|
The Importance of Understanding and Keeping God’s
Commandments
According to the Scriptures (Part 1)
by Joseph E. Lahud
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected
knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing
thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children” (Hosea
4:6).
Introduction
In all the vast numbers of writings in the world, there is only one short
document that was actually written by God Himself. This documents is known as
the Ten Commandments. Unwilling to trust any man to write this law at His
instruction, God chose to write it with His own finger. It is the single most
important document in the whole world, and its words are recorded for us in the
Bible (Exodus 20:1-17). Sadly, the importance and scope of this document has
been overlooked by many Christians today.
Jesus instructed, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate,
and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which
go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which
leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets,
which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
(Matthew 7:13-15). “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we
not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in
thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them,
I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity [lawlessness]”
(Matthew 7:21-23).
What is “lawlessness”? The Bible is clear! “Whosoever committeth sin
transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John
3:4).
This celestial body named planet Earth is the home of close to 6.7 billion
people. This numerical value does not include the number of souls who lived in
ages past which, if added together, would greatly increase this total.
Considering that the number of professing Christians today would account for
perhaps one third of the 6.7 billion souls. Does it not seem peculiar that,
according to Jesus Himself, the majority will not enter into eternal life? In
fact, He adds that not everyone who thinks themselves worthy to enter into the
kingdom of God will be permitted to enter in. He declares to a certain group of
people to depart from Him for He does not recognize this group as “knowing” Him.
He declares that only a few souls will find the way which leads to eternal life!
Have you heard a sermon which includes this topic preached lately? It is
probably very unlikely.
Jesus revealed a key characteristic of those who will be able to enter into
eternal life. He said, “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” (Revelation 22:14).
No one will argue that it is against God’s Commandments to kill, or to
steal, or to lie, etc. However, there is a great controversy in regards
to the Fourth Commandment, which clearly declares WHO we are to Worship
and WHEN. God is THE Creator of the heavens and the Earth. His
instructions are the only light we should follow.
Almost every time I have discussed the commandments of God with an individual,
the conversation begins with their agreement as to how they and “their church”
obey and teach God’s Commandments, however, when the controversy regarding the
Fourth Commandment, God’s true Sabbath day, is mentioned, all quickly defend
“their” church and typically end the conversation with “that was the old
testament” or “that was only for the Jews.” So, they start by professing
obedience to God’s word, and when the logic of disregard to the Fourth
Commandment is realized, conveniently excuse any error by quickly dismissing
God’s Law as not for Christians in living in New Testament times.
Most Christians today, including myself, were raised with the un-scriptural, but
centuries-old, popular belief that Sunday is the biblical day of worship. It was
not, however, until later in my adult Christian life that I had to research my
beliefs in the Scriptures to satisfy my conviction that I must study for myself
to find true “biblical doctrine.” It is a fact that God led me in this
direction, for I am certain that I did not “stumble” into this understanding on
my own. The following is not to be regarded as an exhaustive study, but as a
presentation of the concept and message found in the Scriptures, regarding the
importance of obedience to God’s Commandments.
The subject matter in these pages is not intended to bring forth accusations
against any particular church, creed, or denomination. To the contrary, the
purpose is to stimulate the reader to search out for themselves if what he or
she believes is actually in harmony with the Word of God as declared in the Holy
Scriptures. This should be sought with earnest prayer and petition to our
Heavenly Father to guide us by His Holy Spirit to reveal HIS Truth; that we
might follow Him alone, and not man-made traditions and fables. The following is
not a popular subject. Truth causes many to stumble for it exposes our sins. The
Law of God is that which reveals sin. Paul declares: “What shall we say then? Is
the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not
known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7).
I am not a writer by profession, My efforts are in the hope that the reader will
be led to a closer walk with our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, who
are the first treasure and the love of my heart. Secondly, that my wife and my
children, whom I know are also greatly loved by Them, as are you, my dear
friend, would also be led to a closer walk with Them. Please pray first, asking
our Heavenly Father to lead you into all truth before you continue to read any
further.
Faith Upon Solid Rock?
It has been said that a man does not rule his beliefs, but his beliefs rule him.
