Can the real Paul please stand up

8/7/2019 Can the real Paul please stand up

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C C a a n n t t h hee R Ree a al l P P a auul l p pl l ee a a s see s s t t a a n n d d uu p p……

There’s a growing number of people debating over Paul these days. Generally, thereare three views of him. Let’s look at different views and then at what Paul actuallyteach in order to see if he was the man who invented “GRACE”, or the man who wasa hypocrite or a Torah abiding teacher who taught the Gentiles who became part ofIsrael.

View #1 - Catholic view that became a common Christian view:

For the bulk of Christian history, Catholicism taught that salvation comes by receiving"grace" through "sacraments", and that any obedience to the Commandments ofYHWH was seen as "judaizing" and cut them off from Messiah. The Reformationstarted on the path back to the Truth by rejecting any salvation based on humanefforts, such as "indulgences" or the "7 sacraments" - yet Luther still brought a fewof the "sacraments" out with him!

Paul’s writings have been used to defend the position that believers are saved by"grace alone" (Eph. 2:8,9). Paul's so-called “anti-Torah” (anti-law) comments havebeen used mostly by the Reformers, because they desire to maintain theReplacement Theology of Romanism (that the "church" replaced Israel), settingaside any application of the Ten Commandments as having bearing on inheriting

eternal life. The Ten Commandments that define sin have been annulled in this view,and salvation through belief in Y’shua’s shed blood supercedes any need to obey???They claim we are now “free” from the “curse” of “the law”, and anyone attempting toobey the “Old Covenant” is seen as a heretic, judaizer, and a reprobate. Forcenturies this view was enforced through the Catholic institution’s dogmas as well,and any competing views were vigorously eliminated - with extreme prejudice (theywere killed). It was a man named Marcion that promoted the forbidding of what iscalled the "Old Covenant", which included the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings.He allowed only the writings of what came to be known as the "New Testament".



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View #2 – Messianic view (some) thinking Paul was a Heretic

Today there are Torah observant believers in Messiah Y’shua (Messianic) who go tothe other extreme, and call Paul himself a heretic who was responsible for the“apostasy”, the falling-away from the Torah by Christianity.

For those who believe Paul’s letters indicated an annulling of any Commandmentspertaining to the definition of sin, or that he contradicted the words of Rabbi Y’shua,please consider that you may have misunderstood what Paul was referring to.

View #3 - Messianic view thinking Paul is mis-presented

Then there are the believers who believe in Y’shua the Messiah and follow the Torah,who accept Paul but reject “lawlessness” have been given a balanced understandingof his letters. Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, who were known as adult males“uncircumcised” in their flesh. They also know that Peter pointed out that Paul'sletters were not easy to understand, but were “twisted” by those who were untaught(2 Pet 3:15,16). Peter warned us to watch, lest we be led away to destruction by thedelusion of the lawless. He didn’t include Paul as a lawless one, but stated thatPaul’s letters were being twisted, as were “the other Writings”. Those who live andbelieve they are “free” to disregard the Commandments are in spiritual danger; Petermentioned their “destruction” — this is why it is very important to know who Paul wasand what he taught and believed so that you will interpret the Scripture correctly. Thereason is that Paul’s letters were translated from Aramaic (original) and translated toGreek (some) and our English or any other language is a third translation not fromthe original and errors slipped in as well as the translator’s doctrines.

Lets start by loking at Paul, who he was, what he taught and what he did so that wecan understand Paul’s letters the way he wrote it.

1. What did Paul say about the Torah (Law)?

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In Rom 2 Paul said that we must not be hearers of the Law only, but doers ofthe Law as well, then you shall be declared right. In Rom 3 Paul said that weestablish the Law through our faith, by the way we live. In Rom 7 he said thatthe Law is Holy and the Commandments are Holy, righteous and good. Lateron he quoted David from Ps 119 where he said that he delights in the Law ofElohim. This sounds like Paul embraced the Torah (Law) and did not preachagainst doing the Law. In his letters he definitely preach against the attitude ofpeople who said they obey the Torah but their lives did not show it.

He also spoke against salvation through only the Law and emphasize the fact thatyou need to start with faith in Y'shua to become righteous. He preached the need forreceiving the Spirit and if you follow the Spirit, you will obey the Law because the

Holy Spirit is the One Who helps us to be Holy or live as His Set Apart (Holy) people,not doing the things of the world but rather the things of Elohim.

Paul’s writings are difficult to understand and someone who does not haveknowledge of Scripture (Tanak) will pervert it and misinterpret it and it will lead tofalse doctrines and the destruction of many.

We need to understand that Paul’s writings are used to confirm that the Law is nomore and that Paul’s letters are used to confirm the doctrine of “no more Torah” butliberty in the Spirit and freedom from the bondage of the Law. Let’s see what Peter,one of the elders and leaders of the Jerusalem counsel had to say about Paul’sletters.

