Paul’s Hard Sayings

The following article was written by a man whom I do not know–not even his name. A friend shared it with me. The brother who wrote the article, from what I understand, was simply interested in sharing the information with anyone interested. There have been a few minor corrections and some slight rearranging of the text. However, any comments which are not a part of the original text are indicated as ‘Editor’s Comments.’ I believe our readers will enjoy this approach to Paul’s hard sayings.

Part l

II Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, give diligence that you may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight..

3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Master is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you;

3:16 As also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unlearned wrest, as they do all the other scriptures, to their own destruction.

3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.

3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Sovereign and Savior Yahshua the Messiah. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Peter tells us that some of the things the Apostle Paul said were hard for even him to understand. But Peter, because he was very familiar with the Scriptures, meaning the Old Testament, which were the ‘ONLY’ Scriptures available during that time, (a point we’ll discuss in more detail later in this article) was not about to ‘distort’ Paul’s writings. Although others, Peter tells us, who are ‘untaught,’ that is not knowing the Scriptures and ‘unstable,’ or unsure of what the Scriptures actually say, are twisting or distorting some things the Apostle Paul said, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, and because of that, they will be ‘DESTROYED.’

What is it that Paul could have possibly been saying, that was of such a serious nature, that people who were ‘untaught’ in the Scriptures would be DESTROYED for their misunderstanding of it?

Well, contrary to what millions of Christians are being taught today by their ‘ministers,’ Yahweh’s Law, His Perfect Law, (Psalm 19:7 The law of Yahweh s perfect, restoring the soul: the testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple) which includes the Feast Days (Leviticus 23; Deuteronomy 16), the Food (Dietary) Laws (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14) and the fourth Commandment, the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11), has never been done away with. They are to be obeyed today, as much as possible, as they were the day Yahweh gave them to Moses on Mt Sinai. And this, Yahweh’s Law, is the very thing that people were misunderstanding about Paul’s writings, and consequently would be ‘destroyed’ for it.

If we look at Acts 21 we will see the reason Peter made this statement about Paul’s writings. In Acts 21:17-20, when Paul arrived in Jerusalem, the Apostle James, who was the head of the congregation in Jerusalem at that time, immediately confronted Paul about ‘thousands’ ^[1] of believing Jews who were all ‘zealous’ for the Law. In other words they were very dedicated in obeying the Law, as was the Messiah, Himself (Matthew 5:17). James told Paul how they misunderstood him in things concerning the Law. They, the thousands of believing Jews, ‘thought’ Paul was saying that the law had been done away with; that it did not have to be obeyed any more. Which, of course, was NOT what Paul was saying at all. Consider the following carefully from Acts 21:17-24

21:17 And when we arrived at Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

21:18 And the day following Paul went in with us to Jacob; and all the elders were present.

21:19 And when he had saluted them, he recounted one by one the things which Yahweh had performed among the Gentiles through his ministry.

21:20 And they, when they heard it, glorified Yahweh; and they said to him, You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of them that have believed, and they are all zealous for the law:

21:21 And they have been informed concerning you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after their customs.

21:22 What is it therefore? They will certainly hear that you have come.

21:23 Do therefore this that we say to you: We have four men that have a vow on them;

21:24 These take, and purify yourself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads: and all shall know that there is no truth in the things of which they have been informed concerning you; but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the law.

Did you notice that there was ‘NOTHING’ to the things they ‘thought’ Paul was saying, about ‘forsaking Moses’. The fact was that he, Paul, “...also walk orderly, keeping the law” just as those thousands of ‘believing’ Jews were. And this misunderstanding of the things Paul said about the Law, IS the very reason Peter said what he did about some of the things Paul said, “being hard to understand”. With that in mind, let’s go back and take a look at what Peter said about these ‘ministers’ who are misleading people concerning Paul’s writings.

In 2 Peter 3:17, Peter warns us of being carried away by the ‘wicked’. The word ‘ wicked’ is #113 in Strong’s Concordance and is defined as, ‘lawless’. The word ‘lawless’ has the implication of people who do not obey the Law. And, of course, the only Law spoken of in the entire Bible is Yahweh’s Law. Allow me to summarize what has been said here thus far by Peter in 2 Peter 3:16-17.

Some things that the Apostle Paul said concerning Yahweh’s Law were hard to understand and ‘lawless’ men who were ‘untaught’ in the Scriptures (unlike the thousands of believing Jews ‘who were ‘zealous’ for the Law in Acts 21) were ‘twisting’ or ‘distorting’ Paul’s writings in an attempt to say Yahweh’s Law did not have to be obeyed anymore. And because of this they, the ‘lawless’ ones, would be destroyed.

You see, just as the ‘thousands’ of believing Jews who ‘misunderstood’ Paul in thinking he was telling people to forsake Yahweh’s Law, (something, of course, Paul never did), many Christians today, who are ‘untaught’ in the Scriptures, ‘twist’ or ‘distort’ the things Paul said concerning Yahweh’s Law, in an attempt to say that the Law no longer has to be obeyed. Some of the passages Paul wrote that are often times misunderstood are: “...we are not under the Law but under favor” (grace is used by some translators) (Romans 6:14), or “...a man is not justified by the works of the Law...”(Galatians 2:16). We will be taking a look at these passages shortly.

