Zechariah"s Prophecy for the Age of the Firstfruits

This prophecy is found in Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith Yahweh of hosts.”

Who is Yahweh of hosts? The apostle Paul provides the answer in 1 Corinthians 10:4:  “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank all of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Messiah.” (in Greek, Christ)

It was the Son of Yahweh himself that led the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses confirms this in Exodus 13:16: “For by the strength of hand Yahweh brought us forth out of Egypt.”

This Yahweh of the Exodus is the same Yahweh who appeared in his physical form to Adam, Abraham, and then to Moses. This was not the Father, but the Son, the Messiah, Yahweh of hosts.

No man has ever seen or heard Yahweh, the Father. The apostle John confirms this in John 5:37: “And the Father himself, which has sent me, has borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.”

Where is the Father? Paul answers this for us in 1 Timothy 6:16: “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; who no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting.”

The apostles, Paul and John, are in agreement. The Father has never had contact with any man. All contact has been made through the Son. Remember how Messiah was quoted in John 5:37 as saying: ”The Father himself, which hath sent me.”

The Father and Son work together in this world. One is the Word, the visible representative of the family of Yahweh (Ephesians 3: 14-15) and the other is the Father, that has never left the light in heaven.

An example of the Father and Son working together is found in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah which is related in Genesis 19:24:  “Then Yahweh rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorra brimstone and fire from Yahweh out of heaven.”  The Word, sent by the Father, participated in the destruction of these two cities from the earth. The Father projected his power from heaven.

It was the voice of the Son that Adam and Eve heard in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:8)  They hid themselves. They were hiding themselves from a physical being. This was the same being that would later lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

How did Satan relate to the Son of Yahweh? Remember, Satan had been cast out of heaven. (Revelation 12:3-4) In Job 3:6 we are told this:  “Now there was a day when the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan came also among them.” Satan was appearing before the Son of Yahweh, not the Father.

Matthew reveals another time when Satan appeared before the Son of Yahweh. This time it was Messiah incarnate.  We can find this in Matthew 4:1: “Then was Yahshua led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”The outcome of this encounter demonstrated the deferential role that Satan had with the Son. Satan was put in his place by this Son of Yahweh, the Word, Yahweh of hosts, who was to become YahwehShua. Satan appeared before the same being who enjoyed several names. However, the Son would have his human name blotted out of the book of life once he died in sin. When Messiah appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, his human name was already defiled and no longer accepted by Yahweh the Father. The apostle Peter knew of this change when he made his declaration in Acts 2: 38:  “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of YahwehShua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift the Holy Spirit.” This verse reminds us that the Father’s Spirit is a gift. His spirit delivers the down payment of his Son’s Spirit that must be formed over time. (Galatians 4:19)

We only know the Father by the name of Yahweh. The Son, the Word, is also known as Yahweh, but what distinguishes the Son from the Father is the attribute, which describes his function at a certain time.  Below is a list of the Son’s names associated with an attribute that describes his various functions:

Yahweh Yireh                                  Provide                      Genesis 22:14

Yahweh Ropheka                            Healer                        Exodus 15:26

Yahweh Nissi                                   Banner                       Exodus 17: 15

Yahweh Mekaddishkem                Sanctify                      Exodus 31:13

Yahweh Shalom                               Peace                         Judges 6:24

Yahweh Sabaoth                             Hosts                          1 Samuel 1:3

Yahweh Tzidkenu                            Righteousness         Jeremiah 23:6

Yahweh Shammah                          Is there                      Ezekiel 48:35

Yahweh Elyon                                  Most high                  Psalms 7:17

Yahweh Roi                                      Shepherd                   Psalms 23:1

For more information about the various names referenced above, please see The Companion Bible by E. W. Bullinger, appendix number four.

All of these attributes are referred to in the Scriptures. However, there is one that is not found in the Scriptures, and that is the name YahwehShua, Yahweh Savior. This is the name of faith. This is the name that the Son of Yahweh inherited after his resurrection. This name is shared by both the Father and the Son, as indicated in Revelation 14:1.

Why is the inherited name of the Son also considered the name of faith? Consider the description of faith that we find in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Messiah died with the name of Yahshua, and was witnessed by many people. The Scriptures report that name. The Scriptures do not reveal his resurrected name. Hebrews 1:4 reveals that there is such a name, but does not tell us what it is. We take the existence of the name, YahwehShua, in faith. We hope the name does in fact exist but we cannot see it. Wasn’t this also Abraham’s dilemma as well? He hoped for a city but never saw it.

He hoped for his own son, even though it appeared to be physically impossible. By seeing that Yahweh provided his promised son, he knew also that someday he would see the city that he hoped for.

The name YahwehShua identifies the Spirit that Messiah promised to his disciples when he told them not to leave Jerusalem before observing Pentecost. It was on that day that the new covenant began. The new covenant is based on the internal reception of the Son’s Spirit. The old covenant was based on the external regulation by the law. The old covenant ended with the Son’s death on the tree.

The interaction between Messiah and the Israelites in the old covenant relied on the might and power of Messiah. However, the firstfruits or saints have a different relationship with the Son. We are not seeking the Promised Land on this earth. However like Abraham we are seeking a city with foundations that will come in the new heavens and earth. We do not rely on physical force. We must exhibit the humility, love, and obedience that Messiah is teaching us. These are the characteristics Messiah exhibited when he became incarnate as Yahshua. His Spirit within us is leading us to those characteristics and not to the Promised Land. Those important characteristics are outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 and many other places in the new covenant Scriptures. Our development of those characteristics will allow us to overcome and be resurrected like Him. (1 John 3:2)

In this age, the firstfruits do not rely on the physical might or power as provided to the Israelites of the old covenant. We rely on the Spirit being formed within us. This is why Paul was able to say: “I can do all things through the Messiah which strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

The physical Israelites relied on the physical might or power provided by Messiah that was necessary to conquer the Promised Land. We are to pursue obedience, love, and humility when interacting with all the people around us. Messiah came to earth as a servant and we are expected to conduct ourselves in a similar manner. We are not called to be physically resistant, antagonistic, arrogant, or to exercise domination in this world. We are called to be servants.

