Simple Simon
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1 ESV
Genealogy – Believing the good news accounts about Yeshua the Messiah is not difficult. The witnesses wrote about what they saw. They wrote to people who understood the meaning and implications of these eyewitness accounts. They expected people in the first century Jewish culture to know the simple truth. Yeshua ben Yosef from the line of David was sent from God as the expected Messiah.
With all the complications of theology and philosophy added since the second century, perhaps it is good for us to remember that the audience of the original accounts was not complicated people. They were fishermen, carpenters, Pharisees, teachers, homemakers, children, store keepers—just the ordinary folk of usual life in an oppressed country, Israel. Of course, there were intellectuals among them, but they did not constitute the majority by any means. Most of those who followed Yeshua were just common men and women of the land.
Why do we need to remember this crucial fact? Because it helps us realize that the real issue of the apostolic writings is not settling arguments about soteriology, eschatology, doctrines concerning the Trinity or harmartiology, but rather a far more important issue. How should I live when I follow the Messiah? Since most of the earliest followers were not Ph.D.’s or even M.Div. candidates, all the subsequent theological speculation, formulation and obfuscation didn’t bother them. They just wanted to know what to do. The good news is not a theological textbook. It is the announcement of a way of life, renewed in the coming of the Messiah. What I need to know—all that I really need to know—is what to do now that He has come. All the rest, as Akiva said, is commentary.
Of course it’s stimulating to speculate. We run after theological doctrines with the same passionate abandon that we criticize in “end-times” prophets. We think that the purpose of God’s revelation is to know the truth, and for us that means asserting our truth as the only thoughts of the Most High God. But for those early believers, the real issue was doing the truth—living the way the Master and His Master taught us to live. If they never settled the question of prelapsarian anthropology, so what? Did it really matter more than knowing what to do about ritual impurity before going to the Temple? Did an answer to the question about the “gap” theory of Genesis make any difference to controlling my tongue or demonstrating compassion to widows? The real truth of the good news is that it is simple. “Do what he says,” said his mother. That pretty much sums it up. Do what the Messiah says. Just do it! There will be plenty of time in the olam ha’ba to work out the theological answers. Now is the time for action, for grace, for forgiveness, for mercy, for justice, for hesed. Simple. Straightforward. Live the way of the Messiah. Be conformed to him. Time will take care of the theology.
Topical Index: genealogy, way of life, theology, Matthew 1:1
Amen!
Skip, as always your post is right on target. I needed to hear this word today and put it in practice. Thanks.
Amen… well said. Now, if only we can all make this a reality in our lives.
Thanks. I needed that. I get over focused in the intellectual to the point of neglecting being the hands and feet of my Creator and Savior.
Like John Riley, Thanks I was in great need of that, there are so many sounds saying they have the truth that yesterday and all this past week I thought I was going crazy, “the Old Covenant is done with” Peter said so, no Peter does not say this, “the law is not for us, we are under grace” don’t do that you are being legalistic oh my God you have not matured yet! Once again, thank you, thank you. my modo from now on is “Just do what He says.” THank you for being the mouth of my Lord in this issue.
Thank you Skip!! I needed to hear this today. Sounds like we are all having similar experiences. It is especially hard for me as “this season” approaches. I’m putting those words on my fridge: “Just do what He says.” May Yah grant us all the strength to live by them.
A “Round Toit,” if only someone would provide a “Round Toit.” Maybe I will go into the manufacture of “Round Toits” for the holiday season and if every one had a “Round Toit” there would be no excuse for not doing the work of faith.
So easy and simple to understand, yet so hard to do. I fail so often. I feel like Paul. Why is it I do the things I know I should and and fail to do the things I know I shouldn’t? LORD have mercy on a sinner like me!
“prelapsarian anthropology”? I think my surgeon said I had something like that. It wasn’t good. It had to be removed. I am better for it. Shalom. Michael
Halleluyah!!! Todah Skip, this lesson is just what the doctor ordered!! I am tired of trying to talk with folks who only want to discuss (loudly) particular subject matter that has absolutely nothing to do with living a set apart life today! Please do not misunderstand, I see nothing wrong with delving deeper into scriptures, but I ask folks, what about living a scripture based life? Have you got that perfected yet? Usually the answer is no. So I ask, then why are you so focused on things that will not help you toward that goal? I do not have time to amuse myself with the nephilim, the great fish that swallowed Jonah or why wasn’t Yah’s name mentioned in the book of Esther, let alone what will happen inthe future. We teach Torah as the foundation to Yah’s guide for life and we live it the best we are able. Are we perfect, not even close, but we work every day to be the people set apart, a holy nation, a royal priesthood! And that is a full time job!