To many Christians today, the subject of Yahweh’s Law is so totally irrelevant they have no interest in even the mention of it. But PLEASE believe me when I say that THIS, the misunderstanding of the things Paul said about Yahweh’s Law, is EXACTLY what will cause many to hear those dreadful words of the Savior on Judgment Day, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23).

In this article I hope to show that Yahweh’s Law was never done away with contrary to what many in Christianity today believe. Because of the fact that they’re ‘untaught’ in the Scriptures, they twist the Hard Sayings of Paul in an attempt to say that obedience to Yahweh’s Law is no longer necessary for Salvation. In this article, Yahweh willing, we’re going to take a look at some of the ‘Hard Sayings’ of Paul and hopefully answer some of the following questions:

1) In what sense are believers today, ‘not under the law but under grace?’

2) How are we ‘free from the Law?’

3) Why is it that ‘no man is Justified by the works of the law?’

4) If we are to obey Yahweh’s Law, then ‘Why do we not sacrifice animals today?’

Allow me to first point out a few basic and yet often times overlooked things concerning the Law.

Why Did the Savior have to suffer and die?

In an attempt to better understand the things Paul said concerning the Law, it is important to understand the reason the Messiah, Yahshua, had to die. The Savior came into the world to suffer and die; NOT to do away with Yahweh’s Law but to put an end to SIN (Matthew 1:21: And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Yahshua : for he shall save his people from their sins. Romans 8:3: “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Yahweh sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh”) and the Bible’s definition of sin is lawlessness” I John 3:4: “Whoever commits sin transgresses also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law.” The Biblical definition of sin–that is Yahweh’s definition of sin, is the breaking of His Law–the same Law that many preachers today say we no longer have to obey.

Before we go on, I’d like to make a point for those of you that might think the subject of Yahweh’s law is irrelevant. Many today do not realize that since sin is a ‘breaking of Yahweh’s Law, Yahweh had two choices in eradicating the world of sin.

1) He could have done away with His Law, and consequently eliminated sin. Because where there is no Law there is no ‘transgression of the Law’ as the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 4:15 (“for the Torah works out wrath, for where there is no Torah there is no transgression) OR

2) Yahweh could send His Son, His Only Begotten Son, the First born of all creation, to be cruelly mocked,spit upon, tortured and left hanging naked on the tree as an Atonement for the sins of mankind. Yahweh chose this. He chose to watch His Son die a torturous death. You see the Messiah had to die because Yahweh’s Law could not be done away with.

Editor’s Comment: I believe there is also a third option Yahweh could have chosen. He could have destroyed us all. However, because of His love for mankind he chose to send forth His Son to atone for the sins of mankind. Just as Yahweh saved Noah and his family because of Noah’s obedience to build and enter the ark, so he saves us by the blood of His Son when we choose Him.

In Matthew 7:21-23 the Messiah, Yahshua, tells us:

7:21 Not every one that says to me, Master, Master, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Master, Master, did we not prophesy by your name, and by your name cast out demons, and by your name do many mighty works?

7:23 And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work lawlessness.

The ones that will NOT inherit the kingdom are the one’s who practice LAWLESSNESS–in other words those that continued to break Yahweh’s Law. And those that ‘do the will of the Father,’ which is to keep or obey His Law, are those who will inherit the Kingdom.

In Matthew 5:17-19, the Savior could not have made it any plainer, when He said that Heaven and Earth would pass away before the smallest stroke would ever pass away from Yahweh’s Law, but even this verse is often times distorted by ministers today. Let’s examine this passage verse by verse in an attempt to gain a proper understanding of the Savior’s words.

Verse 17 “Think not that I am came to destroy the law, or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.” The very thing that the Messiah is telling us not to do, that is, THINK NOT that He came to destroy or do away with the Law, is the very thing that many ministers today are telling their people they should do. They use the ‘Hard Sayings’ of Paul to try to promote this ‘No Law’ concept. Because of the carnal or fleshly nature of man, he is very eager to embrace such an unscriptural doctrine as Salvation ‘without’ obedience.

Verse 18 : “For truly I say o you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one yothe or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.” To the honest individual, it should be clear that ‘heaven and earth’ have not passed away yet, therefore according to the Messiah, NOTHING, not the smallest tittle, has at this time, been done away with from Yahweh’s Law.

Verse 19: “Whoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Who is going to be called great in the kingdom? The one who keeps Yahweh’s Commandments and teaches others to do likewise. And in the Kingdom of heaven, who will they consider to be the least among men? The one who breaks the ‘least’ of Yahweh’s Commandments and teaches others NOT to obey. Which group would you rather be in?

The Apostle John, in the Book of Revelation, describes perfectly those who will inherit the kingdom. Revelation 14:12: “Here is the patience of the saints: They that keep the commandments of Yahweh, and the faith of Yahshua.”

