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Commentary on Numbers 13-15. Topic: Faith and Foolishness; Fact and Fiction

Numbers 13-15

Topic: Faith and Foolishness; Fact and Fiction

“PROVING what is acceptable to the LORD, see (then) that ye walk circumspectly (i.e. accurately, governed by the compass of holiness through obedience to the righteousness of the laws of God), not as FOOLS (not appreciating that prophecy is pre-written history; a highway, if believed), but as the WISE, redeeming the time (occupied “living for righteousness”) because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what (all) the will of YHWH is” (Rom 3:31; 8:4-14; Eph 5:10,15-17; Phil 1:9-11; Col 4:12)

As an opening remark, it shouldn’t escape us how RARE it is, as a rule, for Christians (whose knowledge of “the faith” is largely built on a diet of FAITH PROMISE CONFESSIONS – 2 Cor 1:20, rather than on balanced understanding of promises RELATIVE to OBLIGATIONS AND DUTIES – Lk 17:9,10; Rom 1:5; 2:13; 3:31; 8:4; 15:16-18; 1 Cor 7:19b; 11:1,2), NOT TO BELIEVE a promise, compared with our dismal track record, since the Roman apostasy, of ignorance of and deviation from obedience to “the Way” by not believing in the role of the commandments to create Christlikeness as proof of repentance (Lk 21:20; Acts 24:14; Rom 8:4,29; 1 Jn 2:3-6).

Of all the promises Israel might have chosen to disavow, their attitude towards their Divine Title Deed to Canaan was the most provocative challenge to their Maker’s Sovereignty, capacity, power and determination to deliver on His covenants of promise: a slap in His Face, and a stab in Abram’s back by being willing to forsake the Way of YHWH (Gen 18:18,19; Ex 6:2-9).

One wonders what OUR mortality statistics would have looked like had WE been “the church in the wilderness,” en route to Canaan, disputing the viability of ownership of our destination (Nu 14:1-3; Acts 7:38).

Would WE have been any LESS predisposed to slander, by chafing against the promise of YHWH’s Land, as our inheritance? (Nu 14:31,35,36).

Would WE have been any MORE predisposed to keep covenant, than Israel in its great forty year test of worthiness of embryonic nationhood? (Nu 15:15,16).

Have WE presumed what the Truth is, choosing our own reality rather than verifying and supporting the Truth, any LESS than Israel, over its generations?

Wilful IGNORANCE (the disinclination to want to hear and know the truth), which is the equivalent of wilful DISOBEDIENCE, and which is the root of PRESUMPTION (which “reproacheth the LORD” and is “the great transgression”– Ps 19:13; Nu 15:30), is responsible for more shame and pain than we can imagine.

In the account of the spying of the Promised Land, to assess its potential (bearing in mind that fact-checking unfulfilled prophecy still requires faith), the self-condemnation of a generation of inveterate grumblers who revolted by slandering their inheritance (over 600000 men over the age of twenty) (Nu 1:2,3; 14:27,29-35) was entirely due to turning a deaf ear to FAVOURABLE facts ATTESTED TO by the two faithful witnesses (Nu 13:23-27; 14:6-9), but DISTORTED by manipulative, discontented fearmongerers, whose allegiance to the Exodus project was extremely doubtful (Nu 13:28-33).

We have within us that same conflict, spurred on by groundless apprehension, seduction by carnal reasoning, aided-and-abetted by a ‘fear and flight syndrome’ (Nu 14:4), which Paul proved, can be overcome, through trust, and the Fear of God sensitizing us to the wisdom of what is EXPEDIENT, in order “not to be brought under the power of ANY” suggestion and inducement to make decisions that run counter to truth by satan ‘running interference against the perfect will of God’ (Nu 13:30; Rom 7:22-25; 1 Cor 6:12).

We learn from Abraham in Rom 4:18-21 and Mary in Lk 1:37,38,45, that the promises of God are A HIGHWAY TO CERTAIN FULFILMENT, provided we stay clean by abiding in the Vine (Jn 15:3-15; 1 Jn 3:3,4) and “just believe” that we’ll “see the glory of God” in the outworking of His promises.

With relatively few exceptions, Israel did neither, most of their time in the wilderness. Unwilling to be refined like silver and gold, to enter their inheritance, multitudes perished in ignominy, under the curse.

It was hard-going for the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51,53).

Rather than “just believe,” the false spies chose to believe and to report what is INEXPEDIENT, IMMEDIATELY sealing their fate, by plague (Nu 14:36,37). Their gullible HEARERS who gave no credit to the truth (Nu 14:1-12) would die along with them, not all at once, immediately, but over a trying span of forty years, “bearing your iniquities,” to all intents and purposes disinherited, until none of that wicked generation which insulted the Spirit of grace by DEFAMING the promise of all of Canaan, was left to DEFILE the remnant of the nation and the holiness of the Tabernacle of meeting in which the Almighty graced Israel with His Presence (Gen 17:8; Nu 14:32-35).

Herein is a huge lesson for the church today. In a severe warning addressed to the pulpit by Paul, we read that it is in knowing and heeding SOUND doctrine, that “thou shalt both save THYSELF, and THEM THAT HEAR YOU” (1 Tim 4:16 – read the full text over and over, bearing in mind that it is speaking to individuals ALREADY SAVED from sin, but doctrinally weak and erring in spirit by ignorance of “the knowledge of sin,” not yet obtained, by prejudice against, and therefore lack of instruction out of the law – Ps 94:12,13; Rom 3:20b,31; 2 Tim 4:3-8).

1 Tim 4:16 demands the attention of both leaders AND the flock which too often passively gives preaching undeserved credibility by not subjecting it rigorously to the Berean test to validate its accurancy (Acts 17:11; 2 Cor 13:1,5; 2 Tim 3:14-17). Neither preacher nor congregant is safe from destruction by PROPAGATION OF FALSE DOCTRINE (‘goat propaganda’) believed and acted upon. The ten spies represent a ‘strange pulpit,’ estranged from the truth and adversarial to faith. We should all ponder deeply the poignancy of the statement: “But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb son of Jephunneh…LIVED STILL” (Nu 14:38).

One wonders how many are the “FEW” who when all is said and done, will “live still,” by being the tried and proven elect who take consecration seriously, to “find” the narrow path that Joshua and Caleb’s witness and subsequent inheritance in the Land, symbolizes (Matt 7:13-27; 1 Jn 2:17; Rev 3:2-6). How many, are the “many” who, by believing suspect doctrine (including the false “first day of the week” sabbath and feasts – Ex 20:8-11; rejection of our debt to Israel – Ro 15:27, and Israel’s ownership of their Land in perpetuity – Gen 17:8; Ps 105:8-11; Rom 15:8) are provoking YHWH repeatedly today, perhaps already EVEN MORE than the “ten times” that seems to have been a cardinal measurement of disloyalty and rebellion (Nu 14:22), by reports which they’ve not objectively tested, and by breach of covenant which they are disinclined to want to recognize due to complacency fed by prejudice against study of the Hebrew Scriptures, which are written for OUR admonishment in order for us to be found “in Christ,” to “win Christ” by being His trophy as overcomers of sin, by being steadfast in spirit, for full assurance of hope, to the end (1 Cor 10:1-12; Phil 3:8-17; 2 Tim 3:14-17; Heb 5:11-14; 6:1-12; 13:20,21; 1 Jn 2:3-6).

“Shall He find faith on the earth” is an ancient question related to appreciation of the merits of His ways (which Israel often despised) (Ps 78:36,37,40,41; Lk 18:8,9) and which goes hand-in-hand with His pre-occupation, for our own good, with our “need of patience in order to possess (teach and discipline) our souls” which are the processors of our choice of reality (Lk 21:19). Our Father probably looks on today and says to Himself: “…how long will it be before they believe Me (trust Me, receive all My doctrine and believe My promises…” (Nu 14:11; Jn 5:24; 8:51), knowing that a CUT-OFF point exists for those who “receive NOT the love of the truth whereby they must be saved,” a FATAL SEPARATION that must be executed, to finally differentiate between tares and wheat, sheep and goats, “bastards” and true and faithful sons, for a virgin bride to inherit eternity as the glorious remnant, latter house of Jacob (Haggai 2:7-9; Lk 1:33; Matt 25:10-12; 2 Cor 11:1,2; 2 Thess 2:10-15; Heb 12; Rev 22:14,15)

Underlying the spiritual reality of an education (a discipleship) in “the paths of righteousness” (Ps 23:3 – the ways of the One true, wise, living God which constitute the narrow path), is a DUEL in the Spirit (between the spirit of this age and the Holy Spirit) between faith and foolishness, for victory of FACT (faith being the EVIDENCE of things not seen) over FICTION (the folly of being deluded by one’s PERCEPTION of reality, unsupported by actual experience or by the promises).

Since we know that by providing illustrations of principles and precedents through use of invaluable narratives and inventories of sin, the Hebrew Scriptures exist to encourage, admonish and correct US, to serve us in our quest for PURITY through submission to sanctification by “ALL truth” (Jn 16:13; 17:17,19; 1 Cor 10:1-12; 2 Thess 2:13-15; 2 Tim 3:14-17; 1 Jn 3:3,4); and that by human tradition, Christianity has become vastly better acquainted with the PROMISES, than the PRECEPTS upon which holiness depends, it seems that the account of the spies in chapters thirteen and fourteen is an earnest attempt to WARN us in these last days that our Father feels EXACTLY THE SAME WAY about our provocation of Him by our disrespect for His PROMISES (to all of which He expects to hear our agreement, through our “Amein” through Christ – 2 Cor 1:20; Heb 4:1-3), as He does about our provocation by our denial and rejection, or lukewarm reception of His PRECEPTS, the setting aside of which, for the sake of His glory, He can never leave unpunished, even if we’re pardoned (Nu 14:18-23; Heb 2:1-3; 3:8-19).

Those who had seen His glory and his miracles manifested in their personal and national deliverance, from Egypt to the present, yet who had treated Him like dirt, would not live to see the Land (Ps 78:40-57).

The earth will not be filled with His glory until “all things that offend, and them which do iniquity,” have been “cast in a furnace of fire…” so that “the righteous may shine forth as the sun…” (Matt 13:41-43).

That’s made very clear in respect of contempt for promises, such as Nu 14:31,36-38 (the Promised LAND, and therefore the PROMISE ITSELF, “despised” and “slandered” by Israel’s disbelief in the assurance of a safe, prosperous future there); and in respect of contempt for precepts, as in Num 15:30,31 (“despising the Word of YHWH,” by breaking His commandments presumptuously; and by being indifferent to correction).

After placing great emphasis on the prophetic fact (applicable across the board, to “…WHOSOEVER be among you in your generationS…” – Nu 15:14), that the one faith (that would become Messianic after the Resurrection – Eph 4:5) is established upon “one ordinance…FOREVER in your generationS” (one legal foundation – Nu 15:15) for both Jew and Gentile in the “one new man” (Eph 2:11,12,15,19; 3:6) which the “mixed multitude” of Ex 12:38,49 foreshadowed, chapter fifteen goes on to declare that no-one can sin in ignorance, WITH IMPUNITY and without collective guilt (Nu 15:22-29).

Chapter fifteen ends by reminding us that YHWH has done everything that He could possibly have done practically (including the ordinance of tzit-tzit [the law of the fringes]– Nu 15:37-41, which on eye-contact is designed, like the Mezuza on one’s doorpost, to identify the God of Jacob as our Protector and Provider, and to ‘summon the believer to his vocation of holiness’), to prompt us to “remember and do ALL My commandments, to be holy unto your God” (Nu 15:40,41), a commandmenT to do the commandmentS, which has not lessened over time (Deut 30:10-20; Matt 28:20; 2 Jn vs 5&6)

In other words, failure to “mix faith with the Word (of PROMISE)” (which obviously did not profit the older generation in the wilderness, who caved in to fear, ungratefulness, presumption and rebellion despite SEEING the fruit of the promised Land – Nu 13:23-27 and being ASSURED that God had removed their enemies’ power to resist them – Nu 14:6-12), due to temptation to romanticize the hell they had endured in the iron furnaces of Egypt (Nu 14:28-38; 20:5; Heb 4:2), will have the SAME OUTCOME as failure to mix faith with OBEDIENCE TO THE COMMANDMENTS in “the obedience of faith” and faithfulness (Rom 1:5; 15:16-18; 16:26) needed for sanctification by the Spirit, to be a spotless, holy bride.

The moral is clear: disdain for promises OR for precepts could well cause US to experience “the terror of the LORD” (2 Cor 5:9-11) which is summed up as being made to “know My breach of promise,” if OUR record of disgruntled dissatisfaction and dissent becomes incessant, pushing us past the limit of the mercy of the Jealous God Who is a Consuming Fire to those who defame Him by holding His Word in contempt (Nu 14:22,23; 34; Heb 10:26-39).

What we’re learning in this case study, is the reality that God does not change; that sin must be uprooted; and that if it isn’t dealt with decisively, we will destroy ourselves.

These chapters illustrate the cost of being deluded by imaginations operating out of WEAK CHARACTER that lead to distrust of the salvation of the LORD (Ps 78:22). The fact that ten of the twelve leaders of the Tribes were cowed into advocating AGAINST the Promised Land (Nu 13:28,29,31-33), obviously not in the long term interests of His vision of Zion and Israel as the axis of the Kingdom of heaven’s power as Royal Hub of a future sanctified remnant of humanity (Is 9:6,7; Mk 11:10; Acts 1:6,7); and that only two trustworthy witnesses, Joshua and former Gentile, Caleb the Kennezite, who cleaved to YHWH, were of sufficient spiritual calibre to be shadow leaders of the nation, shows the degree of immaturity and disloyalty prevailing at the time.

The prospects awaiting the nation in Canaan, were prophetic FACTS and therefore completely reliable, since the Land covenant cut with Abram was unilateral, and was confirmed on the Cross (Gen 15:4-21; Ps 105:8-11; Rom 15:8). On the contrary, disaffected Israel’s trumped-up nostalgia for Egypt was spiced with FICTION (Ex 16:2-4; Nu 11:1-5). Expressing their loathing for manna and their insistence on their desire for meat being met, because of lustful appetite (Nu 21:5; Ps 78:18), with the taunting insult, “CAN God furnish a table in the wilderness…CAN He provide flesh for His people” (Ps 78:16-24), was not a good start with YHWH on Exodus. He spared no time or effort judging their insolence and gluttony (Ps 78:26-37).

A generation of ‘serial complainers’ (pathologically stubborn) perishes in the wilderness under the curse, for not choosing the testing path of sanctification, by “looking back” by preferring to believe in a past which for a significant portion of four hundred years’ self-exile (Gen 15:13-16), had had next to no redeeming features (apart from the pleasantness of Goshen), and which cannot begin to be compared with the glories which were awaiting those in Nu 13&14 had they chosen to believe the astonishing promise of Israel’s inheritance of the future (and of the nations) AND been willing and obedient to count the cost of appropriating it (Is 54:3; Lk 14:23-35).

In God’s mercy, like the rest of the Torah and the Prophets, these chapters make their contribution to bringing razor-sharp accuracy to our understanding of doctrine, by providing Instruction in the righteousness of the Way of YHWH (along with encouragement, to dismantle prejudice against law and somewhat soften the necessity for reproof and correction), for admonishment from the Scriptures to impel and propel us to “find” the narrow path, in order to “keep the faith,” to be “dead with Christ” to sin, content to “suffer with Him” for righteousness, to “finish the race” in good faith, to lawfully obtain the “crown of righteousness” which is necessary to be “accounted worthy” of the First Resurrection and escape from the second death, for the priviledge of stewardship of the age and world to come as heirs of the world/s (Is 35:8; Matt 7:13-27; Lk 20:35; 21:36; Jn 5:28,29; 1 Cor 10:1-12; 2 Tim 2:5,11,12; 3:14-17; 4:3-8).

Chapter fifteen reinforces the urgency of Paul’s emphasis on the purpose and proper use of the laws of God, which is to dispel ignorance of “the doctrine according to Godliness,” by obtaining “the knowledge of sin” in order to be righteous at all times by serving His laws, written on our hearts, with renewed minds (Ps 106:3; Rom 12:1,2; 1 Jn 3:3-10; Heb 10:16), since ignorance of the law is no excuse, and presumptuous sin is unthinkable (Nu 15:22-31; Rom 3:20b,31; 7:7,12-16,22,25; 1 Tim 1:8-11).

At this Eleventh Hour in these perilous latter days of Noah, when the ‘Ark’ of the Gospel and therefore “Christ in us” is mankind’s only “hope (of glory),” we are not taking preparation of ourselves for eligibility for the bride, seriously (Rev 19:7-19) if we’re not deeply committed to the Holy Spirit making our personal study of the “knowledge of sin” (which sharply defines righteousness) our highest priority (because we’re emphatically told to “go and sin no more”), in order to co-labour not only in ‘publishing’ the Good News, but by being stirred by YHWH’s vision of Zion as the perfection of the beauties of holiness (Ps 101; 110), to ALLOW “the righteousness of the law (which fosters sanctification) to be fulfilled in us” by “from faith to faith,” for our imputed righteousness (freely obtained) to be vindicated, by it being “revealed” as proof of repentance by walking in the light, bearing fruit by remaining united in the Vine to be perfected in His love, to “remain forever” in Christ, “filled with ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD” (Ps 50:2,5,23; Is 28:9-12; Jn 3:19-21; 15:3-15; Rom 1:5,17; 3:31; 8:4-14; 2 Cor 5:9-11; Eph 3:17-21; 1 Jn 2:3-6,17,28,29; 4:17; 5:2&3).

