We are walking in today: Let Scripture Interpret Scripture!!!! Part 2!!!!!
Witness done foolishly throughout the Bible: H5528 cakal--to be foolish, be a fool, to make foolish, turn into foolishness
Numbers 12:11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
The Torah ..................…
Genesis 31:28 And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly H5528 in so doing.The prophets ...............…
1 Samuel 13:13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: H5528 thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have
established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.
The writings .............
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: H5528 therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Proverbs 30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
Divisions: Old and New
In Scripture, the terms old and new apply to several items, all of which pertain to our necessary provision. We see the old [ancient] paths in Jeremiah 6:16 and 18:15; the old and new covenants in Hebrews 8:13; the old and new wine in Luke 5:37-39; the old and new commandments in 1 John 2:7, and others.
Let's look further at our need for both the old and the new, as our necessary provision:
And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new. (Leviticus 26:10)
In the above Leviticus passage, we see that 'bringing forth' [giving birth to] the correct understanding of the old, must be preceded by our walking in the new. This passage speaks prophetically of the provision and promises of the two [Earlier and Later] versions of THE MOST HIGH's Covenant.
Let's see another:
The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates [doors] are all manner of pleasant fruits ['precious things'], new and old, which I have laid up ['hidden'] for thee, O my beloved. (Song of Songs 7:13)
In the above passage, we see that both new and old have been laid up, or hidden for the Bride. These hidden things are called pleasant fruits — 'precious things' — that are hidden in Messiah [who is called the door or gate]! These too speak prophetically of the Earlier and Later versions of THE MOST HIGH's Covenant.
Now we will see further light on what the old and new consist of:
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. (Matthew 13:52)
In the above passage, we first note that the 'treasure' of a scribe consists of his writings. If he is instructed unto the Kingdom, those treasures, we are told, consist of both new and old, in that exact, chronological order. Here we learn that the fullness of instruction unto Messiah's kingdom consists of both new and old.
Now notice How Messiah relates the 'old' Testament writings to the New Covenant:
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. (Matthew 11:29)
Thus saith the LORD, Stand [remain; abide] ye in the ways, and see, and ask [seek] for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. (Jeremiah 6:16)
Notice that the above two passages do not contradict one another. These passages reveal to us that 'rest for our souls' can be seen from two different perspectives, yet this rest for our soul comes from only one source:
This rest comes from taking Messiah's yoke, and learning of Him — by learning His Words, and walking in His ways (Matthew 11:29);
This rest comes from abiding in The Way [in Messiah] — by asking for, seeking, and walking in, the 'old paths' (Jeremiah 6:16).
Each of the above speaks the same message — each one explains the details of the other! The difference is that both are New Covenant provisions — one seen in the 'new' Testament writings, and the other in the 'old' Testament writings!
One may ask, "Why do we not see this taught today?" and, "Why are there so many stumbling-blocks in the Way, that must be removed prior to Messiah's return?"
The prophet Jeremiah has already given us the answer to these questions, seen in the above passage (Jeremiah 6:16): "...But they said, We will not walk therein." Today many refuse to read, and to walk in the New Covenant provisions found in the 'old' Testament writings.
Why is this? Many Bible teachers today are teaching the error that the 'Old Covenant' means the 'Old Testament' section of the Bible — and these teachers, and their followers, refuse to walk therein!
But the prophet goes on to give us further details:
Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths in a way not cast up [in a way not established by THE MOST HIGH]; (Jeremiah 18:15)
What do the old paths, as seen above in Jeremiah 6:16, and the ancient paths, as seen above in Jeremiah 18:15, refer to?
John tells us exactly what these are:
Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from 'the beginning' [B'Re'sheit].The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from 'the beginning'. (1 John 2:7)
Notice in the above passage that the phrase 'the beginning' is the Hebrew word B'Re'sheit, which is the very first word in the Book of Genesis. This word is also the Hebrew title of the book of Genesis.