Part II

In this section we will take a look at some of the ‘Hard Sayings’ of Paul concerning Yahweh’s Law–passages that even the Apostle Peter thought were ‘hard to understand..’ And of course many Christians today, because they are ‘unlearned’ or ‘untaught’ in the things the Bible says about the Law, ‘twist’ and ‘distort,’ as Peter calls it, to their own destruction.

Without digressing from our topic of Paul’s Hard Sayings, allow me to take a moment to briefly mention a few of the various aspects of Yahweh’s Law, such as the fourth commandment, the Sabbath Day, (Exodus 20:8-11), the seventh day of the week (not the so-called Christian Sunday), His Feast Days (Leviticus 23; Deuteronomy 16), which we will look at more closely later in the article. But let me just for the moment say that one of the more popular passages in the Bible that most ministers go to in an attempt to say Yahweh changed His mind when He said the Feast Days were to be observed ‘Forever’ (Leviticus 23:2; 14, 21; 41) is found in Colossians 2:16-17. We’ll look at this passage in depth later, but let me simply say now, you’re going to find that this passage says the exact opposite of what many ministers would like it to say–That the Sabbath, Feast Days, etc., “‘are a’ shadow of things to come” (Colossians 2:17). We will also look at what Yahweh calls ‘food’ (Leviticus 11:2; Deuteronomy 14; Acts 10; Romans 14), as well as why we DO NOT sacrifice animals today. We will look at reasons that go beyond the obvious one.

But as much as I’d like to discuss these different aspects of the Law, now rather than later, I believe it is of first importance that we consider the ‘Hard Sayings’ of Paul. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20). When we break Yahweh’s Law, either in ignorance, not knowing ‘right from wrong’ or intentionally, knowing but not caring, we’ve sinned. And clearly, Paul tells us the ‘wages of sin is death’ (Romans 6:23). And in equally certain terms we are told that ‘ALL’ have sinned (Romans 3:23), from the cruelest serial killer, to the grandmother holding her granddaughter, while sitting in a rocking chair. You and I, everyone that has ever walked the face of the earth, has at one time or another, sinned. It may have been what we consider a ‘minor’ sin, i.e., lying, cheating, or stealing, etc., yet in Yahweh’s eyes that ‘liar’ will be standing side by side with the “fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

(Revelation 21:8). Of course it goes without saying that ‘ALL’ does not include the Messiah, Yahshua (I Peter 2:22: “who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.”)

Can you imagine the horror, standing in front of the Messiah on that final day (Acts 17:30-31) and hearing the sentence of Death pronounced against you (Matthew 7:23), before being thrown in to the ‘lake of fire?’ Can the ‘death’ sentence be turned aside? Can anyone argue, as I’m sure some will try if they’re able, to ‘justify’ themselves by weighing their ‘good’ deeds against their sins? Would our obeying the Law of Yahweh for the rest of our lives cancel out the sins that we have committed? Again, in language that would be hard to misunderstand: “because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20).

There is a reason why the ‘works of the Law’ could never justify a single soul. For example, if a man is found guilty of stealing and is sentenced to ten years in prison, he can indeed justify himself by serving out his time. After serving the ten years he would have fulfilled his obligation and would be completely ‘justified’ under the Law. In the same manner a murderer, given a fifty year sentence, can be justified ‘under the Law’ by serving his fifty years. But suppose that instead of fifty years, the sentence was death. Can the prisoner ‘justify’ himself by serving his time? Would fifty years of being a ‘model’ prisoner ‘justify’ him under the Law? NEVER! If he worked one hundred years at hard labor, the sentence was not 10, 50 or 100 years. It was DEATH.

Such is the situation when we sin by breaking Yahweh’s Law. The wages of sin is not five, ten, fifteen years or even a life time of good works. The ‘wages of sin is DEATH.” This is why a sinner can never be ‘saved’ by the ‘works of the Law.’

“And apart from shedding of blood there is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22-28). The Law could not be satisfied without the shedding of blood–which is the meaning behind what Paul said in Romans 8:3: “For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Yahweh sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”

Again allow me to make the point concerning the choices Yahweh had in doing away with sin. I believe it is a point that all those professing a belief in the Messiah MUST understand:

1)Since sin is a break of His Law, He could have eliminated sin by doing away with His Law.

2)Or Yahweh could send His Son, His Only Begotten Son, to be mocked, spit upon, humiliated, tortured by being beaten with a whip made of broken glass and stone, by having his beard pulled from his face, thorns driven into His head and finally left hanging naked on a tree to die to pay the penalty for our sins. Rather than do away with His Law, Yahweh chose the later and His Son paid the price so that Yahweh’s Law might stand.

Think it through for a moment. Yahshua had to die because the Law had been broken. Sin demanded death. If the Law could have been annulled, the penalty of sin would have been set aside also. “...but where there is no law, neither is there transgression” (Romans 4:15).

So strong was the authority of the unchangeable Law that Yahweh Himself would not abolish it, not even to save His own Son. It cost something to uphold the Law and pay the maximum penalty. No one will ever know how much it cost the Heavenly Father to watch His Son suffer and die. But how thankful we should be that His love was as perfect as His justice. The Savior in His own body bore the penalty, satisfied the Law and justified the transgressor. In all the universe Yahweh could not have displayed a more convincing and irrefutable argument in favor of His Law. Many today, seem not to understand that the Law is a reflection of His Holiness and Righteousness. To speak of its abolition is to border on treason against the divine government of Heaven.

