|
|
|
|
Answers to Some Questions By Readers
General Question 18: Was the gospel preached to ancient Israel and if so what was the point?
I believe your question relates to Heb 4:2, which states, “…For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it…” [KJV].
The context of this verse, being Heb 3:17-4:9 makes it clear that the “them” being spoken of refers to ancient Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Indeed, a gospel was preached to them and that gospel was the good news that they would enter into their rest – such rest being a physical rest from their enemies in the “promised Land”, the land of Canaan. This was part of the Old Covenant promise – the Old Covenant and its physical blessings being types of the New Covenant and its spiritual blessings.
The Israelites knew of this gospel when they set out on their journey to the promised rest and the purpose or point of this good news was to give them encouragement as they suffered through various trials in the wilderness. Likewise, with the New Covenant, the gospel of attaining the Kingdom of God is to serve as hope to spiritual Israel as we suffer through trials in this modern wilderness God has prepared for our testing. We are told this very thing by God 1Pet 1:3-6, “…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,…” [KJV]. Also, in Rom 6:8 “…And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him…” [NLT].
For us, resurrection means ascension into the family of God as spirit beings – resurrection means entering our final rest. This is the rest typified by the seventh day Sabbath and the ancient land of Canaan.
General Question 17: What is Prophecy?
Prophecy is a revelation from God about His way or about the future. By revelation it is meant a revealing of something about God’s intentions (the future) or way of life previously not known to the listeners. There are two major divisions to prophecy, but both these divisions must contain the element of revelation – a revealing of God’s purpose, plan or way of life under inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The divisions
Expounding the Oracles of God
This is inspired preaching/teaching and must contain the element of revelation. The preaching must reveal things about God’s way or plan not previously understood by the listeners. It is a revealing of God’s thoughts, intentions and plans, not the preacher’s. An example would be John revealing that the law of God covers both desires as well as deeds, not deeds alone: 1John 3:15 Any one who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. [RSV].
Likewise with circumcision, the physical act was merely a type of the real thing, being spiritual circumcision which takes place at baptism with the Holy Spirit Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. [RSV].
Historically, the relevance of circumcision was that it changed a person’s nationality from being of a heathen nation to being part of physical Israel (the Old Covenant peoples) and therefore permitted that person to observe the Passover (Ex 12:48). Under the New Covenant, baptism with the Holy Spirit changes a person from being what God considers to be dead to being a live spiritual Israelite – it changes them from being an ordinary human being to a person with the promise of eternal life and indeed God considers these people as already being glorified (Rom 8:30).
The importance of inspired preaching (expounding the oracles of God) cannot be overstated, because it serves to reveal God’s true spiritual message to His people.
Preaching in the absence of revelation is called teaching, not prophecy.
The Telling Future Events
This division of prophecy is the least understood of the two divisions, because people tend to confuse prophecy with possibility. Prophecy is absolute, it cannot be changed and is not dependent upon obedience or disobedience to God. This type of prophecy is God making a declaration of what He is going to do and bringing that event to pass. Prophecy is not God foretelling the future, prophecy is God stating what He is going to do and bringing it to pass. Having God as a “fortune teller” makes Him a helpless bystander and He is anything but helpless or a bystander. God himself provides us with His definition of this type of prophecy In Isa 46:10-11: “…Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.’…” [KJV].
The prime example of this definition is that of the four great kingdoms of the world revealed in Dan 2:28-44. Of these great kingdoms please note that they were to be established unconditionally. There is no mention of obedience – in fact we know that the last of these physical kingdoms in particular will not only be disobedient to the laws of God, it will actually attempt to engage in combat with the returning Jesus Christ.
A common example taught as prophecy, but is in fact mere possibility, is that of Jonah warning Ninevah of impending destruction if it did not change its ways. Threats regarding disobedience and promise of rewards for obedience are obviously conditional and therefore are mere possibilities not prophecies. There is not even foresight here, there is no determining the future by intervention – here future events unfold in accordance with human behaviour, not in accordance with the will of God. There is no revelation here, there is just the threat of punishment or the promise of reward and therefore is not prophecy – prophecy is unconditional and absolute.
General Question 16: What is the “new man” and does he sin?
The new man is created when one is baptized with the Holy Spirit. Being baptized with the Holy Spirit was typified by the ancient rite of physical circumcision. Such was the power of physical circumcision (now baptism with the Holy Spirit) that, in God’s eyes, the individual was transformed into a person of completely different heritage. Circumcision made strangers (aliens) as native born Israelites. Ex 12:48 “…And when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as a native of the land…” [NKJV].
This type of transformation is what God sees when we are baptized with His Holy Spirit. God sees before Him a totally different person, a new creation, a spiritual Israelite who has the New Covenant as his heritage – he is the new man.
To answer the second part of the question – does the new man sin? – we need to remember that just as circumcision can happen only once, so too it is with the remission of sin. Circumcision typified baptism with the Holy Spirit, removal of the old man and the creation of the new. This symbolism is also seen in the Feast of Unleavened Bread, where the removal of all leaven on the first day of the festival happens only once during the festival and pictures complete removal of sin. The eating unleavened bread during the seven day festival pictures the new creation (us) living God’s sinless way of life for the rest of our days.
We ( the new man) are sinless because we have been justified by the sacrifice of Christ and although we can claim his sacrifice only once, that sacrifice is good for our entire future. Having accepted Christ’s sacrifice and been baptized with the Holy Spirit, God sees us as already justified.Rom 5:9 “…Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him…” [KJV].Rom 8:30 “…Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified…” [KJV].
Yes, we will make mistakes just as Paul shows in Romans Chap 7, but God sees only the new man who does not sin – the sins belong to the “old man” which He sees as being dead at baptism. Rom 6:4-6 “…4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin…” [NKJV].
Does this mean it is okay to commit sin, because sin is attributed to the “old man”? Absolutely not! It is our struggle against sin that defines our conversion as Christians and if any should sin wilfully, then there is no forgiveness or covering of that sin by the sacrifice of Christ. Heb 10:26 “…For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,…” [NKJV].
In summary, the new man is that part of us (the spirit in man – Job 32:8), together with the Holy Spirit, that wills to do good – this new man is sinless and is the being that God sees and shall glorify. Us being seen as sinless by God is dependant upon us continuing to will to do good. The struggles we have with the old man, the dead man, serve to show God what is in our hearts and serve to keep us humble before Him and Christ. So, the new man is indeed without sin and does not sin, but there are conditions as cited above.
General Question 15: Trials I'm wondering if there is something I need to learn by being alone on the Holy Days, or something I need to learn before I can have brethren to fellowship with?
There can be several reasons for this situation, but as your main areas of concern seem to be whether or not you have done something wrong or perhaps there is something you need to learn, those are the areas which we will address.
It is unfortunate that when unpleasant things happen to God’s people they automatically think that they are in some way responsible – have done something wrong – whereas, in point of fact God just wants to see what we will do. This is not to say that sometimes we do not create a rod for our own back, but Scripture indicates that most of the time situations are created by God to see what we will do, NOT to correct us for something we have already done. God did this on a national scale to ancient Israel when He caused them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years, Deut 8:2, “…to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands …” [NIV].
So, contrary to popular belief, God does not know everything, but He will do what He can to find out what we are truly thinking.
The classic example is that of Job.
When something goes wrong, for some reason people feel guilty and believe that they are somehow responsible, just as Job’s three friends all accused him of doing something wrong and God was punishing him for that wrongdoing. However, this wrong assessment of Job and “accusation” against God led God to be angry with these men; Job 42:7 “…After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, ‘I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.’…” [NIV].
