Titus 1
Witness harken throughout the Bible: H7181 qashab--to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen
than the fat of rams.
The Torah testifies.....................
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 proclaim..................
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 bear witness.............
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.
Entering His Rest: Biblical Requirements and Hindrances
As we look at this subject of entering His rest, we must first give warning to the Reader, that this is not an easy subject. What is to be said may not seem to be politically correct, but in order to maintain Biblical Truth, it must be said.
In this writing I have not attempted to sugar-coat the presentation, but have tried only to deal with the objective Truths of what the Scriptures actually say. Scripture tells us that open rebuke [what is given to help someone] is better than secret love [what is not given to help someone, and is thus not really love] (Proverbs 27:5).
We will now look at some of the items laid out in Scripture that tell us clearly what is required for us to 'enter into His Rest,' which is a euphemism for entering in to the Promised Land, into the City of the King. Participation in these things will further identify to The Most High those who are allowed to enter, and who are not.
As we look at this subject of entering His rest, we must first give warning to the Reader, that this is not an easy subject. What is to be said may not seem to be politically correct, but in order to maintain Biblical Truth, it must be said.
In this writing I have not attempted to sugar-coat the presentation, but have tried only to deal with the objective Truths of what the Scriptures actually say. Scripture tells us that open rebuke [what is given to help someone] is better than secret love [what is not given to help someone, and is thus not really love] (Proverbs 27:5).
We will now look at some of the items laid out in Scripture that tell us clearly what is required for us to 'enter into His Rest,' which is a euphemism for entering in to the Promised Land, into the City of the King. Participation in these things will further identify to The Most High those who are allowed to enter, and who are not.
If Ye Be Willing and Obedient
Many Scripture passages tell us, and show us by vivid example, The Most High's children are defined and identified by their obedience. Indeed, even the blessings of the Inheritance are to those who are obedient.
Let's begin, as we notice the following passage:
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isaiah 1:18-20)
Most today understand that verse 18 in the above passage does apply to New Covenant Believers. But let's look at the rest of the story seen in verses 19 and 20. The Most High is telling us that if we are [present] obedient, we shall [future] eat the good of the Land. The Most High is telling us that our future welfare in the Promised Land, depends on our current obedience; and that our obedience is determined now, before we enter the Land! This can be confirmed in Rev 22:14-15, where the right to enter in to the City of the King is given, as determined by obedience to Yahushua's commandments.
Few today are being taught the importance of walking in obedience to The Most High. Even fewer still are being taught the importance of doing what The Most High 'delights' in, and what 'pleases' Him. One of the hallmarks of the Biblical Marriage Covenant is the mark of obedience.
As we advance in our walk with The Most High, there will be many occasions in which He presents opportunities for us to choose whether we will obey Him, or not. Each day The Most High reveals something new to us, with the hope and desire that we will choose to go beyond our comfort zone, and walk in the new thing He has revealed, according to the Scriptures. We must make a choice — a fresh choice each day — whom we will serve (Joshua 24:15).
Let us proceed now to new ground.
It is obvious to the sincere seeker, which of the Old Testament [Torah] commandments and sayings of The Most High have already found their fulfillment in Messiah Yahushua. What has been obscured by the religionists is the necessity for all The Most High's children to likewise fulfill the Torah, with only a few exceptions as seen in the Book of Hebrews.
Our present difficulty lies in the fact that the Body of Messiah has for centuries been given traditions and decrees of Rome, instead of the Truth of scripture. The result is that most Believers today are in a state of famine, of what constitutes 'Truth' for New Testament Saints. Yahushua is now restoring all [true] things, prior to His return, just as He promised!
Our greatest discomfort comes when we try to make the Scriptures fit the 'Doctrines and Commandments of Men' we have been taught. Perhaps by now our inner conflicts have become evident, regarding what we have learned about Law and Grace, Grace and works, Grace and Legalism, Old and New, Then and Now, Hebrew and Gentile, Liberty or Bondage, Life or Death. In order to avoid the discomfort, many will simply not dig in to the Scriptures, to seek for the Truth.
