We are walking in today: Freedom To Choose!!!!
Witness harken throughout the Bible: H7181 qashab--to hear, be, attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken H7181
than the fat of rams.
The Torah .....................
Exodus 4:8 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.
The prophets ..................
Nehemiah 9:34 Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened H7181 unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.
The writings .............
Psalms 5:2 Hearken H7181 unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
Song of Solomon 8:13 Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken H7181 to thy voice: cause me to hear it.
The New Covenant: Its Provisions
As we look into the identity of those who are partakers of THE MOST HIGH's Covenant, we see another covenant problem coming into view, which we must address. Let's recall a Scripture from above:
"Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:" (Jeremiah 31:32)
As we recall, Israel was redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, and then was 'water Baptized.' They were brought out of Bondage of Egypt, all by THE MOST HIGH's Grace. However, in the above passage, we see that Israel broke THE MOST HIGH's Marriage Covenant, due to their disobedience, which we saw previously.
So we see by Israel's example, that the first New Covenant provision of Blood has been made to bring out THE MOST HIGH's people, out of Bondage to Sin. But what New Covenant provisions are there that can bring in THE MOST HIGH's people, by obedience, in our day? Again, we saw the answer, in part, in the above Jeremiah 31 passage:
"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Jeremiah 31:33)
The first part of this provision is seen above, where THE MOST HIGH will change where He writes His Law [Torah]. In Israel's case, it was external, on tables of stone. In our case today, it is internal, on tables of the heart. But does THE MOST HIGH write His Laws within everyone who simply claims to be a partaker of His Covenant? Let's look at another passage to get further light:
"Bind up the testimony, seal the law<08451> [Torah] among my disciples." (Isaiah 8:16)
Here we see that THE MOST HIGH's testimony, which is being a 'DO-er' of the Law (James 1:23, 25). It is the performing of the Law [Torah] by Messiah living within you, just as Messiah did 2,000 years ago when He lived within His own body, that is His seal; and this seal is only to be found among Yahushua's Disciples.
Now, let's notice Yahushua's own requirements for anyone who would be called His Disciple:
"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26)
"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)
"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:33)
"If ye continue<3306> in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed..." (John 8:31)
The above requirements will exclude those with mere claims, or even those with a half-hearted commitment to follow Messiah — so we are hereby warned against becoming nominal believers.
Notice in the John 8:31 passage above, that the Greek word <3306> is the same word translated elsewhere as abide. We are told in the above passage that only those who continue, who abide, are Yahushua's Disciples. So let's look at a some of the many conditions that describe those who abide:
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide<3306> [abide; dwell; continue; remain] in my love..." (John 15:10)
"And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth<3306> [abide; dwell; continue; remain] in him..." (1 John 3:24)
"He that saith he abideth <3306> [abide; dwell; continue; remain] in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (1John 2:6)
"Whosoever abideth<3306> [abide; dwell; continue; remain] in him sinneth not..." (1 John 3:6)
"...sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4)
By the above passages, we see the New Testament provisions for obedience. When a Believer becomes Born-Again, the spirit of Messiah becomes 'birthed' within. As Messiah grows, and matures within the Believer, it is Messiah-in-you who desires to be obedient. He desires that the Believer would choose to be obedient to His Father.
As the Believer learns to walk in Righteousness, and becomes obedient, Messiah writes Father's Law [Torah], His statutes, commandments, precepts, and judgments on the hearts of those who are His Disciples. He also provides the Grace — His enablement from within — to keep His commandments. Thus we see the final result of the Redeemed Saints, when all is said and done, as we saw above:
"Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." (Psalms 50:5)
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Yeshua." (Revelation 14:12)
Again, we will state that THE MOST HIGH's saints are those who are part of THE MOST HIGH's Covenant, because Yahushua has become their Sacrifice. We then see these same overcoming saints as "they that keep the commandments of THE MOST HIGH, [even; which is] the Faith of Yahushua."
Let's again notice why the doing of the Commandments describes these saints:
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)
Fiveamprayer, this is a warning given to all who desire to enter in.
Throughout the New Testament we are given many warnings. Some of these warnings tell us exactly why Israel failed to enter in, and how their failure is an example for our admonition and our warning. These warnings are given so that we might be properly instructed, and that we might choose wisely to keep Messiah's Commandments [all of Torah] — so that we might have right to the Tree of Life, and might 'enter in' through the gates into the City.
We will now turn our attention to a few examples of the New Covenant, as contrasted to the Old.
Two Covenants: The Bondwoman and the Free
Much of our misunderstanding of the New Covenant stems from twisting of Scripture, concerning the New Covenant Truths of the Law, as discussed in The Law: According to Scripture. We saw that much of today's understanding of what Paul wrote of the Law is seen in Peter's words:
"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; pervert], as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:16)
Without getting too far into details of the Law, we will on occasion refer to what Scripture calls lawful and unlawful uses of the Law in the New Covenant. Misunderstanding of legitimate New Covenant purposes of the Law carries over into misunderstanding of the New Covenant itself.
The Allegory of the two Covenants, written by Paul, is no exception. This is an allegory of the two covenants, seen as two mountains, which in turn represent two women, who bring forth two offspring.