The physical Israelites were given circumcision of the flesh as the outward sign of their participation in the old covenant. The firstfruits enter the new covenant with a spiritual sign of circumcision without hands or baptism. (Colossians 2:11)

As Abraham was looking for a city that he never was able to see, the firstfruits exercise the same faith in the name we cannot find in the Scriptures. As the belief of Abraham was imputed to him for righteousness, our belief in the name of faith is also imputed to us as righteousness. Our calling and success is based on His righteousness.

However, firstfruits most move beyond baptism. The Messiah informed John in the book of Revelation several times that we had to overcome. To overcome means that when the firstfruit dies, the Spirit of Messiah must be intact and not quenched. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Once the Spirit of Messiah is quenched, there is no second chance. (Hebrews 10:26-27)

This is unique to the new covenant. In the old covenant, the Father would give and take His Spirit back as a situation required. For example, King Saul received the Spirit (1 Samuel 10:6) and that Spirit was also withdrawn. (1 Samuel 16:14) David was also very much aware that the Father’s Spirit could be given and also withdrawn. He said this in Psalms 51:11: “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.”

The Father is not going to take away the Spirit of Messiah being formed within us. However, we can lose it by neglecting our faith in the name of inheritance and no longer are obedient to the teachings of the new covenant. We must strive daily through prayer, study, and fellowship with the other members of the body of Messiah to continuously nurture the spirit of Messiah being formed within us.

The old covenant did not provide the Spirit of Messiah. This covenant was based on the activity of the Father’s Spirit. It could be given and withdrawn when the Father’s purpose was achieved. When David received the Father’s Spirit, it was indicated in 1 Samuel 16:13 that that Spirit would remain with him from that day forward. This certainly was not King Saul’s experience. 

The Father’s Spirit has a very significant role in the new covenant. It is only through His freely given Spirit that we are able to receive the down payment of his Son’s Spirit. We are able to receive the Father’s Spirit at the time of baptism because we are obedient to Peter’s declaration that we must be baptized in the name of YahwehShua. Luke confirms this in the book of Acts 5:32:  “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom Yahweh has given to them that obey him.”

The importance of our having the Son’s Spirit is evident in what Paul tells us in Romans 8:9:  “Now if any man have not the spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.” These words are not found in regards to the old covenant.

You must be baptized as a firstfruit, in the name of YahwehShua. But as I have indicated, this is only the beginning. You must overcome unto the end. (Revelation 2:26)  Once the Spirit of Messiah is growing within you, it must not be quenched. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)  If quenched, there is no second chance.  (Hebrews 10:26-27) Once you have his Spirit, there can be no turning back. (Luke 9:62)

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

The Firstfruits: Abraham's Spiritual Seed and Heirs of the Promise

The promise came through Messiah and the firstfruits are HIS!  Consider these Scriptures from Paul found in Galatians: 

 Galatians 3:18:

“For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: Yahweh gave it to Abraham by promise.”

Galatians 3:27, 3:29:

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Messiah have put on Messiah.  And if ye be Messiah’s then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.”

Abraham was told he would produce many different physical descendants. Consider what Abraham was told in Genesis 13:15:  “And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.”

Abraham’s physical descendants would come through four lines of lineage:

1.  Descendants through Ishmael. (Genesis 15:16)

2.  Descendants through Esau. (Genesis 25: 23)

3.  Descendants through Jacob. (Genesis 29-30.)

4.  Descendants through Keturah. (Genesis 25:1)

These four groups received physical blessings. The 12 tribes of Israel  (Jacob) were promised the land between the Euphrates and Nile, which as yet has not been fulfilled. That promise will be fulfilled for 1,000 years after the return of Messiah.

The many physical seeds will be blessed. This is in keeping with Yahweh’s word given to Abram in Genesis 17:5: “A father of many nations have I made thee.”

In addition to the physical descendants, Abraham was also promised spiritual descendants. This is rarely considered, but as firstfruits we must know our origins and our destiny. Let’s review Genesis 22:17:

“That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gates of his enemies”.

Why is this significant? The sand represents something found on the earth. The stars refer to the spiritual descendants who have no inheritance on the physical earth. The prophet Daniel writes about stars and dust in Daniel 12: 2-3:

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth[Genesis 13:16] shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.”

Job also shows some insight into the spiritual nature of the stars. He references the sons of Elohim in Job 38:7:  “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of Elohim shouted for joy.”

Matthew 5:14 tells us this about firstfruits:  “Ye are the light of the world.”

The apostle Paul offers this about firstfruits in 1 Thessalonians 5:5: “Ye are the children of the light, and the children of the day:”

Paul confirms this insight in Philippians 2:15:  “That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of Elohim, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”

The sand or dust cannot be lights. It is only the firstfruits that shine in this world and in the resurrection. We are to become as stars. It is appropriate that we were inspired to call our website, the Light of YahwehShua.

Abraham was not looking for physical blessings, but spiritual blessings. We are told this in Hebrews 11:10:  “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is Yahweh.”

The promise of this city is not realized until the new heavens and earth. Revelation 21: 1-2 confirms this:  “And I saw a new heavens and new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and there was no more sea.  And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from Yahweh out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

This is the city that had the foundations that Abraham was looking for. We are told this in Revelation 21:14:  “And the wall of the city had 12 foundations, and in them the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb.”

This New Jerusalem will be the home of the firstfruits and the great multitude. (Revelation 7:9) Outside the walls of this city are those who went through the lake of fire. (Revelation 22:15)  All those who were ever conceived will be resurrected and receive age-abiding life. In the new heavens and earth all will be given deathlessness. There will be no more sin, therefore, no more death. (1Corinthians 15:56)

The pattern given to Moses gives us a better understanding about the inheritance of the firstfruits. We are told in Numbers 18:20 that the Levitical priests did not have any part in the physical inheritance of the Israelites. Their inheritance was Yahweh:  “And Yahweh spoke unto Aaron, thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shall they have any part among them: I am thy part and inheritance among the children of Israel.”

The firstfruits will reign with Messiah for 1,000 years. (Revelation 20: 6)

As priests they will have no inheritance in the Promised Land during those 1,000 years. They will be completing their consecration in preparation for their becoming judges in the next age, the Last Great Day.

