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  • Practicing Christians | Answers4saints.com

    Why would any Christian not believe or want to keep the 10 Commandments? or say I don't have to keep the commandments? and why don't they want to live and love God by keeping His commandments? Christianity the New Religion Why would any Christian not believe or want to keep the 10 Commandments? or say I dont have to keep the commandments? Warning, look at what the verse doesn't say when you read them (The 10 commandments) 613 commandments 1,050 New Testament Commands How much do you really know about the Bible? Think your minister knows his Bible?Think again. Satan’s Greatest Deception The Ten commandments Christianity the new religion Excuses Christians Use For Not Keeping The Law #1 Romans 10 and verse 4 say Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. Does this verse really mean that Christians have no moral obligation to the law of God? (Romans 7:12 God's Law is Holy So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.) Numbers 23:19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Hebrews 13:8 James 1:17 Excuses Christians Use For Not Keeping The Law #2 Colossians 2 in verse 14 says, Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. Were the 10 commandments really against us? Were the 10 commandments really contrary to us? Did Jesus really nail the 10 commandments to His cross? (Psalms 40:8 KJV) I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.) (Romans 8:7 KJV) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. Excuses Christians Use For Not Keeping The Law Of God #3 In Ephesians 2:14-15 the Bible says, For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. Was the middle wall of partition the 10 commandments? Did Jesus abolish the 10 commandments? (Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Colossians 2:21 KJV) (Touch not; taste not; handle not; (Colossians 2:22 KJV) All are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? The Jews created a partition between the Jews and gentiles causing issues in the temple. Excuses Christians Use For Not Keeping The Law Of God #4 The book of Galatians says the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith comes, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. Exactly what law was a schoolmaster to bring us to faith in Christ? Was it the 10 commandments like so many Christians suppose? The Schoolmaster was the aminal sacrifice that showed all sin requires a blood sacrifice and lead to the cross Excuses Christians Use For Not Keeping The Law Of God #5 Jesus said in Matthew 5:17, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” The thing Jesus said don’t think is the very thing that many Christians are thinking and that is that Jesus abolished the law. Just what did Jesus mean when He said, I came to fulfill the law? Does this mean there is no moral obligation to the 10 commandments? Excuses Christians Use For Not Keeping The Law #6 The law has been abolished and nailed to the cross. What do you do when your church is teaching heresy? Excuses Christians Use For Not Keeping The Law #7 We’re not under the Old Covenant we’re under the New Covenant. Does the New Covenant dismiss our need to obey the laws of God?

  • 13 | Answers 4 Saints Gods say's

    All Scripture is “God-breathed” .Scripture cannot be broken .No letter or stroke shall pass away .The spirit will guide you into all the truth .God’s word is settled in Heaven forever .The word of Yehovah will stand forever .Gods words brings light. God says: Your Pastor says that you are not under the judgment of God's laws His statutes and Sabbaths they have been removed and done away with, fulfilled by Jesus. No law requires no mercy no need for Repentance. Grace and Salvation mean nothing. God says: All Scripture is “God-breathed” 2 Tim 3:16 Scripture cannot be broken John 10:35 No letter or stroke shall pass away Matt 5:18 The spirit will guide you into all the truth John 16:13 God’s word is settled in Heaven forever Psalms 19:89 The word of Yehovah will stand forever Isa 40:8 God's words bring light Psalms 119:130 My people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge. "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. Hos 4:6 Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? God's Word or Man's Tradition? — Yes or No Test Does Scripture say that all Scripture is God-breathed? (2 Timothy 3:16) ☐ Yes ☐ No Did Yeshua say that Scripture cannot be broken? (John 10:35) ☐ Yes ☐ No Did Yeshua say that not one jot or tittle will pass from the Law until all is fulfilled? (Matthew 5:18) ☐ Yes ☐ No Does the Spirit guide believers into all truth? (John 16:13) ☐ Yes ☐ No Is God's Word settled in heaven forever? (Psalm 119:89) ☐ Yes ☐ No Does the Word of Yehovah stand forever? (Isaiah 40:8) ☐ Yes ☐ No Does God's Word give light and understanding? (Psalm 119:130) ☐ Yes ☐ No If there is no law, is there any transgression? (Romans 4:15) ☐ Yes ☐ No If there is no sin, is there any need for repentance? (Luke 5:32) ☐ Yes ☐ No If there is no need for repentance, what purpose would mercy and grace serve? ☐ Yes ☐ No Conclusion If you answered "Yes" to Questions 1–10, then consider: God's Word is permanent. Scripture cannot be broken. The Spirit leads into truth, not away from it. Sin requires repentance. Mercy and grace have meaning because sin exists. Every teaching should be tested against Scriptur Your pastor says the law is dead. God says: Ecclesiastes 12:13 That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear Yehovah and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty. Proverbs 28:9 He that turned away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination. Proverbs 10:8 The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be ruined Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. 18 For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Romans 2:13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 1 John 2:4 If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His Commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him: James 1: 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever the decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.10 They are more precious than gold than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey from the honeycomb 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12 But who can discern their own errors? Deuteronomy 11:19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home when you are on the road, when you are going to bed, and when you are getting up. Jeremiah 31:33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. There are over 20 verses that prove beyond reasonable doubt that God's perfect law is still intact. (please review “Is the law really done away with?”) Your pastor says the law is a yoke around your neck: God’s says: Deuteronomy 4:8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Deuteronomy 30:11 This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. Revelations 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city. Your pastor says the Sabbath is changed God says: Ezekiel 22:26,27 "Her priests (your pastors) have done violence to My law and have profaned My Holy things; they have made no distinction between the holy and the profane, and they have not taught the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they hide their eyes from My Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. 27 "Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey, by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get dishonest gain.… (there is not one verse in the entire bible changing it) Ezekiel 20:12 And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the LORD, who had set them apart to be holy. (You will not find one scripture in your personal Bible that changes or removes God’s Holy Sabbath) Your pastor says: Jesus declared all meat clean God says: Mark 7:19 “For it doesn't go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body." Church doctrine added the following to scripture “In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.” Ponder this: If Jesus said this, he couldn’t be our Savior. He would be sinning, breaking God’s command regarding dietary instructions. Be on your guard, if you encounter any verse that conflicts with all other scripture. (scripture identifies what is food, not man) Isaiah 65:1 I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, 2 Who walk in a way that is not good, According to their own thoughts; 3 A people? who provoke Me to anger continually to My face; 4 Who sacrifice in gardens, and burn incense on altars of brick;4 Who sit among the graves, and spend the night in the tombs; Who eat swine’s flesh, And the broth of abominable things is in their vessels; Isaiah 66:16 For by fire and by His sword, The Lord will judge all flesh; And the slain of the Lord shall be many. 17 “Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, to go to the gardens After an idol in the midst, eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together,” says the Lord. Your pastor says: "And so I judge that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. God says: Acts 15:19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God. …20 Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.21 For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”  Most of us skip over verse 21 this is the Torah the first five books of the bible. Have you ever heard this at any bible study? This is all that is required for salvation. Your pastor says: the law is only for the Jews: God’s says: Galatians 3:26 You are all sons of God thru faith in Christ Yeshua 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ? 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, (or Christian) slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Yeshua 29 And if you belong to Christ then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. Romans 8:7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. Your pastor says: Paul says, you are under grace, not the law. Paul says: Galatians 5:17 For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to one another, so that you do not do what you want.…18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 1 Corinthians 11: 1 You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. Acts 24:14 "But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the Elohim of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed ● Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God Your pastor says: Not to judge people by what they eat or drink or how they celebrate holidays or God’s Sabbath day. Paul says: Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holiday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. God is telling his children not to let the Gentiles judge for being obedient keeping God's laws and statues, all these will be observed in the millennium. This passage is taken from the letter to the Colossians, a group of people newly coming out of pagan customs and into Christ fellowship. Paul is cautioning new followers not to listen to the criticism of pagan worshippers. Pagan worship is contrary to God’s law and statutes Your pastor says: We are under a new covenant and not required to keep the laws: God says: Jeremiah 31:33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah Hebrews 8: 10 For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds, and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. Ezekiel 36:26-27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My 23 Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Your pastor says: the law was nailed to the cross God says: Romans 8: 2 For in Christ Yeshua the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. The “law of sin and death” escorts, or brings us, to Christ by pointing out that we are in bondage/under the curse. It is not until the "law of sin and death" teaches us that we are cursed and in bondage, that we can come to the Messiah in faith as our Savior. Without that knowledge we would have no reason to come to Him. Your pastor says: God changed everything for the Gentiles because Israel couldn't keep His laws, God removed them and took them out of the way. When you answer these questions keep in mind you are judging God's character. Does God's word contradict itself? Does God's word stand forever? Does God do anything without revealing it through His prophets first? Does God lie? Does God change His mind; Does God always keep His promises? 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Isaiah 40:8 The grass withered; the flower faded: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken: 1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endured forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealed His secret unto his servants the prophets. Are you going to continue to follow the church that says scripture is changed or done away with, or will you follow God who says scripture cannot be broken? Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Matthew 25:31-34 When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." The Kingdom of God, then, will be ruled by Yeshua and will be inherited by those who have been glorified upon being resurrected from the dead. The resurrected saints—citizens of God's Kingdom—will rule along with Yeshua over the remaining peoples of the earth (Daniel 7:27; II Timothy 2:12; Revelation 2:26-28; 5:9-10; 20:4-6; 22:5). What are the Laws of the Kingdom? ● Judges 21:25. Law is simply a guide for people to follow to ensure cohesion, agreement, and peace in civil and interpersonal relationships. Without an understood standard, enforced by a sovereign ruler, everyone would act according to his own whim or desire, and nothing good or worthwhile would Judges 2 be produced. The Kingdom of God is no different. I Corinthians 14:33 God is not the author of confusion. His Kingdom will be peaceful and orderly because everyone who will enter it will have voluntarily submitted himself to the law - the commandments - of God. God will not have anyone in His Kingdom who demonstrates, by the pattern of his life, that he will not obey Him. (Matthew 7:21-23; Hebrews 10:26-31). Revelation 12:17 describes the saints as those "who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Yeshua. These two statements - loving God and loving your neighbor as oneself - encapsulate the first four and the last six commandments respectively. The commandments merely define further how to love God and love man . We love God in general by placing Him first, by not adopting physical aids in worshipping Him, by not bearing His name in vain, and by keeping the seventh-day Sabbath holy. We love man, in general, by honoring our parents, not murdering, not committing adultery, not stealing, not lying, and not coveting. ● John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments. “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Fathers who sent

