Mark Matheny
October 23, 2013
I, Mark Matheny, a fellow Believer, write to those who are called Christians, to set in order that for which our Messiah both suffered and died for, that he was also made alive for, having so powerfully and steadfastly preached among us, that for the sake of righteousness He was made a curse so that we might be declared righteous through His ultimate sacrifice.
For Yahshua, in about the thirtieth year of His Life(Luke 3;23), came forth with the message
"Repent, for the Kingdom of YAHWEH is at hand".(Matthew4:17)To His brethren of the Tribes of my people- The Israelites, He proclaimed,
"Do not think I have come to destroy the Law (Torah) or the Prophets (Nevi'im), I have not come to destroy them but to fulfill (Greek -Plerosai = Establish, to fully preach) Them." (Matthew 5:17)What meaning could "fulfill" have in this context, but the meaning "establish"? For it is written that Yahshua the Messiah spoke to John saying
" ... Thus it behooves us to fulfill all righteousness."(Matthew 3:15)Thus it behooves us to end all righteousness? By no means!
But in the zeal of the Christians to condemn Israel for rejecting our most precious Messiah, they have unjustly sought to abolish the righteousness of YAHWEH which He gave as a light (for His Law is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path) to Israel, through Yahshua our Messiah by His perfect example of how the Law (torah) of YAHWEH is not a burden (1 John 5:3), but a joy to us when we walk in the Spirit, and not after the desires of the flesh.
It is written in Isaiah 8:20 saying,
"Bind up the testimony, seal the Law (Torah) among my disciples."This was fulfilled in the Messiah when he called his twelve disciples, and commissioned them to teach and preach the Way (Halakhah) to every creature - the righteous, Holy Covenant of YAHWEH.
Which covenant was this you ask?
"This is the covenant I shall make (Hebrew -Khadash = to renew); after those days, sayeth YAHWEH, I will put MY LAW (Torah) in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their Elohim (Mighty One), and they will be my people." (Jeremiah 31:33)It is also written in Isaiah 42:21,
"YAHWEH is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will magnify (Hebrew- Gawdal= to make large, to advance , to bring up, promote) the Law (torah) and make it honorable."And in Isaiah 42:4,
"He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He has set judgement in the earth, and the Isles shall wait for His Law (torah)."It is also written in Isaiah 40:8,
"The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word (Hebrew-Dabar= law, command, word) of our Father will stand forever!"Wherefore the Law was given through Mosheh (Moses) to teach righteousness to the entire earth. However, the Israelites failed on their part (temporarily) to teach the nations this righteousness.
Why?
Was it because the Laws of YAHWEH were to be cast away by the Messiah's death and resurrection?
Heaven forbid it!
They failed because they had not the Spirit, and therefore no desire to keep the spiritual Laws (Torot) of YAHWEH.
For is is written by Apostle Sha'ul (Paul) in Romans 8:6-7 which says,
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is emnity against (meaning hostile toward or in opposition to) YAHWEH; for it (the carnal mind) is not subject to the Law of YAHWEH, neither can it be."That is why YAHWEH gave the outpouring of the Ruakh Ha Qodesh (Spirit of Holiness, or the Holy Spirit) to everyone, both Jew and Gentile, who obey Him, for it is also written in Acts 5:32;
"And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom YAHWEH has given to them that obey Him."
For the promise of the Holy Spirit, given by Yahshua our King, is the "Comforter" which would write the righteous Laws "within our hearts" and lead us into all truth and righteousness. (John 16:13)
"Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your Law is the Truth." (Psalm 119:142)Wherefore the Christians (I speak of those to whom it pertains, - not to all) of the present time have stumbled, not discerning between the curse of the Law (which brings death), and the Law itself (which brings light and life).
The Priesthood Levitical Laws were transferred from earth to the Heaven of Heavens when Yahshua breathed His last breath on the tree, and the veil of the most Holy Place (Qodesh Ha Qodeshim) was torn in two by the Spirit of YAHWEH, signifying the transferal of the temporary imperfect priesthood of the Levites to a Perfect Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek; the Priesthood of the Firstborn (Romans 8:29, Psalm 110:4, Exodus 13:2, Numbers 3:12,13 and Revelation 7:3-8) with Yahshua the Messiah being the High Priest, as He is clearly the "Firstborn from the dead".
I ask then, What was abolished?