Yahushua, in His mercy, has painstakingly revealed each one of these subjects to us in His Word, yes, even in the New Testament! He wants us to know and thoroughly understand the Word of Righteousness (Hebrews 5:13). Father desires that His children would learn His Ways, and walk in them!
The Most High has revealed all these subjects in His Word, and desires that we would see how they all fit marvelously, as pieces of a great puzzle, to portray the beautiful and majestic picture that He desires to reveal to His Beloved.
He also wants us be aware of the abundant hindrances that can prevent us from walking in 'The Way.'
Yahushua's Word vs. What You Have Been Taught
As an illustration of the conflict between Truth and Error, let us observe several passages regarding Eternal Life. As we look at these, let us note of the contrast between what we have been taught, and what Yahushua actually says.
Yahushua had just been asked by a man what good thing must he do, that he may have eternal life. First notice the question, and then look carefully at Yahushua’s reply:
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:17-22)
In the above passage, two things are to be noted. First, this verse indicates that eternal life is conditioned upon obedience to the Ten Commandments. This verse is for all New Testament Believers, contrary to what many Pastors would say today (2 Tim 3:16).
Many Pastors and spiritual Leaders, for example, have been trained in Bible Schools and Seminaries, and have chopped up, rationalised, compartmentalised, dispensationalised, and discarded much of Scripture. In their formal training, they learned what other men said, rather than what Scripture says. They were taught that, for one reason or another, a particular verse, or chapter, or Book of the Bible, is not for Gentile Believers today, but for some 'other' people, or some 'other' dispensation [This is a man-made meaning that was given to a good Bible word, and as a result of this man-made doctrine, has become a great source of error in the Body of Messiah].
Some of the results of the man-made dispensation error teach, "That's for the Hebrews;" "That's not for us — it's for the early church;" "That's for another age;" "That's Old Testament;" "That's bondage;" and on and on, until nothing is left of the Scriptures but an empty carcass. The Scriptures tell us that all Scripture is eternal, and is for all of The Most High's children, and is part of their heritage — their inheritance!
Most formally-trained Pastors and Leaders of today would explain the above passage, by saying that this and several similar passages do not apply to New Testament Believers. Perhaps these statements are made, because this passage does not seem to fit man's modern, twisted notion of what Biblical 'Grace' is!
Most would summarize the 'eternal life' requirements spoken by Messiah, by stating that all we must do is believe — that is, we must give only mental agreement to a set of facts. This is the modern-day definition of the word 'Believe,' and is a devilish definition, void of Biblical Truth. Using this definition of 'Believe,' there is no need for such Biblical practices as repentance, sanctification, holy living, dying to self, obedience, or enduring unto the end.
Most spiritual Leaders today put forth an un-Scriptural, blanket idea of 'Grace,' but then deny the Biblical 'Grace' that teaches one to be obedient (Romans 1:5), to live a life glorifying The Most High. Thus the religious world has been taught that the main issue is pure mercy and an unscriptural notion of 'forgiveness,' beyond which one may do as he pleases, even if what he does displeases the Mighty The Most High and the Prince of Peace. This idea is summarized for us in Jude 1:4, describing those who have substituted the decrees and traditions of Rome in place of the Truth of Scripture.
Most spiritual teachers today say that Yahushua, in the passage above, was telling the inquirer something that applied to another time period they call a 'dispensation,' and not applicable to the present day, which they call the 'Church Age' or an imaginary 'Age of Grace.' [This concept is not in Scripture!].
In summary, there are many variations of error seen in the religious world, all trying to explain away the true meaning of the above passage, and to obscure the Truth of to whom this passage applies.
Note however, that in the above passage the questioner was talking about 'New Testament Eternal Life.' The Greek word is 'zoe,' Strong’s number <2222>. We know this because this is the same word that Yahushua used:
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life <2222>: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (John 11:25)
As we remember another familiar verse, we will look at it, and the second point becomes obvious:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life <2222>. (John 3:16)
Most of us are familiar with this verse, aren’t we? From the day we first came to Yahushua for His Grace of Forgiveness, we have heard this verse. In John 3:16 above, we see that Eternal Life is conditioned upon 'believing in Yahushua.' In the previous passage, (Mark 10:17-22), Yahushua tells us that Eternal Life is conditioned upon keeping the commandments, and also upon selling all, and coming after, and following Yahushua.