Keep in mind that the main focus of Paul's teaching here is on the two kinds of offspring, and on the source that brings forth each kind of offspring. We will begin a few verses prior to where most teachings on this allegory begin, for here is where the main point of the Allegory can be seen:
"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you..." (Galatians 4:19)
In this Galatians 4:19 passage above, we see the main focus of the allegory is the offspring about which THE MOST HIGH is concerned, and which He desires — it is that Messiah is to become 'formed' within the Believer. This means not only is the baby to be conceived and born, but that it should grow and mature, and not remain an immature 'baby' all its life. Not only should the Life of Messiah become birthed within us, but we should allow His Life living in us to mature, and begin to walk in obedience, and eventually become just like the Father. There is only one offspring that can achieve this goal, but the other is unable to do so — and it is this contrast that is the focus of Paul's allegory.
All of the subsequent verses in Paul's allegory show how the intended offspring falls far short, if it is not engendered [brought forth] by the proper woman. We now continue in the next verse:
I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (Galatians 4:20-21)
Here we see Paul addressing those Galatians who understand neither the Old Covenant nor the New. It is here that Paul begins to reveal both Covenants, as each being a Husband having dominion over a wife. Paul is addressing those who consider it important to be under the constraint of the Law [Torah] but who are not able to obey it.
Now let us proceed with Paul's example:
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after [according to] the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to[brings forth] bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is [physical or natural city], and is in bondage with her children.
Up to this point in the narrative, Paul has pictured the 'Old' Covenant as the bondwoman, as a woman who gives birth to that which is according to the flesh, in attempting to bring forth obedience by self-effort — just as we see in Hagar, who brought forth Ishmael as a result of Abraham's unbelief.
Here also, in verse 24 we see the 'Old' Covenant is pictured as Mount Sinai, representing the stone tablets, and the self-effort to obey the Law, reminding us of the Israelites who failed to enter in, and who illustrate the children or offspring of that 'Old' Covenant.
As New Covenant Believers, we now understand that the Law [Torah] is like a looking-glass, or mirror. The mirror can show us the imperfections, but it lacks the power to cleanse. The Israelites in that day were under the constraint of the Law, but they lacked the heart, and more importantly, lacked the Grace and faith necessary to obey the Law.
The offspring are further described in verse 25 as the "Jerusalem that now is," which corresponds to its inhabitants referred to as the 'Circumcision' elsewhere in the New Testament. These represent all those who would try to be justified by self-effort to keep or obey the works of the Law, but who have not been Born-again, and justified by the Blood of Yahushua.
Now let us notice now the contrast of the two different offspring:
26 But Jerusalem which is above [the New Jerusalem] is free [not in bondage], which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh [physical, natural descendants] persecuted him that was born after the Spirit [spiritual descendants], even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. (Galatians 4:19-31)
In the above passages, we see the result of the 'Old' Covenant which [in this allegory] pictures self-effort, simply because there is the absence of the New Covenant provisions — Redemption by Blood, Righteousness by Faith, and the Holy Spirit living within, to supply Grace to empower and enable.
Here we see also in verse 28 and 29, that there is no inheritance to those offspring engendered by the flesh, by self-effort, but only to children of the free woman — the children of Promise, just as Isaac was a child of Promise. Paul tells us (Romans 4:14; Galatians 3:29) that it is not through our effort of being obedient to the Law, but only through Messiah that we become heirs according to the promise.
We must caution, however, that many years of tradition based on misunderstanding of Paul's writings still clings to us as baggage. Because of this tradition, we can miss many important truths of how the various parts of the Law [the Torah, or Father's House Rules] are to be considered, and how they are to be obeyed by His redeemed children. For a discussion of some of what Paul wrote in his epistles.
We will now look at one major highlight of the New Covenant — the concept of Bondage.
The New Covenant and Yokes of Bondage
As New Covenant Believers, much of our understanding of the 'Yoke' of Bondage has been from Paul's epistles. In all of Scripture, the word yoke speaks of bondage. But have we realized there are two 'Yokes' of Bondage, one as part of the 'Old' Covenant, and one as part of the 'New' Covenant? One of these yokes leads to death; the other leads to Life.
One of our main tasks as Believers, then, is to understand them both, so that we might come out from, and avoid, the one that leads to death, and enter in to the one that leads to Life. Let us notice the following passages:
"I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them." (Hosea 11:4)
Here we see that the yoke is taken off, and removed by THE MOST HIGH. As the context shows, this removing of the yoke is how THE MOST HIGH describes Israel's coming out from Egypt, elsewhere called the Bondage of Egypt. This bondage is the bondage of sin, and is explained by Paul partly in Romans 7:2-3, in which the obligation to obey the Law [Torah] is likened to a wife who is bound to a husband by the covenant of marriage, for as long as that husband is alive.
As Paul goes on to explain in Romans 7:3-6, if the Believer [as the wife] has become 'dead' to the Law [no longer under its dominion of sin] by identifying with the death of Messiah, then the Believer is said to be 'dead to the Law by the body of Messiah.' According to the Law [Torah], the wife is no longer in a covenant with [in bondage to] the [dead] husband, but is now free to marry [enter into a new marriage covenant with] Messiah.