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Care should be taken when you make assumptions and define doctrine using Paul’sletters and you need to study the Scripture and know it very well to understand whatPaul really meant and have to read everything in context if you do not want to fall intothe trap of confusion and false doctrine. Paul should never contradict himself or

others in the Word and this is what he said about the Law (Torah). From this youcan see that Paul was pro-Torah - the question is, will he promote the other sideencouraging pagan traditions mixed in with the Torah? Most people in normalChristian Churches believe so in order to confirm their doctrines and to make themwork.

In Paul's day it was very important to have a "good name" and if people labelled youas a hypocrite, then you loose all credibility and people will not receive you or yourteachings. Paul was very proud of his heritage being from a Rabbinical line and beingone of the best students under Gamaliel.



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In the Hebrew culture it was very important to LIVE what you TEACH because your"halechah" or "walk" was who you are and your worship. Why would Paul then saythese things about the Torah, showing that he embraces it and do it but on the otherhand, with a different audience, teach that you can do what you want????? This willtake away all his credibility and he will be labelled a hypocrite.

Paul was accused of doing this and than he did something most people do not knowabout....he proved that he followed the Torah 100% by taking a Nazarene vow. Thiswas a very expensive way to prove that you follow Torah and he had to pay a wholeyear's wages as part of this vow and this proves that Paul felt very strong aboutclearing his name and that people will know that he did not teach against the Torah.

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Paul was accused of teaching the believing Jews not to keep the Law of Moses,better known as the Torah, they accused him of teaching them not to circumcise theirchildren and not to walk after the customs as prescribed in the Torah. As witness

against these accusations, Paul and four men with him took a Nazarite vow to provethat he did not do these things, that these were false accusations and that hefollowed the Torah orderly.

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These accusations were false because of them observing what is commanded in the

Law of Moses and detailed in Numbers 6. When they saw Paul fulfilling the Nazaritelaw of purification, bringing the sacrifice, they stirred up the crowd with the news andlaid hands on him and blessed him, believing that he (Paul) obeyed the Torah andthey saw that these accusations against him were false.



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2. What did Paul believe and what did he base his doctrines on?

The people said that Paul did not keep the Torah (Law) and thathe taught his followers not to follow the Torah because it isabolished. This is the general belief among Christians today,

which base most of their doctrines upon the letters Paul wrote todifferent assemblies, which included the Gentiles who came tofaith. They say that Paul taught people not to keep the Torah,because if you do, you will be doomed and fall from grace andloose your salvation. This is a serious statement that will drivepeople away from the Torah and only embrace Grace and Faith in the Name andSacrifice of the Son of Elohim. There is danger in this theology because you willneglect the instructions in the “New Testament” regarding Holiness or set-apartness,not to look and live like the worldly people. Many people today have faith in Jesus butdo mot have the fruits because of this twisted view proclaimed by the Church leadersof this age.

Doctrine - the Hebrew word - “leh'-kakh”, that means - something received , that

is, (mentally) instruction (whether on the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in anactive and sinister sense) inveiglement: - doctrine, learning, fair speech.

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This supports the meaning of Torah or Instructions which comes from the root word“yarah ” that means – to flow like water, rain, to learn how to shoot. Paul knew thisand that is why he gave Timothy the guidelines what to use the Scriptures (TaNaK)for:

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Yes, Paul said that All Scripture (known at that time was the Torah, Prophets and thePsalms – TaNaK) and the Brit Chadasha (New Testament) did not exist yet. In otherwords; Paul said that the Torah (Law or Instructions), the Prophets and the Psalmsare to be used for DOCTRINE and for reproof, correction, and to be used asinstructions on how to live righteous or HOLY. In the Scripture you will find YHVH’sDOCTRINE that is like rain that brings life. False doctrines are of man and are aperverted version of His Instructions.

Peter, one of the leaders of the Jerusalem Counsel said that we should be Holy(righteous and set apart) because YHVH is Holy, and he quoted from the TaNaK :

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Paul wrote to the Assembly in Ephesians that we should BE HOLY and set apart,different to the worldly people, without blame before Him, in other words; righteous.



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You can see here that Holiness is one of the two things we need to be blamelessbefore YHVH, the other thing we need is the Blood of the Lamb for forgiveness. Wecome into the Kingdom of YHVH through the Blood and through forgiveness ANDTHEN we need to undergo the cleansing process called HOLINESS so that we willlook different and be set apart and be known as the “Righteous people of El ” ,”Yisra- El” or Israel. [Grafted in - Rom 11]. He gave us His HOLY SPIRT to help us to walk inHOLINESS and in TRUTH (not following false doctrines – things the contradict theTaNaK or Scriptures).

How do I know what Holiness is and where do I find the guidelines for Holiness?According to Paul, in the TaNaK.

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In the Torah of YHVH you will find what sin is (negative commandments – things toavoid) and what holiness or righteous living is. (doing the positive commandmentsand avoiding the negative commandments or sin).

Be careful to make assumptions and to build doctrine upon isolated verses onlyfound in the “New Testament”. Build your doctrine on all Scripture and upon the

foundation of h=his Word, the Torah or instructions. These are the things you shouldtake in \to account when you challenge the doctrines you currently follow:

All doctrine should be in harmony with the rest of Scripture and there shouldbe no contradictions.

