Loving the MOST HIGH
Prior to moving forward, to totally understand what love is, we must first breakdown the true meaning of the word love as referenced in the “New Testament” text from the ancient Hebrew perspective. This is essential because love as used in the English sense of the word is very passive and lacks substance. The English translation (in the New Testament) also often renders the word “love” in Scripture even when the word “love” was not the true intent. The love of YAH Alohim is not passive (a feeling, constant affection) but active. Let me explain further. The Greek word agape (G26 noun)1 means good will, charity, benevolence or affection. The Greek word agapao (G25 verb)1 means to welcome, to entertain, be fond of, or be well pleased. Those are two distinct words. However, when translated into English, both words are simply written as “love.” Let us take for example, Ephesians 5:2,
“And walk in agape (love), as Mashiach (Messiah) also has agapao (loved) us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to Alohim for a sweetsmelling savour.”
When one reads the above in English, the word agape and agapao is rendered incorrectly in both instances as love. It is clear that “love” as used in the first instance is a noun, and in the second instance it is a verb. Although the Greek translation is far superior to that of the English, the Greek translation for agape (G26), meaning good will, charity, benevolence or affection; is still lacking. That is where the ancient (not modern) Hebrew for this word comes in. The ancient Erhverh/Irhverh (Hebrew) word for agape is actually agapℇ, and means boulder. Why? Like YAH’s “love” a boulder is solid, strong, immovable, unbreakable, unshakable and overwhelming.2 Let’s see this referenced in Scripture, “Of the Rock (H6697 Rock/Boulder) that begat you, you are unmindful, and have forgotten AL (G-d) that formed you” Deut 32:18.
Why is a distinction needed for the word love? To fully understand the true meaning of YAH’s amazing ahava (protect, provide, love)1 and agapℇ (steadfastness, solid, strong etc.) for us, we must have clarity when we read His Word to grasp what is truly being relayed. Again, YAH doesn’t love us in a passive feeling sense of the word. His love is actually protection, provision, and affection bound up by His solid, strong, steadfastness toward us. That’s real love; it is active and tangible, not passive and abstract. The need for clarity will become apparent below as we revisit what Shaul (Paul) expressed in Eph 5:2,
English Translation: “And walk in love (G26 agape), as Mashiach (Messiah) also has loved (G25 agapao) us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to Alohim for a sweetsmelling savour.”
Ancient Hebrew and the Greek (2nd use of the word love) Translation:
“And walk in immovability, strength (agapℇ), as Mashiach also has welcomed (agapao G25) us, and has given himself for us a gift and an offering to Alohim for a sweetsmelling savour.”
Wow, what a huge difference true translation makes! Our walk with the Creator must be strong, solid, immovable, unshakeable just as Ha’Mashiach (The Anointed) was when he walked the earth in flesh and offered himself up to Alohim for the sins of mankind. The atmosphere towards Yahshua Ha’Mashiach during that time was hostile and evil. Yet he stayed the course, he remained agapℇ in
order to welcome us into the bounds of the New Covenant! As such, the use of the English word love for agape (G26) will be written throughout this blog article and all others in its proper translation, agapℇ. Without further delay, let’s get started.
Many people claim to love our Creator. We feel in our hearts that because we believe that He exists, perhaps go to church on Sunday or Saturday, and we try to be nice people, that proves our love for the MOST HIGH. Some even go door to door calling ourselves “spreading the Gospel.”
If it were that simple, why did Yahshua state, “Not every one that says unto me, Master, Master, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Master, Master, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” Matt 7:21-27.