What a promise, forfeited by MANY in the church of Sardis (and in other places) who “failed the grace” available for sanctification (to be “as Yeshua is” – Lk 6:40; 1 Jn 4:17), whose names were “blotted out” by disqualifying themselves for eternal life by failing to rise to the measure of holiness that obedience to the everlasting covenant requires, as the “mark” for the “prize” of achieving the mirror – “image of Christ,” the restoration of which to man, by “PUTTING ON the new man (the Last Adam) created in righteousness and TRUE HOLINESS” (Eph 4:23,24; Gal 4:19), required the offer of salvation by grace as the MEANS for our human nature to be “transfigured from glory to glory” into the Divine Nature, for the entire Creation to be regenerated to reflect the CHARACTER of YaH’s workmanship in us, PURPOSED to bring us into the “glorious freedom” of faithful sons (neither above nor under the law) “in whom Satan has nothing in common” (Jn 14:30; Rom 8:4-23,29; 2 Cor 3:18; Phil 2:12-15; 3:10-17; Heb 12:14,15; 13:20,21; Rev 2:5,26; 3:2-6).

Until we grasp the fact that Israel’s essential wilderness training (the high call to learn covenant INCREMENTALLY to acquire virtue, to become the prophesied royal household of Jacob – Ex 19:5-8; Is 28:9-12; 29:22-24; 46:13; Jer 33:14-26; Haggai 2:7-9; Micah 4:1-8; Lk 1:32,33; Eph 2:11-19) to eventually reign in glory IN THE IMAGE OF THEIR MESSIAH (Who followed them on Exodus as “the Shepherd and Stone of Israel” as “the Fountain of living water,” their “spiritual Rock from which they drank” – Gen 49:24; Jer 17:13; 1 Cor 10:1-4), was a ‘DRY-RUN’ for the challenges of the stricter New Covenant “narrow path,” through masteries of which, through the Presence and power of the more glorious ministry of the indwelling Spirit (Is 44:1-8; Jer 31:31-36; Ezek 36; 2 Tim 2:5) they’ll be catapulted to pre-eminence and everlasting righteousness as chief of nations as “My son, even My firstborn” – until then, we haven’t understood the asset which the Hebrew Scriptures are TO THE WORLD, to properly interpret the New Covenant to know the perfect will of God (Ex 4:22,23; Ps 80:7-19; Is 60-62; Jer 31-33; Matt 5:17-19; 28:20; Acts 24:14; 2 Tim 3:14-17).

So we raise our banners for our spiritual father Abraham’s sake, as his seed, in Christ Who made him (Ps 20:5; 60:4; Is 51:1-7; Jn 8:56,58; Rom 4:16; Gal 3:29), to do our part to ensure that the promises to the fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are fulfilled, by seeking the unity of the household of YaH, the House of Jacob, by conforming to “the Way of YHWH” (Gen 18:18,19; Ps 133:1; Is 56:1-8; Lk 1:33; 21:20; Eph 2:11,12,19; 4:11-14) like the few EXCEPTIONS amongst the “mixed multitude” who resisted temptation to complain and disobey (Nu 11:4) to be seamlessly assimilated to the true remnant of the House of Jacob on Exodus (Ex 12:38; Nu 14:27-35), by believing both the promises and the precepts which uniquely define the identity and prescribed character of the “one new man” (Rom 1:5; 3:31; Eph 2:15; 3:6), for Israel’s God to do US good (as co-heirs of Israel, the heirs of the world, by believing in Hebrew eternity because He has promised to do THEM good – Nu 11:29,32; Ps 106:1-5; Rom 4:13; Rev 21:12), by sharing His vision of the rebuilding of fallen “virgin Israel,” in Christ, for Zion (Jerusalem, the ‘eminent place’), which is His footstool (Lam 2:1), to become the “PERFECTION OF BEAUTY” as the symbol of the reconciliation and unification of “all things which are in heaven and on earth” in Christ, through unification of a remnant of humanity through the New Covenant, “perfectly joined of the same mind and judgment, saying the same things (doctrinally),” as the PRIZE OF HISTORY (1 Cor 1:10), which is why satan is intent on destroying Jerusalem, which is why the greatest wars that will ever be fought (Armageddon = Zech 14, and Gog & Magog = Ezek 38; 39; Rev 20:6-10) are jointly called “the Day of Jerusalem” (Ps 50:2; 132:10-18; 137:5-7; Jer 31:4-17,31-36; Amos 9:11-15; Acts 15:14-17; Rom 11:1-5,11-15,23-29; Eph 1:10; Col 1:20).

There is no greater “vision from heaven” in all eternity (and therefore one to which no-one can afford “to be disobedient” as Paul, who was given understanding of the eternal purpose of the joining of the nations to Israel by adoption, as “the fellowship of the mystery of the Messiah,” points out from Is 14:1; 49:5-8; 54:3; 55:5; 56:1-8 in Acts 26:19; Gen 12:3/Gal 3:8,9; Eph 2:11-19; 3:1-10), because ZION, from which “everlasting salvation” stems, “from the Jews (Judaeans)” (Ps 14:7; 87; Is 45:17-25; Jn 4:22), whose prophetic purpose along with the rest of the Tribes will be consummated in the fulfilment of promises to the fathers, in both the millennial Second Kingdom of David, and in the majesty and beauty of the “New Jerusalem” (Gen 18:18,19; Matt 19:28; 19:28; MK 11:10; Rom 15:8; Rev 21:12), is the FUTURE PORTAL synchronizing the “New Heavens and the New Earth” in a way the present heavens and earth have NEVER EXPERIENCED due to disharmony caused by GROSS MISALIGNMENT between “the ordinances of heaven and (the ordinances of) earth” (Jer 33:25) which breaks the SACRED CHAIN of command and submission, required to unify and bind earth to heaven above.

This is the cost Creation has incurred, by the disobedience and irresponsibility of the “generations which have been called forth from the beginning” (Is 41:4) NOT seeking the Living God and/or not heeding HEAVEN’S WILL, ON EARTH (by not diligently comparing the promises and precepts recorded in both the Hebrew Scriptures and either explicitly reiterated or alluded to in the New Testament Books, to properly define the concept of “ALL the will of God” (Matt 12:50; 28:20; Acts 20:25-32; Col 4:12b; 2 Tim 3:14-17) and consequently, being defiled by their presumption and rebellion, thereby defiling the ENTIRE Universe (Ps 19:7-9,13; Is 24:3-6; 66:22-24; Jer 33:25; Mat 6:9,10; 1 Cor 3:17; 15:27,28; Rev 11:18b; 21&22).

Numbers 13-15 describes what lengths Israel’s “God and Saviour,” their Rescuer and Deliverer from bondage to slavery in Egypt (Is 45:17-25), will go to, to KEEP His “everlasting covenant” with Abraham (Isaac and Jacob) and David (Gen 12:1-7; 15:5-21; 17:7-21; Ex 6:2-8; 15:11-18; 23:20-23; 2 Sam 7:18-29; 2 Chr 13:5; Ps 89:20-37; 105:6-11; Jer 33:14-26), DESPITE most of Israel having once DISOWNED their own inheritance and many (too liberal to understand the liberty enshrined in the prophecy of Scripture that assures them a hope and a future in all of Canaan) taking it for granted today despite the deranged world chanting a perversion of Deut 11:24 (“…from the River…to the Sea…”), taunting and clamouring for them to oblige Islamic ideology by again slandering their inheritance.

Israel’s Creator will inevitably stand by His promise, because the perfection of a remnant of humanity restored to the express image of the Godhead by their sanctification through rebirth from above, for obedience to “the faith” through faith in God through the Incarnate Word as the Last Adam, for the future to be owned by a righteous civilization reckoned as having been BORN IN ZION (Ps 87; Rom 1:5; Heb 12:22,23), to reign with the Messiah Yeshua forever from WITHIN THE DYNASTY (‘b’toch ha Shoshelet’) of Abraham and David (Lk 1:33; Rev 21:12), is the heartbeat of the Father’s vision and purpose for Creation

This is a mere sample of the benefit of the organization of revelation knowledge that awaits those who increase in discernment by building the annual reading cycle of the Hebrew Scriptures into their diet of nourishment in the Word (2 Tim 3:14-17)

HalleluYaH

Collective Responsibility (for Repentance), and the Toll of War

How important is national repentance before engaging an enemy? Is the prospect of zero fatalities in the defence of a righteous cause a realistic hope, in this or any other war of attrition, seeing as such blessed cases of national deliverance were exceptions in Israel’s past, Egypt and Persia included? The wars of Israel, the ‘fundamental’ ancient people, on acceptance of whose God and Saviour, and calling as the rod and lot of YHWH’s inheritance, world peace depends (Deut 32:8,9; Is 44:7; Jer 10:10-16), raise these and many other questions.

The reality that the sin of one is a sin against all (just as “changing the ordinance,” which condones sin, is defiling and ruining Creation for us all), which is extremely prejudicial to the perfection of the firstborn nation of the House of the Jacob, called to exemplify holiness (Ex 4:22,23; 19:5-8; Lk 1:33; 1 Peter 1:2,13-17,22; 2:9,10), is burned into the collective consciousness of “the people of inheritance,” and is the impulse behind the majestic liturgy of Judaism so steeped in the doctrine of purity and holiness, in the knowledge that YHWH “is a consuming fire, even a jealous God” (Deut 4:10,13,14,20,24,29-31; Is 24:3-6).

In many ways, it is due to the CONCENTRATION of SCRIPTURES MAGNIFYING SANCTIFICATION, found throughout Hebrew worship (Ps 138:2; Is 42:21), that pious Jews know more about holiness than most Christians claim to know about the Messiah Whom they profess, because for the most part, the church has either openly repudiated the law, or at least implied that there is no need for “the righteousness of the law to be fulfilled in them,” as it was in Yeshua, thereby setting up an impossible contradiction between the “call to glory and virtue,” to be a spotless bride (Col 1:21-23,28,29; Rev 3:2-6); and a stupefying theory of grace which has dispensed with the need to be “accounted worthy” of the high calling, as if the promise of eternal life is UNCONDITIONAL (Lk 10:25-28; 13:23-30; 14:26-35; 20:35; Rom 8:4-14; Eph 1:4,5; 11-14,23,24; 5:26,27; 1 Jn 2:3-6; 2 Peter 1:1-13).

The calling- and purpose-in-election of Israel, by grace, to ultimately be impeccable, like their Master (Phil 2:15; Heb 7:26), under the impetus of the rule of COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY AND GUILT (Lev 4; Is 60-62; Zeph 3:7-20; Zech 9-14; Matt 5:48; Lk 6:40), cannot be over-emphasized.

In the interim, no excuse can be gleaned from the Scriptures for resisting the Holy Spirit, as Israel’s ancestors did due to uncircumcised ears and hearts (Jer 6:10,19; Acts 7:51,53). So while we know all too well that “without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins,” there’s no doubt that the will to repent, exercised in all sincerity in the light which they have, by those who have not yet received the grace of salvation from sins, will not go unnoticed because Israel’s salvation is ‘in the works’ (Rom 11).

Those of us who, knowing YHWH’s love for the fathers which gave rise to the nation of Israel as His special treasure (Ex 19:5-8; Deut 4:37-40; 7:6-12; 9:4-6), SHARE HIS ANGUISH over the loss and injury of their sons, could be tempted into overlooking Israel’s unique constitutive purpose as His witnesses to the wisdom of accountability to Instruction in the ways of the One and only God (Deut 4:5-14; 6:;4,5; 7:11,12; 30:1-6; Is 43:1-11; 44:1-8), and evaluate the material and human cost of war within the IMMEDIATE CONTEXT of the conflict, whereas war itself, like Exile, is the outcome of “discontinuing from their heritage” by “NOT HEARING” (Jer 13:11; 17:1,4; Jn 7:19; Acts 7:51,53).

Israel’s spiritual covering in war and thereby, their safety and mortality rate, has FAR MORE TO DO with the degree of Israel’s general consecration to Torah, which on account of unanimous blood-covenanted consent given by the nation at its founding at Sinai, and confirmed in Moab (Ex 19:5-8; 24:7,8; Deut 29:1-15), became binding upon every Israelite thenceforth as their Constitution, comprising the yoke of heaven’s commandments (kabbalat ol mitzvot) under the yoke of Sovereignty of the Kingship of heaven (kabbalat ol malkhut) as YAH’s vision of Zion as the perfection of beauty of holiness (Ps 50:2,5,23), THAN IT DOES with the principle of the righteousness of defence of the covenanted homeland, which can never be in dispute.

In other words, the mere fact that one is fighting for an aim which is wholly defensible (against objections by those who hate Zion) because of the need for truth and righteousness to be vindicated, is not an argument for expectation of few or negligible losses, because even a righteous war is not the sole factor determining the operation of the curse, which is never undiscriminating (Prov 26:2; 28:7-9), and to which ANY unrepented sin can have devastating results.

Indeed, a DEFILED individual fighting a RIGHTEOUS war is an absurd contradiction: a tragic oxymoron, which Israel’s Creator has been anxious to eliminate ever since the call of “Abram the Hebrew” to minister Torah to his household and their seed, to have servants trained IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, not just in TAKING UP ARMS in defence of the household of YaH (Gen 14:13-16; 18:18,19; 26:5).

Clearly, the promises are conditional upon respect for the covenant (Deut 28). We can’t and shouldn’t want to avoid responsibility to point that out, notwithstanding the existence of gray areas where fallen, injured and maimed soldiers can’t be neatly attributed to categories of fidelity to covenant and definitions of holiness, since wars of persecution which the election of Israel as the apple of YaH’s eye were bound to precipitate, will produce martyrs across the board.

Considering the forces ranged against Jacob, and Israel’s deficiencies (no less than in Yeshua’s Day, culminating in the Temple’s destruction) when measured against YHWH’s sweeping spiritual benchmarks (Jn 7:19), the fatalities and injuries in the war-to-date have been miraculously low, for which sacrifices of thanksgiving and joy are due, to the covenant-keeping God.

Again, we must not fail to always pay attention first, to the ongoing obligation Israel has, to live Torah at home and be YaH’s Torah light to the world (Is 2:2-4; 49:5-8), because any deferment of everlasting salvation due to their “hardening in part” to the testimony of Yeshua (Rom 11), is irrelevant to that obligation, as we can see in Deut 30 where the reversal of Second Exile was made dependent upon a revival of Judaism in the nations.

Returning to Shul and Shabbat is posited as a NECESSARY PRELUDE to returning wholly to YHWH for sanctification for eternal life through the New Covenant, because THEIR knowledge of sin, through Instruction received out of the law (Deut 30; Ps 94:12,13; Rom 2:17-26; 3:20b,31), is going to be Israel’s greatest contribution to the repair of the world, by the repair of the staggering universal breach of covenant which has plagued the church and betrayed the nations whose discipleship in all the will of God (Matt 28:18-20) depends equally upon ‘Torah evangelism,’ for sanctification (Rom 3:31; 1 Thess 5:23) as the sequel to justication by faith (Jer 16:19; Heb 5:9; 12:14,28; 1 Jn 2:3-6,17,28,29).

Salvation of a remnant of Israel will bring with it, by the Spirit, the fruit of understanding of Torah ‘filled to the full’ by Yeshua, which will be “like life from the dead” BECAUSE THEY ALREADY HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE TORAH FOUNDATION (albeit not entirely pure due to admixtures) WHICH IS HIS FOUNDATION (“rock,” fem.), AS THEIR HERITAGE (Deut 33:2,4; Mal 4:1,2; Matt 5:17-19; 7:25-27; 23:1; Jn 5:45-47; Acts 21:20).

Following this prophetic line of thought, it is imperative, since YHWH has declared “the battle is Mine…,” that apart from praying fervently for superior arms, military intelligence, operational wisdom along with courage, strength, rest and sustenance, praying for this war should rest on the two great redemptive pillars which are, pleas for salvation by grace AND for full restoration of Torah (firstly Torah as taught by tradition, for backslidden Jewry to return to Judaism if that be YaH’s will for them, for now; then by Torah expounded by inspiration of the Spirit by Yeshua, for Messianic converts to master the full counsel), which will cover both phases of the Plan of Redemption yet to be completed by GRACE AND LAW RECONCILED, to maximize REPENTANCE (Rom 2:13; 3:20b; 1 Tim 1:8-11), for MAXIMUM PROTECTION of the seed of Jacob engaged in Israel’s defence, wherever they happen to find themselves on the trajectory to the “everlasting salvation” which has come out of Zion (Is 45:17-25).

In the great unfolding drama of vindication of the authenticity of the Hebrew Scriptures; Abram’s’ all important identity as a Hebrew (Gen 14:13), for Israel’s birthright to be vouchsafed to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for the House of Jacob’s call as chief of nations in their Land (Ps 105:8-11; Jer 31:7,10,17,31-36; Rom 15:8); and of YHWH’s Sovereignty as God of the Hebrews, we’re in a race between REPENTANCE and CATASTROPHE, thrown into sharp relief by the IDF’s critical need for rightstanding with YHWH as the Defensive Arm of a HOLY nation, if we are to rejoice in reduction of mortality to a bare minimum.

There is an undeniable relationship between collective responsibility for advancing the vision of Zion as “the righteous nation which keepeth the Truth” (Is 26:1-3), and the death toll of war.

