ASV — American Standard Version)
"I am THE MOST HIGH, this is My name...." (Isaiah 42:8a YLT — Young's Literal Translation)
"I am ADONAI; that is my name...." (Isaiah 42:8a CJB — Complete Jewish Bible)
"I am God, that's my name...." (Isaiah 42:8a MSG — The Message)
"I am the LORD: that is my name...." (Isaiah 42:8a KJV — King James Version)
"I am the Lord, that is My name...." (Isaiah 42:8a NRS — New Revised Standard)
Notice in the above passages, that the true, Hebrew name of The Most High can be seen in a few translations. In most modern translations, however, the translators have removed His true name — and have added the title 'LORD' or 'Adonai' in place of His name!
Now notice the following passage:
And Elohim [God] said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, YHWH Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. (Exodus 3:15 RNKJV)
In the above passage, The Most High tells us that His name is His memorial forever — that His name The Most High is to be communicated to, and remembered in all generations!
This means that we must communicate His name, and teach it to our children, so that those in the next generation will remember His name.
But His 'name' has been removed — and a 'title' has been added — in violation of the clear commands of Scripture!
Now, we must ask the following questions:
"If The Most High's name has been removed from the Bible, how can we know His name?"
"And not knowing His name, how can we teach it to our children, so they will remember it?"
Selah! Think about this! A-HI-YAH Asher A-HI-YAH (which is I AM that I AM in Hebrew). The Great I AM, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!!!
Hallelu-Yah! Praise Yah!
Here is another example of adding to and removal from the Scriptures.
In this example, we will test another popular, modern Bible doctrine using this Guideline.
In this example, we will investigate the question, "Did Messiah institute the Lord's Supper as a 'New Thing'?"
Notice the following passage:
And as they were eating, Yeshua took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28)
In the above passage, we see a scene familiar to many Believers today, who have been told that Messiah instituted the Lord's Supper as a 'new ceremony' for those who Believe in Him.
We recall that the Bereans used the Scriptures [the Tanak, or 'old' Testament writings], to check the validity of the apostle Paul's New Covenant teachings. And according to the Scriptures, anyone who attempts to institute any 'new' religious practice that was not previously commanded in the 'old' testament Scriptures, is to be considered a heretic — a deceiver, and a false prophet (Deut 13:1-5).
We are also told that to institute a 'new' religious practice [something that was not commanded], would be considered 'strange fire' (Lev 10:1), and would be adding to the Scriptures.
If we were to imagine that Yahushua Messiah instituted the Lord's Supper as a 'new ceremony' not commanded in Torah, we would be saying that Messiah added something new to Scripture. And if the Lord's Supper were not commanded in Torah, it would be considered 'strange fire' before The Most High.
Thus what we imagine Messiah did, would be to imagine He committed sin — and this sin would have rendered Him unfit to be a sinless sacrifice, and unfit to be our Saviour.
As we search the Scriptures, however, we find that Messiah did not add to the Scriptures. He did not implement the Lord's Supper as a 'new thing.'
Instead, the Lord's Supper was a part of the centuries-old Passover, at which time after supper, Messiah revealed to His disciples the true meaning of the Passover, and of the Passover Sacrifice, and of the Passover Cup. A careful reading of Matthew 25 and Luke 22 will confirm that the Lord's Supper took place on the night of Passover.
From that time forward, Messiah expects all of His Disciples to continue to observe the Passover Memorial meal, in the same manner as He did with His Disciples. He expects us today to 'walk as He walked' (1John 2:6), by following His example.
To 'walk as He walked' includes observing the Lord's Supper in the same manner as He did, at the same, prescribed time He did — at night, at the start of the 14th day of the first Biblical month, which is the prescribed, Biblical day of Passover (Lev 23:5; Num 28:16).
This prescribed timing of the Lord's Supper, on the night of Passover, was the exact timing that the apostle Paul received of the Lord (1 Co 11:23), and delivered unto us for our instruction!
