Hebrews chapter 3
Today we are walking in: How To Enter In: The Words Of Yahusha
Exodus 3:18
And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, H4057 that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.
Today we look to the word-WILDERNESS- H4057 midbar --wilderness, pasture, uninhabited land
The Torah testifies.......................................
Genesis 16:7
And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, H4057 by the fountain in the way to Shur.
Exodus 4:27
And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness H4057 to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.
Numbers 14:33
And your children shall wander in the wilderness H4057 forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. H4057
Deuteronomy 1:31
And in the wilderness, H4057 where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.
The prophets proclaim..................
Isaiah 42:11
Let the wilderness H4057 and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.
Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, H4057 and rivers in the desert.
Jeremiah 9:12
Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth and is burned up like a wilderness, H4057 that none passeth through?
Ezekiel 20:13
But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: H4057 they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, H4057 to consume them.
The Writings bear witness.............
Joshua 1:4
From the wilderness H4057 and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
2Chronicles 1:3
So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness. H4057
Nehemiah 9:19
Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: H4057 the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.
Psalm 65:12
They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: H4057 and the little hills rejoice on every side.
Psalm 78:15
He clave the rocks in the wilderness, H4057 and gave them drink as out of the great depths.
The Promised Land — How to Enter In:
The Words of Yahusha
Yah is opening the eyes of His children!
His purpose is that His children would see His plan, so they might alter the course of their lives, and might prepare themselves to enter in to the Promised Land. Yahusha has revealed, in the Scriptures, the overall plan of Yah for His people, in order that they might heed the Scriptures, and be able to enter in.
Yah’s plan for His people can be clearly seen in the example of the Israelites being set free from slavery in Egypt.
Notice the two separate steps: 1) Yah brought the Israelites out of Egypt, so that they could 2) enter in to the Promised Land.
Notice however, that even though the Israelites had been ‘saved’ out of the land of Egypt, they did not immediately enter in to the Promised Land. Instead, they were brought into the wilderness to be tested, to prove whether they would meet Yah’s conditions for entering in.
We are then told that because of unbelief, most of that original generation of Israelites failed to enter in to the Promised Land.
Why is the Israelites’ example so important, and of such great significance for us today?
The apostle Jude and the writer to the Hebrews both give this example of the Israelites, as a warning to us today who follow Messiah. We must come out just as they did, by the blood of the Lamb. We must likewise enter in as they were required to do, by faith and obedience (Jude 1:5; Hebrews 3:7-19; Hebrews 4:1-11).
In summarizing the Israelites’ testing in the wilderness, Jude tells us that Yah, having “saved” the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that were not “continuing to believe” (Jude 1:5). Then we are told (Hebrews 4:6,11) that they failed to enter in because of disobedience, which we are then told (Hebrews 3:19) is a form of unbelief.
The result is that out of the original multitudes of those above 20 years of age who were ‘saved’ out of bondage, out of the land of Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter in to the Promised Land.
Many today have Believed in Yahusha Messiah for salvation, and have been brought out of the bondage of sin. But like the Israelites, we too will fail to enter in, if we fail to heed the warning of their example. That is, if we today hope to enter in to the Promised Land, then we must not go the way of most of that generation in the wilderness. If we hope to enter in, we must be as Joshua and Caleb. To do this, we must choose to heed these New Testament warnings!
How do we enter in? Most today have assumed there is only one requirement to be met, in order to enter in — that one must be redeemed. All of Scripture, as well as the very words of Yahusha Himself, reveal that there are two separate and distinct steps of His plan — each having its own distinct, Biblical requirements to be met — in order that we might attain our overall goal: to enter in to the Promised land.
Our Saviour Yahusha tells us about these two separate steps — of coming out of hasatan’s kingdom, and of entering in to Yah’s kingdom — and what is required for each. Let’s look further at these two steps.
Yahusha made two basic statements. These two statements are repeated among several verses, along with minor variations in other passages, giving multiple, confirming witness as required by Scripture. The first statement shows us the initial or ‘coming out’ step of Yah’s plan. The other statement reveals the final or ‘entering in step.’
Taken together, these two statements reveal Yah’s overall plan for His people, and the requirements they must meet in order to achieve the final goal: our entrance to the Promised Land, also called Life Everlasting, and known as the Kingdom of Yah or the Kingdom of Heaven. All of these terms are euphemisms for eternal Life, and are used interchangeably in the Gospels.
