New Covenant And Sabbath

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Yahshua's Glory Before the Foundation of the World  Did Our Saviour Pre-exist? Yahshua A Man The Greek Word Logos  Yahshua: Son Of Elohim  Hebrews 1:12

The 2nd Psalm - Pre-existence?   The Pre-existence Yahshua's Pre-existence  "One And The Same Being?"  ONE LONE YAHWEH  Oneness  Matthew 28:19   ECHAD And Pre-existence  New Covenant And Sabbath

YHWH  Did Yahshua Create? Who Is The Word?  Who Raised Yahshua From The Dead?  The Word of Yahweh  The First & The Last   Yeshua Is Not Yahowah  The Holy Spirit Is An It

Elohim: Singular Or Plural?  TWO YAHWEHS?   Did The Father And Son Have The Same Name? Are You A Nicolaitane?  Should Believers Be Vegetarians?  Voy Wilks On STDs  Can A Spirit Being Die?

Who Was Cain's Wife?  Santa God  Sabbath Church Confessions  House of Yahweh - Abilene, Texas TRM  Wine Or Grape Juice? 

The Name Jesus  "Jesus IS God!" Links  Eternal Virgin?  THE TESTIMONY OF THE REFORMERS The Epistle Dedicatory To The 1611 Authorized Version Isaiah 9:6

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The New Covenant and the Sabbath

The New Covenant and the Sabbath By Voy Wilks, Texas

Many believe the Messiah took away, or abolished, the old covenant so that he could establish his own covenant - a new one. It is further believed that since the old covenant has been replaced by a new one, the Sabbath of the seventh day has passed away along with the old covenant; and therefore, the new covenant calls for a new day of worship.

The sincerity of those who believe this is not questioned. Not at all. But sincerity does not establish truth. Scriptures establish truth; therefore, let us examine the Scriptures and learn what is true. The answers are surprising.

The above mentioned faith Is based, at least in part, on the statement In Hebrews 8:6 to 13 which reads as follows in the Revised Standard Version, with the names of the Father and son reinstated.

"But as it is, the Messiah has obtained a ministry which is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant He mediates is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second. For he finds fault with them when he says,

"The days come, says Yahweh, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they did not continue in my covenant, and so I paid them no heed', says Yahweh. "This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days', says Yahweh 'I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts, and I will be their Elohim and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach every man his fellow, or every man his brother, saying, "Know Yahweh," for all shall know me, from the least of them to the greatest.

"For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and will remember their sins no more.

"In speaking of a new covenant he treats the first as obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away."

These Scriptures speak of two covenants - an old, or first one, and a new one.

Who Made the First Covenant?

There seems to be no question about who made the first covenant, or with whom. The Supreme Being (the Mighty One of Israel) established this covenant with the nation of Israel [Ex. 19:3-8, 24:3-8]. The Decalogue is a part of this covenant. The two tables of stone on which were written the ten commandments are referred to as "the tables of the covenant."

"And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments" (Ex. 34:28).

If we discover this first covenant has not been canceled, then as a consequence, none of the ten commandments have been canceled either. Every one of them will still be in force, including the fourth commandment which directs us to remember the Sabbath, the seventh day, and keep it as a day of rest and worship.

"In speaking of a new covenant he treats the first as obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away" (Heb. 8:13).

This was written about the year of C.E. 64, approximately 31 years after the death of the Messiah. Still, after 31 years, the old covenant had not yet passed away. True, it was becoming obsolete. True, It was growing old. That it was becoming obsolete and [B>growing old. That it was becoming obsolete and growing old indicates it had not yet passed away. Look at me. I too am growing old, but I have not yet passed away. I still have life, vitality, and force. So it is with the first covenant. In C.E. 64 it was growing old, but had not yet passed away. It too still had life, vitality, and force. Perhaps it is not necessary to mention that we, today, live in the same era of [favor] as did the gentleman who wrote the Letter to the Hebrews.

