Was the Law Abolished with Messiah?
What this article will cover is whether or not Yahweh’s laws, including His Feast Days, Sabbaths, and Food Laws, has been abolished with the death, burial and resurrection of Messiah. And what we mean by abolished is that a saint today no longer needs to obey Yahweh’s laws because of Messiah’s work on the stake (better translation than cross). But before we move on with this question, let us look at the Hebrew word “torah” which is translated law.
8451 towrah {to-raw’} or torah {to-raw’} • from 03384; TWOT – 910d; n f • AV – law 219; 219 • 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
What we find is the Hebrew word “torah” encompasses direction and instruction, concepts much broader than a mere legal code. The truth is that the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation are books about laws. However, these books are not written purely as legal books. Did you know that Yahweh’s laws existed before the Scriptures were written? As Paul noted, “the law is spiritual”.
Romans 7:14 1 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? Yahweh forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
In fact, we see Yahweh’s laws were in existence long before the Israelites left Egypt and arrived at Mount Sinai with Abraham’s obedience to Yahweh’s laws, commandments, and statues. Therefore, the law is spiritual and has been existence since the beginning.
Genesis 26:2 And Yahweh appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: 3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; 4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; 5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments (#4687-mitsvah), my statutes (#2708-chuqqah), and my laws (#8451-torah).
4687 mitsvah {mits-vaw’} • from 06680; TWOT – 1887b; n f • AV – commandments 177, precept 4, commanded 2, law 1, ordinances 1; 181 • 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of Yahweh) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
2708 chuqqah {khook-kaw’} • from 2706; TWOT – 728b; n f • AV – statute 77, ordinance 22, custom 2, appointed 1, manners 1, rites 1; 104 • 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute
2706 choq {khoke} • from 2710; TWOT – 728a; n m • AV – statute 87, ordinance 9, decree 7, due 4, law 4, portion 3, bounds 2, custom 2, appointed 1, commandments 1, misc 7; 127 • 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance
When Yahweh began to work with ancient Israel after the exodus from Egypt, He was not announcing His laws at Mount Sinai for the first time. He was restating and expanding His laws to the Israelites who had spent several generations as slaves in Egypt (Exodus 12:41). Because the Israelites were slaves in Egypt for many generations, they did not remember Yahweh’s laws, much less obeyed it.
The word added, which we will read in Galatians 3:19 can also be translated as “augmentation”. So Yahweh added to the laws, commandments, and statues of Abraham to become the law of Moses or better known as the “Mosaic Law”. Augmentation can either expand or restrict the requirements already allowed by the Abrahamic Promise of Faith. The Mosaic Law, which Scriptures tells us was a marriage covenant, added or augmented the requirements of the earlier Abrahamic Promise of Faith. And we know this marriage covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-32 and Isaiah 54:5), the Mosaic Law, is no longer in effect with the death of Yah’shua (Hebrews 9:13-18). But the Abrahamic Promise of Faith, with its commandments, statutes, and law (Genesis 26:5) is still in force.
Therefore we see the law of Moses, the Mosaic Law, has added or augmented components even after the initial giving of the law at Mount Sinai. And the Mosaic Law became a series of handwritten augmentations after the initial giving of the law at Mount Sinai because the Israelites were unable to keep their covenant with Yahweh. The fact these laws were handwritten is key when reading about the law in the New Testament. One of the key items that was added or augmented was the Sacrificial System and Levitical priesthood till the seed (Messiah) should come.
Let us dig into a very misunderstood passage in Galatians about Abrahams faith and (added) law.
Galatian 3:6 Even as Abraham believed Yahweh, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that Elohim would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of Yahweh, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Messiah hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through YahwehShua Messiah; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Messiah. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of Yahweh in Messiah, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but Yahweh gave it to Abraham by promise. 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but Yahweh is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of Elohim? Yahweh forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of YahwehShua Messiah might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Messiah, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Although this passage can be confusing about the law, there are several truths to cover. First, the law that the Apostle Paul is discussing is the Mosaic Law, which occurred after 430 years of captivity in Egypt (verse 17). The added or augmented law of Moses, the Mosaic Law, was due to the transgression of the Israelites and was necessary until the seed (Messiah) should come (verse 19). And that Messiah has redeemed us from the curse of the (Mosaic) law, having become a curse for us (verse 13). Why? Because Scriptures has confirmed that all under sin, that the promise of faith in YahwehShua Messiah might be given to those who believe (verse 22). Scriptures are clear, Messiah did not redeem us from the law, but the curse of the law! And what is the curse of the law but death, not eternal life. Over and over in the New Testament, it tells us that sin is the transgression of the law (we will cover this is detail later) and that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Is the law then against the promises of Yahweh? Clearly not (verse 21).
