Is Salvation by Faith, by Works,
or by Both?
or by Both?
During the interval between the first and second salvations we are commanded to "work out" our spiritual (second) salvation with fear and trembling, Philippians 2:12:
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
If Yahweh is with us, what should we fear?
We need to fear the temptation to turn back to the ways of the world and become enslaved again by the spirit of disobedience. Why should we be fearful and tremble about falling? Ephesians 6:12 tells us why:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Without the spiritual strengthening of Yahweh's indwelling Holy Spirit, the individual is helpless against these forces. But Yahweh will not do the resisting for us. He will only show us the way to avoid sinning and strengthen us to endure the trials and tribulations the evil forces will bring upon us for resisting them.
Each believer must personally will to resist evil and make a determined effort to live by Yahweh's commands or Yahweh will withdraw His Spirit and leave a vacant temple for evil spirits to return to. This is the reason Paul was warning the Galatians about the danger of becoming enslaved by the spirit of disobedience.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
If Yahweh is with us, what should we fear?
We need to fear the temptation to turn back to the ways of the world and become enslaved again by the spirit of disobedience. Why should we be fearful and tremble about falling? Ephesians 6:12 tells us why:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Without the spiritual strengthening of Yahweh's indwelling Holy Spirit, the individual is helpless against these forces. But Yahweh will not do the resisting for us. He will only show us the way to avoid sinning and strengthen us to endure the trials and tribulations the evil forces will bring upon us for resisting them.
Each believer must personally will to resist evil and make a determined effort to live by Yahweh's commands or Yahweh will withdraw His Spirit and leave a vacant temple for evil spirits to return to. This is the reason Paul was warning the Galatians about the danger of becoming enslaved by the spirit of disobedience.
Working Out Your Salvation
Apparently, these first-century Galatians didn't understand any better than most people do today that we are living in the interim period between the first and second salvation. And that, even though we are in the New Covenant, the promise of eternal life is not unconditional. We must not only believe and have faith but we must obey also.
Can "work out your salvation" mean anything else when demanded of a baptized believer? Doubtless, these Galatians had been taught, just as we have, that Scripture says the righteous shall live by faith and that if we confess our sins, Yahshua will forgive our sins,
It is evident that no man is justified by the law in the sight of Yahweh, for the just shall live by faith.
On the basis of this Scripture and the fact that the Bible also says, "The flesh is weak,” Matt. 26:41 and Mark 14:38, man's doctrines teach that a baptized believer doesn't need to fear sinning because Yahshua will forgive our sins—all sins.
The Holy Word indicates that a person who doesn't believe that Yahshua is the Messiah, or that He will raise us in the resurrection, is not likely to submit to baptism in Yahshua's Name. Even if a person submits to baptism, but does not have real faith, meaning a firm conviction of a coming resurrection and the assurance of the promise of eternal life, the person is not likely to exercise the willpower to obey. He won't remain under Yahweh's grace to receive the spiritual strength to resist temptations and endure trials and tribulations to the end.
It is sad that so many people who think of themselves as "born again" remain spiritually blind to the fact that, even after receiving the first salvation, they must continue to work—strive, do good works, all mounting to obedience to Yahweh's law—in order to receive the second salvation.
Because of a mistranslation of 1 John 3:9 (Whosoever is born of Yahweh doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of Yahweh.), they are taught that they don't sin because they can't sin. A bit of word study shows that the Scripture is not saying we can't sin; it is telling us "we don't sin because we do not continue in sin."
As one reads in Romans 6:1, Paul asked baptized believers,
What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?
There should be no question that many Scriptures plainly indicate that a baptized believer can sin.
If the Spirit can be put in us, it can also be with-drawn from us. What else can Yahshua mean by,
Remain in Me and I will remain in you, John 15:4?
Yahshua and Yahweh are one, John 10:30. They are one in the Spirit as the brethren are one in the Body. If the Spirit isn't in us we are not His,
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of Yahweh dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of His, Romans 8:9.
The idea that once a person comes under Yahweh's grace that He will never withdraw His Spirit from the person is a false doctrine Satan wants the believer to believe. The only way Satan can get his evil spirit back into that fleshly temple is by deceiving the believer into quenching Yahweh's Spirit and deliberately continuing in sin to gratify a sinful nature.
Living according to our sinful nature is death,
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live, Romans 8:13.
Satan wants the baptized believer to believe that this warning applies only to nonbaptized worldly people.
Even in the NIV the Greek word gennao (Strong's No. 1080) is mistranslated "born." This is another factor leading to misunderstanding (1 John 3:9). Gennao is the Greek word used in the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament for the Hebrew word yalad (Strong's No. 3205). Yalad means "to beget." Gennao means "to procreate" and figuratively "to regenerate."
John is telling us that once we are begotten by Yahweh's Spirit we will not continue to transgress His law. A person with Yahweh's Spirit dwelling within can be thought of as a spiritual embryo. Before birth, a physical embryo has no choice in a decision to abort the fetus, but a spiritual "embryo" can choose to live or die before being born into eternal life.