Read all Scripture in context, taking into account that the people are that he isaddressing and lastly, please use the true meaning of the words and idiomsand take the cultural aspects into account, to fully understand and interpretthe verse correctly. It is not that straight forward and that is why Peter warnsus not to be UNLEARNED or UNSTABLE in what the Scripture states or whatPaul wrote in his letters.

Remember that the “New Testament” did not exist in the time Paul wrote Hisletters.

Paul was not confused and did not contradict anything Y’shua said or what hehimself wrote.

Paul was a taught Pharisee and was difficult to understand if you did not know theScripture.



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3. Paul observed the Festivals and explained the meaning of these Festivals:

Many churches believe that the apostle Paul

fundamentally changed the way Christians are toworship. This notion assumes Paul taught gentiles thatobservance of the Holy Days was unnecessary. Althoughsome of his writings were difficult to understand, even by hiscontemporaries “ ,-!,,-, 6-.++--6()17!! )-8!)! ;&:!( Paul's explicitstatements and actions contradict any notion that he annulled or abolished Holy Day

observance.

In 1 Corinthians 11:1-2, for example, Paul told his followers to E *:EE1)*-." A few verses later he explained:E*!-$!*-2F!4134-1 41J132!13!2J 86!#This Paul most probablyexplained on the Festival day to the Believers in Yeshua (from Gentile origin as well).

If Paul's practice had not been to observe the Holy Days, his comments to the Jews

and gentiles in Corinth would have been meaningless. Clearly, evidence is lackingthat Paul ever discouraged anyone from keeping the annual festivals; such anotion would have been for him unthinkable (Acts 24:12-14; 25:7-8; 28:17).

On the contrary, the biblical record of Paul's ministry repeatedly depicts the HolyDays as important observances, milestones in his life. For example, he told theEphesians that 8 *1)!<8+<

In Acts 20:16 and 1 Corinthians 16:8 we find Paul arranging his travel schedule toaccommodate the Feast of Pentecost. “ 5*) .! “ In Acts 27:9 Luke, Paul's companion in his travels, referred to the timeof year as after "the Fast ," a reference to the Day of Atonement.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary, in a reference to Acts 20:6, notes that Paul,unable to arrive at Jerusalem for the Passover, ".))!16-5 ..." (Richard N.Longenecker, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 1981, Vol. 9, p. 507). Regarding Acts20:16, the same commentary notes that Paul ")<.!.- (p. 510).



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Paul's ministry included observing the Holy Days with the Church. If Paul was againstthe Festivals, why did he not say anything? A famous verse used by people today,Gal 4:9-10, where Paul apparently call the Feasts, “poor elementary matters of the world ”, not to be observed. This is taking this verse out of context because Pauldefined “elementary matters” earlier on in the same chapter and in Col 2:8,20:

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It is not the Feasts that are the elementary matters of the world, but man’stradition, philosophy and trickery. The Feasts are not man’s idea or part of man’sphilosophy or tricks to enslave people, they are the Feasts of YHVH, given by Him toman so that man can realize His plan of redemption and it gives freedom, and notbondage.

In defending the gospel he preached, Paul said he brought the same message theother apostles taught, he did not bring us “new revelation” but he revealed the Word: " *)!-E=:/>'

Paul and all the apostles taught a consistent message of the Christian's obligation tofollow the example of Yeshua the Messiah in all matters. The apostle John, who

wrote near the close of the first century, summed up this message: " 44141 " (

Jewish believers continued to uphold the Holy Days, as did gentile Believers (see"Colossians 2:16 shows Gentile Believers kept the Holy Days" ). From all thesereferences we can conclude only that the practice of the early Church was tocontinue the observance of these God-given festivals, the first of which is thePassover.



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4. Did Paul teach against the Sabbath and the Festivals?

The Seventh Day Sabbath and the Festivals are seen asOrdinances of YHVH together with the new moons.

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Many say that Paul taught that all these Ordinances havebeen nailed to the Stake (cross) and we as believers inJesus (Y’shua) do not need to observe the Sabbath,Festivals or new Moons as taught by Paul in

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Is this what Paul said or is this one of those cases where people do not have the fullknowledge of Scripture and perverted Paul’s writings? The Colossians’ were gentilesand this is seen in the phrase ‘uncircumcision of your flesh’. This means that theyhave never been “under the Law of YHVH” (Torah) but was under sin. So how canHe nail a Law to the stake (cross), a Law they were not commanded to obeypreviously? What did Y’shua then nail to the cross then?