Fulfilling the vision of Zion (Jerusalem perfected and Israel exalted to chief of nations through their New Covenant), which is the Almighty’s chief righteous cause which the world is being seduced by the occult, to disparage (Is 60-62; Jer 31:7,10,17,31-36; Micah 4:11-13), depends upon the strength of the fundamental correlation which exists between repentance; cleaving to God; and being preserved alive (to continue in His ways – Ps 119:17,18,77), a proven chain which is a matter of historical record. For example:

“But ye that did CLEAVE unto the LORD (impossible without repentance) your God, are ALIVE, every one of you, this day” (Deut 4:1,2,4).

So we infer as causality, from this correlation, that Israel’s God is always the bastion of faithfulness to those who put their trust in Him and prove loyal to the righteous requirements of His covenant (Deut 7:6-12).

The church in the nations which has yet to grasp that it belongs to the House of Jacob (to “the same body” as the “one fold” and “one new man” of Jn 10:16; Eph 2:11,12,15; 3:6) as Israel’s inheritance (Is 54:3; 56:1-8; Lk 1:33; Rom 11), must come to terms with the fact that for REPENTANCE TO BE COMPLETE for the full measure of the blessing of the Gospel to be realized, it is co-responsible as adopted co-heirs of Israel, to abide in the Vine in the “one faith” and “one law” (Ex 12:49; Jn 15:3-15; Eph 4:5; James 1:22-25; 2:8-26) through instruction out of which we are to jointly minister the wisdom of Torah to the nations, with Israel (Matt 28:20; Rom 3:31), so that YHWH’s Torah ideals can be translated into reality for there to be hope for an enduring civilization of “everlasting righteousness,” “world without end” as the ultimate fruit of the “everlasting salvation” which has come out of Zion (Is 45:17-25; Dan 9:24).

We’ll know when that goal is within reach, when the world begins to respond in earnest, in awe of YHWH, to Israel’s witness in its fullness, as described in Deut 4:5-8; Rom 11:11-15,23-29, to bring Acts 15:14-17; 17:26-31 (heaven’s ultimatum to the nations to repent AND keep the Way of YHWH), to fulfillment.

As the House of Jacob UNIFIES IN REPENTANCE by choosing life and blessing by magnifying Torah for the sake of the righteousness of their God (Deut 30; Ps 133:1-3; 138:2; Is 42:21; Matt 5:19), the world will deeply regret having touched the apple of YaH’s eye (Gen 12:2,3; Is 60:12; Zech 14; Rev 20:6-10)

HalleluYaH.

Jewish Personal Sacrifices in War – “Memorials bringing Iniquity to Rememberance”

Defilement of the nations by their “hatred for ZION” (for which YHWH is “jealous with a great jealousy” Zech 1:14-17; 8:1-8), by their violent DENIAL of Israel’s twice-blood covenanted borders (Gen 12:1-7; 15:4-21; Ps 105:6-8; Rom 15:8) which has been the trigger of every righteous war of independence (Nu 23:9) God’s “people of inheritance” have had to endure, is the WORST CASE of “friendship with the world” which is “hatred for God” (Ps 129:5-8), a principle which James 4:4,5 (see Amplified Bible) appears to derive from Numbers 5’s teaching on the “spirit of jealousy” given to expose ADULTERY through an “offering of memorial” which “brings that iniquity to remembrance.”

Applied to the nations’ spiritual adultery and treason against YHWH’s eternal household – the House of Jacob, WHOSE INHERITANCE IS THE NATIONS, in their Messiah (Ps 2:7,8; Is 54:3; Lk 1:33; Rom 4:13; Eph 2:11,12,19), every tombstone and every wound, physical or emotional, inflicted on Israel by neighbours refusing reconciliation through the truth, and instead, resisting the Holy Spirit by fighting an unjust war, marks its transgressor for terrible judgment.

As we register and try to make sense of a sea of emotions and thoughts as we empathize and share the trauma of our adopting nation by witnessing a continuous procession of images of the flower of Israel’s youth (either slain and “of blessed memory,” or injured and maimed) self-sacrificed for national preservation in honour of the covenant-keeping God of Abraham and David (Gen 17:8; 2 Sam 7:18-29; Jer 31:7,10,17,31-36; 33:14-26) and therefore, for the heritage of their brothers still exiled and unconscripted far and wide (including co-heirs of grace), we should never doubt that DEFERMENT of judgment is NO CONSOLATION to the guilty (Is 42:13-15).

Instead, Israel’s birthright shall be vindicated, and every persecution, every loss and injury to self and reputation, is an indelible memorial, bringing to remembrance the prejudice and complicity, by iniquity condoned, and perpetrated by proxy, of an arrogant, adulterous, conceited world.

YHWH will not be mocked by His precepts being set aside (Gen 12:2,3; Is 51:22,23; 60:12; Gal 6:7,8).

Those who mock Jewish inheritance of Jerusalem as future world Hebrew capital, as capital of Israel, YHWH’s footstool; and who mock His Sabbaths, and His elect, national firstborn son’s set apart destiny as chief of nations under the restored monarchy of the dynasty of David, ratified by their New Covenant, face RUIN or EXTINCTION (Ex 4:22,23; Deut 26:16-19; 32:8,9; Jer 31; Lam 1:1,7b; 2:1; Micah 4:1-8; 7:8-20), because “YHWH TZVAO’T SHALL REIGN in Mnt Zion and before His ancients, gloriously,” by having “placed salvation in Zion, for Israel My Glory” (Is 24:21-23; 45:17-25; 46:13; Mk 11:10; Lk 1:32,33).

So Father, we thank You for the treasure concealed for us in Torah (Matt 13:44,45,52) to help us discern the scope of “friendship with the world,” to “make us wise for salvation” (Acts 24:14; 2 Tim 3:14-17; James 4:4), and we declare to the heavenlies that in Your “great jealousy” (Your yearning for Israel with a “jealous love” on account of Your love for the fathers – Deut 4:37-39; Rom 11:25-29; James 4:5) You SHALL regard every insult to the Holy Spirit of grace by wilful infraction of Your covenant with Israel, as a “memorial bringing iniquity to remembrance” (Nu 5:15b), for justice to be done through Yeshua, Your Righteous Arm (Is 53; Jn 5:27; Heb 10:26-39). Amein.

The Wilderness Exodus – Incubator of the Perfection of the Beauty of Zion – Numbers 1-7; Ps 50:2,5,23; Rom 8:4-14,29; 2 Cor 3:18

SUB-TITLE: The “Glad Tidings,” Absolute Assurance of the VIABILITIY of the Promise of Perfection of Holy Character, through submission to the Spirit of Holiness, to walk in “the Way of YHWH”

[Gen 15:1; 18:18,19; Is 52:1-10; Matt 5:48; 12:50; 28:20; Lk 6:40; 20:21; Acts 5:32; Col 1:28,29; 1 Jn 2:3-6]

“Be ye therefore perfect, EVEN AS YOUR FATHER which is in heaven, is perfect”

The Universe was created for the universal Gospel offer of the “common faith/salvation” (Jn 3:16; Col 1:21-23; Titus 1:4; Jude vs 3) to establish the House of Jacob as “heirs of the world/s,” for a remnant of faithful co-heirs from the nations to partake of the promise of Hebrew eternity, AS THE INHERITANCE OF ISRAEL, the “great and mighty (holy) nation” (in-the-making), prophesied to Abraham and to his seed, forever (Is 54:3; Lk 1:33; Rom 4:13,16; 11; 15:27; Rev 21:12).

This doctrine is summarized as “the fellowship of the mystery of the Messiah,” in Gen 12:2,3b; 18:18,19; Gal 3:8,9; Eph 2:15; 3:6 KJV

So the lessons of Israel’s wilderness Exodus are hardly irrelevant to the call to holiness which we share, as “one new man” (Eph 1:4,5; 2:11,12,15,19; 3:6).

In fact, Numbers helps us understand why justification by faith is only the first step in the pursuit of the freedom reserved for “vessels of honour” whose love for the righteousness of the commandments makes them acceptable as a habitation (abode) for Father and Son. as diligent candidates to be YaH’s friends (Jn 8:31-36; 14:21-24; 15:3-15).

More is wrought by God in the wilderness, than we can imagine.

The wilderness constantly tests the quality of our ‘secret place’ (Ps 91).

Perfection is molded there, if we resort continually to the grace of intimate fellowship and confidential counsel with God to become overcomers in the heat of the crucible of tribulations of all kinds which, by trying our hearts by testing our obedience, make wilderness seasons the perfect proving ground of character, for the salvation of our souls (Acts 14:22; Rom 8:29; 1 Peter 1:4-9).

Without the faith of Jesus AND covenant-keeping, to prove that “the Way” is written on our hearts, to order our lives precept by precept according to the pattern of Godliness, for Christ to be fully formed in us, for our Christlikeness to be startlingly evident, our freedom and eternal destination are at risk (2 Sam 23:5; Ps 50:23; Gal 4:19; Eph 4:11-14; Heb 10:16; Rev 3:2-6; 14:6,7,12).

Like Jacob’s ladder, the wilderness is a path to ascend (the upward “path of righteousness” also known as “the Way of holiness” – Is 35:8), to make ‘aliyah’ to the Presence, to know God, to love Him with the understanding that is promised to those who embrace the wisdom of Torah (Ps 111:7b-10; Prov 4:5-13,18-23). Those who squander the opportunity to “go on to perfection” through PERSONAL REFINEMENT like gold (Job 23:10), face spiritual stagnation, and risk losing all, for stunting the spiritual growth which is required for them to dispense with error, dissent, stubbornness and disobedience (1 Sam 15:22,23; Heb 6:1-12), in order to contribute to the harmony of the unity of the faith (Eph 4:5,11-14). Those who embrace and overcome necessary wilderness seasons which are mandatory for the purification of true sons (1 Peter 1:4-9,22; Heb 12:8-11), find they’ve gained inimitable personal experience of God and with it, revelation knowledge which is not only beneficial for the instruction and comfort of others (Rom 5:3-5; 2 Cor 1:3-10; 2:14-16; 4:8-12,15; Col 1:2), but which makes the call to cleave to YHWH through obedience to His will (Deut 30:10-20; 2 Jn vs 5&6), all the more compelling.

What is related to us of Israel’s EXPERIENCE WITH OUR FATHER throughout their wilderness preparation, for them to be blameless and worthy to enter their promise as the prophesied “kingdom of priests and holy nation” (Ex 19:5-8) which is the majestic holy enterprise WE ARE CALLED TO JOIN as fully-fledged members of the House of Jacob (Is 14:1; Lk 1:33; Eph 2:11,12,15,19; 1 Peter 1:2,13-17,22; 2:9,10), makes it rather obvious that the Hebrew Scriptures are the roadmap to the deepest understanding of the requirements for covenant relationship with the Godhead, which are based on zero-tolerance of DISSENT from the proven wisdom of “the Way of YHWH” which Yeshua was sent to magnify (Is 42:21; Mat 5:18,19; Lk 20:21); and of IMPURITY of motive, word and deed, all of which is summed up for us in our summons to purity and holiness through living for righteousness, in 1 Jn 3:3,4,7,10, in case we imagine God has changed.

Based on a national census of males TWENTY YEARS UPWARD to determine potential defensive capability of the population (just as necessary today), which amounted to 603550, we’re provided with many insights into the physical organization and division of labour (allocation of duties as holy burdens) (Nu 4) of the camp of Israel, which highlight YHWH’s detailed interest in the heritage, legacy and purpose-in-predestination of every family in the household of God as an unique heraldic genealogy (pedigree) of special worth, if faithful, over time, to hear His Voice and keep covenant (Ex 19:5; Nu 1:2,18,52; 2:2; Eph 1:11; 2:11,12,15,19).

These insights include the description of how YHWH conducted a census of the three branches of the house of Levi (Gershon, Kohath and Merari, from A MONTH OLD, UPWARD, which amounted to 22000 – Nu 3:15,39) who would be “given to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar,” to “minister to Aaron” and “do the service of the Tabernacle” on behalf of the entire congregation of the people of God (Nu 3:6-9); and how He swapped Levites for the FIRSTBORN MALES in every family (firstborns DEFINED THE IDENTITY of the elect nation of Israel as “My son, even My firstborn” – Ex 4:22,23), to redeem the firstborn of Israel whom Passover night preserved (Ex 11:4-7; 12:12,13,24-29), for the Levites to be His priests, the SURPLUS of 273 firstborns amongst the 22273 firstborns from amongst all the families on Exodus also counted from a month and older, OVER AND ABOVE the 22000 Levites – Nu 3:40-43, being redeemed by five shekels apiece (Nu 3:12,13,40-51; 8:9-26).

We’re then given instances of RITUAL UNCLEANNESS (requiring temporary suspension of camp privileges, for prescribed periods of separation before returning to camp) and of SIN, designed to develop our sensitivity to the holiness of the camp of the church in the wilderness (our historical church) (Nu 5:3,4; Lk 1:33; Acts 7:38) due to Father’s fine distinctions between right and wrong, for us to recognize the need to advance beyond “the first principles of the oracles of God” to “go on to perfection” by mastering the discipline which Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-12 requires of us, not just to be “weaned from milk” (which cannot produce skill in application of the Word of righteousness), but to master understanding of and obedience to the “solid food” of the covenant through the “exercise of our senses to discern both good and evil,” by not being unwilling to hear the law, which would be “enmity against God” for refusal to submit to His ways (Ps 94:12,13; Prov 28:9; Is 28:9-12; Matt 9:31; Rom 2:13; 3:20b,31; 7:7,12-16,22,25; 8:4,6,7; Heb 12).

Liberty (“glorious freedom” from condemnation by sin), you see, is the EFFECT of “continuance” in the Word to be sure to be obedient to “the faith” (Is 64:5; Rom 1:5; 2:6-13) by disciplined application, by the Spirit, of the laws of YaH to the tabernacles of our flesh, or we cannot walk undefiled in “the Way” to be acceptable as a temple of the Holy Spirit (Ps 94:12,13; 119:1,45; Jn 3:19-21; 8:31-36,51; Rom 2:13; 3:31; 8:4-23; 2 Cor 5:9-11).

The passage Nu 5:6-31, which begins by emphasizing the principal of equity appropriate for a proper rebuke of guilt for damages caused, by requiring restitution (“recompensing of a trespass” – in this case a twenty percent penalty added to the principal sum constituting the injury) for due repentance for a trespass against the LORD, to be ACCEPTED; then provides the startling revelation of the lengths our Father goes to in His revulsion for impurity, to ensure our sin WILL find us out, in order for contamination, especially defilement of the marriage bed, “the great mystery of one flesh union concerning Christ and the church” backdated to the origin of the covenant of matrimony in Genesis, which is an unspeakable crime against the eternal Torah – Gen 2:21-25; Eph 5:31-33), to be uprooted from the believing community.

By the power of the Spirit acting on a husband’s soul, jealousy can be a providential SIGNPOST to unveil a secret adultery – ‘friendship/illicit love affairs with the world’ (Nu 5:12-31; James 4:4,5/Jer 3:13,14).

James 4:4,5 is a cross-reference to Numbers 5, in the words, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses…do you think that the Scripture says in vain: ‘the Spirit Who dwells in us ‘lusts to envy’ (yearns over us with a jealous love)’”

As the Spirit of Grace, Truth and Holiness, charged with the responsibility 1) to create a PERFECT UNION between a man and a woman covenanted to one another in holy matrimony; and 2) between the Godhead and the “one new man” by Instruction of a remnant zealous for the holiness of the Way (Acts 21:20; 24:14) to keep the integrity of the faith, in all the ways of the Kingdom (Matt 6:9,10) as true students (talmidim) of the Most High (Matt 12:50; 28:20; 1 Jn 2:3-6), the ministry of the Holy Spirit is FAR, FAR GREATER than most of us imagine.

It is impossible for YHWH’s vision of Zion, the exemplification of Torah ideals for exaltation of Israel as national role model by their perfection of the beauty of holiness – Deut 4:5-8; Ps 50:2; 96:6-9; Is 2:2-4; 24:23; 46:13; 60-62 as catalyst for the reconciliation and unification of all things which are in heaven and on earth in Yeshua the Messiah as Head of the House of Jacob (Lk 1:33; Eph 1:10; Col 1:20) to be fulfilled, for as long as ignorance prevails about the revelatory role of Torah, necessary for repentance to be COMPLETE, by evidence produced by searching Torah, of what needs pruning in the body of the Messiah, for the church to be “pure even as He is pure” (Eph 5:26,27; 1 Jn 3:3,4), through self-examination against the plumbline, for COMPETENT PREPARATION to be the bride (Rom 3:20b; 2 Cor 13:1,5; 2 Tim 3:14-17; Rev 3:2-6; 19:7-9).

Not coincidentally, one of the prayers prayed over the newborn male on his eighth day circumcision (B’rit Milah) (which is a token of the covenant between YHWH and Abraham, as a strategic reminder in the flesh of the organ of desire – Gen 17:11, of the call to perfection of holiness – 2 Cor 7:1), is “may his BED be (remain) PURE” (Heb 13:4).

Infant circumcision is regarded as the ‘manchild’ being “groomed by the blood of circumcision, to proclaim Good News and consolations to the people of God scattered and dispersed amongst the nations,” which to us is a remarkable prophetic reference to the individual Jewish soul’s eventual, necessary acceptance of “everlasting salvation” through their own Gospel (Besorah Tovah) (Is 52; 45:17-25).

We remember that Abraham’s circumcision late in life (Gen 17:23,24, necessary at 99, before Isaac could be conceived and set apart in the womb as legitimate heir) became the “SEAL of the righteousness of the faith” of which Abram was an heir BEFORE circumcision (Rom 4:9-13), so there was no CONFLICT (nor is there today) between the principle of justification by faith and baptism of a BELIEVER (Mk 16:16), and fulfilling the everlasting commandment in Gen 17:7-14, by someone obviously below the age of understanding.

