Which Laws Are Everlasting?
... “sin is lawlessness” —1 John 3:4
Chapter 31 Preview: The vast majority of the 2.1 billion professing Christians in the world—33% of the world’s population—believe that Jesus’ death nailed the Law to the cross. They “stake” their destiny on that presumption! Yet the very first question that every Christian should ask concerning his status as a Saint (off site) is: Precisely what does God require of me? How is a person to know which Biblical laws are required of Christians. Should you simply inherit a religion or pick a guru and believe whatever he tells you? How do you personally decide which laws to obey? Does it really matter? Is there a key to knowing which laws are permanent?
I find it extremely inconceivable that so many people would believe that God would totally reject His own standards of behavior for His own representitives on earth. Even the most worldly of organizations have some absolute standards of conduct for their employees or even volunteers who represent them. Standards are not left up to each individuals feelings at any given time.
Living by the Law of God was a prerequisite for life itself for ancient Israel. Here is the “old” standard that God required of ancient Israel to preserve their lives in the Promised Land:
Deuteronomy 10:12-14 Now, Israel, what does [Yehovah’] your God require of you, but to fear [Yehovah] your God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve [Yehovah] your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 to keep the commandments of [Yehovah], and His statutes, which I command you this day for your good? 14 Behold, to [Yehovah] your God belongs heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth, with all that is therein. WEB
With “heaven and earth” as His witnesses, God swore to the people of ancient Israel that if they would “choose life” then they could “dwell in the land which [Yehovah] swore to your fathers”:
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your seed; 20 to love [Yehovah] your God, to obey His voice, and to cleave to Him; for He is your life, and the length of your days; that you may dwell in the land which [Yehovah] swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. WEB
Choosing life has been a constant for all time and in every culture. However the Israelites were “entrusted” with a higher degree of knowledge than the surrounding nations and “much” more was “required” of them. Still more is required of Christians:
Luke 12:47-48 That servant, who knew his lord’s will, and didnt prepare, nor do what he wanted, will be beaten with many stripes, 48 but he who didnt know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whoever much is given, of him will much be REQUIRED; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.
Each of us should seriously consider whether God requires any less of us than He did of ancient Israel!
This chapter does not counter the many arguments which superficially appear to have scriptural support against the law. This chapter would benefit most those who have begun heeding “the law”. If you have never even seriously considered whether or not we should adhere to various points of the law, then I would recommend that you study some urgently needed material about the great false teaching concerning “Mainstream” Christianity and “the Law”. Your eternal destiny will be greatly influenced by God’s Law even tho there is grace. This linked article below and others like it explain, point by point, how men have twisted the intent of the scriptures to the point that their whole religion is worthless. Most of the distortion has been done to the writings of Paul. Here, for example, is a Ten Part Article (off site) on this subject, from a Messianic Jewish website. This information is extremely beneficial in revealing the error in just about any excuse for not keeping the Law of God. (Also, because it is conveniently divided into 10 parts, I can easily exclude part 7 from my endorsement.)
An excellent book by Alan Knight shows how the Dispensation Philosophy crept from the ancient Greek philosophers into mainstream Christianity. It is entitled Primitive Christianity. It can be purchased by writing to ARK Research, 1917 Mt. Hamilton Dr, Antioch, CA 94509.
“Owlam” is the Key
Perhaps an easier question to ask than which laws are everlasting would be to ask which laws are temporary. We’ll get into that. Yet the great mystery concerning the intent of God’s law can be resolved by simply checking out the many scriptures which contain the Hebrew word “owlam”, (Strong’s #05769). “Owlam” means “eternal”, “everlasting”, “ever more” “perpetual” and “eternity”. Why do so many of these so called “obsolete” requirements of God contain these ties to eternity? Why are these laws not being followed now? Some point out that the word “eternal” can mean age lasting. Even given that, this age is not over and the Law of God is well specified to be central in “the age to come”—the Everlasting Kingdom, as well! This chapter explores things which are “owlam”.
The rationalizations for not keeping God’s laws often begin to be spun with reference to the following statement:
Matthew 5:38-39 You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, dont resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. WEB
This quotation of Jesus [Yehoshua] (off site) and other similar statements, are some of the main arguments used by mainstream traditional Christianity to nullify virtually every requirement of the “Old Covenant”. These misguided “guides” claim that Jesus eliminated all of His own rules (John 1:3) of conduct and replaced them all with sentimental “love”—meaning a warm fuzzy feeling but without any absolutes (laws).
When love is described as fulfilling the law it means that one is, at the very least, a doer of the last six of the Ten Commandments concerning your fellow man—a means by which even ignorant “gentiles” may be “excused” from their sins and obtain eternal life, as Jesus explained to a young Jew in Matthew 19:16-17. While they wont be among the Saints, they will be alive!