Thus we see that the Word that you have heard from 'the Beginning' speaks of the written Words of Scripture that you have heard, starting from the first word in the Book of Genesis.
John confirms to us what all these other passages tell us: that the 'Good Way' that defines how we are to walk, is found within the Old paths and the Ancient paths of which Jeremiah speaks.
John then tells us this is Old Commandment is the Word which you have heard from 'the beginning.' This speaks of all the written Word, the 'old' testament writings from Genesis onward.
In John's day, the only written Word they had was the 'old' testament writings, the T-N-K ["TaNaK"] — the Torah [Instruction], the Nebiim [Prophets], and the Ketubim [Writings]. Together, John and Jeremiah tell us that walking in the Old paths refers to walking according to Torah!
Let us see briefly why this is true.
We must remember, that the Old 'Covenant,' as an agreement, is not the same as the Old Testament 'writings,' as a section of the Bible! This truth becomes evident, when we see that almost all of the New Covenant provisions and promises are found within the Old Testament section of the Bible! We will further discuss this below.
We have seen a brief glimpse, a mere hint, of the necessary [New Covenant] provisions that have been laid up [treasured] for the Beloved, in both the 'old' Testament writings and the 'new' Testament writings.
But Fiveamprayer, there is much more to see!
Divisions: The Torah and The Testimony
Notice the following Scripture passage:
To the law [Torah] and to the testimony [witness] if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)
The Bible itself claims two main sections, called in Scripture the Torah and the Testimony (Isaiah 8:20). These are not 'divisions' as such, but functional descriptions that we might designate as sections of Scripture. It is important that we understand the meaning of these two sections, as they will help us to correctly understand the overall Bible message.
Let's see what the Torah and the Testimony are.
What is the Torah?
The Bible itself tells us that the Torah is the Truth (Psalms 119:142). We are told further that the Torah is upright, complete, and perfect (Psalms 19:7), and that it is holy (Romans 7:12).
But what is the Torah?
The word Torah is the Hebrew word translated as 'Law' throughout Scripture, and means 'instruction.' In its narrowest sense, the Torah consists of the first 5 books of Moses, and these make up the first part of the 'old' testament writings.
The apostle Paul, however, in referring to the Prophet's words in Isaiah 28:11, said, "In the Law it is written...." Paul is thus telling us that the 'Law' [the Torah — God's 'instruction' for His people] includes the words of the Prophets.
From this usage and others within the new Testament writings, we see that the early Believers understood that the 'Law' [God's 'instruction'] is not confined to only the first 5 Books of Moses. Instead, the 'Law' includes not only the Torah, but the Nebiim [Prophets] and the Ketubim [writings] as well. Together these are known as the 'old' testament writings.
Throughout the Scriptures, the Hebrew word Torah has been translated into English as the word 'Law.' A closer meaning of the word Torah, however, is the word 'instruction.' This word more accurately defines Torah as "Father's Instructions for the members of his household," or what we might call Father's "House Rules" for His family.
We recall that Paul tells Timothy (2 Tim 3:16) that 'all Scripture' is profitable for instruction. This tells us that from a Scriptural standpoint, the word Torah is, in its widest sense, all of Father's instructions to His children. This instruction includes both the written instructions of the Bible, and the living instructions taught by Messiah's testimony, His life example as seen in Scripture.
We can also understand why the apostle Paul's writings were considered to be a part of the Commandments of Scripture (1 Co 14:37; 2 Pet 3:16). Paul's writings were not 'new' doctrines, but were Paul's prophetic insights to many of Everlasting [New] Covenant Scriptures that had been hidden throughout the Torah, the Writings, and the Prophets, all within the Old Testament writings.
So we see that the Torah consists of all Scripture is in its widest sense of instruction, but only the first five books of Moses in its narrowest. For the purpose of identifying sections of Scripture, the Torah is all the written Scripture in what is popularly called the 'old' Testament writings, as separate from what is called the Testimony or 'new' Testament writings.
