Manna from Heaven (3)
What say we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may increase? Romans 6:1 NASB
Sin – Having investigated this word for the last two days, we should have come to the conclusion that sin is defined by the culture that uses the word, not by some dictionary definition from another historical period. Since the word hatah finds its origin in the Hebrew culture of the 16th century BC, we must return to that culture to understand the meaning of the word. Consequently, sin is not what we say it is. Sin is what God says it is within the culture of Israel according to Torah. The meaning of the word is found in the culture of Scripture – Israel.
That’s a pretty bold statement. It might cause an immediate objection like this, “But the New Testament idea of sin is much broader and more universal. Doesn’t James say that whatever we know to be right but do not do is sin? Doesn’t Paul use the word in a much wider application? How can you claim that the only way I can understand this word is through the culture of Israel?” This objection is the unstated, implicit objection of the Church. In our experience, sin is not defined by the God of Israel alone. It is also defined by the Church. Therefore, drinking wine (alcohol) is a sin. Dancing is a sin. Swearing is a sin. Dressing in certain ways is a sin. Smoking is a sin. The list goes on. Add whatever you wish from today’s denominational distinctions. You see the point. How do these actions become sins? They become sins because the Church classifies them as sins according to the historical period and culture of the Church. And, by the way, the Church also declassifies some acts as “no longer sin,” for example, not worshipping on the Sabbath. A brief examination of the history of the religion will demonstrate the truth of this claim. One age after another altered the meaning of hatah to fit the needs of the culture because the Church no longer upheld the culture of Israel as the standard. In other words, the text was reinterpreted to fit the contemporary environment. We are still doing the same thing today.
How do we overcome the perceived objection that James and Paul and other New Testament authors viewed sin differently than Moses? The answer is obvious. Every New Testament author assumed that the reading audience already accepted the Hebrew/Israel idea of sin. James himself notes that he is unconcerned about Gentiles missing this point because “Moses is taught every week in the synagogue.” James’ statement underlines the cultural assumption that meaning is derived from the Hebrew Scriptures. The meaning of “sin” changes only after the Church separated itself from the culture of Israel.
In spite of the claim of sola scriptura, today’s Christian religion defines crucial words like hatah according to the Church and the text. By the way, this is not simply a Christian Church problem. Yeshua raised the same objection against some Pharisees (remember, “You have heard it said, but I say unto you”). Yeshua called the people to return to the ancient ways and the ancient meanings. Rabbinic Judaism in the 1st Century was also redefining the words (as the discussion of divorce makes abundantly clear). If Yeshua demands that we understand what God says according to the culture of the original, why do we think that we can redefine the words like the Pharisees attempted to do? What makes us think we have greater insight than God?
Today you might examine your actions in light of the ancient ways. My guess is that a lot of what you think is sin won’t be found in those old texts – and a lot of what you think doesn’t count at all will be found there. Be blessed.
Topical Index: sin, hatah, Romans 6:1
Sin in the Bible is linked with Torah – lawlessness, or in the Greek, anomia. The fact that Yeshua reminded the religious leaders that they “neglected the weightier matters” of the law, and the rampant trivialization of Torah that occurs today, is evidence of man’s desire, one way or another, to be the definer of good and evil (Gen. 3:5).
Among the many notions around today is the mistaken belief that Torah principles are commodities to be traded, especially in the political arena, rather than principles to be maintained at any cost. We are willing to give up some part of Torah in order to have something else established, as if we capable of knowing which principles should be given up. Sometimes you just need to read and re-read the story of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in the book of Daniel. After all, it is in the acknowledged Scriptures to teach us how we are to do the life of faith. And compromising on even “small” matters apparently should not be on the list of “approved” actions.
Ian echoes the sages and the sage from Galilee. The Scriptural example in the opposite direction is Joshua’s “TINY” compromise with the people of Canaan who disguised themselves. That tiny relaxation of God’s requirement eventually led to the downfall of the ENTIRE nation. If we could only learn from history.
I think this is the second reference you have made recently, to this pact Joshua made ‘for peace’ outside of God’s instruction. That comes to my mind every time I hear religious or political leaders call for us to ‘support Israel,’ or we will be cursed. It concerns me that it is Israel who would be in violation of the instructions they were given, and I do not want to contribute to anyone else’s sin – I have enough of my own. I find this attitude particularly prevalent in the segment of believers who claim that the law (Torah) is done away with, because Jesus ‘fulfilled’ it.