If a believing husband, constantly reminded of the MORAL STATURE, even “the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Messiah,” to which the “vocation” of the “one faith” CALLS HIM (Eph 4:1,5,11-14), by daily accepting his ‘summons to holiness’ by heeding the indelible mark of the everlasting covenant in his flesh (Gen 17:13) which is of such deep personal and national symbolic value (it also signifies that all of Canaan belongs to Israel forever – Gen 17:8-11), thereby upholding the integrity of his marriage vows before the LORD, an unfaithful wife will not be able to pull the wool over his eyes.

“Then shall the man (alerted to his wife’s betrayal, by the spirit of jealousy “bringing iniquity to remembrance”), be guiltless from iniquity; and the woman (who fails the test of jealousy), shall bear her iniquity (and suffer shame and barrenness)” (Nu 5:15,31).

The Nazarite VOW (from the Hebrew root ‘nazar,’ to ‘separate or consecrate oneself to the service of YaH’) for personal consecration (Nu 6), strongly alluded to in the Messianic faith originally being regarded as “the sect of the Nazar|enes,” called “the Way” because of its Personification by the Messiah from Nazareth, Himself, “the Branch (netzer)” from the Root of Jesse, of Is 11:1, AS “the Way, the Truth and the Life,” making the faith of Israel upgraded by the New Covenant, forever the highest ever test of allegiance to God and His ways (Acts 24:5,14; Heb 2:1-3); and the record in Nu 7 of the valuable, IDENTICAL OFFERINGS of the Twelve Tribes, brought to honour the commissioning of the anointed Tabernacle of the congregation, and the Presence which approved and sanctified it with YHWH’s Glory (Ex 29:42-46; Nu 7:89), BETWEEN THEM point to texts and passages like Ps 50:5,23 and Deut 29:12-15 which describe the earnestness of those throughout the history of our adopting nation whose hearts were covenanted to YHWH by sacrifice (Ps 50:5; Rom 12:1,2) through dedication to knowing and keeping the faith of their God.

The Christian walk is a gift of probation (our profession of belief in and submission to Yeshua as LORD and Master accepted up front in good faith by the Father), for our dedication to the pursuit of truth and righteousness, the ‘holy coinage’ of the Kingdom (Zech 8:8; Matt 6:33), to be proved, in expectation that we will co-operate with the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to become “offerings acceptable to God” as purified living temples of His Spirit constituting the spiritual house of the body of the Messiah (Acts 10:35; Rom 15:16-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Tim 2:19-26; 1 Peter 2:5-10), which, if we continue in the covenant (Col 1:21-23), will be crowned by sanctification by the Glory of YHWH (2 Cor 3:18), just as the Tabernacle was, when perfectly ordered and commissioned, in the wilderness.

It is shocking that the concept of the discipline of covenant-keeping (Heb 13:20,21) has almost been lost to the vocabulary and exegesis of Christianity, so distorted has the teaching of grace become.

More of us would have a better attitude to the Hebrew Scriptures which are prescribed for us to “make us wise,” to meet the criteria for final redemption, if we’d only recognize that once reconciled to the Father through the Sacrifice of His Son, WE either surrender our wills to bear our crosses to be crucified with Christ, as obedient as He was, to be “living sacrifices” (foreshadowed by sacrifices in the past) necessary to prove our dedication to a life of consecration and loyalty to God and to the faith (Rom 1:5; 12:1,2; Eph 4:11-14,23,24), or by sabotaging our own sanctification (threefold set-apartness from worldliness – 1 Thess 5:23; James 4:4,5), will forfeit any claim to acceptance in the everlasting Kingdom, by being unfit to represent YHWH’s vision of Zion, which is Israel’s refinement like silver and gold, to exemplify the beauty and wisdom of pure doctrine – a witness lost long ago, but soon to be restored, with an impact “like life from the dead” (Deut 4:5-8; Ps 50:2,5,23; Ezek 16:11-17; Zech 13:8,9; Rom 11:11-15,23-29; 15:16-18; 2 Cor 5:9-11; 2 Peter 1:1-13).

What Israel failed to obey (not because they couldn’t but because like ungrateful delinquents, they wouldn’t, thereby grieving the Spirit Whom they stubbornly resisted, just as we are prone to do – Jn 7:19; Acts 7:51,53; Eph 4:30), is the very LEAST we are required to master (Matt 5:19; 2 Tim 2:5) to “continue” in the covenant (Heb 8:9; 13:20,21), to meet the far higher expectation of faithfulness and integrity made possible under the New Covenant by our heart circumcision through regeneration and renewal by water and the Spirit which have defeated the power of sin, to avoid being “unprofitable” to the Master by only doing our duty (Lk 17:9,10; Rom 3:12; 6:6,7; 8:2-4; 1 Jn 5:2&3).

Yeshua’s magnification of Torah (the ‘filling to the full’ of the knowledge of the Way, prophesied so many years earlier – Gen 18:18,19; Ps 138:2; Is 42:21), warranted because the righteousness of GOD HIMSELF has been imputed to us (Rom 3:22; 10:3), is the reason Heb 10:26-39 is such a solemn plea and warning not to take for granted, the grace which is available to the redeemed to become “a perfect man,” without which we could not regain and reflect the image of God (Rom 8:29; Eph 4:11-14; Heb 12:14,28; 2 Tim 3:17).

That makes the “Glad Tidings” the absolute assurance of the viability of the promise of perfection of human nature, because overcoming the challenges of testings of our faith on the narrow Way, IS an attainable ideal through the power and Presence of the Holy Spirit. Anyone who chooses to doubt this promise (Matt 5:48), which is the ultimate purpose of faith and obedience, is at serious risk of condemnation by Rev 21:8, for UNBELIEF.

No-one told us that through its application by the Spirit, Torah (Instruction in general) is the BLUEPRINT FOR LIBERTY, not just for us, but for Creation, whose ultimate freedom from impairment depends on our respect for the perfect law of liberty (Rom 7:7,12-16; 8:4-23). We have no justification for ignoring it, because the discipline of obedience is the foundation of morality. Our JUSTIFICATION by faith is just the ‘ante-room of the preparation necessary to be accounted worthy, as the bride’ (Lk 20:35; 21:36; Rev 19:7-9; 20:6), whereas SANCTIFICATION of the redeemed which is the ongoing work of purification as proof of repentance, is the CHIEF WORK OF SALVATION (Phil 2:12-15; 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 12:14; 1 Peter 1:2,13-17,22).

As the Living Word, the Master cannot be separated from either His Word (Torah), or His Spirit, since His Words are Spirit and they are life, which is why believing on or in Him entails obeying His example, to love and know Him, to be as He is (Lk 6:40; Is 2:2-4; Jn 6:63; 14:15,21-24; 1 Jn 2:3-6,28,29; 4:17)

“…everyone who is PERFECT, shall be AS HIS MASTER” (Lk 6:40; Col 1:28; 4:12)

Most of us haven’t discerned that understanding from Jn 8:31-36,51 and Rom 8:4-23.

As Jesus said in Jn 8 above, to those who had BELIEVED on Him, ‘IF ye CONTINUE (in continuance as in Is 64:5; Rom 2:6-13) in My Word (Torah/Instruction), THEN are ye My disciples indeed (Matt 28:20). And ye shall know the truth and the truth (instruction out of the laws of God) (Ps 94:12,13; Rom 3:20b,31) shall MAKE you free (from committing and being condemned by sin)”

Jn 8:36, like Jn 3:36, teach us that the Son cannot “make us free indeed” without our believing in Him being fulfilled by showing proof of respect for our covenant obligations as true sons, because faith without works is dead (Rom 8:4; James 1:22-25; 2:8-26).

Therefore, anyone who claims exemption from the discipline of the wilderness’s spiritual therapy, will be found to have failed to count the cost of discipleship, and by wishing away trials of the heart (Rom 5:3-5; Heb 12; James 1; 1 Peter 1:4-9; 5:6-12), to have fallen short of being “accounted worthy” of the high calling to “glory and virtue” through the “vocation” of “righteousness and true holiness” (Lk 20:35; Eph 4:1,23,24; 2 Peter 1:3).

We need to know that when we attentively and impartially read the narrative of the wilderness Exodus recorded for us from Genesis to Deuteronomy, we are lovingly being primed (subliminally as well as consciously) to do justice to the Son’s expectations of a HOLY and BLAMELESS bride, whose “seal by the Holy Spirit of promise,” for “(final) redemption of the purchased possession, for the praise of His Glory,” IS IN NO DOUBT (Rom 8:4,23; Eph 1:4,5,13,14).

THAT, you will surely agree, is “full assurance of hope (for an eternal inheritance), to the end” (Heb 6:1-12).

Only those who believe that grace CAN’T be “failed,” would think differently (Heb 12:14,15)

HalleluYaH

Reflections on Wisdom hidden for us all, in the Perpetual Ordinance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called ‘The Passover’ (Ex 12:14,17,24; Lk 22:1; 1 Cor 5:7,8; 11:1,2)

TITLE: Avoid (Bypass) Sinai, Forfeit Everlasting Salvation

Since Scripture offers “salvation to the UTTERMOST” (“EVERLASTING salvation”), no-one should risk settling for partial salvation, a salvation cut short by shortchanging the requirements of holiness by not being fully committed to a life of consecration to all the will of YHWH (Is 45:17-25; Heb 5:9; 7:25; 12:14; 1 Peter 1:2,13-17).

To be “everlasting” salvation, salvation “to the uttermost,” to qualify us for immortality to inherit a “world without end” (Eph 3:20,21), we have to prove to be legitimate sons, to be “accounted worthy” (Lk 20:35; Heb 12:5-10).

The LORD’s Sabbaths and Feasts are uniquely endowed with grace to teach us to discern and understand revelation knowledge that shatters any fallacies that threaten to sabotage a believer’s walk of obedience to “the everlasting covenant” (Heb 13:20,21).

The chief reason why our Father has forever made the Hebrew Scriptures the plumbline against which to examine ourselves, to verify the accuracy of our interpretation of the Gospel (Acts 17:11; 24:14; 2 Cor 13:1,5; 2 Tim 3:14-17), is because they are so helpful in our quest for “masteries” of distinctions between righteousness and unrighteousness necessary to be dead to sin, that matter so deeply to Him (Rom 3:20b; 2 Tim 2:5).

Passover is so rich in doctrinal depth, range and purity, that it’s a wonder so many believers over the generations haven’t led a grass roots revival, by burying Easter.

Just shows how powerful the spirit of deception can be when believers abdicate personal accountability to the Word and abandon the help of the Gift of the Spirit, as personal Teacher and Revelator of “ALL truth.”

Eternal Life is not UNconditional.

Precedents, patterns and analogies are the most powerful aids to purification of our souls (1 Peter 1:22), in the toolkit of accurate interpretation.

The Passover is both PRECEDENT and MASTER PATTERN for interpreting the New Testament as a whole, and the Gospel in particular, using the analogies Passover reveals, to alert every redeemed soul to the reality of the danger in taking sanctification for granted.

A glance at 1 Cor 5:1-13 (set in the context of the Passover) and Rev 2:5,26; 3:2-6 will prove the point.

As part of the process of sanctification we are to “…judge those who are WITHIN (the church)…put away (evict) from yourselves that wicked person” (1 Cor 5:12,13).

1 Cor 6 expands on the critical need for Godliness at all costs.

If we don’t have Paul’s attitude to sin (making every effort by the Spirit to sin no more) in 1 Cor 6:12b, in order to honour the remission of sin which was purchased for us by “Christ our Passover”), we can be sure the LORD will cut off the unrepentant offender on the Last Day.

Shabbat (yet to enjoy its most delightful observance in the millennial Kingdom of David) is the great everlasting covenant “SIGN” OF SANCTIFICATION that symbolizes ALL covenant keeping (Ex 31:13,16; Is 56:6); whereas the Passover Feast of Unleavened Bread which Jesus will keep on His Return (Lk 22:1,2,7,12-18; 1 Cor 5:7,8) is the CALL TO SANCTIFICATION, to help ensure we’ll be presented to the Judgment Throne of “the Messiah our Passover,” as duly prepared, thoroughly UNLEAVENED disciples (Eph 1:4,5; Matt 12:50; 2 Cor 5:9-11; 11:1,2; Col 1:21-23,28,29; Jude vs 24).

It’s so interesting how the Holy Spirit provides the unexpected, by weaving principles of obedience together to make it less likely that we’ll omit to recognize vital information, to help us avoid wrong-doing.

For instance, we are called to Shabbat-keeping BY THE PASSOVER & EXODUS (Ex 15:11-17; Deut 5:15; 6:23), which establishes a very holy symbiotic relationship between them, which Sunday and Easter can’t hope to clone.

We’re commanded to REMEMBER Shabbat (Ex 20:8-11), THE perpetual Sabbath day of Matt 12:8, to keep IT holy, not only because it is the Memorial of Creation (our Father’s greatest Testimony – Ps 119:111), but BECAUSE by faith in God through faith in the sacrifice of firstling lamb’s blood, YHWH as Redeemer birthed and delivered Israel as a nation in Egypt (just as He as the Father of our spirits, would later rebirth us from above as a new creation and redeem us from darkness, through faith in “Christ our Passover” [Lamb of God]” – 1 Cor 5:7,8; Col 1), to sanctify them with the Moral Code and accompanying precepts of His Sinai Revelation (Deut 4:10-14,32-40), to make a surviving remnant of the Twelve Tribes and an assimilated “mixed multitude” (Ex 12:38; Nu 23:9,10; 24:5,6), WORTHY to enter their promised Land, to possess it, as a warning to us not to take grace for granted and presume upon eternal life (Heb 4:1-4,6-11).

Shabbat embodies this parallel revelation, which jointly makes it and the Passover the great Memorials of New Covenant salvation, irrespective of whatever calendar date on which we individually had our names written in the Passover Lamb’s Book of Life.

Lk 20:35 & Eph 1:4,5; 4:23,24; 5:10,15-17 describe exactly the same terms of separation (sanctification by the commandments, to be accounted worthy), applicable to us today (Matt 5:19; Rom 3:31; 1 Cor 7:19b; 11:1,2; 2 Thess 2:14-15; Heb 2:1-3; 5:9; 10:26-39).

If we despise Sinai, because of prejudice against our heritage in the House of Jacob (Lk 1:33), by “enmity towards God” by disapproval of His laws (Rom 8:6,7), we miss a huge part of the BALANCE OF THE CONCEPT OF THE LOVE of God (Jn 3:16), which is the call in the SUCCEEDING VERSES (Jn 3:19-21) which aren’t usually quoted, to learn to love Him by learning the covenant, to walk in the light, precept by precept, as Jesus did, to “remain forever” saved (Jn 14:15,21-24; 15:3-15; 1 Jn 2:3-6,17,28,29; Heb 13:20,21).

SINAI, the first Pentecost (Shavuo’t) at which the Exodus nation became YHWH’s bride (“virgin Israel,” soon to fall away) through the giving of the Ten Words as the marriage covenant, ANTICIPATED the regeneration of the human spirit and giving of the Holy Spirit 3500 years later in Jerusalem, to be able to produce “the perfect man” (Ps 101; Rom 8:29; Eph 4:11-14; 2 Tim 3:14-17) by adding the power and capacity of the inward Presence of the Spirit to individuals, for them to attain “masteries” of “the (narrow) Way” (Is 35:8; Matt 7:13-27; 2 Tim 2:5) on which we’re to be groomed through the Blood of the Lamb as covering, for diligent preparation, to be made acceptable amongst a chaste virgin Israel remnant (Matt 25:10-12; 2 Cor 7:1), to inherit a pristine New Earth as qualified stewards of the glory of such future perfection of beauty.

If we ‘talk Sinai down’ by parroting the doctrine of mere men, we’ll most likely downplay all or most of what Matthew-Revelation has to say about being purified by the righteousness of the law (Rom 8:4; 1 Jn 3:3,4,10), and it’s inevitable that we’ll fall short of the “mark” of holiness described in Phil 2:12-15 & 3:10-17, for the “prize” of the “crown of righteousness” that Paul won for “finishing his race” by “keeping the faith” by “delighting in YaH’s laws” and “serving them with his mind” (Rom 7:22,25; 2 Tim 4:3-8).

We’d best get to know THAT Paul, the Paul of Scripture.

So let’s watch out, because time to meet the bridal requirements for eligibility for resurrection to Life rather than damnation and destruction (Matt 7:13,14; Jn 5:24,27-29; Rev 19:7-9), is fast running out.

In short, if, by grossly distorting the meaning of 2 Cor 3:6-11 and Gal 4:22-31 we treat Sinai as an anachronism – an irrelevant historical anecdote, rather than as a living testimony of God’s precautionary provision of sublime universal guideliness (Eccl 12:13,14; Rev 14:6,7,12) for admirable moral conduct, for safe passage to the New Jerusalem, we’ll be writing our own curse (Prov 28:9).