Just because we are under the grace and not under the curse of the Mosaic law, does not mean the laws, commandments, and statues kept by Abraham are annulled. We do not need to keep the whole Mosaic law (the Old Covenant that is fading away), but we still keep the laws, commandments, and statutes given to Abraham. Remember, we are told that saints are the children of Abraham.
Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed Yahweh, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that Elohim would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the evengel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Messiah.
29 And if ye be Messiah’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
Romans 9:6 Not as though the word of Yahweh hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of Yahweh: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even Yahweh, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
So how does the law or “torah” tie into the Covenant Ten Commandments (“Mitsvah”) or Yahweh’s commandments (“mitsvah”) throughout the Scriptures. The Hebrew word “mitsvah” translated as commandments is related to the Hebrew word “torah”. Commandments or “mitsvah” in the Scriptures are simply the code of conduct and the will of the Almighty. And the Covenant Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 4:13) are the Covenant code of conduct teachings of the Almighty, encompasses Yahweh’s law, and a framework for instruction and direction for saints.
So as a believer, we need to make sure we are following Yahweh’s laws and commandments, which again encompasses the Almighty’s direction, instruction and path for a believer to obey.
So why do many Christians today believe that they do not have to keep Yahweh’s laws, including His Feast Days, Sabbaths, and Food Laws, the Covenant Ten Commandments, and really all of Yahweh’s commandments found throughout Scriptures? What they do is point to the following passage and other aspects of the Israelite law like the Levitical Priesthood and Sacrificial System, which obviously are not being observed and not for saints today, and conclude that the laws and Yahweh’s commandments are not obligatory.
Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (# 4137-pleroo).
However, when we look beyond a single verse, we see an altogether different picture. And as we will discover, the translated Hebrew word fulfill does not mean to make obsolete. Continuing Messiah’s teaching in the next verse, we read:
Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (# 1096-ginomai).
It is clear the law has not been abolished or done away. Because at this point it is fairly safe to say that heaven and earth have not passed, which is a reference to the following Scriptures:
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Sovereign will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and piety, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of Yahweh, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Isaiah 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
And again:
Isaiah 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith YAHWEH, so shall your seed and your name remain.
It is also interesting to note the word fulfill in verse 17 and the word fulfilled in verse 18 come from two different Greek words. Let us look at the two Greek words.
4137 pleroo {play-ro’-o} • from 4134; TDNT – 6:286,867; v • AV – fulfil 51, fill 19, be full 7, complete 2, end 2, misc 9; 90 • 1) to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full 1a) to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally 1a1) I abound, I am liberally supplied 2) to render full, i.e. to complete 2a) to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim 2b) to consummate: a number 2b1) to make complete in every particular, to render perfect 2b2) to carry through to the end, to accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking)
1096 ginomai {ghin’-om-ahee} • a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; TDNT – 1:681,117; v • AV – be 255, come to pass 82, be made 69, be done 63, come 52, become 47, God forbid + 3361 15, arise 13, have 5, be fulfilled 3, be married to 3, be preferred 3, not tr 14, misc 4, vr done 2; 678 • 1) to become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being 2) to become, i.e. to come to pass, happen 2a) of events 3) to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage 3a) of men appearing in public 4) to be made, finished 4a) of miracles, to be performed, wrought 5) to become, be made
If you look at verse 17 and the definition of the Greek word “pleroo”, it is clear this Greek word that was translated “fulfil” really should have been translated that Yah’shua showed us how to obey the law. He was our perfect example of a human being following Yahweh’s laws. The use of “pleroo” translated as “fulfil” had nothing to do with “completing a contract” that would result in the law being abolished .