Fiveamprayer, is this verse of John 3:16 in contradiction to the one shown above in Mark 10:17-22? No, it is not. Yahushua merely reveals in each separate verse, one separate condition for each of two stages, of entering in to the Promised Land, also called eternal life. To gain a better understanding of Biblical Salvation, and the difference between coming out by the Blood, and entering in by obedience.
It is evident in the New Testament that there are many descriptions of Eternal Life, and how one may inherit, or obtain, or 'enter in' to this eternal life. In fact, there are 134 uses of the Greek word 'zoe' in the New Testament. If we were to look at all the instances where this word zoe is used in the New Testament, we would see that receiving Eternal Life is dependent upon at least twenty-five separate and distinct actions on the part of man!
These twenty-five different conditions are not mutually exclusive, and they are not in contradiction to one another. Taken as a whole, they all complement one another, and are like the links of a chain, all contributing to the strength of the entire concept of Eternal Life!
Taken as a whole, all the different conditions upon which one may receive Eternal Life merely reveal the wonderful truth and richness of what it means to truly 'believe' in the Name of Yahushua, as Abraham found out. We may conclude from these observations that The Most High’s plan of redemption of mankind is a many-faceted means of revealing His identity to mankind.
True Identities Are Being Revealed
Fiveamprayer, Yahushua is restoring the Truths that the Body of Messiah was robbed of centuries ago. He is restoring the Truths that for many years the cankerworm has eaten, and the palmerworm, and the locust has devoured. He is revealing the Truths of His Word, as a 'Great Spoil,' as treasures recovered in a battle.
The Most High is doing, as it were, a new thing. Yet it is not new, for there is nothing new under the sun. It just seems new to us, but it is simply the restoration of the Tabernacle of David, and the building of the True Temple, and is the ascending of Mount Zion by His children.
We certainly do live our years as a tale that is told; That is, everything that has happened before, and seen in the Bible, is our example of how it is going to happen in this last generation! The Most High is preparing a People, and is purifying a Company of people that will become His Bride. He is preparing them through their learning obedience, the goal of which instruction is to be completed, and made perfect in love for Yahushua, and for the brethren.
The identity of the 'Saints' [the set-apart-ones] of The Most High, — the redeemed, the undefiled, — is being made clear. The identity of those that are redeemed, but who continue to be 'wicked' in their actions, is also coming into view.
As the fruit [their doings, or works] of the righteous begin to be seen, in the same way the tares are being revealed, all in bundles [bound socially into denominations and congregations], ready to be burned.
Let's notice the following passages, and note how The Most High identifies the ones that are His people, His saints:
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:12)
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life <2222>, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14)
The above verses describe who the saints really are, and how one gains right to the Tree of Life — Yahushua Himself — and how one gains entry into the City of the King.
Note carefully that in the above verses, there is no believing mentioned, as we have understood the word believe; in these verses there is simply 'doing' — that is, allowing Messiah-in-you to bring about the doing of obedience to His Word — which is the Biblical definition of 'believing.'
Notice that obedience to the commandments of The Most High is really a summary definition of the word believe.The Reader is encouraged to do a brief study of Abraham, and what The Most High said about him, and why The Most High credited him with righteousness!
The greatest tragedy of this generation is the teaching of the Traditions, Doctrines, and Commandments of men, in place of the Scriptures. One result of this replacement is that one beautiful truth of The Most High’s word is taken to the exclusion of another, causing many to try to force the pieces of the puzzle together — even when some pieces do not quite fit the way that men’s doctrines say they are supposed to fit!
Hence we have multitudes of splintered beliefs and divisions created among men, divided into congregations that are open only to what lies within the comfort zone of their own understanding, yet closed-minded to any Light from the Spirit of Truth that does not fit what they already understand.
It is in this way, that the Commandments of Men turn men away from being "DO-ers" of the Truth (Titus 1:14). This sounds as if it were a description of the religious leaders of Yahushua’s day, but sadly it portrays our day.