That is, once a person is set free from bondage, that one is now free to choose a new Master, and a new marriage Covenant [a new yoke], which we will further discuss below. Let us first notice the contrast to the above passage in Hosea 11:4, as we look at the following passages:
"And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant..." (Ezekiel 20:37)
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light..." (Matthew 11:29-30)
In the Ezekiel 20:37 passage above, we see that THE MOST HIGH promised to bring Israel into the bond of the Covenant, the bondage or prison of the Covenant, as the Hebrew reads — which is describing the 'yoke' of bondage of the New Covenant, as the context further reveals.
Then in the Matthew 11:29-30 passage above, we see the New Covenant fulfillment of this 'yoke' of Bondage. Here we see Yahushua invites His Disciples into the yoke of [bondage] of the marriage covenant. This appeal by Yahushua is a window into the mystery of (Ephesians 5:32) together with (Colossians 1:27), and is the New Covenant Bondservant appeal seen in Exodus:
"And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever." (Exodus 21:5-6)
So we see that under the Everlasting [New] Covenant, when we identify with the death of Messiah, we become set free from the 'old' yoke [of bondage to Sin and the Law]. Messiah then invites us to choose to take upon ourselves a 'new' yoke [a yoke of bondage of a marriage covenant with Yahushua].
We might say that Messiah sets us free from the old yoke of bondage to the old master, with the hope that we might voluntarily choose to enter into a new yoke of bondage [marriage] with the New Master. It is in this way that we will find rest, and we learn of the mystery of true delight!
Before we look at the last highlight, we must first state a few observations seen in the Scriptures, in which the 'Old' Covenant is contrasted with the 'New' Covenant.
Old vs New: A Contrast
Here we will mention a few statements in the Scriptures, in which the 'Old' Covenant is contrasted with the 'New' Covenant.
First, we must remember that we are not dealing with two separate covenants, but only one — which THE MOST HIGH calls the Everlasting Covenant. This truth can be seen clearly in (Psalms 89:27-33), when in referring to Messiah, we see the covenant promised to Judah and Israel is called an Everlasting Covenant, but is called a New Covenant in (Jeremiah 31:31-33). We see the same parallels in (Hebrews 13:20), where the Covenant in Yahushua's Blood is called the Everlasting covenant, but which Yahushua calls a New Covenant in His Blood in (Matt 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20).
The changes or contrasts between the 'Old' and 'New' versions of the Everlasting Covenant are seen in Scripture as enhancements or upgrades, as it were, to the Everlasting Covenant, whereby all the 'fine print' of the Terms and Conditions stated throughout the 'Old' Testament writings [the Tanak, also called the Law or Torah] remain intact even today — as they are said to be eternal, and will never be 'done away.'
Thus we see throughout the Scriptures that the eternal Torah requirements for THE MOST HIGH's Covenant People have not changed. They are the same for us, as they were for the Israelites, and for Yahushua, except for the specific changes, or 'upgrades' mentioned in Scripture. These New Covenant 'upgrades' are summarized in Jeremiah Chapter 31, and are further listed in the book of Hebrews, where these changes are called 'Better Things.'
As a summary of New Covenant promises in Scripture passages mentioned above (Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36), we saw that THE MOST HIGH will give His people a new heart, and a new Spirit, and will cause His people to walk in His Torah (Ezekiel 36:26-27). This promise is only part of the Torah revelation that His people will become 'Born-Again,' as Messiah becomes 'birthed' within them; and they will be filled with the Holy Spirit to enable and empower them.
We then saw that as part of the New Covenant, THE MOST HIGH promised to put His Law in their inward parts, and write it [internally] in their hearts, rather than [externally] on stone, so that they will have the heart or willingness, as well as the grace or enablement, to obey the Torah (Jeremiah 31:31-33).
Further New Covenant changes are listed in the book of Hebrews. These changes include a change in the Priesthood, wherein Yahushua has become the High Priest, after an eternal order; and a change in the Sacrifice system, wherein the Blood of Yahushua has an active and ongoing role for us today, as His Blood completely removes the consciousness of past sins, and is better than the blood of bulls and goats, which merely covered the sins. As part of the change of the Sacrifices, we are told (in Hebrews 10:8-10) that the 'not my will' as spoken in Psalms 40:7, is established as the new sacrifice, which has taken away the old sacrifice.
We have also seen many changes in the Everlasting Covenant that promised to enhance the Believers' daily walk with Messiah. As a part of these 'New' Covenant changes, we see a heightened awareness of the significance of those provisions of the Everlasting Covenant that remain intact.
As one example, Yahushua revealed to us the importance of our participation in Passover, when He revealed to us the 'New' Covenant significance of Passover in (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:15-20; John 6:53-56). As another example, we can now see the importance of our participation in Messiah's Sabbaths, after Messiah revealed to us one of the reasons the Israelites were refused entry into the Promised Land was that they "despised His Judgments" [His mishpatim, His eternal 'House Rules'] and "polluted His Sabbaths" (Eze 20:13,16,20,21,24).