For now we will focus on versus 21-23 above. Why will Yahshua tell many in that day to depart from him, as they will not be permitted to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven? I thought YAH loved everybody and all we have to do is just “believe, do good works and have faith.” Obviously there is more to this walk than is being taught. So, let’s break down verses 21-23 above. According to the text, it appears we will have 2 groups of people at that time;
1. Those allowed to enter into the Kingdom because they performed the Will of the Father (vs 21), and
2. Those not allowed entrance into the Kingdom because they are workers of iniquity (vs 23).
Group 1, Those permitted to enter into the Kingdom
The first group Yahshua mentions, are those allowed to go into the Kingdom. They are allowed to do so because they would have heard and performed the will of the Father. So, what is the will (rason H7522, acceptance, delight, pleasure) of the Father that even King David Desired?
“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my Alohim: thy RUACH (Spirit) is good; lead me into the land of uprightness” Ps 143:10.
Are we instructed via the Word on what the will of the Father is? Of course. Let’s have a look.
Col 1:9-10, “ For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Master unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of Alohim;”
Shaul (Paul) informs us that we are to be filled with the knowledge of Alohim’s will via all wisdom and spiritual understanding. This in turn will allow us to be fruitful in good works AND increase in the knowledge of Alohim. So how do we go about obtaining spiritual wisdom, knowledge and understanding in order to be pleasing to the Father? Perhaps the wisdom of King Solomon can shed some light on this matter.
Prov 1:7, “The fear of YHVH is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Prov 2:1-7, “My son, if thou will receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou cry after knowledge, and lift up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of YHVH, and find the knowledge of Alohim.
6 For YHVH gives wisdom: out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
7 He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.”
So what’s the take away here?
- We are informed that the fear (reverence, H3374 yirah) of YAH is the beginning of wisdom.
- YAH is the giver of wisdom, knowledge and understanding, by way of His mouth for the righteous (Prov 2:6). As such in order to discern what the will of YAH is one must first obtain wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Only those who truly fear YAH will succeed at obtaining wisdom, knowledge and understanding. To aid in that process, one must turn the light on, so let’s find a lamp.
Prov 6:23, “For the Mitsvah (commands, terms H4687) is a lamp (candle); and Torah (Instruction aka Law H8451) is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”
As just read, King Solomon, son of King David, stated in the book of Proverbs, that YAH’s terms and instruction, as given to us via the Torah (better known as the Law of Moses, 1st five books of Scripture) is essential to unlocking wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Yet, above all we must first have humble hearts and fear our Creator (Prov 8:13), as He gives “sound wisdom” only to the righteous. In addition, per Shaul (brother Paul) in Colossians chapter 1 above, understanding spiritually and performing good works will enable us the ability to be filled with the knowledge of Alohim. Can we prove all this, as well as what it all means in reference to affirming our agapℇ and “love” for YAH? Absolutely!
Apostle Shaul (Paul) stated, 1 Thess 4:3-9, “For this is the will of Alohim, even your purification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in purification and honor;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the other nations which know not Alohim:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that YHVH is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For Alohim has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto righteousness.
8 He therefore that despises, despises not man, but Alohim, who has also given unto us His Set Apart RUACH (Spirit).
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of Alohim to love (agapao G25) one another.”
Apostle Kepha stated, 1 Pet 4:1-19, “Forasmuch then as Mashiach has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of Alohim.
3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the other nations, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
6 For, for this cause was the Besorah (Gospel) preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to Alohim in the RUACH (Spirit).
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
8 And above all things have fervent agapℇ
among yourselves: for agapℇ
shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
10 As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold favor of Alohim.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of Alohim; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which Alohim gives: that Alohim in all things may be esteemed through Yahshua Mashiach, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Aman.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Mashiach’s sufferings; that, when his esteem shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Mashiach, joyful are ye; for the RUACH of esteem and of Alohim rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is esteemed.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a follower of Mashiach, let him not be ashamed; but let him esteem Alohim on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of Alohim: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Besorah of Alohim?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the unrighteous and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of Alohim commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”
The will of Alohim reads like a whole lot of laying aside a wicked sinful life and keeping YAH’s commandments to me, which is actually the keeping of YAH’s Torah (Instruction) as given via King Yahshua Mashiach (Messiah). Wait a minute, I thought we were to keep the Torah as given via Moshe as spoken and then written in the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy! I also hear the wheels of others spinning and thinking, “I thought the Torah (Law) was done away with! So what are you talking about?” So much confusion and so little time. I will reveal what is feasible here, however, I cannot go but so deep in understanding in a blog article. For a deep understanding about “the Law,” and the writings of Shaul (Paul), you may read my book, Above Torah: What the New Testament Truly Reveals about “the Law.”3 Let’s continue.