The death penalty for breaking the Law of YAHWEH written in the covenant (a form of Constitution) made on Mt. Sinai, for it is written in Ephesians 2:12-16,
"That at that time you were without Messiah, being aliens (strangers) from the covenants of promise, having no hope in the world[to come] (the Olawm Ha Ba); but now in Yahshua the Messiah you who sometimes were afar off are made near by the blood of Messiah, for He is our Peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in His flesh the emnity (the carnal mind which is hostile toward) the Law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; that He might reconcile both unto YAHWEH in one body by the sacrifice, having slain the emnity therby;"
What then was the emnity slain? The emnity (hostility) slain was the death penalty imposed as a curse, as a consequence of breaking the Holy Laws of YAHWEH! For a carnally minded man can not keep the righteous Laws of YAHWEH, therefore he falls under the penalty (curse) of the law which is death. However, now that Yahshua has paid the penalty, and has given us a spiritual mind through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to walk according to the Laws of YAHWEH, and then are no longer subject to the penalty (curse) imposed for transgressing His Law, but instead are now partakers of the rewards in the promises of YAHWEH, for it is written in Revelation 22:14;
"Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have the right to the Tree of Life, and may enter into the gates into the City."But Note, Revelation 22:15 which says;
"For without are dogs, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolators, whoever loves and makes a lie."Wherefore those Christians who have cast off the Laws of YAHWEH as obsolete have "made a lie" and have endangered themselves. For it is written in 1 John 2:4,
"He that sayeth, I know Him, and keeps not His commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him."Therefore Christians as well as Jews who have cast aside YAHWEH's righteous Laws have fulfilled the Psalm (2:1-3) which says,
"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against YAHWEH and against His anointed saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us."In this way they have made His Laws the "bands" and "cords" which they want to "cast" from themselves. But John says in I John 5:3;
"For this is the love of YAHWEH, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not grievous."Yahshua wants us to take His "yoke" and "burden" upon us as He said in Matthew 11:28-30;
"Come unto me all you who are heavy burdened and heavy laiden, and I will give you rest, take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."In Matthew 19:17 He stated clearly,
" ... If you will enter into life, keep the commandments."but in the endeavor to save mankind, the Christians have attempted to widen that "narrow gate" which leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). By the subtlety of Satan, they have corrupted the Laws of YAHWEH.
It is taught by Christians to disregard sound instruction given by The Holy One (Blessed is He), in that they disregard the Law of clean and unclean animals given by YAHWEH when He proclaimed these words (Leviticus 11:46-47);
"This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature the creeps on the earth; to make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten, and the beast that may not be eaten." (see also Leviticus 11:1-47, and Deuteronomy 14:1-21)Now Israel stumbled at the commandment, and the Christians have followed in their path; in that they too have failed to hearken to the words of our Messiah, even though they certainly claim to follow Him.
Almighty YAHWEH warned us of this rebellion through His prophet Isaiah (65:2-5) saying,
" I have spread out My hands all the day to a rebellious people, which walk in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; a people that provokes Me to anger continually to My face; that sacrifice in the gardens and burn incense upon the alters of brick; which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and the broth of abominable things is in their vessels; which say : Stand by yourself, come not near to me, for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in My nose, a fire that burns all day."Wherefore punishment shall come for these rebellious people in the "Day of YAHWEH", which will be a recompense for those who wish to pervert the words - yes- the very Laws which Almighty YAHWEH established forever.
In Isaiah (66:15-17), YAHWEH then declares;
"For behold, YAHWEH will come with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword will YAHWEH plead with all flesh; and the slain of YAHWEH will be many. They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, sayeth YAHWEH."So why will you twist the words of YAHWEH, and the words of His Messiah, and bring condemnation upon yourselves?
For Yahshua the Messiah was a minister of the commandments of YAHWEH and did not advocate the abolishment of them.
Therefore Isaiah (30:8-11) has prophesied well against those who would abolish the righteous Laws of YAHWEH, saying;
"Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever; that this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the Law of YAHWEH (see Proverbs 28:9), which say to the seers, see not; and to the Prophets, prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy lies; get out of the way(Halakhah), turn aside out of the path(see Jeremiah 6:16), cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us."Therefore I pray that you would open your blinded eyes, and repent of your rebellious ways, and submit yourselves to the true message of Messiah in whom you say you trust. For if you trust in His message, you would also believe my message, which by the charge of the Blessed and Holy One, I write to you in love this day.