“Not Under the Law”

Romans 6:14-15: “(14) For sin (transgression of the law) shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace. (15) What then? Shall we sin (transgress the law) because we are not under law but under grace? By no means” (emphasis mine). Often times we hear the argument, in an attempt to belittle Yahweh’s Law, “Well since we are not under the law but under grace, we do not have to obey the Law any longer.” Is this the way Paul meant for this to be understood? Is Paul, after just telling us that ‘we establish the Law through faith’ (Romans 3:31) now saying because we are under grace and not under the Law, that we are free from the obligation of obeying the Law?

How simple it would be to avoid confusion if we accepted exactly what the Bible says. Paul gives his own explanation of his statement. After stating that we are not under the Law but under grace, he asks the question, “What then?” This simply means, “How are we to understand this?” Before we take a look at Paul’s answer to this question, I would like to remind you that many people were and still are to this day, ‘twisting’ the things Paul said concerning the Law–saying that he, Paul, was telling people that obedience to Yahweh’s Law was not necessary any longer. Recognizing this ‘distortion’ by some, Paul went on to explain what he meant by ‘not being under the Law.’

Romans 6:15 - What then? Shall we sin (break Yahweh’s law,) because we are not under the law, but under grace. By no means.” In the strongest possible language Paul states that being under grace does not give us a license to break the Law. Yet, again, this is exactly what millions today believe, and they totally ignore Paul’s specific warning of ‘By no means.’

If being under grace does not exempt us from keeping the law, then what does Paul mean by saying that believers are ‘not under the law?’ He gives the answer in Romans 3:19, “Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to them that are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of Yahweh.” Here Paul equates being under the law with ‘being under the judgment of Yahweh.’ In other words, those who are under the law are guilty of breaking it and are under the condemnation of it. This is why Believers are not under it. They are not, or at least should not be, breaking it–not guilty or condemned by it. Therefore, they are not under it, but are under the power of grace instead. Grace that is sufficient. Later in his argument, Paul points out that the power of grace is greater than the power of sin. This is why he states so emphatically, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14). Grace overrules the authority of sin, giving power to obey Yahweh’s Law. This is the effective reason that we are not under the law’s guilt and condemnation (Galatians 3:13) and also why Paul states that we will not continue to sin.

Suppose a murderer has been sentenced to death in the electric chair. Waiting for the execution the man would truly be under the law in every sense of the word–under the guilt, under the condemnation, under the sentence of death, etc. Just before the execution date the governor review the condemned man’s case and decides to pardon him. In the light of extenuating circumstances the governor exercises his prerogative and sends a full pardon to the prisoner. Now he is no longer under the law but under grace. The law no longer condemns him. He is considered totally justified as far as the charges of the law are concerned. He is free to walk out of the prison and there’s not a policeman in the country that can lay their hands upon him. But now that he is under grace and no longer under the law, can we say that he is free to break the law? Definitely Not! In fact, that pardoned man will be doubly obligated to obey the law because he has found grace from the governor. In gratitude and love he will be very careful to honor the law of the state which granted him grace. And according to Paul, this is exactly how True Worshipers today should esteem the Law.

Romans 3:31 - “Do we then make the law of no effect through faith? By no means: No, we establish the Law.” Here is the most explicit answer to the entire problem. Paul asks if the law is nullified for us just because we have had faith in Yahweh’s saving grace. His answer is that the law is not only NOT done away with, it is ESTABLISHED in the life of the grace-saved believer. Paul’s reasoning here should be so obvious to all that are willing to hear, but because of Satan’s hold on some who have been so conditioned to avoid obedience to Yahweh’s Law, let’s press the point a little further.

Have you every been stopped by a policeman for exceeding the speed limit? It’s an embarrassing experience, especially if you know you are guilty. But suppose you really were hurrying to meet a valid emergency, and you put forth your convincing explanation to the officer as he writes you a ticket. Slowly he folds the ticket and tears it up. Then he says, “All right, I’m going to pardon you this time, but...” Now what do you think he means by the word ‘but?’ Surely he means, “but I don’t want to ever catch you speeding again.” Does this pardon (grace) open the way for you to disobey the Law? On the contrary, it adds compelling urgency to your decision not to disobey the law again. Why, then should any true believer try to rationalize his way out of obeying Yahweh’s Law?

