The Law

Yahshua Was Not A Law Giver by Voy Wilks - Text

God or Son? Jesus Is God? THE FOURTH MAN Yahshua: Did He Pre-exist? Yahshua Came Down From Heaven Can A Spirit Being Die?

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

Trinity Schminity

The Law

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Is it Possible to Perfectly Keep the Law? A deep dive into Scripture reveals God’s faith in humanity’s ability to keep his commandments with grace.

Galatians 4:8-11

"Howbeit then, when ye knew not Yahweh, ye did service unto them which by nature are no deities. But now, after that ye have known Yahweh, or rather are known of Yahweh, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain."

Many people believe:

1. The Galatian brethren had a desire to return to the observance of the law of Moses.

2. That keeping the law of Moses was a return to bondage.

3. That the Apostle Paul condemned then for observing the Sabbath and the annual festivals of Yahweh.

Most Galatian believers were Gentiles, although there is indication that some were Jewish. Naturally Jewish saints continued to observe the law. They were obligated to do so, since no portion of the law was ever to become void, or to pass away (Mt. 5:17-19; Lk. 16:17). However, the law of Moses is not under consideration in Galatians 4:8-11. Then what was this bondage to which the Gentile members longed to return? Let us consider the evidence. Only then can we give a correct answer. Please notice verse eight in the Revised Standard Version.

"Formerly, when you did not know Yahweh, you were in bondage to beings that by nature were no deities; but now that you have come to know Yahweh."

Formerly before they came to know Yahweh, the Elohim of Israel. Paul did not speak of Jewish brethren, for from early childhood every Jew knew Yahweh. This means Paul addressed Gentile believers; those "who did not formerly know Yahweh;" those who formerly had worshiped idols beings which were not really deities at all. Other versions confirm this.

"But formerly, when you knew not Yahweh you were in bondage to elohim that have no real being" (Conybeare & Hawson).

"In those days when you were ignorant of Yahweh, you were in servitude to elohim who are really no elohim at all" (Moffatt).

"Before you Gentiles knew Yahweh you were slaves to so-called deities that did not really exist" (Fay).

So the truth is, in earlier life these people never knew the true Elohim, Yahweh. The objects of their worship were not deities at all, and especially not the One True Elohim. It was by Paul's preaching that they came to know the One True Elohim. It was by Paul's preaching that they came to know the One True Elohim, Yahweh. Before Paul's arrival they worshipped (were in bondage to ) idols which were the work of men's hands: objects of wood, stone, silver and gold; carvings which were worshipped as deities. Notice again how the Fay Version says it: "Before you Gentiles knew Yahweh" Paul spoke to Gentiles in particular, not to Jews: Gentiles who were "slaves to so-called elohim that did not really exist. How can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits" (Verse 9).

Was the Mighty One of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob a weakling? Was the Mighty One of Yahshua a beggarly fellow? Was he an "elemental spirit?" No, my friend. None of the above. The Elohim of Yahshua was the same Yahweh whom Abraham, Moses and Eliyah worshipped: a Mighty One of power and majesty but filled with loving kindness and tender mercy.

The elements are the basic properties from which everything is made. So then, the "elemental spirits" were the basic products (properties) of the earth; things carved by man from material elements and worshipped as deities. This Scripture, then, cannot be referring to Yahweh as an "elemental spirit," nor to the law of Moses, but to the idols of the Gentiles whom the Galatians had formerly worshipped. There was a desire to return to that base idolatry, and to once again be in bondage to those so-called deities which were made of the material elements of the earth by the hands of men. The Norley Version gives an interesting translation of verse nine.

"But now, after you have learned to know Yahweh, or rather, after Yahweh came to know you as his own, how can you turn back to the weak and helpless elemental false elohim, whose slaves you want to be once more?"

When we summarize these two verses we can see why Paul feared he had labored over them in vain. The Galatians worshipped

First, idols,

Then the one Supreme Being, Yahweh,

But now, Paul wrote, there was a desire to return "to backslide" and worship idols once again.

Verse Ten

"Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years."

Is this a condemnation for the observance of the Sabbath, the festivals of Yahweh, and the Sabbath years; and therefore a condemnation of the law of Moses? Many will answer yes, but the correct answer is no. There are at least three reasons why verse 10 is not referring to any law which Yahweh gave through Moses.

Reason #1. To Be Observed Forever. The Sabbath is to be observed forever.

Past (Ex. 31:12-17).

Present (Heb. 4:9, 10 RSV & Lamsa).