When you have been raised to believe certain things you often accept those
beliefs and practices without any questions. We respect our parents and the
traditions which were given to us since birth. We trust the “church” and its
teachings as the pure biblical truth. So, unless you see or discover something
within the framework of your belief that causes you to wonder, or unless you
experience an emptiness from some of the teachings, rituals, and services within
that framework, you will most likely remain content where you are. The majority
of Christians today attend a house of worship out of custom, habit, tradition,
or invitation, rather than from the result of a diligent search of the
Scriptures. Very few are associated with their religious organizations as a
result of real earnest sessions of prayer for guidance coupled with deep study.
Not many people can testify that their attendance at a place of worship was the
result of earnest prayer before God, and obedience to the leading of His Holy
Spirit. I think many call a church “theirs” because of convenience, social ties,
or they like the pastor. Sometimes it is because they simply like the building’s
architecture. Or worse, they simply want to belong to the most popular church in
town.
God’s Holy Law Broken in Heaven and Earth
It is no mystery that the enemy of our souls is out to kill and to destroy (John
10:10; 1 Peter 5:8).
Permit me to submit to you from, the biblical account, some facts which must be
introduced as evidence pertaining to the controversy regarding God’s Laws. The
Scriptures declare that Lucifer, when in paradise as an angel, coveted God’s
throne. The Scriptures declare he aspired to ascend the throne of God (Isaiah
14:12-15). He is also called a murderer and the father of lies (John 8:44). This
teaching is in harmony with the Ten Commandments. Satan broke the First, the
Second, the Sixth, the Ninth and Tenth Commandments. It could be said that he
broke the Eighth for he was planning to steal God’s position and throne. Adam
and Eve sinned by breaking the First and Second Commandments. They disobeyed God
and they idolized knowledge. Cain broke the Sixth Commandment (thou shall not
murder), and He knew it! He killed Abel out of jealousy because Abel’s offering
was accepted and Cain’s offering was not. Thus, he broke the Tenth Commandment.
He tried to lie his way out of it, his response when questioned by God of his
brothers whereabouts he retorted, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” thus breaking the
Ninth Commandment.
This is evidence that the Law existed at the time of the fall, for otherwise
there could not be sin. Says Paul, “Where no law is, there is no transgression”
(Romans 4:15). Also, “sin is not imputed when there is no law” (Romans 5:13).
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length
of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee” (Proverbs 3:1, 2).
“Freedom” in the Law
Consider this: the United States was rightfully called the land of the free. The
constitution provided laws which effectually gave guidance to the people and, if
followed, would provide a certain level of quality and freedom in their lives.
The founding fathers were given the insight that if the people had a reverence
for God and obeyed His Commandments, God would prosper and bless this nation.
And He did! This land of the “free” had its origins with laws which, when
obeyed, permitted its population to live under its freedoms. Why is it that
God’s Laws which were designed by God to help us live in freedom from sin, are
taught to be a type of bondage? We are taught that being subject to the Holy Law
of God was “only for the Jews.” Is this really truthful? Upon what does this
contrary line of thinking base its foundation? Where does this concept
originate? “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die”
(Genesis 3:4). Satan taught that man could disobey God’s Law and it would be
liberating, without negative results. He was insinuating that God’s Law was a
type of bondage.
Quite to the contrary, God’s Laws do not put us under bondage, but rather, as
God’s Word declares; “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
(2 Corinthians 3:17). Christ, through His Holy Spirit, is able to regenerate our
fallen natures. We can walk in freedom from sin which is obedience to God’s
Laws. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians
4:13).
James refers to God’s Law as “the Law of liberty”! (James
2:8-12). Christ came to set the captives free from the bondage of sin, not from
the very instrument which He ordained to let us know what sin is! This is the
purpose for the Royal Law. It establishes the guidelines for God’s creatures
(angels and mankind) to obey and follow, thus providing the freedom as free
moral agents to exist in harmony and obedience with God’s purposes and
blessings. Actions contrary to this code of conduct is rebellion against God. It
is contrary to God’s pure, perfect and holy character.
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know
understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law” (Proverbs
4:1, 2).
God Blesses the Sabbath
In Genesis 2:2-3 we are given the account of the completion of creation. “And on
the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the
seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh
day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which
God created and made” (Genesis 2:2, 3).