But because many have thought Messiah instituted the Lord's Supper as a 'new ceremony' not commanded in Torah, they have ignored the timing prescribed in Torah, and have ignored what Paul passed along to us for our instruction.
Many Bible Teachers, by having their own [non-Biblical] interpretation, violate this Biblical Guideline themselves, when they assume that Messiah Himself violated this Guideline, by adding something new to the Scriptures!
We are not allowed to have our own [non-Biblical] interpretation, nor are we to add anything or remove anything from what is written in Scripture!
Let us now see the next Biblical guideline.
7. First Obey and Do — And Then We Will Know and Understand
Although somewhat obscure, this 'hidden' Bible principle — that we must first obey and do, even before we fully know or understand — is one of the most important principles we can learn.
This principle is the most basic expression of Biblical Faith!
We not only see this principle spoken clearly and revealed in many Scripture passages, but we see it set forth by example in the lives of many Bible characters.
Lets see this Guideline, as we look at a few of the Scripture passages:
Yeshua answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:16-17)
In the above passage, we see that if we will do [make, produce, bring forth] Father's will, then we shall know [perceive, understand] the doctrine [teaching, instruction].
From here we must proceed to seek out Father's will:
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:40)
Here we see Father's will is two-fold: to see the Son; and then to believe on Him. The word 'believe' as used in Scripture is from the Hebrew perspective, as opposed to the Greek perspective.
The Greek perspective says, "What I 'think' is what I believe." This is merely a mental agreement of certain facts being true, and is not Biblical belief.
The Hebrew perspective, on the other hand, says, "What I 'do' proves what I believe." To 'believe' in the Scriptural sense, therefore, is an action that we take, that reveals what we think.
From this we see that to 'believe' Yahushua is to 'obey' Him, just as if His Words were true. That is the Hebrew way — and the Biblical way — of understanding the word 'believe.'
But in order to obey Messiah's Words, His sayings, we must know what they are.
As the WORD of The Most High, Messiah spoke all the Words of Scripture, including the commandments He gave to Moses, as we see throughout the 'old' Testament writings.
So in order to know Messiah's Words, we must then read all of Messiah's Words.
But in order to read all of Messiah's Words, all of His sayings, we must read all of the Scriptures.
We then find that as we begin to truly obey Messiah and walk with Him, He then begins to open our spiritual eyes further. He enables us to 'see' more clearly, and to have to a greater understanding of His Word. He also begins to give us Wisdom, and a greater 'Knowing' of Himself.
To further illustrate this principle of "first obey and do, then know and understand," let's look at a few more passages:
Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. (Deuteronomy 4:5-6)
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour ['Grace'] and good understanding in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:1-4)
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep [guard, watch; obey] thy precepts. (Psalms 119:100)
The above passages vividly show the Biblical principle of "first obey and do, then know and understand" — which is the essence of Biblical faith!
In the last passage above, the Psalmist gives us a clear picture of the cause-and-effect principle of 'keeping' [to keep: to guard, watch; obey] Father's precepts — with the result of having greater understanding, discernment and wisdom.
Daniel, who was great in understanding, discernment, and wisdom, must have understood this principle:
As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. (Daniel 9:13)
In the above passage, Daniel tells us the same truths as we saw above in John 7:16-17 and in Psalms 119:100. Here Daniel tells us that 'turn from our iniquities' comes before 'understand thy truth.' We see that this order is significant, for it reveals again the cause-and-effect principle of first doing, then knowing!
But one might ask, "What does it mean to turn from our iniquities?" It simply means to cease our disobedience to Messiah's commandments of Torah [the definition of 'sin' as stated in 1John 3:4]. We cease our disobedience when we begin to obey Messiah's Commandments in Torah.
When we realize it was Messiah Himself who gave the Words to Moses, we then realize that Messiah has spoken Father's Words to Moses, and to us, for the purpose of our obedience.
According to this Biblical Guideline, when we, as Born-again Believers, begin to obey more of Messiah's Words in the Ten Commandments, He will then open our eyes to give us more understanding of His Word!