Even until recently, we were incorrectly taught that Job was self-righteous and he was being punished until he recognized that particular sin in himself. However, at the outset God calls him "perfect and upright" (Job 1:1), an assessment by God any of us would love to receive. A large part of Job’s testing was actually for the benefit of the angels – they were all watching this most unusual situation where God was apparently allowing a righteous man to be all but totally destroyed. Yes, he did have something to learn, but that learning took place only when God started to explain Himself, not directly as a result of his trials – which appear to have been for the benefit of the angels, no-one else. We are not told that Job’s friends actually learnt anything from this state of affairs, for clearly they were not informed of God’s reasons behind these actions as the angels were informed. Throughout this whole tragic affair Job was righteous, but God still wanted to know how he would react in the face of losing everything – his wealth, his health, his dignity and even his children. Even though Job was not impressed with the way he had been treated by God, he still remained loyal to God throughout the trials.
Abraham was also tested, not because he had done something wrong, but because God wanted to know what was in his heart. Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice (Kill) his only son, Isaac. Believing in the resurrection, Abraham showed God that he was prepared to go through with the request and remain loyal to God. Again, God does not know everything, but He will test us to find out those things He does not know. Gen 22:12 “…He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.’…” [RSV].
Getting back to your specific situation, the people in the latter part of this Era of the church appear to be quite different from those in other Eras or even from those at the beginning of this Era – preferring their own company, or their own family, or a very small number friends, rather than association in larger numbers. It seems that this preference to be alone stems partly from fear due to past experience with organizations and partly due to an extremely aggressive attitude to hold onto what they understand to be the truth of God. However, even with this apparent preference, it is difficult to conclude that such condition is not the will of God, particularly in light of Eph 1:22 (speaking of Christ); “…And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,…” [NIV].
This Verse is stating plainly that whatever circumstance arises in the church is a result of Christ’s doing. Having created the situation, he can then have only one thing in mind – how will we respond? While God does manipulate the attitudes of others to bring about His purpose, He must give His people complete free will to see how we respond to different circumstances.
If one were to take a look at the history of the church, then it would be seen that very often the people of God have experienced much deprivation, suffering and even death. This view of Christians as a suffering people is contrary to what has been taught, but this is what God says will happen to us – men teach that we suffer only because we sin, but this is not what God says. 1Cor 15:19 “…If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable…” [KJV].
In this life we are not promised physical blessings – such physical blessings being for the Old Covenant, which was a covenant for the physical nation of Israel. We are under the New Covenant, which is a spiritual Covenant with spiritual promises and spiritual blessings. This is not an easy life, but it is the life all Christians have been given down through the ages and it is the life where God can learn what is truly in the hearts of His people.
So, when difficult times come please remember it is more likely that God simply wants to learn something related to our true loyalty rather than it being a punishment for some wrongdoing. Also remember that some situations can last a long time, even a lifetime.
General Question 14: You say that the Holy Spirit will not be available during the Millennium. From where do you get that information?
In Gal 3:19-25 we are told that the Law (Mosaic Law) was given as a schoolmaster until the coming of Christ. We find this time is more specifically referring to Pentecost 31AD when the Holy Spirit was poured out by God to reside within His people. The Holy Spirit provides understanding of God’s Law and goes well beyond the codified law of the Old Covenant. John 14:26 “…‘But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.’…” [NIV].
The Mosaic Law was the entire system of law given by God to Moses for the purpose of administering the Old Covenant. This system encompassed the entire Levitical system of Priesthood and sacrifices, as well as the entire codified system of law, statutes and judgements. In Jer 33:18-21 we are told that the Mosaic Law (all the sacrificial elements requiring a Levitical Priesthood) will be restored at the return of Christ. Jer 33:18-21 “…‘And there will always be Levitical priests to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings and sacrifices to me.’ Then this message came to Jeremiah from the LORD: ‘This is what the LORD says: If you can break my covenant with the day and the night so that one does not follow the other, only then will my covenant with my servant David be broken. Only then will he no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne. The same is true for my covenant with the Levitical priests who minister before me…” [NLT]. Also, Isa 66:20-23 "...'And they shall bring all your brethren from all the nations as an offering to the LORD, upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem', says the LORD, 'just as the Israelites bring their cereal offering in a clean vessel to the house of the LORD. And some of them also I will take for priests and for Levites', says the LORD. 'For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before me', says the LORD; 'so shall your descendants and your name remain. From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me', says the LORD..." [RSV].
The time-frame for these verses is given by the context and is definitely the Millennium – the schoolmaster is restored for the Millennium. Now, if the schoolmaster of physical sacrifices is restored and the Levitical Priesthood is restored, then so too is the entire Law of Moses. God makes it clear that subjection to one part of the Law means subjection to the whole of that Law: Gal 5:2-5 “…Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is bound to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness…” [RSV].
(NB: Here Paul is not speaking out against circumcision per sé, but against a misguided compliance with certain physical requirements of the Old Covenant by those with the Holy Spirit.)
Gal 3:2 “…Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ…” [NLT].
So, if the “schoolmaster” is returned, then the Holy Spirit must be absent. The schoolmaster existed only under the terms of the Old Covenant. Some would have the law (commandments of God) abolished completely under the New Covenant, but that is not so. Just as the sacrifices under the Old Covenant were replaced by the sacrifice of Christ, so too is there a new meaning to the law under the terms of the New Covenant – note that both sacrifice and law is still required, it is just that the real meaning of both are now in effect. The guides of the codified law are NOT diminished, rather they are expanded as shown by the following examples given by Christ himself. Matt 5:21-22 “…‘You have heard that our ancestors were told, You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.’…” [NLT]. Matt 5:27-28 “…‘You have heard the commandment that says, You must not commit adultery. But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’…” [NLT].
Under the New Covenant, Christ gave us much more detailed commands – more detailed because they apply principles and attitudes as well as applying the simple works of the codified law: Mark 12:29-31 “…Jesus answered, ‘The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbour as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’…” [NLT]. Gal 5:14 “…For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: Love your neighbour as yourself…” [NLT].
Getting back to the Millennium: In Ezek 11:19 and 36:27 the Hebrew word “qereb” has been rendered “within” instead of “among” or “midst”, by some popular translations thereby giving the impression that the pouring out of the Holy Spirit will continue into and through the Millennial age. However, Young’s Literal Translation faithfully renders this word as “in your midst”.
During the Millennium the Holy Spirit is to be working WITH (among) not within people. Isa 30:21 “…And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’…” [NRSV].
Finally, just before the return of Christ, just before the Millennium, we are told to remember the Law of Moses – why, because it will shortly be in use once again, the schoolmaster shall return for the people in the Millennium, just as explained above! Mal 4:1-4 "...'For behold, the day comes, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go forth leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts. Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and ordinances that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.'..." [RSV].
General Question 13: Second Tithe Is the tithe mentioned in Deuteronomy 14:22-26 for use only during the Feast of Tabernacles ?
Due to past emphasis o n the Feast of Tabernacles many of God's people have assumed that this tithe was intended to be used only for the Feast of Tabernacles. However, there is no such specification mentioned anywhere in Scripture. What God says about His second tithe is both very clear and quite different from previous teaching:Deut 14:22-26 "...'You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year. And you shall eat before the Lord your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, or if the place where the Lord your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, when the Lord your God has blessed you, then you shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place which the Lord your God chooses. And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household.'...” [NKJV].
The above passages simply refer to WHERE the tithe was to be used – not the festival for which the tithe was intended to be used.
In Deut 16:16 it can be seen that the place that God chose (where God put his presence) was a place set aside for celebrating ALL of the festival seasons, not just the Feast of Tabernacles “ Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the Lord empty: ...” [KJV].
The tithe mentioned in Deut 14:22-26 (the second tithe) is intended to be used in celebrating ALL of God’s festivals listed in Deuteronomy 16:16 – not just the Feast of Tabernacles.
A second question immediately arising from this topic is, "How do we know what is the place God has chosen?"
Under the Old Covenant, a physical covenant, God confined His presence to a particular place like the tabernacle in the wilderness or the temple in Jerusalem – the place God chose was a specific physical location. However, under the New Covenant God has set a different criterion and He does not limit or confine His presence to a particular physical location – His people are His temple (the temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells), wherever they meet together He is there. Matt 18:20 “...For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them...” [KJV].