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

The Law is Our Tutor...(Galatians 3:24 NASB)

I must confess that in the past I’ve been somewhat amazed with some of the explanations people come up with concerning the fact that the “Law is our Tutor.” What is the sole purpose of a Tutor?’ A tutor is a Teacher, or Instructor. Often times a tutor is referring more specifically to a ‘private’ instructor, a one-on-one relationship. Let’s take the example of a Carpenter. Someone that served in an apprenticeship for, let’s say, a four-year period. While as an apprentice, or student, he studied under a ‘tutor’ which in this case would be the ‘master’ carpenter for his four year apprenticeship. Learning all there is to know about the art of carpentry, being taught by the tutor, the ‘master’ carpenter. Question: After the four year apprenticeship is over and the student has learned all there is to know concerning the art of carpentry, and is sent off on his own, what does the former student do with all the he was taught while under the tutor? Does he abandon all that he was taught while under the tutor? Of course not, he applies all that he learned, while under the tutor, to his life. In the exact same sense the “Law is our Tutor...” Galatians 3:24 - “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Messiah, so that we may be justified by faith” (NASB).

Contrary to what many today are taught in the Christian Churches about Salvation, which is simply ‘bowing your head and saying a prayer,’ the Savior tells us that no one can come unto Him until they have first been “....TAUGHT OF YAHWEH. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me” (John 6:45).

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The Law as our ‘Tutor’ shows us how Yahweh expects us to conduct our lives, and once having been instructed from the Law, it “...leads us to Messiah” (Galatians 3:24). “He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:4). “He that says he remains in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked” (I John 2:6). “If you keep my commandments, you shall remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love” (John 15:10) and once the Law has brought us to the Messiah, we are free from the Tutor; we’ve been ‘TAUGHT OF GOD’; we’ve learned His will and now we have Yahshua, ‘Our Example’ (I Peter 2:21) of perfect obedience to Yahweh’s Law. “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of Elohim, through faith, in the Messiah Yahshua” (Galatians 3:24-25).

You see, as mentioned earlier, ‘to know Yahweh is to Love Yahweh; to love Yahweh is to obey Yahweh.’ To know and obey Yahweh’s Law is essential to our Salvation. “For there is no respect of persons with Elohim, for as many as have sinned without the law shall also perish without the law: and as many as have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law; for the hearers of the law are not just before Yahweh; but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:11-13). The Law is the will of Yahweh and Grace is the power to do the will of Yahweh.

Part III

An important point to remember when reading the New Testament, is that the New Testament, as we know it today, DID NOT exist, until approximately 150 to 200 AD. That’s well over 100 years after the death of the Messiah and His immediate followers. Before the New Testament was ‘canonized’ or put into the form we have today, it was simply ‘letters’ or evangels that were written by the apostles and some of the disciples of the Savior. And these letters, of course, were written and sent to various assemblies after which time they were copied and sent on to other assemblies. Then approximately 200 years later these letters were compiled and put into the book form that we have with us today.

As we read the following passages, keep in mind that the individuals and groups that we are going to be reading about DID NOT have a ‘New Testament’ to read from, to prove or disprove the things the Apostles were saying to them. The only authorized source that they had available to them was the Tanak or what we call today the ‘Old Testament’ which consisted of the books from Genesis to Malachi.

In Acts 17:11, when the Apostle Paul went to the Bereans to explain to them the ‘Good News’ of the Messiah, they DID NOT simply take his word for the things he was saying. But rather to ‘prove’ the words of the Apostle Paul, they went to the Scriptures to verify the things he said. And as I’ve mentioned, the only Scriptures that were available to the Bereans at that time were exclusively what we call the Old Testament, since the New Testament did not exist at that time.

“Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Notice, that because of their not simply believing the things Paul was saying, but rather verifying them with the Scriptures, which was the Tanak or Old Testament, it is said that ‘they were more ‘noble’ (some translations use noble-minded) than those in Thessalonica. And of course these Bereans NEVER found in the Tanak or Old Testament that the Almighty planned on doing away with His ‘Holy, Righteous and Good Law’ (Romans 7:12) at some future date.

Paul, in talking to Timothy, comments of the ‘holy scriptures’ (sacred writings) which again, were ‘exclusively’ what we call the Old Testament. And as already mentioned, there was no such thing as a ‘New Testament’ at the time Paul made this comment to Timothy. “and that from a babe you have known the sacred writings which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith which is in the Messiah Yahshua” (2 Timothy 3:15).

“Every scripture Yahweh-breathed is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness; that the man of Yahweh may be perfect, thoroughly furnished completely to every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Here Paul is telling Timothy that ‘ALL Scripture is profitable for teaching...” Now since the New Testament didn’t exist, for at least another 100 years, what Scriptures do you think Paul was referring to, that Timothy knew from childhood (verse 15), as being ‘Profitable for teaching?” We know it was the Old Testament. If anyone had any questions about the things Yahweh commanded, Paul told Timothy to go to the Tanak or what we call the Old Testament for answers.

In Acts 18:24-25 we are told of a man named Apollos, who along with being called an ‘eloquent man,’ is said to have been mighty in the Scriptures. Which, of course, means he knew what was in the Old Testament since that was all the Scriptures they had at that time. “Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the scriptures.” This man had been instructed in the way of Yahweh; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Yahshua, knowing only the baptism of John:” In verse 28 we read: “for he powerfully discussed with the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures (the Old Testament) that Yahshua was the Messiah.” How did Apollos ‘powerfully discuss with the Jews’ and prove that Yahshua was the Messiah? He did it ‘showing by the Scriptures.’ Again, what Scriptures did he use. We know it was not the New Testament. It was the Old Testament. Let’s make another consideration here concerning the ‘Scriptures’ that Apollos used to prove that Yahshua was the Messiah. Do you suppose Apollos would have taken the writings of one of the Messiah’s followers, i.e., Peter, John or Paul to these unbelieving Jews? I hardly think so! He did it from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; Isaiah 53; Psalms 22:6-22, etc.)