Please notice that God did two things to this day: He blessed it, and He
sanctified it. Nowhere in Scripture can you find that the Lord blessed
and/or sanctified the first day-Sunday. We are introducing evidence to
support the biblical teaching of the “Lord’s day Sabbath/Saturday.” Please
keep these points in mind. By the way, The Bible refers to Sunday the “first
day” a total of nine times. It is always referred to as any other regular
work day. The Bible refers to the Lord’s day or Sabbath in the New Testament
59 times, always with the same title it had in the Old Testament, the “Sabbath
day.” In the Old Testament the Sabbath is referred to over 360 times. This
includes the Fourth Commandment. Please also note that the Seventh day,
the Sabbath, is always regarded as “the Lord’s day” never as anything else;
not the Jew’s day, or the old Sabbath for the Jews, etc. It is strictly
adhered to as the “Lord’s day.” The fact is that the Moral Law existed
some two thousand years before any Jewish individual ever set foot on the
face of the Earth. In the book of Isaiah chapter 66, verses 22, 23 we read:
“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain
before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And
it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another [month to month],
and from one sabbath to another [week to week], shall all flesh come to
worship before me [in His presence], saith the LORD.” This is a prophecy,
a promise, that His restored creation will worship their Creator on the
day God appointed as His own, the day He blessed and sanctified. This is
in the future. The restored creation is the habitation we will occupy in our new
glorified bodies with the Lord. Has this taken place yet? Obviously not!
While it is true that there were other “sabbaths” required of the Israelites,
given as “ordinances,” these are not to be confused with the “seventh-day”
Sabbath, carefully placed right in the middle of the Decalogue, The Ten
Commandments. This is the true Lord’s day.
In the book of Matthew we are instructed by Jesus, “Think not that I am
come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but
to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot
or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall
teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but
whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-19). The definition of the word “fulfill”
is: “to accomplish or carry into effect, as a prophecy, promise, design,
desire, prayer, to perform, to complete by performance” (Webster’s Library
of Universal Knowledge). Did heaven and earth pass away yet? No! Jesus is
instructing believers that we are to keep the Commandments and instruct others
to do so. He says that by “doing” them and teaching others the Commandments, we
shall be called “great” in the kingdom of heaven!
Jesus, speaking to the church leaders of His day, “answered and said unto them,
Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people
honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do
they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying
aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of
pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them,
Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition”
(Mark 7:6-9). Jesus also said, “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than
one tittle of the law to fail” (Luke 16:17, also please read the promises and
the curses in Deuteronomy 28.)
When Scripture is repeated, it is an indication that God really wants you to pay
attention. Remember Joseph in Egypt, when God gave him the interpretation of
Pharaoh’s dream. Joseph commented on the importance which God had given to the
prophetic dream shown to Pharaoh for He gave the dream twice! Joseph says, “And
for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is
established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass” (Genesis 41:32, read
from verse 25).
Christ “the Lamb of God” Fulfilled the Ceremonial Law
Many Pastors today will quote some verses that “sound” like they mean the
Law is done away with. For example they will quote Romans 6:14, which says,
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law,
but under grace.” The phrase, “under the law” is said to refer to a person
who believes the law is still valid. Yet, in this verse we are given the
instruction that sin shall not have dominion over us. Being under the law
must include being under the dominion of sin, which is a transgression
of the law. The whole context of this verse shows that Paul believed very
strongly in the validity of God’s Law. A few verses later he wrote, “Being
then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans
6:18). Being made free from sin is being free from transgressing the Law. Romans
6:14 is supposed to “prove” that Christians do not have to keep the Fourth
Commandment today; we are supposed to forget the one that begins with “Remember
the Sabbath day…”
Galatians 3:24 is also given as proof that the Law has been abolished. It says,
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.” This is used
to show that the Sabbath Commandment, the Fourth in the Moral Law (or “Royal
Law”) was no longer needed after Jesus has come. It is true that the Law points
us to Christ, and once we have Christ we have the Law living in us, and no
longer need the Law to point us to Christ since we already have Him living in
us. But as soon as we allow our old sinful nature to rule us again, and commit
sin, we once again need the Law to point us to Christ. The purpose of being
pointed to Christ is so that we can experience the New Covenant, and have the
Law written in our hearts (Hebrews 10:16) so that we no longer transgress the
Law. Christ does not destroy the Law, but fulfills it in us. “That the
righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:4).