Why are some of this age called to be firstfruits and not others? Consider what we can learn from Ephesians 2:8:  “For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and not that of yourselves: it is a gift of Elohim.” As we have learned before, only the Father can call those he wants at this time. (John 6:44) This opportunity is a gift given by both the Father and the Son. While the Father calls, it is the Son who chooses among those who have been called. (John 15:16)

The firstfruits are the seeds and heirs of Abraham, not Moses. Moses presents a temporary arrangement with the old covenant. However, the firstfruits are not the heirs of Moses and the old covenant. We are the heirs of the promise given to Abraham. It is helpful for us to understand the role of grace in the calling of Abraham.

Let us begin with what Paul tells us in Romans 4:16:  “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.”

Grace was a gift from Yahweh to Abraham, and so it is as well to the firstfruits through Messiah. During a 24-year period, Yahweh, (Messiah) appeared to Abraham five times. The number five is significant and is considered the number of grace. To learn more about the spiritual significance of numbers, please refer to appendix 10, found in E. W. Bullinger’s The Companion Bible.

The first appearance to Abram is found in Genesis 12:1:  “Now Yahweh had said unto Abram, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.”

The next appearance by Yahweh is reported in Genesis 12:7:  “And Yahweh appeared unto Abram, and said, unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto Yahweh, who appeared unto him.”

The third appearance of Yahweh is found in Genesis 13:14- 16:  “And Yahweh said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art north ward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:  For all the land which thou seest to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.”

Yahweh’s fourth appearance to Abram is revealed in Genesis 15:5-6: “And he brought forth abroad, and said, looking now toward heaven, and tell the stars if thou be able to number them: so shall thy seed be.  And he believed in Yahweh; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

The grace that Yahweh was giving to Abram was completed in Genesis 17. Let us begin the review of this fifth appearance by reading Genesis 17:1: “And when Abram was 90 years old and nine, Yahweh appearedto Abram, and said unto him, I am the almighty Elohim, walk before me, and be thou perfect.”

During the fourth appearance, a covenant was mentioned as being made in that same day. (Genesis 15:18)  However, it was not until the fifth appearance that this covenant was confirmed. This covenant was established through the circumcision of flesh. (Genesis 17:10- 11)

It was with the fifth appearance when Yahweh declared, “Behold my covenant is with thee”,in Genesis 17:4.  It was at this time that a significant change came upon Abram. His name would no longer be Abram, meaning exalted father, which is spelled in Hebrew as aleph, beth, resh, mem. His new name was elevated to meaning, father of many, and spelled as aleph, beth, resh, HEY, mem.  HEY, the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, was added to his name. Abram, consisting of four letters, was changed to a name having five letters. The grace given to Abraham was multiplied, as were his descendants.

This grace was confirmed by the circumcision of the flesh. The circumcision made without hands, or baptism, confirms the grace of the firstfruits. (Colossians 2:11) 

It is of note that Yahshua, the one who was promised, inherited a new name after his resurrection. The name, Yahshua, (yod, hey, waw, shin, waw, ayin) was defiled with all the sin of mankind and replaced with a new name consisting of an extra letter, HEY.  His resurrected name was YahwehShua, aleph, beth, waw, HEY, sheen, waw, ayin.) 

Abraham’s wife, Sarai (sin, resh, yod) was also given a new name. In Genesis 17:15, we are told that her new name was Sarah, (sin, resh, HEY). Why was this change made? We have a clue in Hebrews 11:11:  “Through faith also Sarai herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.”

Yahweh’s grace was not given immediately to Abraham and Sarah. A time period of 24 years passed from the time of Yahweh’s first appearance until the covenant was confirmed in Genesis 17. The receiving of the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and the circumcision of the flesh confirmed the covenant. It is of note that we do not baptize someone in the name of YahwehShua unless they are at least 20 years of age. We call this the age of accountability. The first chapter of Numbers indicates that the male Hebrews could not go to war unless they were at least age 20. 

We must demonstrate obedience as did our father, Abraham. He was willing to sacrifice everything, even his only son by Sarah. We too, are called to be willing to suffer and sacrifice according to His will.

As Abraham was told to travel to a distant place with which he was not familiar, we are told to be baptized in a name we cannot find in the Scriptures. The inherited name of the Son is revealed through the Scriptures, but is not seen. Once called, we receive clues that point us in the right direction, just as Abraham was led. However, our baptism is an act of faith.

Abraham’s belief in Yahweh was accepted as righteousness. Our belief in YahwehShua is also accepted as righteousness. Our belief and all our acts of obedience that result from that belief can lead to our overcoming. 

Is overcoming important?  Let us learn from Messiah what the benefits are for overcoming:  

Revelation 3:5: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment.”

Revelation 2:26:  “And he that overcometh and keepth my words unto the end to him will I give power over the nations.”

Revelation 3:12: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my Yahweh, and he shall go no more out.”

Revelation 3:21:

“ To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.”

First, we must demonstrate our faith by baptism in YahwehShua. This act allows the Spirit of Messiah to begin forming within us. (Galatians 4:19) To be in the resurrection when Messiah returns, we must overcome to the end. Abraham overcame to the end!  Messiah overcame. (Revelation 3: 21) The 144,000 firstfruits standing with Messiah on Mount Zion will have overcome. (Revelation 14:1)

There are two promises. One is temporal and the other spiritual. The firstfruits seek the spiritual. The physical Israelites will have the Promised Land. We will have the promised city in the new heavens and earth.

As Abraham had to leave his country and family, so do we. His travel set him apart. Our life in Messiah sets us apart as well. As Abraham was a stranger in a strange land, (Genesis 17:8; 23:4) we too are considered strange in our country of origin. We are different than anyone else. We have Messiah being formed within us, and are Jewish like our Savior. We are called to demonstrate the way of Messiah. We will be a blessing to those around us, even though they may not recognize that.

The apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 3:16 that:  “Now to Abraham and his seed were promises made. He sayeth not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Messiah.”  Because we are baptized in YahwehShua, we have Messiah being formed in us. This makes us HIS and allows us to inherit the promise made to Abraham. Our inheritance is only through Messiah. It is not something we earned, but it is something we receive.

It is of interest that the English word for promise is often translated from Strong’s Hebrew number 1696, dabar.  Dabar is often used in reference to the spokesman of Yahweh, who was Messiah. The Father never left the light. It was Messiah who walked with Adam, spoke with Moses and was born as Yahshua. Messiah is the promise, the word, and the source of age-abiding life.