Likewise, when we realize it was Messiah Himself who gave His 'sayings' to Moses, we begin to have a better understanding of the following passages:
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. (John 14:24)
For years we have not understood the above passages. Today there are many who are beginning to see and understand that Messiah is the WORD of The Most High, who spoke all the Commandments written in the Law of Moses!
Those who understand who Messiah is, are beginning to turn from their iniquities, by obedience to Torah. As a result they are showing their love for Messiah, and they are beginning to understand His truth!
Let's see an example of this Guideline:
In this example, we will see why some of the apostle Paul's writings were hard to understand in Paul's day (2 Peter 3:15-16), and why they are hard to understand in our day.
We saw in the previous example of Guideline #4 above, that the apostle Paul exhorts all of Messiah's followers [including us today] to be 'imitators' of him, as he is [an imitator] of Messiah.
We then saw that the apostle Paul himself observed all the Law [Torah] (Acts 21:24; Acts 24:14), including the Biblical Feasts (Acts 18:21; 1Co 5:7-8). This is important information for us, considering that Paul tells us repeatedly that he is an example for us to follow (1 Co 4:16; 1Co 11:1; Php 3:17).
Thus we see that Paul exhorts us to do as he did, in observing The Most High's Sabbath Days and Feast Days, and by walking orderly and keeping the Law [Torah], according to Paul's own example.
Why is it that we do we not hear the above information about Paul from today's popular Bible Teachers?
Scripture tells us in detail why this is, and illustrates this Guideline in action today!
We recall that in a Biblical sense, to 'know' something is to experience that something. With this in mind, we can understand the following words of Paul in Romans 7:1:
"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law)..." (Romans 7:1)
In this passage, Paul tells us he speaks [writes] to those who 'know' the Torah — that is, to those who experience or practice Torah.
So from a Biblical standpoint, we 'know' Torah, not by higher education or head-knowledge, but by experiencing and practicing Torah.
But notice that Peter goes further, to give us more details:
"...even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest [twist], as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:15-16)
Now we can see this Guideline coming into view, through Peter's words in the above passage. Those who read Paul's letters without first knowing [practicing] Torah, are unlearned in Torah — and they will not understand Paul's message.
And so we see that those Bible Teachers today who do not 'know' and practice Torah, do not 'understand' that Paul's letters are all based on Torah, and that Paul advocates obedience to Torah. They have not understood that all of Paul's teachings reveal his prophetic insight into the Everlasting [new] Covenant provisions seen throughout the Tanak [the 'old' Testament writings].
Thus Peter tells us that, from a Biblical standpoint, those who do not 'know' Torah by practicing Torah, do not 'understand' — they are 'unlearned' and unstable. They will simply 'wrest' or twist the apostle Paul's words, just as Peter warned us in 2Peter 3:16. They have walked away from keeping and doing the Commandments in the Law [Torah], and the final result is, that they do not understand the Commandments in the Torah.
According to this Bible Principle, we can say in this example:
"The Words of Scripture we do not obey, are the Words of Scripture we will not understand."
And so today we see the result. Those who do not practice Torah, are those who twist Paul's writings. They do not understand Paul's words, because Paul is not writing to them. Paul is writing to those who 'know' the Torah.
And so we see why a great many popular Bible Teachers of today are themselves in error, and how they are leading multitudes astray with their error. This error of twisting Paul's words is rampant today, and has contributed to the Great Falling Away that has occurred over the past two thousand years.
This principle is true on every level. Those who do not first obey the Gospel, to become Born-Again, will not understand what it means to be Born-Again.
Now, notice what Paul tells us:
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools [foolish], but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise [foolish], but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)
In the above passage, Paul focuses on our walk — what we do — and it is here that Paul reveals that the 'wise' and 'foolish' both begin by what they do — and their 'understanding' is the result of what they do!
Perhaps this is why the apostle Paul exhorts us to do as he does, as he believes [is a "DO-er" of] all things which are written in the law and in the Prophets!
The above example is but one of many throughout the Scriptures, to illustrate that The Most High gives Wisdom and Understanding to all who see the Son, and who truly 'believe' on Him from a Biblical perspective.