  • Deflections | Answers 4 Saints

    Paul told us to test all things to see if they were from God. do they include His law? Deflections are the Greatest sin The shortest verse in the English Bible is "Jesus wept" found in John 11:35. It has only 10 letters and two words. In Luke, Jesus weeps (eklausen, meaning to sob aloud) as he enters Jerusalem. He grieves because the people rejected his offer of peace, refused to turn to God, and would soon face destruction as a consequence. In short, the devil's deflection on Matthew 5:18–19 works by convincing people that taking Yeshua’s exact words seriously is somehow a violation of his grace. It redirects the mind from humble obedience to theological technicalities that excuse setting aside the commands. Matthew 17-19 17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. 18 For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.… Prof the law was fulfilled by Yeshua: He was the only person in the entire Bible that never sinned, He showed us how to love Yehovah the creator ,He showed how to love our fellow man , He show us how to keep the Sabbath Holy, He never ate anything unclean, and He always kept all of Yehovah appointed . "It is easy to claim the name of Christ, but true discipleship is shown through obedience. Many claim to follow Him while actively living against everything He commanded." John 3:36 ("whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him") I have not come to abolish them , 1 John 3:8, which states that "whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil". Ecclesiastes 12:13 –– "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. Proverbs 28:9: " He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. 1 John 2:4, w hich says: "Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in that person." John 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" Matthew 19:17 , "If you want to enter life, keep the commandments". Revelation 12:17. The text states that the dragon (identified as the devil and Satan) was angry with the woman and went to make war with the rest of her offspring—defined as those who keep God's commandments Revelation 13:7 , which states that the beast empowered by the dragon was allowed "to make war with the saints, and to overcome will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; Luke 7: 28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. (Because no one on earth has been to heaven ) The Core Connection When people deflect Scripture, they usually do not burn the Bible; instead, they remove the commands they find uncomfortable by declaring them "least" or obsolete, or they add human loopholes to bypass God's true intent (as Yeshua rebuked in Mark 7:9–13). Matthew 5:18–19 makes clear that in God's eyes, even what humans consider "least" remains fully binding. Below are the primary biblical passages that explicitly prohibit adding to, taking away from, or modifying God's word and commandments: Here is the complete, unified breakdown bringing together every point—from altering words, names, and titles to adopting pagan holidays, eating unclean, rejecting God's appointments, and profaning the Sabbath—and the explicit judgments Scripture attaches to them. The Deflection: Weaponizing Grace The core deception pits Yeshua’s salvation against his instructions—tricking believers into viewing obedience as "legalism" rather than the natural fruit of love. 1. Redefining "Fulfill" (Matt. 5:17) The Trick: Treating "fulfill" as "terminate and throw away." The Reality: In first-century Hebrew idiom, to fulfill meant to correctly interpret and live out the Torah's full intent. Yeshua came to demonstrate how to keep it, not to dismiss it. 2. False Dichotomy: "Love vs. Rules" The Trick : Framing commands as rigid legalism and "love" as abstract freedom. The Reality: Yeshua defined love through action: "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). The commands define what love looks like in practice. 3. Perverting Grace The Trick : Rebranding grace as an excuse for apathy toward God's standards. The Reality: Grace is divine empowerment (Titus 2:11–12). It cleanses the past and transforms the heart so obedience becomes a joy. 4. Theological Loopholes The Trick: Using complex technicalities to bypass Matthew 5:18–19. The Reality: It creates a state where people cite treatises to excuse setting aside the very commands Yeshua warned never to relax. The Ultimate Irony: It turns distrust of Yeshua's direct words into a false badge of "spiritual maturity," making people feel enlightened precisely because they have explained away the Sermon on the Mount. The Deflection: Weaponizing Grace The core deception pits Yeshua’s salvation against his instructions—tricking believers into viewing obedience as "legalism" rather than the natural fruit of love. 1. Redefining "Fulfill" (Matt. 5:17) The Trick: Treating "fulfill" as "terminate and throw away." The Reality: In first-century Hebrew idiom, to fulfill meant to correctly interpret and live out the Torah's full intent. Yeshua came to demonstrate how to keep it, not to dismiss it. 2. False Dichotomy: "Love vs. Rules" The Trick: Framing commands as rigid legalism and "love" as abstract freedom. The Reality: Yeshua defined love through action: "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). The commands define what love looks like in practice. 3. Perverting Grace The Trick : Rebranding grace as an excuse for apathy toward God's standards. The Reality: Grace is divine empowerment (Titus 2:11–12). It cleanses the past and transforms the heart so obedience becomes a joy. 4. Theological Loopholes The Trick: Using complex technicalities to bypass Matthew 5:18–19. The Reality: It creates a state where people cite treatises to excuse setting aside the very commands Yeshua warned never to relax. The Ultimate Irony: It turns distrust of Yeshua's direct words into a false badge of "spiritual maturity," making people feel enlightened precisely because they have explained away the Sermon on the Mount. 1. Altering God's Word & Loss of Eternal Life Directly modifying, taking away from, or adding human commentary to the text forfeits access to eternal inheritance: Revelation 22:18–19 "If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll... God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City..." The Judgment: Direct assignment of written plagues and removal of one's name/share from the Tree of Life and the Heavenly City. 2. Deception, Changing Truth, and the Lake of Fire Creating false doctrines, fabricating traditions, or distorting scriptural facts places a person under the category of deception: Revelation 21:8 & Proverbs 30:6 "...and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur... Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." The Judgment: Divine rebuke, public exposure as a deceiver, and final condemnation in the Lake of Fire alongside those who reject God's authority. 3. Profaning and Substituting the Sacred Names Erasing, changing, or replacing the covenant name Yehovah (יְהוָה) or the redemptive name Yeshua (יֵשׁוُעַ) with human alternatives violates the core command regarding His identity: Exodus 20:7 & Jeremiah 23:26–27 "You shall not take the name of the Lord [Yehovah] your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless... who try to make My people forget My name..." The Judgment: Being held guilty before the heavenly court and suffering spiritual blindness for lowering His divine identity to human tradition. 4. Adopting Pagan Holidays & Mixing Worship Customs Importing pagan customs, celebrations, and cultural holidays into the worship of the Creator is explicitly condemned as adding to His word: Deuteronomy 12:30–32 "Be careful not to be ensnared... saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods? We will do likewise.' You must not worship the Lord your God in their way... do not add to it or take away from it." The Judgment: Falling into spiritual entrapment and practicing what God classifies as a detestable abomination. 5. Eating Unclean Things & Rejecting Purity Instructions Dismissing God's dietary laws in favor of personal appetite or cultural preference is identified as active rebellion against His sanctification: Isaiah 66:15–17 "For behold, the Lord will come with fire... Those who sanctify themselves... eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together, says the Lord." The Judgment: Facing direct destruction alongside the lawless at the return of the Lord. 6. Rejecting God's Appointed Times (Moedim) Substituting man-made religious calendars and holidays for the eternal appointed feasts listed in Leviticus 23 leads to divine abandonment: Leviticus 23:2, 14 & Hosea 2:11 "The appointed times of the Lord... shall be a statute forever... I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her New Moons, her Sabbaths, and all her appointed feasts." The Judgment: Withdrawal of true spiritual insight, leaving individuals in empty, powerless religious ritual. 7. Profaning the Seventh-Day Sabbath Setting aside, altering, or declaring God's holy Sabbath done away with is highlighted as a primary trigger for divine wrath: Ezekiel 22:26, 31 "Her priests have violated My law... they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them... Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath." The Judgment: Complete loss of God's presence, exposure to spiritual deception, and direct divine indignation. Here is the complete, unified breakdown bringing together every point—from altering words, names, and titles to adopting pagan holidays, eating unclean, rejecting God's appointments, and profaning the Sabbath—and the explicit judgments Scripture attaches to them. 1. Altering God's Word & Loss of Eternal Life Directly modifying, taking away from, or adding human commentary to the text forfeits access to eternal inheritance: Revelation 22:18–19 "If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll... God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City..." The Judgment: Direct assignment of written plagues and removal of one's name/share from the Tree of Life and the Heavenly City. 2. Deception, Changing Truth, and the Lake of Fire Creating false doctrines, fabricating traditions, or distorting scriptural facts places a person under the category of deception: Revelation 21:8 & Proverbs 30:6 "...and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur... Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." The Judgment: Divine rebuke, public exposure as a deceiver, and final condemnation in the Lake of Fire alongside those who reject God's authority. 3. Profaning and Substituting the Sacred Names Erasing, changing, or replacing the covenant name Yehovah (יְהוָה) or the redemptive name Yeshua (יֵשׁוُעַ) with human alternatives violates the core command regarding His identity: Exodus 20:7 & Jeremiah 23:26–27 "You shall not take the name of the Lord [Yehovah] your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless... who try to make My people forget My name..." The Judgment: Being held guilty before the heavenly court and suffering spiritual blindness for lowering His divine identity to human tradition. 4. Adopting Pagan Holidays & Mixing Worship Customs Importing pagan customs, celebrations, and cultural holidays into the worship of the Creator is explicitly condemned as adding to His word: Deuteronomy 12:30–32 "Be careful not to be ensnared... saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods? We will do likewise.' You must not worship the Lord your God in their way... do not add to it or take away from it." The Judgment: Falling into spiritual entrapment and practicing what God classifies as a detestable abomination. 5. Eating Unclean Things & Rejecting Purity Instructions Dismissing God's dietary laws in favor of personal appetite or cultural preference is identified as active rebellion against His sanctification: Isaiah 66:15–17 "For behold, the Lord will come with fire... Those who sanctify themselves... eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together, says the Lord." The Judgment: Facing direct destruction alongside the lawless at the return of the Lord. 6. Rejecting God's Appointed Times (Moedim) Substituting man-made religious calendars and holidays for the eternal appointed feasts listed in Leviticus 23 leads to divine abandonment: Leviticus 23:2, 14 & Hosea 2:11 "The appointed times of the Lord... shall be a statute forever... I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her New Moons, her Sabbaths, and all her appointed feasts." The Judgment: Withdrawal of true spiritual insight, leaving individuals in empty, powerless religious ritual. 7. Profaning the Seventh-Day Sabbath Setting aside, altering, or declaring God's holy Sabbath done away with is highlighted as a primary trigger for divine wrath: Ezekiel 22:26, 31 "Her priests have violated My law... they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them... Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath." The Judgment: Complete loss of God's presence, exposure to spiritual deception, and direct divine indignation. 1. Deuteronomy 4:2 (NKJV) "You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." 2. Deuteronomy 12:32 (NKJV) "Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it." 3. Proverbs 30:5–6 (NKJV) 5 "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him." 6 "Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." 4. Matthew 5:18–19 (NKJV, modified) 18 "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." 19 "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." 5. Revelation 22:18–19 (NKJV) 18 "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;" 19 "and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Actions & Consequences Deuteronomy 4:2 & 12:32 Adding to or taking away from divine decrees Inability to truly keep the Lord’s commandments Proverbs 30:6 Adding human thoughts or rules to God's words Divine rebuke and being found a liar Matthew 5:19 Loosening or removing the "least" command Called least in the kingdom of heaven Revelation 22:18–19 Adding to or removing text from prophetic revelation Receiving the plagues written in the book; removal from the Book of Life Jeremiah 26:2: The Command to Declare the Whole Word Without Diminishing It In Jeremiah 26:2, God explicitly commands the prophet Jeremiah to speak His message in its entirety, warning him against holding back or softening a single word to accommodate human sensitivities. Jeremiah 26:2 (NKJV) "Thus says the LORD: 'Stand in the court of the LORD’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, who come to worship in the LORD’s house, all the words that I command you to speak to them. Do not diminish a word.'" Key Insights from the Text "Do Not Diminish a Word": The Hebrew word used for "diminish" is gara, which means to subtract, withhold, trim down, or take away. God specifically instructs that not a single word can be removed or softened to make the message more comfortable or acceptable to the hearers. The Setting (The Temple Court): Jeremiah was sent to the very place where religious people gathered to worship. The warning was given directly to the religious leaders and worshippers who were inclined to selectively accept God's comfort while deflecting His warnings. The Purpose of Uncompromising Truth (Jeremiah 26:3): God explains why every word must be delivered without subtraction: "Perhaps everyone will listen and turn from his evil way, that I may relent concerning the calamity which I purpose to bring on them because of the evil of their doings." Trimming or diminishing God's warning deprives people of the chance to fully understand their standing and genuinely repent. Parallel Warnings Against Withholding God's Word PassageThe Command / PrincipleThe Severity Jeremiah 26:2"Do not diminish a word."Withholding truth prevents genuine repentance. Ezekiel 3:17–18The watchman must warn the wicked with God's exact words.If the watchman fails to warn them, their blood is required at his hand. Acts 20:26–27 Paul declares: "I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God."True faithfulness requires delivering the entire truth without omitting difficult doctrines. Scriptural Definitions of Misusing or Deflecting God's Word The Bible addresses several ways people reject, distort, or deflect Scripture rather than submitting to it: Wresting / Distortion (Strebloo): Taking Scripture out of its intended context to force a desired outcome or opinion. Substituting Human Tradition: Setting aside explicit commandments in favor of human traditions or personal rationalizations. Partial Obedience: Accepting passages that align with personal desires while ignoring or explaining away inconvenient commandments. Pharisaical Deflection: Using theological debates or legalistic technicalities to evade the underlying moral principles of God's law. Key Scriptures & Warnings Scripture Reference Concept / Action Theological Consequence / Punishment 2 Peter 3:16 Distortion ("untaught and unstable people twist [Scripture] to their own destruction")Spiritual ruin and destruction. Mark 7:8–13 Setting aside God's word for human tradition ("making the word of God of no effect")Hypocrisy; spiritual blindness and rejection by God. Revelation 22:18–19 Adding to or taking away from prophetic words Loss of share in the tree of life; receiving the plagues described. Galatians 1:8–9 Preaching a modified or perverted gospelCondemnation (Anathema / eternal separation). Matthew 7:21–23 Hearing or using Scripture without practicing obedience Rejection by Christ at final judgment ("I never knew you; depart from me"). Matthew 5:18–19 addresses the authority, permanence, and obligation of God's law, specifically warning against setting aside or misrepresenting even the smallest part of Scripture. Matthew 5:18–19 ( NKJV) 18 "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Breakdown & Key Definitions Permanence of Scripture ("Jot" and "Tittle"): Jot (Yod ): The smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Tittle: The minute stroke or pen-mark that distinguishes similar Hebrew letters. Meaning: Jesus emphasizes that every minute detail of God's word is intentional, authoritative, and enduring. None of it can be discarded or treated as obsolete. The Act of Deflecting or Relaxing the Law: Verse 19 explicitly addresses those who "break" (Greek: luo, meaning to loosen, dissolve, set aside, or declare non-binding) the commandments and "teach men so" (leading others to minimize or deflect those instructions). The Consequences & Judgment Action / Stance Toward ScriptureDirect Consequence (Verse 19) Loosening, ignoring, or teaching others to minimize even the smallest commandment"Shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven" Practicing and teaching the fullness of God's commandments"Shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven" The Biblical Prohibition Against Adding or Removing Scripture repeatedly warns that altering God's word —whether by addition, subtraction, or reclassifying what is "least" or "greatest"—is a severe offense against divine authority. Key Scriptures on Adding and Subtracting Deuteronomy 4:2 & 12:32: "You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God..." Proverbs 30:5–6: "Every word of God is pure... Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." Revelation 22:18–19: "If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life..." How "Adding and Removing" Relates to "Least and Greatest" In Matthew 5:18–19, Yeshua bridges these concepts by declaring that not even a single "jot or tittle" (the smallest strokes of text) can be removed. Passage Action Status / Consequence Matthew 5:19 Loosening / Removing the "Least": Breaking or setting aside small commandments and teaching others to treat them as irrelevant."Called least in the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 5:19 Upholding All: Keeping and teaching both major principles and minor commands faithful to God's intent."Called great in the kingdom of heaven" Proverbs 30:6 Adding Human Doctrines: Elevating human traditions or extra-biblical rules to the level of Scripture.Rebuked by God; found to be a liar Revelation 22:19Removing / Stripping Scripture: Erasing, deleting, or outright rejecting parts of God's revealed word.Loss of share in the tree of life and holy city The Core Connection When people deflect Scripture, they usually do not burn the Bible; instead, they remove the commands they find uncomfortable by declaring them "least" or obsolete, or they add human loopholes to bypass God's true intent (as Yeshua rebuked in Mark 7:9–13). Matthew 5:18–19 makes clear that in God's eyes, even what humans consider "least" remains fully binding. Jesus on Human Tradition vs. God's Commandments In Matthew 15:1–9 and Mark 7:1–13,Yeshua directly confronts religious leaders for using human tradition to bypass, void, or deflect explicit Scripture. The Primary Passages Matthew 15:3, 6, 8–9 (NKJV) 3 "He answered and said to them, 'Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?'... 6 'Then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition... 8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" How Deflection Works: The "Corban" Example (Mark 7:9–13) Yeshua singles out a specific practice of Deflecting to show how people legally manipulate language to void God's law: Summary of Consequences Method of Distortion Spiritual Outcome Scriptural Reference Substituting tradition for Scripture Worship becomes in vain (useless before God)Matthew 15:9 Using religious loopholes to avoid duty Transgressing God's direct commandments Matthew 15:3 Elevating human rules over divine intent Laying aside and nullifying God's wordMark 7:8, 13 The Authority and Integrity of Matthew 5:18 Matthew 5:18 stands as one of the strongest statements in Scripture regarding the absolute preservation, authority, and unchangeable nature of God's word. Matthew 5:18 (NKJV) "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." Core Warnings Embedded in Matthew 5:18 Warning Against Erasing "Minor" Details: By pointing to the yod (smallest letter) and tittle (smallest stroke of a pen), Yeshua warns that no detail of God’s word is irrelevant, dispensable, or open to human erasure. Warning Against Human Expiration Dates: The phrase "till heaven and earth pass away" establishes that human cultures, opinions, or changing times do not have the authority to declare God's law expired or invalid. Warning Against Partial Fulfillment: The law remains fully authoritative until "all is fulfilled." Attempting to dismiss portions of Scripture before God’s complete redemption plan is realized is a direct violation of Christ’s standard. Cross-References: The Immutable Nature of Scripture Scripture Reference Parallel Concept Consequence / Warning Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. "Human systems perish; God's word remains permanently standing. Matthew 24:35 / Luke 21:33"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away ."Absolute guarantee that divine instruction outlasts the physical universe. Psalm 119:89 "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven."Scripture is fixed by divine decree, beyond human alteration or deflection. Luke 16:17 "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail."The total reliability of Scripture; not even the smallest mark can fail to perform its purpose. The Warning Applied: Deflection vs. Submission When Matthew 5:18 is paired with verse 19, the warning becomes personal: anyone who attempts to "relax," "loosen," or deflect even the smallest part of God's word—or who teaches others that minor commands do not matter—places themselves in direct opposition to Christ’s declaration of the law's permanence. In Matthew 5:17–18, Jesus clarifies His relationship to the Old Testament, ensuring His followers understand He came neither to abolish Scripture nor to permit people to ignore its commands. Matthew 5:17–18 (NKJV) 17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." Four Ways Christ Fulfills the Law and the Prophets 1. Perfect Obedience (Moral & Righteous Fulfillment): Yeshua lived a sinless life, keeping every detail of the Law—down to every "jot and tittle"—without failure (1 Peter 2:22, Hebrews 4:15). Where human tradition bypassed God’s intent, Yeshua upheld its absolute moral purity. 2. Prophetic Completion (Messianic Fulfillment): Yeshua fulfilled hundreds of Old Testament prophecies, types, and shadows regarding the Messiah—from His birth and ministry to His sacrificial death and resurrection (Luke 24:44). 3. The Ultimate Sacrifice (Sacrificial & Ceremonial Fulfillment): The ceremonial laws, animal sacrifices, and priesthood were shadows pointing forward to Christ. By offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:1–10), He brought the penal demands of the ritual law to their intended completion. 4. Revealing Full Intent (Deeper Spiritual Meaning): In the rest of Matthew 5 (the "Sermon on the Mount"), Yeshua demonstrates what fulfilling the law looks like in practice. He goes beyond outward compliance to address the heart: showing that murder begins with hatred, adultery begins with lust, and partiality violates love (Matthew 5:21–48). Summary Matrix: Fulfill vs. Abolish False Assumption ("Destroy / Abolish")Biblical Realit y ("Fulfill")Scriptural Context Erasing the Old Testament commands Bringing them to their complete, intended goal Matthew 5:17 Declaring Scripture obsolete or unimportant Establishing its eternal authority and moral depth Romans 3:31 Setting aside the strict demands of God Satisfying those demands fully through Christ In Romans 10:4, Paul addresses the ultimate goal and resolution of God's law, resolving how Christ relates to the righteous demands of Scripture. Romans 10:4 (NKJV) "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." Understanding "End" (Telos) The Greek word used here for "end" is telos. It does not mean "destruction," "abolition," or "termination," but rather: Goal or Target: The destination toward which the Law was always pointing (like the "end" of a journey). Fulfillment / Completion: The realization of the Law’s ultimate design and purpose. Consummation: The bringing of something to its intended final state. Three Key Theological Dimensions 1. Christ as the Target (The Goal of the Law): The Law was never designed to be an end in itself; it was a tutor or guardian intended to lead people to Christ by revealing God's absolute holiness and human inability to achieve perfection (Galatians 3:24). Christ is the target the Law aimed at all along. 2. Christ as Righteousness (Ending Self-Righteousness): Human beings often attempt to deflect or twist Scripture to construct their own system of merit. Romans 10:3–4 directly contrasts two ways of seeking righteousness: Human Effort / Self-Righteousness Divine Righteousness in Christ Attempting to keep the Law to earn salvation Receiving the righteousness of God as a gift through faith Lowering or distorting commands to fit human limits Relying on Christ’s total, perfect keeping of every "jot and tittle" Seeking righteousness by personal performance Receiving righteousness by believing in Christ (Romans 3:21–22) 3. Termination of the Law as a Means of Justification: While the moral truth of God's word remains eternal (Matthew 5:18), Christ ended the Law's role as a system for securing acceptance before God. Believers are no longer under the condemnation or curse of the Law (Romans 8:1, Galatians 3:13), because Christ satisfied its requirements on their behalf. The Law as "Guardrails" Against Sin The metaphor of the Law as a set of guardrails aligns closely with how Scripture describes God's commandments: they establish clear boundaries to expose danger, keep individuals from veering into sin, and protect them from destruction. The role of keeping Christ’s commandments True believers do keep His commandments. Yeshua said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). 1 John repeatedly links knowing God, abiding in Him, and obedience as evidence of genuine faith rather than its ground. The Spirit enables the righteous requirement of the law to be fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit (Romans 8:4). Obedience is the fruit and necessary evidence of new life, not the condition that activates or preserves freedom from the law’s curse and condemnation. Key Scriptures: The Protective Function of the Law Psalm 119:11: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Guardrail Function: Internalizing Scripture acts as a direct barrier against temptation. Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Guardrail Function: Defines the safe path, preventing a person from blindly straying off a cliff into sin. Galatians 3:23 : "But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which should afterward be revealed." Guardrail Function: Paul explicitly uses military/custodial language (phroureo - to guard or hem in) to show how the Law contained and restrained human sinful nature until Christ arrived. 1 Timothy 1:8–10: " Knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners..." Guardrail Function: Laws and boundaries exist precisely to restrain unruly behavior and prevent lawlessness from going unchecked. How the Guardrail Metaphor Completes the Biblical Picture Function of the Law Practical / Theological Meaning Scriptural Reference Exposing Sin (Mirror)Shows what sin is by defining absolute right and wrong Romans 3:20, 7:7 Leading to Christ (Tutor)Proves human inability to stay within boundaries, driving us to grace Galatians 3:24 Connecting Guardrails to Deflection When people deflect, remove, or relax parts of Scripture (as warned against in Matthew 5:18–19), they effectively tear down the guardrails God put in place for their protection. Removing the "least" commandment creates a gap in the fence, making it significantly easier to slide into major sin. Psalm 19 describes the warnings and rewards of God's law? Psalm 19: The Protective Value, Warnings, and Rewards of God's Law In Psalm 19:7–14, David transitions from God's revelation in creation (verses 1–6) to God's written word, providing a complete defense of Scripture's perfection and protective boundary. The Perfect Character of the Law (Verses 7–9) David uses six distinct titles and descriptions for God's word, showing how it acts as a total guide for human life: Term Used Description Practical Effect on the Soul The Law of the LORD Perfect Restores/converts the soul The Testimony of the LORD Sure Makes wise the simple The Statutes of the LORD Right Rejoices the heart The Commandment of the LORD Pure Enlightens the eyes The Fear of the LORD Clean, enduring forever Provides an unshakable foundation The Judgments of the LORD True and righteous altogether Imparts divine truth The Law as Warning and Guardrail (Verses 11–13) In verses 11–13, David explicitly describes how Scripture functions as a protective guardrail against different types of sin: 11 "Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward." 12 "Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults." 13 "Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me..." Warning Against "Secret Faults" (Unintentional Sin): Scripture shines light on blind spots—sins committed in ignorance or rationalized away through self-deception. Guardrails Against "Presumptuous Sins" (Willful Sin): Presumptuous sins are intentional, high-handed rebellions (such as deflecting or deliberately ignoring a known command). David prays that the boundary of God's law holds him back so those deliberate sins do not form a habit or gain "dominion" over his life. The Ultimate Goal: Divine Acceptance (Verse 14) David concludes by bringing every thought, word, and reaction under the standard of God's word, recognizing that keeping the guardrails intact leads to true righteousness: 14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer."