Remember, we are searching for Truth in effort to learn how to truly love the MOST HIGH. To do so requires that we perform the will of YAH. Group 1 succeeds in accomplishing that, therefore King Yahshua will allow them to enter into the Kingdom of Alohim. We have discovered that in order to understand what the will of the MOST HIGH is, one must gain wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Scripture informs us that YAH gives sound wisdom, knowledge and understanding to the righteous and the first step in gaining wisdom is to fear YAH. Now, we’ve also discovered via Scripture that YAH’s terms (commands) are a lamp and His Torah (Instruction) is light (Prov 6:23). I then stated that we are to keep the terms and Torah according to the voice of Mashiach (Messiah), not Moshe. Recall, we are informed by the words of King Solomon that YAH gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding from His mouth (Prov 2:6). How so? YAH has always used His prophets (to include Moshe) to convey His Word to people, but now speaks to us via the Word of His Son. Let’s establish the passing of the Staff of Authority. We will then gain further wisdom, knowledge and understanding on the will of our Father.
The Passing of the Staff of Authority, 1 Heb 1:1-2, “Alohim who at sundry times and in diverse manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;”
Gal 2:20-21, “I have been impaled with Mashiach: and I no longer live; but Mashiach lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by belief in the Son of Alohim, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the favor of Alohim: for if justification came by the Torah, then Mashiach died in vain.”
Lucas (Luke) 9:35, “And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved. Hear Him!”
Matt 28:18, “And Yahshua came and spoke unto them, saying, All Power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” The word Power here is (G1849 exousia) and means power, authority, control, freedom, delegated influence, jurisdiction.
It doesn’t get any clearer than that. The Staff of Authority has been passed and it lies in King Yahshua’s hands. As such, when I reference Torah, I speak in terms of that in which Yahshua gave, not Moshe. However, keep in mind that the Torah (Instruction) that Yahshua brought forth is based on the premise of the Torah given via Moshe. Again, for clarity and a deep understanding of the Torah of the Old Covenant and the Torah of the New Covenant, read my book, “Above Torah: What the New Covenant Truly Reveals about the Law.” It’s an eye opener and vital to understanding how to truly take ahold of the New Covenant and completely obey our Beloved Creator.
Please note that being under the New Covenant, does not permit one to live a life of sin. We are to repent from sin and sin no more (Heb 10:12)! To purposefully continue in sin is to spit on the favor YAH has given us via the atonement of His Son, Yahshua (Rom 6:1-2), and will render all those who erroneously do so in the second group of people who will be unable to enter into the Kingdom. Hey, don’t shot the messenger! I’m just humbly doing the best I can to show folks what really is in the amazing Scriptures our Father has given us to lead a righteous life, be and stay connected to Him, and strive to walk worthy of His Kingdom. The Torah (Instruction) tied to the Old Covenant cannot be applied to the New Covenant as it has its own Torah (Instruction). The Torah (Instruction) of the New Covenant exceeds the Torah of the Old Covenant and requires one to rise above that of the oldness of the letter. What do I mean by that? Think of the Torah bound to the Old Covenant as learning addition and subtraction. It is a great foundation. However one does not stop learning after knowing how to add and subtract. On the contrary, one must move on to multiplication and division. Some will even obtain the level of Algebra/geometry, and still others trigonometry, calculus and beyond. We must always continue to grow spiritually, renewing our mind to the perfect will of YAH. YAH knows the potential every one of us holds and expects each of us to rise to that spiritual level He has set for us via the example of and the righteousness of His Son, Yahshua. Following are two examples of the Torah that came by way of Moshe and the Torah that came by way of Yahshua:
Torah of Moshe: Stubborn and disobedient children were stoned to death, under the Old Covenant, Deut 21:18-21.