Future (Isa. 66:23, Ezek. 46:1, 3).

The Festivals are to be observed forever.

Past (Lev. 16:29-31; 23:5, 6, 14, 21, 31, 34, 41).

Present (1 Cor. 5:7, 8; 16:8; Acts 20:6, 16).

Future (Ezek. 45:17; 46:9; Zech. 14:16-18).

Yahweh's laws (through Moses) are forever.

Past (Ps. 119:86, 144, 152, 160; Ex. 40:15).

Present (Mt. 5:17-19; Rom. 3:31; Rev. 14:12).

Future (Lk. 16:17; Ezek. 44:24; Jer. 33:18).

Reason #2. Worship to Idols.

As noted above (Gal. 4:8, 9), the Galatians worshipped idols before they learned of Yahweh, the Mighty One of Israel. Since they did not formerly know Yahweh and his laws, it is certain they did not in former days keep the Sabbath, the festivals, and the law of Moses. Therefore it is safe to conclude they could not return to keeping them.

Reason #3. Divining by the Clouds.

In addition to observing days, months, and years, the Galatians also "observed times." What is meant by this? "Observing times" was an ancient mysticism - a mixture of witchcraft and astrology; and was against the law of Yahweh. Turn to Leviticus Chapter 19, where the Great Lawgiver was in the process of delivering his law to Moses. [Please keep in mind that only four chapters over (in Lev. 23), he delivered the laws concerning the everlasting Sabbath and the festivals. IT is likely that both chapters were delivered to Moses within the same twenty four hour period. Since chapter 23 was given last, nothing in chapter 19 can in any way cancel the Sabbath and the festivals named in chapter 23.] So the Almighty instructed Moses,

"Ye shall not eat anything with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantments, nor observe times" (Lev. 19:26).

Young's Concordance does not list this word times, but it does list "Observe times, to." The Hebrew word is anan, and means to 'observe the clouds.' Four other references are given.

Deut. 18:10-12. "There shall not be found among you anyone that makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or that uses divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all these things are an abomination."

Deut. 18:14. "For the nations which thou shalt possess, harkened unto observers of time, and unto diviners; but as for thee, Yahweh thy Elohim hath not suffered thee to do so."

2 Kings 21:6. "And he [Manasseh, verse 1] made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards. He wrought much wickedness in the sight of Yahweh."

2 Chr. 33:6. "And he [Manasseh, verse 1] caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom; also he observed times, and used enchantments Ã¯Â¿Â½ he wrought much evil in the sight of Yahweh to provoke him to anger."

So there it is. Twice it is recorded that King Manesseh of Jerusalem "observed times," and was very evil. Three times the law warns Israel (and us) not to "observe times." Adam Clark's Commentary is no help with Galatians 4:10, but comes through clearly in explaining the above mentioned Scriptures, as follows:

Lev. 19:26. "An observer of times - Ye shall not divine by clouds, which was also a superstition much in practice among the heathens, as well as divination by the flight of birds."

Deut. 18:10, 14. "Observe times ... One who pretends to foretell future events by present occurrences, and who predicts great political or physical changes from the aspects of the planets, eclipses, motion of the clouds, etc., etc." (Vol. 1, page 785).

2 Kings 21:6. "An observer of times ... He practiced divination by the clouds, ... (Vol. 2, page 556).

We see that King Manasseh worshipped the hosts of heaven (that is, the sun, moon, and stars), and did other terrible things. The clouds were considered to be the expressions of the deities; therefore, by observing the heavens they could (supposedly) learn the secrets, the pleasures and displeasures of the many deities, and, most important of all, what the future held.

Now we can see clearly that the law of Moses is not under consideration in Galatians 4:8-11. Instead, the Galatians were inclined to backslide into weekly, monthly, and yearly rites and festivals in honor of their former deities of earth and sky. The Phrygian religion was most popular, and was zealously promoted in the districts of Galatia, Lydia, Lyconia, and Phrygia, an area known today as Turkey.* At times these religious rites were wildly ecstatic and sensuous. The pig was the proper sacrifice, though sometimes humans were offered as well. The chief deities were Cybele and Zeus. Cybele was the mother of deities, her Greek name being Artemas (Dianna in the KJV, Acts 19). She was sometimes depicted as nurse maid for Bacchus. Zeus, the son of Cybele, was considered king of all the deities.