Thanks for the reply, Gayle. I use the Joshua example not as a reference to supporting Israel but rather as an example of what happens when we ignore even the smallest of God’s commandments. Joshua didn’t think he was doing anything wrong. After all, it APPEARED to be a compassionate act. But God told him directly what to do and he didn’t do it precisely as God told him. The consequences, many centuries later, were drastic. That’s the point. We think we are doing the right thing. We justify our behavior with our own ethical logic, but if it violates what God says, even to the smallest degree, we are in trouble.
Agreed. There is a HUGE distance between Compassion and Violence, and it can be confusing to perceive (sometimes) which is which. Appearances can be deceiving, and I need Truth. This is a particular concern for me, as I seek, not only to discover Truth through the Word and the Spirit, but also being aware that I influence others.
Thank you, Skip.
Excellent, very strategic message. Thanks, Skip
Gen. 12:3 God speaking to Abram. I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.
Ballam repeated the same blesing in Num. 24:9.
Peter used the same words in his sermon in Acts 3:25.
This sounds to me like we as Christians have a responsibility toward Israel.
For 4 1/2 years, I have been teaching the Hebrew worldview in a class at church. For the most part, the class has been receptive to the refreshing truths that stream from this wordview. There has been opposition, yet slight, through the years from a few attenders who have decided to move on. Today’s word is an example of what I covered last summer. What is sin, and who decides what sin is? That lesson drew the most opposition and confusion. Looking back, what I failed to explain clearly was not what sin is, but “how” to obey God in our modern culture. Most of the attenders raised the point that we live in a society where it is seemingly impossible to abide in Torah. I continue to struggle with that today. So, my question is not can you tell me what the instruction for living is (for I know what the Torah says), but how do we practically apply it within the culture we reside. God litterally removed His people from Egypt to make it “easy” for them to obey. I feel I teach the biblical principles correctly, but fail to show the people “how.” For example, many in the class agree that we should be observing the festivals and sacrifices of Scripture verses the modern pagan holidays and rituals. But what exactly does that look like? Also, many in the class agree with the dietary laws, but add that if God wrote the Torah today, He would probably add to refrain from processed foods because we really do not know what is in them. Restuarants and grocery stores sometimes deceive consumers with what they are buying and eating. I could go on and on with examples, but to sum this up, can someone answer the “how” question instead of the “what” question?
Jimmy
Tonight I came from our local church’s meetings, and we viewed the last in the video series, How Should We Then Live by the late Dr. Francis Schaeffer. In the discussion that followed the older folk recognized, for example the changes that had occurred with seven-day trading, and there was no longer any concept of a sabbath day of rest in our culture. We also, throughout the video series, recognized the multi-century changes that had taken place in people’s understanding of the Torah. For example, Magna Carta was an attempt to retain the “ancient laws of the realm” and contain the powers of the monarch. No such document exists today in any country. So our culture has been turning away from TORAH for at least EIGHT CENTURIES.
Now . . . what are we to do? Our neighbors could care less about faith in God. Secularism and atheism (or agnosticism) rule the culture in which we live. We cannot change the political scene, nor can we expect our demand for Torah principles to be heeded in our culture. So the question becomes, what are you and I going to do about it?
Truth is, there are many things we can do . . . and ought to do. No trading on the Sabbath, no lending at interest, no borrowing that allows credit expansion (inflation) which defrauds people of their purchasing power; get the kids out of the schools of humanism . . . Pick one. Make a start. It is not ignorance of God’s Law that is the problem. It is a heart of obedience. And too many of us are overdue for open-heart surgery.
Ian,
Thanks for responding. As I pondered what I had written, I realized that the reason I have had little opposition to teaching the Hebrew worldview is because I have yet to require any real life change to the teachings. I agree with you that “It is not ignorance of God’s Law that is the problem. It is a heart of obedience.” As soon as I tell people that they must stop trading on Saturday (i.e. going to college football games and theme parks, etc.) and take their kids out of the public school systems that will be the day of my “beheading.” Maybe it is time for a new “Exodus.”
Traveling on,
Jimmy 🙂
I understand the predicament well. Sometimes you have to step back from telling people what they should do and help them discover for themselves what they ought to do. It’s a challenge at the best of times.
And for these reasons, I have started a new book, “The Hitch-hiker’s GUide to Babylon.” Now all I need is the TIME to write it. And for that I need to stop traveling so much, but that means not teaching and doing the things I seem called to do, and so I need “The Hitch-hiker’s Guide” as much as the rest of us.