The first covenant includes the Decalogue, so this means the ten commandments are still in force today. Since the covenant has not passed away, neither has the Sabbath law passed away. Also, since the old covenant still stands today, this indicates the new covenant has not yet been established. It is for a future time.

Who Makes the New Covenant?

The preface to a number of English Versions (including the RSV) state that the four letters L-O-R-D (when spelled with capitals), has been substituted for the personal name of the Supreme Being, Yahweh the Elohim of Israel.

"Behold, the days are coming says the L-O-R-D, that I will make a new covenant ..." (Jer. 31:31).

We now discover it is not Yahshua the Messiah, but Yahweh the Father who makes the new covenant. Yahshua is the mediator, a go-between, who mediates between Yahweh and Yahweh's people (Heb. 8:6).

Know Yahweh

And they will not teach every man his fellow, or every man his brother saying, 'Know Yahweh'..." (Heb. 8:11a).

This is generally believed to be speaking of the present era of [favor] in which we live. Not so. Remember the Great Commission? Go and teach all nations (Mt. 28:19). From that day to this the saints have gone out teaching many peoples saying, "Know Yahweh." This has continued 1900 years and still continues today; believers teaching relatives, friends, and strangers about the Supreme Being and his Great Salvation through Yahshua the Messiah. Once the new covenant is made and becomes effective, however, this teaching will not be necessary. Why? Because, "... all shall know me

from the least of them to the greatest" (Heb. 8:11b).

Did all know Yahweh in C.E. 40, In C.E. 500, in C.E. 1500? Do all know him today? No, my friend. Many people have never heard of Yahweh, the Supreme Being, and the salvation offered through his Son. The Scriptures have been translated into hundreds of languages, yet we have more than 1,000 languages to go. Many peoples in the most cultured nations today do not know Yahweh There are also the Pigmies in Africa, the Aborlgenes of Australia, New Guinea, and Brazil. Do all of them know Yahweh? If all know Him, why continue sending missionaries?

Evidence that the new covenant has not yet been established is the fact that much of the earth's population does not yet know Yahweh. When the new covenant is established in the earth, all the earth's people will be acquainted with Yahweh, the Elohim of Israel. Scriptures says, "... for the earth shall be

full of the knowledge of Yahweh as the waters cover the sea" Isa. 11:9, Hab. 2:14).

His Mercy On Israel

The new covenant comes at a time when Yahweh will "... be merciful toward their iniquities and will remember their sins no more" (Heb. 8:12). But someone says, "Oh, that is now!" No. This is not speaking of our time, but of the future. Please keep in mind that Yahweh spoke, not to the disciples of Yahshua, but to the House (nation) of Israel and the House of Judah [Heb. 8:8]. This is the very people with whom he made the first covenant. Yahweh will remember Israel's sins no more. Has he forgiven the nation of Israel today? No. This too, is future. The Apostle Paul speaks of the time when this will come to pass. He exclaims,

"Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean?" (Romans 11:12). This is not a chance remark. Paul confirms this statement by adding,

"... and so, all Israel will be saved ... and he shall turn away unrighteousness from Jacob: for this is my covenant with them when I shall take away their sins" (Rom. 11:26,2 7).

Paul spoke of the future. The historians tell us he wrote this about C.E. 60 when the present era of [favor] was almost 30 years old.

The Same Laws

"I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts ..." (Heb. 8:10, Jer. 31:33).

This indicates the Father's laws have not been abolished. Instead, they will be a part of the new covenant when it is established. Being written in the heart and in the mind indicates all will know him, from the least of them to the greatest.

The Observance of Passover

(Sometimes called the Communion)

The new covenant of Jer. 31:31 which we have been considering may, by some, be confused with the covenant Yahshua made at the Last Supper.

"For this is my blood of the new testament (or, covenant) which is shed for many for the remission of sins" [Mt. 26:28].