The second “fulfilled” in verse 18 is from the Greek word “ginomai”. And this Greek word can mean to be “made finished” or “completed”. But again, the law will not be made obsolete until the existing heavens and earth pass as indicated in verse 18, which has not yet occurred.
The death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior did not eliminate Yahweh’s laws but signaled some changes in the law (see Hebrew 7-10). And with the changes to the law, a New Covenant with saints. These changes in the law were based on Messiah becoming our High Priest and the final sacrifice to take away all sin of mankind. Therefore, the biggest change in the law was that there was no longer the need for the Levitical Priesthood or the Sacrificial System.
Administrative changes, however, are not to be confused with Yahweh’s law itself, which Messiah clearly states will continue to exist until the New Heaven’s and Earth.
Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O Yahweh. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of YahwehShua Messiah once for all. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of Yahweh; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Let us stop for a minute and review verse 12 in Hebrews 7 and ask a question. How can anyone say the law was abolished or done away with the clear statement that there was a change in the law. Additional proof that the law as not been done away with the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior. And based on the New Testament definition of sin, over and over we read sin is the transgression of the law and that by the law there is knowledge of sin. Again, evidence that Yahweh’s laws continue today, with modifications, for the New Covenant believer.
1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Romans 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Yahweh forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? Yahweh forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Psalm 19:7 The law of Yahweh is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple.
And the misconceived concept that by faith the law is not necessary to obey is not Scriptural. Over and over, we read that having faith is tied to obedience to Yahweh’s laws and commandments (code of conduct) and even though we are under grace, this does not give a saint license to sin by breaking Yahweh’s laws and commandments.
Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Yahweh forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? Yahweh forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one Elohim; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin:
The intent of this article is not to analyze the 600 plus mitzvah, sometimes referred as the commandments or laws in the Pentateuch (first five books of the bible traditionally ascribed to Moses), but to look at general categories of the Old Testament Mosaic Law that have been modified for believers today. Again, the law has not been abolished, but has been modified in the New Covenant as we will continue to investigate.
The first big category of the Mosaic Law not meant for believers today, which we have already covered, is the Levitical Priesthood and Sacrificial system, sometimes called the Ceremonial Law. It is clear the Ceremonial Law was changed because Messiah became our High Priest according to the order of Melchisedec and was once and for all the perfect sacrifice for mankind’s sin. See Hebrews chapters 7-10.
Another category of the Mosaic Law not meant for believers today is the Old Testament Civil Law that Yahweh gave the Israelites to govern themselves after they left Egypt. We know that the Civil Law given to the Israelites is no longer necessary to follow because over and over in the New Testament, we are told to follow the laws of the land you live in, unless those laws contradict Yahweh’s moral laws. In fact, Scriptures are clear we are supposed to submit ourselves to our government.
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of Yahweh,
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Sovereign’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear Yahweh. Honor the king. (NKJ)
Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18 But Yah’shua perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto Yahweh the things that are Yahweh’s.
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from Yahweh, and the authorities that exist are appointed by Yahweh. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of Yahweh, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is Yahweh’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is Yahweh’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are Yahweh’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (NKJ)
The last big category in the Mosaic law that has been modified for a New Covenant believer are the laws pertaining to external holiness. Some of the external Holiness Laws include type of dress, how to wear one’s beard and of course circumcision, which is no longer external, but internal. That is circumcision has been become of the heart and mind. The New Covenant is about the laws being placed in our hearts and minds. That is internal holiness is more important than external holiness.
Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith Yahweh: 33 But this shall be the covenant (Exodus 34:28) that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith Yahweh, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people.
Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith Yahweh, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
Getting back to internal holiness vs external holiness in the New Covenant we read the following.
Deuteronomy 30:6 And Yahweh thy Elohim will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love Yahweh thy Elohim with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Elohim.
Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Messiah:
Hebrew 4:12 For the word of Yahweh is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
In fact, not only have Yahweh’s laws been put into our hearts and minds, they have been magnified. Messiah himself in Matthew 5 gives several examples of Old Testament laws that have been magnified for New Testament believers. Two of those examples are part of the Covenant Ten Commandments for murder and adultery.
Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Isaiah 42:21 Yahweh is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.
1 John 3:15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
The Scriptures tell us that unless a saint’s righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees that he shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven. Selah (i.e., think about it). Very clear magnification of the laws and commandments. And we know that the scribes and Pharisees kept all of Yahweh’s laws and commandments. Where the scribes and Pharisees failed was their man-made addition to Yahweh’s laws turning the law into legalism, confusing the spirit of the law with the letter of the law.
Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
It is ironic that many use Apostle Paul’s writings, including his writings in the book of Romans, to say that with Messiah’s death, burial, and resurrection the laws have been abolished since we are under grace when Paul kept the law. What the Apostle Paul was condemning were the added Mosaic Law and quite possibly the added oral laws of the Jews. Clearly in his writings Paul states that “Do we then make void the law through faith? Yahweh forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
Acts 24:14 But this I (Paul) confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the Elohim of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
Acts 25:8 While he (Paul) answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
Romans 7:22 For I (Paul) delight in the law of Yahweh after the inward man:
25 I thank Elohim through YahwehShua Messiah our Sovereign. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of Yahweh; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Think about this. Paul, after Messiah’s resurrection, taught the law or torah!
Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him (Paul) into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of Yahweh, persuading them concerning YahwehShua, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
And what does Yahweh say about keeping the Covenant Ten Commandments and all of the Almighty’s commandments? Over and over in the New Testament Scriptures we read that when we enjoy a loving relationship with Yahweh, we keep His commandments!
1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of Yahweh, when we love Yahweh, and keep his commandments.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Getting back to loving Yahweh by keeping his commandments, we see Yahweh’s commandments include the Covenant Ten Commandments.
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law (i.e. love as expressed in the Ten Commandments) according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Matthew 18:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts (magnification of the law), murders (6th Commandment), adulteries (7th Commandment), fornications, thefts (8th Commandment), false witness (9th Commandment), blasphemies (1st and 3rd Commandments): 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, Yahweh: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments (i.e. Ten Commandments). 18 He saith unto him, Which? Yah’shua said, Thou shalt do no murder (6th Commandment), Thou shalt not commit adultery (7th Commandment), Thou shalt not steal (8th Commandment), Thou shalt not bear false witness (9th Commandment), 19 Honour thy father and thy mother (5th Commandment): and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (5th-10th Commandment).
It is clear as we read the above passage in Matthew, to gain eternal life as the Father and the Son have, we must obey Yahweh’s commandments, including the Covenant Ten Commandments.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Sovereign, Sovereign, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom Yahweh hath given to them that obey him.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Ecclesiastes 11:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear Yahweh, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
We have covered some major categories of the law that have been changed. But what about Yahweh’s Feasts/Sabbath days found in Leviticus 23 and Food Laws found in Leviticus 11? Have these laws been abolished with the death, burial and resurrection of Messiah?
One of the key Scriptures used by some to justify not keeping Yahweh’s Feasts/Sabbath days or Food laws comes from Colossians 2:16. This is a very misunderstood passage in the Scriptures. Proponents that state a saint does not need to keep Yahweh’s Feasts/Sabbath days or can eat what Yahweh says is unclean foods interpret this passage to mean that no one can judge you on these matters and that the crux of the matter is the resurrection of Messiah, not Feasts/Sabbath days or unclean foods.
If we truly look at the words of this passage, something entirely different is being told. According to Paul’s letter to the Colossians, the New Testament assembly is being judged on how we keep Yahweh’s Food Laws (1), Sabbath Days (2), Holy Days (3), and New Moons.
Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat (i.e. food), or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body (is) of Messiah.
First, this verse in Colossians clearly indicates that Yahweh’s Food Laws, Sabbath Days, Holy Days, and New Moons are shadows of things to come, meaning that they have not been done away. The Greek word translated shadow, #4639 “skia”, means “shadow” or “adumbration”. According to the Heritage Dictionary, “adumbration” is “something that foreshadows or partially or guardedly discloses something or gives a sketchy outline of something”. The definition of foreshadow is “to present an indication or suggestion of beforehand; presage”. And lastly the definition of “presage” is “(1) an indication or warning of a future occurrence; (2) prophetic significance or meaning”.