Apparently, these first-century Galatians didn't understand any better than most people do today that we are living in the interim period between the first and second salvation. And that, even though we are in the New Covenant, the promise of eternal life is not unconditional. We must not only believe and have faith but we must obey also.
Can "work out your salvation" mean anything else when demanded of a baptized believer? Doubtless, these Galatians had been taught, just as we have, that Scripture says the righteous shall live by faith and that if we confess our sins, Yahshua will forgive our sins,
It is evident that no man is justified by the law in the sight of Yahweh, for the just shall live by faith.
On the basis of this Scripture and the fact that the Bible also says, "The flesh is weak,” Matt. 26:41 and Mark 14:38, man's doctrines teach that a baptized believer doesn't need to fear sinning because Yahshua will forgive our sins—all sins.
The Holy Word indicates that a person who doesn't believe that Yahshua is the Messiah, or that He will raise us in the resurrection, is not likely to submit to baptism in Yahshua's Name. Even if a person submits to baptism, but does not have real faith, meaning a firm conviction of a coming resurrection and the assurance of the promise of eternal life, the person is not likely to exercise the willpower to obey. He won't remain under Yahweh's grace to receive the spiritual strength to resist temptations and endure trials and tribulations to the end.
It is sad that so many people who think of themselves as "born again" remain spiritually blind to the fact that, even after receiving the first salvation, they must continue to work—strive, do good works, all mounting to obedience to Yahweh's law—in order to receive the second salvation.
Because of a mistranslation of 1 John 3:9 (Whosoever is born of Yahweh doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of Yahweh.), they are taught that they don't sin because they can't sin. A bit of word study shows that the Scripture is not saying we can't sin; it is telling us "we don't sin because we do not continue in sin."
As one reads in Romans 6:1, Paul asked baptized believers,
What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?
There should be no question that many Scriptures plainly indicate that a baptized believer can sin.
If the Spirit can be put in us, it can also be with-drawn from us. What else can Yahshua mean by,
Remain in Me and I will remain in you, John 15:4?
Yahshua and Yahweh are one, John 10:30. They are one in the Spirit as the brethren are one in the Body. If the Spirit isn't in us we are not His,
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of Yahweh dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of His, Romans 8:9.
The idea that once a person comes under Yahweh's grace that He will never withdraw His Spirit from the person is a false doctrine Satan wants the believer to believe. The only way Satan can get his evil spirit back into that fleshly temple is by deceiving the believer into quenching Yahweh's Spirit and deliberately continuing in sin to gratify a sinful nature.
Living according to our sinful nature is death,
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live, Romans 8:13.
Satan wants the baptized believer to believe that this warning applies only to nonbaptized worldly people.
Even in the NIV the Greek word gennao (Strong's No. 1080) is mistranslated "born." This is another factor leading to misunderstanding (1 John 3:9). Gennao is the Greek word used in the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament for the Hebrew word yalad (Strong's No. 3205). Yalad means "to beget." Gennao means "to procreate" and figuratively "to regenerate."
John is telling us that once we are begotten by Yahweh's Spirit we will not continue to transgress His law. A person with Yahweh's Spirit dwelling within can be thought of as a spiritual embryo. Before birth, a physical embryo has no choice in a decision to abort the fetus, but a spiritual "embryo" can choose to live or die before being born into eternal life.
Remaining Faithful Is Crucial
Many Scriptures tell us Yahweh will not cast off and destroy people who accept His Messiah's sacrifice for sins IF they abide in the Messiah and endure to the end. But, many Scriptures also warn us that Yahweh WILL cast off and destroy even converts to Yahshua who do not remain on the vine (Yahshua) and bring forth fruits of the Spirit in their lives.
During the flood Yahweh destroyed the entire human race except for righteous Noah and his family because of the people's wickedness and disobedience,
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with Yahweh. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The earth also was corrupt before Yahweh, and the earth was filled with violence. And Yahweh looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted His way upon the earth. And Yahweh said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth, Genesis 6:9-13.
Noah and his family were saved (rescued) because of their faith and obedience,
By faith Noah, being warned of Yahweh of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith, Hebrews 11:7.
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the unrighteous, 2 Peter 2:5.
Israel was delivered from bondage to Egypt (first salvation) only because they were the offspring of righteous Abraham with whom Yahweh had made a covenant (agreement).
Then, not long after the deliverance, Yahweh told Moses He was going to destroy the Israelites because of their disobedience and lack of faith. Yahweh spared them immediate annihilation only because righteous Moses pleaded for mercy upon them, Numbers 14:11-23.
Yahweh could have destroyed that generation of Israelites and raised up another nation through Moses' offspring without breaking His covenant with Abraham because Moses was a descendant of Abraham.
Yahweh didn't destroy them, but neither did He allow them to enter the Promised Land. Israel had failed to remain obedient as promised.
Moses was a mediator of a covenant with Yahweh and was a type of Yahshua the Messiah, Who is the mediator of a New Covenant with Yahweh,
And to Yahshua the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel, Hebrews 12:24.