Under the New Covenant God does not have to place His name anywhere, because through the Holy Spirit we already hav e His name – God has merely stated that He IS there. Therefore, when observing the Festivals of God it is not a matter of God’s people going to a set location "where God is present", He is already present within His people wherever they assemble together to keep the festivals of God.
Pentecost Question: Why do we count 50 days to Pentecost?
While the primary purpose of Pentecost is to be the Holy Day marking ascension for the Saints, it is also the day picturing some other events resulting from Christ’s return. The return of Christ will be a little sooner than the ascension of Saints, because Christ must be returning before the first resurrection takes place (1Thes 4:16-17). Now, beginning with or shortly after the return of Christ there shall also be a restitution of all things, that is a restoration of the condition of things to what they once were under the literal administration of God. In Acts 3:21, in speaking of Christ we are told, “…He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets…” [NIV].
This restitution of all things is pictured by the Jubilee, where every 50 years in ancient Israel all debts were written off and all people were returned to their family property – their inheritance. Lev 25:10 “…‘And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his possession, and each of you shall return to his family.’…” [NKJV].
At the return of Christ this restitution of all things shall extend to all peoples of Earth and they will be returned to their own lands, just as all Israelites (not just the Jews) shall be returned to the land of Israel. Some commentaries apply this restoration only to the nation of Israel, but we must remember that at this time Christ will be ruler of the entire planet, not just one physical nation. At that time God will require the entire world to come under His single administrative system – Zec 14:18-19 "...And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles..." [KJV].
So, with the Old Testament physical example of Jubilee now being expressed in symbolic terms by Pentecost we have the promise of both physical and spiritual restoration. This subject will be covered in greater detail at a later date in the Study Notes section, but in simply addressing the question, as well as having the clear restitutional connection between Jubilee and Pentecost, we have the 50 days to Pentecost applying the Biblical prophetic counting principle of 1 day for 1 year – Jubilee every 50 years and Pentecost always 50 days after the ascension of Christ. The resurrection/ascension of the Saints at Pentecost marks the beginning of the restoration of all things.
Passover Question 3: Why did God tell the Israelites to be ready to travel when they ate of the Passover lamb in Egypt (Ex 12:11).
A comparison of Old and New Testament verses shows that Exodus12:11 was intended to illustrate how Christians should not partake of the emblems of bread and wine unless they are prepared to travel out of Spiritual Egypt, that is be prepared to live God’s way of life. Ex 12:11 “…In this manner you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover…” [RSV].
Eph 6:14-15 “…Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace;…” [RSV]. 1Pet 1:13-16 “…Therefore gird up your minds, be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’…” [RSV].
Gal 6:10 “…So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith…” [NIV].
This same subject was addressed by Paul in 1Cor 11:29-32. These people were eating both the old Passover meal publicly and partaking of the new Passover emblems, but their selfish and irreverent conduct clearly showed they were not prepared to leave spiritual Egypt. The command in Ex 12:11 to "eat it in haste" and be prepared to travel is symbolic of the command to be prepared to leave spiritual Egypt and start living God's way of life. Although those in Corinth partook of the emblems as Christ commanded, they were not caring for each other, and were showing by their conduct that they were not yet prepared to live God’s way of life, hence the reprimand
General Question 12: What came before the angels?
A lot, an awful lot – too much to cover as an answer to a question in this section. However this much I can say, it has to do with,
All of theses things either happened or were decided upon well prior to the angels being created. As time permits study notes on these matters will be placed in the "Study Notes" section of this site if articles do not already exist. However, there is nothing to prevent private study given all the starting points just provided – all the pieces of the puzzle are there, they just need to be put together.
Although the answer to this question has no bearing on salvation, it is key to answering many of the major questions which start with, "Why". As time permits, all facets to the question will be addressed in the Study Notes or articles.
General Question 11: Could the remnant (Rev.12:17) be the 144,000?
Rev 12:17 “…And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ…” [KJV].
The short answer is, no they are not the same.
Historically, the Church has taught that the remnant are those of the Laodicean Era who have to go through the great tribulation while those of the Philadelphian Era go to some physical place of safety. However, this teaching was error – God has an entirely different explanation and His is the only one that matters.
Descendants of Saints Continue Into the Millennium
The Church is always described as a “woman” or the “woman” and the Church has always been comprised of the Saints. However, here we have a reference not only to the “seed” of the woman (the Saints) but to the remnant of the seed (children) of the Saints. The remnant of the seed of the woman are the final generation of the children of the Saints at the time of the great tribulation. They are the remnant because they are the final descendants of the Saints that have lived throughout the generations.
In Isa 65:23 we have a similar reference to the group mentioned in Rev 12:17: “…They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them…” [KJV].
Isa 65:21-25 “…21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect <972> shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them. 24 It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox,…” [NKJV].
At this point it is important to know that God has both a spiritual elect (those with the Holy Spirit) and a physical elect (those without the Holy Spirit). Among the physical elect there was a further division – the individual physical elect and the national physical elect. Anciently, the national physical elect was the entire nation of Israel, while the individual physical elect were the children and descendents of the Saints throughout history (Isa 65:23). Apparently, this distinction between the physical elect will continue on through the Millennium (Isa 61:9) as part of the restitution of all things.
ELECT (I.S.B.E.) That is, "chosen," "selected." In the Old Testament the word represents derivatives of bachar, elegit; in the New Testament eklektos. It means properly an object or objects of selection. This primary meaning sometimes passes into that of "eminent," "valuable," "choice"; often thus as a fact, in places where the King James Version uses "chosen" (or "elect") to translate the original (e.g. Isa 42:1; 1Pet 2:6). In the King James Version "elect" (or "chosen") is used of Israel as the race selected for special favour and to be the special vehicle of Divine purposes Strong’s 0972 ryxb bachiyr chosen, choice one, chosen one, elect (of God) ELECT – a term sometimes applied in the ancient Church
Properly used in reference to survivors into the Millennium, as the Mosaic law will be restored and the children of the church members (the blessed of the Lord) will be the “chosen ones” in the Millennium.
Only God’s physical elect shall continue into the Millennial Age, and these shall be descendants of the Saints. This means those people may be descended from any and all Saintly lines throughout history – they are not limited to being descended from Saints who lived in the last 100 years or so. This corresponds with God’s promise that His people would be sifted through the nations, but not one grain would fall to Earth (Amos 9:9). There is duality in this prophecy and by the time of Christ’s return these people will be a very great multitude – possibly 10% of Earth’s population, since 10% is always God’s percentage of everything.
Being the “physical elect” in the Millennium is also symbolic that in the Kingdom there will be only God’s spiritual elect. However, even with the end-time descendents of the Saints (the physical elect) God does have conditions they must meet before being permitted to enter the Millennium: Amos 9:9-10 “…9 "For surely I will command, And will sift the house of Israel among all nations, As grain is sifted in a sieve; Yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground. 10 All the sinners of My people shall die by the sword, Who say, 'The calamity shall not overtake nor confront us.'…” [KJV].
Verse 10 makes it clear that not all of the last day descendents of the spiritual elect will survive into the Millennium – only those descendents who “revere my name” (Mal 4:2) will enter into that physical rest, the Millennium. Mal 4:1-4 “…1 ‘Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘Not a root or a branch will be left to them. 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. 3 Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things,’ says the LORD Almighty. 4 ‘Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel…” [NIV].
Now, what is the meaning of verse 4? The setting is the end of the great tribulation, the end of the Day of the Lord, just before the start of the millennial reign of Christ on Earth. So, when the people are told to remember the law of Moses it is not just a pleasantry of conversation – it means learn and remember that system of administration as preparation for what is to come under the Government of God. It means that this is the administrative system they will be under as opposed to the administrative systems of man. The law of Moses will be restored at the beginning of the Millennium! The temple of God will be at Jerusalem where there will be daily sacrifices, declarations of seasons and new moons for the Feasts of God. The combined nation of Israel (northern kingdom of Israel and southern kingdom of Judea) will be the physical elect to which the surrounding nations look for guidance as to how the new administrative system is to operate and hence the distinction between the national physical elect and the rest will be also restored (Isa 61:9).