As another example, Messiah has told us in advance that He will reject the Foolish Virgins for two reasons: 1) because they are considered workers of iniquity (Mt 7:23), which tells us they were in disobedience to the law of Moses; and 2) He did not know them [they avoided the Everlasting Covenant provision that allows His Born-again people to know Him (Ex 31:13; Eze 20:12,20): by keeping His Sabbaths].
He has also told us [in advance] by His prophets that His final judgment against the earth's inhabitants is for the same reason — because they have broken His Everlasting Covenant (Isaiah 24:5), which in context, appears to be soon-coming.
We have seen a few contrasts between the 'Old' and 'New' versions of THE MOST HIGH's Everlasting Covenant.
We have noted that the Torah remains intact for Believers today in the New Covenant. We must now state, however, that according to the Torah, the 'New' Covenant — and the 'new' yoke — is not one of 'required' obedience, or compulsion.
The New Covenant: No Compulsion
Perhaps the most surprising feature of the 'New' Covenant is that it remains as THE MOST HIGH's Everlasting Covenant, but it is now a Covenant in which obedience is no longer required. Under the 'Old' Covenant, obedience was required, under threat of death. Under the 'New' Covenant however, there is no compulsion to come under a 'yoke' [of bondage] of obedience to the Covenant. This difference can be understood in light of THE MOST HIGH's purposes.
Among the 'New' Covenant changes is the removal of the obligation to obey the Law [Torah]. In its place is the opportunity for the Believer to voluntarily choose to obey the Law [Torah]. As we saw above under the heading, 'Yokes of Bondage,' this last change is according to Torah, and reveals some of Fathers purposes in these last days.
One of Father's purposes today is to find a Bride suitable for His Son. Father is looking for those who love His Son — that is, He is looking for those who keep His Commandments (John 14:15). He is looking for those who know His Son — who know that Messiah is the one who gave the Commandments to Moses. Thus Father is looking for those who are Born-Again (who have Messiah 'birthed' within them), and who demonstrate that they know the identity of His Son, by their obedience to Messiah's Commandments written in the Law [the Torah].
When a Believer becomes 'Born-Again,' he is at that time set free from the old yoke of bondage, as discussed above under the heading, 'Yokes of Bondage.' Messiah then invites that one to come under a 'New' yoke of bondage, to become a bond servant of the Master. Notice however, that Yahushua does not compel anyone to become a bond servant. He does, however, compel people to come to Him to be set free, and to repent, and then compels them to come in to dine with Him.
He then desires that those that come to Him, would voluntarily enter into the bond of the 'New' Covenant with Him; and that because of their love for their Master, they would become yoked as bondservants to obedience to Him, and to His Word.
Love, by its very nature, can not be made compulsory; it must be of the free will, and of the heart. Yahushua sets us free, so that we are then truly free to choose whom we will serve. We may then choose to serve Him, and to please Him, and delight to do His will, or we may choose not to do so. Whatever choice we make, reveals whether we love Him, or not. However, let us also remember that He has told us:
"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13)
Here Yahushua warns us, that after we have been set free from the old master [sin, and the obligation to obey the Law, under threat of death], we now have a choice of whom we will serve. THE MOST HIGH sees to it that everyone must serve one master or another. Let us recall this passage:
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans 6:16)
After being set free, many choose not to be in bondage, thinking they are free. There is no compulsion whatsoever. However, the above passage reveals that unless we voluntarily choose to serve [in obedience to the eternal Scriptures], which leads to the fruit of righteousness, we will end up serving sin, which results in death.
It is our choice of whom we will obey.
Many spiritual Leaders today have understood one side of the coin of Paul's writings, but have failed to see the other side of the coin. They understand that as Believers we have 'died to' the bondage of the Law, and to sin. They are in grave error, however, to think the eternal Law [Torah] has been 'done away' or replaced.
According to the Scriptures, if the Law [the Torah] were 'done away, we would not be forgiven by the Blood of Yahushua — because it is the Torah that prescribes forgiveness by an acceptable Blood sacrifice — and so it is only by the Torah that we are redeemed by Yahushua's Blood, and forgiven of our sins (Hebrews 9:22).
Conclusion
We have seen that under the 'New' Covenant, the Believers are promised a new heart, and a new spirit, prefiguring the experiences of being 'Born-Again' and being filled with the Holy Spirit;
We have seen that under the 'New' Covenant, the eternal Commandments of Torah are no longer external, written on tables of stone, but are now internal, written on the heart, prefiguring obedience to the same, eternal Torah.
We have seen that the 'New' Covenant provides everything for us that the 'Old' Covenant could not provide, but most importantly, the Grace Messiah gives us, as He lives within us by His Spirit, to enable us, and to empower us to be obedient.
We have seen that under the 'New' Covenant, instead of trying to obey the Commandments by our own strength, our own ability, it is now 'Messiah-in-us' who gives us the 'Grace' — the delight, and the ability, to keep His Commandments!
We have seen that under the 'New' Covenant, we too will delight in the Law in the inward man, just as did the apostle Paul (Romans 7:22), when we, as Paul, begin to walk in obedience to Messiah's eternal and Everlasting New Covenant — According to the Scriptures.
Shema Selah, we are to choose if we will follow our Heavenly Father's will--our of our love for HIM!! https://www.facebook.com/fiveam.prayer/videos/1686811004730342/?l=3244203848577284193
The Torah .....................