Sometimes, you need to take time out and watch a Clint Eastwood movie, usually one of his “Dirty Harry” series, because there you will find encapsulated in a few words, something quite profound. In this case, the move “Magnum Force” and the one-liner, “A man’s gotta know his limitations.” 🙂
Jimmy,
Good question. My present understanding is that we (Israel) are to do the best we can to understand and apply our Creator’s Torah. Personally Torah observance has been a lengthy, messy process of stumbling mostly forward. Not unlike my own children stumbling through life’s lessons. Their direction and attitude is far more important to me than perfect execution. As father’s we stand ready to encourage and help our children – even in their rebellion. We expect them to do their best.
Our challenge is that we live in exile. Exile from the Garden or Haeretz Israel removes us further from the ideal. We’re banished from our Father’s Temple, denied the pleasure and closeness of offering sacrifices to Him, His shekinah disappeared, etc… Producing fruit is more difficult in exile. That makes the little fruit we can bring to the table more valuable. Our exile will conclude with Messiah restoring Israel. Lessons will be learned. Those who did their best in exile will greatly appreciate what we’ve been denied. Until then, what more can we do?
Again, the subject of the book I need to write.
And when you do I’ll be the first to buy one. If it’s a pocket hand book take 10 of them!
Good insights Keith,
We we’re born into exile to a group of people who divorced themselves from the ancient ways 2000 yrs ago. Even the Jews who have kept them to some degree are a mess. It is a process getting back but get back we must. We do the best we can and grace covers us as we wade through the deceptions of our father’s faith both Jewish and Greek. Grace covers ignorance!
We can approach the throne boldly as we stand in the things we know are His and seek to become stronger in our understanding.
I’ve been doing this for over 20 yrs and just found out last year that tootsie rolls are dipped in rendered pork fat to make them shiny. 20 yrs ago I would have said “awwwwwwwwww
I can’t have tootsie rolls?” But my response 20 yrs into it was EUWWWWWWWWWWWWW
I think I’m going to vomit! I’m trained in that respect now to HATE sin.
It’s a powerful testimony when we begin to practice righteousness. It will and does bring persecution even if you try to do it quietly. Watch out if you try to proclaim it as the operative norm for G-d’s people.
Jimmy,
I find myself in a similar circumstance. Through an unlikely series of events, I find myself teaching a class at my church. I have begun to introduce the Hebrew worldview to the class, but I often frame it as ‘making peace between the testaments’.
My general approach so far has been to ‘define Paul’s words’ using “Old” testament references. For example, if Paul says to abstain from ‘sexual licentiousness’ – I suggest that this IS defined in the Torah, and therefore is not altogether up for interpretation. It’s pretty safe to teach that it’s still NOT okay to sleep with your mother-in-law,.. or animals — and no-one argues that those commands have been “done away with”. However, I’ve tested the line and I know many are still not able to accept anything perceived as “too Jewish”. I feel in many instances I am not able to be completely forthright, and I would love a little insight into how you’ve approached this, what has worked or not, ect.
If you get the itch or would like to compare a few notes: donotmesswithtexas@yahoo.com
I’ve tried to get others to start teaching the class, but the most I can get is a substitute when I can’t be there. When I feel conflicted – I’ve thought of outing myself as a “Torah wasn’t done away with” guy. I’ve thought of just quitting as the teacher. And then I’ve thought, “I need to be a good steward of this position.” I just want to do the right thing here.
On a very simplistic level, it seems to me that there is a striking difference between
The worldview of David and the worldview of Rabbinic Judaism in the 1st Century
And to me the worldview of Rabbinic Judaism in the 1st Century looks a lot like Catholicism
“Lascivious thoughts” seem to be a primary focus of Rabbinic Judaism and Catholicism
But David is punished for immoral actions such as adultery and murder
David breaks the “objective” laws of God and there is not much concern regarding
His lascivious thoughts that led up to his immoral actions
The Laws are a little like the laws of physics, an action creates a reaction in the real world
You reap what you sow
It is not about the power of positive thinking, although that probably doesn’t hurt
But the Laws would seem to be a far cry from the Protestant ethic and the spirit of Puritanism
That followed Catholicism and the Rabbinic Judaism in the 1st Century
Which brings me to my favorite song
All about David by Leonard Cohen
“Hallelujah” by Rufus Wainwright (Irish performance)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmbQEQltOwM
Thank you!