With regard to descendents and ancestors, it is important not to be too restrictive, for God had His Saints during the times of the prophets as well as after the Messiah. For those of Physical Israel we need only refer to the 7,000 of Elijah’s time (Rom 11:4). Even among the Syrians there must be tens if not hundreds of thousands of descendents of Naaman, the righteous Syrian General who was healed of leprosy through Elisha. 2King 5:14-17 “…14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant… 17 And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD….” [ KJV].
The implication of the “two mules’ burden of earth” is that they would be hidden under the king’s idol so when Naaman worshipped he would always be facing the God of Israel, not some pagan idol.
As for the Assyrians (modern Germans), we have the whole nation repenting at the preaching of Jonah. So, among them there really is no numbering, only God knows.
In short, the remnant to which Rev 12:17 refers are the physical, penitent descendents of the ascended Saints and are therefore not the 144,000, who are the spiritual Israelites from within physical Israel (the designated 12 tribes) at the end time. Aside from the saints in physical Israel, there will be a "great multitude" of saints from other nations of the world (Rev 7:9 & 7:14).
General Question 10:
The verse on which people rely to show that there is a “place of safety” for God’s people is Rev 12:14, “…And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent…” [KJV].
Much time could be spent on this question, but the main points are as follows: 1. In Ex 19:4 when God said that He took Israel out of Egypt on eagles’ wings the people actually walked (even for physical Israel the phrase was not intended to be literal); 2. There is nothing that really says this “wilderness” is a “place of safety”; 3. The wording in verse 14 indicates the entire church (the woman) is taken into the wilderness, but the wording in verse 17 indicates the church is persecuted by Satan, talking about making “war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ”. Only the church members keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ; 4. The flight from Egypt was that of physical Israel for physical well-being, while those referred to in Rev 14 are spiritual Israel and therefore it would seem that the nourishment would be for spiritual well-being; 5. Apart from the wording of “time, times and half a time” there is not much to link verse 14 with the tribulation. Conventional understanding has been that verses 14 and 17 are concurrent, but there appears to be an equally strong case for these verses being separated by many years, even decades; 6. With God’s people being scattered over all the world in this era of church history, while not impossible it is improbable that verse 14 will apply physically to any of God’s people of this time; and 7. For any era of the church, the real place of safety has and always will be Christ.
Are we to keep Purim? NO – this is a Jewish memorial day of no more importance than a secular holiday. All of God’s commanded assemblies and Holy Days were given to the entire nation of Israel at Sinai. The Jews merely started to observe this additional day after they came back from the Babylonian captivity.
General Question 9: How old is the universe?
The article entitled God's Plan of Creation will provide you with some detail and a general overview of your question. More specifically, the age of the physical universe is not certain. Astrophysicists have done a very good job in calculating the possible age based on a “uniformitarianist” approach, even though they do concede to the “Big Bang” theory, which states that the universe came from nothing presently known to science.
However, the reality of the historical record is one of cataclysm not uniformitarianism and continental drift is a case in point. At the rate the continental plates are drifting today it would indeed take millions of years to have reached their current positions relative to the original position of Pangaea. When it is stated that the continents were split, the authorized KJV language is very passive and does not convey the true events of the day. Gen 10:25 “…And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg <06389>; for in his days was the earth <0776> divided <06385>;…” [KJV].
There are three crucial words in this verse that reveal what actually happened at that time:
From these words we see that the event affected the entire world, not just some isolated place in the Middle-East. The word translated divide is better rendered “split” and this is verified by Peleg’s name (who was named after the event transpiring at the time) which actually means earthquake. This is an extremely tumultuous time in the history of Earth’s continents when there would have been planet wide earthquakes, associated volcanic activity and the separate parts of Pangaea literally fleeing from some parts and colliding with others parts forming massive mountain ranges and new oceans. (These are the events that allowed Nimrod to assume control of a fearful people and become the first king on Earth.) All this happened only 100 years after the great flood.
The HBME (The Holy Bible in Modern English, from the tyndalearchive.com) appears to be one of the few translations to get close to the original meaning. However, it still seems that Strong's Complete Word Study provides the most complete picture.
So, while there may only be what is known as “drift” today, it actually began as something extraordinarily different – a rapid shattering of a single super-continent into what we have today. The “drift” merely keeps the natural boundaries in place, as decreed by God.
Similarly, we do not know if God indeed started the physical universe as a “Big Bang” 13.7 billion years ago and that it grew gradually as the astrophysicists say, OR if He created the physical universe with the galaxies already billions of light years apart and then created Earth shortly after that event. Indeed, the latter would seem more plausible even from a scientific point of view, as there is currently more energy in the universe than what has been calculated should be here from the “Big Bang” – the galaxies are actually increasing in speed as time goes by. Such a thing is scientifically impossible with the current knowledge level, but if God did create the galaxies already billions of light years apart and provided them with a certain level of kinetic energy, then the current finding of increasing galactic speed fits perfectly.
In conclusion, we can know that the physical universe is very old, but probably not nearly as old as conventional science has currently found.
General Question 8: I have decided to keep the seventh day Sabbath and although my husband agrees that the seventh day Sabbath is correct, he says I am causing division in the household by refusing to go to his church meetings on Sundays and Thursdays. Am I causing division?
The first four of the ten commandments are very specific - we obey God and only God and we keep His seventh day weekly Sabbath. Regarding division, the principle is simple - division is caused by the one who separates themselves from the way of God. This principle is true for all situations so, the question that needs to be asked is, "who is the one separating themselves from the way of God and who is trying to keep His ways?" The answer to this question will give you the answer to who is causing the division. God states that the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church (Eph 5:22-23). However, the point missed by most husbands is that Christ was obedient to God and we are to follow his example. Christ never caused anyone to sin, especially by forcing them to fellowship with non-believers on their day of worship or anything akin to that situation. Eph 5:22-23 “…22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Saviour of the body…” [NKJV].
The phrase "as to the Lord" does not mean blind obedience – it means obedience as to Christ, who would never condone going against God's way of life. No-one can claim immunity from sin just because they were obeying an unlawful command – we are all told that we are individually responsible for our own salvation. No-one can save anyone else and no-one can blame anyone else for not following God. Php 2:12 “…Therefore, my beloved, as you 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;…” [NKJV].
General Question 7: Do you believe that a woman should not speak to a man when they are in church [about doctrinal matters] and that they should cover their heads ?
God says that women are to be in silence in the Church. The main point of the relevant Scriptures is that a woman should not take any part in preaching, which includes asking questions of the person doing the preaching – this latter part is for the ones judging what the speaker is saying, because these "questions" are actually challenges to the current veracity of what is being preached. This judging of the speaker involves being willing and able to rise and speak to the congregation should they wish to question or correct the speaker on some point (1Cor 14:29-30) – this is the type of speaking and questioning that God prohibits for women, not general conversation. 1Cor 14:29-30 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 1Cor 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 1Ti 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 1Ti 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Questions put by women on this site are regarded as questions asked in private, which is not only permitted it is encouraged. This site is not a public "chat room", which would loosely be akin to the Sabbath meetings the subject of the above Scriptures.
Regarding head coverings, God says that a woman’s head is already covered – with her hair – therefore there is no need of further covering her head. 1Cor 11:15 “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.”
General Question 6: Can you demonstrate how a sundial can be used to follow God's calendar?
Yes. There is now an additional section to the calendar page providing a detailed explanation (with diagrams), but essentially the procedure is as follows: 1. Select a level site clear of bush or buildings; 2. On any sunny day simply place a rod in the ground using a plumb-line (small weight on a string) to ensure it is vertical. 3. Wait until sunset (the moment the sun's disk is about to pass below the horizon), then mark the position of the rod's shadow; 4. The next day at sunrise (the moment the sun's disk appears above the horizon), then mark the position of the rod's shadow; 5. Draw an east-west line by measuring equal angles for the sunrise/sunset shadow lines.