My Commandments
Fiveamprayer, when Yahushua said, If ye love me, keep 'MY' Commandments (John 14:15), what was He telling us? Today, almost all the Bible schools and Theological Seminaries, and their Pastor-graduates, are teaching that the 'Commandments of Yahushua' are found only in the New Testament, from Matthew through Revelation. Those who know who Yahushua truly is, however, understand that 'MY' commandments appear from the Beginning — from the Book of Genesis!
Those who say that Yahushua's commandments are only in the 'New' Testament are testifying that they do not know who Yahushua truly is. When Yahushua returns, He will say to many Pastors and Leaders who did not truly know Him, and to their followers, "I never knew you...you that work iniquity." It is thus to our advantage to test everything against the Scriptures alone!
Fiveamprayer, notice the following verse:
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: (2 Thessalonians 1:8)
We have long thought that this passage is talking about the heathen, the pagans, the wicked — those that have never come to Yahushua. Unfortunately, there are vast multitudes, great multitudes of New Testament Believers today that are in this category! They have come to Yahushua, have received of His wonderful mercy and Grace of Redemption and forgiveness by His precious Blood, but are still in the Valley of Decision, between two mountains, 'halt between two opinions.' As babes however, The Most High offers us great mercy, as He gently leads those who desire to follow Him, and learn from Him.
As more mature Believers, The Most High is urging us to 'get off the fence.' As Believers, their Yoke of Bondage has been initially broken. The Spirit of Life has set them free from the Law of Sin and Death, but they have not entered into a new Yoke of Bondage of Love, as a voluntary bondslave to a new Master, in obedience to His Word and His will!
Thus many shall not be brought up into the heights of Zion, the City of the King, and will not be allowed to know Him, unless they show by their obedience they know who Yahushua really is, and they begin to walk in obedience to all His sayings. This process of coming to know Him, by our obedience to His Word, as seen in the above passage in (2 Thess 1:8), is what constitutes 'believing' in Yahushua.
We have seen that the sayings of Yahushua are made up of both the New Testament sayings of Yahushua, and the Old Testament sayings of The Most High, which are also Yahushua's sayings. The great significance can now come into view. We recall that The Most High wrote the Ten Commandments with the Finger of The Most High, onto the stone tablets. These are The Most High's sayings, and His words.
Notice also that Yahushua wielded the Finger of The Most High, when He cast out devils. There is a vast amount of New Testament Scripture that reveals the connection between loving Yahushua and keeping the Commandments of Yahushua, and also remarkably, keeping the Commandments of The Most High. Many today have not made the connection, or have not realised, that keeping the Commandments of The Most High constitutes knowing who Yahushua is, and loving Yahushua, and also defines how we show love for the Brethren (1 John 5:2-3).
Many Scripture passages tell us, and show us by vivid example, The Most High's children are defined and identified by their obedience. Indeed, even the blessings of the Inheritance are to those who are obedient.
Let's begin, as we notice the following passage:
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isaiah 1:18-20)
Most today understand that verse 18 in the above passage does apply to New Covenant Believers. But let's look at the rest of the story seen in verses 19 and 20. The Most High is telling us that if we are [present] obedient, we shall [future] eat the good of the Land. The Most High is telling us that our future welfare in the Promised Land, depends on our current obedience; and that our obedience is determined now, before we enter the Land! This can be confirmed in Rev 22:14-15, where the right to enter in to the City of the King is given, as determined by obedience to Yahushua's commandments.
Few today are being taught the importance of walking in obedience to The Most High. Even fewer still are being taught the importance of doing what The Most High 'delights' in, and what 'pleases' Him. One of the hallmarks of the Biblical Marriage Covenant is the mark of obedience.
As we advance in our walk with The Most High, there will be many occasions in which He presents opportunities for us to choose whether we will obey Him, or not. Each day The Most High reveals something new to us, with the hope and desire that we will choose to go beyond our comfort zone, and walk in the new thing He has revealed, according to the Scriptures. We must make a choice — a fresh choice each day — whom we will serve (Joshua 24:15).