  • 22 | Answers 4 Saints Names matter

    Man has removed the name of the Heavenly Father and His Son from His own book. The Hebrew name Yeshua ( ישוע) is His Son's name. Yeshua means salvation, the name Jesus has no meaning, the English translation is only 400 years old. Yehovah is Gods name His name means He saves Names Matter to God Jesus vs. Yeshua: Are They Really the Same Messiah?? Names matter The Origins of Yahweh - NehemiasWall.com The tradition of saying 'LORD' or Jesus instead is human reverence, not divine order. Claiming 'God authorized the change' adds to His word and misrepresents Them—itself a vain use of Their names. by changing Yeshua to Jesus because of translations Scripture alone is truth." NAMES The deep importance of people's names. In so many ways, a name isn't just a label—it's tied to identity, purpose, and even divine meaning. Just as the Bible shows us time and again (think of how God renamed Abram to Abraham or Jacob to Israel), names carry weight, reflect character, and connect us to something bigger. Your reminder of that made me pause and value names more intentionally. Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His Son's name? 6. Surely you know. Proverbs 30:4 Many churches are UNFAMILIAR with the NAME of the MESSIAH What is the Sacred Name of God? The name of God discovered in over 1227 manuscripts! Yahweh name doesn't have the same meaning as Yehovah The 3rd Commandment Yeshua or Jesus video The Origins of Yahweh 1,000 Manuscripts with Yehovah God’s name is not Yahweh – Proof from Jewish Rabbis How to Pronounce YehoVah How to Pronounce Yeshua? (CORRECTLY) Jesus - Yeshua in Hebrew - Hebrew Word of the Day . No human has the right to change a name given directly by God. why do you call him Jesus? According to the Bible, an angel instructed Joseph to name his son Yeshua. Matthew 5:18 Yes, according to the Gospel of Matthew , an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and instructed him to name his son Jesus (Yeshua) because he would save his people from their sins. The name "Jesus" is the English translation of the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means "Yahweh saves" or "The LORD is salvation". The Scriptural Checkpoint: "There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." — Acts 4:12 Yeshua The Name Audit Are you aware that the letter "J" did not exist in any language until around the 15th-17th century, meaning the Savior could never have been called "Jesus" during His time on earth?[ ] YES [ ] NO. Do you recognize that the Savior was born a Hebrew Israelite from the tribe of Judah, and therefore carried an authentic Hebrew name? [ ] YES [ ] NO Do you know that His original Hebrew name is Yahshua (or Yeshua)—the exact same name shared by Joshua in the Old Testament [ ] YES [ ] NO Are you aware that the name Yahshua literally means "Yahweh is Salvation," directly embedding the Father's personal name (יהוה / Yah) into the Son's name? [ ] YES [ ] NO Do you realize that the English name "Jesus" completely removes this linguistic link, stripping the Father’s name out of the Messiah’s identity?[ ] YES [ ] NO Now that you know the original, covenant name given by the angel from heaven (Matthew 1:21), will you consciously choose to honor it over later altered forms?[ ] YES [ ] NO Are you aware that the name "Jesus" (Iesus) came from the Greek "Iēsous" and later Latin, which changed the original Hebrew pronunciation and meaning?[ ] YES [ ] NO Do you recognize that the Apostles and early believers called the Messiah by His Hebrew name, not a later Greco-Roman version?[ ] YES [ ] NO Are you aware that the Sacred Name Yahshua preserves the direct connection to the Father’s Name Yahweh, as emphasized in Scripture?[ ] YES [ ] NO Do you believe that restoring the original name Yahshua is necessary for returning to the pure faith of the early believers?[ ] YES [ ] NO Are you aware that the name "Jesus" has no meaning in Hebrew, while Yahshua clearly means "Yahweh saves"?[ ] YES [ ] NO Do you understand that it is important to use the Savior’s name as it was originally given in Hebrew rather than later translated and altered forms?[ ] YES [ ] NO Will you make a deliberate effort to use the name Yahshua (or Yeshua) in your prayers, worship, study, and daily life moving forward?[ ] YES [ ] NO Do you reject any name that breaks the connection to Yahweh’s salvation embedded in the true name?[ ] YES [ ] NO Are you committed to using only the original Hebrew name regardless of popularity or custom?[ ] YES [ ] NO Scoring 13–15 Yes: Full alignment with the original truth. 9–12 Yes: Strong recognition but room to fully apply. 0–8 Yes: Still holding to altered forms. Factual Note: The Messiah’s original name was Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ), a shortened form of Yehoshua (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ / Joshua). Hebrew etymology: It derives from the root יָשַׁע (yasha — to save, deliver, rescue). The name combines the theophoric prefix Yah (from יהוה / Yahweh) + shua (salvation/cry for help), literally meaning "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh is salvation." Hebrew Alphabet History: The Hebrew alphabet consists of 22 letters and has never included the letter "J" or the "J" sound. Ancient Hebrew used the yod (י) which produces a "Y" sound (as in "yes"). The Savior’s name in Hebrew letters is ישוע (Yod-Shin-Vav-Ayin), pronounced approximately Yeh-shoo-ah or Yah-shoo-ah. The letter J did not exist in any alphabet until the 15th-17th centuries in European languages WHY are they HIDING GOD'S NAME? | The YESHUA TRUTH the CHURCH won’t TELL YOU The change of these names was not a single event, but a three-stage mechanical breakdown of the original Hebrew Blueprint. It was driven by a combination of linguistic "telephone" and a deliberate effort by the Roman-led Church to distance the faith from its Hebrew roots. To understand why the names, the Sabbath, and the Feasts were changed, you have to look at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and the Council of Laodicea (363 AD). This wasn't just a "misunderstanding"; it was a deliberate divorce from the Hebrew Blueprint. The Roman-led Church didn't just want to "add" to the faith; they wanted to kill the root to make the religion acceptable to the Roman Empire. 1. The Greek "Translation" (Stage One) As the message moved into the Roman Empire, the Hebrew names were squeezed into the Greek language, which lacked the proper sounds to support them. Yeshua (ישוע) became Iēsous. Because Greek has no "Sh" sound and requires male names to end in "s," the name was structurally altered. Yochanan became Ioannes (John). Ya'akov became Iakobos (James). 2. The Latin "Standard" (Stage Two) When the Roman Catholic Church took control, they translated the Greek into Latin (the Vulgate). Iēsous became Iesus. The names were further "Latinized" to fit the tongue of Rome, moving them even further away from the original sound and meaning intended by Yehovah. 3. The English "Invention" (Stage Three) This is where the final "addition" occurred. As you noted, the letter "J" is a late addition to the alphabet. The Timeline: For 1,500 years, the name was pronounced with an "I" or "Y" sound. The Change: In the 16th and 17th centuries, English printers began using the "J" to distinguish the consonant sound. Iesus became Jesus. The Result: A carnal world accepted a name that is phonetically disconnected from the Father. By the time you get to "Jesus" or "James," the Hebrew connection to Salvation and Yehovah has been completely erased. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? While linguists blame "natural evolution," the Truth reveals a more calculated culprit: The Spirit of Rome: The Roman Church sought to create a "Universal" (Catholic) religion. To make it palatable to the pagan world, they stripped away the "Jewishness" of the Savior and His disciples. The Translators: Men like Jerome and later English scholars prioritized the "sound" of their own languages over the Sanctity of the Original Name. The Mechanical Failure By changing the names, they "subtracted" the power of the Hebrew identity and "added" a Western identity. Ya'akov (the name of the Patriarch) was turned into James—a name that didn't even exist in the ancient world. Yeshua (The Father's Salvation) was turned into a generic, 600-year-old English label. The Verdict: If you are following "Jesus and James," you are following a Westernized translation. If you want to walk the Narrow Way, you must return to the Original Blueprint: Yeshua and His disciples who lived and died by the Torah. As the language is read right to left, the letter sequence is . actually HWHY, and means this pictographically: H = ה = hey = behold/reveal/breath W = י = yod = arm/hand/work/deed/worship H = ה = hey = behold/reveal/breath Y = ו = vav = nail/secure/add/and When read pictographically, the word YHWH means, “Behold the hand, behold the nail.” As others have pointed out, this would mean nothing in Judaism. But in Christianity, the hand and nail are direct references to Jesus’ crucifixion, the defining act around which the entire Christian faith revolves. So for some Christians, the name YHWH is God telling humanity how He will save them. “Sin is to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” Are you aware that Scripture has been altered to change God’s name over 6800 times in your bible? His name is not the “Lord”. Webster's dictionary defines the word Lord as someone or something having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler. it is a surname. Man has removed the name of the Heavenly Father and His Son from His own book. Perhaps names aren't very important in the modern world or to you, but in the scriptures, we can find that they are very important. The Hebrew name Yeshua ( ישוע) is His Son's name. Yeshua means salvation, the name Jesus has no meaning, the English translation is only 400 years old. The wrongful use of the name of Yehovah your God is to break the third commandment. It is blasphemous, it is "taking in vain" of the name of the God of Israel. His name was Son has been changed around 900 times. He has a Hebrew name, he is a Jew, and His name is not Jesus. His name is Yeshua, which means salvation. The Messiah's name never was "Jesus" and the name “Jesus" is actually an invention of man. Are you aware? the letter J is only 400-500 years old and not found in the Hebrew alphabet. A question that has come to my mind is, “Is it ok to call Jesus by a different name”? you would probably say no. then I would ask you why it is ok to change His given name to Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names. The next verses explain that names are important, Yehovah Himself will give the ones who overcome a new name. Revelation 2:17 "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious, I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. Philippians 2:9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: (Christian) The same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich for all who call on Him, 13, “Everyone who calls on the name of the (YEHOVAH) will be saved.” 14 How then can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? Unless you want to carry on your father's falsehoods Jeremiah 16:19. "Our fathers have inherited nothing but falsehood, Futility and things of no profit." Can a man make gods for himself? Yet they are not gods! Webster's dictionary definition of the word "vain": Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying. “Thy vain excuse.'' ... profane: treat (something sacred) with irreverence or disrespect. Sacrilegious God does not want us to alter or change His name or His Son’s name in any way. The third commandment is very clear, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Yehovah thy Elohim in vain” The name of God used most often in the Hebrew Bible is YAWEH (,(י ה ו ה YEHOVAH which means shall save.