Shalom,
Sara
The nail has been hit squarely on the head! Thank you for reminding me that I don’t have to be a master carpenter, Skip. I just have to follow One.
Most all my life I’ve been asking myself, “What do I do?” Somewhere along the line I thought I figured it out. Instead, I just replaced that simple question with a ton of non-essential items that have bogged me down.
The truth will set me free to do the simple things Torah demands.
What do I do?
Torah. Why is that so difficult?
Just stay on point today, this hour, this minute.
I think that yoke is actually a simple matter.
Just do it.
Ok, I’m going to put all my energies this day toward that.
Just do what I know Torah outlines for me to do.
Thanks, Skip.
Again.
Everyone agrees, nice and simple, the essential question is, “How should I live when I follow the Messiah?” What else matters?
And yet, ironically, today’s word compels me to complicate the issue with more, (perhaps only rhetorical), questions.
Why was it so important that the genealogy of Yeshua be documented all the way back to Abraham and even onto Adam? Is there a concern that He may not be a direct descendant of Abraham or even of Adam? (Strange thought.) Why was it so important that Isaac be Abraham’s genetic offspring? Why wasn’t Ishmael good enough? Why wasn’t Eleazar (Abraham’s servant heir) good enough? Why did Yeshua pointedly and almost exclusively preach to Israelites? Why was genealogy so important then and yet meaningless today? Did Yeshua change the law?
Let me see. Question 1. He has to have the right genealogy to be the Messiah.
Question 2. Yes, there is a concern on behalf of the reading Jews. If he isn’t the Messiah, then what’s the point? There are plenty of holy rabbis to follow. Question 3. The path of Isaac is the path of the Jews, sons of the promise. This answer is important for those who claim Abraham by faith, but it is ASSUMED that the audience would know this. Question 4. Nothing wrong with Ishmael. He just isn’t the way God chose. Question 5. Eleazar is NOT in the direct line and not in God’s promise of a son. Question 5. Yeshua spent his time with the Jews because they were the ones assigned the task of taking the message to the world, and they weren’t doing it. Question 6. Meaningless today? Who said that? Question 7. If Yeshua changed the law then he could not be the Messiah and no Jew would have accepted him as such. He could be the non-ethnic, universal Christ of the Church, but he couldn’t be the JEWISH Messiah.
Does that help?
Thank you Skip for this and everything you do. I realize I’m all over the map with these questions and they are not simple to answer. I am not expecting a quick tidy answer.
My Universalist group of believers tries to reconcile “genetic” Israel with “spiritual” Israel by claiming there are two gospels which must be “correctly divided” within the Bible. One is for them and one for us. But now I am tending toward your position. But I still have my problems.
If Yeshua is King of the Jews, then I must conclude that He is not my king and/or I am a second class citizen of His kingdom if I am not a Jew.
If, “The path of Isaac is the path of the Jews, sons of the promise”, then again, this confirms that I am not a son of the promise because I am not a Jew. So everything that was promised to Abraham and his genetic seed, is not promised to me as a gentile.
Alternatively, if everyone in the world is (potentially) able to “claim Abraham by faith” then being of the genetic seed of Abraham has no special value and the “everlasting covenant” God made with Abraham and his seed is redundant.
Or, are my Universalist friends correct in believing there are two sets of promises to two sets of people?
Ah, but there are a few elements to be added. First, He is King of the Jews, but that includes ALL who are grafted into the Kingdom, as Paul clearly says, and (also as Paul says) these are sons of the PROMISE, not sons of the bloodline. Are you a son of the promise? Then the bloodline is not your origin, just as Isaac was NOT the first born but rather the first born of the PROMISE. That does not make the everlasting covenant with Abraham redundant. It makes it all the more important because the Kingdom is the Kingdom of those who are Israel. Oh, yes, by the way, Abraham was grafter in too. He wasn’t a Jew. He was a Mesopotamian.