Romans 13:8-10 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not give false testimony,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love doesnt harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.
Are you willing to place your salvation as a believer in the Messiah on such a blanket policy without at least considering that there may be much more to it? Does your Creator really not demand that you lead an exemplary lifestyle? Is He only interested in your saying some “magic words” following an “alter call”? Was Jesus actually lowering the bar on the Commandments in His legendary dialog on the mountainside (Matthew 5,6,7)? Is there anything in the Matthew 5 context that would justify a liberalized interpretation of the Scriptures concerning such issues as the Sabbath, the Holy Days, or eating bottom dwellers and scavengers, etc. (which are the targets of these teachers) making them no longer binding on Christians under the “New Covenant” conditions that are popularly thought to exist right now? As usual, a great deal of scriptural context is included in this chapter. A careful reading of the seven “I tell you” statements will most certainly indicate that the bar was raised considerably in every example!
Matthew 5:17-48 Dont think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didnt come to destroy, but to ‘fulfill’ [literally: “fill to the full”, “render perfect”]. 18 For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away [has’nt happened], not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. 19 Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. [However the bar is quite low for doctrine.] 21 “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna. 23 “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him in the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ 28 but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 30 If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’ 32 but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery. 33 “Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,’ 34 but I tell you, dont swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; 35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shall you swear by your head, for you cant make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one. 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, dont resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. 41 Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and dont turn away him who desires to borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what ‘reward’ [literally: wages] do you have? Dont even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Dont even the tax collectors do the same? 48 Therefore you shall [become] perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. WEB
As a teenager, I asked my uncle what Jesus meant when He said He came to “fulfill” “the law”. He told me that it means Jesus eliminated the need for obedience to the entire law! Many teachers still say that. While most misleaders have a slicker response, the bottom line is the same. Here is how one anti-law proponent put it:
“By fulfilling the law Christ satisfied it’s requirements in our place. In other words, the ‘required’ obedience is accomplished in Him. Therefore, in Christ do we keep all the law faithfully, and cannot be accused. In this way, we are no longer judged by any of the everlasting laws, for we are under the Grace of God. The law doesnt condemn us.”
There are four other places where the same Greek word—Strong’s 4137, pleroo (play-ro’-o) is translated as “fulfill”. Try substituting the word “eliminate” for fulfill in any of the other four references. Any such substitution would be ludicrous.
Matthew 3:15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him. NKJV
Colossians 1:25 ... of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God .... NKJV
Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it. NKJV
2 Thessalonians 1:11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power .... NKJV
Dispensing With Dispensations
The Apostle Paul believed everything that was written in the Law and the Prophets. He also practiced the same things that his fellow Jews practiced, who were persecuting him. Yes, he even brought “offerings” to the temple.
Acts 24:14-17 But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; 15 having hope toward God, which these [Jews] also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16 Herein I also practice [as do the Jews] always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men. 17 Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings ... WEB
But what exactly did he practice? Some say that he simply kept the Ten Commandments; others say he didnt even do that. Actually James, unquestionably referring to the Ten Commandments, explained the situation very plainly. He said that “mercy” is absolutely required for salvation, not “faith” alone. He added that “works”—doing good things in life—is also required in order to be “justified”. He explained that if someone were righteous enough to go thru life and only break the law once, he would still be condemned to eternal death, if he himself, as well as God, did not have mercy:
James 2:8-24 However, if you fulfill the royal law, according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself, “you do well. 9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak, and so do, as men who are to be judged by a law of freedom. 13 For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. 14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? 15 And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, 16 and one of you tells them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled;” and yet you didnt give them the things the body needs, what good is it? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. 18 Yes, a man will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith. 19 You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? 21 Wasnt Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness;” and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that by works, a man is JUSTIFIED, and not only by faith. WEB
On Judgment Day, God will actually judge us based directly upon the standard of mercy that we applied to other people, among other factors. How important is that? The fairness of this concept simply amazes me:
Matthew 7:2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. WEB
Most Sabbatarians—those of us who believe in keeping all Ten Commandments, understand that both “works” and “faith” are required for salvation. However, Sunday observers almost universally preach that “faith alone” is required for salvation. Martin Luther went so far as to say that the book of James was “an epistle of straw”. This is known as the Law and Grace controversy. The position is sometimes referred to as ultra dispensationalism (and they have dispensed with the truth!) Another name for this lawless doctrine is antinomianism. (off site)
Matthew 7:23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! NKJV
Matthew 24:12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. NKJV
1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness.
Some believe that the Holy Days are no longer necessary, others believe that tithing is a “carry over” from “the law” (conveniently overlooking the fact that Biblically it is strictly used to support the Levitical priesthood). Others insist that men wear tassels on their cloths. How do we determine which laws pertain to us?