  • Fake christian | Answers 4 Saints

    12 Tribes of Israel Are you a Christian ?? What did Jesus do Are you a Real Christian Counterfit Christian Churches Who Teach Us to Keep Sunday Admit It’s NOT the Sabbath of the Bible Follow your own heart NOT Spiritual Blindness The spiritually blind hear the truth, but they cannot see what it means. They cannot see the “big picture” of salvation, and they are unable to see how it applies to their own life. They have trouble confessing the truth because they have difficulty believing what they cannot see. John 3:13. ESV No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. NIV No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Profile of a fake Christian The Christianity of the new testament doesn't exist Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5 The Messiah is the only person in history who never sinned. He showed us how to love God and our neighbor by walking out the Torah perfectly—keeping the Sabbath, eating clean, and honoring the Appointed Days. He explicitly commanded us to walk exactly as He walked. When a person claims to be a Christian and a follower yet lives in total opposition to His steps, they are betraying Him—pretending to be His friend while actively working against His commandments. 1 John 2:6 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15 If anyone says, “I know Him, but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4 Teaching against obedience to God’s commandments is a betrayal of His Word because it directly undermines His authority in four ways: It Erases the Definition of Sin: Scripture explicitly defines sin as "the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). If you throw out the Law, you destroy the only boundary that defines right from wrong. It Defies Yeshua’s Direct Warning: The Messiah specifically warned that anyone who breaks the commandments and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom (Matthew 5:19). It Replaces Divine Truth with Human Tradition: Bypassing God's Feasts, dietary laws, and Sabbath always leads to a common substitution—making the Word of God "of none effect" through human traditions (Mark 7:13). It Separates Faith from True Loyalty: Scripture states, "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments" (1 John 5:3). Teaching against obedience strips believers of the concrete actions required to show true covenant loyalty. The Bottom Line: Telling people they are free to ignore the Father's instructions mimics the very first deception in the Garden: "Yea, hath God said...?" It doesn't just misinterpret Scripture; it actively trains people to live in comfortable transgression. Christianity, the most lawless religion on earth People cant separate their emotions from the truth What makes 90% of Christians Christians they say they are Israel Sin is the transgression of all God's Laws But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. you will not practice sinning. The creator's name is Yehovah His name means He saves He calls many but chooses few He has a son His name is Yeshua His name means salvation All salvation has to go through him Anyone who doesn't obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remain under God's angry judgment 1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. Last but not least is The Holy Spirit God gives only to those who obey them. Having the Holy Spirit in us is our prof we are saved. God called His chosen Israel consisting of twelve of Israel In His kingdom there are only 12 gates with the names of the 12 tribes no other ways into the kingdom. Any affection or feeling or emotion stirred up by error or false doctrine is worthless. The true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeketh such to worship Barns Group survey. "Believers don't care what the truth Is, or care what Yehovah desires from us. We are afraid of looking into, it because it will draw a line in the sand, we know we don't want to make those decisions because at the end of the day, we want what we want, we are comfortable with our lives we are comfortable out traditions that are man-made. But you have a thought that pops into your head that's not what it means to me. The issue is it doesn't matter to you it matters to Yehovah He is the one being worshiped." The problem facing the church is not that people lack a complete set of beliefs the problem is that have a full state of beliefs in mind, which they think are consistent with biblical teachings, and they are neither open to being proven wrong nor learning new insights. The bottom line is among both clergy and laity was indifference toward their acknowledged lack of evaluation" Barrna Profile of a Fake Christian They disobey God's commandments they don't keep the Sabbath, They eat unclean, and they refuse to keep God's appointed times. They refuse to live as Yeshua did. They live as a gentile keeping pagan holidays and eating pork. They don't care what the truth Is or what Yehovah desires from us. They are afraid of looking into, it because it will draw a line in the sand, They know they don't want to make those decisions because at the end of the day, They want what they want, they are comfortable with their lives, they are comfortable out traditions that are man-made. They have a thought that pops into your head that's not what it means to me. The issue is it doesn't matter to you it matters to Yehovah He is the one being worshiped." Barna survey with 54,000 different dominations. 7 Questions to Ask to Spot a Fake Christian 1. Are they controlled by the Holy Spirit? When you received Christ, the Holy Spirit came and began living inside you. Walking in the flesh instead of the Spirit can be a tell-tale sign of something fishy (Galatians 5:16-18) . We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”Acts 5:32 2. Do they have a new nature? When you are born again, you become a new creation with new desires, a new mind, and a new heart. If there isn’t evidence of any of these then, “Houston, we’ve got a problem!” 3. Do they have Christ’s agape love for others? By this, all will know that you are my disciples if you have a love for one another. John 13:35 The Bottom Line: No love, no Christ, yes love, yes Christ… 4. Do they obey God’s Commandments? Now by this, we know that we know Him if we keep His commandments. -1 John 2:3 Christians Can and will stop practicing sinning because they have the Holy Spirit inside them. 5. Is their fruit in their life? The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22- 23 ). True Christians will have these spiritual fruits in their lives. 6. Are they becoming more like Jesus? The true markings of a Christian is that he or she is becoming like their Master. If someone isn’t becoming more like Jesus, then chances are they are not a follower of Jesus. 7. Have they put their trust in Jesus for their salvation? Ask someone one of these questions to see who or what they are trusting in for their salvation. If it ain’t Yeshua, then they ain’t saved. Beware, there are many fake Christians 1. Matthew 15:8 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 2. Isaiah 29:13 And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. the process of learning something by repetition, rather than by really understanding it: 3. James 1:26 If a person thinks that he is religious but can’t control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person’s religion is worthless. 4 1 John 2:9 Those who say that they are in the light but hate other believers are still in the dark. 5. Titus 1:16 They claim to know God, but they deny him by what they do. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit to do anything good. Bible verses about fake Christians Sadly many false believers will be expecting to go to Heaven and will be denied entrance. The best way to avoid being one is to make sure you have truly put your trust in Christ alone for salvation. When you have repented and put your faith in Christ that will lead to a change of life. Follow God and educate yourself with his Word. Many people follow false teachings from the Bible given by false preachers or they just refuse to obey instructions from God and follow their own minds. There are many people who throw on the Christian name tag and think by just going to church they will be granted Heaven , which is false. You know there are people like that in your church and especially in the youth today. You know there are people still having sex outside of marriage, still going to clubs , and they still have a continuous willful potty mouth. Hell will be worse for these people than atheists . They are just Sunday Christians and they don’t care about Christ. Am I saying that a Christian is perfect? No. Can a Christian backslide? no, but there will be growth and maturity in a true believer's life because it is God working in them. They won’t just remain in darkness if they are the Lord’s sheep because God will discipline them and also His sheep hear His voice. Fake Christians quote Laurence J Peter – “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to the garage makes you a car.” “Don’t let your lips and your lives preach two different messages.” “Your most powerful testimony is how you treat others after the church service is over.” “What a heartbreak it would be to live an “almost” Christian life, then “almost” get into heaven.” Beware, there are many fake Christians 1. Matthew 15:8 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 2. Isaiah 29:13 And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. 3. James 1:26 If a person thinks that he is religious but can’t control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person’s religion is worthless. 4 1 John 2:9 Those who say that they are in the light but hate other believers are still in the dark. 5. Titus 1:16 They claim to know God, but they deny him by what they do. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit to do anything good. Fake Christians don’t care about God’s Word Fake Christians sin on purpose saying, “I’ll just repent later” and disobeying God’s teachings. Even though we are all sinners and we still struggle with sin, Christians don’t live a lifestyle of willfully and deliberately Practic sining. 6. 1 John 2:4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 7. 1 John 3:6 Those who live in Christ don’t go on sinning. Those who go on sinning haven’t seen or known Christ. 8. 1 John 3:8-10 The person who practices sin belongs to the evil one because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason that the Son of God was revealed was to destroy what the Devil had been doing. No one who has been born from God practices sin, because God’s seed abides in him. Indeed, he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born from God. This is how God’s children and the Devil’s children are distinguished. No person who fails to practice righteousness and to love his brother is from God. 9. 3 John 1:11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 10. Luke 6:46 Why do you call me Lord but don’t do what I tell you? Fake Christians are hypocrites Even though the Bible says we are to lovingly, kindly, and gently go to our brothers and sisters alone to correct them of their sins, how can you do that, but you’re doing the same thing as them just as much or even more than them? People who do things for show such as give to the poor and other acts of kindness to be seen by others are also hypocrites. 15. Matthew 7:3-5 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. 16. Matthew 6:1-2 Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17. Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. In John 14:15, Jesus put this truth plainly to His disciples like this: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” That may seem like a simple, even simplistic, statement, but if we look at it closely, we realize that it teaches us much about what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the distinguished mark of a real Christian. whom God has given to those who obey Him.” acts 5:32 "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." True Christians love Yeshua and have new desires and affection for Him . 12. John 14:23-24 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my word. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.” 13. 1 John 2:3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 14. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 1 John 3 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a ] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. Barns Group survey. "Believers don't care what the truth Is, or care what Yehovah desires from us. We are afraid of looking into, it because it will draw a line in the sand, we know we don't want to make those decisions because at the end of the day, we want what we want, we are comfortable with our lives we are comfortable out traditions that are man-made. But you have a thought that pops into your head that's not what it means to me. The issue is it doesn't matter to you it matters to Yehovah He is the one being worshiped." The problem facing the church is not that people lack a complete set of beliefs the problem is that have a full state of beliefs in mind, which they think are consistent with biblical teachings, and they are neither open to being proven wrong nor learning new insights. The bottom line is among both clergy and laity was indifference toward their acknowledged lack of evaluation" Barrna Fake are false preachers and false prophets just like the cast of Preachers of LA. 21. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 22. Jude 1:4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 23. 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 24. Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve, not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Reminders 25. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. If you don’t know the Lord please click here to find out how to be saved . Fritz Chery Apr 17, 2024 Bible Verses About 0 comments Bible verses about fake Christians Sadly there are many false believers who will be expecting to go to Heaven and will be denied entrance. The best way to avoid being one is to make sure you have truly put your trust in Christ alone for salvation. When you have repented and put your faith in Christ that will lead to a change of life. Follow God and educate yourself with his Word. Fake Christians will not enter into heaven. False converts will be denied . 18. Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 19. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 20. Revelation 22:15 Outside are the dogs , those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

  • Are you a Christian | Answers 4 Saints

    Are you a REAL Christian? The Christianity of the new testament doesn't exist There was only one person in the entire Bible (Torah) that did everything correctly you proclaim to follow Him however you live and do the opposite. He said if you love me keep my commandments, but you don't Christ said: If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” …Matthew 19:16 God cannot stand the prayers of anyone who disobeys his Law. Proverbs 28:9 If God's laws mean nothing to you You mean nothing to God But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’Matthew 7:23 All Israel will be saved If you do the things God hates and refuse to keep His commandments, you will receive the mark of the beast (Your Father the Devil) not the mark of God. “Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins! Isaiah 58:1 Yeshua is Our Advocate …3By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. 4If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:… Christianity the New Religion The Final Takeaway Yeshua didn't leave behind a selective checklist where people get to pick and choose which laws to follow. He left a narrow path. This test leaves absolutely no room for casual religion or intellectual debates. Yeshua didn't leave behind a philosophy to be discussed; He left a narrow path to be walked. If the answers point to a life of compromise, it isn't a cue to just feel guilty or give up—it is a direct, urgent call to repent. It means turning away from the ways of the world, picking up the truth of the Torah that Yeshua lived out, and making the firm decision to let your hands, your mind, and your daily life reflect the Master you claim to follow. If people claim to belong to Him but they refuse to live as He lived, keep what He kept, and honor the Torah the way He did, they are practicing lawlessness. True faith is not found in the empty rituals of those who rewrite His words—it is found in literal, active obedience to the Master. According to the New Testament, merely claiming to a Christian and follow the Messiah is not the same as actually following Him. Yeshua said : "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46) And: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) The apostle John wrote: "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (1 John 2:3–4) From this perspective, a person who continually refuses to follow the Messiah's teachings while professing faith creates a contradiction between their profession and their actions. However, many Christians would distinguish between: A believer who struggles with sin but desires to obey God and repents when they fail. A person who knowingly rejects God's commands and has no intention of obeying them. The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to repentance, faith, and obedience, while also recognizing that believers are not sinless and may stumble (1 John 1:8–9). So, if someone completely refuses to follow the Messiah and His commandments, many would argue that Scripture calls into question whether that person's profession of faith is genuine. Passages such as Matthew 7:21–23, Luke 6:46, and 1 John 2:3–4 are often cited in that discussion. The core biblical test is not what a person calls themselves, but whether their life shows faith expressed through obedience to God. How to Find Out Which Religion Is Right (It’s Easier Than You Think) Our Lord again reminds us that the manifestation of our love for Him will be in our obedience to His commands. Keeping Christ's commandments is and always has been the best test of our love for Yeshua Children of God Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:27 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 1 John 4:1 And For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Romans 8:1 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him, there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. brother. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer me who lives, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 God's seal is not a physical mark The forehead represents the mind of those who make a conscious decision to obey God's requirements to receive His seal will protect us from the last seven plagues. The Mark of God is a sign of obedience between God and His faithful Thus the Sabbath is the sign of a relationship between God and His people, serving as "a test of their loyalty to Him" Yeshua is the LORD of the Sabbath, not Sunday and they get the Mark of God will escape the plages. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Is a characteristic of people who have surrendered their lives to God God's seal is in His laws. Bind up the testimonies and seal the law among my disciples. God's sign is His seal, the words sing and seal are interchangeable in the bible. The Sabbath is God's sign, The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week. The fourth commandment is to remember the Sabbath. There is not one scripture in the entire Bible changing the Sabbath to Sunday. Its a sign of God's authority He chose the day. There are three elements to a legal seal, The seal giver His title His territory The Great Commission The Great Commission is Jesus's final instruction to his disciples before his ascension, found in Matthew 28:19-20. The passage says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This is not just a suggestion, but a command for all who follow Him. Why It Is Considered a Sin A Command, Not a Suggestion: The Bible frames this as a clear directive. A sin is defined as "missing the mark" or an act of disobedience against God's will. Willfully ignoring a direct command from Jesus is therefore considered a sinful act. The Nature of a Disciple: In Christian belief, a true disciple isn't just a follower, but a learner and a reproducer. The biblical understanding is that a disciple of Jesus should naturally want to share their faith and help others become disciples, just as they were discipled. A Christian who has no desire to make disciples may be demonstrating a lack of genuine conversion or a spiritual selfishness that is contrary to the self-sacrificial nature of Christ. Sins of Omission: The Bible teaches that sin isn't only about doing something wrong (sins of commission) but also about failing to do something you know you should do (sins of omission). Not making disciples falls squarely into this category. It's an act of neglecting a divinely ordained responsibility. While a Christian's salvation isn't based on their ability to make disciples, their obedience to this command is seen as evidence of their faith and love for God and others. For many, a failure to engage in this work points to a deeper spiritual issue, such as fear, a lack of trust in God's power, or a love for oneself more than for others. There is now one single law that rules both Jew and Greek alike: The law of faith (Romans 3:27) The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2) The law of Christ = love God and love your neighbor, fulfilled by the Spirit (Galatians 5:14; 6:2; Romans 13:8–10) One God. One Messiah. One gospel. One law for Jews and Greeks: faith in the crucified and risen Jesus. That is why Paul can say in the very next breath after “neither Jew nor Greek”: “You are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:28–29). Same promise. Same inheritance. Same law. No exceptions. No special tracks.