Now, I know there are some among you who will say, "we may eat all things" and some will say, " the Apostle Paul said to Timothy that all foods are clean as long as we pray over it." To those of you, I will say this; Is The Holy One a man that He should change His mind? No! But He says to Israel through the prophet Malaki;
"For I am YAHWEH, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob (Ya'acob) are not consumed."Now look into the Epistle which Apostle Sha'ul wrote to Timothy and read; (I Timothy 4:1-5)
"Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared as with a hot iron;"We see clearly that beloved Sha'ul is warning Timothy that some will try to distort the message of the Messiah, teaching instead doctrines of lawlessness, and speaking lies, or a false doctrine. Then he continues,
"Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats which YAHWEH has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of YAHWEH is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of YAHWEH and prayer."Now, you who rightly trust in the words which Apostle Sha'ul wrote, why do you not perceive what he says? For his instruction is clear to those who believe and know the truth. For he says "... it is sanctified by the word of YAHWEH..." which means that the meats given must be declared holy or sanctified. Sanctified means to be set apart or separated for a special purpose. Now who declares what is holy and what is profane? Certainly it is by the word or command of YAHWEH only! (See Matthew 4:4)For He declare certain (meats) animals to be sanctified in the word when He said (in Leviticus 11: 46-47and Leviticus 11:1-2)
"These are the beasts which you shall eat among all the beasts which are upon the earth".and again;
"This is the Law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps upon the earth; to make a difference between the clean and the unclean, and between the beast which may be eaten and the beast which may not be eaten."Therefore, see how YAHWEH'S word has sanctified certain meats only, and not all meats? This then, is the true meaning of "..for it is sanctified by the word of YAHWEH.." We must also then give thanks in prayer as well, for the scriptures also say "... and prayer."
So, do not be mislead to depart from the faith by doctrines which are of demons, and not from the Holy One. I am pleading with you as a brother, for Sha'ul then goes on to write (Timothy 4:6),
"If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Yahshua the Messiah, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine,wherefore you have attained."I am therefore compelled (for it is my duty), to put you in remembrance of these things brethren, so that you too may be also nourished up in the words of faith, and in correct doctrine.
Seeing therefore, that in my observations, the Christians have a great desire to know YAHWEH, and to believe the account of His Messiah - Yahshua, who was slain to make Atonement for the sins of the world, I think it is only fitting that you know sound doctrine, which keeps those who submit to it in the "narrow gate" which leads to our ultimate salvation.
Digressing back to the patriarchs of the holy faith, I think it is necessary to establish the great truths of Yahshua's teachings through the harmony of all the patriarchs, prophets, and the holy apostles and saints.
Now, Noah was a righteous man, and one who feared YAHWEH, who was found faithful to YAHWEH, and because of this was spared the judgement of the universal flood in his days.
YAHWEH commanded Noah to take seven pair (male and female) of every "clean" animal and only two pair (male and female) of every "unclean" animal (Genesis 7:1-9).
It is obvious that even in Noah's time, the Laws of "Clean and Unclean" were known and practiced by Noah and his people.
Abel as well, gave of the "firstlings of his flock"(Genesis 4:4). Now certainly the animal offered up to The Holy One (Blessed is He), by Abel was a clean animal since it was offered to YAHWEH, as YAHWEH would only accept clean animals "without blemish" as an offering (Genesis 8:20-21).
Yet with these excellent examples, there are still those who want to isolate scripture in order to justify their gluttonous ways. One such scripture is Genesis 9:3-4;
"Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things even as the green herbs."
Now, I say, at first glance this would seem to allow mankind to eat all meats, both clean and unclean. But, brothers, to those with the Spirit of YAHWEH guiding them it is clear that a distinction is made as to which meat may be eaten in the words, "..even as the green herbs..."
Genesis 1:29 shows us that only "seed bearing green herbs" were to be eaten. This commandment was given to Adam and Eve (Khavah). After the fall of mankind into a sinful state, we know that "..thorns and thistles grew forth"(Genesis 3:18), and "... thou shalt eat the herb(essev) of the field..". This is a "seed bearing green herb". Genesis 9:3 shows "..even as the green herb(essev).." is the same word.
So my brethren, there is a distinction made here by saying you may eat meats just as you would only eat green herbs. Not all herbs may be eaten because some are certainly poisonous and would harm or kill us. Likewise, YAHWEH has established rules of clean and unclean for our well-being. The distinction then is this: the "green herb" as the "clean animal", and the "thorns and thistles" as the "unclean animals".
"I know that whatsoever YAHWEH does, it shall be forever; nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it, and YAHWEH does it [so] that men should fear before Him." Ecclesiastes 3:14)The Apostle Kepha (Peter), also a direct disciple of Yahshua the Messiah, continued in the faith and kept the commandment of YAHWEH concerning the Laws of clean and unclean.
In chapter 10 of Acts, Kepha received a vision. This was around 10 to 15 years after Yahshua the Messiah's Resurrection and Ascension. YAHWEH was about to open the door to all nations concerning the way to salvation.