We are told that the things that happened to the Israelites because of their idolatry and disobedience happened as examples to warn us of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience.
What should New Covenant Israelites understand from the examples?
Moses pleaded for mercy upon the Israelites and Yahweh did not destroy them in a sudden, total annihilation. BUT NEITHER DID HE ALLOW THEM TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND!
Yahshua continually intercedes with Yahweh to be merciful, as our idolatry and disobedience is because of ignorance and misunderstanding resulting from being deceived by Satan's false prophets. Yahweh heeds Yahshua's pleading and allows us to live in spite of our sins.
It is a fatal mistake knowingly to continue in lawlessness because we believe Yahweh will allow us to enter His kingdom as a result of Yahshua's intercession on our behalf.
Take heed to the following three Scriptures:
And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before Yahweh, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him. Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth Yahweh; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of Yahweh, and hath broken His commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him, Numbers 15:27-31.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries, Hebrews 10:26-27.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see Yahweh: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of Yahweh; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears, Hebrews 12:14-17.
If these Scriptures are not ignored, they will open the eyes of a lover of Yahweh's Truth to this danger impeding a future spiritual salvation.
Without faith it is impossible to please Yahweh,
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to Yahweh must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, Hebrews 11:6.
Yahweh gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him,
And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom Yahweh hath given to them that obey Him, Acts 5:32.
Believe and obey with faith! There is no other way to receive the promised inheritance (eternal life in the Kingdom), even in the New Covenant.
The promise, in the New Covenant, is NOT UNCONDITIONAL any more than it was in the First Covenant mediated by Moses. Yahweh cast off the northern 10 tribes of Israel because of their idolatry and cut off the Jews because of their faithless, hypocritical obedience. Are not these also examples of Yahweh's displeasure with even His own people now who persist in Baal worship or a faithless, hypocritical obedience and vain worship of Him?
This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me, Matthew 15:8.
Many Scriptures tell us Yahweh will not cast off and destroy people who accept His Messiah's sacrifice for sins IF they abide in the Messiah and endure to the end. But, many Scriptures also warn us that Yahweh WILL cast off and destroy even converts to Yahshua who do not remain on the vine (Yahshua) and bring forth fruits of the Spirit in their lives.
During the flood Yahweh destroyed the entire human race except for righteous Noah and his family because of the people's wickedness and disobedience,
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with Yahweh. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The earth also was corrupt before Yahweh, and the earth was filled with violence. And Yahweh looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted His way upon the earth. And Yahweh said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth, Genesis 6:9-13.
Noah and his family were saved (rescued) because of their faith and obedience,
By faith Noah, being warned of Yahweh of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith, Hebrews 11:7.
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the unrighteous, 2 Peter 2:5.
Israel was delivered from bondage to Egypt (first salvation) only because they were the offspring of righteous Abraham with whom Yahweh had made a covenant (agreement).
Then, not long after the deliverance, Yahweh told Moses He was going to destroy the Israelites because of their disobedience and lack of faith. Yahweh spared them immediate annihilation only because righteous Moses pleaded for mercy upon them, Numbers 14:11-23.
Yahweh could have destroyed that generation of Israelites and raised up another nation through Moses' offspring without breaking His covenant with Abraham because Moses was a descendant of Abraham.
Yahweh didn't destroy them, but neither did He allow them to enter the Promised Land. Israel had failed to remain obedient as promised.
Moses was a mediator of a covenant with Yahweh and was a type of Yahshua the Messiah, Who is the mediator of a New Covenant with Yahweh,
And to Yahshua the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel, Hebrews 12:24.
We are told that the things that happened to the Israelites because of their idolatry and disobedience happened as examples to warn us of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience.
What should New Covenant Israelites understand from the examples?
Moses pleaded for mercy upon the Israelites and Yahweh did not destroy them in a sudden, total annihilation. BUT NEITHER DID HE ALLOW THEM TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND!
Yahshua continually intercedes with Yahweh to be merciful, as our idolatry and disobedience is because of ignorance and misunderstanding resulting from being deceived by Satan's false prophets. Yahweh heeds Yahshua's pleading and allows us to live in spite of our sins.
It is a fatal mistake knowingly to continue in lawlessness because we believe Yahweh will allow us to enter His kingdom as a result of Yahshua's intercession on our behalf.
Take heed to the following three Scriptures:
And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before Yahweh, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him. Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth Yahweh; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of Yahweh, and hath broken His commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him, Numbers 15:27-31.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries, Hebrews 10:26-27.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see Yahweh: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of Yahweh; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears, Hebrews 12:14-17.
If these Scriptures are not ignored, they will open the eyes of a lover of Yahweh's Truth to this danger impeding a future spiritual salvation.
Without faith it is impossible to please Yahweh,
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to Yahweh must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, Hebrews 11:6.
Yahweh gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him,
And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom Yahweh hath given to them that obey Him, Acts 5:32.
Believe and obey with faith! There is no other way to receive the promised inheritance (eternal life in the Kingdom), even in the New Covenant.
