Do You Have Any Questions?

The disciples had questions!  I’m certain you must or should have as well!

What were their questions?  In Matthew 24:3 they asked this:  “Tell us, when shall these things be?  What shall be the sign of the coming, and of the end of the world?”

I, too, would like to know when the end of the world is to be.  However, they were not asking this.  The translation of the King James Bible is incorrect.  In what way is it incorrect?  The word, “world”, in the second question is not a correct translation of the Greek.  The Greek does not have, kosmos, which is the preferred translation for world. The Greek word is actually, aion, or age. This correct understanding changes the question and its significance.

We are told in Revelation 20: 4-7 that when Messiah returns, it is not the end of the world. The world as we know it will continue for at least 1000 years beyond his return. There is a group of people resurrected when he returns who will reign with him and will die no more!

Now do you have a question?  Would you like to know who these people are and how you can join them, reign with Messiah and experience no further death?  In times past I was taught by the world’s religions that when I die I would go to heaven or hell. Catholicism offered a third choice, purgatory. Other religious groups offer different beliefs such as reincarnation, immortality of the soul, karma and other possibilities.

Do you find something special about the words you find in the bible?   If you do, please continue reading. If the bible is of no value to you, then don’t waste your time reading any further. Perhaps you find the Koran, the Talmud or some other religious or nonreligious source more meaningful.

The disciples went to Messiah for their questions. Perhaps, you should too? Pray to Yahweh for truth, read the information on this website and then contact an elder with the Light of YahwehShua.

The members of the Light of YahwehShua have already done what we are suggesting that you should do. We are now striving to overcome to join Messiah when he returns. The book of Jude tells us in verse 14 that those with him are “His saints”.  Those who are resurrected are the “true” saints.  Other religions have misused this term to their own advantage, but Jude is giving you the truth.

The members of the Light of YahwehShua ecclesia or assembly have had the key of knowledge (Luke 11: 52) revealed to them. Who gave this important knowledge to us?  It came from Father Yahweh.  How can we claim it came from the Father?  Because Messiah told us so in John 6:44:  “No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him:”

In Matthew 20:16 we are told: “for many be called, but few chosen.”  Do you have another question?   How many is a few?  Can we find an answer in the bible?  Yes, and it is found in Revelation 14:1.  We are told there are 144,000 saints resurrected when the Messiah returns.

Well, what about the rest of mankind?   What happens to them?  Revelation 20:12 provides the answer: “The rest of the dead live not again until the thousand years were finished.”

What do we know?  There are at least two resurrections yet to come. The first is when the Messiah returns and is met by I44,000 saints. Others are not resurrected at that time. They are resurrected 1000 years later. No human being is permanently dead!!

It is not Yahweh’s plan to torture people in “hell”, leave them dead or even bring them into heaven.

Yes, Yahweh has a plan and it is a plan you need to understand. Ephesians 3:11 describes the existence of this plan when correctly translated. The King James Bible reads, “according to the eternal purpose.”  However, a translation from the original Greek says, “according to the plan of the ages.”

Just as the word, world, is often incorrectly used for the word age, the same type of error occurs with the word eternal. A better translation is age abiding.  It takes time to study and investigate the truth of the Scriptures in the Hebrew and Greek languages.  All Bible translations have errors, which requires some research to ensure that the words used are accurate. The Rotherham Bible translation is especially good at translating the Hebrew word olam and the Greek word aion or aionon.  Rotherham also acknowledges the true name of the Father, Yahweh. There are other errors, but it is a good reference if used carefully.

The members of the Light of YahwehShua have received the key of knowledge and acted upon it. We are baptized in the name of YahwehShua. The human name of Yahshua is defiled in sin and cannot be used before the Father. YahwehShua is the inherited name (Hebrews 1: 4) and contains the full name of the Father.  The human name of Messiah has only three of the four letters from the Tetragrammaton.

Following a legitimate baptism in the correct name, we have had hands laid upon us by the officiating elder.  In this way we have received the Spirit of the Father who has implanted the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah within us.  The Spirit of Messiah is not fully formed but it must grow over time. (Galatians 4:19)  By overcoming and having a fully formed spirit of Messiah within us at the time of our death, we are born again as a Spirit being in the better resurrection when Messiah returns.

This is the path to the first resurrection for the 144,000 saints.  There is much more you can learn. But first you must decide if this is for you. The type of existence you will have after death will be determined by your decision.

It would be wonderful if you could speak directly with Messiah as his disciples did and ask him what you should do.  Well, you can!  When you speak with a member of the Light of YahwehShua, you are speaking to Messiah who is being formed within them. Those of us who overcome will be among the 144,000. We say this boldly because of what John tells us in 1 John 3:2:  “Beloved, now are we the sons of Yahweh, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that, when he shall appear [in the better resurrection] WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM.”   In this life we are becoming like him, but when he returns we shall be like him.  Paul confirms this in Romans 8:29:  “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image [likeness] of his Son.”