Let's see what the Testimony is.
What is the Testimony?
The Hebrew word eduwth is commonly translated as testimony or witness. In its most common usage, the testimony refers to the witness or testifying of a particular truth, and sometimes refers to a written record of that truth.
In the Isaiah 8:20 passage seen above, the Hebrew word used is touwdah, meaning the confirming or attesting witness or testimony of a truth. This witness or testimony of the Truth [i.e. of Messiah] is one of the Covenant responsibilities of the Holy Spirit!
The Testimony of Yahushua Messiah is what we seek, in all that we do — but the Testimony of Yahushua comes only by the Holy Spirit, who bears witness according to the written Words of Scripture.
The Word and the Spirit Agree
Now notice the following passages:
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify ['bear witness'] of me. (John 5:39)
"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." (Acts 5:32)
"...the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city..." (Acts 20:23)
"...the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us..." (Hebrews 10:15)
As we see in the above passages, it is the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit together, that bear witness of the Truth, bearing witness of Messiah living in and through the lives of His people. The witness of the Scriptures, and the witness of the Holy Spirit in the life of Messiah and His Disciples, are our primary witnesses and examples of New Covenant life today.
In order to understand the unity of these two witnesses, of the Word and of the Holy Spirit, we must look closely at Messiah, as our example.
Messiah's mission to earth had many Scriptural goals. His all-encompassing goal was to implement the promised Everlasting [New] Covenant with His people (Gen 17:7-19; Jer 31:31-33; Eze 36:26-27; Heb 13:20), which necessitated the shedding of His blood, and also required His death, burial, and resurrection (Isaiah 53:1-12; Deut 18:15-19).
By accomplishing this one goal, Messiah brought about the Gospel of redemption and reconciliation, the forgiveness of sins, the destruction of the works of the devil, and the sending of the Holy Spirit to dwell within His people. In doing these, He also became the 'door' or entrance into His eternal Kingdom. The announcement of the fulfillment of all these Kingdom goals is called the Gospel — the Good News of the Kingdom.
During the short time in which Messiah lived His life on earth 2000 years ago, He was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1), and He thus lived His life as a confirming or attesting witness, a testimony of the Living Truth of Torah, by the witness of the Holy Spirit.
Thus we see many places in Scripture, that the Messiah can be referred to as the Living Torah [Law]. Proverbs 6:23 tells us that the Commandment is a Lamp, and the Torah [obedience to the Torah] is Light. Messiah revealed His life as the Light that comes from the Lamp — a testimony of what is seen when being obedient to the Commandments of Torah!
Messiah was our living example of how we, too, are to be Light, and that we too, are called to 'walk in the Light' exactly as He did, through our works of obedience to the Scriptures. (John 8:12, Proverbs 6:23; John 1:1-14; Matthew 5:14; Matthew 5:16; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:6).
As we saw above, Messiah implemented the Everlasting [New] Covenant in His Blood (Hebrews 13:20). But as the confirming or attesting witness of the truth of Torah, Messiah accomplished much more than the implementing of the Everlasting [New] Covenant. He also became the example for all Believers to follow, and to emulate (John 8:12; John 13:15; 1 Peter 2:21).
Likewise, Messiah's Disciples, including the apostle Paul, lived their lives as confirming or attesting witness or testimony of the truth of Torah, and of the Gospel. They too became a testimony of Father's mercy and Grace, and of their obedience to Torah, as we shall see below in this writing. Messiah's Disciples also became an example for us to imitate, and to follow in every way (1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1; Philippians 3:17).
And so the 'new' testament writings include letters that bear 'witness' to the events in the lives of Messiah and His Disciples. These writings include many exhortations for us today, so that we, too, would become witnesses or living testimonies, of these same Gospel truths. It is the witness of the Scriptures and the witness of the Holy Spirit together, that reveal the Everlasting [New] Covenant being lived out in the daily lives of the Believers.