Most of the people calling themselves Evangelicals or Fundamentalists, maintain that God dealt with people very differently in the past. They view the Tanach, the “Old Testament”, as a relic of the past, good for little more than history. The Hebrew Scriptures are seen as being concerned only with law keeping and salvation by works, while the Greek Scriptures emphasize faith, hope, love and grace. Hence, in this view, a radical disconnection between Judaism and Christianity became necessary. In practice, the only elements of the Hebrew Scriptures they see as relevant are those quoted by the Apostles in the Greek Scriptures. Everything else is said to be obsolete.
What is called dispensationalism today is the very philosophy that is referred to in Colossians:
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. NKJV
Champions for the Doctrine of Lawlessness will ultimately back a single powerful advocate and then a final end time battle for the minds of men will ensue.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 For the mystery of lawlessness already works [was already being taught]. Only there is One who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of His coming; 9 even he [the false prophet] whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 and with all deception of wickedness [he teaches wickedness] for those who are being lost, because they didnt receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 Because of this, God sends them “energeia” [Greek: supernaturally powerful] error, that they should believe a lie; 12 that they all might be judged who didnt believe the truth, but had pleasure in [meaning they loved] unrighteousness. WEB
Today, the world is awash with variations on the ancient lawless theme. Few seem to have noticed that the Greek and Hebrew Scriptures are complementary! When the book of Acts—the history of the early Assembly (usually mistranslated as “Church” (off site) was being fulfilled, the only scriptures were Hebrew Scriptures, and they were definitely not being disparaged!
Acts 17:2-3 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 Paul, as was his custom, went in to them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ. WEB
Acts 17:11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. WEB
Acts 18:24-28 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately 27 When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. WEB
What has come to be termed “Christianity” (originally by detractors: Acts 11:26) was ideally meant to be a growth process for Judaism. For a time every “Christian” was a Jew!
“Salvation” for “the nations” of “all the earth” was not a new plan. It has been the goal all along! David’s psalm predicted the time when Yehovah will come and judge the world. Then, after the Kingdom of God is established, even the “families of nations” mistakenly called “gentiles” will bring “offerings” to God:
Psalm 96 Sing to [Yehovah] a new song! Sing to [Yehovah], all the earth. 2 Sing to [Yehovah]! Bless His name! Proclaim His salvation from day to day! 3 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples. 4 For great is [Yehovah], and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but [Yehovah] made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before Him. Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to [Yehovah], you families of nations, ascribe to [Yehovah] glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to [Yehovah] the glory due to His name. Bring an offering [sacrifice], and come into His courts. 9 Worship [Yehovah] in holy array. Tremble before Him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, “[Yehovah] reigns”. The world is also established. It cant be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity. 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness! 12 Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy 13 before [Yehovah]; for He comes, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with His truth. WEB
Salvation has always been made available in the same manner. To disagree simply means, for example, that you have not read Psalm 32!
Everyone will ultimately be judged by their “works” and by what they knew, or did not know—whether or not they knew anything about God’s ultimate objectives! However I believe that this is the most controversial concept in my book. This is my favorite verse in the Bible, but it takes reading over a few times to realize that people who know nothing about God will be eternally judged entirely by their “work” and their “thoughts”!
Romans 2:14-15 For it isnt the hearers of the law [essentially the Jews during that time period] who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified 14 (for when Gentiles who dont have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ. WEB
The Called, the Culled, and the Excused (also linked above) explains how those who “dont have the law” may be excused on Judgment Day!
Jesus did not change His bottom line requirements for salvation, but His coming did create a lot of attention. “The way” really took on power once God began using ordinary people in extraordinary ways! But soon Satan began creating chaos among the brethren by sending in “false Apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:13),“false brethren” (Galatians 2:4), “false teachers” and “false prophets” (2 Peter 2:1). Then Satan followed up by using the power of the Roman Empire to further hinder the way. Because the persecution was so lethal, many people replaced the Sabbath with Sunday and Passover with Easter around the time of the second major Jewish revolt against Rome. This was not only acceptable to Rome but it became part of the state religion. This situation greatly favored the false teachers—enabling them to water everything down—just as Satan had planned. One of Satan’s best tools for destroying the truths that Jesus came to reveal is called Syncretism. Syncretism is the process of replacing truths, one at a time, with counterfeit concepts, each having some remote semblance of the original truth. This has been going on so long that in most quarters virtually nothing of significance remains. One would think that this would take generations, but I have personally seen giant steps backwards in a few short years. Even as the Apostles walked the earth, syncretism was infiltrating the Assemblies.
Galatians 1:4-8 I marvel that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “Good News”; 7 and there isnt another “Good News.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ. 8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “Good News” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. WEB
If the Apostolic writers had really meant to part with their Jewish heritage, then why do the Greek Scriptures quote from the Hebrew Scriptures hundreds of times? Scriptures of every kind are used to illustrate every type of topic but quotations are naturally most commonly used to help their Jewish neighbors to understand that the long awaited Messiah had indeed already come.