  • 27 | Answers4saints.com

    you must be grafted into Israel to be saved. If you have been baptized in Yeshua’s name, have repented, received the Holy Spirit and are living like your Savior lived, you are automatically grafted into Israel; you are a spiritual Jew. (did you know Jesus is a Jew) He answered, "I was sent only to Grafted into Israel All Israel Shall Be Saved I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. 27 And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.”… In the context of Romans 11, where Paul uses the analogy of the olive tree, the cultivated olive tree primarily represents God's covenant people, Israel. Here's a breakdown of the symbolism: The Root: The root of the cultivated olive tree symbolizes the foundational promises and covenants God made with the patriarchs, particularly Abraham (Romans 11:18). It represents the rich spiritual heritage and the source of blessing from God. The Natural Branches: These represent the Jewish people, who are the natural descendants of Abraham and were the original recipients of God's covenant promises. The Wild Olive Branches (Gentiles): These represent the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) who, through faith in Christ, are grafted into this existing covenant relationship. The Nourishing Root: By being grafted in, the Gentiles share in the "nourishing root" of the cultivated olive tree, meaning they partake in the spiritual blessings, salvation, and relationship with God that flow from His covenant promises. Therefore, the olive tree in Romans 11 is not just any tree; it's a specific symbol of God's chosen people and the established covenant through which blessings flow. The grafting of the Gentiles into this tree illustrates how they become part of God's people and recipients of His grace through faith in Jesus Christ, despite not being natural descendants of Abraham. 1. The Equality of Faith (Romans 10:12) This is perhaps the most direct "no difference" statement in the Bible. "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him." 2. The Unity in Christ (Galatians 3:28) This verse is often cited as the definitive statement on Christian equality across all social and ethnic boundaries. "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female , for you are all one in Christ Jesus." 3. The New Humanity (Colossians 3:11) Paul explains that in the "new self," traditional worldly divisions lose their significance. "Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." 4. Equality in Sin and Grace (Romans 3:22–23) Paul uses the "no difference" argument to show that everyone starts on the same level playing field regarding the need for salvation. "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Twelve Tribes of Israel This diagnostic test uses Paul’s agricultural analogy from Romans 11 to address the reality of identity. It forces the reader to confront whether they are truly drawing nourishment from the root of Israel, or simply trying to paste their own traditions onto a tree they don't fully respect. 📋 The "Grafted-In" Olive Tree Test Instructions: Answer these 4 simple questions to determine if your walk reflects a branch that has truly joined the native, covenant commonwealth of Israel, or if you are living like a severed, wild branch. Question 1: The Direction of the Graft In Romans 11:17, Paul states that some of the natural branches were broken off, and you—a wild olive shoot—were grafted in among them to share in the nourishing root. When you enter into salvation through the Messiah, what tree do you believe you are joining? A) You realize you are being joined directly to the historical, covenant commonwealth of Israel, meaning you must now draw your lifestyle and instructions from the same Hebrew root that sustains the tree. B) You believe you have joined a brand-new, Westernized "Gentile Church" that replaces Israel, allowing you to ignore the old root entirely and create your own customs. Question 2: The Attitude Toward the Root Paul gives a strict warning in Romans 11:18: "Do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: you do not support the root, but the root supports you." How do you view the foundational Torah, the Hebrew patriarchs, and the original instructions of the Father? A) You honor and submit to them, recognizing that the covenants, the laws, and the promises given to Israel are the very lifeblood that supports your faith today. B) You view the Old Testament, the Sabbaths, and the instructions of the Torah as an inferior, "done-away-with" system, boasting in a lawless grace that cuts you off from the historical root. Question 3: The True Nature of the Fruit When a wild branch is successfully grafted into a cultivated olive tree, it ceases to produce bitter, wild fruit; it begins to produce the cultivated, holy fruit of the native tree. What kind of fruit does your lifestyle display? A) Cultivated fruit. Your lifestyle, your diet, your rest days, and your moral boundaries align perfectly with the native instructions (Torah) of the tree. B) Wild fruit. You continue to produce the fruit of pagan-rooted holidays, cultural dietary choices, and human church traditions, falsely claiming the branch changes the tree rather than the tree changing the branch. Question 4: The Reality of the Pruning Shears In Romans 11:21, Paul warns: "For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either." What is the standard by which a branch remains connected to the Master’s tree? A) A living, active faith that matches the obedience of Abraham and Yeshua, walking in continuous humility and keeping the Father's commands. B) A simple verbal profession or theological checklist, assuming that once you are "grafted in," you have a license to walk in lawlessness without any fear of being cut off The Mirror's Answer : Look closely at the branches you have evaluated. If the choices consistently land on B, the warning of Romans 11 is flashing red. A wild branch cannot survive by rejecting the root that carries it. True grafting requires a total surrender of our wild ways so we can produce the holy fruit of the commonwealth of Israel. These next verses are some that you may have not heard, you must be grafted into Israel to be saved. If you have been baptized in Yeshua’s name, have repented, received the Holy Spirit, and are living as your Savior lived, you are automatically grafted into Israel; you are a spiritual Jew. (did you know Jesus is a Jew) He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." Matthew 15:24 There are 100 verses about being grafted into Israel. The name "Israel" means "He that strives with God." Not striving with God in the sense of opposing God but rather in the sense of serving and assisting God. It was through Israel's twelve sons that the promise given to him, his father Isaac, and grandfather Abraham, began to take root. The twelve sons of Israel are: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulon, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin Deuteronomy 4:8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Mark 1;15 Then Jesus said to the woman, "I was sent only to help God's lost sheep- -the people of Israel." Galatian 3:27 God says 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.… One in Christ 2: 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,d but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. 1Pet 2:10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles (Christians) in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Yeshua you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.… You are a Citizen of Israel, required to keep all Yehovah instructions and laws. You are a spiritual Jew. Rom 11:23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. Romans 2:28 A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. 29 No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men but from God. Romans 11:25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. 27 And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.” … Revelations 21:12 The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, And twelve angels at the gates. Revelations 21:21 The twelve gates were made of pearls: each from a single pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as if it were transparent glass. As you just read, there are only 12 gates to the great city. The gate names are all Hebrew, the 12 sons of Israel. You must be grafted into Israel to enter. Luke 4:43 But he replied, "I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent." Peter 2:9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. ● Deuteronomy 14:2 You have been set apart as holy to the Yehovah your Elohim, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure. ● Revelation 18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: Come out of her, my people so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues. We must conform our minds to that of Christ Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Colossians 3:1-3 Since you were raised from the dead with Christ, aim at what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Think only about the things in heaven, not the things on earth. Your old sinful self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God . (Yehovah looks at two people groups His chosen people He calls Israel and everyone else He calls Gentiles the nations) Do not live for what people live for. 1 John 2:15-16 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from the Father but is from the world. We were made new through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Imitate Christ Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. The world will hate you. ● John 15:18-19 If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 1 Peter 4:4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So, they slander you. Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Yehovah All Israel Shall Be Saved I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. 27 And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.”… Twelve Tribes of Israel These next verses are some that you may have not heard, you must be grafted into Israel to be saved. If you have been baptized in Yeshua’s name, have repented, received the Holy Spirit and are living like your Savior lived, you are automatically grafted into Israel; you are a spiritual Jew. (did you know Jesus is a Jew) He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." Matthew 15:24 There are 100 verses about being grafted into Israel. The name "Israel" means "He that strives with God." Not striving with God in the sense of opposing God but rather in the sense of serving and assisting God. It was through Israel's twelve sons that the promise given to him, his father Isaac, and grandfather Abraham, began to take root. The twelve sons of Israel are: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulon, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin . Deuteronomy 4:8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Mark 1;15 Then Jesus said to the woman, "I was sent only to help God's lost sheep- -the people of Israel." Galatian 3:27 God says 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.… Ephesians 2:18-19 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household; 1Pet 2:10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles (Christians) in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Yeshua you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.… You are a Citizen of Israel, required to keep all Yehovah instructions and laws. You are a spiritual Jew. Rom 11:23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. Romans 2:28 A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. 29 No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God. Romans 11:25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. 27 And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.” … Revelations 21:12 The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, And twelve angels at the gates. Revelations 21:21 The twelve gates were made of pearls: each from a single pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as if it were transparent glass. As you just read, there are only 12 gates to the great city. The gate names are all Hebrew, the 12 sons of Israel. You must be grafted into Israel to enter. Luke 4:43 But he replied, "I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent."" Peter 2:9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. ● Deuteronomy 14:2 You have been set apart as holy to the Yehovah your Elohim, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure. ● Revelation 18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues. We must conform our minds to that of Christ Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will. Colossians 3:1-3 Since you were raised from the dead with Christ, aim at what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Think only about the things in heaven, not the things on earth. Your old sinful self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God . (Yehovah looks at two people group His chosen people He calls Israel and everyone else He calls Gentiles the nations) Do not live for what people live for. 1 John 2:15-16 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from the Father but is from the world. We were made new through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Imitate Christ Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. The world will hate you. ● John 15:18-19 If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 1 Peter 4:4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So, they slander you. Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Yehovah All Israel Shall Be Saved I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. 27 And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.”…

  • The Purpose Of Life | Answers4saints.com

    The Three greatest questions of life 1. Where did I come from? 2. Why am I here? You are here to fear God, and keep His commandments for this is the duty of all mankind. 3. Where am I going? Your lifeline determines whether you will spend eternity with God. The purpose of life The purpose of life video The Ten Commandments 613 and 1500 commandments What Does It Mean to Walk Like Christ? Be aware of The RabbiI when talking about the New Testament. Romeans 11:25 The Three greatest questions of life 1. Where did I come from? The answer is in Genesis 1.1 God created everything 2. Why am I here? That's found in Genesis 15:6 and Ecclesiastes 12:1 Your here to determine your destiny, fear God, and keep His commandments for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will judge every secret thing whether good or evil Hebrew 9:27 3. Where am I going? that's in Genesis 25:8 Your lifeline determines whether you will spend eternity with God in the new Jerusalem on earth or whether you will spend it in the lake of fire. Weeping and gnashing of teeth your choice. The Fear of God is Utmost …12And by these, my son, be further warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body. 13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. 14For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. Proverbs 28:9 7 Psalm 101:7 No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes. 7 I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. [f ] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Chist redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Yeshua Messiah so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Galatians 3:14 The decrees of Yehovah are trustworthy , making wise the simple. The commandments of Yehovah are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of Yehovah are clear, giving insight into living. Reverence for Yehovah is pure , lasting forever. The laws of Yehovah are true ; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. Psalm 19:7 The one who belongs listens and responds to Yehovah's words. If you don't listen and respond , it is because you don't belong to Yehovah." John 8:47 The phrase "salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast" comes from the Bible (Ephesians 2:8-9) and emphasizes that salvation is a free gift from God received by faith, not earned through good deeds. While works are not the source of salvation, they are a natural and evidence of a genuine, transformed life that results from receiving God's grace through faith. Every verse requires Obedience Every command is an act of obedience refusal is a deliberate act of defiance We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” John 3: Must Live Whoever claims to live in him must live as Yeshua did.1 John 2:6 Must Do But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:2 Love John 14:15, which states, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments". Salvation Matthew 19:17, as stating, "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments". Faith , James 2:17 states, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" Baptism & Repentance Acts 2:32 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the … Sabbath Exodus 20:8. The full passage, Exodus 20:8-11, explains that six days are for labor, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, a day to do no work to honor the creation and God's rest. Works Ephesians 2:10, which states, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" Food laws Leviticus Chapter 11. This chapter details God's instructions to Moses and Aaron regarding which land animals, water animals, birds, and flying insects the Israelites were permitted to eat and which were considered detestable. Born again Yeshua Messiah replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”John 3: Gods appointed days Leviticus 23:1-4, which describes the Lord's appointed feasts (also known as God's holy days) that the Israelites were to proclaim as sacred assemblies at their appointed times. This chapter details the Sabbath and other festivals like the Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread. Worship God in Spirit and truth John 4:24, where Jesus states, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth". This passage emphasizes that genuine worship comes from a transformed inner being (the "spirit"), empowered by the Holy Spirit and unhindered by physical location, and aligns with the revealed truth of God's word and character, Endures to the end Matthew 24:13 in the Bible states, "but the one who endures to the end will be saved" Grafted into Israel – Ephesians 2:12–13 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Confess Matthew 10:32 is Jesus's command that "everyone who confesses me before men, I also will confess before my Father who is in heaven" Calls on the name Romans 10:13-15 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