Torah of Yahshua: Favor for stubborn and disobedient children to repent, obtain YAH’s RUACH and cover themselves with Yahshua’s righteousness under the New Covenant, Matt 19:14. In addition, in order to enter into the Kingdom, all must humble themselves like children and repent, Matt 18:2-4.
Torah of Moshe: Thou shall not commit murder, Ex 20:13
Torah of Yahshua: He who hates his brother in his heart, or is angry with him without a cause is also considered a murderer, 1 John 3:15, Matt 5:21-22.
Get the picture? The Torah of the New Covenant that contains YAH’s RUACH, Yahshua’s righteousness, and favor (Rom 6:1-2), is based on a higher standard than the Torah that came by way of Moshe. Further, it is not a Torah validated by repetitive works. Via the New Covenant and its Torah, it is by the favor and righteousness of Yahshua that we obtain perfection and rise to the perfect will of YAH,
2 Cor 1:20-21, “Now the Alohim of peace, that brought again from the dead our Adonai Yahshua, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Yahshua Mashiach (Messiah); to whom be honor for ever and ever. Aman.”
To be perfect one must abstain from sin and iniquity by putting on Yahshua’s righteousness and abiding in him. In order to avoid sin and iniquity one must know what it is. We all know that committing wicked acts is sinful. However, the spiritual understanding of sin and iniquity provides a deeper understanding.
What is Sin?
1 John 3:4, “Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the Torah (Law): for sin is the transgression of the Torah.”
The definition of sin in both Hebrew (H2398 hata)1 and Greek (G266 hamartia)1 means “to miss the mark, go wrong, err, wander from the Torah (Instruction).” None of us wants to miss the mark that YAH has set for us. We now know that the Torah (Instruction) apostle John referenced was that of the higher standard Torah given by the mouth of Yahshua. That is critical knowledge because we do not want to miss the mark, go wrong from the message given to us via the Besorah (gospel).
Let us now take a close look at what Scripture reveals concerning this second group of people that Yahshua Ha’Mashiach mentioned in Matt 7:22-23. So what does Group 2 lack that they need? Mashiach will reject those who find themselves in Group 2 from entering into the Kingdom because they all miss the mark and are found in iniquity,
Rev 22:14-16, “Beruk (blessed) are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (see Rev 21:1).
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loves and makes a lie .
16 I Yahshua have sent mine messenger (angel) to testify unto you these things in the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
Prov 21:15, “It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.”
Wow! It appears those who Yahshua will reject are they who believed religious hype and did not keep YAH’s Torah with a pure heart as He commands via His New Covenant and its Torah (Instruction) as cut via the blood of His Son, Yahshua (Lucas 22:20)! This second group of people may appear to be righteous but they are liars, murderers, fornicators, idolaters etc. I do sense that there may be some readers that still do not believe that we are to live according to the righteous instructions bound up in the Torah of the RUACH of Life (which I will touch on shortly) that is given to us under the New Covenant. Perhaps because as of yet, it has not been directly worded plainly in black and white. The Father knew there would be some of us that would need the Word presented to us in such a manner, thus we have apostle John who stated this after Yahshua’s death and resurrection,
“Whosoever believes that Yahshua is Ha’Mashiach (The Anointed) is born of Alohim: and everyone that loves Him that begat loves him also that is begotten of Him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of Alohim, when we love Alohim, and guard his commandments.