The east-west line is also the equinox line at the time of year when the rod shadow lines fall on the east-west line. The first night the new crescent moon appears after the equinox commences the first day of the first month of the new year – 1 Abib. The day of 1 Tishri is determined simply by counting seven new moons (visible crescent) from and including 1 Abib. Using just the visible sightings of the sun and moon God's calendar can be constructed with amazing simplicity and accuracy.
One of the links at the foot of the calendar page even provides instructions on how to make necklace/keyring size sundials.
General Question 5: Will we not be perfect spirit beings in the Kingdom of God? After all, how can we judge angels if we are not perfect?
Whenever this word (perfect) is mentioned in connection with the New Covenant, it refers to a growing state of becoming more like God the Father or Christ. We were placed in human vessels for the following major reasons: 1. To test us to see what is in our hearts; 2. In order that God could train us up in the way that we should go; 3. Become subject to affliction and death and either accept Christ’s sacrifice or die; and 4. Experience the family system as did Jesus.
There is no argument from any of the Christians churches that human beings will never be perfect while still physical, but it is a common misconception that Godly spirit beings have been or will be perfect. This misconception is just as far from the truth as the teaching that spirit beings, once they choose an ungodly path, cannot change and return to the true path of God. God states with great clarity that Christ’s sacrifice was for both physical AND spirit beings: Col 1:20 “… and through him God was pleased to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross...” [NRSV].
This means that angels can repent and if angels can repent, then so too can all spirit beings. Christ's sacrifice was “once for all”(Heb 10:10), meaning past, present and future – there is no limit for the application of Christ's sacrifice. Heb 10:10 “…By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all…” [KJV].
Some quote Rom 6:22 to prove perfection of ascended humans: Rom 6:22 “…But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life…” [KJV].
Those who quote this verse to prove perfection of ascended humans forget that being free from sin does not mean “not sinning”, it means being free from the penalty of sin, which is death – in other words, we are free from sin because sin has no power over the sinner due to the claiming and application of Christ's sacrifice. The verse also states that we are “now” free from sin, but I see no child of God who does not sin on a daily basis. What can be seen are people of God who, daily, accept the blood of Christ to cover their sins.
Finally, we are told in Isa 9:7 that God’s government and peace will be forever growing, which is the very definition of conversion – a process of growing in God’s way that takes place over a period of time (forever). Isa 9:7 “…Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this…” [KJV].
Most commentaries will limit the meaning of “increase” to quantity or time, but the language of the original text places no such limits on the word. Had the commentaries not made the assumption that ascension equated to spiritual perfection, then it would have been clear that this verse is also referring to a process of improved “quality” over a period of time (indefinite). Thus continued reliance on the blood of Jesus to cover, also now becomes a literal and continual laying down of life by the husband for the wife and family. The New Covenant is now shown to be a very literal, eternal covenant requiring an eternal relationship.
Concerning “judging angels” (1Cor 6:3), we will be judging them with God’s judgement not ours. While this verse alone implies that being free from the human vessel also means not being subject to the carnal spirit as we are today, it does not imply that we will be perfect. However, we will be able to apply Godly judgement much more than we can as humans. 1Cor 6:3 “…Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?...” [NKJV].
General Question 4: Matthew 5:17-20 has been interpreted by professing Christians different ways. Some have used this verse to prove that ALL of the old covenant regulations are binding on Christians, while others just say that it proves only the 10 commandments are binding on Christians. Can you explain what is God's intended meaning?
Matt 5:17-20 “…17 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’…” [NRSV].
There are several points here and for the sake of clarity they shall be addressed separately.
1. Christ came to “complete” the law – he was the sacrificial lamb that replaced all the sacrificial elements of the Mosaic law. He also came to die and become the High Priest of God under the New Covenant, thereby replacing the Levitical Priesthood. However, this aspect of passing of the law applies only to predestined Christian with the Holy Spirit – the old law will still remain in place for another thousand years and be operational during the Millennium. The old aspects of the law were never done away for those without the Holy Spirit, otherwise Christ would be contradicting what will be required during the Millennium. Also remember that during the Millennium these people, who will be required to comply with the Levitical system will not be married to Christ, as was the case in the Old Covenant, but they will be required to comply nevertheless. The old sacrificial/Levitical system serves as a “schoolmaster” for those without the Holy Spirit.
The reference to "heaven and earth passing away" refers to a real event after the completion of God's plan of salvation and is mentioned in Rev 21:1 & 5: Rev 21:1 "...And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;..." [KJV]. Rev 21:5 "...And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new..." [KJV].
2. To whom was Christ talking? He was talking to the disciples, none of whom had the Holy Spirit – as we know the Holy Spirit was not poured out upon the predestined until Pentecost 31AD (after the death of Christ). As part of completing the law, Christ explained to the disciples the deeper, spiritual intent of the law so that they would remember it later, upon receipt of the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 “…But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you…”
3. What is binding on Christians is Christ’s example: John 13:15 “…For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you...” [KJV]. Here, Christ was giving an example of service to fellow Christians.
1Pet 2:21 "...For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:..." [KJV]. Are we to suffer and die on a cross because that is what Jesus did? No – Jesus did this as an act of service and an example that we must also obey the Father. Jesus had a different mission to us, as did the prophets and the apostles, but they all obeyed the Father in carrying out their appointed missions. Before Christ was killed he was under the law of the Old Covenant, so he had to comply in areas where we do not.
The Sabbath and Holy Days picture the Kingdom of God and various stages towards that Kingdom, which we are require to observe as picturing our ultimate goal and as remembrances of the stages in the journey towards that goal. So, even though they were elements of the Old Covenant they are still to be observed as requirements apart from the Old Covenant in obedience to the Father.
General Question 3: Could you please explain to me why gentiles have to observe Israeli holy days when Acts 21:25 states that there are only four things a gentile has to observe?
This is a very valid question and is the source of confusion for most of Christendom today. The problem started when the Roman church persuaded Emperor Constantine to rule against the seventh day Sabbath and decreed that no one was to “Judaize and be idle on the Sabbath, but must work on that day”. Neither the law, nor the Holy Days, nor the Sabbath are of Israel or the Jews – they are God’s and are for all mankind. Lev 23:2 “…Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: These are the appointed festivals of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations, my appointed festivals…” [NRSV].
God does not have one law for one and another law for someone else; He has one law for all and this will never change. Mal 3:6 “…‘For I am the LORD, I change not;’…” [KJV].
Indeed, after Christ returns the whole world will have to obey God’s law, or accept the consequences. Zech 14:16-19 “…16 ¶ And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles…” [KJV].
The Feast of Tabernacles is only one of God’s appointed festivals, accordingly the stated requirement to keep one is symbolic of the requirement to keep all. So, is this a fifth command that the gentiles must keep? No, it is symbolic that the entire law of God will be restored and kept by humanity – it is a statement concerning the restoration of all things, including the law, at the return of Christ. Act 3:21 (speaking of Christ) “…‘whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.’…” [KJV].
The reason the gentiles were required to obey only a few laws at that time was because they were being slowly introduced to the law of God. Christ did the same with the 12 disciples – he taught them of spiritual matters only what they could bear up to that time. Just like babies, feeding them milk first, then gradually going on to more solid food until finally they could eat meat. John 16:12 “…‘I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.’…” [KJV].
This is part of the process known as conversion – it is something that happens over time as we grow in the knowledge and truth of God.
General Question 2: Tithing – Who should we tithe to?
Prior to answering this question, there are some important background issues that need to be addressed: 1. Is tithing still required by God under the New Covenant? 2. If tithing is required, then on what do we tithe? 3. Type of income. 4. Offerings.
Is tithing still required by God under the New Covenant?
Too often the argument is presented that, as tithing was part of the Old Covenant it is now no longer required because the Old Covenant has been done away. However, tithing actually preceded the Old Covenant by at least hundreds of years and was practiced by Abraham: Heb 7:2 “…and Abraham gave him [Melchisedek] a tenth of everything. First, his name means ‘king of righteousness’; then also, ‘king of Salem’ means ‘king of peace’…” [NIV].