Matthew confirms that Messiah is actually being formed within us. This is not symbolism or metaphor. It is actually happening. Matthew 25:40 quotes Messiah saying:  “Verily I say unto you, in so much as he has done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Don’t misunderstand me!  We are not elevating our status.  We are the least from the perspective of the world. Paul confirms this in first Corinthians 1:26: “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, is called.“  In other words, we are of little value to this world at this time. But in the age to come we will be precious! (Psalm 116: 15)

It is not my intention to mislead you. Walking in the footsteps of the Messiah is not easy. Luke enlightens us in Acts 14:22: “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of Yahweh.”  We must be willing to suffer. But if we are willing to suffer, we shall also reign with him. (2 Timothy 2: 12)  This confirms that we have an opportunity to be with him and in the better resurrection.

After reading all of the above, are you still interested?  Then pray for truth to our Father, Yahweh.  Then go to one of the called out ones.  They have the Spirit of Messiah being formed within them and are best able to guide you.  You can know if Messiah is leading them by the fruit they produce. (Matthew 7:19-20)

Contact us and see if you are being called!  You will not be obligated to us at all, but you will have an obligation to Yahweh!  This may be a valuable opportunity for you. What you are reading now and considering could be your invitation from the Father!  If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

For Ever or Age Abiding?

Let us take a look at a great fish tale where we find something that is really fishy!  We can find the reference to this event in Jonah 1:17 (KJV):

“Now Yahweh had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”   

Now, let’s read about Jonah’s perspective of that experience in Jonah 2:5-6 (KJV): 

“The waters compassed me about even to the soul:  the depths closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars about me for ever:  yet hast now brought up my life from corruption, oh Yahweh my Elohim.” 

Now wait a minute!  There is a discrepancy here. In Jonah 1:17 we are told Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. Then in the citation from Jonah 2, Jonah says he was in this predicament “for ever”!  How did this difference occur? 

The translators of the King James Version (KJV) used for ever here to translate the Hebrew word olam.  Olam can be found in Strong’s Concordance as H5769. Olam is found nearly 450 times in the Old Testament Hebrew. Olam is often translated as for ever, perpetual, everlasting and at least 20 other ways. However, it is really not equivalent to any of these English words. 

I selected this passage in the book of Jonah because for ever is used only once and they really got it wrong. We are told Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. This reveals that in this context olam is not forever but time-limited to just those three days and nights.  This tells us that the context can be an important clue to the duration of the event. We must evaluate each and every passage where olam is translated to determine its true meaning. 

It is also of interest that the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, the Septuagint, uses the Greek words, aion, (G165) and aionios (G166) to translate olam. These words are best translated as age abiding or age-lasting.  The Rotherham translation of the Old and New Testaments does not use for ever but age abiding to translate olam. These Greek and Hebrew equivalent terms are usually time-limited not eternal or perpetual. 

For instance in Jude 7 we find this:  “Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”  The Greek word translated as eternal is aionios. (G166) The correct translation is age abiding, not eternal.  There is a time limitation associated with this event. How do we know this?  

The prophet Ezekiel provides us with the understanding that we need to properly interpret aionios.  This is found in the book of Ezekiel 16: 53-55: 

“When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then will I bring again the captivity of thy the captives in the midst of them. [The Companion Bible offers this clarification of the phrase, “bring again their captivity”.  This source offers an enhanced meaning of restore them.]  That thou mayest bear thine own shame, and mayest be confounded in all that thou hast done, and that thou art a comfort unto them.  When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estates, and Samaria and her daughter shall return to their former estate then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former state. (The American Translation Bible has this explanation for former estate:  as they will return to their former life.) 

The book of Jude says they will burn with eternal fire while Ezekiel says they will live again. The difference is the translation of aionios.  If we use age abiding both passages from Jude and Ezekiel are complementary. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah will not have perished for ever but for a time-limited period, after which they will live again. This is an important distinction. 

The people of Sodom are not gone for ever but only until another age. The next age for them is the Last Great Day or White Throne Judgment.

(Revelation 20: 11)  We are told in Genesis 13:10 that Yahweh “destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.”  Yes, it was destroyed, but the inhabitants did not perish forever. All those who died at that time will be resurrected with ALL the rest of mankind after the thousand-year reign of Messiah is completed. (Revelation 20:5)  Yes, it is vitally important to make sure the words you are reading from a bible translation are accurate. There is a significant difference between eternal or for ever and a time-limited age.  

Another example (and there are are many) is the phrase, “everlasting hills” found in Genesis 49:26. This expression is contradicted by Isaiah 40:4 which says:  “every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:” This is a relatively minor example, but is one that if we understand it correctly enhances our knowledge of Yahweh’s plan and his intentions. 