The Glorious Mystery of Shavuo’t (Pentecost)

REFLECTIONS ON THE GLORIOUS MYSTERY OF SHAVUO’T (PENTECOST)

Perhaps the most important equation in the Universe:

The Sinai Revelation of “the Way of YHWH” (on the original Shavuo’t) + the Jerusalem Gift of the Presence and Power of the Spirit (‘Pentecost’) = perfection of the beauty of holiness = full assurance of hope (Heb 12:14,28; 13:20,21)

“Christ in you (formed in you by His Spirit), the hope of glory” (Rom 8:29; Gal 4:17; Col 1:27)

Col 1:27 is far greater than a conditional PERSONAL promise of assurance of hope (Heb 6:1-12)

It anticipates the day when the NATION of Israel (to whom the church has always belonged) refined to perfection and defended by their returning Messiah (Is 66:10-16; Micah 4:1-8; 8:7-20; Zeph 3:7-20; Zech 13:8,9; 14:1-19), will be catapulted to pre-eminence in “latter House” glory and shalom-shalom, upon restoration of the Throne of the Monarchy of the Dynasty of David, to Jerusalem, to exalt the Son of David (Is 9:6,7; Jer 31:7,10,17,31-36; 33:14-26; Lk 1:32,33; 2:32; Amos 9:11-15, Haggai 2:7-9).

This is what we’re being shown in Eph 2:11,12 & 5:26,27 – the day when the purified remnant of the nation and commonwealth, of which we are an integral part with full rights and obligations as sons, will be identical with its church (Heb 12:23), just as it was when nation and church were founded at Sinai (Ex 19:5-8).

The church is never extraneous to Israel. Israel always has a remnant of true heirs of their national heritage (Rom 11:1-5,11-15,23-29) to which the nations can “run” to join THEIR blessed destiny as heirs of the world (Is 55:1-5 KJV; Rom 4:13,16), as did the “mixed multitude” on the Exodus (Ex 12:38; Acts 7:38), for which reason we are expected to “glorify YHWH for His mercy” (not covenanted with us – Jer 31:31-34) (Rom 15:8-12 AMP).

So Holy Spirit has pointed out a valuable approach to correctly ‘reading’ the meaning and purpose of this Feast.

He is drawing our attention to the “riches of the glory” of “this mystery of the Messiah” “among the (ingrafted) Gentiles,” which is described in two parts, in Eph 2:15b; 3:1-10 and Col 1:26-28, confirmed in Hen 12:3/Gal 3:8,9 as the call, the surnaming and the ingrafting of Gentiles justified by faith, into Israel (the House of Jacob) as THEIR CO-HEIRS BY ADOPTION, for equipping and sanctification by the Spirit in ALL “the doctrine according to Godliness” (the teachings of obedience to the laws of God, which is the definition of being “in Christ”), to “keep the faith” for YaH’s household (Eph 2:11,12,19; Rom 6:17; 8:1,4; 1 Tim 6:3,11-14; 1 Jn 2:3-6) to be unified in all respects, as “one new man” (Is 45:4; 49:5-8; 54:3; 56:1-8; Lk 1:33; Jn 10:16; 1 Cor 1:10; Eph 1:4,5; 2:11,12; 4:11-14,23,24, to be presented “PERFECT ‘in Christ’ Jesus” (Matt 5:48; Lk 6:40), for eventual glorification with Yeshua, amongst His nation (Lk 1:33; Is 46:13).

Neither Jew nor Gentile has permission to follow DIVERGENT PATHS by warping, compromising and diluting the faith (Deut 12:32; Rev 22:18,19).

“One faith” means one law (Ex 12:49; Nu 15:14-16; Eph 4:5).

The grace that saves us from sins that were past (Rom 3:25), is never a licence for breach of covenant, or holiness becomes an impossibility (Rom 3:31; 6:15-22).

These facts train brilliant light upon the complete purpose of Pentecost.

Pentecost 2000 years ago was the PROPHESIED EQUIPPING of a remnant of Israel (custodians of the Messianic faith of Israel called “the Way” and regarded as “a sect of the Nazarenes” – Acts 24:14) by the Gift of the indwelling Spirit (Deut 30:5,6; Is 44:1-3; Ezek 36:26,27; Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:33), to fully transition, in due course (AFTER incorporation of “afar off” believing Gentiles, by their ingrafting reaching “the fullness of the Gentiles” – Acts 2:39b; Rom 11; Eph 2:13), in unprecedented power (turbo-grace) for individuals “to BECOME sons of God” (Jn 1:12) not just redeemed and imputed with righteousness as heirs of the nation (Matt 21:41-43), but by their being “wholly sanctified…” in word and deed to fulfil Israel’s calling-in-election as exemplary practitioners of the wisdom of a Torah- witness to the world (Is 43:1-11; 44:1-8; Matt 28:20).

There’s no hope of glorification without remaining “in Christ” by fully committing to be conformed to the image of Christ by growing in grace and in the knowledge of God to “know righteousness,” to BE righteous, by acquiring virtue after virtue, precept by precept, to provide evidence of a life consecrated to “keeping the faith.”

Except by being willing to suffer for righteousness, for the righteousness of God in us to be revealed “from glory to glory” as our human nature is miraculously transfigured by obedience, as true sons of the everlasting covenant (Is 51:1-7; Rom 8:18-23; Heb 12; 13:20,22; 2 Peter 1:1-13; 1 Jn 3:3-10), our understanding of the chief purpose of the enabling power of the Gift of the Spirit IS SHALLOW (Rom 1:5,7 Amp; 15:16-18; 8:1-14,29; 2 Cor 3:8,9,18).

Which is why evangelism which “has a form of Godliness but denies the power” by withholding or recklessly deferring the doctrine of crucifixion with Christ on the narrow path (2 Tim 3:6,10,14-17), and which therefore FAILS to impress upon the hearer, the NECESSITY to “follow-on to know the LORD,” to obtain the freedom from defilement to be found in sound doctrine (Ps 119:1,45; Hosea 6:1-3; Jn 8:31-36), for a true (full) conversion by purification of our souls by obedience to “the Way” (Lk 20:21; 1 Tim 4:13,16; 1 Peter 1:2,13-17,22), is more likely than not, a COUNTERFEIT OFFER of salvation.

The Sinai and Jerusalem Pentecosts are a match made in heaven.

They represent the perfect union of law and grace which fully satisfies the requirements for “walking after the Spirit” to abide in the Vine to secure the everlasting salvation which had to “come out of Zion,” to prepare us in truth and righteousness, to be glorified in Zion, the Footstool of YHWH (Lam 2:1; Is 24:21-23; 35:8-10; 51:1-11; Zech 8:1-8).

The two ‘Pentecosts’ are Divinely symbiotic, just as the relationship between former Gentile and native born Jew ought to be, within the “one faith” of the “one (Hebrew) fold” (Jn 10:16; Eph 2:11,12,15,19; 3:6; 4:1-5)

Remove the contribution of either event from the big picture, and the equation (at top) is ruined and perdition (misery and ruin) will stalk the ill-equipped soul.

Between them, Peter and Paul as chief Apostles to the Jews and the nations respectively, define the complete Gospel (or “fully preached,” ‘filled to the full” [‘ful-filled’], doctrinally pure Gospel – Matt 5:17b; Acts 20:27; 2 Tim 3:10), the Gospel which Yeshua and His herald, John the Baptist, both first announced in the Words, “repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 3:2; 4:17), as cleansing by salvation from sin for justification by faith, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED by ongoing repentance and sanctification by the commandments, under grace (Jn 15:3-15; Matt 28:20), for final redemption and glorification (Heb 12:14,28).

Birth of the “great nation” promised to Abram (Gen 12:2; 15:13-16; 18:18; Ex 12:40-42; 19:4-8; Deut 26:5) and the SIMULTANEOUS birth of the historic church (ekklesia, congregation) of Jacob, because firstborn nation and ekklesia are essentially one through the Hebrew covenants with the Hebrew nation (Ex 19:4-8; Lk 1:33; Acts 7:38; Heb 12:23); plus the wisdom (Torah revealed at Sinai) and power of the Presence (Ruach) conferred in Jerusalem, to expound and inscribe it on our hearts, to preserve our lives, minister life, convict, draw, to save from sin, by repentance, for justification by faith, not only to unify a remnant of humanity who remain forever in Christ, in Zion (1 Jn 2:3-6,17,28,29), but to reconcile and unify “all things which are in heaven and earth, in the Messiah” as Heir of Creation (Matt 11:27; Eph 1:10; Col 1:20) – THAT’s the IMMENSE legacy of Shavuo’t, from first to last.

An unbroken chain of Feasts preserves the integrity of ALL their promises.

The LORD’s seven HOLY CONVOCATIONS (of which Shavuo’t is one of three Pilgrim Feasts – Ex 23) are YHWH’s “TESTIMONIES” (Ps 25:10,14; 119:111; 122:4) from which we cannot pick and choose and expect to have the full picture of the plan of redemption.

Over time, each Feast provides a ribbon of revelation none of which can be discounted without losing the plot of the everlasting covenant (Heb 13:20,21).

For example, YHWH’s Sinai Shavuo’t’s Proclamation and Testimony of the absolute moral code for mankind, is INSEPARABLE from the later testimony of the purpose of His Spirit, which is to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment by magnifying Torah (Is 42:21; Rom 3:20,31), to draw and freely reconcile a repentant remnant, to labour in Godly preparation, for acceptance as a faithful bride (virgin Israel joined by a bridal remnant from the nations) to inherit the coming kingdom of David, which it was not time to restore, when the indwelling Spirit was given on Pentecost) (Matt 25:10-12; Mk 11:10; Acts 1:6-8; 2 Cor 5:9-11; Rev 19:7-9)

Witnessing to the NARROWNESS of the less-travelled road to eternal life, which lies just beyond the preliminary step of faith which is justification by the Blood, is AT LEAST AS IMPORTANT as witnessing to the need for salvation from sin (and from the power of sin), yet Christianity has radically diminished the first task and exaggerated the second by giving the impression that eternal life is UNCONDITIONAL.

As His witnesses-in-chief (Is 43:1-11; 44:1-8), Israel knows better, and we ought to have paid the teachings of their Messianic emissaries far closer attention.

What the 120 in the upper room WEREN’T expecting, was power to witness to LESS than that FULL Gospel, which a compromised church has institutionalized in the name of evangelism.

The zeal of early converts for Torah, to be “made wise for final redemption (complete salvation)” (2 Tim 3:14-17), is obvious in Acts 21:20, as is the Apostles’ delight in THEIR delight in the laws of God, application of which Yeshua had considerably expanded knowing that in the “fullness we have all received” through Him, “grace for grace” is available for us (Jn 1:16), to master by the Spirit, what could never be accomplished without our regeneration through the baptism of repentance and heart circumcision.

Paul never confused salvation from sin, which is by grace (Matt 1:21), with sanctification spirit, soul and body, by obedience to the commandments, under covering of the Spirit of grace (1 Thess 5:23; Heb 10:29), to prove worthy of acceptance in the first Resurrection (Lk 20:35; Jn 5:28,29; Rom 2:6-13,26; Heb 12:14,28; Rev 20:6).

Imagine for a moment how much Scripture is routinely overlooked or paid merely incidental attention, by those who believe, contrary to Matt 5:17-19, that Christ has abolished Torah and thereby removed all responsibility for “the righteousness of the law to be fulfilled in us” by the Spirit, as it was in Him (Rom 8:4-14; 1 Jn 2:3-6).

That’s how far the Jerusalem Pentecost, which most of the church dwells upon as if it has no history, has been DISASSOCIATED from the critically important first Shavuo’t at Sinai, creating a doctrinal chasm, resulting in enmity towards YHWH (Rom 8:6,7).

Yet it’s only by searching for and finding, appropriating and applying the laws of YaH to our hearts (Torah engraved on circumcised hearts by the Finger of YHWH), so that by the wisdom of God obtained through the Presence and power of His Spirit, they may be lived from the heart as a witness to the purity of the Way of holiness (1 Jn 3:3,4), for us to work out our own salvation in fear and trembling as true and faithful disciples to attain the crown of righteousness by keeping the faith (Phil 2:12-15; 3:20-17; 2 Tim 4:3-8), that we meet the test of authentic sonship (Matt 28:20; Heb 12)

The LORD levelled a scathing criticism against those who throughout Israel’s history ‘darkened their own understanding’ by treating the Word selectively (producing countless sins of commission and omission), as follows:

“Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matt 22:29).

The more Scripture is misrepresented, misapplied or omitted altogether, the more of the general anointing (latent, immanent power) on the Scriptures is forsaken, causing loss of the knowledge of God and of His Kingdom, AND corresponding loss of corresponding.

That same indictment applies to a church whose knees are deeply bended to HUMAN tradition by choosing the “broad” path of wilful ignorance, by choosing NOT to understand that the original, ‘mother’ Shavuo’t at Sinai fifty days after Passover; and Shavuo’t (a.k.a. ‘Pentecost’) in Jerusalem fifty days after the Crucifixion of “Christ our Passover” (and ten days after the Ascension), are mutually dependent, for fulfilment of the whole Plan of Redemption.

A matching purpose, despite which a deceived church has vaingloriously UNCOUPLED them, failing to see in what way the Holy Spirit has business with the law (Rom 8:4-14), thereby doing incalculable harm by severely LIMITING the Presence and power of God through “PARTIALITY in the law” (Mal 2) which DISALLOWS the Holy Spirit to quicken us by the witness of the Spirit with our spirits, across a LARGE percentage of the full counsel, thereby FORFEITING the opportunity to bear much lasting fruit of righteousness, to be holy, which is why the remnant is likely to be relatively small, many facing being cut off due to works of righteousness, as proof of repentance, found insufficient; and by dividing the House of Jacob through defilement by prejudice, presumption, dissent, error and unbelief (Ps 133:1; Lk 1:33; Eph 2:11,12) by failing to uphold the integrity of the Word, to keep “the unity of the faith,” possible only through soundness of doctrine (Matt 7:13-27; Eph 4:11-14; Rev 3:2-6).

Yet another consequence of detaching Pentecost from Shavuo’t is the fallacy that the church was birthed at Pentecost, whereas it was birthed as Abram’s dynastic, everlasting household which became the House of Jacob (Matt 8:11,12; Lk 1:33; Acts 7:38), to receive the Spirit to continue their prophesied path to chief of nations, through their own New Covenant (Jer 31:7,10,17,31-36).

The first Shavuo’t at Sinai, where Israel was washed, consecrated and constituted as adopting nation by their unanimous consent to the Marriage Covenant (the Ketubah, or ‘Shema,’ the foundation of Torah) “given (indissolubly) in commandmenT” (Ex 34:27,28,32); and its great prophesied sequel on ‘Pentecost’ in Jerusalem, are the beautiful, long awaited UNION of TORAH (Instruction in righteousness), and of the HOLY SPIRIT as Teacher and as our empowerment not only to preach Christ Crucified and demonstrate the ministry gifts of the Spirit, but to preach the necessity for those who’ve been crucified with Him in baptism, to “follow after righteousness” to be “crucified to the world” to attain the measure of holiness necessary to fulfil YaH’s vision of Zion as the perfection (completeness) of beauty (of holiness) (Ps 50:2,5,23; 96:4-7; 110:3; Rom 8:4-14; 2 Cor 7:1; Heb 12:14), because Zion as a concept and as a physical proving ground of Torah ideals, is the ‘curator’ of what Dr David Stern describes as a “single new humanity” (one new man), dedicated to the pursuit of “everlasting righteousness,” to sanctify the Memorial Name, YHWH (Dan 9:24; Matt 6:9,10)

The COMBINATION of the original Shavuo’t (Pentecost) at Sinai and Pentecost in Jerusalem, signify the unification of the Word (Torah) and the Spirit, to set the stage for Zion (perfected by Israel exalted by refinement like silver and gold – Zech 13:8,9) to “rise” (to fullness like its symbol, the moon) for YHWH’s Name to be sanctified by Him “reigning in Mnt Zion and before His ancients (the fathers), gloriously,” Zion’s “former royal dominion” restored, this time to the ends of the earth (Ps 2:7-12; 59:13; Is 24:23; 46:13; 60-62; Micah 4:1-8; 7:8-20)

Glorification of ZION, YHWH’s chief righteous cause as His custodian of the vision of a renewed Universe as the eternal inheritance of a sanctified civilization (a single new humanity, or “one new man” – Jn 10:16; Eph 2:11,12,15; 3:6); and His prophetic Eden, as sanctuary of the Tree of Life (Torah|Instruction) (Ezek 36:25; Rev 22:14); as well as His Footstool (Lam 2:1), as the destination on earth of the Throne of YHWH in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:2,3,22,23), is the PURPOSE of Creation and Redemption and therefore, the REASON for Israel’s existence, for salvation had to “come out of Zion,” for all whose names are written in heaven, to be attributed as having been born in Jerusalem/Israel as native-born Israelites, since as seed of “Abram the Hebrew,” we are all Hebrews by adoption, in Christ as Head of the House of Jacob (Gen 12:3; 14:13; Ps 87:1-7; Lk 1;33; Rom 11:17-29; Gal 3:29)

Only when Israel, tried and proven through dark times of Jacob’s trouble (Jer 30), becomes admirable “Yesurun” (ideal Israel, excelling in the Spirit as elect firstborn nation, in the traits of mercy and justice, dignity and holy power – Ex 4:22,23; Is 44:1-8; Deut 33:26-29), WILL THE NATION AND COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL FILL THE SHOES OF YAH’S VISION FOR ZION.

That will be impossible if either Jew or Gentile tries to “keep the faith” WITHOUT due diligence to practice the Presence, to have enough oil to be led by the Spirit; and without regard for the righteous precepts which comprise “the Way” (“the Word of My patience” – Rev 3:10; 14:6,7,12), which is the ONLY way to righteously navigate these perilous latter days of Noah, to inherit the millennial world to come (Rom 4:13,16), to eventually make it to the New Jerusalem.