Jesus, the bringer of the New Covenant, made it clear that tithing was still a Godly requirement by firstly, condoning the practice and secondly, mentioning tithing as a minor matter of the law of God compared to the weightier matters of the law. Matt 23:23 “…‘What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law––justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.’…” [NLT].
Tithing in connection with the Old Covenant applied only to agricultural produce, but the original form of tithing, as practiced by Abraham and accepted by Melchizedek the priest of the most high God (Jesus prior to being born human) applied to the whole of one’s increase. Abraham was under the covenant of promise (the Kingdom of God), what we call the New Covenant. Also, Christ is of the Order of Melchizedek, a superior priesthood than the Order of Aaron (Heb 7:21-24).
Regarding the lighter and weightier matters of the law, Jesus spoke in these terms to the Pharisees because they had divided the law in this way and there is a mass corruption among Christendom today that supports a differentiation between “mortal” and “venial” sins. However, God’s thinking on the matter is very different: James 2:10 “…For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it…” [NIV].
1John 3:4 “…for sin is the transgression of the law…” [KJV]. Rom 6:23 “…For the wages of sin is death;…” [KJV].
God makes no distinction at any level; sin is sin and the penalty is the same for all sin – death.
If tithing is required, then on what do we tithe?
Tithes are not paid on our gross or net or any other artificial amount invented by humans – tithes are paid on our “increase”. Abraham is our first example in this regard and the more limited tithing in the Old Covenant also details that tithing is on the “increase”. Our increase is a private matter between God and us, but a guide would be that amount which remains after all our taxes, living expenses, working expenses, accident expenses and medical expenses have been deducted. For this reason it is recommended to tithe only once or twice a year, for one does not know what God will give or take on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Other income
For those who are surviving solely on social welfare or pension benefits there is no increase, therefore there is no tithe. Effectively, this is the third tithe the government has collected and administrates through the taxation system. For those retirees who are more well-off and survive off superannuation, tithes may be payable depending on the government superannuation co-contributions (if any) and investment interest, but ultimately any tithing is still calculated on the increase – living expenses, accident expenses and medical expenses reduce the amount on which tithes are calculated.
Inheritance is not increase and therefore there is no tithe.
Offerings
God commands offerings from everyone. There are three times (seasons) in the year when offerings are obligatory but this does not prevent free will offerings at any other time during the year. Deut 16:16-17 “…16 Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed: 17 Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you…” [NIV].
Here God actually spells out, very succinctly, how to calculate the offering, but still it is between God and the individual to decide.
Answer:
With the above information as background, it is now possible to answer the question without imposing an undue yoke on God’s people.
If you wish to contribute to the work of God, then you should support whomsoever you consider is actually doing the work of God. Many claim to be doing the work of God, but this should be tested against God’s Word – i.e., the truth of God needs to be preached not the dogma of an organization. 1 John 4:1 “…Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world...” [NLT].
In the final analysis no-one can tell you to support either this one or that one – tithing is required by God, but to whom one tithes is a personal conscience decision as a result of prayer, individual Bible study and research.
General Question 1: “How do we know what are the dates for the Holy Days?”
Answer: This is an interesting question and resulted in fresh research into the subject. Prior to this time, calculations for dates of the annual Holy Days by the major Church of God organizations were accepted as true. However, research has revealed that this trust was misplaced and the times have been amended accordingly.
We must always start with the first month of the year, the month of ABIB. For thousands of years this has been the month in the Middle East when the ears of grain were still green (Abib = green ears). At this time of year it is the wheat that has green ears (the barley is already ripe) and while this may be interesting agriculturally, it is an aside from the actual calculations, which are determined by the sun and moon alone (Gen 1:14). In constructing the calendar now used for observance of God’s annual Holy Days seven basic principles were used and are as follows:
One: God says that the great lights were given to determine seasons, days and years. These are heavenly objects which are observable without the need for any complicated instrumentation or technology. Gen 1:14 “…Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs <226>, and seasons <4150>, and for days and years;’…” [NKJV].
eth (Strong’s 6256) – means season, as in spring, summer, autumn, winter. mow‘ed (Strong’s 4150) – means appointed time or feast owth (Strong’s 226) – means sign, in the sense of something’s appearance. This word is considered a reasonable substitute for “eth”, which has the specific meaning of season or time of year. However, the Greek equivalent of “owth” can also be applied to weather conditions (Matt 16:3) and therefore is seen as a more appropriate general term that encompasses both signs for times of the year and weather conditions. Matt 16:3 “…And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?...” [KJV].
Given the context, this second part of verse 14 would be better read according to contemporary understanding of terms by applying the following translation: “…and let them be for seasons and signs <226>, and for the appointed feasts <4150>, and for days, and years:…”
Two: The year is divided into four parts – spring, summer, autumn and winter – with the vernal and autumnal equinoxes marking the end of winter and the end of summer respectively. An astronomical equinox is when the geometric centre of the sun is directly above Earth’s equator and this happens twice every year. With an observed equinox the length of day and night are almost the same and therefore can be easily determined by using a simple sundial. The Biblical evidence shows that simple solar and lunar observation is to be the method to be used in calculating the Hebrew Calendar dates and therefore it is considered that the "observable equinox" (when day and night are approximately the same length, using the appearance and disappearance of the solar disk) is a more appropriate measurement than the "astronomical equinox". This means the "observable" vernal equinox (northern hemisphere) will fall on 15/16 March, not 20/21 March.
Three: Each month is to begin with the sighting of the first crescent of the new moon (chodesh – with the root meaning of new thing) by the unaided eye (assuming normal vision). Modern astronomy has taken on the practise of calling the lunar conjunction the new moon, when it is darkest, but a dark moon cannot be seen (it is not observable) and therefore has not yet become something new. The new moon rises on the third night after it has died (become completely dark), so there is no real surprise when the annual Sabbath of 1 Tishri is to commence. Click here to see New Moon Calendar
Four: Each new year begins on the first sighting of the new moon (small crescent) after the vernal equinox (northern hemisphere). There are some who begin the new year with the new moon closest to the vernal equinox even though it may be before the equinox. However, it is not considered reasonable to have the first month of the year begin before winter of the previous year has ended. Accordingly, even if the new moon is only one day before the equinox, that entire month belongs to the previous year.
Five: Each Biblical day begins at evening, not at midnight (Gregorian Calendar) and accordingly when a Roman day is cited, the intent is that the Biblical day commences the evening before. For example, the Roman day of 10 January will commence (Biblically) at sunset (evening) on 9 January.
Six: Sunrise and sunset are when the top of the solar disk first appears above horizon to start the day and when the top of the solar disk disappears below the horizon to start the night. As official equinox times are calculated using the geometric centre of the solar disk as it passes over the equator, rather than using equal length of day and night, there is about 5 days difference between an official (astronomical) equinox and an observed equinox (approximate equal observed length of day and night).
Seven: Currently, some elements associated with festival observance in Jerusalem are done through convenience rather than correct observance of the Word of God and therefore festival observances are not always on the correct days. However, as all festivals shall be coordinated with Jerusalem during the Millennium consistency with correctly calculated Jerusalem time is essential for annual festival days (not weekly Sabbath times). If this were not done, then the nations would not consistently be able to go up to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Tabernacles in the Millennium, as commanded by God. Zec 14:19 "...This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles..." [KJV]
Since God is consistent in all things it is reasonable to conclude that God expects His people to do their best to observe properly seasons and appointed times in this present day. Mal 3:6 "...For I am the LORD, I change not;..." [KJV]
References: Sunrise and sunset times were obtained from the World Clock at http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ and the Astronomical Institute / Utrecht University via http://www.astro.uu.nl/~strous/AA/en/antwoorden/zonpositie.html Phases of the moon were obtained from the University of Texas McDonald Observatory via http://stardate.org/nightsky/moon/
Passover Question 2: Just one point I'd like a little clarification on. You state that as Christ was sinless he was therefore an immortal human being and couldn't die. But what about the DNA that he would have inherited from his mother surely this would have contained the penalty of sin and death as passed onto us all from Adam and Eve. He had to receive DNA from his mother otherwise he could not have been a descendant of the house of David.