Ordinance in Hebrew is the word "chooqah" that comes from the root word and verbal root "chaqaq" that means 'to hack or engrave, to cut in stone, to engrave'. This is the same action used when YHVH engraved the Ten Commandments in stone implying that

they will never go away or change. This is a different to the Ordinance in Greek , as used here in Eph 2:15 as well as in Col 2:14 that is the word "dogma" that means 'decree, civil or ceremonial law' and ordinance. This can be a decree of a king or a leader that involves your civil rights granted by this authority. A decree is 'a decision of a court or a judgment made by the appointed authority. A decree is based upon the breaking of a law and is the consequences. The Hebrew Ordinance is that Law that is broken. This proves that the Greek ‘Ordinance’ and the Hebrew ‘Ordinance’ are two different things and must not be confused.

This decree is different to the Ordinances of YHVH, which are His Feasts. His Feastsare His Redemption Plan and not His Condemnation decree. The decree that stoodagainst us was the penalty for sin, which is death; the decree made by our King. Thisdecree existed at the time of Adam when man committed the first sin. The Law orTorah defines what sin is. The decree that stood against us is the writings of theconsequences of sin, which are in the Torah, which Y’shua nailed to the stake(cross).

They are not physically removed and still stand against the unrighteous. This is thedecree that stood against us (all humans) because of sin we allowed in our lives andthe decree that was against us is the death penalty. This decree still stands forpeople who refuse to accept and obey YHVH. So in other words; He did not takeaway the definition or knowledge of sin (Torah), ignoring sin completely, for if He haddone so, Y’shua died in vain.



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No, someone had to die and eliminate the decree that was against man because ofsin. This act of Y’shua, of dying on the cross is to pay for the sin that was committed,and through this payment with His blood, He purged our names from the “deathpenalty” or “decree” and we can are set free from the consequence of sin (death),and not the Law (Torah).

Can Y’shua be a Judge without a Law (Torah) or measuring stick? No, you can only judge people according to some measure, which they knew about and instructed toobey. If Y’shua would judge without a standard, without communicating and explainthis standard (Torah), He will not be a righteous Judge. Lets rephrase the verse withthis insight:

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In conclusion, the Ordinances mentioned here are not the Sabbath, the Festivals or

the commandments other than the Ten Commandments; it is the decree or certificateof death, the death penalty that was against us, that was nailed to the stake (cross)and that is proven by the death of the Messiah.

5. Did Paul teach that Y’shua abolish the Law or the enmity?

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This is an often-misquoted verse in Scripture where people use this to teach thatY’shua abolished the Torah. If this is the case, first of all; It contradicts Mat_5:17 andthis cannot be and secondly; the context of this passage is describing where theJews and Gentiles (proselytes – Gentiles converted to Judaism), worshipped in

separation. (read from the beginning of this chapter).

The Gentiles who came to faith (into Israel) were not permitted to enter the innercourt and had to worship at the western wall behind the back of the Temple. Thesewere laws (ordinances or "dogma") the Pharisees invented to keep then separatefrom the Jews. Y’shua came to break down this dividing wall (take away the authorityof the Pharisees and their "dogma") so that all nations can be gathered into theKingdom and be grafted into Israel. Rom_11:16-23. It has nothing to do with YHVH'sLaw called the Torah. Context, context, context!!!



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6. Did Paul teach that Y’shua has set me free from the Law and that I am not under the Law but under Grace?

Paul made very straightforward statements here; we are not under the Law but underGrace, the Torah is the Law of sin and death and we are not under the Torah if theSpirit leads us. Can this be? This contradicts what he said previously about the Torah

as well as what Y’shua said in Matt 5:17. Here is a lot of confusion and we have toread the whole passage in context to see what Paul really meant by thesestatements.

People normally don’t read the other passages where Paul speaks highly about theTorah and that are why they only cling to these “out of context” interpretations to suittheir doctrine of “Grace only”.

Ignorance is the main reason for confusion and pre conceived ideas cause you toread the Scripture with a “grace lens” that filters out the real truth. Let’s study the severses in context: I use color coding to link the thoughts together so that you willfollow the context of the two themes more easily.

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There are two things mentioned here; we died with Messiah through immersion andwe are resurrected with Messiah into the new Life; Death vs. Life.

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We also see two themes mentioned here; set free from sin and not being servantsof sin, dead to sin, and becoming servants of Elohim, sinning no longer, aliveto Elohim and servants of our Master Y'shua.

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We see the same two themes here and the first theme is; that we should not let sinreign in our mortal bodies through fleshly desires and we should not present ourbodies to be subject and obedient to sin. The second theme is that we are deadto sin and alive to Elohim and we should give our bodies as instruments ofrighteousness.

Then the key part of the verse; sin shall not rule over you because you are notunder the law. Which law? The law of the flesh, not the Torah. How do I knowthis? Paul said so himself later in Chapter 7. He talks about two different laws; thelaw of the flesh and the law of the spirit (mind) or Torah.

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The same two themes used here; the law of the flesh or sin working against the

Torah or Law of the spirit (mind). Now we see which law Paul was talking about inRom_6:14-15. We are not under the law of the flesh but we are under the law ofElohim, the Law of the Spirit, the Torah, serving our Master according to Hisstandards and we do not serve sin through our fleshly desires.

Chapter 8 confirms this statement and these themes continue through this chapter aswell.