Exodus 4:8 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.
The prophets ..................
Nehemiah 9:34 Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened H7181 unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.
The writings .............
Psalms 5:2 Hearken H7181 unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
Song of Solomon 8:13 Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken H7181 to thy voice: cause me to hear it.
The New Covenant: Its Provisions
As we look into the identity of those who are partakers of THE MOST HIGH's Covenant, we see another covenant problem coming into view, which we must address. Let's recall a Scripture from above:
"Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:" (Jeremiah 31:32)
As we recall, Israel was redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, and then was 'water Baptized.' They were brought out of Bondage of Egypt, all by THE MOST HIGH's Grace. However, in the above passage, we see that Israel broke THE MOST HIGH's Marriage Covenant, due to their disobedience, which we saw previously.
So we see by Israel's example, that the first New Covenant provision of Blood has been made to bring out THE MOST HIGH's people, out of Bondage to Sin. But what New Covenant provisions are there that can bring in THE MOST HIGH's people, by obedience, in our day? Again, we saw the answer, in part, in the above Jeremiah 31 passage:
"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Jeremiah 31:33)
The first part of this provision is seen above, where THE MOST HIGH will change where He writes His Law [Torah]. In Israel's case, it was external, on tables of stone. In our case today, it is internal, on tables of the heart. But does THE MOST HIGH write His Laws within everyone who simply claims to be a partaker of His Covenant? Let's look at another passage to get further light:
"Bind up the testimony, seal the law<08451> [Torah] among my disciples." (Isaiah 8:16)
Here we see that THE MOST HIGH's testimony, which is being a 'DO-er' of the Law (James 1:23, 25). It is the performing of the Law [Torah] by Messiah living within you, just as Messiah did 2,000 years ago when He lived within His own body, that is His seal; and this seal is only to be found among Yahushua's Disciples.
Now, let's notice Yahushua's own requirements for anyone who would be called His Disciple:
"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26)
"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)
"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:33)
"If ye continue<3306> in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed..." (John 8:31)
The above requirements will exclude those with mere claims, or even those with a half-hearted commitment to follow Messiah — so we are hereby warned against becoming nominal believers.
Notice in the John 8:31 passage above, that the Greek word <3306> is the same word translated elsewhere as abide. We are told in the above passage that only those who continue, who abide, are Yahushua's Disciples. So let's look at a some of the many conditions that describe those who abide:
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide<3306> [abide; dwell; continue; remain] in my love..." (John 15:10)
"And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth<3306> [abide; dwell; continue; remain] in him..." (1 John 3:24)
"He that saith he abideth <3306> [abide; dwell; continue; remain] in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (1John 2:6)
"Whosoever abideth<3306> [abide; dwell; continue; remain] in him sinneth not..." (1 John 3:6)
"...sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4)
By the above passages, we see the New Testament provisions for obedience. When a Believer becomes Born-Again, the spirit of Messiah becomes 'birthed' within. As Messiah grows, and matures within the Believer, it is Messiah-in-you who desires to be obedient. He desires that the Believer would choose to be obedient to His Father.
As the Believer learns to walk in Righteousness, and becomes obedient, Messiah writes Father's Law [Torah], His statutes, commandments, precepts, and judgments on the hearts of those who are His Disciples. He also provides the Grace — His enablement from within — to keep His commandments. Thus we see the final result of the Redeemed Saints, when all is said and done, as we saw above:
"Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." (Psalms 50:5)
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Yeshua." (Revelation 14:12)
Again, we will state that THE MOST HIGH's saints are those who are part of THE MOST HIGH's Covenant, because Yahushua has become their Sacrifice. We then see these same overcoming saints as "they that keep the commandments of THE MOST HIGH, [even; which is] the Faith of Yahushua."
Let's again notice why the doing of the Commandments describes these saints:
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)
Fiveamprayer, this is a warning given to all who desire to enter in.
Throughout the New Testament we are given many warnings. Some of these warnings tell us exactly why Israel failed to enter in, and how their failure is an example for our admonition and our warning. These warnings are given so that we might be properly instructed, and that we might choose wisely to keep Messiah's Commandments [all of Torah] — so that we might have right to the Tree of Life, and might 'enter in' through the gates into the City.
We will now turn our attention to a few examples of the New Covenant, as contrasted to the Old.
Two Covenants: The Bondwoman and the Free
Much of our misunderstanding of the New Covenant stems from twisting of Scripture, concerning the New Covenant Truths of the Law, as discussed in The Law: According to Scripture. We saw that much of today's understanding of what Paul wrote of the Law is seen in Peter's words:
"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; pervert], as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:16)
Without getting too far into details of the Law, we will on occasion refer to what Scripture calls lawful and unlawful uses of the Law in the New Covenant. Misunderstanding of legitimate New Covenant purposes of the Law carries over into misunderstanding of the New Covenant itself.
The Allegory of the two Covenants, written by Paul, is no exception. This is an allegory of the two covenants, seen as two mountains, which in turn represent two women, who bring forth two offspring.