Taken together, the Torah and the Testimony are the written record of Scripture [the Torah], and the living witness of Scripture being lived out [the Testimony] in the life of Messiah.
Together these reveal Father's Everlasting [New] Covenant, being lived out in the daily lives of Messiah and His Disciples, by the leading and enablement [Grace] of the Holy Spirit — as living examples for us to follow, who bear the Testimony of Messiah.
The Testimony of Messiah
It is helpful to recall that one's testimony is composed of two parts — the words they speak, and the life they live. As the WORD of THE MOST HIGH, Messiah Himself spoke all the Words of Torah, either directly to the Prophets, or indirectly through the Prophets, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. So we see that Messiah's testimony includes all the written Scriptures, including the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings [the T-N-K].
We then understand (John 10:25) that one's life, both his words and his deeds, are a vital part of that witness or testimony. The words Messiah spoke, and the works or deeds He did in His lifetime on earth, both directly and through His Disciples and apostles, are all part of Messiah's testimony. So we see that both the written Scriptures, and the witness of Messiah's words, works, and doings, make up the Testimony of Messiah Yahushua.
To summarize, we can say that the Testimony of Messiah is "the light given off by living in obedience to the Torah in Daily Life, as we see in Yahushua and His Disciples throughout the New Testament writings."
But there is more!
This light or testimony of Messiah can also be seen in our own daily lives, when we allow Yahushua — the "Light of Life" — to live within us, and to manifest Himself through us, through our obedience to the Scriptures!
Notice what we are told in Revelation 12:17:
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Yeshua HaMachiach. (Revelation 12:17)
Now, notice what we are told in Revelation 19:10:
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Yeshua: worship God: for the testimony of Yeshua is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:9-10)
The Testimony of Messiah Yahushua is seen when we keep the commandments of Elohim [God] — and we are told that this testimony is the spirit of prophecy! It is Messiah's testimony — His Words, and His deeds of obedience to Torah — that speaks to others, as we allow Him to live in us and work through us today!
And so our goal is to bear the Testimony of Messiah Yahushua, in all that we do. We are cautioned, however, that the Testimony of Messiah is found only where there is exact agreement between the witness of the Holy Spirit, and the written Words of Scripture!
But in order to find the true meaning of Scripture, we must use Biblical Guidelines for Scripture Interpretation.
With these basics in mind, let us look at the Biblical Interpretation Guidelines.
The Biblical Interpretation Guidelines
Below are several basic Guidelines for Bible Interpretation, taken from the Scriptures themselves.
Scriptures reveal a number of basic principles and guidelines we are to use, in order to hear and understand THE MOST HIGH's communication with us. We will look only at these main ones:
Biblical Interpretation Guidelines: 7 Basic Principles
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
Let us look at these Guideline details in Scripture, to see how they apply.
1. All Scripture: Full Agreement — No Contradictions
The following Scriptures reveal the first Guideline:
And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)
And Yeshua answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (Luke 4:4)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)
Notice in the above passages, that Yahushua tells us we are to live by "Every Word," not just some of them.
Notice also in 2 Timothy 3:16 above, it is "All Scripture" that is profitable for us. If we lack some of the Scripture, we will lack some of the profit — we will be 'unprofitable.' Thus we see the first principle.
This principle tells us, that in order for any idea or presumed interpretation of a Scripture passage to be true, there must be no contradiction or violation of any other Scripture passage. Thus the true interpretation is the one which is in agreement with all Scripture, and which is in agreement with every Word that proceeds from the mouth of THE MOST HIGH.
Note that the Scripture basis for this truth lies in the fact that when Messiah appeared on the earth as a man, everything He spoke, and everything He did, was in complete agreement with every Word of Torah. This was the same Torah that He, as the WORD of THE MOST HIGH, had previously spoken to Abraham, to Moses in the Wilderness, and to all the prophets!
It is important also to note that Messiah validated His own ministry on earth as true, simply by repeating or referring to what is written in the 'old' Testament writings.