Answer: The short answer to your question is twofold and is as follows:
Following is an excerpt from the article on Passover Observance, which provides much more detail:
A brief outline of the history of Jesus is recorded in the Books of John and Philippians: John 1:1-3: ”…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made…” [KJV]. John 1:14 “…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth…” [KJV]. Philippians 2:5-7 ”…For, let this mind be in you that [is] also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought [it] not robbery to be equal to God, but did EMPTY himself, the form of a servant having taken, in the likeness of men having been made,…” [YLT].
We can summarize further as follows:
Some of the other facts about Christ:
One of the most challenging questions to ponder about Jesus relates to the emptying of himself and what it was that was emptied. Part of the answer is found in what Christ asked the Father to return to him after his resurrection. Christ wanted his “GLORY” returned – that is all: “…And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was…” [John 17:5 – KJV].
The glory referred to here is the appearance of God and all that accompanies the office of one who is a member of the Godhead; glory has nothing to do with the POWER of a member of the Godhead. So, when Christ emptied himself he either only emptied himself of his glory or his total power. For the answer we need only consult the written Word of God: John 3:34 (referring to Christ): “…For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure…” [NKJV].
Here we have it; Christ emptied himself completely and was given back his full and infinite power by the Father. This Scripture shows that Christ already had his unlimited power returned, which is why he only sought for the return of his glory. No mention is made as to how long Jesus was without his power, but as he had his full power while he was a physical human being it is considered that his power was returned very quickly after he gave it up.
In this picture, the most significant point that may be missed is that Christ had the Holy Spirit WITHOUT measure. He did not have the full portion of the Holy Spirit or the complete measure of the Holy Spirit – Christ had the Holy Spirit "without measure"! What this means is that he had the infinite power of the Godhead within him while he was a human being! God’s Word leaves us in no doubt concerning this matter where, in Col 2:9, Christ’s deity and Godhead status is made plain – that Jesus was God in the flesh (both God and man): “…For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;…” [NKJV].
This being, Christ Jesus, had unlimited power, including the power of life and death and the power to command both Angels and demons. This power he exhibited on a number of occasions, including resurrecting himself. Christ mentioned several times that he would be resurrecting himself and one such account is given in John 10:18 (Christ speaking about his life): “…No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father…” [KJV].
Later, the apostles state that God raised Christ (Acts 4:10), but Christ said that he raised himself. There is no contradiction, because Christ operated under the chain of command system of government. Although Christ was the one who had the power to raise himself and indeed did so, he received the authority for this action from the Father. Accordingly, as the one authorising the action it is correct to say the Father raised Christ, but it is also equally correct to say that Christ raised himself as he was the one who actually performed the job. Likewise in creation, although the Word said, “Let US create man in our image,” It was the Word alone who performed the actual creating and we know this from John 1:3 which states, “…All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made…” [KJV].
Regarding the miracles performed by Jesus, we are told that God, the Father, did these miracles through Christ, Acts 2:22: “…Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know…” [NKJV].
However, there should be no mistake; just as it was Jesus who made all things, so too was Jesus doing these other miracles (including self-resurrection), but only such miracles as he was authorized to do by the Father.
Also, it was not possible for the grave to hold Jesus because even as a man, not only did he have the Holy Spirit without measure, he had life within himself as a self-existent being, just as God the Father has life in himself as a self-existent being and we are told this by Jesus himself, John 5:26: “…‘For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself,’…” [NKJV].
Add to this that Christ was without sin and therefore was an immortal human being! It was this physical immortality which was given up that we may be pardoned for our sins and later be granted the GIFT of eternal life as spirit beings. Regarding Christ’s human immortality, we know that the “…wages of sin is death…” (Rom 6:23) and since Christ committed no sin it was impossible for him to be killed or die naturally, unless he himself gave his life, which is exactly what happened. Only as one with the power of God, having the power of life and death, could he do such a thing. Even a sinless normal human could not have made this sacrifice, because he would not have had the power of life and death as does Christ.
The concept of an immortal Christ is new to many, but it is Scriptural.
Passover Question 1:
“I
would like to know who took of the Passover in the Old Testament? Was it men,
women, and children or was it just the men, the heads of each household.” Answer: The whole of Ancient Israel symbolized the whole of spiritual Israel (adults baptized with the Holy Spirit). The type was complete for all ages – for example the physical babes in ancient Israel typified the spiritual “babes in Christ” (those adults newly baptized into the faith). So, the answer to your question is, yes the whole family partook of the physical Passover, just as today the whole church (adults baptized with the Holy Spirit), spiritual Israel, partakes of the Passover emblems introduced by Christ. The matter is made clear in Ex 12:4, “…And if the household <01004> be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house <01004> take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb…” (KJV).
The
Hebrew word used for “household” and “house” is the same and means “family”. The
eating was “according to the number of souls”
(in each house), not just the head of the family, or males, or adults, but the
total number of souls (individuals).
Feast of Unleavened Bread Question 2: "What CAN we eat during Unleavened Bread"
Answer: It is a common question to ask, “What else do we eat during the feast of the unleavened bread and how many times and when do we eat unleavened bread” – it is a very logical question.
The answer is that we eat normally during the Feast except we avoid foods containing leavening agents such as yeast, baking soda or chemical raising agents – all of which are usually declared in the list of ingredients on the packaging. What is leaven – it is any food that can cause a puffing up of and by itself. Leaven is not just anything that increases in volume. For example, beaten egg white must have the air beaten into it, it cannot cause either itself or anything else to rise. Popcorn is not a leavening agent – it simply increases in volume when heat is applied. Water does the reverse – it increases in volume when frozen into ice, but neither ice nor water are leavening agents. Beer is not leavened because it experiences no increase in volume. For leaven to be leaven it must cause the rising effect by itself
When it is said “eat normally”, this assumes normal Biblically clean foods (click link to see list) such as beef, sheep, goat, various foul and fish that would normally have scales and fins prior to eating. Unclean foods only refer to meat, not vegetables.
During the Feast it is a command to partake of some unleavened bread each day – the amount is not important. The amount is not important, because it is symbolic of living God’s way for our entire lives (the seven days) – accordingly, so long as we eat some unleavened bread each day of the seven day festival we have symbolically lived God’s way for our entire lives. The command to partake of unleavened bread for the full seven days is given several times by God and can be seen in Ex 12:15, Ex 13:6, Ex 13:7 and Ex 34:18: Ex 12:15 “…‘Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel.’…” [NKJV]. Ex 13:6 “…‘Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD.’…” [NKJV]. Ex 13:7 “…‘Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters.’…” [NKJV]. Ex 34:18 “…‘The Feast of Unleavened Bread you shall keep. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, in the appointed time of the month of Abib; for in the month of Abib you came out from Egypt.’…” [NKJV].
There is no command to partake of wine during the Feast – this command is restricted for the Passover and usually the amount of wine taken for this service is less than a mouthful. Accordingly, during this festival, as with any other time, people are free to either imbibe moderately or abstain – whichever is their preference on the day.
Feast of Unleavened Bread Question 1: “Should the Feast of Unleavened Bread be kept for seven days as the Feast of Tabernacles?”
Answer: The short and simple answer to your question is, yes – the Feast of Unleavened Bread should be kept for the entire seven days, just as the Feast of Tabernacles is kept for seven days.
Bible Examples:
1. Hezekiah: Old Testament examples indicate very strongly that the Feast of Unleavened Bread should be kept for the entire seven days – the principal example is that of King Hezekiah, when he re-instituted observance of the whole law of God. This example is seen in 2Chron 30:21: “…The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests sang to the LORD every day, accompanied by the LORD's instruments of praise…” [NIV].