3 For this is the agapℇ of Alohim, that we guard his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” 1 John 5:1-3.
Again, apostle John was referencing loving YAH by the Torah as given via Yahshua, not Moshe! In addition, verse 3 above reveals that to “love” Alohim means to remain steadfast, strong, immovable (aka agapℇ) in the commands He instructs us to keep. Again, whose commands, Moshe’s or Yahshua’s? As the Staff of Authority has been passed, we are to keep YAH’s commands as given via His Son, Yahshua. We can be certain that is what apostle John meant as he first stated the following in 1 John chapter 2 as follows:
1 John 2:1-5, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Yahshua Ha’Mashiach the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the Truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keeps his Word, in him verily is the love of Alohim perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”
That’s right, Scripture’s is clear; to love our Creator is to keep His Commandments as instructed by Yahshua! When one studies the teachings of the Besorah (gospel), Yahshua gave explicit commandments that exceeded that of the initial Torah. To do anything less is missing the mark, and those who speak otherwise are liars! In addition, living out the Torah of the RUACH of Life must be done from a humble, sincere and loving heart, if not we have still missed the mark, Lev 19:17-18, Matt 5:21-22, 1 John 3:15-16. That is why our Amazing Creator is a reader of hearts (minds). No one will enter into His Kingdom pretending to be righteous.
Our Creator stated,
“I YHVH search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” Jer 17:10.
Yahshua stated this concerning those with a pure heart, “Beruk (blessed) are the pure in heart: for they shall see Alohim” Matt 5:8.
We must keep striving to see Alohim, and not the judgment of Group 2 dismissed from entering into the Kingdom. I hope you also caught something else via apostle John (1 John 2:3), to know Yahshua is to keep his commandments! This is key wisdom because in order to inherit eternal life Yahshua stated that one must come to know YAH and himself.
John 17:1-3, “These words spoke Yahshua, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; honor your Son, that Your Son also may honor You:
2 As You have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as You have given him.
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know You the only true Alohim, and Yahshua Ha’Mashiach, whom You have sent.”
We can safely say that YAH’s will is that we heed His Word as given via His Son Yahshua, “…This is My Son, the Beloved. Hear Him” Lucas 9:35!
Dear seeker of Truth, I will have you know this nugget of wisdom as well, Yahshua is the light of the world. YAH gave us light so His elect do not stumble blindly in darkness. Read below just how amazingly Old Covenant (Testament) Scripture validates New Covenant (Testament) Scripture.
Again, King Solomon stated, Prov 6:23, “For the Mitsvah (commands, terms H4687) is a lamp (candle); and Torah (Instruction) is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”
Yahshua stated, “…I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” John 8:12.
Apostle Shaul (Paul) validated Yahshua and stated, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Adonai Yahshua Ha’Mashiach, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof” Rom 13:12-14.
Behold Yahshua, the Light of the world in whom YAH has gifted to us the Torah of the RUACH of Life (Rom 8:2)! The Light of the world wants us to heed his commands as given by the Father so our lamp (candle) can be a lit pure vessel, overflowing with good works for the honor of Almighty YAH.
Yahshua stated, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a menorah; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and honor your Father which is in heaven” Matt 5:14-16.
Scripture mic drop! Boom! HalleluYAH!
Group 2, Those Who Do Not Enter the Kingdom
Now, continuing our discussion on this second group of people who do not make it into the Kingdom of Heaven, whom are also referenced in Matt 7:23 as workers of iniquity. This group should lead us to seriously consider what iniquity is and to avoid it at all costs. According to the Hebrew language, iniquity (H5771 avon/Ahvon/aven)1 means wickedness, mischief, unrighteousness, idolatry, to be crocked or twisted in actions. In Greek, iniquity means wickedness, to transgress the law (G458 anomia).1 Sin is the actual offence, whereas iniquity is the purposeful intent of committing that action. In other words, all things outside of our Father’s Instructions (Torah), as to be wicked is to be willfully lawless (H7563 rasha).1 Perhaps this second group of people includes those filled with sin and iniquity who will attempt to justify themselves before Yahshua by pleading, “I’m saved by grace because my pastor said, that Paul said, we were no longer under the Law!” Well, no, we are not under the Torah of Moshe, but we are certainly to abide by the Torah of the RUACH of Life as spoken by the mouth of Yahshua and preached by the apostles.