Conclusion

Before Paul's arrival most of the Gentile brethren in Galatia had been in bondage to idols. The Apostle Paul converted them to the worship of Yahweh, the one true Elohim. Some of these brethren were inclined to return to the bondage of idolatry. This included witchcraft, sooth-saying, and divination in order to please and appease the idols of earth and sky. For honoring the heathen deities there were, evidently, weekly, monthly, and yearly rites and festivals. In addition to this worship, and in connection with it, the Galatians observed times. It is no surprise that the Apostle Paul was afraid of them, lest he had labored over them in vain.

*Cybele: Taken from the book,

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Mythology

By Michael Stapleton

Bell Publishing Company, NY

1958, Pages 43 & 59

Yahshua was not a Lawgiver

1. There is only one lawgiver, not two or three. This one lawgiver is Yahweh, the Father (James 4:11, 12; Isa. 33:22).

2. The law which Yahweh gave was perfect (Ps. 19:7-9) and so could not be improved upon, not even by Yahshua the Messiah.

3. Yahshua did not have the authority to cancel his Father's law (John 7:15-19).

4. Yahshua did not have the authority to make a new law (John 14:24).

5. Yahshua did not come as a lawgiver or a judge, but as a Savior in order to save us who have transgressed the law which the Father gave (John 12:47, 48, 49; 7:16 and Rom. Ch. 7).

6. At his trial before the Sanhedrin, witnesses were sought to testify against Yahshua. If he had at that time canceled his Father's law and made a new one, this surely would have been used against him in the trial, just as it was used (falsely) against Stephen (Acts 6:13). The Jews would have considered this a great offence. This charge was not lodged against him, however (Mt. 26:59-67).

7. If Yahshua gave a new law, there should be Scriptures which tell us where, when and what.

A. Where do the Scriptures say that he made a new law?

B. When did he give this new law?

a. If before his death on the tree, the Jews would have known of it and, at his trial, would have accused him of this, but they did not (Mt. 26:59-67).

b. If Yahshua gave a new law after his trial, when was this law given?

1. While the nails were in his hands?

2. During the forty days before his ascension?

3. After his ascension - one year, two years or forty years?

C. What does this law consist of? The Father's law had ten major points. How about the Son's law?

8. IF Yahshua gave a new law, why did the Apostles, in 66 C.E., continue to prove their doctrine by the law of the old Scriptures? (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).

9. If Yahshua gave a new law, why did he say, "Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them ..." (Mt. 5:17 RSV).

10. If Yahshua gave a new law, why did the Apostle Paul say that he, Paul, was forbidden by Yahweh to abolish the law. On the contrary, he was to establish the law - set in on a more firm basis (Rom. 3:31).

11. If Yahshua made a new law, why did the Apostle Peter say that Yahweh's law (his spoken words) endures forever? (1 Pet. 1:25) 12. The seventh day Sabbath is a part of this law (Ex. 20: 8-11).

" ...if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Phil. 4:8).

The Sabbath Has Never Been Lost 4004 B.C. Genesis 2:1-3: Yahweh hallowed.

1950 B.C. Genesis 26:5: Abraham kept.

1491 B.C. Exodus 16:25, 26, 28: Israel kept law and the Sabbath.

1491 B.C. Exodus 20:8-11: Yahweh gave from Sinai.

1491 B.C. Exodus 31:13-17: A perpetual covenant.

1451 B.C. Deuteronomy 5:12-15: To Israel beyond the Jordan.

1042 B.C. Psalm 92 (title): "A . . . song for the sabbath."

1004 B.C. II Chronicles 8:13, 14: In Solomon's day.

712 B.C. Isaiah 56:1-8, The Sabbath -- a blessing!

594 B.C. Ezekiel 20:11-13, 19, 20: God displeased because Sabbath was broken.

445 B.C. Nehemiah 13:15-20, The governor commands Sabbath to be observed!

A.D. 26 Luke 23:56, After Yahshua's execution. A.D. 53 Acts 17:2, Paul's custom.

A.D. 64 Hebrews 4:9-10, (See R.S.V. and Lamsa version).

A.D. 90 I John 2:3-5, (The fourth commandment also).

A.D. 96 Revelation 14:12: (Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments).

Future: Isaiah 66:22, 23, To be observed in the new earth.

This means that the people of Yahweh knew when the Sabbath was for 4,100 years, although during this time most people could not read. How could we (in the twentieth century) fail to know what day the Sabbath is?

The first of the week is mentioned only eight times in the New Testament. The Sabbath is mentioned about 59 times.

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, 6:611,13:10-17, 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).

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.