So our commemoration of Shavuo’t should also be an act of acknowledgment of and re-dedication (as ingrafted co-heirs) to ALLEGIANCE to the House of Jacob, the household of our God (Is 14:1; 49:5-8; 56:1-8; Lk 1:33); and to being found “dead to sin” and “alive to righteousness,” to reign with Christ as a remnant accounted worthy to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” as His “special treasure” (Ex 19:5-8; Deut 29:12-15; Is 60-62; Mal 3:16-18; Lk 20:35; 1 Peter 1:2,13-17,22; 2:9,10).

What we can be certain of, is that Shavuo’t will grow in gravitas, the more believers discover the extent to which their understanding of the faith has been impaired by the cunning of inherited tradition (Jer 16:19)

“May YaH be true but every man (not justified in his sayings), a liar…” (Rom 3:4)

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PRAYER FOR JERUSALEM DAY

PRAYER FOR JERUSALEM DAY

Father, in anticipation of Your Son’s phenomenal victories for Israel at both ‘Armageddon’ (Har Megiddo) (Zech 14) and at Rev 20:7-10’s “God and Magog” (both cataclysmic battles characterized as a warning to all who have the spirit of Edom, as the fateful “day of Jerusalem” in Ps 137:7), please help us constantly refresh our commitment to “prefer Jerusalem above our chief joy,” namely Zion, the Eminent Place of Your Name, YHWH TZIDKENU (2 Chr 6:6; Jer 33:14-26), being Your CHIEF RIGHTEOUS CAUSE and therefore satan’s PRIME TARGET in all his warfare against Israel (Ps 74:2,22; 102:12-22; 105:6-11; 122:6-9; 129:5-8; 132:13-18; 137:5-7; Is 60-62), to help prove that we’re “magnifying Your Word (Instruction) above even Your Name” (Ps 138:2), causing it to be honoured for the sake of Your righteousness (Is 42:21; Matt 5:18,19; Rom 3:31; 8:4).

O Jerusalem, “City of the Great King,” “Princess of the provinces,” “Watchtower of the flock” whose crown (the monarchy of the dynasty of the House of David) has temporarily fallen (Is 9:6,7; Lam 1; Matt 5:35; Mk 11:10; Acts 1:6,7), take heart, for the time is near when “the fallen sukkah (house, throne, kingdom) of David shall be raised up and rebuilt as in days of old” (Amos 9:11-15; Acts 15:14-17) and “there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean (continually blaspheming My Name), but My people shall know My Name…they will know in that day that I am He Who speaks…How beautiful upon the mountains are the Feet of Him that bringeth Good Tidings, that publisheth shalom; that bringeth Good Tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that says unto Zion, ‘Thy God reigns’” (Is 52:1-10,13-15).

For to you the Redeemer will return, to those in His vineyard (Ps 80:7-19; Is 5:7; Matt 21:37-44) worthy of exaltation with Him in Zion, His footstool (Lam 2:1), as “Yeshurun” (ideal, refined, reserved-remnant, beautified, chaste virgin, Messianic Israel – Deut 26:16-19; 33:26-29; Is 24:23; 44:1-8; 46:13; Zech 9:16), by having turned from their transgression through the grace for repentance and forgiveness offered through the redemption which is in the Blood of Yeshua the risen Messiah Son of David as “the sure mercies of David” (Is 55:1-5; 59:20,21; Acts 5:31,32; 13:32-39), to be made heirs of the righteousness of YaH which is of faith, by their justification by faith, to find the narrow way of sanctification by the Spirit (Is 35:8-10; 51:1-7,11), to keep themselves in the love of God to be accounted worthy of the “Everlasting Kingdom,” to escape the second death (Lk 20:35; 21:36; Jn 15:3-15; Heb 12:14,28; 2 Peter 1:1-13; Rev 20:6).

Like Moses, who by the Spirit wrote about Yeshua, “as seeing Him Who is invisible” (Is 63:11-14; Jn 5:46,47; Heb 11:26,27); and like Abraham, to whom the Gospel was first preached (Gen 12:3; Gal 3:8,9) and who “ ‘saw’ My Day and was glad” (Jn 8:56,58), many more who are “of Israel” and not subverted and disqualified by wilful ignorance, will come to recognize, believe in and know and love Him AS WE HAVE, by faith not by sight (1 Peter 1:7-9), through their intense trials of refinement during the worst of the times of Jacob’s trouble (in which the fiery Message of Moses and Elijah, who attended upon Yeshua on the Mnt of Transfiguration – Lk 9:28-35, will help remedy prejudice against the Gospel – Jer 30; Dan 12:1-3; Zech 3:11-14; 13:6,8,9; Matt 24; Rev 11), “as seeing Him (“Who was wounded in the house of His friends”) Who is invisible,” as the Anointed One (the Messiah), the authenticity of Whose Resurrection their spiritual leaders have lied about for generations (Matt 27:52-54,62-66; 28:11-15).

So shall the prophesied “rebuilt (in Messiah) fallen virgin Israel” (the Jewish bride first acknowledged at Sinai on acceptance, on our behalf as seed of Abraham, of the ketubah/marriage covenant of Ten Words – Ex 19:4-8; Deut 29:12-15) be completed through their obedience to sanctification in the Land of Israel by the Spirit, through their Hebrew New Covenant (Is 44:1-8; Jer 31:4-17,31-36; Ezek 36; Matt 25:10-12), for the church (which has always belonged to Israel, as Abraham’s dynastic household) to recognize at last, just as it was prophesied to Abraham (Gen 12:3; Gal 3:8,9), that the nations have no hope of “everlasting salvation” (Is 45:17-25 advertises the promise of Hebrew eternity for Gentiles, as Israel’s ingrafted inheritance – Is 49:5-8; 54:3; 56:1-8; Jn 10:16; Rev 21:12) APART FROM ‘joining affinity with’ (cleaving to the God of Jacob and His household) the House of Jacob, by surnaming and adoption through justification by faith, as “one new man,” dedicated to the holy vocation of a life of consecration to be righteous (Acts 10:35l 1 Jn 3:3-10), to uphold the integrity of “the unity (of doctrine) of the one faith” under one law of life (Ex 12:49; Deut 4:5-8; Is 45:4; Rom 3:31; 11:17-29; James 1:22-25), which is for Zion’s, and all Creation’s sake (Is 14:1; 60-62; Lk 1:33; Rom 8:4-23; Eph 2:11,12,15,19; 3:6; 4:1-5,11-14).

With all this in mind, we rejoice, Father, in Your vision of Zion as “the PERFECTION OF BEAUTY” (Ps 50:2), and ask You to imprint YOUR VISION OF HOLINESS “that becometh Thine House” (Ps 47:8; 93:5; 119; 2 Cor 7:1) on our souls, without which our understanding of the PURITY necessary to attain that perfection, and our obligation as co-heirs of Israel, to contribute towards it by submitting to the personal sanctification necessary to aim to be a perfect man (Ps 101; Matt 5:48; Lk 6:40; Eph 4:13; 1 Thess 5:23,24; 2 Tim 2:19-26; 3:17; Heb 6:1-12; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Jn 3:3,4), will be far from complete (Col 1:28,29).

In Yeshua’s Name, we pray.

AMEIN

“Let us therefore Fear…for unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them…” (Heb 2:1-3; 4:1,2)

“For unto us was the Gospel preached (justification by faith for entry into the race by grace, but eternal life CONDITIONAL upon REMAINING in Christ by “sanctification wholly, spirit, soul and body” by obedience to the faith, precept by precept, through the Spirit, as proof of repentance, to be holy – Acts 26:18,20; Rom 1:5; 1 Cor 9:24-27; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Thess 2:13,14; Heb 5:9; 12:14,28; 1 Peter 1:2,13-17,22; 1 Jn 2:3-6,17,28,29), AS WELL AS UNTO THEM…”

A Commentary on Deut 7:12 – 11:25 :

It’s tempting to imagine that Israel did NOT HAVE the Holy Spirit (whereas Is 63:8-14 proves He was “WITHIN Moses,” and Stephen testified in Acts 7:51-54 that they RESISTED the Spirit), and that in practice, the promises that close this Portion (11:18-25) were beyond Israel’s reach, because, we surmise, the condition stated in the opening text (Deut 7:12) was too burdensome to fulfil.

Not so!

They were no more burdensome THEN, than NOW. In fact, the yoke of Heaven’s decrees (Matt 6:9,10) is FAR BROADER today, because Y’shua-Jesus was sent to “MAGNIFY” Instruction (‘fill Torah to the full’ – as anticipated by Moses – Deut 18:18,19; Acts 3:22,23) to put us (and the nations) in awe of its Wisdom (Deut 4:5-8; Is 2:2-4), to make it honourable for the sake of His Father’s righteousness (Is 42:21; Matt 5:17-20,48; 11:29,30; 28:20; I Jn 5:2&3; 2 Jn vs 5&6).

They COULD HAVE circumcised their hearts but were DISINCLINED to do so for lack of appreciation of the BEAUTY of “TRUE (AUTHENTIC) holiness (sanctification by the commandments),” which is the crux of “EVERLASTING salvation” at any time in history (Is 45:17-23; Eph 4:23,24; Heb 12:14,28).

So it is the core purpose of the New Covenant to CANCEL the historic disinclination to work righteousness, by disposing of the congenitally adversarial Adamic nature by supernatural heart circumcision, to “condemn sin in the flesh” (Acts 10:35; Rom 6:1-22; 8:3) to restore THE FEAR OF GOD, which by Divine design is acquired by learning righteousness by learning the commandments, to understand them by doing them (Ps 111:10; Eccl 12:13; Deut 4:10; 5:29; 10:12-17; 17:19,20; Heb 8:8-13; Rev 14:6,7,12).

By so doing, meeting the terms of separation, to walk as Jesus did in all His Father’s ways as proof of our Love AND Awe of Him, to BE righteous and pure as He is, to be able to claim that we both know and love Him (Lk 6:40; Jn 14:15,21-24; 15:3-14; 1 Jn 2:3-6; 3:3-10; 4:17).

In other words, the Gospel and its unique regenerative baptism of repentance for the remission of sins to facilitate crucifixion of our unregenerated nature, to “walk in Christ” (Mk 16:16; Col 2:6,9-13; Titus 3:5), is the ultimate remedy for lawlessness, to make “everlasting righteousness” a future reality (Dan 9:24; Rom 8:4-14; Gal 3:27).

This we can achieve and is an ongoing process of sanctification we must allow the Holy Spirit to complete, by having the spirit of our minds renewed by the truth, and our souls transfigured from glory to glory to be conformed to the Messiah’s image (2 Cor 3:18; Eph 4:23,24; 5:26,27; Col 3:9,10; 2 Thess 2:13-15), for the beauty of holiness (the light and purity of the innocency of absolute set apartness on the narrow path – Ps 24:3-6; 29:2; Matt 7:13-27; Jn 14:30) to CAPTIVATE us, to win us over to wholehearted covenant-keeping, as proof of repentance from sin which is transgression of the law (Acts 20:25,32; 26:18,20; 1 Jn 3:4)

The Fear of God – the Sure Path to Humility and Understanding

Commentary: Deut 3:23 – 7:11; Is 40:1-26

The Fear of God – the Sure Path to Humility and Understanding

Commentary: Deut 3:23 – 7:11; Is 40:1-26

We dealt last week with Moses’ punishment by YHWH’s refusal to allow him to cross the Jordan as Israel’s leader, due to his temper having flared previously, causing him to reinterpret and disobey an explicit instruction on how to produce water from a rock to hydrate the nation. The indictment was that by fumbling and fudging the instruction, Moses had “believed Him not;” had “rebelled against the commandment;” and had thereby failed “to sanctify the Memorial Name in the eyes of the congregation” (Nu 20:7-13; 27:12-23).

That is known as “Chilul HaShem” (profaning the Memorial Name of the Most High), as opposed to “Kiddush HaShem” (Sanctify/Hallow the Name).

Any of us can fall into this trap at any moment, which would be especially wicked if we’ve allowed ourselves to be “made merchandise of” by deceitful teaching, to have a negative attitude to YHWH’s Instruction (His commandments and His Voice directions).

There are two issues here:

Moses had just turned 120, the age limit established at the time of the Flood (Gen 6:3), and that is a plausible reason for him not being kept alive (Deut 34:7), and
If we discount that factor, which we should, because there’s no indication in the narrative that that was the decisive consideration, we are left with the conclusion that we’re being taught how great a premium God places on obedience not just by leaders, but by anyone, to every one of His precepts, a principle clearly proven in Eden in Adam’s rebellion against just one instruction

This Portion of Instruction (Torah), which in Deut 4:2,6-8 sends a red alert to Protestantism to stop its dangerous hypocrisy, claiming the Bible as final authority, yet “adding to and diminishing the Scriptures” with human doctrine and tradition, draws our attention to the NECESSITY for the twin characteristics of LOVE and AWE to be matured together, to produce the ideal “Israel of YHWH” (Lk 1:33; Gal 6:16) which requires mastering the call to glory through holiness, principally through the righteousness of the virtues of mercy and justice as the rule of faith (Ps 101:1; Matt 23:23; 2 Peter 1-11), to FULLY INHERIT all the patriarchal promises, as noble “Yeshurun” (Deut 33:26-29).

One of the CHIEF revelations of Scripture is that the Holy Fear of YHWH (summarized inadequately as just ‘ Awe,’ and which is not accidentally, “the BEGINNING of wisdom”), is LEARNED FROM THE COMMANDMENTS (Deut 4:10,13,15; 5:29) and is the general antidote to PRIDE, SELF-WILL, ERROR and COMPLACENCY, which are bedfellows.

Understanding, in turn, is acquired by DOING the commandments (Ps 111:10).

Which means that although the commandments are always the test of a faithful, legitimate son (Heb 5:9; 10:26-39; 12:1-29), the underlying purpose of the holy laws of God needing to be engraved on our hearts by the Finger of YHWH (Heb 8:8-13; 10:16) is to teach us wisdom to experience life which is truly life, which He offers in proportion to our degree of submission to the sanctifying work of the Spirit, Who was sent to lead us into, and to instruct us in, ALL truth (Ps 119:98-100; Jn 17:17,19).

We are seriously misinformed and potentially fatally deceived, if we’re discouraged from spotting the correlation between passages such as Ps 119:4-6,29,127,128 and 1 Jn 2:3-6,17,28,29, as follows:

“Thou hast commanded us to keep Thy commandments DILIGENTLY (so that our ways will be directed in keeping with Your covenant). THEN shall I not be ASHAMED when I respect all Thy commandments (to learn to abide in You)…THEREFORE I love Thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. THEREFORE I esteem all Thy precepts concerning all things (as right and proper); and (as a consequence) I hate every FALSE (lying) way “

“He who says I KNOW Him but doesn’t keep His commandments, is a LIAR, and the truth is not in him (so that the love of God CANNOT BE PERFECTED, resulting in NO ASSURANCE of being “in Him”)…And now, little children, abide (remain) in Him (through obedience to righteousness) so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ASHAMED (as covenant breakers) at His coming. If ye know He is righteous, ye should know that everyone who DOES RIGHTEOUSNESS (will be acknowledged as being) born of Him”

So those of us who ignorantly resist timeous correction, which is nothing less than loving overtures by the Spirit to draw our attention for Him to teach us the finer brushstrokes of the covenant to rid us of inevitable defilement by ignorance of what constitutes sin (Ps 119:1,38,45; Rom 3:20b), shoot ourselves in the foot.

The Almighty has so designed, constructed and “ordered the everlasting covenant in every part” to bring salvation to completion by meeting the terms of separation for eligibility for the first resurrection (2 Sam 23:5; Rom 8:4-23; Heb 13:20,21), that from “these least” to the chiefest commandments (which include Shabbat, the compass setting for “true holiness”), loving His laws AS DAVID DID, cannot fail to bring us into the full experience and reward, of His perfect will (Matt 5:19; Rom 12:1,2; Eph 5:10,15-17; Col 4:12).

There is nothing more harmful that prejudice against and disdain for “the paths of righteousness” (Ps 23:3) which comprise the “law of Truth” (Mal 2:6) which most pulpits barely touch on.

It is only through obedience to the yoke of the commandments (Matt 6:10; 11:27-29; Mk 12:28-34; 1 Jn 5:2&3), that we proclaim YHWH’s Supreme Kingship and Oneness and fulfil the mission of sanctity to which we’re called as co-heirs of the House of Jacob as a witness of the love and majesty of the God of Jacob (Lk 1:33; 1 Peter 1:13-17).

Anti-Torah Christians serve the anti-Christ’s agenda which is to trick believers into defiling themselves through disobedience through wilful ignorance, to incur the righteous God’s penalties (1 Cor 3:17).

MEEKNESS (humility) and LOWLINESS (modesty), which are prized character traits of the Divine Nature, are never taught independently of the checks and balances which the Fear of God (Reverential Awe producing awareness of the imperative need for obedience, and the certainty of reproof and punishment) impresses on one’s soul (Lk 1:48-52).

The redeemed from the nations are bound by the “everlasting covenant” to submit to sanctification by the Spirit to prove the sincerity of their repentance (Acts 26:18,20; 2 Thess 2:13-15; Heb 13:20,21) by allowing the Holy Spirit to purge and cleanse them by the “washing of the water of the Word” (Eph 5:26,27), to purify them by teaching them the supreme moral law by showing them how to apply the TEN Words of the marriage covenant given to us all on Sinai (Deut 4:10,13,14), and the FOUR Levitical table fellowship regulations in Acts 15:20, making FOURTEEN fundamental proofs of loyalty to the God of the one faith (Eph 4).