As a side-note here, it should be remembered that at this time the northern and southern kingdoms had split and formed the separate nations of Israel and Judah, respectively. This is why it said in the above verse, “The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem”, indicating that the rest of Israel did not keep the Feast. However, we are told in verse 25 that the entire assembly of Judah took part in this Feast.
At the end of this Feast, the Levites prayed to God to bless the people and in verse 27 we are told that He heard the prayer. The prayer was associated with the Feast and the people were blessed for their rededication to God. Whenever God has said that He heard someone’s prayer, it has always followed that He responded favourably to that prayer.
Ezekiel 45:21-25 “…21. In the first (month), on the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall keep the Passover, a feast of a full week; unleavened shall be eaten. 22. And the prince shall prepare on that day for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock as a sin-offering. 23. And for the seven days of the feast he shall prepare as a burnt-offering for Jehovah seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish daily, the seven days, and as a sin-offering a he-goat daily. 24. And as a meat-offering, he shall prepare an ephah for the bullock, and an ephah for the ram, and a hin of oil for the ephah. 25. In the seventh (month), on the fifteenth day of the month, at the feast he shall do the same for seven days with regard to the sin-offering, as also the burnt-offering, and the meat-offering, as also the oil…” [Keil and Delitzsch Commentary].
This direct command from God leaves little room for comment, except for the following:
Additional Reasoning:
The reasoning behind the view for seven-day observance is just as clear as the examples of observance given above. Apart from God’s command to keep the Feast for seven days, the Feast of Unleavened Bread pictures the “day of judgement” (time of assessment) for the saints just as the Feast of Tabernacles pictures the “day of judgement” (time of assessment) for the rest of humanity after the second resurrection. Both festivals picture the entire time that a person has ceased living Satan’s way of life and taken up God’s way of life. It celebrates living life under the direct rule of God and therefore should be time we take off from the normal activity of earning a living, to reflect and celebrate both that God has revealed His way to us and that His way leads to eternal life in His family.
Oxford Dictionary definition of “holy”: Briefly, it is anything that belongs to or has been consecrated (set aside for a specific purpose) by God. Accordingly, while five days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread are not Sabbaths they are in fact holy days, because they have been set apart for a specific purpose by God. All such time or days belong to God for the purpose He has designated and therefore indicates that we should use such time for His purpose. With the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the eating of unleavened bread is symbolic of living God’s way of life and it is therefore reasonable that we should use this festival time to live and study that way. Also, a vacation at this time would be proper, as this festival symbolizes that period of our lives when we have freedom from the slavery of living under Satan’s direct rule.
The intent of observance for seven days: Apart from the actual Biblical examples that the festival be observed for seven whole days, this is also seen from the purpose which is symbolized by these seven days. The Feast of Unleavened Bread pictures our entire lives as Christians, not just the start and the finish. After repentance, baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit we cannot then go back into the world and start living Satan’s way of life again, with the wishful thinking that a death-bed repentance will be acceptable to God. Yet, this is what people are unwittingly doing when they only observe the Sabbaths on the first and seventh days of the festival and not the five days in between. This is supposed to be a festival, a feast – not just a period of seven days where we eat unleavened products.
This is the “Feast” of Unleavened Bread: It is difficult to imagine God calling something a feast when the only difference in our behaviour is that we just eat unleavened products for a week and five days of that week we still go about our normal business. Anciently, the rulers in Israel were commanded to make a burnt offering of seven bulls and seven rams on each day of the feast. Typically, these offerings were eaten by the priests and those making the offering. It is inconceivable that God would require the rulers and the priests to observe the feast for seven days and not require the people to do likewise – God has one law for all. As rulers in the nation, they were also setting an example for the people to follow and in both 2Chron 30:21 and Ezek 45:23 this example was continued for the full, unbroken, seven days of the feast. Rendering Ezek 45:22 in the correct manner (shown above) a “two-level observance system” is even more inconceivable, seeing that all the leaders and priests, throughout the whole land, were having a real feast and supposedly leaving the people of Israel out of the celebrations.
Attending services for the full seven days is not required: Only the first and seventh days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread are commanded Holy convocations, not the entire seven days. With the Feast of Tabernacles the requirement is even less – there is only one Holy convocation, the first day, on which services must be held. The eighth day is a separate day known as the Last Great Day and is not part of the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:34, 39). Attending services for the full seven days of either festival was an invention of the previous administration and has no Biblical support. However, the entire seven days of each festival is Holy Time (time set aside for a divine purpose by God) and therefore all seven days are Holy Days – time to be used for the worship of and sacrifice to God, not carrying on our normal labours. The prime Biblical example for this practice is the original Feast of Unleavened Bread where God required release of His people by Pharaoh so they could go and sacrifice and worship Him, free from their normal labours. An entire nation, Egypt, was destroyed by the plagues of God so His people would be free to worship Him (starting with the seven days of unleavened bread – days on which sacrifices are to be made every day) and it is impossible that God has changed His mind on the subject (Mal 3:6, "...For I am the LORD, I change not;...").
Conclusion: Regarding duties, in Ezek 45:25 each ruler in the administrative system, was commanded to do the same for the Feast of Tabernacles, also indicating that there was to be a continual, full and unbroken seven days of festival observance. Please note here that the model is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, not the Feast of Tabernacles. All the Biblical examples and reasoning point to celebrating a festival for a full seven days, the same as the Feast of Tabernacles. Historically, it seems the church administration has chosen to disregard these examples and reasoning, because God has not made a direct statement about such observance by the people. However, in view of the Biblical evidence, all of God’s people are encouraged to follow both God’s direct commands and the examples He has given.
Further Notes & Scripture List
The spirit God places in man at birth to make him a sentient, thinking being. It is the essence of a human and contains all of his conscious thoughts.
Rom 7:1-25 1 ¶ Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another––to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. 7 ¶ What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet." 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. 12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. 13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 ¶ For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God––through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. Rom 8:1-2 1 ¶ There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. [NKJV]
Long after the death of Christ it was still common practice to eat a meal, along with partaking of the Passover emblems. True to following Christ’s example of the time, the Passover emblems were taken during or at the end of the meal. For small family sized groups of people this practice is still commended, but for those who wish to meet in larger groups the family meal should be eaten at home as an ordinary meal, leaving only the Passover ceremony (eating of the bread, drinking the wine and foot washing) to be done within the larger group. The fact that people were still eating the old "Passover meal" is evidenced in 1Cor 11:20-22 where Paul is recorded chastising those people for poor behaviour, which exhibited a lack of understanding about the Passover service. There was nothing wrong with eating a meal per sé; it was the disregard those people showed for the sacrifice of Christ that was being criticized. The Passover is about sacrifice, service and selflessness for those wanting reconciliation with God, which is the opposite of the behaviour being shown by the people and therefore demonstrating that they did not want reconciliation. 1Cor 11:20-22 "...Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you..." [NKJV].
The principal issue here actually concerns whether or not one is partaking of the Passover in a worthy manner – an issue which has caused some anxiety for many of God's people for a long time. However, the people of God need not be in any doubt or be anxious when they partake of the Passover emblems. You see, “not discerning the Lord’s body” as mentioned in 1Cor 11:29 (For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body) is the New Testament equivalent of treating the old Passover meal as any other common meal, not realizing that it (now the emblems) symbolize a great sacrifice which resulted in the opportunity for freedom – freedom to live God’s way of life. This is what Paul was trying to explain to the NT church in 1Cor 11:29-32. These people were eating both the old Passover meal publicly and partaking of the new Passover emblems, but their selfish and irreverent conduct clearly showed they were not prepared to leave spiritual Egypt. The command in Ex 12:11 to "eat it in haste" and be prepared to travel is symbolic of the command to be prepared to leave spiritual Egypt and start living God's way of life – something these people showed by their conduct that they did not understand. Accordingly, they partook of the Passover in an unworthy manner. Partaking of the Passover in a worthy manner is exactly the opposite – not just being prepared to live God's way of life, but since we have been baptized with the Holy Spirit we must be fully committed to God's way of life.
Further detail regarding the Passover meal and Passover observance is covered in the Passover article.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