Well said Skip, I know you’ve written extensively about this subject but perhaps it’s time to breach it again? I certainly don’t intend to, in any way, attempt to tell you your business, I just feel that this is such a foundational issue that without a clear understanding of it, many other issues are “left hanging.” It reminds me of the creation account in that all things working together in their proper place and function was declared very good. Whether it’s a matter of bloodline, promise or grafting isn’t really the fundamental issue, it’s the removing ourselves from the function we were designed for and called too that is. A “Jewish” person who removes themselves from the blood line and insists on conducting themselves as a gentile are in as much danger as a “grafted in” one who refuses to abide in the commonwealth. But when they both do their proper part…….VERY GOOD
YHWH bless you and keep you………
Thanks for trying to help.
Admittedly I am newish to this site and if there is extensive writing on the subject I should read it. But I think my confusion is well founded. Bloodline, promise, grafting, first born, Hebrew, Israelite, Jew, Gentile, of the Nations, Greek, Barbarian, etc.
You say, “But when they both do their proper part . . . “ So, is that a concession that there are two divisions doing different things?
Skip says even Abraham was grafted in. I don’t understand what Abraham could be grafted into. (I understand that even he was not the first Hebrew. That was Eber (?) But wasn’t Abram picked as God’s choice to be an original stock to start a special family tree? If he isn’t a special separate beginning don’t we default all the way back to Adam and everyone is included in Israel?
“ So, is that a concession that there are two divisions doing different things?
Yes and no! 🙂 It’s not necessarily as difficult as it seems, we just have to identify the false dichotomy.
As a picture, is it law verses grace or is it law and grace? They’re two different things but they operate together and if you try to operate either one independent of the other, they are both void of the original intent. The “bloodline” was formed for a specific purpose, i.e. the Messiah’s birth among others. The “grafting in” has an entirely different function whether that pertains to Abraham or any body else. However they both work towards the same goal.
As for what Abraham was grafted into? Who’s Kingdom is it, God’s and only God’s. All other’s are invited in. The term “Israel” came after Abraham and it was named so for a reason. Finding that out would probably answer a lot of questions. 🙂
YHWH bless you and keep you……
Dan, I am glad that you are on TW. You are asking questions that many others are seeking the answers too. I have been around here for just a few years myself and I notice the question of bloodlines comes up frequently. A few weeks ago, at issue was the Noahide laws – the absurd concept that only some of Torah is required to be kept by Gentiles.
Bloodlines mean NOTHING to God from a salvation perspective. Do you think that at the Great White Throne Judgment, those of Jewish blood (or Israelite blood for that matter) will be able to play the Jewish Race card to justify themselves as they face their Judge – King Yahshua? I do not think so, do you? The thought is kind of silly is it not? Yet, I see people on TW and also around the Messianic communities looking left and right trying to find some Jewish blood on their heritage, and rejoicing when they think they have found some in their great great great great grandparent! Far better to go read the letters of Paul and see him blow this nonsense out of the water! Let’s look at a few Scriptures that do just that.
But before I go there. I do not want you or anyone thinking that the genealogies recorded in Scripture are of little importance. God put them there for a reason and they are helpful to Biblical historians for one thing. Above all the genealogies recorded for us in the Gospels of Yahshua’s bloodline are crucial evidence on His Messiahship. Through the centuries, there have been many disillusioned men who have claimed to have been the Anointed One and none that I know of passed this genealogical test! And we have reason to believe that up ahead there will appear some more “false” messiahs some of whom will do some amazing miracles and deceive millions. True followers of the true Messiah should not be deceived by these charlatans as they will fail the genealogy test and very likely they will also fail the Torah test – they will invariably be advocating some teaching that runs contrary to Torah – a dead giveaway of a phony!
My time is a little limited so let’s get to Paul’s teaching on this Jew Gentile bloodline commotion. First let me say:
THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD, CREATOR AND FATHER OF ALL OF HUMANITY. HE does NOT show partiality or play favorites with any of His children. It is sin that separates all of us from our God, not blood lines or tribalism.
THERE IS ONLY ONE TORAH FOR ALL OF HUMANITY TO LIVE BY, period. But He will, of course, only judge us for what has been revealed to us.
THERE IS ONLY ONE REDEEMER FOR ALL OF HUMANITY – Yahshua HaMashiach. The good news is His act of redemption is accomplished and it was accepted by the Father. ALL of humanity (Jew and Gentile) are under the death penalty for our sins. Neither our blood line nor any work of attempted atonement towards God will get us off of death row. But Our Gracious Father tells us in writing that His Son has paid the penalty for us and it is now only a matter of us accepting His Sacrifice and accepting the terms of His Act of Redemption. What are those terms that God requires? Its a little longer than I have time for here but essentially it entails us agreeing to become a bond slave of Yahshua, at which point we no longer do our will. We do His Will as that is the terms of our agreement with Him (Scripture shows that Judge Yahshua readily reads minds so playing the game of insincerity in this is futile!) This is our WAY to life eternal. Pray tell – where the heck do you see the bloodline justification card in any or all of this? It is nowhere to be found, right? And that’s my point here!