Let us proceed now to new ground.
It is obvious to the sincere seeker, which of the Old Testament [Torah] commandments and sayings of The Most High have already found their fulfillment in Messiah Yahushua. What has been obscured by the religionists is the necessity for all The Most High's children to likewise fulfill the Torah, with only a few exceptions as seen in the Book of Hebrews.
Our present difficulty lies in the fact that the Body of Messiah has for centuries been given traditions and decrees of Rome, instead of the Truth of scripture. The result is that most Believers today are in a state of famine, of what constitutes 'Truth' for New Testament Saints. Yahushua is now restoring all [true] things, prior to His return, just as He promised!
Our greatest discomfort comes when we try to make the Scriptures fit the 'Doctrines and Commandments of Men' we have been taught. Perhaps by now our inner conflicts have become evident, regarding what we have learned about Law and Grace, Grace and works, Grace and Legalism, Old and New, Then and Now, Hebrew and Gentile, Liberty or Bondage, Life or Death. In order to avoid the discomfort, many will simply not dig in to the Scriptures, to seek for the Truth.
Yahushua, in His mercy, has painstakingly revealed each one of these subjects to us in His Word, yes, even in the New Testament! He wants us to know and thoroughly understand the Word of Righteousness (Hebrews 5:13). Father desires that His children would learn His Ways, and walk in them!
The Most High has revealed all these subjects in His Word, and desires that we would see how they all fit marvelously, as pieces of a great puzzle, to portray the beautiful and majestic picture that He desires to reveal to His Beloved.
He also wants us be aware of the abundant hindrances that can prevent us from walking in 'The Way.'
Yahushua's Word vs. What You Have Been Taught
As an illustration of the conflict between Truth and Error, let us observe several passages regarding Eternal Life. As we look at these, let us note of the contrast between what we have been taught, and what Yahushua actually says.
Yahushua had just been asked by a man what good thing must he do, that he may have eternal life. First notice the question, and then look carefully at Yahushua’s reply:
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:17-22)
In the above passage, two things are to be noted. First, this verse indicates that eternal life is conditioned upon obedience to the Ten Commandments. This verse is for all New Testament Believers, contrary to what many Pastors would say today (2 Tim 3:16).
Many Pastors and spiritual Leaders, for example, have been trained in Bible Schools and Seminaries, and have chopped up, rationalised, compartmentalised, dispensationalised, and discarded much of Scripture. In their formal training, they learned what other men said, rather than what Scripture says. They were taught that, for one reason or another, a particular verse, or chapter, or Book of the Bible, is not for Gentile Believers today, but for some 'other' people, or some 'other' dispensation [This is a man-made meaning that was given to a good Bible word, and as a result of this man-made doctrine, has become a great source of error in the Body of Messiah].
Some of the results of the man-made dispensation error teach, "That's for the Hebrews;" "That's not for us — it's for the early church;" "That's for another age;" "That's Old Testament;" "That's bondage;" and on and on, until nothing is left of the Scriptures but an empty carcass. The Scriptures tell us that all Scripture is eternal, and is for all of The Most High's children, and is part of their heritage — their inheritance!
Most formally-trained Pastors and Leaders of today would explain the above passage, by saying that this and several similar passages do not apply to New Testament Believers. Perhaps these statements are made, because this passage does not seem to fit man's modern, twisted notion of what Biblical 'Grace' is!
Most would summarize the 'eternal life' requirements spoken by Messiah, by stating that all we must do is believe — that is, we must give only mental agreement to a set of facts. This is the modern-day definition of the word 'Believe,' and is a devilish definition, void of Biblical Truth. Using this definition of 'Believe,' there is no need for such Biblical practices as repentance, sanctification, holy living, dying to self, obedience, or enduring unto the end.
Most spiritual Leaders today put forth an un-Scriptural, blanket idea of 'Grace,' but then deny the Biblical 'Grace' that teaches one to be obedient (Romans 1:5), to live a life glorifying The Most High. Thus the religious world has been taught that the main issue is pure mercy and an unscriptural notion of 'forgiveness,' beyond which one may do as he pleases, even if what he does displeases the Mighty The Most High and the Prince of Peace. This idea is summarized for us in Jude 1:4, describing those who have substituted the decrees and traditions of Rome in place of the Truth of Scripture.