Notice in Acts 24:14 what Paul says concerning Yahweh’s Law: “But this I confess to you, that after the Way which they call a sect, so I serve the Elohim of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and are written in the law and the prophets;” Did Paul say here that what he actually believed was, as many in Christianity today believe, that most of the Old Testament, specifically Yahweh’s Law, was done away with? NO, he said he believed ‘EVERYTHING’ all things which are according to the law,....” And again, since there was not a New Testament at the time, no one thought that the Law was anything other then Yahweh’s Law as given through Moses.

For those many Christians who believe that Paul taught the Law was done away with, notice what he says in Romans 2:11-13 - “For there is no respect of persons with Yahweh. For as many as have

sinned without the law shall also perish without the law; and as many as have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law; for the hearers of the law are not just before Yahweh; but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Paul could not have said it any clearer, “the DOER’S of the Law SHALL BE JUSTIFIED.”

“Do we then make the Law of no effect through faith? (Luke 20:16; Romans 3:4) By no mens: No, we (Matthew 5:17; Romans 3:4, 6; 8:4) establish the Law” (Romans 3:31). Did Paul contradict himself? Could he say so clearly that we ‘establish’ the Law and say in another place that the Law has been done away with? NEVER did Paul say the Law has been done away with. What he did say was that “The Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good, so that through the commandment, sin would become utterly sinful. Therefore did that which is good (the Law) become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was ‘sin’ (a breaking of Yahweh’s Law, 1 John 3:4) in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good (the Law) so that through the commandment, sin would become utterly sinful” (Romans 7:12-13-NASB).

“For this is the love of Yahweh, that we keep His commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). The Law and grace do not work in competition with each other but in perfect cooperation. The Law points out sin, and grace saves from sin. Again, as already stated, ‘The Law is the will of Yahweh and Grace is the power to do the will of Yahweh.’

“Here is the patience of the saints; They that keep the commandments of Yahweh, and the faith of Yahshua” (Rev 14:12). What a perfect description of faith and works. The combination is

found in those that ‘are saved.’ You see works of obedience are the real test of love. This is why

they are so necessary in the experience of a true believer. “Faith without works is dead” (James

2:20).

Words and profession are not enough. The true evidence is obedience. Again the Savior said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). “For this is the love of Yahweh, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (I John 5:3). You see, that is exactly what most people today DO NOT WANT. If to love Yahweh demands that we obey Him, the majority will reject it. Unfortunately, many people today are not looking for truth but rather a smooth, easy, comfortable religion which will allow them to live the way they please and still believe they have the assurance of salvation. Such a Religion doesn’t exist. As Paul puts it in 2 Timothy 4:3-4: “For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, (the Law is Truth, Psalms 119:142) and turn aside to fables.” The ultimate ‘fable’ is that Yahweh no longer expects His Law to be obeyed.

One of the strongest texts in the Bible on this subject is found in I John 2:4: “He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him.” John could write that with such assurance because it is one of the most deeply established truths in the Bible. Yahshua spoke of those who said, “Master, Master,” but did not do the will of the Father. Then He described many who would seek entrance into the kingdom claiming to be workers of miracles in the name of the Messiah. But He will have to say, “Depart from Me, I NEVER KNEW YOU, you workers of LAWLESSNESS” (Matthew 7:21-23).

You see to know Yahweh is to love Yahweh and to love Yahweh is to obey Him. The Apostle John’s valid assumption is very clear and simple. If one is not obeying Yahweh, he does not love Yahweh. And if he does not love Yahweh then he does not know Yahweh. John assures us, “And this is life eternal, that they should know you, the Only True Elohim and him whom you did send, even Yahshua the Messiah” (John 17:3).

Part IV

“For I, Yahweh, change not;...”(Malachi 3:6)

How often have you heard ministers today quote Malachi 3:6 and boldly proclaim that “Yahweh does not change” or the numerous warnings in the Bible about ‘adding to or taking away from Yahweh’s Word? And then they’ll ‘twist’ a passage to say that all the things Yahweh commanded His People to obey are no longer important to us ‘New Testament’ believers. Notice two of these warnings about NOT ‘adding to or taking away from’ Yahweh’s Word which are found in the book of Deuteronomy.

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yahweh your Elohim which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2).

“Whatever I command you, that shall you observe to do: you shall not add to it, nor diminish from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32).

But even after warning His people twice, NOT to take away from anything Yahweh has commanded, specifically from the book of Deuteronomy, which contains Yahweh’s Law, many today have been told to do exactly that. They are told they can now DISREGARD--no longer obey Yahweh’s Law–again the Law which contains the Sabbath Day (Deuteronomy 5:12-14), the Feast Days (Deuteronomy 16) and the Dietary Laws (Deuteronomy 14).