Those who truly 'believe' on Him are they who become Born-again, and then choose to follow Messiah, by learning to become "DO-ers" of all of His words!
Thus we see that those to whom The Most High gives Wisdom and Understanding, are they who are learning to become "DO-ers" of all of His words!
From this Guideline, and from the many examples in Scripture, we can see that Father expects His children to obey His Word, even before we understand why we are to obey. As any parent knows, the ultimate reason for a parent's important directive is 'Because I said so.'
Some may consider this type of obedience a 'blind' obedience to the Word. Yes, a lack of understanding is a form of blindness. But as we see throughout the Scriptures, Father sometimes gives this 'blindness' to His children for a purpose, and then removes the blindness to fulfill His purposes.
Father is looking for those who have Faith — those who see Messiah, and who choose to 'believe' on Him — that is, who choose to obey and do, even though they do not yet know or understand.
Additional Principles to Consider
We have briefly seen seven Biblical Guidelines that must be followed, in order to correctly interpret the Scriptures.
Along with these Biblical Guidelines, there are many additional principles seen throughout the Scriptures, that will help us in our study and understanding of the Scriptures.
Some of these Additional Principles are presented below.
The need for the Holy Spirit to open the eyes & ears, so that we may 'see' the Scriptures:
Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, (Job 33:16)
Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. (Psalms 40:6)
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (Psalms 119:18)
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3)
But their eyes were holden that they should not know him... And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. (Luke 24:16, 31)
The need for the Holy Spirit to reveal the true meaning to the Scriptures:
And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things: (1 Chronicles 28:12)
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. (Job 32:8)
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27)
The need for following the living examples of Messiah and His Disciples, as seen in Scripture:
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:15)
Yeshua saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
Be ye followers ['imitators'] of me, even as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (1 John 2:6)
The need for Prayer to understand the Scriptures:
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3)
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (Colossians 1:9)
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
The need for us to humble ourselves, in order to understand the Scriptures:
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:10)
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (1Peter 5:5-6)
The need to hear and obey the Scriptures, as a pre-requisite for receiving further understanding:
He that turneth away his ear from hearing [hearken: to hear and obey] the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. (Proverbs 28:9)
Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. (Deuteronomy 4:6)
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. (Psalms 119:100)
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:1-4)
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. (Hosea 6:3)
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:7-8)
The above are some important, additional principles that must be considered, for those who choose to follow after Yahushua Messiah.
The above principles are not complete as presented, but represent only those this writer has seen thus far. By The Most High's mercy and grace, we will find more Biblical principles and examples to add in the future!
Conclusion
We have seen from the Scriptures that the saying, "Scripture interprets Scripture" is true. In the matter of correct Bible interpretation, the Scriptures themselves give us the built-in guidelines for correct interpretation of Scripture.
In this writing we have seen the Scripture Guidelines for correct Bible Interpretation, as presented within the Scriptures themselves:
Biblical Interpretation Guidelines: Summary
1)All Scripture: Full Agreement — No Contradictions;
2)The Torah and the Testimony;
3)Two or Three Witnesses;
4)All the Words of the Prophets;
5)No Private ['ones own' or 'extra-Biblical'] Interpretation;
6)Do Not Add to or Remove From Scripture;
7)First Obey and Do — then Know and Understand
There are many secondary principles to be considered for correct Bible Interpretation, which principles may be covered in a separate writing. Some of these secondary principles include Context vs. Content; Prophetic Character Identities in Scripture; Scripture Riddles and Prophetic Statements Disguised as Contradictions; Scripture Security Levels; and Deception: its Purpose, Means, and Avoidance.
As we study the Scriptures for ourselves, let us always be mindful of the Seven Biblical Guidelines for Bible Interpretation!
Shema Selah we have to fully understand ALL OF HIS WORD AGREES!!! Every practice and doctrine must have scriptural witness to support!!https://www.facebook.com/fiveam.prayer/videos/1692300010848108/?l=2395652903713215723
