Deuteronomy 31:10–13, You shall read this Torah before all Israel.
Verses like this tend to expose the theological confusion that occurs in the minds of many Christian Bible teachers. For example, Christian commentator Matthew Henry on this verse writes about the need to read the Word of Elohim and that doing so will “help us to keep his commandments.” Yet elsewhere he says in the same commentary about the same laws that the commandments or laws of YHVH “are done away with.”
Christian confusion about the Torah
Statements like this are representative of a split and incongruous, double-speak thinking on the part of many Christian Bible teachers and people when it comes to the commandments or laws of Elohim. Some laws, they say, we are to keep (e.g., thou shalt not murder, lie, commit adultery, etc.), but other laws we can disobey (e.g., the Sabbath, dietary laws, and biblical feasts).
Is it possible to have it both ways: to believe that we need to keep his commandments, yet teach they are done away with? If so, then what is the meaning of such biblical phrases pertaining to YHVH’s Torah or Word as “forever,” “for a thousand generations,” “the same yesterday today and forever,” “till heaven and earth pass away,” “I change not,” and “think not that I came to destroy the Torah-law?” Is YHVH’s Word inconsistent and contradictory, or is this, instead, the case with the thinking of men? Is YHVH’s immutable character flawed with regard to keeping his Word, promises and standards or is man the one at fault?
Do we have a high enough view of YHVH Elohim and fear him and tremble at his Word (Isa 66:2), or have we tried to demote him and the veracity of his Word by contorting YHVH and his Word to fit the mindset of changeable and inconsistent man (which the Scriptures define as idolatry)? Have we bought into the lie that the serpent proffered at the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden when he told the man and the woman that YHVH really did not mean what he said and that humans can take the “have it your own way” and “pick and choose” approach when it comes to obeying the Word of YHVH (a philosophy that forms the basis for the religious movement called secular humanism, which is at the heart of all the religions of the world—including much of Christianity—except the true religion of the Bible)?
How many aspects of Christian theology are no more than a thinly veiled version of the religion of humanism in disguise? These are tough questions that we as redeemed Israelites need to ponder seriously. Remember the words of Yeshua in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my [Torah] commandments” and the words of the apostle in 1 John 2:5–5, “He that says, ‘I know him,’ and does not keep his [Torah] commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him. But whosoever keeps his Word in him truly is the love of Elohim perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”
From this week’s “Weekly e-drash” (First Fruits of Zion):
“…does it make sense that He should suddenly change His mind and declare to His people, “Never mind that stuff about keeping the Torah. From now on, you just need to believe in my Son.” Could there be a greater travesty of justice? What of the generations that suffered for their disobedience? Why did they suffer if God knew all along that subsequent generations would be encouraged to forsake Torah? How could God, after generation on generation of calling His people to Torah obedience, after book upon holy book of Scripture that exhorts His people to Torah, expect His people to suddenly follow a new way that jettisoned the Torah?
But when Messiah came, He did not jettison the Torah. Instead, He said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17–18)
Personally, I believe that the confusion lies in the interpretation of the word Torah. Most people do not know that it actually means Teaching or Instruction.
However, we are told, in both Covenants, to “come out (of the world) and be separate, be Holy even as our God is Holy (paraphrased)”, and “without Holiness no man can see God”. How do we accomplish Holiness? Quite simply: read the Instructions!
Good comment.
I’m glad to hear FFOZ saying these things. Unfortunately, while FFOZ says this out of one side of their mouth, their official, stated position is that the Torah is optional (not mandatory) for non-Jewish believers. This is why I can no longer support or recommend their ministry until they repent of this secular humanist (lie of the serpent) false teaching.
Quick question. How do the 7 Noahide Laws apply?
This from chabad. org (http://www.chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/62221/jewish/Universal-Morality.htm):
“The Seven Noahide Laws” are a sacred inheritance of all the children of Noah, one that every person on the face of the earth can use as the basis of his or her spiritual, moral and pragmatic life. If enough of us will begin to incorporate these laws into our lives, we will see a different world very soon. Sooner than we can imagine.
THE 7 LAWS
1)Acknowledge that there is only one G-d who is Infinite and Supreme above all things. Do not replace that Supreme Being with finite idols, be it yourself, or other beings. This command includes such acts as prayer, study and meditation.
2)Respect the Creator. As frustrated and angry as you may be, do not vent it by cursing your Maker.
3)Respect human life. Every human being is an entire world. To save a life is to save that entire world. To destroy a life is to destroy an entire world. To help others live is a corollary of this principle.
4)Respect the institution of marriage. Marriage is a most Divine act. The marriage of a man and a woman is a reflection of the oneness of G-d and His creation. Disloyalty in marriage is an assault on that oneness.
5)Respect the rights and property of others. Be honest in all your business dealings. By relying on G-d rather than on our own conniving, we express our trust in Him as the Provider of Life.
6)Respect G-d’s creatures. At first, Man was forbidden to consume meat. After the Great Flood, he was permitted – but with a warning: Do not cause unnecessary suffering to any creature.
7)Maintain justice. Justice is G-d’s business, but we are given the charge to lay down necessary laws and enforce them whenever we can. When we right the wrongs of society, we are acting as partners in the act of sustaining the creation.
How do the seven Noahide laws apply? Show me where they are in the Scriptures, and I’ll show you how they apply. If they’re not there, then they’re merely traditions of men and are irrelevant.
The watering down of YHVH holy Torah, given by inspiration, profitable for doctrine,
reproof, correction, instruction, is exactly why we have replacement theology, evolution,
etc preached in our watered down churches.
Good point. It all goes back to the tree of knowledge and the lie of the serpent who told men that they could take and pick-and-choose approach to the Word of Elohim. This is the lie of secular humanism the puts the mind and traditions of men over the revealed truth of YHVH Elohim. Secular humanistic thought is rife in the church, sadly!