Yahweh’s ‘Perfect Law’ (Psalms 19:7).

“The Law of Yahweh is Perfect, restoring the soul...” (Psalms 19:7). We are told that Yahweh’s Law is ‘Perfect.’ Is it possible to ‘improve ‘ on something that is Perfect? Did Yahweh give His Law only to realize later that He made a mistake? No, not at all. As was mentioned earlier, Paul tells us not only has Yahweh’s Law NOT been done away with, but it is “Established’ in the New Testament (Romans 3:31). As you read the following passages, remember “Yahweh does not change”... (Malachi 3:6)

Prayer an Abomination?

“He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is abomination” (Proverbs 28:9). If Yahweh does not change, and He says He does NOT, then today those that ‘twist’ the hard sayings of Paul, to do away with Yahweh’s Law, even their prayer is an abomination.

Yahweh’s Law is Truth

“Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is truth: (Psalms 119:142). “My brethren, if any among you err from the truth (the Law) and one convert him , let him know, that he who converts a sinner (a breaker of the Law, I John 3:4) from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20.

Yahweh’s Law is Liberty

“So shall I will observe your law continually, For ever and ever. And I shall walk at liberty; for I have sought your precepts: (Psalms 119:44-45). “But he that looks into the perfect law (Psalms 19:7), the law of liberty, and continues, being not a hearer that forgets but a doer that works, this man shall be blessed in his doing” (James 1:25).

Yahweh’s Law is Light

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the Law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23 KJV).

“The Law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity” (Malachi 2:6 KJV).

The Law of Yahweh and the Word of Yahweh are One and the Same

“And many nations shall go and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, and to the house of the Elohim of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem” (Micah 4:2).

ALL the Prophets Came to Restore the Law

Consider, if you would for a moment, that all the Prophets throughout the history of the Bible, that the Almighty sent, including the Messiah as pointed out in Matthew 5:17, were sent to turn the people back to keeping the commandments of Yahweh, His Law, or explain their demise if they did not turn back:

“And, behold one came to him and said, Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said to him, Why do you ask me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if you would enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:16-17).

“And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the broad place that was before the water gate; and they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which Yahweh had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read in it before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law” (Nehemiah 8:1-3).

“And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Yahweh’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. And many peoples shall go and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the Elohim of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3).

“Therefore as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Yahweh of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore is the anger of Yahweh kindled against his people, and he has stretched forth his hand against them, and has struck them; and the mountains tremble, and their dead bodies are as refuse in the middle of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still” (Isaiah 5:24-25).

“In this manner says Yahweh, Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk in it, and you shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk in it. And I set watchmen over you, saying, Listen to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not listen. Therefore hear, you nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it” (Jeremiah 6:16-19).

“And Yahweh says, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked in it” (Jeremiah 9:13).

“Then shall you say to them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, says Yahweh, and have walked after other elohim, and have served them, and have worshiped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law” (Jeremiah 16:11).

“And they came in, and possessed it; but they obeyed not your voice, neither walked in your law; they have done nothing of all that you commanded them to do: therefore you have caused all this evil to come upon them” (Jeremiah 32:23).

“But if the wicked man turns from all his sins (I John 3:4) that he has committed and keeps all my statues, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die” (Ezekiel 18:21).

”Yes, all Israel have transgressed your law, even turning aside, that they should not obey your voice: therefore has the curse been poured out upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of Elohim; for we have sinned against him. And he has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil; for under the whole heaven has not been done as has been done upon Jerusalem. As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil has come upon us: yet have we not entreated the favor of Yahweh our Elohim, that we should turn from our iniquities, and have discernment in your truth” (Daniel 9:11-13).

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your Elohim, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).

“Set the trumpet to your mouth. As an eagle he comes against the house of Yahweh, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law” (Hosea 8:1).

“Yes, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which Yahweh of hosts had sent by his Spirit by the former prophets: therefore there came great wrath from Yahweh of hosts” (Zechariah 7:12).

Hundreds of other examples might be given to show that it was Yahweh’s Law that ALL the Prophets came to restore. Does it strike anyone as odd that all through history, the Almighty expected his Law to be obeyed and yet according to ‘Christian’ minister’s today, when the Savior died you were free to sin or break His Law.

Is it Possible to Obey the Law?

Most Christians today have been taught that since the law is spiritual and we are carnal, no human being will ever be able in this life to meet the requirements of Yahweh’s Perfect Law, which He tells us in Psalms 19:7-8, is able to ‘restore the soul...’ Is this true? Did Yahweh give us this great idealistic, impossible goal toward which converted souls should struggle but never expect to attain? Is there some hidden reservation or secret meaning in the many commands to obey the Law? Did Yahweh mean what He said and say what He meant? Not only is it possible to obey Yahweh’s Law, it is required. “And by this we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” (I John 2:3)