In like manner, all the 'new' Testament writers validated and confirmed their own statements, by quoting 'old' Testament passages, and by elaborating on the prophetic meaning of these Everlasting [New] Covenant passages found in the 'old' Testament writings.
As an illustration, notice that the phrase, "...is written..." occurs 70 times in all the 'new' Testament writings, including 30 times in the Gospel accounts.
Fiveamprayer, have we taken notice of this fact?
Indeed, the validation and foundation of all 'New' Testament teaching is the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings — the T-N-K, or what is today called the 'Tanak' or 'Old' Testament Scriptures.
And so it is, that Scripture itself establishes this first principle, that any idea or presumed interpretation of Scripture must be in agreement with All of Scripture.
As we look at some examples, we will gain further insight to the Scripture basis for each principle. Shown below each principle are one or more examples that show how we might apply them today in real life, and how we may use the Scriptures as a test for today's popular teachings.
For this example, let us look further at Paul's words to Timothy, to see what constitutes 'All Scripture.' Notice what the apostle Paul tells Timothy:
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Yeshua. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:15-16)
In the above passage, Paul reminds Timothy that from the time he was a child, Timothy has known the holy Scriptures; and that these Scriptures are able to make him wise unto salvation, through faith in Messiah Yahushua — and that all Scripture is profitable for instruction.
Paul is telling Timothy [and us today] that "ALL" Scripture — not just "some" Scripture — is profitable for our instruction. In the days of Messiah and His Disciples, what were the Scriptures to which this passage refers?
In Paul's and Timothy's day, the only Scriptures they had were the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings, what we would call the 'Old' Testament Scriptures.
Paul is thus telling Timothy [and us today] that the 'Old' Testament writings are profitable [and necessary] for our teaching, reproof, and instruction in Righteousness!
The logic of this is easily seen. The Scriptures tell us (John 1:1, 14; Rev 19:13) that Messiah Himself is THE WORD of THE MOST HIGH by whom all things were created (Psalms 33:6), and who spoke all the Words of Scripture, both 'old' and 'new' Testament writings — either directly, or through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. These references include Gen 15:1; Num 36:5; Isaiah 38:4; Jer 32:26; Eze 6:1; Zec 7:8; Mal 1:1; Acts 1:16; 1 Thess 1:5; and 2 Pet 1:21.
And since we know that Messiah does not contradict Himself [that is, Messiah's later words do not contradict Messiah's earlier words], we know that for any idea or doctrine to be true, there must be full agreement between 'old' testament writings and 'new' testament writings!
Because we are to use 'all Scripture' for our instruction, we can easily use the principle given in this passage, to find a correct interpretation of any Scripture passage. That is, any idea, concept, notion, or presumed interpretation, must be in agreement with All of Scripture.
This passage in 2 Timothy 3:16 is an important passage to understand and memorize — because there are many today being taught Bible doctrines that violate and contradict this and other Scripture passages!
The first Scripture principle we have seen above is an all-encompassing principle. The next Scripture principles reveal to us in much greater detail, exactly what All Scripture means, and how we are to apply these principles.
The next Scripture principle shows us in greater detail how the term All Scripture relates to both Old and New Testament writings.
2. According to the Torah and the Testimony
This Scripture Guideline is another vitally important one. Wherever there is error in Bible interpretation and application, the use of this Biblical Guideline is missing. Let's see what this Guideline is, and how we are to apply it.
As we saw above, two basic components that make up all of Scripture are the Torah and the Testimony. In this section, we will see how Scripture reveals the Torah and the Testimony together as being the measuring-stick of what is true, and what is false.
Here is the basic principle as seen in Isaiah 8:20:
To the law [Torah] and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)
Let us review these individual Bible components of the Law [Torah] and the Testimony, to see how the passage in Isaiah 8:20 applies to us today.
According to Torah: The written Scriptures
As we saw above, the Torah is considered to be the first 5 books of Moses. We then saw that in Scripture usage, all of Tanak [the 'old' Testament writings] can be considered as Torah.