Keep in mind that the main focus of Paul's teaching here is on the two kinds of offspring, and on the source that brings forth each kind of offspring. We will begin a few verses prior to where most teachings on this allegory begin, for here is where the main point of the Allegory can be seen:
"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you..." (Galatians 4:19)
In this Galatians 4:19 passage above, we see the main focus of the allegory is the offspring about which THE MOST HIGH is concerned, and which He desires — it is that Messiah is to become 'formed' within the Believer. This means not only is the baby to be conceived and born, but that it should grow and mature, and not remain an immature 'baby' all its life. Not only should the Life of Messiah become birthed within us, but we should allow His Life living in us to mature, and begin to walk in obedience, and eventually become just like the Father. There is only one offspring that can achieve this goal, but the other is unable to do so — and it is this contrast that is the focus of Paul's allegory.
All of the subsequent verses in Paul's allegory show how the intended offspring falls far short, if it is not engendered [brought forth] by the proper woman. We now continue in the next verse:
I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (Galatians 4:20-21)
Here we see Paul addressing those Galatians who understand neither the Old Covenant nor the New. It is here that Paul begins to reveal both Covenants, as each being a Husband having dominion over a wife. Paul is addressing those who consider it important to be under the constraint of the Law [Torah] but who are not able to obey it.
Now let us proceed with Paul's example:
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after [according to] the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to[brings forth] bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is [physical or natural city], and is in bondage with her children.
Up to this point in the narrative, Paul has pictured the 'Old' Covenant as the bondwoman, as a woman who gives birth to that which is according to the flesh, in attempting to bring forth obedience by self-effort — just as we see in Hagar, who brought forth Ishmael as a result of Abraham's unbelief.
Here also, in verse 24 we see the 'Old' Covenant is pictured as Mount Sinai, representing the stone tablets, and the self-effort to obey the Law, reminding us of the Israelites who failed to enter in, and who illustrate the children or offspring of that 'Old' Covenant.
As New Covenant Believers, we now understand that the Law [Torah] is like a looking-glass, or mirror. The mirror can show us the imperfections, but it lacks the power to cleanse. The Israelites in that day were under the constraint of the Law, but they lacked the heart, and more importantly, lacked the Grace and faith necessary to obey the Law.
The offspring are further described in verse 25 as the "Jerusalem that now is," which corresponds to its inhabitants referred to as the 'Circumcision' elsewhere in the New Testament. These represent all those who would try to be justified by self-effort to keep or obey the works of the Law, but who have not been Born-again, and justified by the Blood of Yahushua.
Now let us notice now the contrast of the two different offspring:
26 But Jerusalem which is above [the New Jerusalem] is free [not in bondage], which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh [physical, natural descendants] persecuted him that was born after the Spirit [spiritual descendants], even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. (Galatians 4:19-31)
In the above passages, we see the result of the 'Old' Covenant which [in this allegory] pictures self-effort, simply because there is the absence of the New Covenant provisions — Redemption by Blood, Righteousness by Faith, and the Holy Spirit living within, to supply Grace to empower and enable.
Here we see also in verse 28 and 29, that there is no inheritance to those offspring engendered by the flesh, by self-effort, but only to children of the free woman — the children of Promise, just as Isaac was a child of Promise. Paul tells us (Romans 4:14; Galatians 3:29) that it is not through our effort of being obedient to the Law, but only through Messiah that we become heirs according to the promise.
We must caution, however, that many years of tradition based on misunderstanding of Paul's writings still clings to us as baggage. Because of this tradition, we can miss many important truths of how the various parts of the Law [the Torah, or Father's House Rules] are to be considered, and how they are to be obeyed by His redeemed children. For a discussion of some of what Paul wrote in his epistles.
We will now look at one major highlight of the New Covenant — the concept of Bondage.
The New Covenant and Yokes of Bondage
As New Covenant Believers, much of our understanding of the 'Yoke' of Bondage has been from Paul's epistles. In all of Scripture, the word yoke speaks of bondage. But have we realized there are two 'Yokes' of Bondage, one as part of the 'Old' Covenant, and one as part of the 'New' Covenant? One of these yokes leads to death; the other leads to Life.
One of our main tasks as Believers, then, is to understand them both, so that we might come out from, and avoid, the one that leads to death, and enter in to the one that leads to Life. Let us notice the following passages:
"I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them." (Hosea 11:4)
Here we see that the yoke is taken off, and removed by THE MOST HIGH. As the context shows, this removing of the yoke is how THE MOST HIGH describes Israel's coming out from Egypt, elsewhere called the Bondage of Egypt. This bondage is the bondage of sin, and is explained by Paul partly in Romans 7:2-3, in which the obligation to obey the Law [Torah] is likened to a wife who is bound to a husband by the covenant of marriage, for as long as that husband is alive.
As Paul goes on to explain in Romans 7:3-6, if the Believer [as the wife] has become 'dead' to the Law [no longer under its dominion of sin] by identifying with the death of Messiah, then the Believer is said to be 'dead to the Law by the body of Messiah.' According to the Law [Torah], the wife is no longer in a covenant with [in bondage to] the [dead] husband, but is now free to marry [enter into a new marriage covenant with] Messiah.