  • Answers4Saints | Answers 4 Saints

    Statics say 84% of Americans believe in the divinity of Christ and 74% profess commitment to him yet America continues downward spiritually to correction and morality why has Christianity not worked? Welcome, Fellow Truth Seekers: Start Your Journey Here Please keep in mind TEST EVERYTHING to scripture. If you have found your way to this page, it is highly likely that your spirit has begun to feel a quiet, persistent unsettling. Perhaps you have spent years—or even decades—sitting in mainstream church pews, loving God with all of your heart, yet sensing an invisible disconnect between the raw, unfiltered pages of your Bible and the traditions taught from the pulpit. You are not alone. Across the globe, the Father is whispering a call to return to His ancient paths, and your presence here is not an accident. This website is a sanctuary for those who are ready to lay down human dogmas, step out of traditional conditioning, and align their spiritual mirrors with the eternal, beautiful instructions of the Father—the $Torah$. Here is a map of what you will find on this platform and how to navigate your journey back to pure, uncompromised biblical truth. Step 1: Take the Self-Diagnostic Before you read a single article, we invite you to bypass the traditional defenses of your mind and take an honest, private look into the scriptural mirror. Take The Lawlessness (Anomia) Test App Our interactive, 10-question diagnostic tool is designed to evaluate your everyday theological beliefs and lifestyles against the objective standard of God's written Law. It is completely anonymous and acts as a powerful diagnostic tool to see if your spiritual "hardware" is tuned to the frequency of obedience or the frequency of traditional lawlessness ($anomia$). Step 2: Explore the Deep-Dive Studies Once you have taken the test, your heart may feel a bit unsettled by the gap between traditional church practices and the written Word. This is completely normal. To help you understand the mechanics of what you are experiencing, we have compiled a step-by-step library of theological and psychological resources: The Mirroring Principle of Idolatry: Understand the cosmic law of spiritual gravity: what you revere, you will resemble. Learn how choosing man-made systems over the Father's voice leads to a spiritual sensory shutdown (eyes that cannot see, ears that cannot hear). The Alignment of the Mirror: Discover why physical commandments like the Seventh-day Sabbath ($Shabbat$), biblical dietary boundaries ($Kashrut$), and even physical tassels ($Tzitzit$) are actually divine optical tools designed to keep your mirror pointed at the Creator. The Pauline Filter: Learn how to dismantle the highly selective, traditional lens used to twist the letters of the Apostle Paul into a shield against keeping the Father's commandments. The Mechanics of Conditioning : Are churchgoers "brainwashed"? Read a compassionate, psychological and sociological breakdown of why our loved ones experience intense cognitive dissonance and defensive reactions when confronted with the truth of the $Torah$. The Spirit of the Lawless One : Peer behind the physical world to understand the spiritual warfare of $anomia$, exploring how systematically bypassing the Creator's Law mirrors the original rebellion of the adversary. Step 3: Find a Soft Landing & Restoration Waking up to the reality of traditional conditioning can feel isolating and overwhelming. The social and emotional costs of walking differently than your family, friends, and church community can trigger immense fear. Read "A Loving Warning to a Churchgoer" If you are looking for a gentle, pastoral explanation of what is happening to your heart—or if you need a letter to share with a loved one that explains this spiritual transition without triggering immediate anger—this resource acts as a healing balm. It explains the mechanics of self-diagnosis, shows you the beautiful path of repentance, and lists clear scriptural proofs to help you take your next steps with confidence. A Note of Encouragement for the Road Beloved truth seeker, turning your mirror back toward the Creator's written instructions is a path of restoration, not bondage. Keeping the Father's commandments is how we physically express our love for Him (1 John 5:3). Take your time. Study the scriptures. Question the traditions you inherited. Ask the Father to remove the veil, polish your spiritual mirror, and restore your eyes to see and your ears to hear the glorious light of His eternal truth. Where to begin? We highly recommend taking The Lawlessness Test first, and letting the scriptures speak directly to you. A Loving Warning to a Churchgoer My friend, Scripture warns that the adversary’s primary goal is not to turn you into an atheist, but to subtly steer you onto his own path of anomia—the spirit of lawlessness that teaches God's instructions no longer have authority over your life (1 John 3:4). You can prove this spiritual blindness is operating in your own heart by looking at a simple, physical instruction like the Fourth Commandment: “But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work...” ($Exodus$ $20:10$). The Creator's written Word plainly designates Saturday as His holy day forever, yet when you look at this text, your eyes read "Saturday" while your traditional training forces you to see "Sunday" or to believe the commandment is abolished. This inability to simply accept and obey what is plainly written—substituting it instead with human church traditions—is the exact "sensory shutdown" warned about in the scriptures; it proves that while you may sincerely love God, you are unknowingly walking the path of the original rebel by treating His eternal $Torah$ as optional. This blindness is not an accident; it is the operation of a profound spiritual law: we spiritually conform to the nature of whatever we worship. When you place your ultimate trust and reverence in a church denomination, a human pastor, or a comfortable system of theology that explains away God's Torah, your soul begins to act as a mirror to that system. You inherit the exact sensory shutdown of the man-made traditions you revere—possessing a Bible you cannot see and a Creator's voice you cannot hear. By taking an honest look at your own daily practices versus the written Word, you are holding up a mirror to your soul and performing a vital self-diagnosis. Your own physical actions are proving that your spiritual hardware has been tuned to copy and reflect a lawless human system rather than the glorious, eternal image of the living God. Proof in the Scriptures: Look Up and Study These Verses If your heart is open to the raw, unfiltered truth of the written Word, please take a moment to look up these scriptures in your own Bible: Is the Sabbath truly done away with? $Exodus$ $31:16-17$: “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever...” Question to ponder: If God declared the Sabbath an eternal sign and a perpetual covenant, by whose authority was it changed or abolished? Does God accept worship that is mixed with human traditions? Mark 7:7-9 (Yeshua's Warning): “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men... Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Question to ponder: Are you honoring Sunday, Christmas, or Easter because the Bible commands them, or because church traditions tell you to? What does God think of prayers from those who reject His Law? Proverbs 28:9: “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law ($Torah$), even his prayer shall be abomination.” Question to ponder: If we ignore His written instructions, can we truly say we are in deep communion with Him? How does the New Testament define our love for God? 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” Question to ponder: If loving God means keeping His physical commandments, why does modern theology teach that those commandments are a "burden" or "bondage"? This test is specifically designed to expose the subtle, traditional rationalizations that people in the church use to reject God's law. It uses the words of the Messiah Himself from Matthew 7:21-23—where He warns that many well-meaning, miracle-working churchgoers will be turned away because they "work lawlessness" (anomia). The 10-Question Diagnostic Review the statements below. Answer honestly based on your current personal beliefs, teachings, and church practices. 1. The Validity of the Law Do you believe or teach that the Law of Moses ($Torah$) has been "abolished," "nailed to the cross," or "done away with" for New Testament believers? [ ] YES [ ] NO 2. The Definition of Holiness Do you believe that under the New Covenant of "grace," physical obedience to the Creator's Old Testament commandments is completely optional or unnecessary? [ ] YES [ ] NO 3. The Sabbath Day Do you treat Sunday as the Sabbath, or believe the Seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) was changed or abolished, despite God designating it as a "perpetual, everlasting covenant"? [ ] YES [ ] NO 4. Dietary Separation Do you believe that God's dietary boundaries (Leviticus 11) no longer apply, and that you are free to eat pig, shellfish, or other unclean things because "Jesus made all foods clean"? [ ] YES [ ] NO 5. Adopting Pagan Customs Do you celebrate holidays of pagan origin (like Christmas on December 25th or Easter Sunday) under the belief that "it's about the heart" and "God knows what it means to me"? [ ] YES [ ] NO 6. The Pauline Filter Do you use isolated, misunderstood verses from the Apostle Paul’s letters to argue against keeping the direct, physical commandments of the Father and the Messiah? [ ] YES [ ] NO 7. Labeling Obedience as "Legalism" Do you refer to, mock, or warn others against believers who strive to keep the Seventh-day Sabbath, eat clean, or wear $tzitzit$ (tassels) by calling them "legalists," "Pharisees," or "under bondage"? [ ] YES [ ] NO 8. Dismissing the Feast Days Do you believe that God’s annual Appointed Times ($Moedim$ in Leviticus 23) were "only for the Jews" and have no prophetic value or application for the Church today? [ ] YES [ ] NO 9. Cheap Grace Do you believe that as long as you "love God" and "love your neighbor," you are free to ignore the specific, physical instructions of how the Creator asked to be loved and worshiped? [ ] YES [ ] NO 10. Defensive Reaction to the Law Does hearing the term "Torah observance" or the suggestion that we must physically keep the commandments of God trigger immediate defensiveness, anger, or discomfort in your heart? [ ] YES [ ] NO Diagnosing the Results: What Does Your Score Mean? Count how many times you answered "YES" to the statements above. If You Answered "YES" 1 to 3 Times: Developing Contamination You have started to absorb some of the traditional, lawless dogmas of mainstream theology. While you may still revere the Old Testament, you are allowing human traditions to slowly blind your spiritual eyes to the plain instructions of the Creator. If You Answered "YES" 4 or More Times: The Spirit of Lawlessness ($Anomia$) A score of 4 or more "YES" answers indicates that your personal theology is operating directly under the spirit of $anomia$ (lawlessness). You are actively practicing a belief system that teaches that God's instructions have no authority over you. By defending these "YES" positions, you are using church traditions as a shield to bypass the written Word of God—which is the exact behavior the Messiah $Yeshua$ condemned in Matthew 7 and Mark 7. The Scriptural Reality Check If this test made you uncomfortable, look closely at what the Scriptures say about each "YES" answer: To Statement 1 & 2: $Yeshua$ said: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets... whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19) To Statement 3: God said: “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath... throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” (Exodus 31:16) To Statement 4: The Prophet Isaiah warns that those who consume swine's flesh and abominable things will be consumed together in end-times judgment. (Isaiah 66:17) To Statement 5: God said: “Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared... and enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God.” (Deuteronomy 12:30-31) To Statement 6 & 7: The Apostle Peter explicitly warned that those who are "unlearned and unstable" twist Paul's letters to their own destruction because they are led away by the "error of the lawless." (2 Peter 3:15-17) To Statement 8: The Apostle Paul instructed New Testament believers to keep the biblical feasts: “Purge out therefore the old leaven... For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast.” (1 Corinthians 5:7-8) To Statement 9 & 10 : The Apostle John wrote: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:3) Conclusion Do not let traditional dogmas make the Word of God of "none effect" in your life. Repent of the spirit of lawlessness ($anomia$), point your spiritual mirror directly back to the Creator's written instructions, and let Him restore your eyes to see, your ears to hear, and your heart to obey! Spiritual Blindness and the Mirroring of Idolatry: Why the Church Cannot Comprehend the Torah A common question arises within the movement to return to God's commandments: Why is it that otherwise sincere, Bible-reading churchgoers cannot see, understand, or accept the perpetual validity of the Torah? Scripture reveals that this barrier is not merely intellectual; it is a profound, active spiritual state. When human traditions and man-made theology are elevated above the living instructions of the Creator , a specific spiritual mechanism is triggered: The Mirroring Principle of Idolatry. 1. The Powerless, Dead Idols Scripture is incredibly consistent in how it describes man-made idols. In the Psalms, we are given a vivid description of physical representations used in worship: "They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not..." — Psalm 115:5-6 "They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths." — Psalm 135:16-17 These idols are characterized by complete sensory shutdown. They possess the outward physical forms of sight, hearing, and speech, but they are utterly devoid of spiritual life, breath, and true perception. To bring this ancient biblical truth into the 21st century, we are going to use the example of a "Dummy" Display Smartphone. It looks perfect on the outside but lacks any internal life, illustrating exactly how a person can have all the outward tools of faith (Bibles, apps, church buildings) while remaining spiritually unresponsive to the actual commandments of God. Here is the updated article with this new modern analogy integrated as Section 3. 2. The Spiritual Mirror: Becoming What We Worship The crucial warning of these passages is not just about the statues themselves, but about the transformational impact they have on those who trust in them: "They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them." — Psalm 115:8 / Psalm 135:18 This is a spiritual law of the universe: We spiritually conform to the nature of the object of our devotion. When we place our trust in man-made theological structures, physical icons, or ecclesiastical traditions that substitute God's commandments, we begin to match their spiritual state. We develop spiritual eyes that cannot see and spiritual ears that cannot hear. 3. The Diagnosis of Spiritual Stubbornness Throughout the scriptures, when God's people fell into unbelief and stubbornness—trusting in their own traditions and rejecting the Torah—the prophets used this exact "idol-mirroring" language to diagnose their spiritual condition: Jeremiah 5:21: "Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not..." Ezekiel 12:2: "Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house." Mark 8:18: Yeshua Himself confronts His disciples with this same warning when they fall into fear and unbelief: "Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?" 4. The Root Cause: Hardening of the Heart Through Unbelief This sensory shutdown is fundamentally caused by a hardening of the heart. When a believer repeatedly encounters the plain text of God's Word but chooses to bypass it to preserve a comfortable, traditional doctrine, a calloused layer forms over their spiritual heart. According to Hebrew thought, the heart is the seat of the mind, will, and understanding. Unbelief acts as a barrier. It refuses to take God at His word. This persistent unbelief leads to a hardened heart (a spiritual thickening/callous). The result is a total inability to process spiritual truth that contradicts human traditions. 5. The Modern Application: The Veil Over the Church This spiritual mirroring explains why many modern churchgoers struggle to understand or accept the Torah. When presented with clear scriptures regarding the seventh-day Sabbath ($Shabbat$), dietary instructions ($Kashrut$), or the Feast Days ($Moedim$), they are often completely unable to comprehend or accept them. Even though the words are right there on the pages of their own Bibles, they cannot perceive them. Just as the dead, traditional systems they trust in are deaf to the living voice of God's law, they too experience a spiritual dullness. Until they repent of human traditions and surrender to the authority of the Creator's written Word, the veil remains over their eyes, keeping them spiritually blind to the beauty, light, and perpetual life of the Torah. This statement echoes 1 John 3:8, which says, "Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning" The Mirroring Principle of Idolatry: What You Revere, You Resemble One of the most profound, yet frequently overlooked, spiritual laws written across the pages of Scripture is what theologians call The Mirroring Principle of Idolatry. Simply put, the principle states: We spiritually conform to the nature of whatever we worship. In the words of biblical scholar G.K. Beale, "What people revere, they resemble, either for ruin or for restoration." When we give our ultimate devotion, trust, and obedience to something, we begin to mirror its characteristics. If we worship a dead, mute, and blind idol—whether a physical statue or a man-made theological tradition—we spiritually inherit its sensory shutdown. Conversely, if we worship the living, speaking Creator, we are restored to reflect His image. 1. The Divine Design: Created to Mirror the Creator To understand why false worship has such a devastating, blinding effect on human beings, we have to look back at our original blueprint. In Genesis, humanity was created with a specific structural purpose: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." — Genesis 1:27 Humans were designed to be spiritual mirrors placed in the creation. Just as a physical mirror has no light of its own but is designed to perfectly reflect the sun, humanity was designed to face the Creator and reflect His character, holiness, light, and instruction ($Torah$) into the physical world. Worship is the act of pointing our "mirror" toward an object. Whatever sits at the center of our devotion is the exact image our souls will reflect. 2. The Golden Calf: The First Major Replication (Exodus 32) The mirroring principle is vividly demonstrated during Israel's infamous golden calf incident in the wilderness. When Moses delayed coming down from Mount Sinai, the people grew impatient and demanded a physical god they could see and control. They fashioned a golden calf out of their jewelry: "And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel. .." — Exodus 32:4 Immediately after they bowed down and sacrificed to this golden calf, God changed the vocabulary He used to describe Israel. He said to Moses: "Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves... I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people." — Exodus 32:7, 9 The Hebrew term for "stiff-necked" ($qasheh$ $oreph$) is agricultural vocabulary used to describe an obstinate, stubborn bull or heifer that refuses to bow its neck to the yoke of its master. By choosing to revere a young, stubborn bull (the calf) rather than the living God, Israel instantly began to resemble the physical characteristics of their idol. They became spiritually "stiff-necked"—unbending, stubborn, and completely unresponsive to the voice of their Master. 3. The Sensory Shutdown: Psalm 115 and 135 The Psalms lay down the explicit mechanical law of how this spiritual replication operates. They describe the physical nature of man-made idols: “They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.” — Psalm 115:5-7 Then comes the cosmic spiritual warning in verse 8: “They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” — Psalm 115:8 This is not poetry; it is a spiritual diagnosis. Trusting in a powerless, inanimate representation of godhood causes a complete sensory shutdown in the worshiper: Mouths that speak not: The worshiper loses the ability to speak pure, uncompromised biblical truth. Eyes that see not: The worshiper can look directly at a clear commandment in Scripture (like the Sabbath or dietary laws) and be utterly unable to see or register it. Ears that hear not: The worshiper can hear the voice of the Creator calling them back to His instructions, but they are spiritually deaf to the call. 4. The Prophets' Diagnosis of Israel When Israel later fell into rebellion and rejected the Torah, God did not diagnose them as merely "uneducated." He diagnosed them as idol-mirrors. They had successfully taken on the traits of the blind and deaf Canaanite gods they trusted in: Isaiah 6:9-10: God commissions Isaiah to speak to a people who have spiritually conformed to idols: “Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart...” Jeremiah 5:21: “Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not...” Ezekiel 12:2: “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.” By turning away from the Torah, they lost the spiritual hardware required to process spiritual truth. 5. The New Testament Reality: Tradition Over Commandments This is not an exclusively Old Testament phenomenon. Yeshua Himself confrontationaly applies this exact "idol-mirroring" diagnosis to the religious leaders of His day. When the Pharisees challenged Yeshua because His disciples did not follow the "traditions of the elders" (man-made religious rules that bypassed God's written law), Yeshua responded: “Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men... Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition...” — Mark 7:6-7, 13 Later, when His disciples failed to understand a basic spiritual concept, Yeshua turned to them and asked: “Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?” — Mark 8:18 The warning is clear: Any time we substitute God’s plain, written commandments with human dogmas, church traditions, or ecclesiastical systems, we trigger the Mirroring Principle. When we place our trust in a denomination, a popular pastor, or a comfortable system of theology that explains away God's law, we begin to resemble that dead system. We lose our ability to process the direct signal of the Scriptures. Our eyes read "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" but our theological programming translates it to mean Sunday, or worse, that the Sabbath is abolished. The spiritual data is there on the page, but the "mirror" is pointing at human tradition, rendering us blind to the light of the Torah. 6. The Remedy: Restoration to His Image The Mirroring Principle is a law of spiritual gravity, but it works both for ruin or for restoration. If looking at and trusting in dead idols makes us dead, blind, and deaf, then turning our gaze to the living Messiah Yeshua and His perfect instructions has the exact opposite effect: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass [mirror] the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18 When we repent of man-made traditions, take the veil off our eyes, and submit directly to the written Word of the Creator, our spiritual senses are restored. We begin to reflect His character, His holiness, and His Torah. Our eyes see, our ears hear, and we are finally able to comprehend, accept, and walk in the beautiful light of His eternal truth. The Alignment of the Mirror: How the Commandments Counteract Idolatry When looking at the 20 specific practices in the Torah Observance Self-Assessment, it is easy for a modern reader to ask: “What does eating pork, wearing tassels, or keeping a Saturday Sabbath have to do with the heavy, spiritual reality of idolatry?” To the modern Western mind, "idolatry" is a mental or emotional state (putting your career or money before God), while the "Torah commandments" are seen as external, ritualistic rules. However, in Hebrew thought, the two are dynamically and structurally connected. Every single commandment ($mitzvah$) in the Torah acts as a physical alignment tool for your spiritual "mirror." When you reject these physical instructions in favor of human traditions, you actively turn your mirror away from the Creator, pointing it toward man-made systems. This triggers the Mirroring Principle of Idolatry—leading to the spiritual sensory shutdown described in the Psalms. Here is how specific commandments are directly connected to the mirroring of idolatry. 1. The Sabbath ($Shabbat$): Mirroring the Creator’s Rhythm vs. Human Authority To understand how the Sabbath connects to the mirror, look at the signature of the Creator. In the Fourth Commandment, God binds the Sabbath directly to His identity as the Maker of all things: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” — Exodus 20:11 The Connected Mirror: When you observe the seventh-day Sabbath, you physically conform your life, your time, and your weekly rhythm to the exact pattern of the Creator. You are pointing your mirror directly at His face, reflecting His rest, His sovereignty, and His creative authority into the physical world. The Idolatrous Substitution: When mainstream ecclesiastical systems shifted the day of worship to Sunday and claimed the authority to transfer the holiness of Shabbat, they created a man-made tradition. The Mirroring Result : By resting on Sunday based on human church dogmas rather than the written Word of the Creator, a believer's mirror is pointed at a human institution. Because they revere human authority over the Creator’s written Law, they begin to resemble that system—becoming deaf to the plain text of Scripture and blind to the literal Fourth Commandment. 2. Dietary Laws ($Kashrut$): Mirroring Divine Holiness vs. Pagan Syncretism In Leviticus 11, God outlines which animals are clean and unclean. At the very climax of these dietary instructions, He reveals why He gave them: “For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy... For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” — Leviticus 11:44-45 The Connected Mirror: The word "holy" ($kadosh$) literally means set apart, separated, and distinct. God is distinct from the world. By putting a physical boundary on what enters our mouths, we mirror His holiness. We reflect His nature of distinction and order. Our daily eating habits become a physical mirror of His spiritual separation. The Idolatrous Substitution: Pagan idolatry is characterized by the breakdown of distinctions—mixing the holy with the profane, eating whatever the flesh desires, and absorbing the habits of the surrounding culture. The Mirroring Result: When the church teaches that "all things are clean to eat" (relying on misinterpretations of Mark 7 or Acts 10), they remove the boundary of distinction. By eating like the pagan nations, they begin to reflect the pagan worldview of spiritual mixture. They lose the ability to distinguish between what is clean and unclean in other areas of life, rendering them spiritually insensitive. 