- For more information on Yahweh’s Food Laws, please read “What’s for Dinner? – Yahweh’s Food Laws”
- For more information on Yahweh’s New Moon, please read “The New Moon”
- For more information on Yahweh’s Sabbath, please read “The Fourth Commandment”
- For more information on Yahweh’s Feast Days, please read “Passover and Easter”, “Hag Hamatzot – Feast of Unleavened Bread” “Pentecost (Hag Shubuwa)”, “Yom Teruah…Day of Shouting”, “Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement”, “Hag Sukkot – Feast of Tabernacles”, and “The Last Great Day”
So, the Food Laws, Sabbath Days, Holy Days, and New Moons not only have not been done away but are sneak previews of a greater reality to come. Therefore, we keep these appointed times and teachings all the more. And if you look closely at Colossians 2:17, you will notice at the end of this passage the word “is” is added by the translators. If this added word is removed, we get a clear understanding of this passage which should read; “Let no man (i.e. person) therefore judge you…….but the body of Messiah”.
Therefore, the judge should be the body or assembly of Messiah. The addition of the word “is” has really distorted this passage with many believing that this passage states Messiah’s sacrifice abolished Yahweh’s Food Laws, Sabbath Days, Holy Days, and New Moons.
And if we review the prior verses in Colossians that some also use to say saints do not need to keep the law, we find that by Messiah’s work on the stake, He forgave us of our trespasses, not that the law was done away. Remember Messiah took on all sin and removed the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13), not the law kept by Abraham. And as we have already covered, the handwritten requirements, which was the Mosaic Law or even possibly the added laws of the Jews, was nailed to the stake, not the Abrahamic Promise of Faith.
Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his stake;
In fact, we find over and over in the New Testament after Messiah’s death, burial, and resurrection the Apostle keeping Yahweh’s Feast Days/Sabbaths and Food Laws. Let us start with the Feast Days.
Acts 18:21 But bade them farewell, saying, I (Paul) must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if Yahweh will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Messiah our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast (Passover/Unleavened Bread), not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 20:6 And we (Paul and others) sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
Acts 27:9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast (tied to Yom Kippur/Attonement) was now already past, Paul admonished them,
1 Corinthians 16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
Not only did the Apostle keep Yahweh’s Feast Days, they kept His Seventh-Day Sabbath.
Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. 14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
Acts 17:1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
And not only were the Jewish believers in Messiah keeping the Seventh-Day Sabbath 20-30 years after Messiah’s resurrection, we see clearly that non-Jewish believers (i.e. Gentiles or Greeks) were also keeping the Seventh-Day Sabbath. An interesting note about the book of Acts, which is about the early body of believers, is that we do not see Paul or any other apostle telling believers that the Sabbath was obsolete, unnecessary, or changed to Sunday.
Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of Yahweh. 44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of Yahweh.
Acts 14:1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they (i.e. Paul and Barnabas) went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
Acts 18:4 And he (i.e. Paul) reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
I believe a great place to start on whether or not the Food Laws are still for saints today is in the New Testament with the Apostle Peter right after the resurrection of our Messiah. This gets right to the argument of whether or not the Food Laws were done away after the death, burial, and resurrection of Messiah. Remember Peter was one of the Twelve Apostles and much authority was given to Peter by Messiah. And Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, which taught the apostles all things (John 14:26). Therefore, if anyone should have known that the Food Laws had changed after the resurrection of our Savior, it would have been Peter.
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my assembly; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Let us review a key passage on this topic of clean and unclean food tied to the Apostle Peter after the resurrection of our Savior in Acts chapter 10. Many use this passage to argue that the Food Laws have been done away. They stop at verse 15, where it appears that Yahweh has cleansed anything that was unclean or common in Peter’s vision of unclean animals and make the argument this includes unclean foods.