That is, once a person is set free from bondage, that one is now free to choose a new Master, and a new marriage Covenant [a new yoke], which we will further discuss below. Let us first notice the contrast to the above passage in Hosea 11:4, as we look at the following passages:
"And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant..." (Ezekiel 20:37)
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light..." (Matthew 11:29-30)
In the Ezekiel 20:37 passage above, we see that THE MOST HIGH promised to bring Israel into the bond of the Covenant, the bondage or prison of the Covenant, as the Hebrew reads — which is describing the 'yoke' of bondage of the New Covenant, as the context further reveals.
Then in the Matthew 11:29-30 passage above, we see the New Covenant fulfillment of this 'yoke' of Bondage. Here we see Yahushua invites His Disciples into the yoke of [bondage] of the marriage covenant. This appeal by Yahushua is a window into the mystery of (Ephesians 5:32) together with (Colossians 1:27), and is the New Covenant Bondservant appeal seen in Exodus:
"And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever." (Exodus 21:5-6)
So we see that under the Everlasting [New] Covenant, when we identify with the death of Messiah, we become set free from the 'old' yoke [of bondage to Sin and the Law]. Messiah then invites us to choose to take upon ourselves a 'new' yoke [a yoke of bondage of a marriage covenant with Yahushua].
We might say that Messiah sets us free from the old yoke of bondage to the old master, with the hope that we might voluntarily choose to enter into a new yoke of bondage [marriage] with the New Master. It is in this way that we will find rest, and we learn of the mystery of true delight!
Before we look at the last highlight, we must first state a few observations seen in the Scriptures, in which the 'Old' Covenant is contrasted with the 'New' Covenant.
Old vs New: A Contrast
Here we will mention a few statements in the Scriptures, in which the 'Old' Covenant is contrasted with the 'New' Covenant.
First, we must remember that we are not dealing with two separate covenants, but only one — which THE MOST HIGH calls the Everlasting Covenant. This truth can be seen clearly in (Psalms 89:27-33), when in referring to Messiah, we see the covenant promised to Judah and Israel is called an Everlasting Covenant, but is called a New Covenant in (Jeremiah 31:31-33). We see the same parallels in (Hebrews 13:20), where the Covenant in Yahushua's Blood is called the Everlasting covenant, but which Yahushua calls a New Covenant in His Blood in (Matt 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20).
The changes or contrasts between the 'Old' and 'New' versions of the Everlasting Covenant are seen in Scripture as enhancements or upgrades, as it were, to the Everlasting Covenant, whereby all the 'fine print' of the Terms and Conditions stated throughout the 'Old' Testament writings [the Tanak, also called the Law or Torah] remain intact even today — as they are said to be eternal, and will never be 'done away.'
Thus we see throughout the Scriptures that the eternal Torah requirements for THE MOST HIGH's Covenant People have not changed. They are the same for us, as they were for the Israelites, and for Yahushua, except for the specific changes, or 'upgrades' mentioned in Scripture. These New Covenant 'upgrades' are summarized in Jeremiah Chapter 31, and are further listed in the book of Hebrews, where these changes are called 'Better Things.'
As a summary of New Covenant promises in Scripture passages mentioned above (Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36), we saw that THE MOST HIGH will give His people a new heart, and a new Spirit, and will cause His people to walk in His Torah (Ezekiel 36:26-27). This promise is only part of the Torah revelation that His people will become 'Born-Again,' as Messiah becomes 'birthed' within them; and they will be filled with the Holy Spirit to enable and empower them.
We then saw that as part of the New Covenant, THE MOST HIGH promised to put His Law in their inward parts, and write it [internally] in their hearts, rather than [externally] on stone, so that they will have the heart or willingness, as well as the grace or enablement, to obey the Torah (Jeremiah 31:31-33).
Further New Covenant changes are listed in the book of Hebrews. These changes include a change in the Priesthood, wherein Yahushua has become the High Priest, after an eternal order; and a change in the Sacrifice system, wherein the Blood of Yahushua has an active and ongoing role for us today, as His Blood completely removes the consciousness of past sins, and is better than the blood of bulls and goats, which merely covered the sins. As part of the change of the Sacrifices, we are told (in Hebrews 10:8-10) that the 'not my will' as spoken in Psalms 40:7, is established as the new sacrifice, which has taken away the old sacrifice.
We have also seen many changes in the Everlasting Covenant that promised to enhance the Believers' daily walk with Messiah. As a part of these 'New' Covenant changes, we see a heightened awareness of the significance of those provisions of the Everlasting Covenant that remain intact.
As one example, Yahushua revealed to us the importance of our participation in Passover, when He revealed to us the 'New' Covenant significance of Passover in (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:15-20; John 6:53-56). As another example, we can now see the importance of our participation in Messiah's Sabbaths, after Messiah revealed to us one of the reasons the Israelites were refused entry into the Promised Land was that they "despised His Judgments" [His mishpatim, His eternal 'House Rules'] and "polluted His Sabbaths" (Eze 20:13,16,20,21,24).
As another example, Messiah has told us in advance that He will reject the Foolish Virgins for two reasons: 1) because they are considered workers of iniquity (Mt 7:23), which tells us they were in disobedience to the law of Moses; and 2) He did not know them [they avoided the Everlasting Covenant provision that allows His Born-again people to know Him (Ex 31:13; Eze 20:12,20): by keeping His Sabbaths].