Many pastors teach the theology that they were taught via seminary school. Most never make it past scratching the mere surface of Scripture, let alone the fact that the churches’ 501.3c will not let them teach certain things. I’m not bashing all pastors. There are a few good pastors out there who are teaching Truth. I pray for more of them, as they are just like those of us who truly are striving to walk the strait and narrow; few and far in between. In reference to brother Shaul (Paul), he is often misquoted and misinterpreted by those who are not well versed in our Creator’s Word (2 Peter 3:15-16). As such they should leave Shaul’s teachings alone, least they greatly stumble, cause others to stumble and all miss the mark. One of the most misquoted and misinterpreted writings of brother Shaul is Romans 7.
Rom 7:1-25 “Know you not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the Torah,) how that the Torah has dominion over a man as long as he lives?
2 For the woman which has a husband is bound by the Torah to her husband so long as he lives; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the Torah of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that Torah; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
4 Wherefore, my brethren, you also are become dead to the Torah by the body of Messiah; that you should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto Alohim.
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the Torah, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
6 But now we are delivered from the Torah, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of RUACH (Spirit), and not in the oldness of the letter.”
Many in Christianity take Shaul’s letter (above along w/Matt 5:17) out of context & state that it means when Mashiach (Messiah) died he fulfilled Torah and thus it is done away with. Yes, Yahshua did fulfill the Torah of Moshe (Lucas 18:31). As such, if one looks closely at Shaul’s letter, it is obvious Shaul stated that we are no longer bound to the Torah that came and tabernacled with us (John 1:14), as it was flesh. However, (verse 4 above) we are now bound to our Bridegroom, who having died for his bride’s sins and conquered death, now walks in newness of RUACH (SPIRIT), as we should do also. Shaul goes on to further explain in verses 7-9 below, that he would not have even known sin if it had not been for Torah, & once made aware of the sin, he had to die to sin:
“What shall we say then? Is the Torah sin? Alohim forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the Torah: for I had not known lust, except the Torah had said, Thou shalt not covet.
8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the Torah sin was dead.
9 For I was alive without the Torah once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.”
So what of this statement of Paul’s in Rom 7:25? “I thank Alohim through Yahshua Mashiach our Master. So then with the mind I myself serve the Torah of Alohim; but with the flesh the Torah of Sin.” Does that mean brother Shaul was a backsliding heathen subject to the reins of sin!? No, Shaul was trying to relay something spiritually deep to the readers of his letter. He was paralleling the Torah without RUACH (Spirit) and the Torah with RUACH! Remember, when writing this letter (Romans 7) Shaul clearly stated that he was writing to those highly studied in Torah (Rom 7:1), not babes. In order to understand the totality of Shaul’s message, one must KEEP READING HIS LETTERS!
Continuing his letter via Romans 8, Shaul goes on to provide understanding that we are free from the Torah of sin, & death that bear a curse for those who broke it, not YAH’s Torah of the RUACH of Life given via Yahshua which is perfect. Further, it is righteous to fulfill the Torah, & only those who walk in RUACH (Spirit) can discern and be subject to the Torah of the RUACH of Life. So if one choses to walk after the ways of the flesh, one walks in the Torah of Sin and Death. Let’s allow Scripture to speak for itself.
Rom 8:2-10, “For the Torah of the RUACH of life in Mashiach Yahshua has made me free from the Torah of Sin and Death.
3 For what the Torah could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Alohim sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the Torah might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the RUACH.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the RUACH the things of the RUACH.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity (hostile/hateful) against Alohim: for it is not subject to the Torah of Alohim, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please Alohim.