The promise, in the New Covenant, is NOT UNCONDITIONAL any more than it was in the First Covenant mediated by Moses. Yahweh cast off the northern 10 tribes of Israel because of their idolatry and cut off the Jews because of their faithless, hypocritical obedience. Are not these also examples of Yahweh's displeasure with even His own people now who persist in Baal worship or a faithless, hypocritical obedience and vain worship of Him?
This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me, Matthew 15:8.
Is a Lawkeeper a Legalist?
Many so-called "born again" Christians agree that Yahweh requires obedience of His people. Even with these people, however, there are questions about what should be obeyed.
What are good works? Some don't believe obedience to even the moral law is required. They teach that all that Yahweh requires is that a baptized believer confess guilt and the sin will be forgiven.
Others who believe that obedience to the moral law is required do not believe that "good works" means obedience to all Old Covenant law that was not changed with the change in the priesthood,
For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law, Hebrews 7:12.
In their minds, a preacher who teaches more than obedience to moral law is a legalist, such as the apostles had to contend with.
They are convinced that the law of love, expounded by Yahshua and the apostles, is an entirely different law than Old Covenant law. To them the change in the law was the replacement of a law of sin and death with a law of love and grace and not merely an elimination of no longer necessary sacrificial ritual laws and priestly laws with a refocusing upon the spirit of the law rather than the letter.
In his commentary, Paul's Epistle to the Galatians, Dr. Charles Erdman says Paul's epistles establish an essential Christian truth: "Justification by faith alone." He also says that this faith must be so real as to involve complete submission to the perfect law of love.
To Erdman, does submission mean obedience? If not, what does it mean? It can be proved in Scripture that the "law of love" in the New Covenant is the same good, spiritual, Old Testament law by which Paul was trained:
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin... If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good, Romans 7:14, 16.
I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward Yahweh, as ye all are this day, Acts 22:3.
Man's doctrine of "faith alone" was first proclaimed by Martin Luther and can be proved false. The doctrine may be essential to most Christians, but it is contrary to Bible truth. The statement that faith must be so real it involves complete submission (obedience) is a contradiction of the idea of "faith alone." Man's doctrines not only contradict Scriptures, but also man contradicts himself in his teachings of them.
The truth of this will be revealed to anyone in complete submission to the influence of Yahweh's Spirit (grace) who will study to sift the wheat from the chaff in man's teachings and test everything against the Word of truth—the Bible.
The doctrine "faith alone" ignores James 2:24,
You see a person is justified by what he does and NOT BY FAITH ALONE. (emphasis added).
Obvious contradictions like this are not shown and false beliefs rest upon twisted meanings of other Scriptures that would show up as obvious contradictions if the Scriptures were correctly understood.
If what is made to appear as a contradiction in Scriptures is studied until the correct relationship of the verse involved is understood, the falseness of the doctrine will become obvious.
Many so-called "born again" Christians agree that Yahweh requires obedience of His people. Even with these people, however, there are questions about what should be obeyed.
What are good works? Some don't believe obedience to even the moral law is required. They teach that all that Yahweh requires is that a baptized believer confess guilt and the sin will be forgiven.
Others who believe that obedience to the moral law is required do not believe that "good works" means obedience to all Old Covenant law that was not changed with the change in the priesthood,
For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law, Hebrews 7:12.
In their minds, a preacher who teaches more than obedience to moral law is a legalist, such as the apostles had to contend with.
They are convinced that the law of love, expounded by Yahshua and the apostles, is an entirely different law than Old Covenant law. To them the change in the law was the replacement of a law of sin and death with a law of love and grace and not merely an elimination of no longer necessary sacrificial ritual laws and priestly laws with a refocusing upon the spirit of the law rather than the letter.
In his commentary, Paul's Epistle to the Galatians, Dr. Charles Erdman says Paul's epistles establish an essential Christian truth: "Justification by faith alone." He also says that this faith must be so real as to involve complete submission to the perfect law of love.
To Erdman, does submission mean obedience? If not, what does it mean? It can be proved in Scripture that the "law of love" in the New Covenant is the same good, spiritual, Old Testament law by which Paul was trained:
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin... If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good, Romans 7:14, 16.
I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward Yahweh, as ye all are this day, Acts 22:3.
Man's doctrine of "faith alone" was first proclaimed by Martin Luther and can be proved false. The doctrine may be essential to most Christians, but it is contrary to Bible truth. The statement that faith must be so real it involves complete submission (obedience) is a contradiction of the idea of "faith alone." Man's doctrines not only contradict Scriptures, but also man contradicts himself in his teachings of them.
The truth of this will be revealed to anyone in complete submission to the influence of Yahweh's Spirit (grace) who will study to sift the wheat from the chaff in man's teachings and test everything against the Word of truth—the Bible.
The doctrine "faith alone" ignores James 2:24,
You see a person is justified by what he does and NOT BY FAITH ALONE. (emphasis added).
Obvious contradictions like this are not shown and false beliefs rest upon twisted meanings of other Scriptures that would show up as obvious contradictions if the Scriptures were correctly understood.