We then saw that because the Torah is Father's instructions for His children, the Torah can be considered in its widest sense, as all of the written Scripture, which is said to be profitable for our instruction.
We saw also that not only Messiah, but likewise all of His Disciples, validated their words, and their New Covenant ministry, by the Words of Torah, the Prophets, and the writings, which we call today the 'old' Testament writings.
This example of Messiah and His Disciples is for us today. Our words, our teaching, and indeed our entire New Covenant ministry — are likewise validated when they are in agreement with all the Words of the 'old' Testament writings, from a 'new' Testament perspective, that is, as we look through 'new' Testament spectacles.
Agreement with the Torah, however, is only half the requirement. We must also find agreement according to the Testimony of Yahushua!
According to the Testimony: The Attesting Witness of Life, As Seen in the New Testament Writings
We saw above, that the Testimony is the confirming or attesting witness or testimony of the truths of Torah and of the Gospel, displayed by the Holy Spirit, when Messiah, the "Light of Life," is living within. We saw that this Testimony can be seen, lived out in the daily life of Messiah Yahushua and His Disciples, as recorded in the 'new' Testament writings.
We also saw above, that the Testimony of Messiah in the Believer is "the light given off by living in obedience to the Torah in Daily Life, as we see in Yahushua and His Disciples throughout the New Testament writings." This is the Light of Messiah living within! This is the Light of which Isaiah 8:20 speaks!
As we saw in the Isaiah 8:20 passage above, we are told that the resulting Light is dependent on the singleness of 'this Word' - the agreement of the Word and the Spirit, the Torah and the Testimony:
"Concerning the Law [Torah] and the Testimony [the confirming or attesting witness of the Spirit], if they speak not according to this [one] word [the Torah and the Testimony together, as one word, in full agreement], it is because there is no light [no truth] in them." (Isaiah 8:20)
Our 'testimony' or 'witness' is both the works of obedience we do, and the Words of Scripture that we speak, together giving testimony of who THE MOST HIGH is. It is thus by our testimony that we ourselves become as an epistle [a letter or book] read by all men (2 Corinthians 3:2)!
Taken together, it is the Torah [the written Words of the T-N-K, the 'old' Testament writings] and the Testimony [the words and examples of Messiah and His apostles and disciples in the 'new' Testament writings], that confirm the Truth of any idea or supposed interpretation of a Bible passage.
Let's look at how the Torah and the Testimony, when taken together, become the measuring-stick of Light, and of Truth.
Finding the Torah Basis for New Testament Truth
The principle of Isaiah 8:20 tells us that for a teaching to be true, it must be:
According to the Torah - Must be in agreement with the written Scriptures found in the Tanak, the 'old' Testament writings;
According to the Testimony - Must be in agreement with the Life of Messiah and His disciples, as seen in the 'new' Testament writings.
For example, if a supposed meaning or idea appears to be in agreement with the Torah, but not in agreement with the Testimony, the supposed meaning is false.
In like manner, if a supposed meaning or idea appears to be in agreement with the 'new' Testament writings, but contradicts the 'old' Testament writings, the supposed meaning is likewise false.
It is in this way, that the Torah and the Testimony, when taken together, become the single measuring-stick of Light, and of Truth. So we see that the truth or validity of any idea or teaching is found only where there is agreement between the Torah and the Testimony — that is, where there is agreement between the 'old' and 'new' Testament writings.
In the practical application of this Guideline, our goal is to find agreement between the written Torah and the Living Testimony of Messiah and His Disciples as our example.
Thus in order to correctly understand any teaching from the 'new' Testament writings [the Testimony], we must locate and understand the 'old' Testament [T-N-K] basis for the teaching.
We can use this truth of Scripture to test any presumed idea or doctrine:
If there is disagreement between the Torah [an Old Testament passage] and the Testimony [a New Testament passage, within the context of all of the New Testament writings], a given idea or teaching is false.