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We se the same two themes in Galatians where Paul talks about the Spiritual Law and the fleshly law. If you obey the Law of the Spirit, following the Spirit, you will notobey the law of the flesh, walking in the flesh and in sin.



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7. Paul said that if I follow the Law (Torah), I am under a Curse!

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Now if we took the stance of many on this scripture, we would say that anyone whotries to keep the law is under a curse. But that isn't what is being said here at all!!Look at the scripture that is being quoted from; Deut. 27:26- "(0:! $

Does this scripture say that those who do them are under a curse? Certainly not! It issaying those who DO NOT DO them are under a curse!!! So how does this fit in withwhat Paul said? It is those Jews who did not accept Y’shua’s Sacrifice that leads toforgiveness and salvation, those who relied on their ability to do the Law/Torah forsalvation. This passage also relates toD0 --!!!-1)$!!!'D/, *-!!!$#$)-!23!'

The curse you bring yourself under is the inability to do the Law/Torah 100% and ifyour salvation is dependant on your ability to do the Law, then you are in big trouble.It is only through the Blood and Grace of Messiah that we are covered in ourshortcomings.

The believers who were under the influence of the Pharisees preached circumcisionand they believe that you can only come into the Kingdom through ritual conversion,i.e. Circumcision.



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We as Gentiles only come into the Kingdom through Repentance and the acceptingof the Blood of Messiah who bears the scars in His flesh, not by the scar in yourflesh. By being circumcised as a step towards entering the Kingdom is making thework of Y’shua on the Stake (cross) of no effect and you are on your own and haveto comply 100% with the Torah to be declared righteous. This is the curse you bringyourself under if you rely on the “works of the flesh” or circumcision.

8. Saved by Grace and not by Works (Paul) or Saved by Good Works (James)? I am confused!

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If you read this whole passage in Ephesians 2 and also read James 2 then you mightget a bit confused. Are we saved by faith and faith alone or are we save through faithand works? Both Paul and James and John allude to Faith and Works (we arecreated to do good works and walk in them – Eph 2) and James 2 (prove your faithwith your works). This contradicts Eph_2:8-9 that simply stares that we are savedthrough Faith and NOT by Works. How can this be? The confusion lies within themeaning of the word “Faith” and our understanding thereof. Faith and Works areclosely related:

Faith is a religious word that people only things you it is to believe some truth or fact.

Truth is the Hebrew word "emeth" - - that means - firmness, faithfulness,

truth, true doctrine.



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"Emeth " comes from the root word "aman " - - meaning - to support, confirm,

be faithful, uphold, nourish (from father), reliable, faithful, trusty, to stand firm, totrust, to be certain, to believe in, faith.

Faith is the Hebrew word “emunah” that means: literally firmness;

figuratively security; moral fidelity: - faith, faithful, faithfully, faithfulness, [man]),set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily.

Faith is related to Truth and you cannot have true faith without the Truth and the onlysource of Truth is the Word of YHVH that comes from YHVH and Y’shua (Who is theWord and the Truth). “Emunah ” means to be steadfast and to be firm, just likeMoses had to hold up the staff, so you must be steadfast in your actions on what youbelief is the truth. This word is bent out of shape completely so that it will fit the “needbased” teachings flying around, sorry to say. In the Hebrew language, there is oneword that is the basis or foundation for several familiar terms that we frequently use.

This word is a verbal root. The word is “'aman ” “'Aman” is translated as faith,

faithful, believe, assurance, nursing father, nursing mother, pillars supporting a door

entrance. This root is also related to the word “amunah” that means -

faithfully, truth, faithfulness, steady; and the word emet – that means - truth, true,right; as well as the word we all know as “amen”.

Faith is a verb and an action that relates to faithfulness. We see the same withAbraham; he received “truth” from YHVH, believed it and acted on it, which causehim to be faithful in what he received from YHVH. The truth can be in the form of afact or it can be in the form of a Commandment (like Abraham) and actively acting onit is what makes you a man of faith or faithful in what you believe. This is exactly whatJames is saying and what Paul explains in Eph_2:10 ; that your faith that declaresyou righteous is based upon the TRUTH that comes from YHVH (He ordained it

beforehand) and reveal it to us so that we can ACT on it and be FAITHFUL in theTruth we receive from Him that sometimes comes in the form of Commandments weneed to obey.

So what are the “WORKS” Paul is on about that is not related to faith (or faithfulnessin truth) that leads to “good works” (Mitsvots – positive Commandments – expressingyour love towards your neighbour). Y’shua calls these “good works” the “light thatsines before men”, Paul calls “good works” (Mitsvots), and James calls “works thatproves your faith”. Mat_15:16, Eph_2:10, 1Ti_6:18, 2Ti_3:16-17, Jas_2:18-19,Tit_2:7-8., Tit_2:14, Tit_3:8, Tit_3:14, Heb_10:24, Heb_13:21, 1Pe_2:12. We getconformation from Y’shua, Paul, James, Paul and Peter, all saying that good worksare good and should be maintained as part of our faith. Many people struggle withthis idea because they have been taught that works are separate from faith and are

bad and labelled as legalism. Legalism is following man’s doctrines (instructions) andnot YHVH’s Instructions and truth.