If what is made to appear as a contradiction in Scriptures is studied until the correct relationship of the verse involved is understood, the falseness of the doctrine will become obvious.
Paul's Two Opposite Factions
Paul's epistles reveal that he was confronted by two almost opposite problems because his teaching about faith and law was misunderstood.
One problem was Gentile converts who believed that because they were under Yahweh's grace that they didn't need to be concerned with obedience to the law.
The other problem was Jewish and some Gentile converts who didn't understand the change in the law believed that they must still obey all Old Covenant law, including circumcision of the flesh,
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Messiah shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law, Galatians 5:2-3.
Concerning the problem with Gentile converts, read 1 Corinthians 5:1 through 6:11. Then read Galatians 3:1 through 5:15. This last addresses Jewish converts and some Gentiles influenced by Jews who Paul says are trying to pervert the Good News,
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Messiah, Galatians 1:7.
Circumcision of the flesh was the Old Covenant sign of righteousness,
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also, Romans 4:11.
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands, Ephesians 2:11.
The New Covenant sign of righteousness is circumcision of the heart and is not made with hands,
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Messiah, Colossians 2:11.
This sign is not visible in the flesh, but is evident in the change from living according to the natural, sinful man to living in the likeness of the Messiah,
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of Yahweh, they are the sons of Yahweh...For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren, Romans 8:13-14, 29.
The Gentiles were reminded that they had been lawbreakers before turning to the Messiah, and warned that if they now continued in lawlessness or in associating with immoral sinners that they would lose their salvation. The warning is not so subtle that serious Bible students should miss it.
Surprisingly, even distinguished Bible scholars never seem to see it or understand it.
On the other hand, Paul warned Jewish converts and probably some Gentiles influenced by the Jews that they were also in danger of losing their salvation for an entirely different reason, Galatians 2:14-5:4.
His warning was: Anyone who receives ceremonial circumcision of the flesh becomes obligated to keep the whole law. "Whole law" must mean all (unchanged) Old Covenant law. Paul warns that ritual circumcision of the flesh cuts a man off from the Messiah and the spiritual influence of Yahweh's grace.
Paul was telling the legalists that works without faith are dead works. Sometime after Paul wrote to Galatia, James deemed it necessary to remind Gentiles who misunderstood Paul's teaching that faith without works (obedience) is a dead faith.
Both men understood good works to be the result of obedience to "torah" (all the teachings of Yahweh, including the changed, New Covenant law).
Yahshua said,
If you love me, keep My commandments, John 14:15.
Paul said,
Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law, Romans 13:10.
Paul's epistles reveal that he was confronted by two almost opposite problems because his teaching about faith and law was misunderstood.
One problem was Gentile converts who believed that because they were under Yahweh's grace that they didn't need to be concerned with obedience to the law.
The other problem was Jewish and some Gentile converts who didn't understand the change in the law believed that they must still obey all Old Covenant law, including circumcision of the flesh,
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Messiah shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law, Galatians 5:2-3.
Concerning the problem with Gentile converts, read 1 Corinthians 5:1 through 6:11. Then read Galatians 3:1 through 5:15. This last addresses Jewish converts and some Gentiles influenced by Jews who Paul says are trying to pervert the Good News,
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Messiah, Galatians 1:7.
Circumcision of the flesh was the Old Covenant sign of righteousness,
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also, Romans 4:11.
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands, Ephesians 2:11.
The New Covenant sign of righteousness is circumcision of the heart and is not made with hands,
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Messiah, Colossians 2:11.
This sign is not visible in the flesh, but is evident in the change from living according to the natural, sinful man to living in the likeness of the Messiah,
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of Yahweh, they are the sons of Yahweh...For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren, Romans 8:13-14, 29.
The Gentiles were reminded that they had been lawbreakers before turning to the Messiah, and warned that if they now continued in lawlessness or in associating with immoral sinners that they would lose their salvation. The warning is not so subtle that serious Bible students should miss it.
Surprisingly, even distinguished Bible scholars never seem to see it or understand it.
On the other hand, Paul warned Jewish converts and probably some Gentiles influenced by the Jews that they were also in danger of losing their salvation for an entirely different reason, Galatians 2:14-5:4.
His warning was: Anyone who receives ceremonial circumcision of the flesh becomes obligated to keep the whole law. "Whole law" must mean all (unchanged) Old Covenant law. Paul warns that ritual circumcision of the flesh cuts a man off from the Messiah and the spiritual influence of Yahweh's grace.
Paul was telling the legalists that works without faith are dead works. Sometime after Paul wrote to Galatia, James deemed it necessary to remind Gentiles who misunderstood Paul's teaching that faith without works (obedience) is a dead faith.
Both men understood good works to be the result of obedience to "torah" (all the teachings of Yahweh, including the changed, New Covenant law).
Yahshua said,
If you love me, keep My commandments, John 14:15.
Paul said,
Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law, Romans 13:10.