There are many popular New Testament teachings today that fit into this 'false' category. For example, many have been taught the false notion that an 'old' Testament commandment or concept must also be repeated explicitly in the 'new' Testament writings, in order for that commandment or concept to apply to Believers today.
This notion is false, and it goes against all the Scriptural Guidelines. This is just one of many false ideas that have arisen as a result of the widespread, modern teaching of the Doctrine of Balaam, which continues to give rise to many man-made, counterfeit Bible doctrines.
Let Fiveamprayer beware!!
Let us now look at some practical applications, to see the importance of finding the Torah Basis for any New Testament Truth.
Here are some examples of how we are to use this Biblical principle.
In this example, we will see a practical example of how we are to use this Biblical principle, of finding the Torah Basis for any New Covenant teachings:
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Hebrews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11)
In the above passage, the Bereans were said to be more noble, for they searched the Scriptures, to see whether the teachings of Paul and Silas were true or not, according to Torah. We recall that the Torah [the 'old' Testament Scriptures] was all they had in those days. The example of the Bereans is an example for us today!
By this example, we see that in order for us to correctly understand a given Bible idea or concept, we must do as the Bereans did. We must find the "Torah Basis" for that idea or concept in the 'old' Testament writings.
Here is another example:
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Yeshua Christ. (Revelation 12:17)
We see in the above passage that only a remnant, a small number, maintain the keeping of the commandments [the Torah] and the faith of Yahushua [the Testimony]. It is these with whom the dragon becomes angry, and full of wrath.
Now notice another, in the following passage:
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (Revelation 15:3)
In the above passage, we are again given a prophetic picture of the Torah and the Testimony together.
First, we see the Song of Moses as a prophetic picture of obedience to Moses' words [the Torah - The Sayings of Messiah that He gave to Moses], describing Father's works.
We then see the Song of the Lamb as walking as Messiah walked, and as the doing of Messiah's works of obedience to Torah [the Testimony of the Holy Spirit], the testimony of walking in Father's ways.
These two songs speak of keeping Father's works, and of walking in His ways — as described in the Words Messiah spoke to Moses (Num 3:51, 15:31). Taken together, these two songs become one unified message, revealing the truth of Father's works and His ways.
Here is another example:
In the following passage, a man asks Messiah about Eternal Life, which is a 'new' Covenant question. Notice the answer Messiah gives the man:
And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [a New Covenant question] 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law [The Torah]? how readest thou? (Luke 10:25-26)
In the above passage, Messiah answers this 'new' Covenant question, by referring to the Torah, a part of the 'old' Testament writings. The answer is given in the form of a question: "How do you read it?"
Fiveamprayer, How do 'we' read it?
We are each called to read, study, and obey the Torah [the words Messiah spoke to Moses and all the Prophets] for ourselves (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16; James 1:22; 2 Peter 3:2).
And then by our obedience to Torah [the Words of Messiah], we demonstrate whom we have chosen to 'serve' (Romans 6:16).
And also by our obedience to Torah [the Words of Messiah], we demonstrate whom we have chosen to 'love' (John 14:15).
And if we choose to continue in transgression [disobedience] to Torah [the Words of Messiah], we demonstrate we have chosen to continue in 'sin.' (1 John 2:1, 3:4; 1 Co 15:34).
Let us now proceed to the next Bible Guideline.
3. Two or Three Witnesses
For this guideline, we will first notice the following passages:
At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. (Deuteronomy 17:6)
One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. (Deuteronomy 19:15)
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. (Matthew 18:16)
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (2 Corinthians 13:1)
The above Scripture passages tell us that any word or matter must have at least two or 3 witnesses, in order to be established as true or valid.
If there is an idea or concept in Scripture that we assume to be true, then we should be able to find two or three witnesses in Scripture that will confirm the truth. If an idea or teaching has only one mention, however, it is a likely candidate to be a falsehood, unless there is an identical or similar witness to that idea or concept.