Acts 10:10 And he (Peter) became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Sovereign; for I have never eaten anything that is common (#2839) or unclean (#169). 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What Yahweh hath cleansed, that call not thou common (#2840). 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
2839 koinos {koy-nos’} • probably from 4862; TDNT – 3:789,447; adj • AV – common 7, unclean 3, defiled 1, unholy 1; 12 • 1) common 2) common i.e. ordinary, belonging to generality 2a) by the Jews, unhallowed, profane, Levitically unclean
2840 koinoo {koy-no’-o} • from 2839; TDNT – 3:809,447; v • AV – defile 11, call common 2, pollute 1, unclean 1; 15 • 1) to make common 1a) to make (Levitically) unclean, render unhallowed, defile, profane 1b) to declare or count unclean
169 akathartos {ak-ath’-ar-tos} • from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 2508 (meaning cleansed); TDNT – 3:427,381; adj • AV – unclean 28, foul 2; 30 • 1) not cleansed, unclean 1a) in a ceremonial sense: that which must be abstained from according to the levitical law 1b) in a moral sense: unclean in thought and life
But as we read past verse 15 in the Book of Acts, we start to see the meaning of Peter’s vison and the purpose of that vision from Yahweh. And it has nothing to do with unclean foods becoming acceptable to eat in Yahweh’s eye.
An interesting observation is that the Greek word #169 or “akathartos” was used to describe unclean foods. We find in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) “akathartos” used to designate unclean foods listed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. But Peter added another Greek word “koinos”, translated as common, when describing his vision. And when Yahweh responds to Peter comment that he has not eaten anything common our unclean, Yahweh specifically responds that he has cleansed the common but does not state that he has cleansed the unclean, which in this case tied to man’s food.
And think about this. After seeing this vision three times Peter told Yahweh that he has never eaten anything that was unclean. Remember this is after Messiah’s resurrection and we just read that Messiah gave Peter the keys to Kingdom of Heaven prior to this moment. Peter was clearly obeying Yahweh’s Food Laws after Messiah’s resurrection and was very puzzled what this vision meant.
17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
Peter didn’t run to the nearest restaurant to have a shrimp cocktail with a bacon sandwich and say yeah, I can eat anything I want!! In fact there is no evidence that Peter ate anything unclean after this vision. So with Peter doubting what the vision meant, the Holy Spirit had to step in to tell him in the next verse what Yahweh meant….and it wasn’t that all foods were okay to eat!
In fact, all you have to do is read further in verse 28 to find out what Yahweh cleansed. And what Yahweh cleansed was all men, including Gentiles. Yahweh was telling Peter that no man is unclean in His eyes. Not that all foods were clean and okay to eat. This vision helped Peter understand that Yahweh shows no partiality (verse 34) when it comes to mankind and that it was okay to preach to Gentiles. In fact as we read verse 19-44, we see Peter through the Holy Spirit entering the House of Cornelius (Gentile), preaching the evangel, and witnessing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles just like it was on the Jews.
19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth Elohim, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from Elohim by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but Yahweh hath shewed me that I should not call any man common (#2839) or unclean (#169).
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that Yahweh is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
44 While Peter yet spake these words (i.e. the evangel), the Holy Spirit fell on all them (i.e. house of Cornelius) which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Another verse that supposed Christians use to say that Yahweh’s Feast Days/Sabbaths (“the law”) has been abolished since we are under grace is when the Apostle Paul admonished the Galatians for observing days, months, times, and years.
Galatians 4:9 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? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
What in the world were those Galatians saints up to? Could it be he was criticizing the Galatians for keeping Yahweh’s Feast Days and Sabbaths? First you have to read into this verse to get this interpretation. Second, such a radical change would require a concise explanation, plainly outlining that we as believers should not be observing Yahweh’s Feast Days and Sabbaths. Lastly, after all we have covered, it is clear Yahweh’s law, including His Feast Days and Sabbaths have not been done away.
If a Bible student does some digging in the Scriptures, we find in the Old Testament there are references made against observance of days, months, times, and years.
Leviticus 19:26 Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.
Esther 3:7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
Deuteronomy 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
In conclusion, it appears the Apostle Paul was admonishing the Galatians for keeping pagan practices of old, not from keeping Yahweh’s Feasts/Sabbath days. And if we think about what is happening today with so called believers keeping Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc., we find not much has changed in 2,000 years.