Messiah told his disciples in Acts 1:4 to ”wait for the promise of the Father.” He told them not to depart from Jerusalem. Why? On Pentecost, the promise would be revealed. They would receive the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah (the promise). We need to have this promise, which is a spiritual gift. When we overcome, we will be as the stars. Messiah promised himself and is true to His word to those who are obedient and overcome.

We must develop righteousness as did Abraham our father. However, we are obtaining the righteousness of Messiah. It is not our righteousness, but His. As righteousness was imputed to Abraham, ours is only through Messiah. Our belief in YahwehShua is imputed to us as righteousness. As we overcome and grow in true love for all mankind, we become more like him and less like our carnal selves.

YahwehShua is Yahweh our Savior. Jeremiah prophesies that his name will change as well. In Jeremiah 23:6, we are told that his name will become Yahweh Tzidkenu, Yahweh our Righteousness. We shall be like him because he is in us. (1 John 3:2)

Abraham is a good role model for those wishing to become firstfruits. Like Abraham, our journey to the city with a foundation will not be completed in this life. (Revelation 17:10) Yes, he found the land, but that was not his ultimate goal. He is asleep waiting for the new heavens and earth when New Jerusalem will be revealed.

Our goal is the resurrection when Messiah returns. That, too, only comes after our death. We must believe Yahweh, follow his guidance, and wait upon our resurrection.

Paul teaches us what we must know about faith in Hebrews 11:1:  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”This 11th chapter of Hebrews is filled with those who could not see what they hoped for, but trusted Yahweh. In this life, their hope was not realized but they held on, trusting that Yahweh is faithful. Once baptized in YahwehShua, we too must hold on and continue to walk forward, trusting in Yahweh’s deliverance.

Paul instructs us further in 2 Corinthians 5:7:  “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” He gives us further insight in Romans 8:24-25:  “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope for what a man seeth, why does he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

The practical materially based person who lived in Ur at the time of Abraham would have considered him foolish for going to some unknown, unproven place. We have the same experience today. Those who are not being called consider the firstfruits foolish. We cannot show them the name of inheritance in the Scriptures. We can show them the name of a man, but that is not the name by which we are saved. If they are patient, they will listen to the revelation we have been given. Generally, they will not tolerate us or what they consider misguided beliefs.

Abraham and Sarah laughed when Messiah told them that they would have a child. They were too old. It was not logical. What they saw did not support such a possibility. They would learn that Messiah does not lie. Isaac was born when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90. The promise continued through Isaac, not Ishmael or Keturah. Our beliefs are considered foolish and unfounded by society. But as Messiah did not lie to Abraham and Sarah, he will not lie to us as well.

We must seek encouragement from the life of Abraham. As he walked in faith, so most we. It will not be easy or without trials. However, the reward is great.

Do not allow yourself to be stuck in the old covenant. It is not meant for us. We are of the promise given to Abraham, and not the Levitical Law given to Moses. Paul makes this very clear in Galatians 3:11:  “But no man is justified by the law in the sight of Yahweh, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith.” Paul is explaining what was revealed by the prophet Habakkuk. (Habakkuk 2: 4)

Do you want to make your walk in life really count? How about going on a journey that really goes somewhere? Walk with Abraham. Walk with Messiah. Walk with the firstfruits of the Light of YahwehShua.

The ticket for this trip is available only through baptism in YahwehShua. Are you interested? Contact us!

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

IS YOUR BAPTISM ACCEPTABLE TO YAHWEH?

Messiah’s chosen apostles were assembled with him after his resurrection when they received a very important command that is recorded in Acts 1: 4- 5: 

“And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. [John 14: 16]  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.”

The apostles were faithful and assembled together on the day of Pentecost as commanded. This was a very important day and the promise that Yahweh kept is a blessing to the whole world.  How the apostles responded to Messiah’s command is how we should follow Yahweh’s requirements for baptism. This important account of what happened on Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2:1- 4:

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting: And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

In addition to the 12 apostles, 3,000 others received the word, and were baptized. (Acts 2: 40) The instructions they received came from Peter in Acts 2: 38:  “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of YahwehShua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  These 3000 were not required to attend classes, pass a test or wait for a period of time. They simply followed the words of Peter and were baptized in the name of YahwehShua.

Let us also examine the calling of the apostle Paul as well. Up until the time Messiah appeared to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9: 3- 4), Paul was persecuting the firstfruits or saints. Paul was not prepared for his encounter with Messiah. There was no required period of instruction, classes, or any form of preparation.  At the appearance of Messiah, a bright light blinded Paul.  Messiah then spoke to him in Hebrew and Paul offered no resistance. He immediately followed Messiah’s instructions, and was led into Damascus by his companions. Once there, he met Ananias who placed his hands on Paul, and at that moment his sight returned and he was filled with the Holy Spirit.  After receiving the Holy Spirit, he was baptized.

In both situations, two very important elements were present: baptism in the name of YahwehShua, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. But note that the first and primary requirement was baptism in the inherited name of Messiah, not his human name.

The leadership of any assembly or group does not have the authority to call anyone to baptism. This is reserved only for the Father, as declared in John 6:44:  “No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

No mortal can call or even choose who is to be a firstfruit. Only the Father has the exclusive right to call people to become firstfruits. But it is the Messiah who has the exclusive right to choose from those who are called, as revealed in John 15:16:  “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit.”  The word ordained used in this verse has a very theological or ecclesiastical sound to it. A better translation would be to appoint or place in a position. That did not just happen to the apostles, but it also happens to each person being called and chosen to be a firstfruit. Your reading of this website could be the beginning of your appointment or placement in the body of Messiah.

We of the Light of YahwehShua are here to receive those who are called and chosen. The only requirement is that you desire to be baptized in the name of YahwehShua, and present yourselves for that purpose.  Once baptized, you will freely receive the Spirit of the Father, as well as the down payment of the Spirit of the Son, YahwehShua.

The apostle Peter specifically said you had to be baptized in the name of YahwehShua. Your translation will have the name of a man. That name is not consistent with the Scriptures.