You Can't Have Both, They Claim
The Epistles of Paul to the Galatians by Charles R. Erdman has a chapter entitled "Christian Liberty," in which he says that there are two very real dangers to salvation: Legalism and lawlessness. He goes on to say that the convert to Yahshua who has received Yahweh's grace is at liberty to choose life or death and there can be no compromise, no divided allegiance, no combination of contradictory methods. It is either law or grace, either faith or works.
This statement indicates just how subtle, profound and pervasive the deception implanted by the spirit of disobedience is. It is true that the danger to salvation is legalism and lawlessness, but the real division is whether a person serves Yahweh or the Adversary.
For the person who serves Yahweh, it is not "either/or." It is law AND grace, faith AND works. It takes Yahweh's grace to obey the law in spirit and truth, and it takes real faith to do good works and remain steadfast in grace.
Without real faith, a person will tend to put trust in a meticulous obedience to the letter of the law or in ritualistic observance of religious rites, so-called sacraments and traditions of the fathers.
Many believe that "good works" means only moral deeds and cheerful support of the church and charities.
Study Hebrews 10:26-31 in conjunction with Numbers 15:22-31 and understand the warning! Yahweh's grace does not nullify this warning in the New Covenant.
People who want to believe that it does may point to Matthew 18:21-22 and Luke 17:3-4 and ask, "Does Yahweh require us to be more merciful than He is?" No. Yahshua is only telling us that Yahweh will not be merciful with us if we are not merciful with brethren. He is not telling us to forgive a brother an infinite number of times who repeats the same offense over and over.
A babe in the Word, through ignorance, may unintentionally commit several offenses in a day, but if the offender receives Biblically sound correction and repents, then endeavors not to repeat the same offense again, the spiritual babe must be forgiven for each offense.
The Epistles of Paul to the Galatians by Charles R. Erdman has a chapter entitled "Christian Liberty," in which he says that there are two very real dangers to salvation: Legalism and lawlessness. He goes on to say that the convert to Yahshua who has received Yahweh's grace is at liberty to choose life or death and there can be no compromise, no divided allegiance, no combination of contradictory methods. It is either law or grace, either faith or works.
This statement indicates just how subtle, profound and pervasive the deception implanted by the spirit of disobedience is. It is true that the danger to salvation is legalism and lawlessness, but the real division is whether a person serves Yahweh or the Adversary.
For the person who serves Yahweh, it is not "either/or." It is law AND grace, faith AND works. It takes Yahweh's grace to obey the law in spirit and truth, and it takes real faith to do good works and remain steadfast in grace.
Without real faith, a person will tend to put trust in a meticulous obedience to the letter of the law or in ritualistic observance of religious rites, so-called sacraments and traditions of the fathers.
Many believe that "good works" means only moral deeds and cheerful support of the church and charities.
Study Hebrews 10:26-31 in conjunction with Numbers 15:22-31 and understand the warning! Yahweh's grace does not nullify this warning in the New Covenant.
People who want to believe that it does may point to Matthew 18:21-22 and Luke 17:3-4 and ask, "Does Yahweh require us to be more merciful than He is?" No. Yahshua is only telling us that Yahweh will not be merciful with us if we are not merciful with brethren. He is not telling us to forgive a brother an infinite number of times who repeats the same offense over and over.
A babe in the Word, through ignorance, may unintentionally commit several offenses in a day, but if the offender receives Biblically sound correction and repents, then endeavors not to repeat the same offense again, the spiritual babe must be forgiven for each offense.
A Contrite Heart Is Essential
An elder or a person having preaching, teaching or other leadership responsibilities, who sins because of ignorance or lack of understanding, must be reproved and corrected scripturally as a brother and forgiven upon repentance.
A repentant babe in the Word or otherwise scripturally immature brother must bring forth fruits worthy of repentance,
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, Luke 3:8a.
He must do the good works that prove repentance to remain under Yahweh’s grace,
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to Yahweh, and do works meet for repentance, Acts 26:20.
An elder who sins because of ignorance or lack of understanding is unqualified for spiritual leadership. The elders who laid their hands upon the fallen brother to ordain him were either too hasty, 1 Timothy 5:22, or they seriously misjudged the brother's spiritual maturity and understanding of Yahweh's Word.
Even though Yahshua tells His disciples, and all elders, in Matthew 18, "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven," He cannot mean an unwitting sin of ignorance cannot be forgiven even if the elders and brethren refuse to forgive the sinner.
Yahshua sees the sinner's heart and knows the mind and motive that impelled the act, whereas the brethren's reactions result from what they see outwardly. This must be why the brethren are commanded not only to avoid evil, but also even the appearance of evil.
Abstain from all appearance of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV.
Avoid every kind of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 NIV.
Regardless of the brethren's reaction, a fallen brother or sister, guilty of an unwitting sin of ignorance, is not in danger of losing salvation unless they quench the Spirit (put it out of their hearts). This happens when we harden our hearts against spiritual correction or allow anger over what we perceive as an injustice to prompt us into committing deliberate sins.
Isaiah 57:15 and Hebrews 3:8 and 4:7 warn against hardening the heart.
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones, Isaiah 57:15.