Are these the same covenants? Let the Scriptures answer. The covenant of the Last Supper was made by Yahshua the Messiah. He entered into a nazarite vow, for he will not again drink fruit of the vine until he comes again and drinks it new in the kingdom which he will establish [1 Cor. 11:24, Lk. 22:15-18]. Until this happens his disciples are to

(1) Remember the Messiah, by observing the Passover Communion, and

(2) Remember the Messiah's death (not His resurrection) by this service (1Cor. 11:25, 26).

Comparing These Two Covenants Jer. 31:31 & Mt. 26:28

#1. The memorial covenant of the Passover Communion is to be observed until the Messiah returns (Lk. 22:20).

The covenant of Jer. 31:31 will not become effective until the Messiah returns. Please recall the evidence given above.

#2. The covenant of the Passover Communion was and still is made with the disciples of the Messiah, whether Jew or Gentile (Mt. 26:17).

The covenant of Jer. 31:31 will be made with the nations of Israel and Judah the same people with whom Yahweh made the first covenant at Mount Horeb [Heb. 8:8].

#3. The covenant of the Passover Communion was made by Yahshua the Son of Yahweh.

The covenant of Jer. 31:31 will be made by Yahweh, the Father of Yahshua.

#4. The covenant of the Passover Communion is for the present age of [favor] (1Cor. 11:23-34).

The covenant of Jer. 31:31 will be at a future time when Yahweh's tenderness will melt the stony hearts of Israel and Judah, a time when he will completely forgive them; a time when they will dwell securely; and a time when they will have no more wars (Ezek. 36:22-32; Hosea 2:14; Isa. 40:1-5).

Israel and Judah have not been blessed in these ways. For the past 1900 years they have suffered greatly. Why? Because they knew not the time of his (Yahshua's) visitation (Mt. 23:27 - 24:2; Lk. 17:25). One day, however, Yahweh will bless them with peace and security, and will forgive them their sins. When this happens, he (Yahweh) will make a new covenant with the houses of Israel and Judah.

Conclusion

In view of the foregoing evidence, we can safely conclude that the covenant of Mt. 26:28 and the covenant of Jer. 31:31 are two separate and distinct covenants made -

With different people,

With different circumstances,

With different stipulations,

At different times,

And for different purposes.

Further, we have found that the old, or - first covenant of Heb. 8:6-13 is still in force today; that the new covenant spoken of in these same verses will be made at some future time between Yahweh and the nations of Israel and Judah.

Also we have found that the weekly Sabbath is a part of the first covenant. Since the first covenant is still in force today, so is the weekly Sabbath.

Humbly Yours,

Voy

JOHN 5:18, JOHN 9:16 

Did Yahshua the Messiah break the Sabbath?

By Bro. Voy Wilks

 “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that Yahweh was his Father, making himself equal with Yahweh” (John 5:18 KJV).

 Yahshua the Messiah did not break the Sabbath. He observed the Sabbath and it is His custom too. Please read: Mathew 4:23, 9:35, 12:9-14, 13:53, Mark 1:21,39, 3:1-6, 6:2, Luke 4:15,16,31, 6:6- 11,13:10-17, John 6:58, 9:14, 18:20 It is only reasonable to believe the Bible message is harmonious throughout the Scriptures, creating no contradictions. Even when writing fiction, it is a poor author who allows inconsistencies to creep into the story. When writing historical fact, this is unlikely to happen. Relative to Yahshua’s breaking the Sabbath; there are at least two possibilities which we should consider.

 The Apostle John may have written this message as it appears in most of our English Bibles. If so, he intended us to understand that only in the eyes of the Jewish people did the Messiah break the Sabbath. The following is also a likely explanation.

 A few words may have been added or deleted, causing a reverse reading of the text. This could have happened accidentally as the scribes copied from the older manuscripts. There is also the possibility this was done purposely, by later Gentile scribes. In either case, the result would be the same, of course.

 In the Scriptures there are a few places in which words have been added, thus creating an opposite meaning from that in the original? Examples of this are found in Acts15:24 (where nine words were added), and Acts 21:25 (where eight words were added), giving an opposite meaning from that originally intended. Also, 24 words were added to 1 John 5:7, 8. How is it known these words were added?