We have outstanding rôle models, first in David whose intense love for God’s precepts (Ps 1; 19; 23; 119) should shake us out of our poisoned view of law, and the resulting complacency-riddled state into which we’ve been seduced; then we have the Son of David, Whose perfect Personal obedience is the ultimate challenge to our faith, to embrace perfection of covenant behaviour as reasonable, possible and necessary (Lk 6:40; Rom 11:1,2; Eph 4:11-14; Col 1:28,29; 4:12; 2 Tim 3:14-17; 1 Jn 3:3).

David treated God’s laws as creative opportunities for his mind to be furnished with wisdom and understanding and for his heart to be purified for his soul to be fashioned into the likeness of the heart of God (Ps 111:10; 119:96-105; Jn 10:35).

As a type of Messiah, we can confidently emulate the passion for a lawful walk, that made honourable David so deserving of the tribute : “I have FOUND David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, who shall fulfil ALL My will” (Acts 13:22).

We’ll come no-where close to matching David’s (or Abraham’s) legacy of faithfulness (Gen 18:18,19; 26:5), unless we put passages like Ps 101 in our mouths and live what we say.

Those who say the “everlasting covenant” is NOT both spiritually AND intellectually challenging (Deut 4:23,24; Heb 13:20,21), are following a different gospel and a different spirit.

As an illustration, no-one is authorized to teach a convert, that eternal life is UNCONDITIONAL.

Rev 3:2-6,16 is sufficient proof.

The rule (obedience to the faith) was set for the body of the Messiah in Ex 19:5-8 when Israel was incorporated as a nation, and has been continually reinforced ever since.

It is “willingness and obedience” (the test of faith & faithfulness) that settles who will finally be acknowledged as YHWH’s “people of inheritance” (Deut 4:20) – we have to “enter into the covenant and into His oath (to make us His special treasure)” by covenant-keeping (Deut 7:9-15; 28:1,2, 9,10; 29:12-15; Heb 2:1-3; 5:9; 12:25-29)

Even Paul, the mighty exponent and proclaimer of doctrinal purity (Eph 4:11-14; 2 Tim 3:10,14-17), did not claim “full assurance of hope” ’till its CONFIRMATION in his life close to the end of his walk, when his examination of his walk agsinst the Scriptural benchmarks, by the witness of the Holy Spirit with his spirit (2 Cor 13:5), VINDICATED his hope by AFFIRMING that he had finally attained the goal of his “labour” in the Word by “striving for masteries” of “the Way” to be “dead with the Messiah” to all sin which is lawlessness (1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Cor 5:9-11; 2 Tim 2:5; 1 Jn 3:3-10).

Only then could he ASSUREDLY CLAIM to have “fought the good fight” against deception and temptation, to have “finished the race” by having “kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:3-8).

ONLY THEN could he confidently anticipate being crowned with the “crown of righteousness,” to appropriate the promise of entry into the Everlasting Kingdom, to escape from the second death by being “accounted worthy” of the first resurrection with “the blessed,” who are “holy and blameless” (Matt 19:16-26; 25:10-12; Lk 10:25-29; 20:35; 21:36; Eph 1:4,5; 2 Peter 1:1-11; 3:9-18; Rev 20:6).

Read Phil 2:13-15 & 3:10-17; 1 Peter 1:2,4-9,13-17,22 for confirmation that the salvation of the soul is the GOAL of “obedience to the faith” under trial by salting with fire (Mk 9:39; 1 Peter 1:4-9) by which we are transfigured from glory to glory, precept-by-precept, into the express image of God, to REMAIN in Christ by walking lawfully after the Spirit (Jn 15:3-14; Rom 1:5; 8:4-15,29; 16:26; 2 Cor 3:18; 1 Jn 2:3-6,17)

Oversimplification and distortion of the facts by naysayers who rashly dispute the DECISIVE rôle which God’s commandments and ordinances play, under grace (Rom 2:13; 3:31; 1 Cor 7:19; 11:1,2), in shaping true sons who serve Him acceptably (Heb 12), will not pass unnoticed.

The “excellent laws” of the Kingdom of heaven (Matt 6:10) given for our sanctification, to mold our behaviour to match our imputed righteousness, as proof of repentance (Ps 15; 24; 106:3; Acts 26:18,20; 1 Jn 2:28,29; 3:7,10) with the perfection of holiness in mind (Rom 2:6-15, 26; 6:12-22), are given in order to replicate “pillar” households with the vision and knowledge of “the Way,” for the Spirit to navigate a REMNANT of the redeemed in these perilous latter days of Noah (Matt 7:13,14,21-27; 24:35-37), towards realization of “the promise of life” and immortality, on the narrow path (Rom 2:14-15,17,18,26; 3:31; 7:12-16; Phil 1:9-11; 1 Tim 1:1,10; 1 Peter 4:17,18; Rev 3:10-12; 12:17; 14:6,7,12)

ALL God’s commandments are truth and righteousness (Ps 119:172), so that once we’re reconciled by faith, as law becomes love as love becomes law (Jn 14:21-24; 1 Jn 5:3), those commandments BECOME our righteousness (as our righteousness is “revealed” through them in word and deed by walking as Jesus walked – Rom 1:17; 15:16-18; 1 Jn 2:3-6), to “BECOME our life in Him, and the length of our days” (Deut 6:24,25; 30:19,20; 32:47; Prov 4:13).

In the end, as it is written: “He will justify the righteous (i.e. justify His faith in our bona fides in calling Him Master) to reward us according to our righteousness” (1 Kings 8:23,32; Jn 5:24-29; Rom 2:6-13; James 2:8-26).

“Walking before Him with all our hearts” is synonomous with keeping covenant with Him by keeping His commandments, to abide (remain) in the Vine (1 Kings 8:23; Jn 15:3-14; 1 Jn 2:3-6,17).

Doctrinal consistency and continuity are unbroken from Genesis to Revelation.

Over and over He reminds us that He “keeps covenant and mercy with those who keep His covenant” (Deut 5:2-22,29; 7:9-15).

The church has all but forgotten, or has dismissed the phrase “covenant keeping” with thinly veiled contempt, in favour of a PHILOSOPHY of grace that has little or nothing to do with maturing souls “unto a PERFECT man, unto the measure of the Stature of the FULLNESS of Christ,” in perfect agreement with Him, in doctrine, which is what “the unity of ‘THE FAITH’ ” means (Eph 4:11-14)

If anyone is really sincere about knowing what RESPONSE our Father expects to His commandments through which we are to learn the Fear of God which is essential to keep us on the narrow path, to do all His will (Eccl 12:13; Matt 12:50; Rev 14:6,7,12), we should probably look LONG AND HARD at Mal 1:6

“A son honours his father and a servant his master. If then I be (not just a father, but) FATHER (of the family of heaven and earth – Eph 3:14,15), WHERE is MY Honour; and if I be (not just any master, but) MASTER (of all, as you confessed I am – Rom 10:9), WHERE is MY Fear? saith the LORD of hosts…since ye have not sought the law from My Mouth (as Job – Job 22:21-25; 29:1-6 and Abraham – Gen 26:5 did) nor kept My ways but have shown partiality (bias against law by misinterpreting what it means to be “under grace” and “under law”) (your carnal mind at enmity against Me because it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be; and yet you CLAIM to be “in” Me and led by My Spirit (Mal 1:6; 2:5-9; Rom 3:20b; 7:7,12-16,22,25 – 8:4,6,7,14).

HONOUR and submission, in the Fear of God, has a SOUND, best heard on high, by the phrases “YHWH Echad” (from “Hear O Israel, YHWH your/our ELOHIM is YHWH, the One-and-only” God) (Deut 6:4,5), and for emphasis “Ein od,” “there is none other/none else beside Him” (in Deut 4:35,39 Is 40:25).

The great Proclamations of the Supreme Sovereignty and Unity of Israel’s God and His indivisible two-part composite love command (Matt 22:35-40; Mk 12:28-34); and of our awesome respect for Him and His ways unashamedly summed up as “FEAR of God” (Reverence and Godly Awe – Is 8:13,14,16,20), has a corresponding “CONVERSATION” (holy covenant lifestyle), to be learned in detail and maintained at all costs, to avoid mixing Zion and Babylon (Ps 50:5,23; 2 Peter 2&3; Rev 18:4,5 KJV).

This week’s Portion is setting us up to finally be convinced that anyone who preaches a guaranteed, UNCONDITIONAL offer of eternal life, is an emissary of satan, because anyone who denounces the laws of the Spirit of life that bring rest, refreshing and liberty (Ps 119:45; Is 28:9-12; Jn 8:31-36; James 1:22-25; 2:8-12), as irrelevant to sanctification for final redemption, for the liberation of Creation from its bondage to corruption by man’s defilement by lawlessness, “has NO LIGHT in them” (Ps 104:30; Is 8:13,14,20; Rom 8:4-23; Rev 12:17; 14:6,7,12).

The Synergy of the Ages – A Perspective on Deuteronomy 1-3

A Perspective on Deuteronomy 1-3, taking a long view of History

The Synergy of the Ages

Isaiah 41:4; 43:10,11; 44:6-8; Rev 1:17,18

“Who hath wrought and done it, CALLING THE GENERATIONS FROM THE BEGINNING? I the LORD, the First, and with the Last; I am He”

Psalm 145:4

4 “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts”

Ecclesiastes 1:4

4 “One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever”

As seed of Abraham by adoption (Rom 11; Gal 3:29), we’re ALL members of the “everlasting covenant” (‘chaverim B’rit’) through faith in the Hebrew Glad Tidings (Gospel) of the ﹰﹰLORD Y’shua-Jesus as Saviour, and soon returning King of Jacob (Is 41:21,27; 52:5-10,13-15; 53; Lk 1:32,33; Jn 4:22; Rom 9:4,5; Heb 13:20,21), as ingrafted members of the everlasting household of the dynasty of Abraham and David which is the household of YHWH, the God of the Hebrews (Lk 1:33; Eph 2:11,12,19).

To honour God and our ancestry through whom He chose to give us life, and to avoid desecrating the brick and mortar of our homes which He’s given us to minister peace to us (as a safe refuge and sanctuary of rest and nurture of fine values and aims), we are to learn how to “behave ourselves wisely, in a perfect way,” to “walk within our homes with perfect hearts” by being instructed out of His good laws (Job 22:21-27; Ps 94:12,13), to ‘square’ every aspect of our lives with His everlasting covenant which is “ordered (with certainty to be absolutely reliable) in all things (in every part)” for our ultimate good as well as for the good of others (2 Sam 23:5; Ps 50:5,23; 101; Rom 3:31; Col 1:28,29).

This is critically important because the righteous legacy of faithful households is the foundation of righteous nation-building (nations which “keepeth the truth”), without which there is no hope for personal or national well-being (2 Chr 7:14; Prov 14:34; Is 26:2,3).

There is a far tighter relationship between the three sub-divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Torah; the Writings; and the Prophets) and the Books of the New Testament (“the New Covenant of the House of Judah and the House of Israel” – Jer 31:31-34), than most Christians have been led to believe.

In Deut 1:3-5, we discover how, by recitation to the “church of the House of Jacob in the wilderness” (Acts 7:38; Is 14:1; Rom 11 – to which WE’RE joined through the Hebrew New Covenant by adoption through baptism into Y’shua-Jesus), just before having to ascend Mt Abarim/Pisgah to die and not enter Israel’s set apart Landed inheritance (Nu 29:7-13; 27:12-14; Deut 3:24-29 – as the penalty for just one episode of impatience, irritation and disobedience), Moses REITERATES (recapitulates) the righteous laws of the coming Kingdom of Israel (Acts 1:6,7; Mk 11:10) which the nation and their co-heirs would have to keep as PROOF of love for God (Lk 1:33; 1 Jn 5:2&3), to ensure continuous possession and blessing (Deut 4:10,13,14; 26:16-19; 27:1-26) – HOLY LAWS ratified by the New Covenant along with “the promises to the fathers” (Rom 3:31; 15:8); precepts which will one day distinguish Israel as “chief of nations” (Is 2:2-4; 28:9-12; Jer 31:7,10,17; Micah 4:1-8; 7:8-20; Haggai 2:7-9; Lk 1:33; 2:32) by the RIGHTEOUSNESS of those Godly laws (e.g. Deut 27:15-26); and Israel, by their WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING of those immutable laws based on the Ten Words (Ex 34:27,28,32; Deut 4:5-8,10-14) which, as anticipated by Moses in Deut 18:18,19, Y’shua-Jesus would “magnify” by ‘filling them to the full’ (fully expounding them by enlarging upon them) from first principles in the Torah, as illustrated in the sample Sermon on the Mnt (Is 42:21; Matt 5:17-20; Acts 3:22,23; Rom 3:31).

In a parallel act, as His final Word in Matt 28:18-20, just before His Ascension, the Resurrected Messiah confirms the importance of His Torah-grounded teachings, for His disciplers to “fully know doctrine” (“all things whatsoever I have commanded you”) (e.g. 2 Tim 3:10,14-17), to be WORTHY of the vocation of disciplers of nations, in order not to inadvertently lead them into error and apostasy (1 Tim 4:16).

Matt 28:20 therefore contains an implicit warning that His Presence is not to be presumed upon.

He’s with those who are with Him by being ‘all in’ as covenant devotees, through the Spirit, in the holy Fear of God (Deut 7:9-15; 29:12-15; 2 Chr 15:2; Ps 50:5,23; 119:29,38,45,94-105; Rom 8:4-14; 1 Peter 1:13-17,22).

He’s with us for as long as we demonstrate good faith by “following on to know Him” (Hosea 6:1-3) by continuing in His Word (Is 64:5; 1 Jn 2:3-6), to eradicate all error and unbelief that would distort and bring discredit upon the Gospel and His Holy Name (Rom 2:6-13,26; James 1:25).

We see evidence of redeemed, righteous ABRAHAM’s zeal for Torah (Instruction in righteousness) before our very eyes in the New Covenant, in the love for God by his household (the House of Jacob, his seed, the proclaimers-in-chief of the ‘Shema/Hear’ – Mk 12:28-32; Eph 2:11,12,19) PROVEN by delight in His laws as the apple of their eye (Prov 7:1-3), taken to heart to renew the spirit of the minds of the thousands of redeemed Jews in whose faithfulness to the covenant, Peter James and John boasted in the LORD, including Paul (Acts 20:21-24; Rom 7:12-16,22,25).

All those mentioned in Acts 20:21 were “weaned from spiritual milk” by imitating the delight in obedience to “precept-upon-precept, line-upon-line” (Is 28:9-12), of their LORD and Saviour (Ps 40:7,8), as we too are urged to do “through the Spirit” (Rom 3:31; 8:4-14; 1 Cor 7:19; 11:1,2; 2 Thess 2:13-15).

Their zeal for Torah (“Instruction in righteousness”) and conversely, for the means to accurately define sin to be convicted of both, by the Spirit, when walking wide of the mark in worldliness (Jn 16:8), WAS IN DEADLY EARNEST.

It had to be, to be sure to IDENTIFY unrighteousness (sin, which is lawlessness) to know what ‘falling short of the mark’ comprises (Rom 3:20,31; 2 Cor 13:1,5; Phil 3:8-17; 2 Tim 3:14-17), to accurately discern the boundary between the narrow and broad paths, in order to “win the Messiah” by winning “the crown of righteousness” in a well run and finished race (1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Tim 4:3-8).

Their zeal for the knowledge of Father and Son by acquiring deeper and deeper revelation- knowledge of their WAYS (1 Cor 15:34; Jn 12:44-50; 1 Jn 2:3-6) sprang from deep gratitude for the remission of their “sins that were PAST” (Rom 3:25); and in anticipation of mercy and grace for the cleansing of the unrighteousness of any UNINTENTIONAL RELAPSES into sin (1 Jn 1&2) by the sprinkled Blood of “the Messiah our Passover” through Whose forgiveness their transgressions were “blotted out” and forgotten (Ps 103:12; Is 43:25; 44:22) by justification by faith in His Blood and Resurrection, “from all things from which they could not be justified (and your conscience purged and cleansed) by the law given through Moses” (Acts 13:39).

THAT’s why righteous Abraham, as “father of us all,” set the example of what it means to “walk before Me and be thou perfect,” by learning “the Way of the LORD” (Gen 17:1; 18:18,19; 26:5; Matt 5:19,48), which Jesus AS “the Way, the Truth and the Life,” demonstrates to us to perfection for us to “see the Son” as our Rôle Model of righteousness (1 Jn 3:7) through close attention to the Word (Lk 20:21; Jn 6:40; Acts 24:14; 1 Jn 2:3-6).

Those thousands of Pentecostal Jewish believers were under no illusion how “great a salvation” the setting aside of the “first” system, to admit the “second” (Heb 10:9), meant in practical and spiritual terms, to produce unprecedented peace of mind (“My peace I give you…”) through “hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and bodies cleansed with pure water” (Jer 31:33,34; Heb 9:14; 10:9-11,14,22).

That erasure of guilt was never possible under the former annual system of repetitive atonement for sin that couldn’t provide the ABSOLUTE REMISSION and therefore the COMPLETE REDEMPTION AND EVERLASTING RELEASE enabled by the sprinkling of Heaven’s Mercy Seat by the infinitely better Atonement by the spotless Blood of the Jerusalem Passover Sacrifice of the Messiah as the Lamb of God (Heb 9:12; 10:1-4).