Paul compares “good works” and “works ” (that will not save us) and James on theother hand talks about the “works” that result from your Faith in YHVH and HisWord, which is the same as the “good works” Paul is talking about. This faith thatJames is talking about, is a result from the Truth we find in the Word of YHVH. Thisis the second type of “works” that are “good works” Paul refers to in Eph_2:10 which he said YHVH foreordained so that we could “walk in them” or obey them.



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YHVH TRUTH FAITH FAITHFULNESS (OBEDIENCE) WORKS (FRUIT / WORSHIP) HOLINESS

Then there are “works ” that originated from man. This type or “works” are the“works” that are an outflow of your faith that is based upon “truth mixed with lies” or better known as false doctrines . Paul refers to this type of “works” as

“traditions of men” that Y’shua taught against it in Mat_5:12, Mat_15:3-7. This is whatlegalism is; to obey man made laws, traditions or doctrines . To obey YHVH’sLaw is know as “good works” and that is not legalism but part of our worshiptowards Him. (The one you obey is the one you worship).

Our faith result in actions that is “the fruit we bear” as a result of the seed of theTRUTH that has been sown in our hearts. These actions or “works” are related toworshipping YHVH because true worship is to obey YHVH’s Voice and to keep HisCommandments. Work is the Hebrew word “avodah” and means - a service, work,bondservant, labour, or servitude. The Temple service was called The “Avodah” .“Avodah ” comes from he root word “Avad ” that means; servant, to work, tocreate, to make and worshipers. To work and to worship is the same concept andyou worship YHVH while you work. It is a continual process that never stops and you

are constantly busy worshipping YHVH by “working” within the guidelines of HisCommandments. That is why Y’shua said we must worship the Father in Spirit and inTruth. Joh_4:23-24. Truth is the starting point of our worship that leans to faith andobedience that leads to “good works” that is our worship towards YHVH.

Worship = Works (based on following and obeying YHVH’s Word faithfully)

That is why “works” is not a bad thing or legalism and why Y’shua, Paul, James andPeter agree that your faith is visible through “good works” that are based on YHVH’sTruth that is our worship towards the Father. Mat_15:16, Eph_2:10, 1Ti_6:18,2Ti_3:16-17, Jas_2:18-19, Tit_2:7-8., Tit_2:14, Tit_3:8, Tit_3:14, Heb_10:24,Heb_13:21, 1Pe_2:12.

If we “walk” in a man made tradition or law, then it implies that we received the“truth ” from man (lie ) and our faith is a result of that “truth” (lie) and we are faithful and produce actions that reflects our believe in that doctrine . (works of our faithbased on man made doctrine – lies ).

If we “walk” in “YHVH’s Law (Torah) and follow the TRUTH we find in the Word,then our Faith is a result of that TRUTH (real truth) and we will be faithful in thatTRUTH and our actions (works) will reflect our believe in YHVH’s Word and Hisdoctrines found in Scripture. 2Ti_3:16. If you continue in the doctrine and do it, thedoctrine that comes from the TRUTH, then you shall save yourself and those whohear you. 1Ti_4:16, 2Ti_4:18, 1Co_3:13-15, Mat_25:44-46. The Master Y’shua saidthat if you neglect the good works towards your brothers, then you have not done thisevil against them, but against Him and you will enter eternal punishment. Your faithmust be seen in your actions and an outflow that result into “good works”. Faithwithout works is dead – Jas_2:20 and if your faith is dead than you have not attainedsalvation because you are saved through faith.

So in other words, you will always have fruit or actions that follow your Faith that isbased on what you believe to be the truth and that is what FAITH really is and howyour faith is seen by others (light sine before men Mat_5:16). The question is: Is yourFaith based on the TRUTH found in Scripture or is it based on a doctrine (false or



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twisted) that comes from man through twisting the Truth (Word) by mixing it withlies?

Man (Truth +lies) Faith FAITHFULNESS (OBEDIENCE) WORKS (FRUIT / WORSHIP) LEGALISM

You will only be Justified and declared Righteous if you have the Truth

(Undefiled, unchanged Word of YHVH) and from that your Faith will be basedthat will result in “good works” or actions that YHVH prescribed in His Word(Truth) and if you are faithful in it (Obey).

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You worship the one you obey. Do you obey the Truth that comes from YHVH ordo you obey the “false truth ” or doctrines and traditions of man (legalism) and

worship man instead of YHVH? In vain they worship YHVH OBEYING the teachingsand COMMANDMENTS of man. Mat_15:9. They transgress (disobey) theCommandments of YHVH with the traditions (doctrines/ teachings) of man. Mat_5:3.

This is why it is so important to search the Truth so that your Faith can be pure andwill lead to actions that will reflect the “good works” or actions YHVH predestined forus and that we may obey them and through that prove that we worship and love Him.