Another verse often quoted to prove the Sabbath Commandment has been abolished
is Colossians 2:14, which says, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that
was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it
to his cross.” These ordinances which constituted the killing of animals as
peace offering, sin offerings, ceremonies, etc., were done away with. Their
purpose was symbolic, pointing to Christ. This is supposed evidence that Jesus
nailed all the Old Testament Laws to His cross! All the Laws? These, as well as
other verses, are used to support the false doctrine that God’s Ten Commandment
Law has been abolished, a doctrine that is preached today to many believing
congregations. Sloppy Agape!
Paul warned, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;
but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (2 Timothy 4:3-5).
“Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have
put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed
difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my
sabbaths, and I am profaned among them” (Ezekiel 22:26).
“For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at
his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But ye are departed out
of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the
covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. Therefore have I also made you
contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my
ways, but have been partial in the law.” (Malachi 2:7-9).
“For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as
we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not
as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:3, 4).
It is common knowledge that Moses was commissioned to lead the Israelite nation
out of Egypt. God had delivered them from many years of slavery. (By the way,
remember Egypt stands for sin in scripture.) Afterward the Lord intended to
“renew” their minds, a spiritual reprogramming from the adulterous
sun-worshipping belief systems which they had been under while serving the
Egyptians. He took them on the road to the land “flowing with milk and honey,” a
beautiful land where He would prosper them along paths of His righteousness, so
they could become happy, healthy, and holy people, set aside for His service, to
the absolute amazement of the surrounding nations and the rest of the world.
They were to bring the knowledge and truth about the one true God to the rest of
the pagan world, including the hope of the Messiah’s coming and the Sabbath of
the Lord, which is the test of our faithfulness to the true God of Heaven. A
specific, dedicated sign of our explicit allegiance to Him.
As I write this I am reminded, this was the commission continued at the time of
Solomon, who was to give this same message to the rest of the world. Palestine
was the very center of commerce at the time of Solomon’s reign. God had
positioned these people at the right place, at the right time, and equipped them
with the truth, the faith, His Laws, the prophets, the temple with His very
presence, the wisdom and the wealth and admiration of the world. Did Solomon
fulfill this privilege? We know the answer is no. Because of rebellion against
God’s Commandments mankind has, throughout history, always failed; always the
bride’s maid, never the Bride.
The Royal Law Written by the Finger of God
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. He climbed the 6,79l-foot high mountain
called Sinai (also called Mt. Horeb) and received instructions from God. What
exactly did he receive? That old Jewish Law?
Moses received from the hand of God, by God’s own handwriting, the Royal Law!
The “Moral Law,” if you will, the Ten Commandments, are found in Exodus 20:1-17.
They are:
1) I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of
Egypt [remember that Egypt can also represent sin], out of the house of bondage.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image [idols], or any
likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath,
or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to
them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation
of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and
keep my commandments.
3) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy
God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in
vain.
4) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six
days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath
of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor
thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant [employees], nor thy cattle,
nor thy stranger that is within thy gates [colleagues, associates, customers,
etc.]: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in
them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day,
and hallowed it.
5) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days
may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
6) Thou shalt not kill.
7) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8) Thou shalt not steal.
9) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
neighbour.
10) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house,
thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his
maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
This is the same set of Laws that is the precept by which heaven is guided. We
read earlier about Lucifer breaking them. We identified them. Also Adam and Eve,
and Cain were subject to this Law. We pointed these out on page one. There is a
trend by most churches today to regard God in the Old Testament as an antiquated
old intellect, that wore a frumpy old polyester, plaid jumpsuit, as if He
changed from one era to another. Whereas in the New Testament, He gets a
makeover, “improves His image,” to be better accepted by modern society. Does
God change? He said, “I change not” (Malachi 3:6).
Please also note that the tablets containing the Ten Commandments were placed
inside the ark, under the mercy seat, covered symbolically by the sacrificial
blood, a type, representing the blood of Christ to come, the antitype. The other
sets of laws and ordinances were placed outside of the ark on the side
(Deuteronomy 31:26). These others were referred to as “the law of Moses,” again,
symbolic of their order of importance in God’s eyes. (Consider this with the
principle in mind that God was viewing mankind through the corridor of eternity,
foreseeing His people’s future trials.)