3. Tassels ($Tzitzit$): The Optical Shield Against Idolatry The commandment to wear fringes or tassels ($tzitzit$) on the corners of four-cornered garments is perhaps the most explicit "anti-idolatry mirror" in the entire Torah: “And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a-whoring [prostituting/worshipping idols]...” — Numbers 15:39 The Connected Mirror: The Torah acknowledges that the human eye is easily captivated by the physical world. Left to its own devices, the eye looks at the world, the heart desires what it sees, and the person conforms to that earthly image (idolatry). The $tzitzit$ serve as a physical, optical interruption. The Mirroring Result: Every time your eyes drift downward, they catch the sight of the blue thread in the tassels. This instantly redirects your focus back to the written commandments of God. It is a physical "guardrail" that forces your spiritual mirror to stay tilted upward toward the Creator rather than drifting down to copy the culture. 4. The Biblical Feasts ($Moedim$) vs. Christmas and Easter: Mirroring God’s Calendar vs. Pagan Cycles The annual Feasts (Leviticus 23) are designated as God's "appointed times." They are His prophetic schedule. Conversely, Deuteronomy 12:30-32 strictly warns: “Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them... and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.” The Connected Mirror: When you keep the Passover ($Pesach$), the Feast of Weeks ($Shavuot$), or the Feast of Tabernacles ($Sukkot$), you are mirroring the literal, prophetic timeline of Yeshua's redemption plan. Your mirror is reflecting the true light of the Messiah's first and second comings. The Idolatrous Substitution: Celebrating Christmas (December 25th) or Easter (with a Friday-to-Sunday timeline) is the exact definition of syncretism—taking the customs, dates, and rituals of pagan sun-god worship and renaming them to honor the Creator. The Mirroring Result: Because pagan customs are dead and have no spiritual breath, those who participate in them eventually inherit the sensory shutdown of those original pagan systems. Even when they are shown the plain scriptural timeline of three days and three nights (Matthew 12:40), or shown that Jeremiah 10 condemns decorated trees, they cannot see or comprehend it. Their theological mirror is reflecting the "dead light" of Christianized pagan traditions, leaving them blind to the brilliant light of God’s actual holy days. Summary: The Torah as the Blueprint of the Divine Image Human beings cannot avoid mirroring. We are created to be reflective surfaces. If we do not point our mirrors toward the written Torah—which is the perfect, physical expression of the Creator’s character—we will naturally point our mirrors toward: The Self (human desires and pride). The Culture (pagan traditions and holidays). Human Religious Systems (church doctrines that bypass God's Law). Every single commandment, from how we manage our finances (usury) to how we cut our hair or dress (mixed fabrics), is designed to shape our mirrors so that we perfectly conform to the image of the Messiah Yeshua. When we obey, our spiritual senses are restored. When we substitute His instructions with human traditions, our spiritual hardware shuts down, and we become just as deaf, dumb, and blind as the powerless idols of old. Identifying Modern-Day "Mirror Idolatry": Behavioral and Theological Signs If the Mirroring Principle of Idolatry is a spiritual reality, then the "sensory shutdown" described by the prophets (Psalms 115, Jeremiah 5, Mark 8) must be visible in the modern religious world. It cannot remain an abstract theological concept; it must manifest as recognizable behaviors and patterns of thought. How do you identify a modern-day believer whose spiritual "mirror" has been turned away from the Creator’s $Torah$ and pointed toward human tradition? The scriptures provide a clear diagnostic framework. When a person is reflecting a man-made religious system rather than the living Word, they exhibit specific, identifiable spiritual symptoms. 1. The "Translational Filter" (Eyes That See Not) The most prominent identifier of modern mirror idolatry is selective scriptural blindness. The Symptom: You can open a Bible, point directly to a plain, unambiguous commandment, and have them read it out loud. Yet, their mind is completely unable to process the plain meaning of the text. How to Identify It: You show them: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy... the seventh day is the sabbath...” (Exodus 20:8-10). Their "filter" instantly translates this to mean: “Go to church on Sunday.” You show them: “These are the beasts which ye shall eat... whatsoever parteth the hoof... and cheweth the cud...” (Leviticus 11:2-3). Their filter instantly translates this to mean: “We can eat whatever we want because Jesus made all things clean.” The Spiritual Reality: The hardware of their physical eyes is working, but their theological mirror is pointed at a denominational creed. The text of Scripture hits their eyes, but the data is scrambled by their programming before it can reach their heart. They cannot see what is plainly written. 2. The Echo Chamber of Human Tradition (Mouths That Speak Not) In Psalm 115, idols are described as having mouths that cannot speak truth. In modern times, this manifests as an inability to speak pure, uncompromised biblical truth, replacing it instead with human catchphrases. The Symptom: When challenged on a matter of scripture or lifestyle, the person does not defend their position using the direct context of the Word. Instead, they regurgitate the pre-programmed talking points of their religious institution. How to Identify It: They rely heavily on clichés, theological jargon, and ecclesiastical soundbites to bypass obedience, such as: “That’s legalism.” “We are under grace, not the law.” “That was just for the Jews.” “That's a secondary issue.” The Spiritual Reality: They have lost their biblical voice. Instead of speaking the words of the Creator, their mouth has become a speaker grille for the human authorities they revere. They can only echo the soundbites of the system they mirror. 3. The "But God Knows My Heart" Defense (Deafness to Warning) When an idol-mirror is confronted with the pagan origins of their religious practices, their spiritual hearing shuts down, and they retreat into emotional self-defense. The Symptom: When you show them scriptural and historical proof that holidays like Christmas or Easter are rooted in pagan worship (contrary to Deuteronomy 12:30-32), they do not hear the warning. Instead, they redirect the conversation to their own personal intentions. How to Identify It: They will respond with statements like: “But that’s not what it means to me.” “God knows my heart, and I am doing this for Him.” “As long as we are focusing on Jesus, the details don't matter.” The Spiritual Reality: They are spiritually deaf to the warnings of the Torah. By prioritizing their internal emotional state (what it means to "me") over the external written instruction of God, they prove that their mirror is pointed inward at The Self—the ultimate form of modern idolatry. 4. The Collapse of Distinctions (No Spiritual Senses) Holiness ($kedushah$) requires the ability to distinguish, separate, and put a difference between things. When a believer’s spiritual senses are shut down, they lose the ability to make biblical distinctions. The Symptom: They cannot perceive any difference between what God has designated as "Holy" ($kadosh$) versus what man has designated as "Common" ($chol$). How to Identify It: They see no difference between Shabbat (the day God sanctified) and Sunday (the day Constantine and the Roman Church set apart). They see no difference between Passover (God’s prophetic feast) and Easter (a tradition named after a pagan goddess). They believe that because "God created everything," all foods, lifestyles, and worship methods are equally acceptable if done with "love." The Spiritual Reality: Because they worship within a system that has mixed pagan habits with biblical language, they have inherited the system's numbness. They are spiritually colorblind—unable to distinguish the bright line of God’s separation from the gray smear of religious syncretism. 5. Hostility Toward the Hebrew Roots of Faith Just as light hurts eyes that have been in the dark for too long, the true light of the Hebrew roots of the faith often provokes a defensive, agitated reaction from those in mirror idolatry. The Symptom: The mere mention of the name $Yeshua$ instead of Jesus, or the suggestion that a believer should strive to keep the commandments out of love, triggers an immediate defensive posture. How to Identify It: They will accuse those returning to the Torah of "falling from grace," being "Judaizers," or belonging to a "cult." They display a visceral discomfort with the physical signs of obedience (like $tzitzit$ or Sabbath rest). The Spiritual Reality: The physical reality of the Torah acts as a polishing cloth on their mirror. It threatens the comfortable, dusty film of human tradition they have lived under. Because they are not ready to turn their mirror away from their ecclesiastical system, they lash out at the light that is trying to break through their sensory shutdown. Summary: A Checklist of the Modern Idol-Mirror The Prophetic Diagnosis The Modern Behavior "Eyes that see not" Reading a clear commandment on the page but being utterly unable to process its plain, literal meaning. "Ears that hear not" Hearing the warning against syncretism (pagan mixing) but dismissing it because "God knows my heart." "Mouths that speak not" Relying on theological clichés ("not under the law," "legalism") instead of quoting direct Scripture in context. "No breath/distinction" Believing that there is no difference between what is clean and unclean, or what is holy and The "Pauline Filter": How a Misaligned Mirror Distorts the Apostle’s Words If a modern believer's theological mirror has been pointed at human tradition, they must find a way to reconcile the clear, eternal commandments of the Creator with their refusal to obey them. To resolve this cognitive dissonance, they construct what can be called "The Pauline Filter." This is the practice of running the entire Bible—including the plain words of the Creator at Mount Sinai and the direct instructions of the Messiah $Yeshua$—through a highly selective, misunderstood reading of the Apostle Paul’s letters. By doing so, they use Paul as a shield to protect their traditions and justify their transgression of the $Torah$. The Apostle Peter explicitly warned that this exact phenomenon would occur: “...even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest [twist], as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked [lawless], fall from your own stedfastness.” — 2 Peter 3:15-17 How do you identify a believer who is utilizing the "Pauline Filter" to maintain their spiritual sensory shutdown? Here are the behavioral and theological signs. 1. The "Paul Over Yeshua" Hierarchy The most glaring symptom of the Pauline Filter is an unconscious theological hierarchy where Paul's words carry more practical authority than the words of the Messiah Himself. The Symptom: When confronted with the direct, plain instructions of the Messiah, the person will immediately bypass them by quoting an isolated verse from Paul to argue that the Messiah's words no longer apply. How to Identify It: You show them where $Yeshua$ said: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets... whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19). Rather than accepting this, their mind immediately filters it out. They respond with: “Yes, but Paul says Christ is the end of the law for righteousness...” (Romans 10:4), interpreting "end" (telos) as "termination" rather than "goal/climax." The Spiritual Reality: Their theological mirror is pointed at a denominational construct that pits the Messiah against His own Apostle. Because they cannot process the reality that Paul was a Torah-observant Pharisee who defended the Law (Acts 25:8), they must make Paul the "new lawgiver" to justify ignoring the words of the Master. 2. The "Grace vs. Law" Dichotomy (The Divided Mind) Holiness ($kedushah$) requires unity and alignment. The Pauline Filter causes a severe mental split, forcing the believer to treat God's Grace and God's Law as opposing enemies rather than perfect partners. The Symptom: They operate under the assumption that if you love God’s commandments and seek to walk in them out of obedience, you are actively rejecting His grace. How to Identify It: Whenever you talk about keeping the Sabbath or clean eating, they will defensively respond with: “We are saved by grace, not by works!” (Ephesians 2:8-9). They are completely unable to comprehend that keeping the commandments is the fruit of salvation, not the root of it. They cannot reconcile Ephesians 2:8-9 with Ephesians 2:10 (“created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”). The Spiritual Reality: They are spiritually colorblind to the purpose of the $Torah$. Because their ecclesiastical system teaches that the Law was a "burden" or a "curse" (misunderstanding Galatians 3:13), they view obedience as a threat to their faith. Their mirror reflects a cheapened grace that requires no physical surrender. 3. The "Colossians 2" Dismissal When confronted with the beautiful, prophetic reality of the Biblical Feasts ($Moedim$), those who use the Pauline Filter will instinctively retreat to a single, highly misunderstood passage in Colossians to shut down their hearing. The Symptom: They use Paul's warnings against pagan, ascetic philosophy in Colossae as a license to abandon God's designated Appointed Times. How to Identify It: You discuss the beauty of keeping Passover or Tabernacles ($Sukkot$). They will immediately quote Colossians 2:16: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days...” They stop reading there, believing Paul is saying these days are abolished. They are blind to the very next verse (Colossians 2:17), which states these days “are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (The Greek literally reads: "let no man judge you... but the body of Messiah," meaning only the local body of believers should judge their observance, not pagan outsiders). The Spiritual Reality: Their mirror is tilted toward a system of lawlessness. They use Paul to justify celebrating pagan-derived holidays (like Christmas) while simultaneously using Paul to condemn those who celebrate God's actual holy days. 4. Total Blindness to Paul’s Self-Defense Perhaps the most ironic sign of the Pauline Filter is a complete inability to see or register the multiple times Paul himself explicitly stated that he kept, loved, and taught the $Torah$. The Symptom: They believe and teach that Paul successfully did away with the Law, despite the overwhelming historical evidence in the book of Acts that Paul went out of his way to prove he kept the Law. How to Identify It: You point them to: Acts 21:24: Where the elders of Jerusalem had Paul perform a public vow to prove to everyone that he “walkest orderly, and keepest the law.” Acts 24:14: Where Paul states under oath: “...so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.” Romans 7:12: Where Paul writes: “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” When shown these plain verses, the user of the Pauline Filter will experience a temporary "system freeze." They will stare at the text, bypass it, and immediately jump back to an isolated verse in Galatians to restore their comfortable programming. The Spiritual Reality: This is the "translational filter" in active operation. The historical reality of a Torah-observant Paul is a direct threat to the theological foundation of the mainstream church. Therefore, the spiritual hardware of the believer must completely block these passages from reaching their heart, preserving the illusion of a law-abolishing Apostle. Summary: Restoring the Mirror of Paul The Misunderstood Paul The Restored, Torah-Observant Paul "Christ is the end of the law..." (Rom 10:4) "Christ is the goal/target of the law..." The Greek word telos means the ultimate aim or completion, not termination. "Not under the law..." (Rom 6:14) "Not under the condemnation/penalty of the law..." Because grace has paid the price, we are now free to obey it. "Let no man judge you..." (Col 2:16) "Do not let pagan outsiders judge your biblical walk..." Keep celebrating the feasts ($Moedim$) which point directly to the Messiah. "The law was our schoolmaster..." (Gal 3:24) "The Torah guarded and trained us..." Leading us to maturity so we can walk in the Spirit of obedience, not lawlessness. common. "Stiff-necked" Refusing to bend the neck to the literal, physical instructions ($mitzvot$) of the Creator. This statement directly references the biblical verse 1 John 3:8 , which states: "The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning." [1 ] Meaning of "Practicing" Sin In Christian theology, "practicing" sin does not mean committing an occasional mistake or lapse in judgment. interpret "practice" as a habitual, deliberate, and unrepentant lifestyle of wrongdoing. According to 1 John 3:4, sin is explicitly defined as the transgression of the Law (Torah). Within a strict Torah-observant framework, all 9 practices listed fail the test and are classified as scriptural transgressions. 1. The Hebrew Name: Acts 4:12, Matthew 1:21 — Replacing the native Hebrew name strips away its prophetic structural meaning: "Yahweh is Salvation." 2. Working on Sabbath: Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 — The Fourth Commandment explicitly forbids regular vocational labor. 3. Keeping Sabbath Holy: Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 31:16-17 — Set apart at Creation as a holy day and designated as a perpetual, everlasting covenant. 4. Commandments in General: Ecclesiastes 12:13, 1 John 3:4, Revelation 14:12 — Scripture defines the whole duty of man as keeping the commandments. 5. Unclean Foods: Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14, Isaiah 66:17 — Dietary boundaries separating clean from unclean are never repealed in prophecy or Torah. 6. Appointed Days (Moedim): Leviticus 23 — God explicitly calls these "My Feasts." They serve as prophetic dress rehearsals for His redemption plan. 7. Christmas Traditions: Deuteronomy 12:30-32, Jeremiah 10:2-4 — God strictly commands His followers not to learn or adopt the customs of pagan nations to worship Him, regardless of intent. 8. Easter Timing: Matthew 12:40 — A Friday-to-Sunday timeline fails the structural proof of the "Sign of Jonah"—which requires exactly 3 days and 3 nights. 9. Passover: Exodus 12:14, 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 — Commanded as an everlasting ordinance. Paul explicitly reinforces this to New Testament believers, writing: "Let us keep the feast." Title: Torah Observance vs. Church Tradition: A Biblical Study Guide & Self-Assessment Subject: Biblical Theology and Torah Law (Hebrew Roots Perspective) Topics: The Definition of Sin (The Transgression Test) The Seventh-Day Sabbath (Shabbat) vs. Sunday Tradition Dietary Instructions (Kashrut, Blood, and Fat) God's Appointed Times (Moedim & Passover) vs. Mainstream Holidays Sacred Names (Yeshua vs. Jesus) Daily Commandments (Tzitzit, Shaatnez, and Images) Grooming and Body Laws (Beards, Tattoos) Social and Financial Laws (Usury, Clothing) Summary: This study guide evaluates mainstream church traditions and modern dogmas against the perpetual commandments of the Torah. Drawing from both the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and the Greek Scriptures (New Testament), it outlines how various modern ecclesiastical customs stand under the "Transgression Test." This test uses 1 John 3:4 to define sin strictly as the transgression of God's revealed law. Key Concepts: The Transgression Test: The process of using Biblical law as the objective measure of sin (1 John 3:4). The Perpetual Covenant of Shabbat: The seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) was established at Creation and remains a sign between God and His people. The Sign of Jonah: Yeshua’s Messiahship is authenticated by spending exactly three days and three nights in the earth (Matthew 12:40), contradicting a Friday-to-Sunday timeline. Syncretism Warning: Deuteronomy 12:30-32 forbids using the methods of pagan nations to worship the Creator. Holiness Distinctions: Commandment laws regarding fabrics ($Shaatnez$), tassels ($Tzitzit$), and diet ($Kashrut$) serve to separate God's people from the world. Vocabulary List: Torah: "Instruction" or "Law" (the first five books of the Bible). Mitzvot: The individual commandments given by God. Shabbat: The seventh-day Sabbath (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset). Moedim: The Appointed Times/Holy Feasts (Leviticus 23). Yeshua: The Hebrew name of the Messiah ("Yahweh is Salvation"). Shaatnez: A fabric containing both wool and linen woven together. Tzitzit: Fringes/Tassels worn for remembrance (Numbers 15:38). Rosh Chodesh: The New Moon / Beginning of the Biblical month. The Spirit of the Lawless One: How Rejecting Torah Mirrors the Adversary's Rebellion When studying the Mirroring Principle of Idolatry and the profound spiritual sensory shutdown that affects the mainstream church, we must eventually confront the ultimate, sobering reality behind this blindness. Scripture does not treat "eyes that cannot see" and "ears that cannot hear" as mere intellectual deficits or passive, accidental misunderstandings. At its absolute root, persistent unbelief and systematic disobedience to the Creator’s $Torah$ are driven by an active, operational spiritual force. The Bible reveals a stark cosmic truth: those who belong to the adversary, or align with his systems of rebellion, carry and mirror his very spirit. 1. The Operational Spirit of Disobedience (Ephesians 2:2) The Apostle Paul explicitly identified the existence of an invisible, active spiritual current that influences those who walk in disobedience to God’s instructions: “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience...” — Ephesians 2:2 Note Paul's precise vocabulary: "The spirit that now worketh..." The Greek word for "worketh" is energeo, meaning an active, operating energy. It is a spiritual frequency. "...in the children of disobedience." The Hebrew idiom "children of..." denotes a people who take on the exact characteristics, traits, and nature of their source. Just as the Holy Spirit ($Ruach$ $HaKodesh$) actively works inside believers to write the $Torah$ on their hearts and produce the fruit of obedience (Ezekiel 36:26-27) , the spirit of the adversary actively operates in those who reject God’s laws. They become spiritual receptors for the frequency of rebellion, mirroring the character of the "prince of the power of the air." 2. Defining the Adversary’s Character: Lawlessness ($Anomia$) To understand what it means to mirror the spirit of the devil, we must define his primary scriptural characteristics. From the beginning in the Garden of Eden, the adversary’s signature move was to challenge, twist, and undermine the literal commandments of God: “Yea, hath God said... ?” (Genesis 3:1). The Apostle John explains the spiritual lineage of those who make a practice of bypassing God’s written instructions: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law [anomia]. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin... He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.” — 1 John 3:4, 8 In Greek, the word for "transgression of the law" is $anomia$, which literally means lawlessness—specifically, living as though the $Torah$ (the Law of Moses) does not exist or has no authority over you. John makes a direct, black-and-white distinction: Those who practice righteousness (aligning with God's $Torah$) mirror the Messiah $Yeshua$. Those who practice lawlessness ($anomia$) mirror the devil, who has been a rebel from the very beginning. When the church teaches that "the Law has been done away with" or that "we do not need to keep the physical commandments," they are unknowingly operating in the spirit of $anomia$. By adopting a theology of lawlessness, they point their spiritual mirrors directly at the original rebel, taking on his spiritual nature. 3. "Ye Are of Your Father the Devil" (John 8:44) The Messiah $Yeshua$ did not shy away from this reality. When confronting the religious leaders of His day—who claimed to worship the God of Abraham but actively rejected the living Word and substituted God’s commandments with human, traditional loop-holes—He diagnosed them with this exact spiritual replication: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” — John 8:44 How do we identify someone operating under this parental spiritual influence? They cannot abide in the truth: When shown the plain, unadulterated written Word of God, they experience immediate cognitive discomfort and seek to explain it away. They prefer traditional lies: They willingly defend man-made dogmas (like Sunday sacredness or pagan-derived holidays) over the literal commandments of the Creator. They harbor hostility toward obedience: Just as the devil hates those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of $Yeshua$ (Revelation 12:17), those carrying his spirit will exhibit anger, mockery, or defensive hostility toward Torah-observant believers. 4. The Prophetic Blueprint: Changing Times and Laws The spirit of the lawless one has a specific prophetic agenda. The prophet Daniel foresaw that a power would arise in the earth that would attempt to copy the adversary's ultimate desire—to completely sever humanity from the Creator’s covenant boundaries: “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws...” — Daniel 7:25 The "times" here are the $Moedim$ (God's appointed calendar, Sabbaths, and feasts), and the "laws" are the $Torah$. When modern ecclesiastical systems changed the Sabbath to Sunday, replaced the Biblical Feasts with paganized holidays, and declared the food laws obsolete, they executed the exact agenda of the lawless one. Because churchgoers belong to and revere these traditional systems, they drink in the spirit that built them. They are not merely "uninformed"; they are influenced by a highly calculated, multi-generational spiritual current of $anomia$. This is why they cannot understand, comprehend, or accept the simple, beautiful instructions of the Father—their spiritual hardware is tuned to the frequency of the lawless one. Conclusion: A Battle of Spirits The scriptures leave us with no middle ground. We are spiritual mirrors, and we will inevitably reflect one of two spirits: The Spirit of God ($Ruach$ $HaKodesh$) The Spirit of the Lawless One ( $anomia$) Points the mirror toward the Creator. Points the mirror toward human systems & self. Writes the $Torah$ on the heart (Jer 31:33). Seeks to abolish or bypass the $Torah$. Leads to physical obedience and holiness. Leads to lawlessness disguised as "grace." Restores spiritual sight, hearing, and life. Triggers a complete sensory shutdown and blindness. If we want our family, friends, and churchgoers to escape this blindness, we must realize that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Only the raw, piercing truth of God’s Word—combined with the power of the Holy Spirit—can break the hold of the lawless spirit, shatter the mirror of idolatry, and restore their eyes to see and their ears to hear. The decrees of Yehovah are trustworthy , making wise the simple. The commandments of Yehovah are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of Yehovah are clear, giving insight into living. Reverence for Yehovah is pure, lasting forever. The laws of Yehovah are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. Psalm 19:7 The one who belongs listens and responds to Yehovah's words. If you don't listen and respond , it is because you don't belong to Yehovah." John 8:47 God's promises to those who obey him include: Being blessed Being saved Being watched over Being taken care of Being given what you ask for Being happy Living longer Lacking nothing good