I think one of the great failures of some missionaries was not making the Gospel relevant to the culture they were trying to reach, while at the same time not grounding it firmly in the culture in which it was written. Importing a lot of Western cultural ideas about dress, etc. and equating them with being a follower of Christ was a big error for many. This is not at all the same thing as watering down the message so that it is palatable to sinners and, as Jimmy stated, so that little or no heart or life change is required; this is a more common error today.
Before I entered my rebellious years, I asked my mother why we couldn’t eat corn during Pesach.
Her reply was that the Israelites didn’t have corn, so it was not appropriate to eat it. This did not make sense to me, because they didn’t have the means to make chocolate macaroons, either, or Gefilte fish, for that matter, and those were all acceptable dishes for Pesach. That disconnect was part of what started me searching for Truth……
Emily, And, one could argue, that the children of Israel didn’t have the technological advantage of a GPS either, which would have led them to the Promised Land much quicker and with less chastisement than following this Moses fellow. So I am left to wonder if it is not so much about the things we DON’T have, as it is about that which we DO have which causes up to wander around in circles in this hot, barren desert i.e. rebellion, stubbornness, idolatry, unbelief, etc. Shalom, Michael
I agree! When I taught about the life of Moses with a group of children of all ages and all backgrounds, we used a CEF curriculum and went in-depth – reading about slavery in the US, tasting unleavened bread, etc. One lesson they all learned and could repeat every week was that the Children of Israel spent most of their time “murmuring and complaining.” How hard is it to just accept what God says and do it? Very hard, sometimes! So I still wander in circles at times. At least I now know there is a Way out, and He is Yeshua.
I just came to this Word for Today – today 12th November and I just had to write to say that every single comment by all you cyber space brothers and sisters – especially in this WFT – is such a blessing – your wish for truth, faithfullness, and adherence to Torah is so comforting and uplilfting. This particular paragraph from Ian really confirmed a ‘stance’ I am having to take at the moment about an issue in my life and walk.
“Among the many notions around today is the mistaken belief that Torah principles are commodities to be traded, especially in the political arena, rather than principles to be maintained at any cost. We are willing to give up some part of Torah in order to have something else established, as if we capable of knowing which principles should be given up. Sometimes you just need to read and re-read the story of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in the book of Daniel. After all, it is in the acknowledged Scriptures to teach us how we are to do the life of faith. And compromising on even “small” matters apparently should not be on the list of “approved” actions.”
Thanks Ian….yes we need to walk the walk and sometimes leave the talk!
Any mention of sin and immediately ( I wonder why) I am drawn to the cross. Sin is the problem. Of this, I have no doubt. What then is the solution? Think like a Greek? Think like a Hebrew? No. Not at all. Is there then (he inquired) a solution for sin? What do the scriptures say? Cultural Christianity? or Biblical Christianity?- Again, what do the scriptures say? (I’m not budging, but firmly fixated upon one Book, a very Ancient Book, the Book of the Ages,(not the book of the month), our Bible.
Sin is most assuredly the problem. Isaiah (a very ancient book) chapter 59 and verse 2 states: ~ but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear ~
Now let me “spin this up” (or is “spin” even necessary?) (Don’t spin, but stand!). Why not let the word of God speak for itself? What do the scriptures say? Are we ignorant? or is there anyone left among us who even cares anymore? Flame on. Ignore this Book at your peril. I speak from experience. I know what happens when God’s instructions for rightly-related living are ignored. Adam and I can tell you (from experience) what sin does. Sin will take you further than you want to go, sin will keep you longer that you want to stay. Sin will cost you most than you are willing to pay. Sin is pleasurable, (for a season), but “look for the hook.” And you must pay to play. Sin comes at great cost. Just ask Adam. Ask the son of the prodigal Father, what it cost him. (Luke 15:11-32) Does this story sound familiar? Can I get a (tearful) witness? Any sinners online today, or am I the only one? Our Redeemer reconciles, but Sin separates.
Or ask Moses, or David or hundreds, (more like billions) of others. Better yet, (Mr. Sinner) go look in the mirror and “you” testify as to the “goodness?” of sin. Behold your own scars and your own woundedness and brokenness. Sin leaves a slimy trail of destruction, death, and disease in it’s path.
How many ( I do wonder) have ever even heard of the parable (it’s a story, kids) of the Good Samaritan? (Luke 10:25-37) Busted up and broken, robbed and beaten, (welcome to Life 101) a man (me) was hanging on to life by a thread, barely breathing, no hope and not much future. Three men had opportunity to help. ONE did. The Good Samaritan ( a Jew BTW) saw him, had compassion on him, and stopped to help. The other two? Only “who” knows. And why would God the Son represent Himself, as the Good Samaritan, when the Samaritans were enemies, (certainly not friends) of the Jewish people? Helpful household hint,- It wasn’t “religion,” nor “Law” that rescued this victim- it was Someone who saw and had compassion.