As Scripture examples of this truth, notice in the above passages, that both Yahushua (Matthew 18:16) and Paul (2 Corinthians 13:1) made statements that were in agreement with two other witnesses of Scripture, in Deuteronomy 17:6 and Deuteronomy 19:15.
From this guideline we see that for any presumed Bible interpretation, idea, or 'doctrine' to be true, it must be established on the testimony of two or 3 witnesses. This tells us that if we are to avoid being found among the foolish, our interpretation of Scripture must find agreement among two or 3 witnesses of Scripture.
Again, many modern 'New Testament' teachings today fit into this 'false' category, having no second witness to confirm them as true. Likewise, the falsehoods abound when there is no second witness found in Torah to give validity to its truth.
Let us see some Examples.
In this example, we will investigate a popular but non-Scriptural teaching that violates this Guideline. Here we will investigate the widespread observance of a common tradition seen today — the celebration of a day known as "the Lord's Day."
Let's see what the Bible says about 'the Lord's Day.'
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet..." (Revelation 1:10)
The phrase "Lord's day" is seen only once in all of Scripture in the above passage (Revelation 1:10). This passage is the source of the man-made notion that the 'Lord's Day' refers to a particular day of the week, giving rise to a popular religious Doctrine and tradition.
But what do the Scriptures tell us?
When we search the Scriptures, we see there is no other mention of 'Lord's Day' in the Bible.
What would the Bereans (Acts 17:11) have concluded from this information? They would have searched the Scriptures [the 'old' testament Scriptures are all they had], and would have concluded there is no such day of the week called 'the Lord's Day.'
There is however, a similar phrase seen throughout the Scriptures. The term 'Day of the LORD' refers to a [yet future] time of judgment. This phrase "Day of the LORD" appears 25 times in the 'old' testament writings, with an additional 5 of these in the 'new' testament writings (Acts 2:20; 1 Co 5:5; 2 Co 1:14; 1 Thess 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10).
The phrase "Day of the LORD" was a well-known concept among even the most elementary of Torah students of John's day. They all knew what the "Day of THE MOST HIGH" meant.
The phrase "Day of the LORD," mentioned throughout the Torah, speaks of a future time when THE MOST HIGH will fulfill various parts of His plans for His people.
The Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos was likely well acquainted with this phrase "Day of the LORD." John was simply telling us that he was "In the Spirit" in the [future] Day of the LORD [the Day of THE MOST HIGH], and that what he saw was a panoramic view of the activities that will take place in this [future] Day of the LORD.
We must conclude, as Scripture tells us, that only out of the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall every word, and every matter, be established.
Thus according to Scripture, we can not build a 'day of the week' doctrine, nor any other doctrine, on only one Scripture passage.
To apply the term 'Lord's day' to Sunday, or to any specific day of the week, is a man-made idea. The current 'Lord's day' tradition arose in earlier centuries, and has been vigorously promoted by those Religious Leaders who fail to adhere to the Scriptures (Jude 1:3-4, 11-12).
So the Bereans would have concluded from the Scriptures, that the phrase 'Lord's Day' is not related to a particular day of the week, since there is simply no other witness of Scripture to tie this phrase to a particular day of the week.
With this in mind, we must ask ourselves, "Have we allowed anyone to persuade us of a 'Lord's Day' teaching, as a means of deceiving us into celebrating a man-made substitute, a counterfeit of the Biblical Sabbath Day?"
There are many, many more examples of modern church doctrines that lack sufficient witness of Scripture to validate them as true, but the above should suffice.
As New Covenant followers of Messiah, we are called to read the Scriptures for ourselves, so that we might embrace all that is true, and abandon all that is counterfeit! Let us return to reading the Scriptures for ourselves!
Shema Selah, Fiveamprayer it is NOW that we are truly learning His word straight from the beginning and repeated throughout!!! https://www.facebook.com/fiveam.prayer/videos/1690767877667988/?l=458375799162758818
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