Most spiritual teachers today say that Yahushua, in the passage above, was telling the inquirer something that applied to another time period they call a 'dispensation,' and not applicable to the present day, which they call the 'Church Age' or an imaginary 'Age of Grace.' [This concept is not in Scripture!].
In summary, there are many variations of error seen in the religious world, all trying to explain away the true meaning of the above passage, and to obscure the Truth of to whom this passage applies.
Note however, that in the above passage the questioner was talking about 'New Testament Eternal Life.' The Greek word is 'zoe,' Strong’s number <2222>. We know this because this is the same word that Yahushua used:
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life <2222>: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (John 11:25)
As we remember another familiar verse, we will look at it, and the second point becomes obvious:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life <2222>. (John 3:16)
Most of us are familiar with this verse, aren’t we? From the day we first came to Yahushua for His Grace of Forgiveness, we have heard this verse. In John 3:16 above, we see that Eternal Life is conditioned upon 'believing in Yahushua.' In the previous passage, (Mark 10:17-22), Yahushua tells us that Eternal Life is conditioned upon keeping the commandments, and also upon selling all, and coming after, and following Yahushua.
Fiveamprayer, is this verse of John 3:16 in contradiction to the one shown above in Mark 10:17-22? No, it is not. Yahushua merely reveals in each separate verse, one separate condition for each of two stages, of entering in to the Promised Land, also called eternal life. To gain a better understanding of Biblical Salvation, and the difference between coming out by the Blood, and entering in by obedience.
It is evident in the New Testament that there are many descriptions of Eternal Life, and how one may inherit, or obtain, or 'enter in' to this eternal life. In fact, there are 134 uses of the Greek word 'zoe' in the New Testament. If we were to look at all the instances where this word zoe is used in the New Testament, we would see that receiving Eternal Life is dependent upon at least twenty-five separate and distinct actions on the part of man!
These twenty-five different conditions are not mutually exclusive, and they are not in contradiction to one another. Taken as a whole, they all complement one another, and are like the links of a chain, all contributing to the strength of the entire concept of Eternal Life!
Taken as a whole, all the different conditions upon which one may receive Eternal Life merely reveal the wonderful truth and richness of what it means to truly 'believe' in the Name of Yahushua, as Abraham found out. We may conclude from these observations that The Most High’s plan of redemption of mankind is a many-faceted means of revealing His identity to mankind.
True Identities Are Being Revealed
Fiveamprayer, Yahushua is restoring the Truths that the Body of Messiah was robbed of centuries ago. He is restoring the Truths that for many years the cankerworm has eaten, and the palmerworm, and the locust has devoured. He is revealing the Truths of His Word, as a 'Great Spoil,' as treasures recovered in a battle.
The Most High is doing, as it were, a new thing. Yet it is not new, for there is nothing new under the sun. It just seems new to us, but it is simply the restoration of the Tabernacle of David, and the building of the True Temple, and is the ascending of Mount Zion by His children.
We certainly do live our years as a tale that is told; That is, everything that has happened before, and seen in the Bible, is our example of how it is going to happen in this last generation! The Most High is preparing a People, and is purifying a Company of people that will become His Bride. He is preparing them through their learning obedience, the goal of which instruction is to be completed, and made perfect in love for Yahushua, and for the brethren.
The identity of the 'Saints' [the set-apart-ones] of The Most High, — the redeemed, the undefiled, — is being made clear. The identity of those that are redeemed, but who continue to be 'wicked' in their actions, is also coming into view.
As the fruit [their doings, or works] of the righteous begin to be seen, in the same way the tares are being revealed, all in bundles [bound socially into denominations and congregations], ready to be burned.
Let's notice the following passages, and note how The Most High identifies the ones that are His people, His saints:
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:12)
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life <2222>, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14)
The above verses describe who the saints really are, and how one gains right to the Tree of Life — Yahushua Himself — and how one gains entry into the City of the King.