Why YahwehShua instead of the birth name of the Messiah? The man’s name, Yahshua, was blotted out when Messiah died in sin (Deuteronomy 29: 20) This name change was revealed to us in Hebrews 1:4:  “He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name then they.”  Messiah had to die to inherit the more excellent name of Yahweh. (Psalms 148:13)

Messiah’s human or birth name was the name that was defiled at the time of his death. He was resurrected in the undefiled name of YahwehShua. This resurrected name of faith is also the name of salvation. Anytime you pray, teach or baptize in a man’s name, Yahweh is not pleased.

It is of interest that in chapter 2 of Acts, where the day of Pentecost is described, we are also reminded of what we are told in Joel 2: 32: “Whosoever shall call on the name of Yahweh shall be saved.” This verse is very clear in what it says. The name of Yahweh is used three times in that verse. From the very beginning, the name of Yahweh was the name of salvation, and not the name of any man. Messiah Yahshua had to die to bear the sin of all mankind, and then be resurrected to inherit the name of salvation, YahwehShua. 

The apostle Paul confirms the significance about the death and resurrection of Messiah. Consider what he tells us in Romans 5:10:  “We were reconciled [our sin was covered and removed] by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”

Reconciliation or removal of our sin was the first step. However, it cost Messiah his birth name, Yahshua. It was only after his resurrection that he was able to inherit his Father’s name, Yahweh. His birth name is associated with his death. His resurrected name is the name of life. When we are baptized, we are seeking life not death. Therefore, we must choose his inherited name and not his human name, the name of death.

Before you can choose life, you must be baptized in the inherited name of life. It is appropriate at this time to remember what Moses said to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 30:19:  “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

The apostle Paul has set before you the name of death and the name of life in Romans 5:10. It is Yahweh who reveals this choice to you. It is not by your power or your might that you have discovered it. However, you must choose life through baptism in the inherited name of YahwehShua. 

So many people are stuck with a baptism in a man’s name. They are fearful of challenging the validity of that baptism. Much of this has to do with tradition and the fear of being ostracized by family, friends, and the religious establishment. By remaining with their worthless baptism, they are unable to receive the free gift of the Spirit of the Father, and therefore the down payment of the Spirit of the Son. Without Messiah’s Spirit formed in you (Galatians 4:19), you will not be resurrected when Messiah returns. Think about what Paul tells us in Romans 8:9:  “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”  Who are “His“? Paul provides an answer in 1 Corinthians 15:23:  “But every man in his own order: Messiah the firstfruits; afterward they that are Messiah’s at his coming.”  Please review the benefits of being resurrected when Messiah returns as told to us in Revelation 20: 6:  

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of Yahweh and the Messiah, and we shall reign with him a thousand years.”

Recently, I spoke with a gentleman who contacted our website. He admitted to having been baptized four times. He had been baptized in a man’s name as a Christian, and also as a member of a sacred name group. However, his study and experience revealed to him something was missing. He admits that baptism in the name of YahwehShua is consistent with how he has come to understand the Scriptures. I believe he is being called. Now, the path to life or death has been revealed to him. It is his decision now to choose life. I say to whomever is reading this article and is not baptized in the name YahwehShua; you also are facing a similar decision. The words of Moses as recorded in Deuteronomy 30:19 apply to you as well. Anyone who truly desires to become a firstfruit must choose life through baptism in the name of life.

Once you have the Spirit of the Messiah being formed in you, that Spirit will be able to teach you all things. (John 14:26) Once baptized, you will have the opportunity to overcome into the better resurrection. The process of overcoming requires that you be obedient to the commandments of the Son. Your baptism in YahwehShua allows you to be a member of the body of Messiah. It is among your brethern in the faith that you can be nurtured and encouraged. We are here to love you and help you develop your spiritual potential.

Paul reveals even more to us in Titus 3:5:  “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.”  The Greek word from which regeneration is derived is Strong’s number 3824, palingenesia. Palin means again and genesia is related to genesis or birth. This is a linguistic connection to John 3:3, where Messiah tells Nicodemus he must be born from above. Baptism is the fulfillment of Messiah’s revelation to Nicodemus. 

What about the second part of that verse where the newly baptized person experiences a renewing of the Holy Spirit? Paul provides this insight in Romans 12:2:  “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Yahweh.” 

Without baptism in YahwehShua, you cannot experience a renewing of your mind by the Spirit of Messiah. Without this baptism, you retain your carnal mind that is at enmity against Yahweh. (Romans 8:7) Only with the mind of Messiah (Philippians 2:5) being formed within you, can your mind be renewed where you are able to draw close to Yahweh and even attempt to overcome. 

Many have told me that they are satisfied with their baptism. However, if you are baptized in the name of a man, your belief is at odds with Scripture. You may be satisfied, but Yahweh is not. Consider what the apostle John tells us in 1 John 4:15:  “Whosoever shall confess that YahwehShua is the Son of Yahweh, Yahweh dwelleth in him and he in Yahweh.”

When you repent and are baptized in the name of YahwehShua, you are confessing that he is the Son of Yahweh. John develops this even further in 1 John 3:23: “And this is his commandment, that you should believe on the name of his Son, YahwehShua Messiah.“  Also consider what John tells us in 1 John 5:3:  “For this is the love of Yahweh, that we keep his commandments:” He has commanded us to confess the name of his Son, which is the inherited name and not the name that was blotted out. Yahweh revealed this truth through Peter, as quoted in Acts 2:38. We place our future in peril if we choose to ignore the command given to Peter.

It is time to reevaluate the value of your baptism. If it is not in the name of life, YahwehShua, it is worthless. Please consider carefully. You have had the names of death and life both revealed to you. Choose life!

You will find the name of death in the scriptures, but never the name of life. The name of life is revealed only and it is based on faith. It is not based on what you see, but on what is revealed to you. Consider the truth in Hebrews 11:1:  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  These words are consistent with what the prophet Habakkuk revealed to us long before the Pentecost when the name of faith became required. This is what he tells us in Habakkuk 2: 4:  “The just shall live by his faith.”

The apostle Paul repeats this critical revelation in 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Galatians 3:11., and therefore must be important. Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:7:  “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

All mankind has been reconciled. All will be resurrected and all will be in the new heavens and earth. But not all will have life in the kingdom of Yahweh. Now you have an opportunity to choose a path that can lead to life in the kingdom. The alternative is life outside the walls of the kingdom. (Revelation 22:15)

Review your baptism now. Whether you have never been baptized or baptized in the name of a man, you have a critical decision to make, now. We are here to help you through this very important opportunity in your life. This may be your invitation to join Messiah when he returns. Please consider allowing us to be of assistance.