“Grace was introduced and interceded and intervened for Need”
God knows what we need (A Savior) and He has provided in the figure of a Lamb.
Here, my friends, is the solution for sin. It is Lamb’s blood. Once again, may there be a voice, clear, strong and loud. ~ Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world ~ (is this message of John the Baptizer, still “relevant” for today?) Who will hear and who will respond? Seems I heard Someone say- “whosoever will may come.” Does this include the Jew? Are the Gentiles excluded? Or are “sinners only, welcome here?”-why was the veil of the Temple torn in two?
~Therefore, if anyone (anyone) is *in Christ,* he (or she) is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come ~ (2 Corinthians 5.17)
Hear the prayer of this man, ~ Yeshua, thou Son of David, have mercy on me..~ or the short, simple, strong prayer of this man, ~ LORD, save me..~ (Peter’s passionate prayer). Does God hear prayer?
~ And be found *in Him,* not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith; that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death ~
(Philippians 3.9,10)
The solution for sin is (only) the blood of The Messiah, (a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, shed for us (all) on Calvary’s cross.
~ But to those called by God to salvation/deliverance/rescue, “both” Jews and Gentiles, Christ (THE MESSIAH) is the power of God and the wisdom of God ~ (1 Corinthians 1.24)
There is a “straight and narrow Way” that leads unto Life.. Could it be Him who said, “I AM the Way?”
Shalom, dear friends. So,…. how then, practically, are we to ‘live’ in this world and yet not be part of it? From my own experiences I have found that first comes the testing, then the praying and then an ACTION is required by me – obedience – and then finally comes the blessing. Sometimes there are weeks and months between this sequence, other times days or only hours.
Once we have submitted to Yah everything that we are, and seek His truth in every aspect of our lives – our first and most difficult test is over. It then becomes a matter of choice v temptation.
About 7 years ago I discovered the joy of keeping Torah, the pleasure of setting the sanctified time of Shabbat aside to learn the scriptures and spend the day with Him. From then, the celebrating of His feast times, learing and keeping His mitzvot (commandments) understanding His judgements and statutes (mishpatim and chukkim) became second nature – it felt natural – not something to be agonised or deliberated over. For me this meant hard testing – as I had much explaining to do of my decisions and actions to my unbelieving spouse and children. At times I was tempted to give up some of my principles – for an easier life.
I believe that as a parent and in my case – a wife too – I have to lead by example. I can’t put it all into words here of how many times we all clashed, the fierce arguments, the misunderstandings, the tears we shed …. and yet through His grace alone we are still all happily together. These days I consider myself greatly blessed as my husband and children who don’t understand my views accept me as I am and understand that I cannot simply give ‘God’ up and forget it all so that it can be like it was years ago before I changed.
My children recently surprised me for my birthday by cooking a special meal last Friday evening, by taking the dietary laws into consideration, by choosing a film I’d be prepared to watch, tidying up the house and laying up the table complete with candles (no TV trays)! It was a lovely evening – a wonderful start to Shabbat for me.
They have discovered ‘resting on the Sabbath’ is ‘nice’ and try not to work on Saturdays anymore – to have that day off if possible. My husband comments and checks on menus to see if there are things I can eat, and enjoys time out on Saturday too. Sometimes they ask questions out of interest rather to be provocative and argumentative. They now know where Israel is on the map and know a few words of Hebrew and are pleased to have me answer the ‘Religious’ questions in the quizz team! My family accepts that I willingly and joyfully choose this way for myself and I in return accept that I can’t change them (so have stopped trying so hard) – only Yah can – and will if and when He pleases.
I urge anyone reading this in a similar situation to ask Yah for the courage to stand firm and persevere through the tests set before you, to speak His Truth no matter what the consquences, to stand up and answer Yah when He calls you. Do this and start today and then you’ll find that you are setting an example to others by ‘living’ it. Be patient with your family, friends and colleagues and let Yah bring them – in His perfect time, just wait on Him. Shalom.
Be blessed my dear friend Andy. I know this but reading here on the blog brought tears of joy knowing what gem you are in Yah’s kingdom. May those who read be encouraged to wait on Him and get manna from heaven as they seek to walk the Torah way.