Law or Grace -- Which? No question excites more controversy among professing Christians! Were the Ten Commandments abolished? Does Grace do away with the Law? Here is what your Bible says, the plain teaching of your New Testament! by HOIM Staff

Moses' Law vs. YEHOVAH's Law Many people often confuse Moses Law with YEHOVAH God's 10 Commandment law, but they are very different. Moses' law was the temporary, ceremonial law of the Old Testament. It regulated the priesthood, sacrifices, rituals, meat and drink offerings, etc., all of which foreshadowed the tree (cross). This law was added "till the seed should come," and that seed was the Messiah (Galatians 3:16, 19). The ritual and ceremony of Moses' law pointed forward to the Messiah's sacrifice. When he died, this law came to an end, but the Ten Commandments (YEHOVAH's law) will "stand fast for ever and ever" (Psalm 111:7, 8).

The Law That Was Added Quite often the statement is made "we are not under the law, we are under grace," borrowed from Paul's letter to the Romans 6:14, thus taking it out of context. But it was the law of ordinances -- the sacrificial laws -- that were nailed to the tree. Paul teaches this. He does not say the Laws of the Commandments, Statutes and Judgments were nailed to the tree, as his Epistle to the Ephesians 2:15 makes quite plain. by Kathleen Gage

“What -- Then -- is the Law?” It is essential to clearly recognize the distinct subdivisions of the law and the purpose of each. Unfortunately, the Church has assumed and taught that, because the Messiah fulfilled the requirements of the ordinances, the laws set forth in the Commandments, Statutes and Judgments are now inoperative. A study of the entire scope and application of the Law of YEHOVAH God proves such a view to be definitely erroneous. by Arnold Kennedy

THE APOSTOLIC LETTER TO GENTILES

Acts 15:24; 21:24, 25

By Voy Wilks

10/06/91

A portion of Acts15:24 was added to the manuscript from which the King James Version was translated – added in such a way as to REVERSE the meaning of the message. The added words are enclosed in brackets, as follows:

“For as much as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, <saying, ye must be circumcised, and keep the law>; * to whom we gave no such commandment: …” (Acts 15:24 KJV).

The same is true of Acts 21:24, 25. Again, the added words are enclosed in brackets.

“Then take, and purify yourself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself walkest orderly and keepest the law. As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded <that they observe no such thing save only> * that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication” (Acts 21:24, 25 KJV).

* Footnotes in Twenty-six Translations: “Now recognized as not adequately supported by original manuscripts.”

That these phrases are added is not just a recent notion. As far back as 1836 the James Duncan Version omitted these added words. Most versions (both Catholic and Protestant), omit these phrases. The American Standard Version and the Lamsa Version, for example, do not contain these added words. The Diaglott, by Ben Wilson (1863), has a notation indicating these added words do not appear in the older manuscripts.

Again, the added words REVERSE the meaning of the message, indicating we should “forget the law.” We can be sure these phrases were not added accidentally, but are there because of hostility to the law of Yahweh, as “Scripture indicates:

“For the mind that is set on the flesh is Hostile to Yahweh; it DOES NOT SUBMIT TO YAHWEH’S LAW, indeed it CANNOT; …” (Rom. 8:7, 8 RSV).

The Scriptures, as originally given, were true and correct in every scientific and historical detail, but this does not necessarily include all the words and phrases which have crept into the texts during the intervening centuries. Thank Yahweh, these are few in number, as is indicated by the Isaiah Scrolls found in the Qumran Caves, and by ancient manuscripts found elsewhere. Praise be to Yahweh.

Paul Kept THE LAW of YHVH God All His Life!

Green Ears & the First Month by Voy Wilks

Many times, we have heard the statement, "abib is the month of green ears," but do scriptures make this claim? No. Both Scriptures and reference books indicate the month of abib occurs in the spring of the year, so naturally there will be a profusion of green vegetation, but the month of abib occurs when the barley grain is ripe or ripening, not green. only two Scriptures in the King James Bible speak of "green ears," so let us examine these two scriptures:

"And if thou offer a meat offering << cereal offering, RSV >> of thy firstfruits unto Yahweh, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits <<green>> ears of corn dried by the fire, << even >> corn beaten out of full ears" (Leviticus 2:14, KJV),

The word 'green' is an added word, so does not appear in the Hebrew text.

This instruction, of course, would include the firstfruits (the wave sheaf) of Leviticus. 23. the barley beaten from full ears was to be further dried over the fire. Please note: green ears and full ears are a contradiction. They cannot exist at the same time. Green ears come first. Only later do the full ears appear. Now for the other Scripture:

"And ye shall eat neither bread nor parched corn, nor <<green>> ears until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your Elohim ..." (Leviticus 23:14, KJV).