Go to Yahweh in prayer. Pray for His truth. You can contact us without obligation.  If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.      

WHAT MUST YOU DO TO HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?

This was a question asked by the young rich man in Matthew 19:16. Messiah responded in verse 17 with this: “…but if thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments.” Is this still valid today?

When this young man was alive, he lived under the law, as did Messiah. (Galatians 4:14) They were both under Deuteronomy 29:20:  

“Yahweh will not spare him, but then the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and Yahweh shall blot out his name under heaven.”

Paul tells us in Galatians 3:13 what Messiah did for all mankind, including this rich young man:  “Messiah hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.”

When the Messiah spoke with this young man, he had not yet died on the tree. They were both under the law and were therefore required to keep the commandments. At that time, it was only by keeping the whole law that you could enter eternal (Greek: aionian, age-abiding) life.

After Messiah’s death and resurrection, there was a significant change. The old covenant had been terminated and a new covenant was to go into effect.

In Acts 2:37 Peter, as well as the other apostles, was asked a similar question to the one posed by the rich young man to Messiah:  “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

In verse 38, Peter provides a very different answer than the one given by Messiah:  “Then, Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of YahwehShua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

What difference does the Holy Spirit make? When one is baptized, the Holy Spirit of the Father is freely given. At that same time, the seed of the Spirit of Messiah is also given. It is not fully available as the Father’s Spirit is available. The Spirit of Messiah develops over time. It is the Spirit of Messiah that is really unique and necessary to having aionian life in the resurrection when Messiah returns.

Paul delves into this important understanding in Romans 8:9-11:  

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you: now if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah he is none of his.  And if Messiah be in you, the body is dead because of sin: but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of him that raised up YahwehShua from the dead dwell in you, he that raised the Messiah from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

It is the Spirit of Messiah that is being formed within you that makes the real difference. Paul confirms this in Galatians 4:19:  “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Messiah be formed in you.”  This seed of the Spirit of Messiah was not available to the rich young man at the time of their encounter. Messiah had to first die and be resurrected.

When Messiah met the rich young man, Messiah was known by his name given at birth, Yahshua. However, since he died in sin, all the sin of mankind, he had to have his birth name blotted out as required in Deuteronomy 29:20. After his resurrection he had to have a new name as revealed in Hebrews 1:4:  “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name then they.”  This more excellent name was the name of his Father, Yahweh. Psalm 148:13 explains who had the more excellent name:  “Let them praise the name of Yahweh: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heavens.”

The firstfruits must be baptized in the same name given to Messiah after his resurrection. This is confirmed in Revelation 14:1 where we learn that the 144,000 resurrected saints or firstfruits had,  “His name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.”(Diaglott)

If you wish to be among the 144,000  firstfruits in the better resurrection, the first step is baptism in the name of YahwehShua. The birth name of Messiah was blotted out according to the law. The only name for a valid baptism is the name of both the Father and the Son.

Remember what Paul tells us in Romans 8:9:  “Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”

Take note of what John tells us in 1 John 3:23-24:  

“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 commandment. And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in him and he in him.And hereby we know that he abideth in us by the Spirithe hath given us. “

The formation of his Spirit in us is very important. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:5 why having his Spirit is so necessary:  “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Messiah YahwehShua.”  By having his Spirit being formed in us, we are developing his mind, his knowledge, his truth, his faith, and his love.

The carnal mind cannot do it! Paul is very emphatic about this in Romans 8:7:  “Because the carnal mind is enmity against Elohim: for it is not subject to the law of Yahweh, neither indeed can be.”  Unless Father calls us, we cannot discover his truth simply with our carnal mind. Once called by the Father, he will lead us into his truth. We can’t discover it. It is revealed to us!

Many who are led to our website are full of questions. That is good, but the carnal mind can only take them so far. If you really want to grow in grace and knowledge, you must have the Spirit of the Messiah being formed in you. Without accepting baptism in the name of YahwehShua, you are stuck with your very limited carnal mind. You must be baptized to have the tools necessary to increase your understanding.

Messiah told the rich young man that he had to keep the commandments; the law. However, the difference of being under the new covenant is that you are not alone. Paul explains this further in Galatians 2:16:  “Knowing that man is not justified by the law, but by the faith of YahwehShua Messiah, even we have believed in YahwehShua Messiah, that we might be justified by the faith of Messiah, and not the works of law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

Paul declares this again in Galatians 3:11:  “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of Yahweh, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith.”  By having the mind of Messiah being formed within us after baptism, we are not left with simply our carnal minds, but have his spiritual mind to support us. In addition to his mind, we also have his faith. With his mind and faith, we are no longer walking by sight but by his faith. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

As his Spirit forms more completely, your understanding of Scripture will increase. You will progress from the milk of the word to the meat. Many questions you find so difficult or confusing now will be opened unto your understanding. I have experienced this blessing myself. The Spirit will lead you and not just your carnal mind.

Consider what Paul tells us in Galatians 2:21:  “I do not frustrate the grace of Yahweh: for if righteousness came by the law, then Messiah is dead in vain.”  In Romans 3:27-31, Paul gives us more insight into the value of his faith versus the works of law:  

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.  Is he that Yahweh of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles?  Yes, of the Gentiles also:  Seeing it is one Yahweh, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.  Do we then make void the law through faith? By no means: yea, we establish the law.”

The righteousness we must have to be in the resurrection when Messiah returns is his righteousness. This is being increased in us as his Spirit is more completely formed. Abraham believed in Yahweh and that was accounted to him for righteousness. (Galatians 3:6) Abraham and others from the Old Testament will be in the resurrection with us because they believed or trusted in Yahweh.  John confirms this in John 10:16:  “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.”

We will learn to keep the law through his faith and his love. It is not about us, but all about him in us. He will give us what we need. Paul reminds us of this in Philippians 4:13:  “I can do all things through Messiah which strengthens me.”  It is not about what one can do alone, but what the Messiah can accomplish through each of the firstfruits.