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness, Hebrews 3:8.
Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, Hebrews 4:7.
Psalm 51:17 tells us that Yahweh does not despise a broken, contrite heart,
The sacrifices of Yahweh are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O Yahweh, thou wilt not despise.
An elder or a person having preaching, teaching or other leadership responsibilities, who sins because of ignorance or lack of understanding, must be reproved and corrected scripturally as a brother and forgiven upon repentance.
A repentant babe in the Word or otherwise scripturally immature brother must bring forth fruits worthy of repentance,
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, Luke 3:8a.
He must do the good works that prove repentance to remain under Yahweh’s grace,
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to Yahweh, and do works meet for repentance, Acts 26:20.
An elder who sins because of ignorance or lack of understanding is unqualified for spiritual leadership. The elders who laid their hands upon the fallen brother to ordain him were either too hasty, 1 Timothy 5:22, or they seriously misjudged the brother's spiritual maturity and understanding of Yahweh's Word.
Even though Yahshua tells His disciples, and all elders, in Matthew 18, "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven," He cannot mean an unwitting sin of ignorance cannot be forgiven even if the elders and brethren refuse to forgive the sinner.
Yahshua sees the sinner's heart and knows the mind and motive that impelled the act, whereas the brethren's reactions result from what they see outwardly. This must be why the brethren are commanded not only to avoid evil, but also even the appearance of evil.
Abstain from all appearance of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV.
Avoid every kind of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 NIV.
Regardless of the brethren's reaction, a fallen brother or sister, guilty of an unwitting sin of ignorance, is not in danger of losing salvation unless they quench the Spirit (put it out of their hearts). This happens when we harden our hearts against spiritual correction or allow anger over what we perceive as an injustice to prompt us into committing deliberate sins.
Isaiah 57:15 and Hebrews 3:8 and 4:7 warn against hardening the heart.
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones, Isaiah 57:15.
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness, Hebrews 3:8.
Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, Hebrews 4:7.
Psalm 51:17 tells us that Yahweh does not despise a broken, contrite heart,
The sacrifices of Yahweh are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O Yahweh, thou wilt not despise.
A Warning to Teachers
We are warned several times about the danger of false prophets and teachers. Paul says in Philippians 1:15-18 that some preach Messiah out of envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition. He says their motive for preaching is not important, but he doesn't say that what they preach isn't important.
Yahshua told the Jews to go to the Pharisees because they sit in Moses' seat and do what they say to do, but not to do as the Pharisees do because they do not do what they preach,
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not, Matthew 23:2-3.
Paul verifies this in Romans 2:17-23.
Here, Paul reproaches Jews who were supposedly the embodiment of knowledge and truth for teaching one thing and doing something else. Such conduct by a New Covenant preacher or teacher is unacceptable to Yahweh. Why?
Psychologists say that a child learns more by following the examples of parents and other adults than by listening to their instructions. The same is true of a spiritually immature babe in the Word. That is why Timothy is told to set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity,
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity, 1 Timothy 4:12.
"Monkey see, monkey do!" "If it is okay for him, it is okay for me, too." "He is no better than I, and Yahweh is no respecter of persons." Following the leader is a natural tendency and Satan tempts us to act on such thoughts and follow his false prophets.
People don't understand that the Scripture, "Yahweh is no respecter of persons," means that the lowliest blind sheep which follow a highly esteemed and charismatic blind leader will be led into judgment! What else can Yahshua mean by, "If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit"?
Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch, Matthew 15:14.
What has all this to do with salvation? A preacher or teacher who doesn't live by what he preaches is quenching Yahweh's Spirit. He is resisting Yahweh's spiritual influence (grace) either from ignorance and a lack of understanding or his motive for preaching is not love of the brethren and Yahweh.
He is a false teacher. And if he doesn't accept correction from Scriptures when pointed out to him, but continues in the error of his ways, he will forfeit his salvation and bring his followers into judgment with him.
The basic instruction for salvation is plain, simple, and easy to understand. Believe, repent, and be baptized into Yahshua's Name! Could anything be plainer and simpler?
The trouble is that preachers and teachers of man's doctrines do not tell their followers that repent does not mean to feel sorry for having sinned only, but also to turn away from continuing in sin! The person who follows the basic instruction and receives the free gift of righteousness and Yahweh's Spirit, also receives the promise that the Spirit will lead the believer into all truth.
The secret, hidden wisdom in Yahweh's Word, however, is imparted only to people who have studied enough to mature in knowledge and understanding,
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of Yahweh in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which Yahweh ordained before the world unto our glory, 1 Corinthians 2:6-7.
Even babes in the Word are commanded to grow in grace and knowledge of our Savior in order to avoid being carried away by lawless men,
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Master and Saviour Yahshua Messiah. To Him be glory both now and for ever, 2 Peter 3:17-18.
The only way to grow in grace and knowledge of Yahweh and His Messiah is to study the Bible and sift the wheat from the chaff of everything else people have written about these Mighty Ones. Those who have grown and matured in the Word are commanded to preach and teach the Word and be examples of righteousness for the babes to follow,
These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee, 1 Timothy 4:11-16.