Again, green is an added word and does not appear in the Hebrew text. Even so, this added word seems to have misled many sincere people, even to establishing a calendar by "green ears." this is not the biblical way to reckon the calendar as given by Yahweh.

Abib: Name of the First Biblical Month

From The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Harris, Archer & Waltke, Moody Press, Vol. 1, Page 3. "abb, assumed root of the following: la = aeb, freshness, fresh green. 1b = abib, barley.

"This noun [1b] refers to barley that is already ripe, but still soft, the grains of which are eaten either rubbed or roasted (Koehler & Baumgartner). the ASV and RSV agree (but see Leviticus 2:14).The seventh plague brought ruinous hail upon Egypt's barley crop at least two weeks before it was fully ripened and ready for harvest (Exodus. 9:31). abib was also the name of the first month of the jewish calendar (the month of passover). in that month the barley came to ear, but the usual time of harvest was the second month (Iyyar). according to Leviticus 2:14 the grain harvest was to consist of firstfruits of abib."

* Abib is the name of the first biblical month.

* To be the month of Abib, the barley stalks must have grain on them; ears, full kernels. stalks without grain will never do.

Wilson's Old Testament word studies, Mcdonald Pub. Co., 1990, page 2. "abib, the name of a month, so called because corn [grain] was then forming the ear, a few weeks before harvest, falling somewhere about March or April, afterward called Nisan, the first month of the Hebrew year."

Yardman's New Bible Dictionary, 1979, page 178. "abib, ripening of corn (Exodus 13:4); ..."

Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, 1967, page 3. "abib (abib, heb. aviv, an ear of corn), the pre-exilic name for the first month of the year (Exodus 13:4; 23:15; 34:18)."

Harper's Bible Dictionary, Harper & Row Pub., 1973, page 2. "abib, (an ear of corn), the first month of the hebrew year (march-april); ..."

Gesenius Hebrew Lexicon, Baker Book House, 1984, page 5. "abib [#24], an ear of corn; a << green >> * ear Leviticus 2:14; 9:31; the barley was in the ear; that is, the ears were developed: ... the month of << green >> ears ... beginning at the new moon of April (of March, according to the Rabbins), the first month of the old year (as instituted on coming out of Egypt) Exodus 13:4. Leviticus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:1."

The Revell Concise Bible Dictionary, Fleming H. Revell Co., 1984, page 2. "abib (ah-bib, an ear of corn), the first month of the Hebrew ceremonial year, ..."

The New Brown, Driver, Briggs Hebrew-English Lexicon, Hendrickson Publishers, 1979, page 1. "abib: #1 fresh, young ears of barley (ex. 9:31); #2 month of ear-forming, or growing << green >>, ..."

Strong's Concordance #24. "abib, tender, << green >>; i.e. young ears of grain, hence the name of the first month, abib or nisan: abib, << green >> * ears of corn."

Summary

this reference material indicates the following points:

* Abib is the name of the first biblical month of the year (several reference works).

* Observe the month of abib and keep the passover (deut. 16:1).

* This day you are to go forth in the month of abib (ex. 13:4).

* Only two references speak of green ears in the kjv (lev. 2:14; 23:14).

* The word green does not appear in the hebrew texts (lev. 2:14; 23:14).

* Green is a supplied (added) word which misleads (lev. 2:14; 23:14).

* Instead, the grain was to have full ears (mature or nearly so), not << green >> ears (Leviticus 2:14). as all farmers know, when ready for harvest, barley is no longer green, but has turned a golden color.

* Green ears and full ears are a contradiction. they cannot exist at the same time in the same crop.

* Green stalks come first, then later the full (mature) ears appear.

I respectfully suggest, the biblical calendar is determined by the sun and moon (Genesis 1:14-16), not by "green ears." brethren, let us follow the biblical way.

End Note

The << >> * used here are only to remind the reader that the word green does not appear in the Hebrew text. Emphasis throughout was added.

THE RETURN TO BONDAGE

The following is an article written by brother Voy Wilks from the Assembly of Yahweh in Cisco 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.

“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 cancelled 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 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 grace 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 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:lla).

This is generally believed to be speaking of the present era of grace 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:llb).

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).

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 grace 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 (ICor. 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).

o 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).

o 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.

o 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 grace (1Cor. 11:23-34).

o 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 -

o With different people,
o With different circumstances,
o With different stipulations,
o At different times,
o 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 had 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

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