You must be willing to completely leave the external requirements of the old covenant. 1 Corinthians 13 is better instruction than the Levitical law. Stop thinking about the 613 laws, tzitzits, prayer shawls, circumcision, beards, washing your hands and all the other external concerns associated with the old covenant. It’s really more important to understand why you should not use the birth name of Messiah for baptism!

Paul provides this instruction in Galatians 3:29:  “And if ye be Messiah’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” We must be willing to believe Yahweh as Abraham did. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, if that had been Yahweh’s will. We too need to be willing to sacrifice our lives as well. 

Paul confirms our need to be willing to sacrifice ourselves in Romans 12:1-2:  

“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of Yahweh, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Yahweh, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this age: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Yahweh.” (Diaglott)

How do you renew your mind? Through baptism! At baptism, you will receive the down payment for the Spirit of Messiah. His mind will grow within you and slowly displace the inadequate carnal mind. You will be becoming more like Messiah and less your carnal self. This is why John tells us in 1 John 3:2 that:  “When he shall appear, we shall be like him.”

In the resurrection, the firstfruits are 144,000 copies of Messiah. His Spirit will be fully formed and we will no longer be our carnal selves. This allows us to judge the rest of mankind in the last great day. We will judge with his mind, his love, and not our corrupt carnal minds.

Now, a warning! Should you accept your calling and be baptized in the name of YahwehShua, there is no going back. The Messiah confirms this warning in Luke 9:62:  “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of Yahweh.”  Paul, in Hebrews 10:26-27 makes an even stronger statement about failing to overcome once you have the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah: 

“For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” 

We of the Light of YahwehShua, are not here to debate or denigrate anyone. Your calling is fully within the domain of Yahweh. We are here to provide information and let you draw your own conclusions. When and if you may be ready for baptism, we are prepared to facilitate such a request.

I can assure you of this: without baptism in the name of YahwehShua, you will never have the saving knowledge. You will not be in the better resurrection. All that is left for you is the last great day and the uncertainties, which that resurrection will provide. 

We are here to serve Yahweh, not man or ourselves. We encourage you to consider leaving the old covenant, replacing your ignorance of Yahweh’s truth with his truth and embrace the new covenant with us.

May Yahweh bless your efforts.

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

FIRSTFRUITS CANNOT BE TORAH OBSERVANT

Someone asked me if I was Torah observant. As a firstfruit, that is, in YahwehShua, I cannot be Torah observant. Why?

The word Torah has several different meanings. It denotes the first five books of the Old Testament or the Pentateuch. It can also be used to refer to all the books of the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi. When others refer to the Torah, they include the oral Torah as well as the rabbinical traditions that produced the Talmud. 

In James 2:10 we are told that: “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Is the Torah the whole law? Actually, the word Torah refers to instruction or teachings. The Torah contains laws, but is not the law itself. Many use the word Torah interchangeably with the word law. This is incorrect. The Torah contains laws that existed before the Sinai covenant, as well as the Levitical laws, which were enacted after the Sinai covenant. To say that you are Torah observant implies that you keep all the laws that are listed in the Torah.

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

Do you sacrifice animals as a sin offering? To be Torah observant you should be. Here are two examples of what the Torah teaches us about the Levitical laws: 

Exodus 29:14

“But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.” 

Leviticus 4:3

“If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish to Yahweh for a sin offering.” 

The Levitical sacrificial system of the old covenant only provided for animal sacrifices. There was no provision for a human sacrifice. Messiah’s death on the tree was a human sacrifice that provided his sinless blood to absorb all the sin of the world. (1 John 1:7)

Mankind has been reconciled by Messiah’s blood instead of animal blood. Paul confirms this in Ephesians 1:7:  “We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of his grace.”  Paul reiterates this important fact in Colossians 1:14:  “We have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”

In the Levitical system, the sin offering was always an animal. But Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that Messiah was:  “made sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of Elohim in him.”  This verse is from the King James Version. However, in the Diaglott we are told that he was made a “sin offering on our behalf.”

The Levitical sacrificial system was not part of the Sinai covenant. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) were given to the Israelites on Pentecost as part of the marriage ceremony between Messiah and the Israelites. The Levitical system did not go into effect until the second year of their sojourn in the Sinai wilderness. (Numbers 1: 1; 3: 12)

When Messiah became a husband to Israel (Isaiah 54:5), the firstborn were the priests. It was the firstborn priests that were preserved during the Passover that occurred in Egypt. The Levitical priesthood was a temporary substitute that was added because of transgressions. (Galatians 3:19) The physical firstborn priests were not able to fulfill the will of Yahweh. 

The Levitical high priest was a temporary substitute for the spiritual high priest of the order of Melchizedek. The Son of Yahweh was the original high priest. He preexisted as Yahweh of the Old Testament. However, before he could perform as the actual high priest and bear the sin of the people, he had to leave the spiritual realm and become human or incarnate.  We learn in Hebrews 10:5 that a human body was prepared for the Son of Yahweh.

The Sinai covenant or old covenant was inadequate. It could not remove sin. Only Messiah’s blood could do that. Paul tells us this in Hebrews 10:9-10: “He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By which we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Yahshua Messiah once for all.”

When Israel’s husband died on the tree, the old marriage covenant was terminated. In 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul explains how this was outlined in the Torah: “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Master.”

All Israel was freed from that marriage and the law that was added after the marriage covenant was enacted on Sinai. The Levitical sacrificial law was no longer in effect. The 10 Commandments, which was the covenant law on Sinai, is still the heart of the new covenant. This is confirmed in James 2:8: “If ye fulfill the Royal law according to the scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well.”  Paul confirms this in Galatians 5:14:  “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Messiah’s sacrifice of himself, a human sacrifice, was not acceptable under the Levitical sacrificial system. Therefore to accept Messiah Yahshua’s sacrifice, you are not able to be Torah observant. The new covenant could only be enacted after the death of Messiah. He had to allow himself to be killed to end the marriage with Israel and pave the way for the new covenant. This new covenant had been planned since before the foundation of the world. It was even foretold in Jeremiah 31:31-32:  

“Behold, the days come, saith Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.  Not according to the covenant that I made with the fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of Egypt: which my covenant they break, although I was a husband unto them, saith Yahweh.”