 The King James translators did very well indeed. However, they were handicapped because the oldest manuscript available to them dated only to the tenth century C.E.* Since then many manuscripts have been found which date much earlier; to C.E. 325 or 350–600 years earlier than those used by the King’s Men. These older manuscripts do not contain the above mentioned additions. This means they crept in after C.E. 350, but before the King’s Men made their translation in 1611. After consulting the older manuscripts, most recent translators have not retained the added words named above.

 It is certain that the Messiah did not really break Yahweh’s Sabbath law, but at most only the traditions of the elders – traditions added to the law of Yahweh. Sin is transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). Yahshua the Messiah was without sin (Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22). He was perfect (Lk. 6:40; Heb. 2:10; 5:9). Indeed, if he transgressed in any way, he could not have been our Redeemer – our Savior – a sacrifice on our behalf (Heb. 9:28). It was necessary that he should be totally sinless.

 He challenged his enemies to point out sin in his life – any sin – if he was a transgressor of the law. Having no evidence, they called him a crazy Samaritan.

 “Which one of you can rebuke me because of sin? If I speak the truth why do you not believe me? … The Jews answered, saying unto him, Did we not say well, that you are a Samaritan, and that you are crazy?” (John 8:45-48 Lamsa).

 “You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5 RSV). Yahshua the Messiah is our Passover Lamb, and the Passover lamb was to be without blemish (1 Cor. 5:7; Ex. 12:5). Many Scriptures tell us the animals offered for sin were to be without blemish (Lev. 1:3, 10; 3:1, 6; 4:3, 23, 28, 32). Yahshua is our sacrifice for sin, so he too must have been without blemish (1 Pet. 3:18).

 All this indicates Yahshua did not break the Sabbath, but broke only the traditions of the elders. And how many laws did tradition recognize in order to safe-guard the Sabbath day? One thousand five hundred twenty-one (1,521) laws for the Sabbath alone had been imposed by the elders upon the Jewish people. ** Perhaps this is why The Living Bible paraphrases John 5:18 in the following manner:

 “Then the Jewish leaders were all the more eager to kill him because in addition to disobeying their Sabbath laws, he had spoken of Yahweh as his Father …”

 The Holy Name Bible gives an interesting translation of this verse. “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him because [they contended that] He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that Elohim was His Father …” (bracketed words were added by the translator).

 Bible commentators, even those who do not keep the Sabbath, give interesting insights into John 5:18; for example:

 “They supposed that he had broken it” (Barnes Notes on the N.T., One Volume Edition; Kregel, Grand “Rapids, MI; page 288).

 “They had found out two pretences to take away his life: one was that he had broken the Sabbath … as they pretended …” (Clark’s Commentary, John 5:18). 

“ … The Jews were seeking to slay him, because not only in their opinion, though very falsely, he was violating … the Sabbath. … He was abrogating the petty restrictions and abolishing the unscriptural somnolence by which it had been characterized and misunderstood” (Pulpit Commentary, John 5:18).

 It is helpful to remember the reason for this charge against Yahshua in John 5:18. He had healed a man on the Sabbath day (John 5:5-18).

 On another occasion Yahshua’s disciples rubbed the grains of wheat in their hands and age. The Pharisees found fault, so he replied, “But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless” (Mt. 12:7). The disciples broke the traditions of the elders, but were not guilty of breaking the law of Yahweh.

 “Wherefore it is lawful to do well [by healing] on the sabbath days” (Mt. 12:10-12).

 “… the scriptures cannot be broken; ...” (John10:34, 35).

 Scripture cannot be broken. The Greek word is luo; the same broken as in John 5:18. Since Scripture cannot (or should not) be broken, we can safely conclude that Yahshua the Messiah did not break the Scriptural law of the Sabbath – only the traditions of the elders which had been added to the Sabbath laws.

 * Emphatic Diaglott, by Benjamin Wilson, page 6. 

** From Sabbath to Sunday, by Samuele Bacchiocchi; The Pontifical Gregorian University Press, Rome; page 33.