He has also told us [in advance] by His prophets that His final judgment against the earth's inhabitants is for the same reason — because they have broken His Everlasting Covenant (Isaiah 24:5), which in context, appears to be soon-coming.
We have seen a few contrasts between the 'Old' and 'New' versions of THE MOST HIGH's Everlasting Covenant.
We have noted that the Torah remains intact for Believers today in the New Covenant. We must now state, however, that according to the Torah, the 'New' Covenant — and the 'new' yoke — is not one of 'required' obedience, or compulsion.
The New Covenant: No Compulsion
Perhaps the most surprising feature of the 'New' Covenant is that it remains as THE MOST HIGH's Everlasting Covenant, but it is now a Covenant in which obedience is no longer required. Under the 'Old' Covenant, obedience was required, under threat of death. Under the 'New' Covenant however, there is no compulsion to come under a 'yoke' [of bondage] of obedience to the Covenant. This difference can be understood in light of THE MOST HIGH's purposes.
Among the 'New' Covenant changes is the removal of the obligation to obey the Law [Torah]. In its place is the opportunity for the Believer to voluntarily choose to obey the Law [Torah]. As we saw above under the heading, 'Yokes of Bondage,' this last change is according to Torah, and reveals some of Fathers purposes in these last days.
One of Father's purposes today is to find a Bride suitable for His Son. Father is looking for those who love His Son — that is, He is looking for those who keep His Commandments (John 14:15). He is looking for those who know His Son — who know that Messiah is the one who gave the Commandments to Moses. Thus Father is looking for those who are Born-Again (who have Messiah 'birthed' within them), and who demonstrate that they know the identity of His Son, by their obedience to Messiah's Commandments written in the Law [the Torah].
When a Believer becomes 'Born-Again,' he is at that time set free from the old yoke of bondage, as discussed above under the heading, 'Yokes of Bondage.' Messiah then invites that one to come under a 'New' yoke of bondage, to become a bond servant of the Master. Notice however, that Yahushua does not compel anyone to become a bond servant. He does, however, compel people to come to Him to be set free, and to repent, and then compels them to come in to dine with Him.
He then desires that those that come to Him, would voluntarily enter into the bond of the 'New' Covenant with Him; and that because of their love for their Master, they would become yoked as bondservants to obedience to Him, and to His Word.
Love, by its very nature, can not be made compulsory; it must be of the free will, and of the heart. Yahushua sets us free, so that we are then truly free to choose whom we will serve. We may then choose to serve Him, and to please Him, and delight to do His will, or we may choose not to do so. Whatever choice we make, reveals whether we love Him, or not. However, let us also remember that He has told us:
"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13)
Here Yahushua warns us, that after we have been set free from the old master [sin, and the obligation to obey the Law, under threat of death], we now have a choice of whom we will serve. THE MOST HIGH sees to it that everyone must serve one master or another. Let us recall this passage:
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans 6:16)
After being set free, many choose not to be in bondage, thinking they are free. There is no compulsion whatsoever. However, the above passage reveals that unless we voluntarily choose to serve [in obedience to the eternal Scriptures], which leads to the fruit of righteousness, we will end up serving sin, which results in death.
It is our choice of whom we will obey.
Many spiritual Leaders today have understood one side of the coin of Paul's writings, but have failed to see the other side of the coin. They understand that as Believers we have 'died to' the bondage of the Law, and to sin. They are in grave error, however, to think the eternal Law [Torah] has been 'done away' or replaced.
According to the Scriptures, if the Law [the Torah] were 'done away, we would not be forgiven by the Blood of Yahushua — because it is the Torah that prescribes forgiveness by an acceptable Blood sacrifice — and so it is only by the Torah that we are redeemed by Yahushua's Blood, and forgiven of our sins (Hebrews 9:22).
Conclusion
We have seen that under the 'New' Covenant, the Believers are promised a new heart, and a new spirit, prefiguring the experiences of being 'Born-Again' and being filled with the Holy Spirit;
We have seen that under the 'New' Covenant, the eternal Commandments of Torah are no longer external, written on tables of stone, but are now internal, written on the heart, prefiguring obedience to the same, eternal Torah.
We have seen that the 'New' Covenant provides everything for us that the 'Old' Covenant could not provide, but most importantly, the Grace Messiah gives us, as He lives within us by His Spirit, to enable us, and to empower us to be obedient.
We have seen that under the 'New' Covenant, instead of trying to obey the Commandments by our own strength, our own ability, it is now 'Messiah-in-us' who gives us the 'Grace' — the delight, and the ability, to keep His Commandments!
We have seen that under the 'New' Covenant, we too will delight in the Law in the inward man, just as did the apostle Paul (Romans 7:22), when we, as Paul, begin to walk in obedience to Messiah's eternal and Everlasting New Covenant — According to the Scriptures.
Shema Selah, we are to choose if we will follow our Heavenly Father's will--our of our love for HIM!! https://www.facebook.com/fiveam.prayer/videos/1686811004730342/?l=3244203848577284193
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