As in any legal contractual agreement, the covenant between the parties is given
in duplicate. One for each of the parties involved (one in the ark on Earth, and
the original in the ark in heaven—Revelation 11:19), the terms of a covenant
disclose the benefits and the requirements of those to whom it pertains. The two
stone tablets were written on both sides, Moses was to place these in a Holy
vessel, the ark. Moses went up the mountain no less than four times! Moses was
summoned three additional times to receive not only another set of stone tablets
(since he smashed the original set), but instructions on how to build, and
conduct services in, the temple of the Lord. Moses provided the “blanks” for the
new set of stone tablets and hauled them up the 6,79l feet and God wrote on them
the “Royal Law or Moral Law” with His own finger. God also gave Moses three
other distinct sets of laws which can be categorized as the ceremonial law, the
judicial law, and the health law.
The Ceremonial Law
This law contained instructions for the services of the Levitical priesthood,
the sacrificial system (which pointed to the future, to Christ), annual
ceremonies, etc. (Read Exodus 35-40.) These ceremonial laws contained many
“sabbaths” (independent of the weekly Sabbath), feast days, procedures, etc., as
part of their “spiritual reprogramming” to regenerate the lives of these former
slaves, to teach them to honor and worship the true God alone, and not any false
god. The ceremonial system was the “shadow of things to come”—Christ Jesus!
Moses remained with the Lord on the mountain for forty days and forty nights
(Exodus 24:18), being prepared for his ministry as the leader of God’s people.
This pointed forward to Christ’s entrance into His ministry, when immediately
after His baptism He was led to the desert for forty days and forty nights. God
wanted Moses to clearly understand all the instructions He had given him,
including the pattern for the tabernacle, the ark, the instruments (the table of
shewbread, the lamps, the altar, the laver, etc., and the services which pointed
towards Christ). These items were also symbolic in their purpose; the bread
represents Christ, the oil represents God’s Holy Spirit, etc. The sacrificial
system was clearly explained to Moses, in precise detail.
The basic form of the sacrificial system was originally given to Adam, who
taught it to Cain and Abel, as well as to future generations. God said about
Abraham, that he “obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My
statutes, and My laws” (Genesis 26:5). This was 550 years before Sinai!
Adam preceded the giving of the Ten Commandments on Sinai, so did Abraham, but
they kept God’s Commandments. What about Noah? “But Noah found grace in the eyes
of the LORD. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect
in his generations, and Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:8, 9). Christ had not
come yet, how could Noah be called just and perfect in God’s eyes? Noah kept
God’s Commandments. Noah understood and had faith in the Messiah’s coming. Adam
lived 930 years. Methuselah lived 969 years and died just before the flood. Noah
could learn from Methuselah all that Adam had taught him because Methuselah was
more than 200 years old when Adam died. These patriarchs taught the Law.
The Judicial Law
The judicial law is God’s instructions on how the Israelites were to govern
themselves. Since they used to be slaves, they needed instructions on how to
develop and function in a free society, a “Theocracy,” how to behave as an
orderly, Godly society. Read Deuteronomy chapters 7- 28.
The Health Law
In Leviticus 11 God explained his health laws regarding clean and unclean
animals. God’s children are to be a living example to a dying sick world. Our
bodies are the temple of God. Are the health laws done away with? Are you “free”
to defile your body “because we are under grace”?
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth
in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the
temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17). “And what
agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living
God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be
their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:16).
In the book of Acts, chapter 10 (verses 10-16) we read about a vision that was
given to Peter. Most people today use this passage to justify the eating of
foods which God has otherwise declared unclean. However, in verse 28 of the same
chapter, Peter declares the meaning of this vision, which he said God had
revealed to him, and it is that he should not call any man unclean. This passage
is neither referring to cannibalism nor the approval of eating things which God,
as a loving Father, warned us not to eat (for our own good). Today, we are
suffering from cancer, high blood pressure, tuberculosis, diabetes, Alzheimer
disease, arthritis, etc. Recent studies performed on Egyptian mummies reveal
that the ancient Egyptians suffered from some of these same sicknesses. God
declared to the Hebrews that if they obeyed Him, He would not put upon them the
diseases of the Egyptians (Exodus 15:26). Do we obey Him today? Ask yourself if
Christiandom today bears the fruits of obedience to God’s word? Yet, God is
merciful!
Other Laws
There are other laws we follow, Paul speaks of “the law of faith” (Romans
3:27). Is this an “old Jewish law” that was done away with? What about
the law of sin and death? Is this law also done away with? Can we now sin
under grace? Our nature is rebellious. We do not want to be governed by
any “laws” or rules. God knows this. In His infinite wisdom, He provided
His creation with the guidelines for obedience according to His
righteousness. Not ours.