Editor’s Comments: This is a well known argument today that a New Covenant believer cannot obey the laws and commandments of Yahweh (referred to Torah) because they are not Yahshua (Jesus). They state only He can do that. This is a great error. There are examples of Old Covenant believers obeying Yahweh’s Laws and Commandments. Yes, they at times in their lives did sin. But they did not stay in sin. They repented, offered the proper sacrifice to atone for their sin and then walked in obedience. Let’s look at some of these believers of Yahweh. Luke 5:1-6 clearly shows these two Old Covenant believers who I might add did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for power which came many years later at Pentecost. Verse 6 states: “And they were both righteous before Yahweh, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of Yahweh blameless.” One must clearly understand that all the commands and ordinances that applied to Zacharias as a priest, husband, son, man; he walked in (obeyed) and was blameless. Also, Elizabeth, the wife of a priest, daughter of Aaron walked in (obeyed) all laws, commandments and ordinances of Torah that pertained to a wife, daughter and a woman. After the birth of John they obeyed the laws and commandments as a father and mother to raise and teach John the commandments and laws of Yahweh. Now according to Yahshua in Luke 7:28 they did a great job (“For I say unto you among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist. But he that is least in the Kingdom of Yahweh is greater than he.”

Our next example comes from Genesis 26:5: “Because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws.” Now you understand that Abraham is the father of us all–of the faithful seed in Yahshua. In John 8:39 it is clearly stated that the sons of Abraham should do the works of Abraham and those works are obedience to Yahweh’s laws and commandments.

Another chapter of New Covenant writings used by those who believe the Torah of Moses is not for them today is found in Acts 15. The council meeting of Jerusalem with the Apostles of Yahshua, James, John, Peter and the other nine met with later converted Apostles Paul and Barnabas. The main disagreement was with the understanding of circumcision. There were converted Jews who were saying in Acts 15:1: “And certain men which came down from Judea that taught the brethren and said, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses you cannot be saved.” In other words circumcision had to come before you were considered to be saved in their understanding. Also verse 5 states: “But there arose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed saying it was needful to circumcise them and commanded them to keep the law of Moses.” They believed the Gentiles must first be circumcised and obey all the laws of Moses first to be saved. Now verses 6-11 shows Peter arose and explained they were given salvation by belief and faith which must come first. In verse 10 Peter is not calling Yahweh’s laws and commandments or circumcision a yoke. He was telling these Pharisees not to use the law and circumcision as a yoke upon the newly converted Gentile believers coming into the faith. Then we have James, the half brother of Yahshua who was the head of the Assembly to speak in verses 13-21. Notice in verses 19-21 these are again twisted and misunderstood verses by many. James says: “Wherefore my sentence is that we trouble not them which from among the Gentiles are turned to Yahweh. But we write unto them that they abstain from pollution of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old times hath in every city them that preach him being read in the synagogues every sabbath.”

There are those who say these Scriptures prove a New Covenant Gentile only has to believe in Yahweh and his son Yahshua and follow these four things The believe the rest of the law of Moses is for the Jews. It should be clear from reading these Scriptures in context of the chapter that it is not what is being said. James was making it clear the Gentiles had turned to Yahweh and had accepted the Messiah, Yahshua and they were to go to the synagogue every Sabbath day in every city where it was taught and read. They would be able to learn the law so that they could obey and walk in light of the commandments as they learned the truths every sabbath in the synagogue (verse 24). Also one must understand the context from the first and fifth verses. James is not saying that one should not keep or obey the law. He’s explaining they are not required to be circumcised and obey the law first before they can be considered saved. He’s also not saying Gentiles do not have to be obedient to the laws or commandments after they are saved. Read the letter of James to the assembly. This concept for many today is difficult to grasp. First faith and belief and then obedience to the commandments is what makes your salvation complete. James tells us that “ faith without works is dead” in his letter. Also notice in the four things James mentions in verses 19-21 that the Gentiles were not to do, he does not mention murder, adultery, lying, stealing, dietary laws. Why? Because he knew after they were saved, they would grow and learn these and other laws from the synagogue for the law of Moses was taught every Sabbath. We as believers must rightly divide truth of all Scripture–not twist verses out of context.

Although it is true that ‘all have sinned,’ yet ‘ALL’ do not have to continue in sin. Often times in the past I would ask individuals that said they weren’t able to keep the Law, which of the commandments did they find impossible to obey? Let me ask those of you that say Yahweh’s Law is impossible to obey, what command did Yahweh ever give, that you find impossible to keep? Do you have a hard time controlling yourself when it comes to lying, cheating, stealing, worshiping idols, changing the boundary markers of your property? Could it be that fornication is something you find impossible or unwilling to give up? Or perhaps you have believed the lie of the Devil that you have a disease called ‘drunkenness.’ Listen to the answer that the Apostle Paul gives to all these ‘excuses’ that people have. “I can do all things in him that strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Because it was no longer Paul living his life, it was Yahshua the Messiah, living it through Paul. “I have been impaled with the Messiah; and it is no longer I that live, but the Messiah lives in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of Yahweh, who loved me, and gave himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20).

This same ‘strength’ is offered to all who will ‘lose their life’ and allow the Savior to live His life through them. May the Almighty Yahweh bless the honest heart that is willing to serve Him in Spirit and Truth.