Let’s look at what Paul has to say which supports what I just wrote. Let’s go to Romans:
“For he will render to EVERY man according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, THE JEW FIRST AND ALSO THE GREEK, 10 but glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, THE JEW FIRST AND ALSO THE GREEK. 11 For GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY
12 All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely upon the law and boast of your relation to God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed in the law, 19 and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
25 Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. 29 HE IS A JEW WHO IS ONE INWARDLY, AND REAL CIRCUMCISION IS A MATTER OF THE HEART, spiritual and not literal. His praise is not from men but from God.” (Romans 2:6 – 29) Emphasis mine
Boy, am I happy that God’s Spirit inspired Paul to write this! Am I right is saying this is fairly easy to understand?? It is a spiritual game we are playing in. Nobody of any tribe has a corner on God’s spiritual market. It is wide open to all who play by the rules.
Look at a second witness In Paul’s letter to the Galatians:
” Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not; for if a law had been given which could make alive, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the scripture consigned all things to sin, that what was promised to faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. 24 So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 THERE IS NEITHER JEW NOR GREEK, THERE IS NEITHER SLAVE NOR FREE, THERE IS NEITHER MALE NOR FEMALE; FOR YOU ARE ALL ONE IN JESUS CHRIST. 29 AND IF YOU ARE CHRIST’S, THEN YOU ARE ABRAHAM’S OFFSPRING, HEIRS ACCORDING TO PROMISE.” (Gal.3: 21-29) RSV Emphasis mine
Friends, what is the problem and confusion about this bloodline nonsense? Do you understand and believe what Paul wrote?
If two witnesses are not enough there is lots more support about this issue in the WORD We could go to Revelation chapter 7 and review the magnificent scene in heaven at the Feast of Sukkot with a great multitude from every nation and tribe and tongue…….Oh, I cannot resist sharing it with you! Its so great! This event will happen up ahead…….this is one Sukkot we all do not want to miss, right??!!
,
” After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, FROM EVERY NATION, FROM ALL TRIBES AND PEOPLES AND TONGUES, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels stood round the throne and round the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; THEY HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB. (REV.7:14) RSV Emphasis mine
Friends, when all is said and done, the only blood that really matters is the Blood of the Lamb.
One more thing I notice Paul teaching:
“But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile.” (Titus 3:9)
I am not sure what Paul is driving at with “genealogies” here is his letter to Titus but the tone seems similar to what Skip would have us glean from today’s TW study and that is focus more on the stuff that is profitable unto salvation.with the reward of a ticket to that great Sukkot Festival in heaven!
Amen!! 🙂
Dan – Consider the following, which indicates that gentiles in the flesh are no longer gentiles, but are part of the “Israel” that existed prior to their conversion. Their “gentile-ness” is in the past. The church (and non-believing jews) would have you believe that believers in Christ are still gentiles. My current understanding of scripture (which is always open to change), is that being a gentile means that you are part of the Nations, which means that you are not a part of the Kingdom of YHWH. Of course, this section of scripture has a lot of “meat” to go along with the “milk”, but that is why “Moses is taught in the synaguogues on every sabbath day.” (Acts 15:21). By the way, the “law of commandments expressed in ordinances” is not the Torah, but the teachings and traditions of men. Remember, Yeshua said that he did not come to abolish the law (i.e. the Torah).
Eph 2:11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands–
Eph 2:12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
Eph 2:15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,
Eph 2:16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
Eph 2:17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Eph 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Eph 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
Eph 2:21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
Jordan
Another nice way to say, “Just do it.” I’m seeking control of my tongue and rising early (literally in the morning) to carry out some form of service. Thanks to God that He is a patient teacher!