The redeemed firstfruits of Israel weren’t about to “neglect so great a salvation” (Heb 2:1-3), as so many Christians from the nations have done, as prey of disinformation, through suppression of truth and proliferation of gross misconceptions of the delicate balance between law and grace in the genuine full counsel, both of which are needed to bring us to the goal of perfection of faith in obedience to the faith (Rom 1:5,16:26: James 2), for the purification of our souls by covenant-keeping, for the “transfiguring of our (fallen human nature), from glory to glory” (2 Cor 3:18), to bear the “express image” of YHWH in Christ (Rom 8:4,29; Heb 1:1-3), to restore our identity (“in Our Image and after Our Likeness”) which was forfeited by the corruption of Adam’s character (Gen 1:26).

Adam was created innocent, but erred in spirit and lost his innocence through disrespect for the righteousness of God’s law.

We were made CLEAN by the Word of faith (Jn 15:3), and had Adam’s original innocence attributed to us as the Righteousness of God, when we were reborn.

When we were baptized by full immersion, even the Divine Nature (mature Godly character) was imputed to us, for us to safeguard and develop through ongoing covenant obedience which is the womb of stable, virtuous character (Gal 3:27; 4:19).

We can just as easily lose it all, by treating His commandments as irrelevant or inconsequential, and thereby compromising Christ’s character in us and not remaining in His love (Jn 15:4-14).

No wonder we have to contend with and for Phil 2:12,13, in fear and trembling.

Adam was banished from Eden (Gen 3:22-24). We can just as easily be banished from the final Eden, the New Jerusalem, for diminishing and neglecting the laws of life through which liberty is assured to covenant keepers (1 Tim 1:8-11; James 2:8-12; Rev 22:14,15)

The multitude of reborn Jews in Acts 20 were well aware that being SEALED FOR IMMORTALITY by the “firstfruits of the Spirit” was a rescindable, revocable covenant provision in the event of GRIEVING the Spirit by resistance to truth and therefore, persistent lack of co-operation in the essential preparatory work to enter “the Everlasting Kingdom,” which requires mastering the righteousness of God’s ways (“striving for masteries”), to attain “true holiness” (the prize of the high calling that crowns us with full assurance of hope) in order to reign virtuously with Christ in glory (2 Cor 5:9-11; Eph 1:13-15; 4:23-30; 2 Tim 2:5; 2 Peter 1:1-11; 3:9-18).

At the very least, they all knew that the sublime absolutism of the Supreme Moral Code of the Ten Words (the ‘Ketubah,’ or Marriage Covenant for a virgin bride) “given in commandmenT” (Ex 20; 34:32; Deut 30:10,11; 2 Jn vs 5&6), is given as an INDIVISIBLE ORDINANCE (Is 24:5), and that all who dissent and disturb and DIVIDE that unity, “have no light in them,” for lack of the Fear of God, for halfhearted study of the terms of separation for true sonship (Is 8:13,14,16,20; 29:13; Heb 12; Rev 14:6,7,12).

Torah ratified by the New Covenant cannot be broken (Jn 10:35). Those who break the chain of obedience from antiquity, break faith. Breaking the marriage covenant by arrogantly disputing Ex 20:8-11’s claim to the seventh day as the one-and-only Holy Sabbath of the one faith (Eph 4), is beyond reckless

Woe therefore, to anyone who through WILFUL ignorance or complacency boasts against the natural olive tree and its branches, by continuing to defy the true Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment (Matt 12:8; Heb 1-4,6,9-11), thereby both misusing and polluting Shabbat (Is 56:6; 58:13) by calling “the first day of the week” the ‘Christian Sabbath,’ to try to justify keeping the doctrine and tradition of men.

James confirms this principle of integrity of faith & faithfulness as a joint-obligation, in his reference to “the Royal Law” (which comprises the Fifth to Tenth commandment), in James 1:22-25; 2:8-26.

Every day is therefore potentially “a day of salvation,” in that we are to “work out our own salvation in fear and trembling” in reverence and Godly Awe, rightly fearful of “NEGLECTING so great a salvation” and thereby FORFEITING its offer of “escape” from the second death, by “FAILING the grace” (by which we were purchased back/ Ransomed from darkness by the redemption which is in the Blood of Y’shua-Jesus) available to “work righteousness” as proof of faithfulness “worthy of repentance” (Ps 15; 24; 106;4; Acts 10:35; 26:18,20; Heb 5:9; 10:26-31,36-39), to attain HIS PURITY, by sanctification by the commandments, to overcome sin which is lawlessness, to win “the crown of righteousness,” to lay hold on eternal life (Lk 20:35; 21:36; Acts 10:35; Rom 2:13,26; 3:31; 15:16-18; Phil 2:12,13; 2 Tim 4:3-8; Heb 2:1-3; 3 12:14,15,28; 1 Peter 1:2,14-17,22; 1 Jn 2:28,29; 3:3-10)

All of which is summarized by John Wesley, as follows:

“The righteousness of Christ is necessary to ENTITLE us to Heaven (by surnaming and adoption);
personal holiness (sanctification by being doers of righteousness, to be pure as the LORD is pure – 1 Jn 3:3,4,7), to QUALIFY us for it”

Every one of us represents a family and a history and heritage that dates back to the creation of Adam.

Therefore, every one of us has cause to ‘raise our Ebenezers’ to the LORD in thanksgiving for bringing US, and therefore our particular family LINE in our family TREE, “thus far,” helping us and keeping us alive under grace, to receive correction of worldly ways, to LEARN “the everlasting covenant” and God’s ways, to abide in the Vine, to walk in the light in order to acquire Godly virtue to “behave ourselves wisely in a perfect way” like David (Ps 101; Acts 13:22), to attain the holiness without which “no-one will see the LORD” (Ps 119:17,18,77,78; Jn 15:3-15; Phil 3:10-17; Col 1:21-24,28,29; Heb 12:14; 1 Jn 1-3; 2:3-6)

“Then Samuel took a STONE and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He NAMED it EBENEZER, saying, “THUS FAR the LORD has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12)

Ebenezer is only mentioned three times in the Bible. By definition, Ebenezer means “STONE of HELP”

Y’shua-Jesus is “the Shepherd and STONE of Israel” (Gen 49:24; 1 Peter 2:6) Who is our “God and Saviour” (Is 45:21; Titus 2:13), the God of HELP to Jacob (Ps 146:5), Incarnate as the Word-made-flesh, as the Messiah through Whom our trust and hope is in God (1 Peter 1:20,21).

He has become our Ebenezer.

The background of the meaning and significance of Ebenezer begins in 1 Samuel 4 with Israel and the Philistines.

In one of the most poignant passages in the Bible (2 Sam 7:18-29, a ‘must read’), David offers ‘an Ebenezer’ to God for protecting, nurturing and endowing his family lineage with holy vision and the great grace to see it fulfilled by his royal dynasty in time to come, as “the coming (Messianic) Kingdom of our father David” (2 Sam 7:18-21,23-29; Is 9:6,7; Mk 11:10), just as He has vision from heaven, and corresponding purpose and plans for US, to prosper and not to harm US (Jer 31-33; Eph 1:11; 3:20; 3 Jn 2).

Our lives were and are still lived ‘on credit’ under grace (“But by the grace of God I am what I am…” – 1 Cor 15:10), under covering of the Holy Spirit and the Blood and baptism that remitted our sins, in the solemn expectation that we would return to the One God and Saviour by adoption as children, to be holy and blameless PRACTITIONERS of His righteousness, because the Almighty God and King of Jacob no longer allows ignorance of the knowledge of God to pass unnoticed (Is 41:21,27; Acts 17:26-31; 1 Cor 15:34; Titus 2:11-15).

As Job correctly discerned in Job 10:14 :

“If I sin, then Thou markest me, and Thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity (unless I return and repent to be guiltless)”

“But if ye will not do so…be sure your sin will find you out” (Nu 32:23).

Sin is a serious matter in the life of a household, a lineage and a nation (Prov 14:34; 1 Jn 1-3).

If we refuse to obtain “the knowledge of sin” AND of righteousness by study of God’s “holy, just, good, spiritual laws” (Rom 3:20b; 7:7,12-16; 1 Cor 15:34; 1 Tim 1:8-11; 2 Tim 3:14-17), we’ll inevitably sin and not necessarily recognize the need to repent, thereby entrenching defilement of our temples of God’s Spirit, which in the end could spell destruction on the broad path (1 Cor 3:17).

Not keeping our repentance up-to-date, is potentially spiritual suicide.

There’s a reason why our God is pre-occupied with the spiritual PURITY of the “pedigree” of the lineage of His dynastic patriarchal household (Num 1:18,52; 2:2; 1 Jn 3:3-10; Lk 1:33; Gal 3:29).

Moses ‘saw’ Israel domiciled in their Land, as Balaam had done by vision, from Pisgah (Nu 23:14; Deut 3:27).

But whereas, after showing signs of being faithful to the One God of Jacob, Balaam was destroyed by rebellion (through treasonous counsel to Israel’s enemies by which he forfeited “the death of the righteous” – Nu 23:9,10; 31:8; Heb 6:4-8; Rev 2:14), Moses’ virtually impeccable track record of righteousness would, on balance, pose no threat to his salvation and inheritance of the Land, in future.

He’s even visited the Land in the interim, on the highest Kingdom business (Lk 9:28-36).

YHWH’s pre-occupation with RIGHTSTANDING in “the paths of righteousness” (Ps 23:3; Lk 20:21; Acts 10:35; 1 Jn 2:28,29; 3:7,10) is reflected in Moses’ being unctioned by the Holy Spirit “on THIS side of the Jordan, in the land of Moab,” to proclaim “ALL that YHWH had given him ‘in commandmenT’ (i.e. as an indivisible whole), for the generation who were about to cross over into their inheritance to UNDERSTAND THE TERMS OF SEPARATION, as we too are required to do (Deut 1:3-5; 12:28-32; 30:10,11; 34:27,28,32; Matt 28:20; Rom 3:20b,31; 2 Cor 6:14-18; James 4:4,5; 2 Jn vs 5&6).

In short, the earth, not just Israel, was created to support a RIGHTEOUS population.

Perversion of righteousness by rebellion (i.e. ‘changing the ordinance’ – Is 24:3-6), turns the earth AGAINST humanity.

Israel’s ENLARGEMENT many times over in future (Gen 22:16-18; Deut 1:10,11; Jer 33:22-26), would depend on ratification of their New Covenant through which “the mystery of the Messiah” would be the incorporation of a remnant (a latter-day “mixed multitude” – Ex 12:38) from the nations, responding to “the call to glory and virtue” (the vocation of holiness/mission of sanctity – Eph 4), to be one with the House of Jacob, the natural olive tree, as “one new man” (Is 14:1; 54:3; 55:5; Rom 11; Eph 2:11,12,15,19; 3:1-10; 2 Peter 1:3-11).

Our intimate connectivity with history through the synergy of spiritual faithfulness and integrity, is in the receiving of the BATON of righteousness and its corresponding blessings, PASSED DOWN as a heritage and testimony by Godfearing forebears who comprise the great cloud of witnesses (Deut 7:9; 2 Chr 15:2; Heb 12).

Every generation since the birth of Seth and Enos (when, following the disgrace of Adam, “men began to call upon the Name of the LORD” – Gen 4:25,26), has had an equal opportunity through the mercy of God which made inheritance of His righteousness by faith, an open offer (e.g. Enoch, Noah and Abram), to be RESCUED from the curse of the Adamic nature, because the curse and the blessing operate in CYCLES (curses filling any vacuum caused by unGodliness) – curses “to the third and fourth generation” of those who disregard the Almighty, needing to be stopped in their tracks for mercy and blessings to continue for “a thousand generations of those who love and obey His commandments” (Ex 20:5,6; Deut 7:11-15).

How?

By our corrupted, impaired, compromised human nature being voluntarily TRANSFIGURED (“if you’re willing and obedient” – Is 1:19) into the Divine Nature/Holy Character (2 Cor 3:18; 2 Peter 1:4), to contribute (by sharing His holy traits) to the advancement of the righteousness of the Kingdom of YHWH (Matt 6:33) which one day soon, due to the “consumption” of the wicked by Judgment of their iniquity, transgression and sin, will triumph over all unrighteousness and be vested, as an “everlasting” reality (Dan 9:24).

Everyone of us was born in the image of fallen Adam (Gen 5:1; Ps 51:5).

The New Covenant makes a way where there seemed to be no way, to undo six thousand years of degeneration of the human spirit, through our regeneration by water and Spirit through baptism (burial) into Y’shua’s Death, to be raised to moral resurrection through exercise of righteousness by the Spirit (Heb 5:11-14), to be perfect to be “as He is,” even now (Lk 6:40; Rom 6; Eph 4:11-30; 2 Tim 3:14-17; Titus 3:4-8; 1 Jn 4:17).

We all look forward to that Day of everlasting righteousness which will begin with the inauguration of the millennial Kingdom age after vindication of Israel’s inheritance of all of Canaan in the battle of Armageddon, when the Monarchy of the second Kingdom of the dynasty of David, is restored to Jerusalem as an everlasting Theocracy, for our LORD Y’shua-Jesus to Reign over the earth forever as Ruler of the House of Jacob (Ps 59:13; Is 9:6,7; Micah 5:2; Lk 1:32,33; Mk 11:10).

The spiritual drama of Israel’s Passover redemption followed by their re-education in “the Way (of YHWH)” under grace in the wilderness (foreshadowing our walk to freedom through obedience to the faith – Jn 8:31-36,51; Rom 1:5; 6:12-22; James 1:22-25; 2:8-12) for a remnant to be qualified to enter into and possess the promised Land, is the PATTERN for “everlasting salvation” (Is 45:17-23; Phil 2:6-9) and access to the ETERNAL inheritance, restricted to those who “choose life” (Deut 30) by being faithful to adhere to the narrow path to be “chaste virgins” (1 Cor 11:1,2; Col 1:28,29; Heb 5:9; Rev 17:14).

We ‘spy the land’ and YHWH’s promise of “hope and a future,” by meditating the spiritual meat in Torah Instruction as even Abraham “the father of us all,” did (Gen 26:5; Rom 4; Heb 5:11-14), which confirms again and again that OUR pre-occupation, for the love of God (1 Jn 5:2&3), is to learn His ways at all costs (Lk 14), to find the liberty (rest and refreshing) promised to those who obey His precepts in the holy Fear of God (Ps 119:1,45; Is 28:9-12; Heb 12:14,28; Rev 14:6,7,12).

Every family TREE is a mixture of Godliness and unGodliness (Lk 12:49-53).

The generational threads of lineage are a portrait of righteous opportunities gained or lost.

The goal of course, is household salvation followed by CONSTANCY in sanctification by the commandments, to finish the race by keeping the faith (Rom 1:5; 1 Thess 4:1-3a; 5:23; 2 Thess 2:13-15; 2 Tim 4:3-8).

History is the process of winnowing the wheat (Matt 3:12; Mk 9:49).

History is therefore best explained by the ebb and flow of righteousness.

History will culminate in iniquity reaching its vilest depths in these latter days of Noah (Matt 24:37), for “everlasting righteousness” to VINDICATE obedience to the revealed will of God, and faith in Y’shua (Rev 12:17; 14:12).

The baton of righteousness is therefore a precious legacy (the greatest parents can leave us) upon which each generation is expected to build with diligence as an act of honouring parents while they’re still alive, but especially, posthumously (Eph 6:2,3), to fulfil its obligation to be a link in the chain of redemption of mankind and the Universe (Rom 8:4-23).

Perhaps the greatest proof of this conclusion, is the destruction of an entire generation in the wilderness (Nu 14), for treating the righteousness of YHWH with contempt, by provoking Him ten times, as if once wasn’t one too many!

An entire link was removed FROM the chain, to PRESERVE the chain.

Attainment of the eternal inheritance is therefore a GENERATIONAL PROJECT of “perfection of holiness” (Matt 5:19,48; Lk 6:40; 2 Cor 7:1).

One way or another, each ancestral pathway in the vast gene pool of civilization, feeds into its downstream, like the headwaters of a river, for the redeemed in every generation to be accounted for as co-heirs with Israel in the House of Jacob (Lk 1:33; Rom 11), to whose Twelve Tribes we’ll ultimately assimilate, for access to the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:12), just as the “mixed multitude” did in the Exodus (Ex 12:38), to be accepted with Israel, to cross the Jordan to partake of their promise, to jointly possess their inheritance (Rom 15:8,27).

This is why we’re learning to distinguish between covenant precepts on the one hand, and doctrines, traditions and commandments of MEN, on the other (Is 29:13; Mk 7:6,7,9,13; Col 2:8,22).

Each of the generations which the Creator-Father of all the family which is in heaven and earth has “brought forth,” has had its own challenge to be restored to favour with Him, AND TO RETAIN THAT FAVOUR.

Israel’s trials in the wilderness illustrate the necessity to know and to keep covenant, to RETAIN one’s sanctification without which no-one will see the LORD (Deut 7:9-15; Rom 15:16-18; Heb 12:14,28; 13:20,21; 1 Jn 2:3-6,17,28,29).

Deut 1-3 also alerts us to the resistance and discouragement from darkness which inevitably awaits those who “wait for God’s mercy” to bring us into the eternal inheritance (Deut 2&3; 1 Peter 1:13,14; Jude vs 21).

Obedience is required, to the end, or we shall not be overcomers of resistance to our acquiring holiness, to endure in faithfulness, to the end (Matt 24:13; 1 Peter 1:14-17)

That is the main message of Revelation

HalleluYaH for the beauty of Holiness (“be ye holy because I am holy”), which must be OUR greatest quest or we are not of His Spirit.

Just as He was, so we too, as “the sons of God,” are to be declared to be so, “with power according to the Spirit of HOLINESS, by our resurrection from the dead” (Rom 1:3,4; 8:4-23; 1 Jn 3)