YAHWEH first sent a Malak (messenger-angel) to a Gentile named Cornelius. Acts 10:2 shows Cornelius as a man who was keeping YAHWEH's laws and was in good repute with the Jewish people (See also Acts 10:22). It is certain that the Jews of his day would only have considered Cornelius as a righteous one (a Zaddik) if he were strictly keeping the Torah, and was a convert to the Jewish religion. This would have included the Kashrut (Kosher Laws) as well. Acts 10:4 says he gave "prayers and alms to YAHWEH". He prayed to YAHWEH, and YAHWEH accepted his prayers.
"He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayers are an abomination." (Proverbs 28:9)It is evident that Cornelius was a righteous man who was obedient to the commands of the Mighty One of Israel.
(Acts 10:14),When a Malak came to Kepha(Peter) and gave to him a vision of "all kinds of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and of birds of the air" , Kepha refused the command of the Malak to "rise Kepha; kill and eat" by answering,
"By no means, ruler, for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean".Kepha(Peter) had not changed his diet after the Messiah's death and resurrection. Kepha(Peter) said no to a Malak (Angel) of YAHWEH! This is in accord with Apostle Sha'ul's teaching in Galatians 1:8-9 which says;
"But even if we, or a malak from heaven, should preach a message other than what we preached to you; let him be accursed! As we have already said, so I say again; if any man preaches any message to you contrary to what you received from us; may he be accursed!"Kepha refused because this was contrary to the teaching of the Torah (Law) and to the teaching of the Messiah. (Acts 10:17) shows that Kepha obviously did not understand the true significance of the vision, and therefore reinforces the fact that he did not rise up and start eating unclean animals. In verse 19 he was still thinking about the vision which also reinforced the fact that Kepha recognized the vision's command as contrary to the Law of YAHWEH.
But, to be brief brethren, in verse 28, Kepha learns the significance and the spiritual meaning of the vision. The vision was to teach him that he was to welcome Gentile converts to the faith as he would accept a Jew. The Gentiles were no longer to be thought of as "common or unclean". This vision was not a declaration abolishing the law concerning the "clean and unclean".
For, indeed brothers, "every creature of Elohim is good.." because YAHWEH created all things, and when He created the animals, He ".. saw that it was good( Hebrew- Tov= well, beneficial, good).
Therefore, all creatures are beneficial in their proper capacity and office, so to speak. The animals which are "unclean" are indeed beneficial to mankind in the office they hold in the ecosystem, in that they help clean the earth of carcasses and refuse. They act as "janitors" of the earth, and therefore beneficial in that way, but they are not to be eaten.
When we follow the instructions of Almighty YAHWEH we are blessed.
Now I will go on to other necessary things which also need to be addressed, and brought to light in order to bring you into the perfection of the faith, which Yahshua made available to us through suffering, for there are men who would try to separate that "wild olive branch" which has been grafted into the natural "olive tree", and would also try to claim that the wild olive branch (which was indeed grafted in by YAHWEH'S grace) was indeed the root itself!
Do not all the branches drink from the same root?
But there are some who would say (those who are still carnally minded), that the Sabbaths, Holy Days and Kosher Laws only apply to the people of Israel.
Brethren, are not those who believe that Yahshua is Messiah indeed the true Israel of YAHWEH?
For it is written;
"And as many as walk according to this righteous standard, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of YAHWEH."(Galatians 6:16)For it is said by Apostle Sha'ul that to be a true Jew, one must be inwardly(spiritually) circumcised in the heart, wherefore he writes;
"Behold, you who are called a Jew, and rest in the Law, and makes your boast of YAHWEH, and knows His will, and approves the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the Law; and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of babes, which has the form of knowledge and of the truth in the Law. You therefore which teaches another, do you not teach yourself? You that preaches a man should not steal, do you steal? You that says a man should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You that despises Idols, do you commit sacrilege? You that makes your boast of the Law, do you break the Law? For the Name of YAHWEH is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, as it is written,".(Romans 2:17-24,28,29)Sha'ul was writing to the Jews and showing them that they were indeed being hypocrites, in that they were not practicing what they preached. For this reason, because they broke YAHWEH's Laws, His Name is blasphemed among the Gentiles.
Why Brethren?
Because YAHWEH has magnified above all else, His Name and His word. (Psalm 138:2)
When a person breaks His righteous Laws, it is the same as blaspheming His Name.
So if the Israelites blasphemed His Name by breaking His Laws, what makes you think you can glorify His Name by not keeping them as well? Hypocrites!