One simple statement in recent years has had great impact on me, “Christianity is not a religion- it is a relationship.” Or put another way, – “Christianity is Christ!” Friend, He is the center, He is the compass, and He is the circumference.. ~ Yes, ~ Christ is all and in you all! ~
Here is this verse in all it’s fullness: ~ Here, (*in Christ) there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all ~ (Colossians 3.11)
And lest we think “ours” is the one and only “true religion” (yes, the body of Christ is severely splintered!), Christ (Himself) offers this word to us- “Other sheep have I which are not of this fold!!” (John 10.16)
So, “who” is right? – He is. It is not “Christ and..” – it is “Christ only!”
Friend, it is not “DO” – it is “DONE..” – Finished, full, complete.
Christ (Himself) via the Ruach HaKodesh now inhabits the Christian! We (now) have the mind of Christ!! We now have direct access by bended knee to the throne of grace, and how are we to come? We are to come “boldly!,” not as a slave, but as a son! Brother, sister, “beloved,” ~ Now are we the sons of God!! Remember? – “Relationship!” Unending Love! – Amazing Grace! I am His and He is mine!
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, – ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.
This is a hymn of trust and joy and hope. All of these and much, much more are found where? – *in Christ!
~ O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His Name together! ~
King of all kings
LORD of ALL lords
LORD of all.. Savior/Redeemer, of(both) Jew and Gentile.
“Sinners only” (ALL have sinned) need apply.
Is this “Good News” proclaimed in the synagogue today? Jesus Saves.
Wow. I’m just getting to this. First of all, Skip – awesome truth. After reading all of these replies…I must say….I’m kind of worn out…but in a good way I have been reminded of one important truth. David understood it as a boy. Preparing to face the giant (of question and confusion?), Saul offered him every important and modern technical advantage to aid him in his battle….but David found it was all so heavy and cumbersome he would never have the strength to win the battle if he continued to wear it…so he took it off. Instead, he picked up 5 smooth stones and with them…defeated the giant. May I share these five smooth stones today….Jesus-I-need-You-now. I am praying for all of us that we will hear the Voice Who created those stones and they will pierce every giant that comes against us.
Thank you Robert, John, Jordan, Carl, Marsha for your thoughtful and studious replies. They are great food for thought.
I think first I have to get the law/grace thing figured out. I’m confident I will find answers in Skip’s written archives and audios.
I’m less sure about the genealogies. Certainly there was favouritism towards Israel in the Old Testament and seemingly even in the New. Paul said, “And so all Israel shall be saved.” (Ro 11:26) Does “all” really mean “all”. Universalists like to think so. Wow, that is very broad. And yet Paul also says, ”For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel” (Ro 9:6). So, now the “all” is “not all” and the whole thing is a little confusing. But lets let all that rest for the time being, – generally I understand the “grafting in” illustration.
Otherwise, a couple things came to mind in reading your replies.
John, you said, “But Our Gracious Father tells us in writing that His Son has paid the penalty for us and it is now only a matter of us accepting His Sacrifice and accepting the terms of His Act of Redemption.”
As I never understood how our Father could (with true justice being done) make Jesus pay the penalty of OUR sins, I read Skip’s book, Crossword Puzzles. I found it shed enormous light on this Christian theology and recommend you read it.
John, you also noted that Paul said to avoid “stupid controversies and genealogies” but didn’t know what he was driving at. I have heard it said that, as he was writing to Timothy, a half Greek who lived in Asia Minor; he was referring to the Greek’s myriad of myths (fables) that included endless genealogies of their gods, and not to believe any false new gospel, many of which may have been circulating, which contained such.
Jordan, you said, “law of commandments expressed in ordinances” is not the Torah, but the teachings and traditions of men.”
I would be a great help to me, to know how you know this is true, so I can separate out the two.
Hi Dan, as I read this I hear so many of the questions that I’ve also had/have. I’m writing simply to encourage you, as you said, there are many voices saying many different things and it’s often confusing. (at best) Just remember, while the intellectual aspect certainly needs to be applied, revelation comes through faith, humility and obedience, which is true love. Adding too them purity in all that you do and God speaks ever clearer.
YHWH bless you and keep you………
Agreed. But the problem is 1700 or so years of paradigm formation. So in order to find the faith necessary for biblical humility and obedience, one must uneducate and deprogram and peel back the layers of historical additions. And that takes time and effort. However, there are more and more resources and more and more scholars who are asking questions of the traditional model, so we are not alone in this quest. It might be simple but it is not easy.
Yes, and that may very well be the harder part, if not scarier. To change your mind (or paradigm) is definitely a beneficial endeavor, if for no other reason than you understand the previous one better. However, it still screams heresy the whole time. 🙂