The book of Acts, chapter 15, is about a very important meeting the apostles and elders convened in Jerusalem.  In verse one we learn why this meeting was called:  “Certain men came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.”  The apostles and elders discussed this matter and their decision was that the Pharisees who supported this teaching were wrong.  Circumcision of the flesh is no longer necessary for salvation. 

Paul confirms this understanding in 1 Corinthians 7:19:  “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the Commandments of Elohim.”

 Paul continues to add support to his teaching in Colossians 2:11: “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands.”  This indicates a change from the old covenant method of circumcision to the new covenant method of the circumcision of the heart. What was formerly by the flesh is now through water baptism in YahwehShua.

 This new understanding contradicts what we are told in Genesis 17:13:

“He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting [olam] covenant.”  According to the King James translation, circumcision of the flesh was to be everlasting, or perpetual. But a change was announced by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. Therefore the teaching in Genesis could not be in effect forever. It was, in fact, age-abiding.  Circumcision was begun in the age of Abraham and terminated in the age of Messiah. This was not an everlasting covenant but one that was to be age-abiding. 

Is there another example of a “for ever” statement in the Old Testament that is later revealed as being time-limited?  Yes, let’s consider the Day of Coverings, Yom Kippurim.  The King James Version of Leviticus 16:29 says this:  “and this shall be a statute for ever [olam] unto you: that in the seventh month, on the 10th day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own or a stranger that sojourneth among you.“  This translation suggests that this requirement is perpetual and unchangeable, but is it?   

Based on what we have learned about the Hebrew word olam, this statute cannot be forever. It must be age-abiding and therefore time-limited.  Just as circumcision was age abiding, so is Yom Kippurim.  Paul reveals this change in Hebrews 6:1-2: 

1       Passover: “repentance from dead works”

2       Unleavened bread, First High Sabbath, “faith towards Yahweh”

3       Unleavened bread, Second high Sabbath, “the doctrine of [water]  baptisms”

4       Pentecost, “laying on of hands“

5      Yom Teruah, “resurrection of the dead“

6      Yom Gadol, the Last Great Day, “eternal judgment“

You will notice the absence of Yom Kippurim and the Feast of Booths.  This represents a significant change. For the purpose of this discussion I will focus only on the Day of Coverings. 

During Yom Kippurim, under the old covenant, the Israelite high priest enters the Holy of Holies once a year to sprinkle animal blood on the mercy seat for the reconciliation of the people of Israel for one year. This was required until the covenant was terminated. This happened with the death of Messiah on the tree. He was the husband of Israel. Israel was bound to her husband until his death, and then she was free.

Messiah died under the name of Yahshua.  He poured out his blood after death. Upon his resurrection the Messiah inherited a new name because his human name was defiled by ALL the sin of mankind. Unlike the high priest of the old covenant who offered blood from year-to-year, Messiah shed his blood only once.  Paul confirms that all sin is reconciled with the one time shedding of his blood. This is what Paul tells us in Romans 5:11: “We have now received the atonement” (reconciliation).  It is not repeated year to year. It was done once and fulfilled all requirements. That is why Paul did not list the continued observance of the Day of Coverings in Hebrews 6. 

Yom Kippurim is for physical Israel and for the world. It is not for the firstfruits of this age. The firstfruits are those resurrected when Messiah returns. Remember, the Messiah died in sin for all mankind. His blood covers all mankind.  

During the 1000-year reign of Messiah, animal sacrifices will be reinstituted. But this time the blood is sprinkled by the priests upon and around the altar. Unlike under the old covenant, there is no high priest to sprinkle blood in the Holy of Holies. No blood is taken into the temple part of the sanctuary as described in the book of Ezekiel.  In Ezekiel 45:17 we are told that the offerings (sin, meat, burnt and peace) are “to make reconciliation for the House of Israel“.  

Ezekiel reveals a major change with the required sacrifices reinstituted during the 1000 years. He indicates that Passover, Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Booths are also observed (Chapter 45.)  There is no mention of Yom Kippurim.  The Yom Kippurim taught in Leviticus is not everlasting but time-limited, or age abiding.  Circumcision and Yom Kippurim were both changed. Paul reveals the change of circumcision as well as in the Day of Coverings. 

Yom Kippurim is of the old covenant. We, the firstfruits of the age of Messiah, are to embrace the new covenant. Therefore we must embrace the doctrine of Messiah.  John gave us this warning in 2 John 9: “Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Messiah, hath not Elohim.  He that abideth in the doctrine of Messiah hath both the Father and Son.”  We must not allow ourselves to become anti-messiah.  We must not be lukewarm, but hot and zealous in keeping the new covenant. 

Do you wish to learn more about the key of knowledge? (Luke 11:52)

This is knowledge that can lead you to the better resurrection. (Hebrews 11: 35)  Pray to Yahweh for truth, study the information on our website and contact our elders for assistance. We are looking for those who are being called by the Father during this age. (John 6:44, 45.)