Who was this Yahweh that proclaimed a coming new covenant? It was the Messiah! Paul reveals this in 1 Corinthians 10:4:  “that spiritual Rock that followed them: that Rock was Messiah.”

We cannot be Torah observant without denying Messiah and his sacrifice. This is why we do not continue to observe Yom Kippurim.  That day is all about the Levitical sacrificial system, and not about the sacrifice of Messiah. We cannot be part of this Levitical system and uphold our commitment to Messiah. 

Messiah was born under the law. (Galatians 4:4) He was therefore subject to the law. His marriage to physical Israel was therefore terminated upon his death. This was the law.

It was also the law that he had to have his name blotted out. He was the only human to die in sin. He therefore took all of the curses on himself. (Galatians 3:13) That curse was proclaimed in Deuteronomy 29:20:  “All the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and Yahweh shall blot out his name from under heaven.“   If you really desire to be truly Torah observant, then you have to believe that Messiah’s name was blotted out.

Messiah’s birth name, Yahshua, was blotted out upon his death. This is why he had to inherit a new name. (Hebrews 1:4) His new name was more excellent. What is that more excellent name? Psalm 148:13 declares that only the name of Yahweh is more excellent. That is why he received the name of YahwehShua. This is the name of both the Father and Son. In Revelation 14:1, we learned that this is the same name that the firstfruits had in their foreheads. This is the name we firstfruits proclaim.

The name that Peter proclaimed after the resurrection was YahwehShua. He had to use the inherited name because the birth name of Messiah had been blotted out. Peter would have known of this name change. In the book of Acts 2: 38, he is quoted as saying:  “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of YahwehShua Messiah for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.”  Your Bible probably says Jesus or even Yahshua. Messiah’s birthname was not removed from the scripture by order of the Levitical high priest. However, Yahweh removed his birth name from the book of life.

Being baptized in the birth name of Messiah is not being Torah observant. That is because the Torah tells us that the name of he who dies in sin is blotted out. Accepting the human sacrifice of Messiah is not Torah observant. How do we resolve this conflict? We must leave the old covenant entirely and accept the new covenant name of Messiah. We can only be obedient to the new covenant by being baptized in the name of life, YahwehShua.

Those called during this age are under judgment now. We only have a chance to be in the kingdom if we accept the new covenant. If we look back at the old covenant, we will not be in the kingdom. The firstfruits are under the new covenant and will be resurrected when Messiah returns. The rest of mankind must wait until after the 1000-year reign of Messiah.

The prophecy that we learned about in Jeremiah 31:31 is confirmed in Hebrews 8:6- 9:  

“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is a mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.  For if the first covenant that was faultless, that should no place have sought the second.  For finding fault with them, he said, the days come, saith the sovereign, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:  Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith Yahweh.”

This prophecy had two witnesses and is therefore valid according to Yahweh. (Deuteronomy 17:6)

The Yahweh of the old covenant is the same Yahweh of the new covenant. The old covenant was terminated with His death as a human being. The new covenant is a better covenant with better promises. However, to enter this covenant, you must accept his inherited name in faith. This name is not found in the Scriptures. It is the name of faith. Remember, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”(Hebrews 11:1) Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that, “We walk by faith, not by sight.”

The old covenant was based on an outward show of obedience. One had to be circumcised, participate in annual sacrifices and even wear tzitzits! The new covenant is not one of appearances, but by bearing fruit. You must demonstrate your faith through baptism in the unseen name of YahwehShua; loving the brethren as well as your enemies. The first covenant was enforced externally. The new covenant is implemented with circumcision of the heart rather than the flesh.

The old covenant cannot be renewed. It was based on the Levitical sacrificial system and was only temporary. Consider what Paul tells us in Hebrews 9:9-10: “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and diverse washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.”

Consider also what Paul tells us in Galatians 3:23-26: “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of Elohim by faith in Messiah YahwehShua.”

From the Pentecost following the Messiah’s death until his return, is the age of faith. This faith is the heart of the new covenant, a better covenant. We must not return to the old covenant in any way. By doing so, we repudiate Messiah’s sacrifice and therefore deny him.

We are given a very stern warning in Proverbs 26:11:  “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.” A dog is a beast that dies without hope of resurrection. Those who reject a calling to the new covenant will miss out on the opportunity to be resurrected as a firstfruit when Messiah returns.

Another stern warning we should be aware of is found in 2 Timothy 2:12:  IF WE DENY HIM, HE WILL ALSO DENY US.”

Again, in Matthew 10: 33, he issues a similar warning:  “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” If you are Torah observant, then you are denying Messiah’s death as a valid sin offering. 

There is no reward for being in the old covenant. Messiah has a reward only for those who are faithful to the new covenant. He confirms this in Revelation 22:12: “I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” The work of the old covenant does not bear fruit. It is only participation in the new covenant that produces fruit.

You will have no reward by being Torah observant. Your reward is only available through the new covenant. It is only by being faithful in the new covenant that you do not deny him. He is faithful and will not deny those who have embraced his name of faith, YahwehShua, and overcomes to the end.

You may be wondering how Messiah’s human name was acceptable to Yahweh as reconciliation for all of man’s sin. The answer is found in Genesis 9:5: “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.”

When Yahweh is talking about the life of man, he is talking about man’s blood. Leviticus 17:11 helps us with this explanation:  “For the life of the flesh is in the blood.”  Animal blood was only used as a substitute or temporary representation for the real thing. It was only the sinless life of the Messiah that was found in his blood that would satisfy Yahweh.

Genesis 9:5 was in effect before the foundation of the world. It obviously existed before the Levitical sacrificial system. This law could not be fulfilled until Messiah came in the flesh as a sin offering. The Levitical system was an inadequate but temporary measure until the death of the incarnate Messiah. Yahweh tells us the end from the beginning.

Everything being accomplished throughout the Scripture is for Messiah, the firstfruit. Genesis 1:1 tells us this from the beginning:  “For the firstfruit Elohim created the heavens and the earth.”  Those who are becoming firstfruits through obedience to the new covenant are included in this revelation found in Genesis 1: 1. We are firstfruits because Messiah is being formed within us. (Galatians 4:19) When we are resurrected at his return we shall be like him. (1 John 3:2)

Look forward to the fulfillment of the new covenant, and not backwards to a failed, terminated old covenant.