Lets put this back into perspective; we are saved by Faith (faithful obedience in theTruth that comes from YHVH and not man that result in “good works” as a result oraction) and not of works (that is based on man made doctrines) that we (man) shouldboast, and we are not saved of your own effort, but it is a free gift of YHVH.

What should we believe to be saved? We should believe the Truth that comes fromYHVH and that is given in His Word. Jas_1:21. It is His implanted Word (seeds ofTruth) that will save your soul. Our faith is based on the truth and these pointshighlight what the truth is we need to believe:

o His Word contains the truth and we must believe that His Word is the highestform of truth and the foundation of all truth. We must also believe in theProphecies that foretell of YHVH’s restoration plan of salvation. Joh_17:7,Act_3:21, Luk_16:16, Luk_24:44.

o This truth is prophesied and reveals the Lamb of YHVH that is Y’shua the

Messiah, the Saviour through Whom our dept is paid by Him Who died in myplace. I must believe the truth of righteousness and holiness and to follow the

Shepherd Who is Messiah Y’shua. Joh_3:36.o I must follow in His ways and listen to His voice and obey Him and submit my

will under His will that is the Will of the Father. The Will of the Father is torestore me to Himself though the Work of the Messiah and to apply His Wordto my life so that I can become like the Messiah and walk in Holiness andbear the fruit of the Spirit. Mat_7:21-23, Eph_5:26-27, 1Pe_1:16.

o I must believe in the truth of His Commandments and that it is the character

of the Father and obeying and following His Commandments is that whichchange me to become like Him. If I stumble and fall, then He is gracious andmerciful and forgives my trespasses if I repent.



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o This walk in Holiness and humble repentance submitting to His Word and His

Voice is that which guards me till the day of judgement where I will be savedfrom the wrath of YHVH and enter into His rest. Mat_18:4, Luk_13:3,Joh_10:3, Rom_1:18, Rom_2:5, Heb_3:10-14, Heb_4:3.

o You should believe the truth that obeying YHVH is worship unto Him andobeying His Commandments is how we love Him. Exo_20:6, Joh_14:21,Eze_37:24.

So Faith is not just a short word that links to the Messiah that gives the green lightinto the Kingdom, it is the whole expression of the whole truth you have receivedregarding His Word, His Commandments, the Messiah, His redemption plan andworshipping Him though humble obedience. That is the fruit or the “good works” ofyour faith that will result in true faith that is based upon the Word of YHVH and notthe skewed doctrines of man.

9. Did Paul teach that we could eat anything?

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Paul had a mixed audience to deal with in Rome; Jews whocame to faith in Y’shua who knew all the requirements ofYHVH regarding food, and the Gentiles, Romans whoreceived Y’shua who are used to live a life

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The main context here comes from the previous chapter - the lust of the flesh (in thiscase it is eating) , and then in regards to this - not to judge other people.

Paul uses an example of people eating any food, the question here is not what isfood and what is not food - clean & unclean, it is about eating any food, includingmeat, verses not eating meat. Paul does not argue whether it is clean or uncleanmeat, but rather eating meat or only eating vegetables. The MAIN thought here isNOT TO JUDGE someone who differs in opinion to you regarding food.Especially those who are "weak" in the faith, who came in as new believers and whoare not yet convinced or exposed to the things you know regarding food, according toYHVH's Word.

In short, do not drive people away with the truth you have regarding kosher, withoutthem understanding or having the time to search the Scripture to find out for



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themselves. You should receive them without raising the eyebrow on what tey eat, orin this case, not eat.

It never implies that we can eat all things (people tend to read that into verse 2);"..264F22--+2,-- ..." Isthis what Paul meant when he said this? No, He said that if they that are weak infaith, not knowing the truth about kosher, they ate only vegetables and did not eatmeat at all, because they did not know any better.

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This is clear in verse 3 what Paul was actually trying to bring across; they that eatmeat should not judge those who does not eat meat and vice versa. DO NOTJUDGE one another!

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Paul makes it quite clear that Y’shua is the Judge and He will judge all people and itis not your place to judge others, especially if you have the Truth.

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Paul gave the consequences with people who know the truth, judge those who are

new in the faith, they will drive them away and not give them enough room to growinto the same truth as they have. These arguments will cause your new brother inY’shua to fall away from the faith and would not want anything to do with Believers inY’shua.

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Paul wants us to zoom out and see the bigger picture; unity and love in Y’shua andgrowing together in the truth without judging one another. It is not about enforcing thetruth into someone's thought if he is not yet convinced about it, but gradually sowingseed in love that will convince them of the whole truth. This applies to every topic in

following YHVH's instructions and applies especially to Gentiles coming in fresh, notknowing YHVH's ways. Treat them in love, those who are weak and differ from thetruth, and allow your light to shine in love and reveal the truth to them as they areready to receive it. This is why we need the fruit of the Spirit called patience.