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

Deuteronomy 29:20: Whose Name is Blotted Out?

“The LORD [Hebrew: YAHWEH] will not spare him, but then the anger of YAHWEH and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all of the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and YAHWEH shall blot out his name from under heaven.”

This verse is quoted from Deuteronomy 29:20.  Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Torah. It follows Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. The Torah is highly revered by Jews, Christians, and those who consider this to be the word given to us by our Creator.

The translators of the King James Version of the Bible chose to translate the Hebrew Tetragrammaton as LORD instead of the actual Hebrew name of the Creator, YAHWEH. This was a significant error.  His name, Yahweh, is used nearly 7000 times in the Old Testament. Please note what Isaiah quoted Yahweh as saying in his book, chapter 42, verse eight: “I am YAHWEH: that is my name:  and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”

The prophet, Jeremiah, supports Isaiah in Jeremiah 33:2:  Thus saith Yahweh the maker thereof, Yahweh that formed it, to establish it; YAHWEH is his name.”  It is important to recognize the error of using LORD instead of the true name, Yahweh.  The Catholic Bible, called the New Jerusalem Bible, correctly translated the Tetragrammaton as Yahweh throughout its translation of the Old Testament.

The Old Testament is considered Scripture. Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16 said this: “All scripture is given by inspiration of Yahweh.”  The Old Testament is the only Scripture that the Messiah and his disciples had when they walked the earth.

The Torah is considered the word of Yahweh. It is inspired by the Holy Spirit. (2 Timothy 3:16)  Even Messiah said this to Satan as quoted in Matthew 4:4:  “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but every word that proceedeth out the mouth of Yahweh.”  Messiah was quoting Deuteronomy 8:3:  “Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Yahweh doth man live.”  You’ll note that the King James Version uses LORD, which is the erroneous translation of the Tetragrammaton.  Messiah quoted this Scripture and would therefore have used Yahweh not LORD. Messiah also said, every word” and Paul said, “all Scripture”.  This would include Deuteronomy 29:20!

Let us look at another scripture in Deuteronomy 21:22:  “And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree...” Now did Messiah commit a sin worthy of death?  No, he did not commit any sin.  But he did die IN sin.  But it was OUR sin!

Paul tells us this in 2 Corinthians 5:21:  “For he hath made him [to be was added] sin for us, who knew no sin.”  Messiah took upon himself all the sins of the world. Since it was not his sin, he could not repent. The only way out of his situation was to die. Did he have a sin, “worthy of death”?  Of course he did. By taking upon himself the sins of the world, including the most heinous of sins, he would be worthy of death.

John the Baptist was quoted in John 1:29 saying this about Messiah:  “The next day John seeth Yahshua coming unto him, and saith, ‘Behold the Lamb of Yahweh, which taketh away the sin of the world.’”  The apostle John confirms this in 1 John 1:7: “and the blood of Yahshua Messiah his Son cleanseth us from all sin.“  The Messiah died in all sin, the least to the worst. He was therefore worthy of death. He was also worthy of all the curses written in the book of Deuteronomy. Paul confirms this in Galatians 3:13: “Messiah has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.”  He took upon himself all the sin and all the curses. What is the final curse described in Deuteronomy 29:20?  “And Yahweh shall blot out his name from under heaven.”

Have you ever noticed this Scripture before?  When this was first pointed out to me, I was very surprised. I had read the bible for years. I was taught the bible in school and in church. Never once was this Scripture taught or explained. It is from the Torah. It is the word of Yahweh and was inspired by the Holy Spirit. We should not dismiss it!

Only one man died in sin and that is Messiah.  Why is this? It is because Messiah took all the sin upon himself. We do not have to die in sin and therefore, we do not have our names blotted out of the book of life.  Since he is the only human to die in sin, only he has his name blotted out. This is a significant understanding. If his human name, Yahshua, was blotted out, why do we still find it in the Greek New Testament?

If we still find his human name in the Scriptures, then Messiah must not have fulfilled the law. If he took all the sin on himself and died, the law says his name would be blotted out. If he did not fulfill the law, he therefore violated the law. We are told in 1 John 3:4 that ”sin is the transgression of the law.”  If he sinned by transgressing the law, he was, in fact, guilty of committing sin. Messiah had to be “a Lamb without blemish”, that is, without sin.   What happened?

In the book of Acts 4:17-18 we are told:  “But that it spread no further among the people, let us straightly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name YahwehShua.“

Again, we find this insight in the book of Acts 5:28:  “Saying, did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

According to Romans 3:2, the Jews were entrusted to preserve the Word of Yahweh. Messiah was convicted and executed for blasphemy.  His human name had to be blotted out according to the law. The Jewish high priest was in charge of the written records stored in the temple. He was able to blot out Messiah’s inherited name, (Hebrews 1:4) which is found nowhere in the Scriptures. It is the name of faith. Hebrews 11:1 tells us this about things not seen:  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  The name, YahwehShua, is not seen in the Scriptures and must be revealed by the Father.  It is the name of faith.