Illustration of God’s Preciseness
In the account of Uzzah (1 Chronicles 13:7), God struck him dead when he tried
to steady the ark of the Covenant. As a young Christian, when I first read this
account I was perplexed as to the severity of God’s action against Uzzah. After
all, it seems as though he was trying to do good; to honor God. Yet, it is often
overlooked that Uzzah was trained in the Levitical laws. The ark had been in his
house for many years, and his brother is expressly said to have been
“consecrated… to keep the ark of the LORD” (1 Samuel 7:1). Uzzah knew that God
had commanded the ark to be carried by its golden poles, by Levite priests,
consecrated, wearing the garments and vesture appointed to them as per God’s
clear instructions. Uzzah deliberately disobeyed God’s specific command.
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin”
(James 4:17).
Disregarding God ‘s Word
Today there exists many various denominations and churches, each with their
own variation of biblical doctrine. Yet, each claim that they have the
truth and that they preach “the Bible and the Bible only.” Can they all
be right? Which ones are in error? By what standard can the degree of error be
measured? By God’s Word! Specifically, His Commandments contained in His Law.
Rebellion against God causes our separation from Him (Isaiah 59:2). Do we want
this? “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this
word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). Rather than
helping people grow, mixing diluted half-truths with error brings forth
debauchery and compromise. Promoting sin (lawlessness) under the cover of
“grace” is “Christianized paganism.”
We no longer sacrifice bulls and lambs for “Christ came once, and sacrificed
Himself for us” opening the direct channel for us to the Father. This is why, at
His crucifixion, the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom, signifying
that it was not by human hands, but divinely appointed. (This veil was very
thick, and could not have been ripped by human hands, especially not from the
top to the bottom since men would have to start at the bottom due to its
height.) This rending of the veil symbolized the end of the Levitical system,
allowing man access to the Heavenly Father through the ultimate sacrifice of His
Son. The rebellious priests ignored this, however, repaired the veil, and
continued sacrificing animals for sins. “Neither by the blood of goats and
calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having
obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12).
Remember the Sabbath day
We no longer cut cows in two and walk between the two halves to enter into
agreements, nor do we give each other our sandals for proof of purchases. It is
of special interest to note that at the beginning of these other laws, or
“statutes,” the Lord included a mention of keeping the Sabbath—the Seventh day.
We noted earlier that when God repeats Himself He really wants our attention on
the given matter. I think that even a blundering detective would take notice of
this fact. When such emphasis is placed on continually bringing the Lord’s holy
day before the people, do you think He meant for us to notice this? The Fourth
Commandment of the Royal Law, the one which instructs us to “remember the
Sabbath” is very clear! God instructs us specifically to remember this day!
Sadly, this is the one which many religious leaders today teach we should
forget. Where is the Scripture for this?
In the book of Acts we read that after the apostles were arrested the first time
for preaching the “good news” they rejoiced! The account describes their prayer
and exclamation. The words they used were, in fact, repeating part of the Fourth
Commandment—naming God as the One who “made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
all that in them is” (Acts 4:24). This was no coincidence. They knew who they
were honoring. The book of Acts was written after Christ’s death. Why would the
apostles bother to quote the same words? Is it a coincidence? Perhaps not! If
there was any indication of a change for God’s true Sabbath day, where is the
instruction? It is not to be found in the Scripture. “The works of his hands are
verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and
ever, and are done in truth and uprightness” (Psalms 111:7, 8).
The Seventh day is God’s “Seal”
Royalty or important dignitaries are often identified by their “seal.” The
President of the USA has a seal. It is found on the White House walls and
carpet, in the Oval Office, on Air Force One, and it can be seen on the lectern
when he gives a speech. It identifies his name: George W. Bush, his title:
President, and it identifies his domain: the USA.
God’s “seal” is His day—the Sabbath! It identifies His name: Jehovah or Yahweh,
His title: Creator, and His domain, the universe. The Sabbath is the seal of God
which identifies Him as the Sovereign God and Creator of the entire universe.
When we come across a Scripture that seems to say “the law was done away with”
we need to be careful that we understand correctly what we are reading. We can
not just assume it is “that old Jewish law” as many sincere pastors teach today.
Should we gloss over the Scriptures to satisfy the approval of compromise?
continued ...
 |
Revelation Messengers
P O Box 3204
Santa Barbara, CA 93130
|
|
|