For YAHWEH says when He gave the commandments to the children of Israel;
"O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep My commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!"(Deuteronomy 5:29)And again it is written;
"And YAHWEH your Elohim will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love YAHWEH your Elohim, with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live." (Deuteronomy 30:6)And in Ezekiel (11:19-20), YAHWEH says to Israel;
"And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh; that they may walk in My statutes, and keep My ordinances, and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their Mighty One(Elohim)."Jeremiah(31:33) prophesied as well, saying;
"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel; after those days,saith YAHWEH, I will put My Laws within their inward parts, and write them in their hearts; and will be their Mighty One, and they shall be My people."Let us also remember the prophecy of Yahshua the Messiah, written in Psalm 40:7-8;
"Then I said, Behold, I come to You Great YAHWEH! In the volume of the Book it is written of Me; I delight to do Your will, O My Father, and Your Law is within my heart."Now then, does not this imply the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh?, which will lead us into all truth?
And when this prophecy was fulfilled on the Jewish Holy Day of Pentecost or Feast of first fruits (Leviticus 23:15-21 and Acts 2:1), after the Messiah's ascension, were not those who received it first Jews? (see Acts 2:5) And many of the Gentile proselytes (converts) received the Holy Spirit as well. (Acts 2:10)
So my point is that YAHWEH does not have two separate standards for the Jew and Gentile. Neither did He say He would change, or do away with His Law!
The Antichr-st will seek to change YAHWEH's Laws however! (Daniel 7:25)
"And He will speak great words against YAHWEH, and wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times(Hebrew-zeman=appointed times, feast days) and Laws..."But YAHWEH says, "... I will put My Law in their inward parts."
The Beast will seek to cause,
"... all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, that they should receive a mark upon their right hands, or in their foreheads...." (Revelation 13:16)But YAHWEH says;
"And these Laws (commandments) which I command you this day must be in your heart ... and they shall be as a sign (Hebrew- ote= sign or mark) upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes..."(Deuteronomy 6:6-8)Therefore Apostle Sha'ul also writes;
"For when the Gentiles, which have not the Law, do naturally the things contained in the Law, these having not the Law, are a law unto themselves, which show the works of the Law written in their hearts..." (Romans 2:14-15)And also;
"... circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of YAHWEH is everything."(I Corinthians 7:19)It is also written by John;
"Whoever commits sin, transgresses also the Law, for sin is the transgression of the Law.(I John 3:4)And once again;
"For this is the love of YAHWEH, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not grievous."YAHWEH, our Heavenly Father, is a righteous Lawgiver,(James4:12) and a loving Father who desires to see His righteousness throughout all the earth. His word shows us plainly what righteousness is;
"Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your Law(Torah) is truth."(Psalm 119:142)And in Isaiah 51:6 it says;
"....My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished."Isaiah prophesies saying;
"YAHWEH has desired for His Righteousness' sake, He will magnify the Law, and make it honorable."(Isaiah 42:21)Mosheh said of the Law,
"... and it will be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before YAHWEH our Mighty One (Elohim) as He has commanded us." (Deuteronomy 6:25)Take note also of Psalm 19:7-11 was so emphatically states;
"The Law of YAHWEH is perfect, converting the soul, the testimony of YAHWEH is sure, making the simple ones wise. The Statutes of YAHWEH are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of YAHWEH is pure, Enlightening the eyes. The fear of YAHWEH is clean, enduring forever; the judgements of YAHWEH are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yes, fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is Your servant warned, and in the keeping of them is great reward."Remember that the Gentiles were grafted into the Hebrew faith, and are "now a people" who were once "not a people" unto YAHWEH.
Have you not read where Isaiah speaks of a House of Prayer for all people? for he prophesies saying;
"Thus says YAHWEH, keep you my judgement, and do justice; for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness to be revealed." (See Isaiah 56:1-8)Now brethren, His righteousness was revealed in Yahshua the Messiah, when He fulfilled the scripture I before mentioned which says;
"YAHWEH has desired for His righteousness' sake; He will magnify the Law and make it honorable." (Isaiah 42:21)YAHWEH magnified the Law (Torah) through His Son, Yahshua of Nazareth, the True Messiah.
But we will go back to where Isaiah(56:1-8) continues;
"Blessed is the man that does this, and the son of man that lays hold on it; that keeps the Sabbath without polluting it, and keeps his hand from doing evil. Neither let the son of a Gentile, that has joined himself to YAHWEH, speak saying, YAHWEH has utterly separated me from His people; neither let the Eunuch say, Behold I am a dry tree. For thus says YAHWEH unto the eunuchs that keep My Sabbaths, and choose those things that please Me, and take hold of My covenant; even unto them will I give in My House and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the Gentile (stranger or foreigner) that join themselves to YAHWEH, to be His servants, everyone that keeps the Sabbath without polluting it, and takes hold of My covenant; Even them will I bring to My Holy Mountain, and make them joyful in My House of Prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon My altar; for My House shall be called a House of Prayer for all people. YAHWEH Almighty which gathers the outcasts of Israel says, Yet I gather others to Him, beside those who are gathered to Him"In that He says "others", it is evident that He speaks of the other nations.