Yahweh blotted out Messiah’s human name from the book of life. He had control of this heavenly storage system. The Jewish high priest kept the human name in the temple records to create confusion. The high priest was guilty of taking away the key of knowledge. (Luke 11: 52)  The blood of Messiah was identified by his human name. The saving name, the name inherited after Messiah died and was resurrected is YahwehShua.  This name is the name of both the Father and Son.

The human name represents only the Son and is defiled with the sin of all mankind.  The inherited name contains the key of knowledge, Yahweh!  The apostle John gives us this important knowledge in 2 John 9:  “He that abideth in the doctrine of Messiah, he hath both the Father and the Son.“  The importance of having both the name of the Father and the Son is confirmed in Revelation 14:1 where we learn that the 144,000 who were resurrected at the return of Messiah had the name of the Father and Son on their foreheads.

If you wish to be in the better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35) you must be baptized in the name of the Father and Son.  Should you be baptized in ANY other name, you’ll not be in the resurrection when Messiah returns.

When you ignore Deuteronomy 29:20, you also are being deprived of the key of knowledge.  You will not realize that the human name of the ONLY man to die in sin was blotted out of the book of life.  Once blotted out, it cannot be the saving name. The saving name is the name Messiah inherited after his resurrection and that name included the name of Yahweh.  Therefore, we call on the name of YahwehShua, which is the name of both the Father and Son.

The importance of the name of Yahweh was known in the Old Testament.  Joel 2:32 confirms this by saying: “Whosoever shall call on the name of Yahweh shall be delivered:” This is such important knowledge that Paul quoted this verse in Romans 10:13: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of Yahweh shall be SAVED.“  The name of Yahweh is salvation. This is why Yahweh’s name is mistranslated as LORD.  The key of knowledge was taken away in the Old Testament translation and in the Greek New Testament as well.

Without this saving knowledge, deceived people seek baptism in another name. Any other name is not salvation. The inherited name represents a union between the Father and Son, YahwehShua.  This union is confirmed by what Messiah told us in John 10:30:  “I and the Father are one.“  We too must become one with the Father. This can only be accomplished by being baptized in the name of the Father and Son, YahwehShua.

Pray to Yahweh for truth. Seek to understand Deuteronomy 29:20 and its ramifications for choosing the saving name for baptism. Should you want further assistance after studying our website, please contact our elder at the Light of YahwehShua.   If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com. We are seeking those who are called by the Father. (John 6: 44, 65)   We are here to do our Father’s will.

Are We to Keep ALL the Levitical Fall Feasts?

Leviticus 23 provides a list of all the Feasts of Yahweh required throughout the year. However, I want to focus on the Feasts held in the fall. (Or spring, south of the equator)

The first fall feast is Yom Teruah or a Feast of Shouting.  It is interesting to note that many scholars indicate that the Torah does not give a reason for this feast. This day occurs on the day of the new moon that is observed from Jerusalem. This is the beginning of the seventh Hebrew month and it is from this day all the other feast days are calculated. This is an annual Sabbath Day.

The next fall feast is Yom Kippurim or Day of Coverings.  This day is also known as atonement but a better translation of the Hebrew is covering.  It is on this day that the Levitical High Priest enters the holy of holies and sprinkles animal blood.  Leviticus 16:33 explains the purpose of this annual ceremony in this way:  “And he shall make an atonement [H3722 kapar, meaning covering] for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement [covering] for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.”  This day is to be observed 10 days from Yom Teruah and is an annual Sabbath.

The next fall Feast listed in Leviticus 23 is the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles.   In the Hebrew it is called Hag Sukkot.  It is counted as the 15th day from Yom Teruah.  It is on this day that the Israelites would dwell in booths for seven days. (Leviticus 23: 42)  This was to be a commemoration of their being brought out of the land of Egypt. (Verse 43)  The first day of this Feast is an annual Sabbath and the following six days are not Sabbaths.

The last feast day of the fall feasts is called the eighth day of the Feast or the Last Great Day.  In Hebrew is Yom Gadol.  It is also an annual Sabbath.  (Leviticus 23:39)  Like Yom Teruah, the purpose of this day is not stated in the Torah.

The book of Leviticus is part of the Torah. It provides guidance to those under the Levitical law and old covenant. However, the old covenant ended when Messiah, Israel’s husband, died on the tree. With Pentecost, the new covenant was instituted. The priesthood was changed with the new covenant as well as the law. (Hebrews 7:12)

What were some of these changes?

1.     Circumcision of the flesh became circumcision without hands. (Colossians 2:11)

2.    The spiritual priesthood of Melchizedek supplanted the physical priesthood of Aaron. (Hebrews 7:11-12)

3.    Tithing was for the Levites. (Numbers 18:23-24)  Today there is no temple and no Levitical priesthood so tithing is not required.