Lastly, let us review one more Scripture that some use to say that the “law” including keeping Yahweh’s Sabbaths, Feast Days, and Food laws was abolished under the New Covenant with Messiah.
Galatians 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
So we see the law that was kept was added because of sin before the seed (Messiah) should come. Again, this is part of the Mosaic Law, not the law kept by Abraham. And as we will read, one of the added laws was the Priesthood and Sacrificial system, which was needed to cover sin until Messiah took away all of mankind sin being the perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all on the stake!
Jeremiah 7:22 For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: 23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your Elohim, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
If you read the book of Exodus, there was no Levitical Priesthood or Sacrificial System when the Israelites at Mount Sinai agreed to all that Yahweh commanded including the Covenant Ten Commandments (see Exodus 19:7-8). The Priesthood and Sacrificial System were added later.
So why are there Scriptures that equate bondage with the Sinai [aka Mosaic] law? It is crucial to understand that there are two different covenants involved, not that the law was abolished. Paul explains in his writings to the Galatians.
Galatians 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Please take that to heart! Trying to go back to the Sinai [aka Mosaic] law, is a repudiation of Messiah’s Sacrifice!
30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Messiah hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
The Sinai [aka Mosaic] covenant has been abrogated! We have a New Covenant in Messiah, with changes to Yahweh’s law, not abolishment of the law! The Law was not condemned or abolished under the New Covenant. It was sin (i.e. law-breaking) that was condemned, being nailed to the stake. Remember that Messiah bore all sin through His perfect sacrifice. Sin, again, is the transgression or breaking of the law (1 John 3:4 and Romans 3:20, 5:12, and 7:7).
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of Yahweh in him
Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Yahweh hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Messiah Yahweh hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Yahweh sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name YAH’SHUA: for he shall save his people from their sins.
So, if you really think about it, what was abolished with Messiah’s perfect sacrifice was the penalty of or curse of sin on all of mankind. Remember all have sinned and because of sin this has separated us from the Almighty. And as we read in the following Scriptures, the wages of sin is death.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of Yahweh is eternal life through YahwehShua Messiah our Sovereign.
Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die.
But with Messiah taking on all sin, He has broken the barrier between the Almighty and saints. Messiah has reconciled us to Abba Yahweh and has abolished death, triumphing over Satan who had power over death! For more information on this very important topic, please read “Yahweh’s Supreme Love”.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and Yahweh Elohim will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for Yahweh hath spoken it.
2 Corinthians 4:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
We conclude that under the New Covenant Yahweh’s laws and commandments have not been abolished but modified and put into our hearts and minds. In fact, we find examples in Scriptures that the laws and commandments have been magnified. What was nailed to the stake with Messiah’s death, burial, and resurrection, was the added or augmented parts to the law under the Mosaic Covenant. These were the handwritten requirements given to the Israelites due to their continued disobedience to Yahweh. Some of the broad categories of the law that are no longer necessary for saints today include the Levitical Priesthood and Sacrificial System, the Civil Law of the Israelites, and many external holiness laws including dress, how to wear one’s beard, and circumcision.
And keeping the laws and commandments for saints today includes Yahweh’s Sabbaths, Feast Days, and Food Laws. There are undisputable Scriptures that show the disciples keeping Yahweh’s Sabbaths, Feast Days, and Food Laws after Messiah’s death, burial, and resurrection.
The Hebrew word “torah” translated as “law” and “mitsvah” translated as “commandments” encompasses direction, instruction, and a path for believers’ life to obey. Scripture tells us that the law is spiritual, will be around until the New Heavens and Earth, and that from the beginning Abraham obeyed Yahweh’s laws and commandments. Remember, saints, those that obey Yahweh, are the true children of Abraham.
We are also told in the New Testament that without the law, we would not know sin and that those who love Yahweh obey his commandments, including the Covenant Ten Commandments.
We conclude with this amazing verse in Revelation. This verse tells us that those who obeyed Yahweh’s commandments, including His laws, have the right to enter the gates of New Jerusalem where Yahweh and the Lamb are present. Wouldn’t you want the right to enter the gates of New Jerusalem and receive an amazing reward from Yahweh?
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
HalleluYah
(12-22a)