9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the RUACH, if so be that the RUACH of Alohim dwell in you. Now if any man have not the RUACH of Mashiach, he is none of his.
10 And if Mashiach be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the RUACH is life because of righteousness.”
Now, keeping in mind that the Torah of Sin & Death were instructions given with the cutting of the Old Testament and the Torah of the RUACH of Life are the instructions given for the New Covenant, let’s chart what Shaul tells us in Romans 8 about the Torah of Sin & Death and the Torah of the RUACH of Life, as well as the characteristics of those living under each Torah.
So what’s missing from the Torah of Sin & Death that is found in the Torah of the RUACH of Life? YAH’s RUACH! It is the RUACH that searches all things, justifies, and enables us to overcome our infirmities (e.g. weakness, frailty, disease, feebleness of mind and body) and walk in the newness of life and peace which are found in the performance of the Torah of the RUACH of Life while abiding in Yahshua’s righteousness. However, Torah without RUACH is the Torah of Sin & Death; just works void of RUACH, making those subject to it portals to sin and heirs to death (1 Cor 2:9-11).
Brother Shaul goes on in Romans 8 to explain that those who dwell in RUACH, are not indebted to, nor live after the flesh and those who do live after the flesh will die.
Rom 8:11-17, “But if the RUACH of Him that raised up Yahshua from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Yahshua from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his RUACH that dwells in you (see Gal 5:16).
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the RUACH do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, you shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the RUACH of Alohim, they are the children of Alohim.
15 For you have not received the ruach of bondage again to fear; but you have received the RUACH of adoption, whereby we cry, Ancestor, Father.
16 The RUACH itself bears witness with our ruach, that we are the children of Alohim:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of Alohim, and joint-heirs with Mashiach; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also esteemed together.”
So we see that we are not debtors to the flesh. As such we are not bound to the Torah of Sin and Death. We are bound to uphold the Torah of the RUACH of Life, which has its premise in the initial Torah yet exceeds its standard.
To “love” YAH includes forming a relationship with Him. Yahshua’s words inform us that one cannot inherit eternal life without “knowing Father YAH” (John 17:3).
In our spiritual journey, we also need to remember what brother Shaul said concerning working on one’s own relationship with the Father and departing from iniquity as the second group that do not make it into the kingdom fail to do:
2 Tim 2:15-19, “Study to show thyself approved unto Alohim, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more unrighteousness.
17 And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the Truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of Alohim stands sure, having this seal, Alohim knows them that are His. And, let every one that names the name of Mashiach depart from iniquity.”
Please note that Shaul didn’t say wallow in sin because you are covered by favor. He said to study for yourself, rightly divide the Word, and depart from lawlessness as it will land you amongst Group 2, those whom are shunned from the Kingdom of Heaven because they are workers of iniquity!
YAH answers those that have a sincere heart and obey Him.
Phil 2:12-13, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is Alohim which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
Yahshua stated that it will be the doers of YAH’s Word that are justified before YAH and not those who simply hear but do not obey, Lucas 8:19-21 and Lucas 11:28. Yahshua gave his Torah (Instruction) as instructed by the Father (John 14:10) and we are to heed his Torah in order to show forth our love for YAH and our King Yahshua. Please, let’s stop looking for loopholes to abound in sin, and please, please, let’s stop misquoting and misinterpreting our beloved brother Shaul.
Yahshua stated in John 14:15, “If ye love me, guard my commandments.” Verses 23-24, “Yahshua answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will guard my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loves me not guards not my words: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.”