Let us begin with the following passages:
The First Statement of Yahusha: How to Come Out
The first statement by Yahusha reveals the initial requirement for one whose goal is to ‘enter in’ to eternal life. This initial requirement reveals the come out step of the overall plan, and is the part familiar to many today. Let’s look carefully at these words of Yahusha:
…Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood (Revelation 1:5b)
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)
Yahusha answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of Yah. (John 3:3)
Yahusha answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of Yah. (John 3:5)
In the above passages, Yahusha Himself reveals to us the requirements for the initial or come out step of our journey, the goal of which is to enter in. For those that think these words in the book of Revelation are not Yahusha’s words, one need only read verses 1 and 2 to see this is the Revelation of Yahusha, which was given to Him by the Father; and which He then sent to us by John, to be shown unto Yah’s servants.
In the above passages we see the following features that identify the first step of our journey, to come out of bondage:
Step 1: Come Out of Bondage
Redemption and Cleansing of Sin, by the Blood of the Lamb;
Teshuvah – converting [turning] from our own way, to walk in Father’s Way; redeemed – by the Word (1Pet 1:23);
Baptism in water and in the Spirit.
We see this first step in the example of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. Just as Israel came out of the bondage of Egypt by the Blood of the Lamb, and was then baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea (1Cor 10:1-2), we too must come out of bondage to Sin and its strength [the Law], by the Blood of the Lamb.
Like Israel, we too must be baptized in the Holy Spirit and in water. This coming out by Blood and water is a requirement that must be met, before one may go on to meet the step 2 requirement.
The Second Statement of Yahusha: How to Enter In
The second statement by Yahusha reveals the final requirement for one whose goal is to enter in to eternal life. This final requirement reveals the ‘enter-in’ step. Notice these words of Yahusha:
…but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:17b)
In the above passage, we see clearly that Keeping the commandments is Yah’s requirement for the ‘enter in’ step, keeping in mind that the overall goal is to enter into Life.
In this statement made by Yahusha, He was revealing the step 2 requirement that must be met, but only after meeting the step 1 requirements we saw above [coming out by the Blood of the Lamb].
Some today claim that the above words by Yahusha were only for a certain group, or for a certain era in time. But what do the Scriptures say? Let’s look at some more passages for confirmation:
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)
I Yahusha have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come’… (Revelation 22:16-17a)
In the above passages, we see two things. First, we are told plainly and clearly, that doing [to do, make, bring forth, perform, keep, fulfill] His Commandments is a requirement for entering in, through the gates, into the city [the City is another expression of the New Jerusalem, the City of the Great King, the Kingdom of Heaven, or Eternal Life].
Second, we are told that these things are to be testified in the churches, telling us that these words are for us today. In fact, all the words spoken by Yahusha are for us today!
Fiveamprayer, Do not let the error of the Theologians or Pastors rob you of your eternal inheritance!
For further confirmation of Scripture, let’s look at these two passages:
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 Yah, AND the faith of Yahusha. (Revelation 14:12)
In the first passage, we see that the ‘Saints’ are those citizens who have made a covenant with Yah by Sacrifice, telling us that this can only be done by the shedding of Blood of an acceptable Sacrifice. So the ‘Saints’ are those that have completed the step 1 requirement of coming out by the sacrifice of the Blood of Yahusha. These are all the redeemed citizens.
In the second passage, the ‘Saints’ are seen again, as those who have completed the first requirement — of having the Faith of Yahusha they received when they came out by the Blood of the Lamb in step 1. However, these saints are also seen keeping the Commandments of Yah, which is the step 2 requirement. Thus they are Ready to enter in.
How do these two steps of Father’s overall plan for entering in to the Promised Land, compare with the rest of Scripture, and with the writings of the Law and the Prophets? It is very important that we look carefully, for as we saw in What You Believe: True or False? The Simple Biblical Test, there must be complete agreement within all of Scripture in order to be confirmed as Truth.
As we saw above in step 1, Israel came out of the bondage of Egypt by the Blood of the Lamb, and was then baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. This is a pattern for us today. The entire process was done by the Grace of Yah. Israel is an example for us, in how to ‘come out.’
In the same way, Israel is an example, and a warning for us, regarding the ‘enter in’ step of our journey. Israel came out by the Blood of the Lamb, but they failed to enter in — for a number reasons, which are repeated for our warning today.
Why Israel Failed to Enter In
In the Book of Hebrews, the entire 3rd and 4th chapters are devoted to revealing why most of that generation of Israel failed to enter in to the Promised Land. These passages go on to warn us that that we today, also might not enter in, unless we heed the Israelites’ example.