4.    Baptism is a requirement. (Acts 2:38) This is followed by the laying on of the hands to receive the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8: 17-18)

5.    Passover is observed without the sacrifice or eating of a lamb. Footwashing was instituted by Messiah as well as the eating of leavened bread and drinking the fruit of the vine. (Luke 22:15-20)

6.    A change in the keeping of the annual Sabbaths was revealed by Paul in Hebrews 6:1-2:

    A.   Passover:  “let us go into perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works.”

    B.   Unleavened Bread, the first annual High Day: “Faith toward Elohim”

    C.   Unleavened Bread, the second annual High Day: “of the doctrine of baptisms”     

    D.   Pentecost:  the third annual High Day:  “of laying on of the hands”

    E.   Yom Teruah (Day of Shouting) the fourth annual High Day: “ Of resurrection of the dead”

    F.   Yom Gadol, the Last Great Day or eighth Day of the Feast: The fifth annual High Day: “of eternal judgment”

Paul has provided us with a revised list of annual High Days.   This list of the Feasts of Yahweh is different from the list provided in Leviticus 23.  Paul’s list represents the requirements of the new covenant.  Leviticus 23 provides a listing under the old covenant. I no longer observe Yom Kippurim and Hag Sukkot under the new covenant. These two annual Sabbaths are meant only for physical Israel while under the old covenant.  In the better resurrection of the 144,000 saints, we do not participate or officiate as priests.  The physical Israelites and the world who live during the thousand year reign of Messiah will be under the Levitical law which will be officiated by priests of the lineage of Zadok.  (Ezekiel 44: 15)

The covering provided with the blood of bulls and goats is only for physical Israel. The covering provided by Messiah’s precious blood has reconciled the world. This covering allows all mankind access to the new heavens and new earth. In Romans 5:10 we are told that:  “We were reconciled to Yahweh by the death of his son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”

What does this phrase in scripture mean, ”saved by his life.”?  This refers to what it takes to get a human into the Kingdom, or New Jerusalem.  In the new heavens and new earth there will be beings outside the walls of the Kingdom and beings inside the walls of the Kingdom. To be in the kingdom, you must be a first fruit from the better resurrection or be saved during the Last Great Day. You must be baptized with the name of “life” to receive the Father’s spirit and thus begin the formation of the Spirit of Messiah. You must have Messiah’s fully formed spirit at the better resurrection to be“born again”.

Hebrews 6 reveals the absence of the requirement to observe Yom Kippurim.  Romans 5:11 tells us why this change was necessary:  “and not only so, but we also joy in Yahweh through our Sovereign, YahwehShua Messiah, by whom we have now received the atonement.” [covering or reconciliation]  The world, including those who are to be in the better resurrection, are NOW covered by his precious blood. We, in this age, are not required to observe Yom Kippurim. Participation in this annual Sabbath places you under the old covenant.  We, who are of the new covenant and now are the sons of Yahweh (1 John 3:2) should no longer keep the old covenant. We need to fully embrace the new covenant. We need to follow Paul’s revised list and not Leviticus 23.

In addition, to fully embrace the new covenant we must not observe the Feast of Booths.  We should not keep the old covenant annual sabbaths, YOM KIPPURIM AND HAG SUKKOT.  We do not fast, observe the days as annual sabbaths or dwell in temporary dwellings. They are eliminated from our calendars.

However, then comes the YOM GADOL. This is being observed as required by the doctrine or teaching of Messiah in Hebrews 6. We will be resurrected prior to this event and will be judging angels according to scripture.  (1 Corinthians 6: 3)

It is of interest that Messiah was recorded as observing, “that great day of the feast.” (John 7:37)  The recognition of this day required the proper observance of Yom Teruah and the new moon.  In the Greek scriptures, Messiah is not quoted referring to Yom Kippurim or the annual High Day of the feast of tabernacles.  Is this why he spoke out on Yom Gadol and not the other two?

Now, what about Leviticus 23:30 which says: “and whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, [Yom Kippurim] the same soul will I destroy from among his people.”  This is a very serious statement that should not be overlooked.  We must be certain of our understanding, which is not to observe Yom Kippurim under the new covenant.

In Leviticus 16:34 it says: “and this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement [H3722, covering] for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year.”  Let us examine the word, everlasting. This word in fact does not mean everlasting or forever. This word is Strong’s 5769, OLAM, and it means age- abiding or age-lasting.  This means it has a definite endpoint.

The end of that “everlasting” age was when Messiah died on the tree.  We, of this new covenant age, are not under the requirement of the “everlasting statute” of Leviticus 16:34. You must study and determine for yourself the true meaning of OLAM [H5769] and not rely on the error of the translators.