Going back to our original discussion concerning Group 1 (Kingdom Inheritors) and Group 2 (Dismissed as workers of iniquity), Yahshua referenced in Matthew 7, specifically finishing up with verses 24-27. Yahshua stated the following concerning the wise and the foolish:
“Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
If we hear and obey, placing our trust in YAH’s Son Yahshua, YAH will fill us with His wisdom, via His RUACH (verse 24 above). Once transformed by the renewing of our mind in RUACH, no longer subject to the sins of the flesh, as it states in verse 25 above, when the rain floods (trials & tribulations) come, we will be able to stand firmly fixed in Father’s Truth instead of falling apart, losing our minds doing crazy desperate things to harm ourselves and/or others.
Rom 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of Alohim.”
Do you truly know and “love” our Great Creator? Will your relationship with Him and His Son allow you to become wise enough to continue to handle the rain floods that are already here as well as the tsunamis yet to come? We must dump the senseless teachings we have been taught via religion and search the Scriptures for ourselves, and with others who are really seeking our Father’s Truth (John 17:17), as we will all be judged accordingly (Rev 22:12).
Brother Yacob (James) said it best when it comes to religion, “Pure religion and undefiled before Alohim and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” Yacob 1:27.
Therefore, consider well how you will respond the next time you are asked, “What’s your religion?” Father YAH could care less about the many religions of mankind and their vain traditions.
Again, for an extreme in depth study on the Torah of Sin and Death and the Torah of the RUACH of Life, please read my book, “Above Torah: What the New Testament Truly Reveals about “the Law.”3 I am unable to cram a 370 page book, filled with the profound message that unfolds via the New Testament into a single blog article.
Summary
To love YAH is to fear Him, learn His initial Torah, then heed the voice of His Son Yahshua, put on his righteousness and keep the Torah of the RUACH of Life with a pure heart (also called Torah of Faith Rom 3:27, Torah of Liberty James 1:25, and Torah of Alohim, Rom 7:22, Rom 8:7). We must not consider doing so a grievous thing. When we learn of YAH and His Son Yahshua, clinging to the New Covenant Besorah and keeping the standard of its Torah, we perform the will of Alohim and by His free gift of favor and His RUACH, we will be privileged to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. If by chance we fall short and ignorantly sin (not willfully, Heb 10:26), we have an advocate, our Bridegroom Yahshua, via YAH’s RUACH (Heb 7:24-25, 1 John 2:1-2, John 14:16-17 & vs 26, Rom 8:26).
Those who truly love the Creator should want to do those things that are pleasing to Him, as He has enabled us the ability to walk in perfection via His RUACH (Spirit), sent so lovingly to us by His Son (John 14:15-26). I will close here and leave you with these beautiful words of King David (who was also a prophet) inspired by Father’s RUACH and precept with King Yahshua’s words, all of which touch on everything this article discussed. I pray that this blog article has shed some much needed light on what it means to really “love” YAH, as He is so worthy of our agapℇ and love; that being love in the English, Hebrew (H160 ahava) and the Greek (G25 agapao) sense of the word.
“The Torah of YHVH is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of YHVH is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of YHVH are right, rejoicing the heart: the Commandment of the YHVH is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of YHVH is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of YHVH are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O YHVH, my Strength, and my Redeemer” Ps 19:7-14.
King David stated in verse 10 above that to fear YAH and obey His Word is more desired than fine gold. Yahshua then came along in flesh and informed the masses to buy the gold that he provides so that we may see and have our spiritual nakedness clothed with his righteousness.
Rev 3:18, “I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see.”
Precepts:
Righteousness to cover spiritual nakedness: Rom 13:12-14, Col 3:8-15, John 2:1-3
Blindness Removed: Lucas 4:16-21, 2 Cor 3:11-17
HalleluYAH! All that is why IBReppin ahavaYH (YAH’s love).
References
1. Blue Letter Bible. Blue Lexicon Bible Search.
2. God’s Love Defined in EƲℇ . Youtube, 14 Feb. 2020. Accessed 1 Sep. 2022.
3. Hannah P. Yacob. Above Torah: What the New Testament Truly Reveals about “the Law.” AhavaYH Unlimited, 2023.