I charge thee therefore before Yahweh, and Master Yahshua Messiah, Who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry, 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
Do not accept anything as truth until you have studied the Scriptures to separate the wheat from the chaff. Just make sure that what is rejected is rejected because it contradicts a correct understanding of Scriptures and not some doctrine of man.
Make sure that whatever truth is revealed that wasn't known before, has been revealed to you by Yahweh's Grace (holy influence of His Holy Spirit in your heart).
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Revelation 7:13-14.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely, Revelation 22:17.
Now is the day to study to show yourself approved and grow in grace and knowledge of Yahshua the Messiah. Now is the day to cast out the spirit of discontent and allow the Spirit of obedience to come in and shed light on the narrow pathway of righteousness Yahshua walked between works without faith (legalism) on one hand and faith without works (lawlessness) on the other.
May Yahweh's grace and the grace of our Master and Savior, Yahshua the Messiah, enlighten all who seek to worship in Spirit and truth.
We are warned several times about the danger of false prophets and teachers. Paul says in Philippians 1:15-18 that some preach Messiah out of envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition. He says their motive for preaching is not important, but he doesn't say that what they preach isn't important.
Yahshua told the Jews to go to the Pharisees because they sit in Moses' seat and do what they say to do, but not to do as the Pharisees do because they do not do what they preach,
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not, Matthew 23:2-3.
Paul verifies this in Romans 2:17-23.
Here, Paul reproaches Jews who were supposedly the embodiment of knowledge and truth for teaching one thing and doing something else. Such conduct by a New Covenant preacher or teacher is unacceptable to Yahweh. Why?
Psychologists say that a child learns more by following the examples of parents and other adults than by listening to their instructions. The same is true of a spiritually immature babe in the Word. That is why Timothy is told to set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity,
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity, 1 Timothy 4:12.
"Monkey see, monkey do!" "If it is okay for him, it is okay for me, too." "He is no better than I, and Yahweh is no respecter of persons." Following the leader is a natural tendency and Satan tempts us to act on such thoughts and follow his false prophets.
People don't understand that the Scripture, "Yahweh is no respecter of persons," means that the lowliest blind sheep which follow a highly esteemed and charismatic blind leader will be led into judgment! What else can Yahshua mean by, "If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit"?
Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch, Matthew 15:14.
What has all this to do with salvation? A preacher or teacher who doesn't live by what he preaches is quenching Yahweh's Spirit. He is resisting Yahweh's spiritual influence (grace) either from ignorance and a lack of understanding or his motive for preaching is not love of the brethren and Yahweh.
He is a false teacher. And if he doesn't accept correction from Scriptures when pointed out to him, but continues in the error of his ways, he will forfeit his salvation and bring his followers into judgment with him.
The basic instruction for salvation is plain, simple, and easy to understand. Believe, repent, and be baptized into Yahshua's Name! Could anything be plainer and simpler?
The trouble is that preachers and teachers of man's doctrines do not tell their followers that repent does not mean to feel sorry for having sinned only, but also to turn away from continuing in sin! The person who follows the basic instruction and receives the free gift of righteousness and Yahweh's Spirit, also receives the promise that the Spirit will lead the believer into all truth.
The secret, hidden wisdom in Yahweh's Word, however, is imparted only to people who have studied enough to mature in knowledge and understanding,
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of Yahweh in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which Yahweh ordained before the world unto our glory, 1 Corinthians 2:6-7.
Even babes in the Word are commanded to grow in grace and knowledge of our Savior in order to avoid being carried away by lawless men,
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Master and Saviour Yahshua Messiah. To Him be glory both now and for ever, 2 Peter 3:17-18.
The only way to grow in grace and knowledge of Yahweh and His Messiah is to study the Bible and sift the wheat from the chaff of everything else people have written about these Mighty Ones. Those who have grown and matured in the Word are commanded to preach and teach the Word and be examples of righteousness for the babes to follow,
These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee, 1 Timothy 4:11-16.
I charge thee therefore before Yahweh, and Master Yahshua Messiah, Who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry, 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
Do not accept anything as truth until you have studied the Scriptures to separate the wheat from the chaff. Just make sure that what is rejected is rejected because it contradicts a correct understanding of Scriptures and not some doctrine of man.
Make sure that whatever truth is revealed that wasn't known before, has been revealed to you by Yahweh's Grace (holy influence of His Holy Spirit in your heart).
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Revelation 7:13-14.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely, Revelation 22:17.
Now is the day to study to show yourself approved and grow in grace and knowledge of Yahshua the Messiah. Now is the day to cast out the spirit of discontent and allow the Spirit of obedience to come in and shed light on the narrow pathway of righteousness Yahshua walked between works without faith (legalism) on one hand and faith without works (lawlessness) on the other.
May Yahweh's grace and the grace of our Master and Savior, Yahshua the Messiah, enlighten all who seek to worship in Spirit and truth.
-Elder Ralph Henrie, deceased
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