As part of your study, refer to scriptures such as Genesis 49:26 which calls the hills everlasting. Look at Habakkuk 3:6, which says the mountains are everlasting.  In Exodus 40:15, the Levitical priesthood is called an everlasting priesthood.  How can this be when the priesthood of Melchizedec replaced this priesthood? In these examples the word everlasting means age-abiding, not forever. It is also of significance that when the Greek Septuagint was translated from the Hebrew word, OLAM, it was translated with the Greek word AION, which means age- abiding.

Also keep in mind the concept of ages. We are now in the age that began with the death of Messiah and will end at Messiah’s return. The next age will be the 1000-year reign of Messiah. The Levitical Law requirements will be in force again. The Last Great Day or Judgment Day is the next age. The final age will be the new heaven and earth. Each age brings changes. The only usage of forever that is correct is when it is used in reference to Yahweh.

This understanding that I am presenting has evolved over the last year. To observe Yom Kippurim and Hag Sukkot while professing the name, YahwehShua, is to have one foot in the old covenant and one foot in the new. Yahweh warns us about this in Revelation 3: 15: “ I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:  I would thou wert cold or hot.”

Remember, what John tells us in 2 John 9: “he that abideth in the doctrine of Messiah, he have both the Father and the Son.”  The firstfruits in Revelation 14:1 had the name of the Father and the Son. If we desire to be in the better resurrection we must fully embrace the new covenant. Study to be approved. (2 Tim. 2:15)  Pray to Yahweh for truth. You must embrace the new covenant and all that it requires. To embrace both the old and new will not be acceptable.

Remember what John tells us in first John 3:24: “and he that keepeth His Commandments dwelleth in Him.“  Now is the time to fully discern the true requirements of the new covenant. We, of the Light of YahwehShua, fully embrace and teach the truths of the new covenant. If you are being called, this is the way to life!

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Matthew 25:1-12

1.    “Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened unto 10 virgins, which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2.    And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3.    They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:” [There was oil in their lamps but they did not carry a vessel. (Strong’s # 30, flask, container) They did not have the additional oil like the wise virgins.]      

4.    “But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5.    While the bridegroom tarried, they almost slumbered and slept.”

Many who interpret this parable believe that watchfulness is the main message being presented here. However, I believe this is a distraction from understanding the true significance of the oil.  They all slumbered and were awakened. The difference was not watchfulness, but the possession of the additional oil.

What is the significance of the oil?  The Song of Solomon 1:3 offers this: “because of the savour of thy good ointments [Strong’s 8081, olive oil] thy name is poured forth, therefore do virgins love thee.”   This verse reveals oil as representative of a name.

We should focus on the two oils in the parable. The oil in the lamps is brought with them and is previously obtained.  The oil in the second container or vessel had to be acquired by separate transactions. The wise made arrangements beforehand but the unwise are forced to purchase it at a later time.  Yahweh gives his spirit freely to those obedient to his calling. (1 Cor. 2: 12)  However, the second oil represents a spirit that is not given but formed. (Gal. 4: 19)

6.    “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go out to meet him.

7.    Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8.    And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.”

The fact that the unwise said their lamps are “gone out” indicates that there was oil in their lamps to begin with. Both the wise and unwise began with oil in their lamps.

9.    “But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.”

The second oil was not easily obtained. The first oil was common to both the wise and unwise. They both began with the same oil but the process of obtaining the second oil was different.  The unwise assumed the first oil was sufficient. It was not. However, the time remaining did not allow them to obtain the second oil and enter the wedding.

10. “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.”

How important is this door?  Messiah tells us in John 10:9: “I am the door:  by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Messiah confirms that we are saved through him.  Acts 2: 21 suggests this: “and it shall come to pass, then whosoever shall call on the name of the sovereign shall be saved.”  His name is very important to salvation. The possession of the second oil was very important to entering the door to the wedding. If they had had the second oil, they would have been spared or saved from having to be left out.

To answer the door that is Messiah, we must know his name. This parable represents a time after the resurrection. The human name of Messiah was defiled in death by absorbing all the sin of mankind. His human name identifies his sin-defiled blood. He could not appear before his Father with the defiled name. He therefore had to inherit (Hebrews 1: 4) a new name, which is the name of salvation.

Paul reminds us in Romans 5:10 that: “we were reconciled to Yahweh by the death of his son [the human name] much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”  So his inherited name is the name of life. The name that he received after being resurrected is the name that we need to also be resurrected.   However, the Spirit of YahwehShua is not given but is formed.   It requires time for this to happen. The Spirit of the Father is freely given at the time of baptism and the laying on of the hands.  The name of YahwehShua is represented by the second oil. The unwise virgins had to purchase it. That took time and they didn’t have enough.

11.“Afterward, came also the other virgins, saying, Sovereign, Sovereign open to us.

12.“But he answered and said, Verily, I say unto you, I know you not.”

Why did Messiah know the wise virgins and not the unwise ones?  What was the difference?  The difference was the second oil.