For detailed descriptions of exactly why the Israelites failed to enter in, and what they did, let’s look at a few writings of the Prophets:
Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Most High that sanctify them. But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them. (Ezekiel 20:12-13)
Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands; Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols. (Ezekiel 20:15-16)
Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness. (Ezekiel 20:21)
I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries; Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers’ idols. (Ezekiel 20:23-24)
In the above passages, notice the items highlighting what Israel did. How do the above Scripture passages compare with what you hear from your spiritual Leaders today about ‘entering in’ to the Promised Land?
Their Example: A Warning For Us
Psalms 106 reveals further details, for our warning, of why most of that generation of Israel failed to enter in. Let’s look at some New Testament passages:
But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? (Hebrews 3:17)
What is the New Testament conclusion from Hebrews 3:17, as to what they did? Notice the following passage:
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1John 3:4)
So we see from the new Testament that Israel fell in the wilderness, because they Transgressed the Law [Torah].
Now let us notice the advice given to us today, as New Testament citizens:
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:11-12)
Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief <543>. (Hebrews 4:11)
The Greek word used here in Hebrews 4:11 is ‘apeitheia,’ Strong’s number <543>, and comes from the word ‘apeithes,’ Strong’s number <543>, which means “disobedience.”
So we are warned in 1 Corinthians, and in the book of Hebrews, that we too could fail to enter in, because of disobedience — because of transgression of the Law [Torah]!
Only By Grace
Lest anyone think that Grace is a separate idea from obedience to the Commandments, we must look briefly at two of the many examples of Biblical ‘Grace’ seen in the Scriptures. Notice the following:
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Yahusha Hamachiach. (John 1:17)
To whom Yah would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Hamachiach in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)
One truth of Biblical Grace we see in the above Scripture passages, is that the Law [the Torah] was given by Moses, but Grace — the power and ability to fulfill the Torah, to keep it, obey it, and walk in it — came by Yahusha Messiah. This is the Grace that Yahusha gives us from within, as He lives within us.
Not only Grace, but likewise Truth, came by Yahusha Messiah. Yahusha Messiah came as the Living Truth. He revealed Truth by showing us, by the example of His life, demonstrating for us exactly how He would provide the Grace to us as needed, the ability He gives us to live in obedience to the Written Truth [the Torah — Psalms 119:142], just as He did, when He lived and walked on the earth 2,000 years ago.
Another truth of Biblical Grace in Scripture can be seen in the Biblical definition of the New Covenant. Notice the following passages:
Behold, the days come, saith the Most High, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah…But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Most High, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Yah, and they shall be my people. (Jeremiah 31:31,33)
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Most High; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a Yah, and they shall be to me a people: (Hebrews 8:10)
Moses gave us the externals of the Law [written on tables of stone]. But Yahusha Messiah gave us the internals of the Law — by writing them on tables of flesh, on our mind, and our heart [so that we would have the heart-felt desire to obey them], exactly as the New Covenant promises are described above, in Jeremiah and in the Book of Hebrews.
Likewise, The apostle Paul had much to say on the subject of Biblical Grace, and the source of Grace. Notice what Paul said:
For I delight in the law of Yah after the inward man: (Romans 7:22)
Paul must have fully understood the mystery of Messiah-in-you, and must have understood the goal of the New Covenant fulfillment within Yah’s people — that Yahusha would actually live within us, and would write the Torah internally on our heart, rather than externally on tables of stone, or in a Bible.
Yahusha, as He lives within us, would then provide us His Grace — the enablement He gives us to obey the Torah — even when we step out in ‘blind obedience’ to the Torah.
Paul has a great deal more to tell us about Biblical Grace. Notice in the following passages two of the purposes of this Grace:
…we have received grace… for obedience to the faith… (Romans 1:5a)
…let us have grace, whereby [by which] we may serve Yah acceptably… (Hebrews 12:28)
The above passages confirm to us that Biblical Grace is a gift, given to us by Yahusha, for the purpose of our obedience to ‘The Faith,’ so that by His Grace we may serve Him in an acceptable manner.
Conclusion
Fiveamprayer, you may have come out by Yah’s Grace, by the Blood of the Lamb. You may have been baptized in Water. You may have been baptized in the Spirit, and may have received all spiritual gifts. Thus far, you have done well — you have completed step 1 of Yah’s program.
But according to the words of Yahusha, and all of Scripture, you and I will enter in, only if we meet Yah’s step 2 requirements — by being obedient to Father’s Commandments, by His Grace.
This is How to enter in to the Promised Land, according to the Words of Yahusha.
No comments:
Post a Comment