Wherefore Sha'ul speaks in his Epistle to the Romans sayng of the Gentiles;
"For I speak to you Gentiles, in as much as I am an Apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify my office; If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciliation of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. If some of the branches be broken off (of the Jewish Nation), and you (The Gentile Nations), being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree; BOAST NOT AGAINST THE BRANCHES. But if you boast, remember, you do not bear the root, but the root bears you. You will say then, the branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief (no Emunah) they were broken off, and you stand by faith (Emunah). Be not highminded, but fear. For if YAHWEH spared not the natural branches, take heed or else He may not spare you." (Romans 11:13-21)Now why is it that Israel, when it committed trespasses against the Laws, statutes, and judgements of YAHWEH, were found to be sinners? And why do you think that you can receive the blessings promised through Abraham, and yet not keep and obey the righteous Law (Torah) of YAHWEH? For when YAHWEH promised Isaac that in his seed the nations of the earth would be blessed, He said it was because of Abraham's obedience to YAHWEH's Law.
For He said to Isaac, (Genesis 26:3-5)
"Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you; for unto you, and unto your seed, I will give all these countries; and in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because that Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My Laws."You might then say that the commandments were not given to Abraham. You will probably say they weren't given until Mosheh (Moses) received them on Mt. Sinai. But I say this; The Laws were given to the Patriarchs before Mt. Sinai, but they did not become an official "constitutional" covenant for the people, (and this was when they became an official nation) until Mt. Sinai. The Laws were passed down through Oral tradition from father to son, generation to generation (Dor l'dor). From Adam to Seth, to Enos, to Cainan, to Mahalaleel, to Jared, to Enoch, to Methuselah, to Lamech, to Noah, then to his sons Shem, Ham and Japheth, then from Shem to Arphaxad, to Selah, to Eber, to Peleg, to Reu, to Serug, to Nahor, to Terah, to Abram- who became Abraham, who kept YAHWEH"s Laws, statutes, and judgements.
And concerning the commandments themselves? They were first recorded "officially" on Mt. Sinai, as part of the covenant between YAHWEH and the children of Israel upon coming out of Mitzrayim (Egypt). The commandments were given 430 years after the promise was made to Abraham, that through his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed. However, the Levitical Law, that is the Levitical Priesthood Law, was added because of transgression. When Mosheh came down from the mountain and saw the wickedness of rebellion and idolatry, in that the Israelites made an idol to worship, Mosheh broke the commandments of stone. And then it is written;
"Then Mosheh stood in the gate of the camp and said, Who is on YAHWEH's side? Let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves to him." (Exodus 32:26)
Because of the faithfulness (the Emunah) and loyalty of the Levites, YAHWEH then made them the official priesthood of Israel.
YAHWEH added this priesthood because of Israel's transgression, for the Levitical priesthood was not part of the commandments given on Mt. Sinai during Shavu'ot, that was originally received by Mosheh, for it is written;
"For I did not speak to your fathers, nor command them about burnt offerings or sacrifices in the day that I brought them out of the land of Mitzrayim (Egypt). But this thing I commanded them, saying; Obey My voice, and I will be your Elohim, and you will be My people. And walk in all My ways that I have commanded you, so it may be well with you." (Jeremiah 7:22-23)This Levitical priesthood Law was spoken of by Apostle Sha'ul when he wrote to the Galatians(3:16-19) saying;
"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He says not, and to seeds as of many; but as of one, and to your seed, which is the Messiah. And this I say, that the covenant that was confirmed before, by YAHWEH in Messiah, the (Levitical Priesthood) Law, which was given 430 years after(it was promised to Abraham), cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of no effect. For if inheritance be of the (Levitical Priesthood) Law, it is no more of promise; but YAHWEH gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serves the (Levitical Priesthood) Law? It was added because of transgression, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made..."That is to say brethren, that originally, the firstborn of every tribe of Israel was Holy to YAHWEH, but when Israel was found worshipping the calf idol with a great rebellion, and the Levites stopped "the plague" by killing 3000 rebels, the Levitical Priesthood was established, and those laws added to cover transgressions committed under the covenant until Yahshua (the Seed) should pay the ultimate sacrifice, and return the priesthood back to the firstborn of the twelve tribes of Israel.
So, it is clear brothers, that Yahshua did not abolish the commandments of YAHWEH, when He replaced the Levitical Piesthood with a more perfect Priesthood in Heaven, becoming the Eternal High Priest, and the Firstborn from among the dead, being the "firstborn of many brethren."