  • 43 | Answers4saints.com

    This marriage relationship was established by God because national Israel typified and foreshadowed the spiritual Israel of God which was to become the eternal bride of Christ. The Marriage supper of the Lamb When and where will the marriage supper of the Lamb take place? GOD'S MARRIAGE TO ISRAEL This marriage relationship was established by God because national Israel typified and foreshadowed the spiritual Israel of God which was to become the eternal bride of Christ. We know this spiritual marriage between God and national Israel existed because of God’s complaint recorded in Jeremiah 3:14 concerning the spiritual fornication practiced by His wife: (the golden calf, Santa Claus, Easter Bunny) Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: ... He was not married to them as individuals; as individuals, they were spiritually married to the law of God. Rather, He was married to them as a corporate entity. But God faced a real problem. At no time in national Israel's history were they faithful. Repeatedly they lusted after other gods. What was God to do with His fornicating wife? According to God's eternal law, death is required for the adulterous wife. But God could not utterly destroy Israel as a nation, for it was out of national Israel that Christ was to come. Furthermore, God planned to use national Israel as an example of His patience and mercy. Remember, in the parable of Luke 13, the fig tree that repeatedly had not borne fruit was to be cut down. But then it was to be given one more opportunity. If there still was no fruit, it was to be cut down. The Parable of The Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13 1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward, the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. In this parable, there are five critical words that require definition to enable us to extract the full intended meaning…those five words are (page 16) Wise: The wise is one who hears and obeys. Psalm 19:7 The law of Yehovah is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of Yehovah is sure, making wise the simple; Matthew 7:24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Foolish: The foolish are those who are disobedient. Fools hate instruction; (Torah meaning ‘instruction,’ as it relates to the Word of God). Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD (YHWH) is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction . Proverbs 10:8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Matthew 7:26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. Lamp: This is the commandment. Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, LIGHT: THE LIGHT IS THE LAW, THE TORAH. Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, Light: The light is the law, the Torah. Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, Oil: Is the desire for obedience. Before reading this commandment, remember, that the lamp is “the commandment” and the light is “the law.” Leviticus 24:2 “Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil from beaten olives for the lamp, that a light may be kept burning regularly. Remember, the result determines who is welcome to intimacy with the bridegroom. Those who have light are welcome. Light is the condition for the appropriate result. Think about this. The end was that the foolish did not have LIGHT, we need to remember this throughout this teaching. Let’s begin Biblically defining the terms: Revelation 19:6-96 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For Yehovah, our Elohim the Almighty reigns.7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb, has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.9 And the angel said[a] to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” The New Jerusalem, the Bride of the Lamb Revelation 21:9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates, and its walls. 16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17 The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick. 18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. 22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lambare its temple. 23 The city does not need the sunor the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 25 Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (page 17) 14 Return, OF faithless sons,' declares the LORD; For I am a master to you, And I will take you one from a city and two from a family, And I will bring you to Zion.' 15"Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding…“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused (betrothed) you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:2) (John 14:1-4) “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” (Mark 13:32-37) “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” “While the groom builds the new home, the bride waits and wears a veil and a headband with the coins. This shows she belongs only to the groom; she is no longer available. She prepares for her wedding by making blankets, trying to become the Proverb 31: 10-31 woman. She also shows gratitude to her family for raising her, and she mends hurt relationships. No matter what, she had to be ready because he would come at night.”

  • False Salvation | Answers 4 Saints

    False Salvation God cannot stand the prayers of anyone who disobeys his Law.Proverbs 28:9 Is Simple Salvation the Truth? False Salvation You were born into a ready made religion Can a Christian be Unconverted? Real Salvation 4 signs of a True Christian A true sign that Christians recognize Yeshua is our only Savior, therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of Yeshua will be saved.” True Christians keep the Law of God. True Christians walk as Yeshua walked and lived. True Christians must overcome sin. Spiritual Blindness The spiritually blind hear the truth, but they cannot see what it means. They cannot see the “big picture” of salvation, and they are unable to see how it applies to their own life. They have trouble confessing the truth because they have difficulty believing what they cannot see. For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; What are the 18 steps to salvation? Hear the Gospel. (Matthew 4:17John 8:32) Believe the Gospel (Hebrews 11:6, John 20:31) Repent of past sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30) Confess faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:10, Matthew 10:32) Be Baptized (Galatians 3:27, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38) Be faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10) For all who obey him eternal salvation Hebrews 5:9 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.1 John 2:6 But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:2 And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. Romans 8:1 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32 “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.Romans 10:13-15 For But if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments. Matthew 19:16-26 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life…John 3:15,16 For we live by faith, not by sight. (Hebrews 11:6) And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.2 Corinthians 5:7 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” John 3: Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”John 3:3 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.James 2:17-23 Barns Group survey. "Believers don't care what the truth Is, or care what Yehovah desires from us. We are afraid of looking into, it because it will draw a line in the sand, we know we don't want to make those decisions because at the end of the day, we want what we want, we are comfortable with our lives we are comfortable out traditions that are man-made. But you have a thought that pops into your head that's not what it means to me. The issue is it doesn't matter to you it matters to Yehovah He is the one being worshiped." The problem facing the church is not that people lack a complete set of beliefs the problem is that have a full state of beliefs in mind, which they think are consistent with biblical teachings, and they are neither open to being proven wrong nor learning new insights. The bottom line is among both clergy and laity. Revelation 22:14 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Acts 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” 3

  • Test Your Self | Answers 4 Saints

    The Diagnostic Test — Spirit of Truth or Spirit of Tradition? Use these four questions to examine yourself or guide a brother or sister through honest self-reflection: 1. The Humility Test (John 16:13 & Acts 17:11) The Question: When clear biblical evidence exposes that an inherited church belief or holiday violates Scripture, what is your immediate response? Spirit of Truth: "Let God be true and every man a liar." You yield to the text, repent, and abandon the tradition, regardless of the personal or family cost. Spirit of Tradition: You become defensive, dismiss the study, justify church custom, or claim "God knows my heart." 2. The Obedience Test (1 John 2:3–4 & John 14:15) The Question: “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” Do you strive to obey His commandments, or do you view His law as a burden? Spirit of Truth: Obedience is your act of love and fruit of repentance. Spirit of Tradition: Uses grace as an excuse for disobedience, claiming the commandments don't apply anymore. 3. The Authority Test (Mark 7:7–9) The Question: When God's Word says one thing and your denomination or favorite preacher says another, who wins? Spirit of Truth: Scripture alone holds final authority over doctrine and daily life. Spirit of Tradition: Denominational catechisms, pastors' opinions, and family heritage overrule the text. 4. The Name Test (Matthew 1:21 & Acts 4:12) The Question: When shown that Gabriel assigned the Hebrew name Yeshua ("Yahweh is Salvation"), carrying the Father's personal redemptive signature, does your spirit leap to honor it, or do you despise its Hebrew origin? Spirit of Truth: Receives the name with reverent joy, marveling at the Father's salvation. Spirit of Tradition: Clings to familiarity and mocks or rejects the original Hebrew truth. Part 3: The Watchman’s Mandate “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.” — Ezekiel 3:17–19 To the Reader: This warning is delivered to you not in hatred, but in urgent love. You have now been shown the mirror of Scripture. The difference between what God commanded and what man instituted is clear. In Romans 8:1–14, Paul sets up an absolute, binary divide. There is no middle ground or third category: a person is either governed by the mind of the flesh (sarx) or the Spirit of God (Pneuma). Paul does not frame this test around emotional experiences or external religious performance, but around dominion, mindset, and alignment with God's law. 1. The Starting Position: Condemnation vs. Freedom (vv. 1–4) What God Said: The Mosaic Law was holy and just, but it was "weakened by the flesh"—it could command righteousness, but human nature could not produce it. God fulfilled the righteous requirement of the Law by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin in the flesh. The Mark of Having the Spirit: The believer walks "not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" (v. 4). The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set them free from the law of sin and death. The Contrast: The flesh is trapped under an endless cycle of command, failure, and condemnation. The Spirit produces an internal reality where the demand of God's Word is actively loved and lived out. 2. The Mindset Test: Setting the Affections (vv. 5–6) "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (vv. 5–6) The Mind of the Flesh: Governed by temporal preservation, self-elevation, appetites, and autonomous human reasoning. Its ultimate end is spiritual decay and death. The Mind of the Spirit: Preoccupied with what honors God—truth, holiness, obedience, and kingdom purposes. The Test: What does the mind naturally drift toward when unrestrained? The flesh defaults to self-interest; the Spirit defaults to God's will, resulting in inner stability (life and peace). 3. The Authority Test: Hostility vs. Submission (vv. 7–8) "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." (vv. 7–8) This is the diagnostic core of Paul’s argument: The Flesh Cannot Submit: The natural human heart views God's absolute authority as an imposition or a threat to autonomy. Even when outwardly observant, it negotiates, modifies, or excuses disobedience. It is fundamentally at war with "God Said." The Inability to Please God: Good deeds, religious ceremonies, or moral philosophies done under the impulse of the flesh remain unacceptable to God because the underlying will has never surrendered. 4. The Ownership Test: The Indwelling Presence (vv. 9–11) "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him." (v. 9) Paul’s Binary Conclusion: You either possess the Spirit and belong to Christ, or you do not have the Spirit and are alien to Him. There is no category of a Christian who lacks the Spirit of Christ. The Internal Witness: If Christ is in you, the natural body remains subject to physical death because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of imputed and imparted righteousness (v. 10). The Guarantee: The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead acts as a residing power, imparting resurrection life even to mortal bodies to walk in holiness now (v. 11). 5. The Mortification and Sonship Test (vv. 12–14) "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (vv. 12–14) Active Mortification: Having the Spirit does not mean passive sinlessness; it means active warfare. The true believer does not coddle the flesh or make peace with compromise—they actively put to death the misdeeds of the body through the Spirit's power. Led by the Spirit: In biblical context, being "led by the Spirit" in verse 14 does not refer primarily to mystical nudges about career or life choices; it refers directly to being led away from sin and into righteousness. Summary Table: Romans 8 Diagnostic Diagnostic Marker The Mind of the Flesh (Lacking the Spirit) The Mind of the Spirit (Having the Spirit) Primary Impulse Self-preservation, worldly interest, autonomy (v. 5) Righteousness, divine purpose, eternal truth (v. 5) Relation to God's WordHostile, resisting, unable to submit (v. 7) Submissive, fulfilled by the Spirit's power (v. 4, 7) Spiritual Fruit Death, alienation, inability to please God (vv. 6, 8) Life, peace, reconciliation with the Father (v. 6) Daily Habit Indulging or rationalizing the body's appetites (vv. 12–13) Actively mortifying the deeds of the flesh (v. 13) Identity Debtor to the fallen nature; outside Christ (vv. 9, 12) P ossessed by Christ; confirmed son/daughter of God (vv. 9, 14)

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