We are told that the spirit of the Father is freely given. The 10 virgins began with the same oil in their lamps. They both had the freely given Spirit of the Father. The 10 were called, but only five were chosen. (Matt. 22: 14)  The wise had an additional vessel that contained necessary second oil.  Those chosen had to have the second oil or the name of the Son of Yahweh, YahwehShua. The unwise did not have the second oil, the name of life. The wise did not stop seeking with the Father’s name.  They asked, they sought and they knocked until they had the true name of life. The unwise were content with the freely given oil and name of the Father. They did not take seriously the value of the inherited name of the Son and the spirit was therefore quenched.

However, there is more to overcoming then just knowing the inherited name of Messiah, YahwehShua.  This is revealed to us in 1 John 3:23:  “And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son YahwehShua Messiah and love one another, as he gave us his commandment.” Notice that this message from John says and love one another.

Love is a very important requirement of the new covenant. The unwise virgins may have had the inherited name of Messiah revealed to them but failed to overcome by NOT manifesting the love of Messiah.  For a more extensive explanation of how important the formation of Messiah’s spirit and his commandment to love one another is to overcoming, please refer to our article, “ The Significance of Love in The New Covenant”.

Messiah did not recognize the unwise because they were not faithful. They denied the faith. (1 Tim. 5: 8) The inherited name is the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11: 1)  His inherited name is not found in the Scriptures. The human name of the Messiah is always there. Messiah’s inherited name is the name of faith and is the evidence for the unseen.

The wise were able and willing to retain their faith. The unwise were not able to hold on and endure to the end. Remember what we are told in first Timothy 5:8: “he hath denied the faith [that is, the name of faith] and it is worse than an infidel.”  Messiah would only recognize HIS, not the infidel. The door was not open to them. Peter offers this insight in 2 Peter 2:20: “For if after they have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Sovereign and Savior, YahwehShua Messiah, they are again entangled there in, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

We must strive to develop the spirit of Messiah within us.  Paul tells us why in Romans 8:9: ”Now if any man have not the spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.” The Spirit of the Father is freely given upon the laying on of hands after baptism.  The spirit of Messiah requires time to develop. The unwise ran out of time to obtain the second oil. The Spirit of the Father once freely given allows the beginning of the formation of his son’s spirit. (Gal. 4:19)  Once the formation begins, it must continue to the end. If we stop growing, the spirit of Messiah can be quenched. We will then not have an open door. We will not be in the better resurrection. (Hebrews 11: 35)

It is quite possible that all 10 virgins had thought they were dedicated to Messiah. Being in the body of Messiah would give them a secure feeling. Being called and chosen is a wonderful privilege. However, we should not become comfortable.

We are told in Matthew 22:14 that:  “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Please note all chosen are called but not all called are chosen. The five unwise virgins learned this truth the hard way. They had the Father’s Spirit, but did not realize the significance of maintaining the growth and development of the Son’s spirit.

The unwise were deceived. The problem with being deceived is not knowing that you are deceived. This is why you can never stop asking, seeking and knocking. That is why Messiah included this guidance in the Master’s prayer, “give us this day our daily bread”. (Mat. 6: 11)  We must ask daily (Mat. 7: 7) so that we are nourished daily. The spiritual fetus is being formed within us and requires daily feeding. This is not optional.

The five unwise virgins were deceived. Yahweh’s spirit is given to those who obey Him. (Acts 5: 32)  Being baptized and having the laying on of hands in the name of YahwehShua is an act of obedience.   However, the continued growth of the spiritual fetus requires continuous obedience to the Father.  If you allow the Spirit to lead you into all truth (John 16: 13-15) this will help you to not quench the Spirit. 

How can you minimize being deceived?  John offers this insight in John 3:14:  “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”   Yes, it is all about love. Notice the new commandment Messiah gives us in John 13:34: “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

The five unwise were denied entry by the door, Messiah. There are many things they may have failed to do and one of those was not loving their brothers as He loved them.

It is instructive to remember what Messiah tells us in Matthew 25. Messiah informed us that what we do unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done to me. (Verse 40) He also says, “as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” That may explain why the five unwise heard him say to them, “I know you not.”

An important aspect of the forming of Messiah’s spirit within us is developing His quality of love. To learn how deep and extensive His love can be, please read first Corinthians 13.  John reminds us in 1 John 4:8 that: “Yahweh is love.”  Therefore YahwehShua is love. We have the love of YahwehShua being formed within us. As the Spirit of YahwehShua is being developed, we are able to manifest His quality of love.  The limited love of our carnal nature becomes less manifested as the love of Messiah becomes more prominent. We must ask daily for more of that special love of Messiah.

Are you a wise virgin?  Perhaps you are unwise. You need to know!  Messiah is your source of knowledge. Go to Yahweh in prayer, in the name of YahwehShua.  Ask for the love, seek the love, and when you knock, the door will be open for you.  Trust me, you do not want to hear, “I know you not.”

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.