We also know that the Messiah, as well as the Apostles are examples to us that we should follow in their steps. And we also know that they kept the Sabbaths, Holy Feast Days, Kosher Laws and taught them as well. Likewise, those directly after them, both Jew and Gentile believers alike, did the same, save for some who fell by the way and were overcome in deception, having veered from the righteous narrow path into the wide gate that leads to destruction. And today, we who understand these things as well, do follow Yahshua the Messiah, in the way you call Heresy, believing all the Law and the Prophets, and everything concerning Yahshua the Messiah.
For it sorrows me to see those who profess such a great profession, but who do not walk according to the Savior that redeem them.
In the Psalm it is written;
"It is time for You, YAHWEH, to work; for they have made void Your Law."and,
"Rivers of tears run down my eyes, because they do not keep Your Law." (Psalm 119:126,136)The Levitical laws of sacrifice were symbols of the Supreme sacrifice - Yahshua, the Lamb of YAHWEH. They were to lead us to recognize the Messiah and the purpose of His first coming as a suffering Servant. This, my brethren, is what Sha'ul explains in His Epistle to the Galatians (3:24-29) saying;
"Wherefore the law was our school master to bring us to Messiah, that we might be justified by faith (Emunah). But after that faith(emunah) has come, we are no longer under a school master. For you are all the children of YAHWEH by faith(emunah) in Yahshua the Messiah. For as many of you have been baptized into Messiah, have put on Messiah. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Messiah Yahshua. And if you be Messiah's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."Now, brethren, I will speak to you in a type to explain the depths at which I am reaching, to assure in you a rich understanding of all that I have written to you, both in spirit and in power.
A certain man was arrested for breaking two laws of the state. He was apprehended and thrown into jail and found guilty of breaking the law. He was then given a sentence to fulfill under the law.
Now another Man came to the jail, who never broke any of the state's laws. He offered to fulfill the sentence of the first man who was convicted, and so the guilty man was let go. Now he is free from the sentence imposed by the state's law, and is forgiven of his conviction.
Now that he is free, does that mean he may go and ignore those state laws which he violated before which the state continues to enforce?
Certainly not!
And does it mean that because he is free from the penalty imposed by the law, that the law itself is no longer to be enforced?
Not at all!
For as long as he obeys the law, he is not under the penalty of the law, but, if he then transgresses the state's laws even after he was once pardoned, will he not again be under the penalty of the law?
By all means, Yes!
Now, there are a great majority of Christians who claim that they are under no obligation to keep the Sabbath, or the Holy Feast Days which the Almighty gave to the children of Israel to keep "for all generations."
For these Holy Days (Mo'edim) instituted by the Almighty Creator are "a shadow of things to come" for the body of Messiah. They are indeed a prophetic picture of the salvation and redemption of mankind up to the second coming of our King, Yahshua the Messiah.
For we know that on the 10th day in the first Moon of Abib, the children of Israel were to prepare or choose a lamb for the Pesakh (passover) (Exodus 12:3), and on the 14th day of the Moon of Abib they were to slaughter the lamb "between the two evenings" (beyn Ha erebim), which is between the 9th hour(around 3pm) and sunset(Exodus 12:6).
Pay attention and I will show you a secret truth (a Sode)!
This was a type of sacrifice representing the Supreme Sacrifice accomplished in Yahshua the Messiah. For the day Yahshua rode the donkey into Yerusalem; (see John 12:1 -"6 days before passover" - 9th of Abib and see John 12:12 -"the next day" = 1oth of Abib) , was on the 10th of Abib, signifying the children of Israel choosing their Lamb; and the Passover , the 14th day of Abib, Yahshua was sacrificed on about the 9th hour, between the two evenings, giving up His spirit, showing the slaying of the Lamb.
Apostle Sha'ul says also in a letter to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 5:7-8);
"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Messiah, Our Passover, is sacrificed for us; therefore, let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."
This signifies the true essence of Passover and the Feast of unleavened bread. Sha'ul encouraged the Corinthian Assembly to keep this Holy Day in the true spiritual intent to which it reflects.
Likewise, Pentecost ( to count fifty - the feast of weeks /Shavuot) was the time when the Law was given on Mt. Sinai. Now when Yahshua ascended into Heaven, His disciples gathered again on the Feast of Weeks, or Shavu'ot (called Pentecost in Greek), where YAHWEH poured out the "Ru'akh Ha Qodesh" (Spirit of Holiness), and in effect wrote "the law in their inward parts" and "on their hearts" as it is written.
Now brethren, these last three Holy Days I spoke of take place in the 1st and the 3rd Moons of YAHWEH's Sacred Year. The next Holy day occurs in the 7th Moon of His Sacred Year, on the 1st day of the Moon where we are have a memorial blowing of trumpets. This signifies a future event when the 7 trumpets(shofarot) shall sound and bring in the second coming of Mashiakh (Messiah).