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According to History and Tradition, the Jews not only regarded the BIG 7 (Passover,Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Shavuot, Trumpets & Sukkot), they also kept minorfestivals like Purim and Chanukkah and on to of that, they had Fast days and otherHistorical events that is part of Jewish (Hebrew/Israel) History.

To explain this I will use an illustration. If Paul lived today and I live in Australia andcelebrated the Queen’s Birthday or Anzac day, will that matter, even if I do it untoYHVH and give Him praises for that day. If you live in South Africa you will celebrate“Geloftedag” (Covenant Day), to celebrate the victory YHVH gave the Boors fightingagainst the natives at the battle of Blood river. They all celebrate it unto YHVH andkeep it as a day of rest where you go to church like Sunday or Sabbath. Will Paul notsay the same things regarding Anzac day or “Geloftedag”?

We as Messianic Believers in Messiah have the same issues today as they had backthen regarding the minor Festivals and the question is, do you keep Purim andChanukkah because it is not in Torah? Some say it is Pagan and you add to theTorah doing it, others have NT proof that Y’shua kept it and did not say anythingabout it. The issue is that it is not COMMANDED by YHVH in the Torah and thatcauses issues that divide the people, which brings me to the next point.

Confusion also comes in here when you miss the context of what Paul was reallytalking about. Was he talking about the Sabbath or the Festivals when he spokeabout regarding a day and others not regarding the same day and YHVH does notcare what you do? We have already discussed the main message of this chapter inthe previous section; and that is NOT TO JUDGE YOUR BROTHER!

If I keep Chanukkah and Purim and keep it unto YHVH, leave me alone and stopcalling me Pagan. If you do not keep it because you are unsure and do not want tobe extra careful in keeping only those feasts that is specified in the Torah, so be it, donot keep it then. The believers in the Torah and the Messiah had the same dynamicsthat we have today and all these grey areas and differences cause us to divide andnot unite as we should and we start to fight and hate one another which was the

issue Paul addressed in Romans chapter 14. Can this be what Paul was talkingabout?

We have “Calendar Confusion” today and they had the same issues regarding whenthe beginning of the year was and when to celebrate Passover. Can this be whatPaul was talking about?

We do not have enough evidence in what the detail of the issues was other than thatit was about a day people kept unto YHVH and that it was not an issue if you do or ifyou don’t. Knowing that Paul, a Torah abiding follower of Messiah, would never teachagainst the Torah and proved so by taking the Nazarite vow, rules out the possibilitythat he was referring to the Sabbath or the 7 Feasts of YHVH. It could either be aboutthe minor Festivals (Purim , Chanukkah), or the timing of the Passover or any other

historical event they “remembered” (kept as a holy day like 9th

or Av – Fast day forthe Jews).

If there is not enough evidence to prove a pint without a shadow of a doubt, DO NOTJUMP TO CONCLUTIONS about what Paul “might have meant” but DID NOT SAY!Have Paul’s real character in the back of your mind, know what is standpoint wasregarding the Torah and the Festivals before you “put words in Paul’s mouth” provingyour doctrine that is out of context and contradicting the rest of Scripture!



Non Scriptural Fests or “Days of Remembrance” the Jews keep and could have kept in Paul’s day:

o Purim , another rabbinical festival in early spring, occurs on 14 Adar (15 Adar in walled cities),commemorating the deliverance of beleaguered Jewry in the Persian Empire under Artaxerxes,as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.

o Chanukkah beginning on 25 Kislev (usually in December), commemorates the triumph of theJews, under the Maccabees, over the Greek rulers (164 BCE) - is observed in Israel, as in theDiaspora, for eight days. The central feature of this holiday is the lighting of candles eachevening

o Tu B'Shevat , the fifteenth of Shevat (January-February), cited in rabbinical sources as the newyear of fruit trees for sabbatical, tithing, and other purposes, has almost no ritual impact.

o Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish new year. Its origin is Biblical (Lev. 23:23-25): “a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts [of the shofar, the ram’s horn].

o Lag B'Omer (18 Iyar), the thirty-third day in the counting of the weeks between Passover andShavuot, has become a children’s celebration featuring massive bonfires.

o Ninth of Av (Tisha B’Av , falling in July or early August), commemorates the anniversary of thedestruction of the First and Second Temples.

o Mimouna , unique to Moroccan Jewry, on the day after Passover, celebrating the renewal ofnature and its blessings.

o Saharana of Kurdish Jewry, after Sukkot , which was the national holiday of the Jews inKurdistan.

11. Conclusion:

No, Paul was not drunk or mad or spoke with a fork tongue, he was and ismisunderstood because of the translation and interpretation errors that lead people tothink that Paul started a sect where everything goes.

To answer the question regarding Romans 16:17; avoid people that teaches anotherdoctrine that Paul taught because they will only cause confusion and doubt and leadpeople into confusion making them ineffective for the Kingdom. We have seen whatPaul believed and what he taught, interpret his words in line with this and the rest of

Scripture and you would not be confused. Know what you believe and understandwhat the Scripture means and DO NOT BE UNLEARNED AND CONFUSED.

Can the real Paul please stand up

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