Note carefully that in the above verses, there is no believing mentioned, as we have understood the word believe; in these verses there is simply 'doing' — that is, allowing Messiah-in-you to bring about the doing of obedience to His Word — which is the Biblical definition of 'believing.'
Notice that obedience to the commandments of The Most High is really a summary definition of the word believe.The Reader is encouraged to do a brief study of Abraham, and what The Most High said about him, and why The Most High credited him with righteousness!
The greatest tragedy of this generation is the teaching of the Traditions, Doctrines, and Commandments of men, in place of the Scriptures. One result of this replacement is that one beautiful truth of The Most High’s word is taken to the exclusion of another, causing many to try to force the pieces of the puzzle together — even when some pieces do not quite fit the way that men’s doctrines say they are supposed to fit!
Hence we have multitudes of splintered beliefs and divisions created among men, divided into congregations that are open only to what lies within the comfort zone of their own understanding, yet closed-minded to any Light from the Spirit of Truth that does not fit what they already understand.
It is in this way, that the Commandments of Men turn men away from being "DO-ers" of the Truth (Titus 1:14). This sounds as if it were a description of the religious leaders of Yahushua’s day, but sadly it portrays our day.
My Commandments
Fiveamprayer, when Yahushua said, If ye love me, keep 'MY' Commandments (John 14:15), what was He telling us? Today, almost all the Bible schools and Theological Seminaries, and their Pastor-graduates, are teaching that the 'Commandments of Yahushua' are found only in the New Testament, from Matthew through Revelation. Those who know who Yahushua truly is, however, understand that 'MY' commandments appear from the Beginning — from the Book of Genesis!
Those who say that Yahushua's commandments are only in the 'New' Testament are testifying that they do not know who Yahushua truly is. When Yahushua returns, He will say to many Pastors and Leaders who did not truly know Him, and to their followers, "I never knew you...you that work iniquity." It is thus to our advantage to test everything against the Scriptures alone!
Fiveamprayer, notice the following verse:
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: (2 Thessalonians 1:8)
We have long thought that this passage is talking about the heathen, the pagans, the wicked — those that have never come to Yahushua. Unfortunately, there are vast multitudes, great multitudes of New Testament Believers today that are in this category! They have come to Yahushua, have received of His wonderful mercy and Grace of Redemption and forgiveness by His precious Blood, but are still in the Valley of Decision, between two mountains, 'halt between two opinions.' As babes however, The Most High offers us great mercy, as He gently leads those who desire to follow Him, and learn from Him.
As more mature Believers, The Most High is urging us to 'get off the fence.' As Believers, their Yoke of Bondage has been initially broken. The Spirit of Life has set them free from the Law of Sin and Death, but they have not entered into a new Yoke of Bondage of Love, as a voluntary bondslave to a new Master, in obedience to His Word and His will!
Thus many shall not be brought up into the heights of Zion, the City of the King, and will not be allowed to know Him, unless they show by their obedience they know who Yahushua really is, and they begin to walk in obedience to all His sayings. This process of coming to know Him, by our obedience to His Word, as seen in the above passage in (2 Thess 1:8), is what constitutes 'believing' in Yahushua.
We have seen that the sayings of Yahushua are made up of both the New Testament sayings of Yahushua, and the Old Testament sayings of The Most High, which are also Yahushua's sayings. The great significance can now come into view. We recall that The Most High wrote the Ten Commandments with the Finger of The Most High, onto the stone tablets. These are The Most High's sayings, and His words.
Notice also that Yahushua wielded the Finger of The Most High, when He cast out devils. There is a vast amount of New Testament Scripture that reveals the connection between loving Yahushua and keeping the Commandments of Yahushua, and also remarkably, keeping the Commandments of The Most High. Many today have not made the connection, or have not realised, that keeping the Commandments of The Most High constitutes knowing who Yahushua is, and loving Yahushua, and also defines how we show love for the Brethren (1 John 5:2-3).
Shema Selah!! This is a time that we must truly walk in what the Most High is speaking to us--NOT according to what we see!!
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