Then there is the Day of Atonement (Yowm Kippur) in the 7th Moon, on the 10th day of the Moon, signifying the Great White Throne Judgement, where the living and the dead shall be judged.
The Last Feast is in the 7th Moon, on the 15th day of the Moon, which is called the feast of tabernacles or Booths (Sukkot). This signifies when YAHWEH will dwell in our midst.
Thus it is written;
"And I heard a Great Voice out of Heaven saying, Behold! the Tabernacle of YAHWEH is with men , and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and YAHWEH Himself shall be with them, and be their Elohim (Mighty One)." (Revelation 21:3)These are the 7 Holy Days which "are a shadow of things to come" and which show a complete plan of YAHWEH, which he has prepared to show His servants the precious promises in Messiah. (Read Leviticus 23 for the Feasts)
However, my dear brethren, the spirit of error has entered in and led those who profess to follow the Messiah (Who bought them) to follow Un-holy days of pagans and demons, which do not give glory to YAHWEH.
For Apostle Sha'ul said of this;
"But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to YAHWEH; and I would not [wish] that you should sacrifice to demons." (I Corinthians 10:20)For those who have no knowledge of the Pagan festivals which the Christians celebrate, even to this day, YAHWEH is merciful and longsuffering with. But brethren, now that the light is being opened to you, I beseech you to withdraw yourselves from the ways of the world and the pagan activities they so riotously run after.
For Easter, which is "Eostre" - the goddess of the Dawn - was condemned by YAHWEH in the Scriptures, being called in the days of old "Asherah or Ashtoreth". YAHWEH also condemned the traditions of the heathens which follow vain customs, and commanded His children not to follow in their ways, Saying through Jeremiah the Prophet;
"Thus says YAHWEH, Learn not the ways of the heathen, and do not be dismayed by the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed by them. For the customs of the people are vain; for one cuts down a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the ax. They deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers, so that it stays upright. They are upright as a palm tree, but they speak not; they must be carried because they can not go [of themselves]. Do not fear them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good." (Jeremiah 10:1-5)Now why should we follow pagan traditions of idolatry and put a tree in our house, and deck it with silver and gold on December 25th, which the pagans called the "Saturnalia", and the Sun worshipped was referred to as the "Natalis Solis Invictus"? This is the day the gentiles worship the "Invincible Conquering Sun". YAHWEH our Mighty One, does not desire worship which is after the vain customs of the gentile nations.
In many places He rebuked the Nation of Israel for mixing pagan customs into the true worship of YAHWEH. He therefore warned the children is Israel saying to them;
"Take heed to yourself, lest you should make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, or else it will be a snare in the midst of you. But you shall destroy their altars, break down their images, and cut down their groves." (Exodus 34:12)And again;
"The graven images of their gods shall you burn in the fire; you shall not desire the silver or the gold that is on them, take it not unto yourselves, or you will become snared by it; for it is an abomination to Yahweh the Mighty One. Neither shall you bring an abomination into your house, or else you be a cursed thing just like it; but you shall utterly detest it, and you shall utterly abhor it, for it is a cursed thing." (Deuteronomy 7:25)And again YAHWEH says;
"Observe and hear all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you forever; when you do what is right and good in the sight of YAHWEH your Elohim. When YAHWEH your Elohim shall cut off the nations from before you, where you go to possess them, and you succeed them, and dwell in their land; take heed to yourself that you be not snared into following them, after they are destroyed from before you; and you begin to inquire about their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? Even so I will do likewise. You shall not do so unto YAHWEH your Elohim; for every abomination to YAHWEH, which He hates, they have done to their gods; for even their sons and daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods." (Deuteronomy 12:28-32)YAHWEH states very plainly;
"What thing soever I command you, observe and do it; you shall not add to it, nor diminish from it." (Deuteronomy 12:32)Now it is clear, brethren, that YAHWEH our Righteous Father, has given us a righteous way to observe, and which clearly gives Him honor. There is also a way which is clearly an abomination to Him, and I have demonstrated this by the doctrine of the Scriptures as a sure witness to you, so that you may not walk in the abominations of the nations any longer.
May you be richly Blessed in YAHWEH, and in His Mercy, through the Redemption sent in His Son Yahshua the Messiah,
HalleluYAH, So Be It! May it be so!,
Mark Matheny,
Servant of YAHWEH
*** Note*** I wrote this letter in 1996, while in seclusion in fasting and daily study. It was with the intent to show the righteousness of the Commandments given by The Holy One (Blessed is He). I have only recently decided to publish it. Please do not be offended unto death, but be admonished unto life. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Proverbs 27:6.
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