Furthermore, why didnt Jesus ever once even mention during His ministry that a revolution was about to come concerning everything God had ever said? On the contrary, as was already mentioned, He said: “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets”. You would think that at least one clue would be mentioned such as: “Hey guys, everything I have told you is about to become obsolete because the New Covenant will kick in as soon as I am gone. The wretched Old Covenant that we’re under will cease very soon”.
If Paul had planned on abandoning the Hebrew Scriptures, surely he would have mentioned it. Yet while the “New Testament” was still in the works, Paul had this to say:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. WEB
1 Corinthians 10:1-12 Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 and all ate the same spiritual food; 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 However with most of them, God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Neither let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell. 9 Neither let us test the Lord, as some of them tested, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for OUR admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come [he thought this age was about to end]. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesnt fall. WEB
Yet even among those who have connected the dots and understand that God is both watching and listening to us, we still end up guessing about which laws “are still in effect”.
“An Eye for an Eye”
Immediately following the issuing of the Ten Commandments there were many other governmental “ordinances” given by God Himself. These are all laid out in Exodus 21 thru 23. These were actually the foundational laws under which the newly born nation of Israel was to govern itself. (Once Israel went into captivity, the people were under the control of their captors for all matters of civil justice.)
Under the “Old Covenant”, justifiable vigilante justice was permissible. This was even true in murder cases. If someone were to murder your relative, you were permitted to execute that person. There were no exceptions for the “avenger” to concern himself with.
In the case of an accidental death, avenging could still be carried out unless the unwitting killer were to take refuge in one of the special “cities of refuge”.
Numbers 35:10-12 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 11 then you shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. 12 The cities shall be to you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer not die, until he stands before the congregation for judgment. WEB
Exodus 21:1,22-27 Now these are the ordinances which you shall set before them .... 22 “If men fight and hurt a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely, and yet no harm follows, he shall be surely fined as much as the woman’s husband demands and the judges allow. 23 But if any harm follows, then you must take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burning for burning, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise. 26 “If a man strikes his servant’s eye, or his maid’s eye, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for his eye’s sake. 27 If he strikes out his male servant’s tooth, or his female servant’s tooth, he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake. WEB
That is the context of the statement of Jesus concerning His statement on an “eye for an eye”. Was Jesus saying that the system of swift and absolute justice, that He Himself had fashioned, was a bad thing or could it have to do with the fact that the Jews had involved themselves in decades of insurrections against the Roman government.
Matthew 23:32-39 ‘Fill up’, [actually Strong’s 4137 again: “fulfill” ] then, the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna? 34 Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city; 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! 38 Behold, your house [the temple] is [to be] left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see Me [the long awaited Messiah] from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ WEB
This may be a good place to mention that Jesus (and also His Father) are referred to as the Rock, and that Jesus the Rock was with ancient Israel in the wilderness. He has a long term plan!
1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers ... all ate the same spiritual food; 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. WEB
2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, ‘One who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God .... WEB
Deuteronomy 32:3-4 For I will proclaim the name of [Yehovah]. Ascribe greatness to our God! 4 The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice: a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is He. WEB
The Rock of Israel told His own generation that they would not see the Messiah, whom they had rejected, until Judgment Day when some of them would be able to say: “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Jesus undoubtedly knew that the efforts of the Jews to establish a free nation in the midst of the Roman Empire were doomed to a devastating failure in 70 AD. Many people know that the temple was destroyed in Jesus’ generation but fewer know that a generation later an even greater destruction of the Jewish people would also take place. During the latter holocaust, the Jews were thrust far from their promised land. The renowned resistance of men like the Maccabees that ended in the horrific deaths of untold thousands of Jews could have been avoided if they had simply accepted the defeat of their nation as being the will of God, and awaited God’s prophesied New Covenant with Israel and Judah.
The Divinely ordained national laws of Scripture have been entirely superseded by the rule of men since the fall of ancient Judea, however that is about to change:
Micah 4:1-3 But in the latter days, it will happen that the mountain of [Yehovah’s] temple will be established on the top of the mountains, and it will be exalted above the hills; and peoples will stream to it. 2 Many nations will go and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of [Yehovah], and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.” For out of Zion will go forth ‘the law’ [Hebrew: the Torah!], and the word of [Yehovah] from Jerusalem; 3 and He will judge between many peoples, and will decide concerning strong nations afar off. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. WEB
Ancient Israel was actually a Theocracy, presided over by judges, until the people chose to have kings (and later politicians) governing them instead of God, so that they could be like the heathen nations around them.
1 Samuel 8:4-9 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel to Ramah; 5 and they said to him, “Behold, you are old, and your sons dont walk in your ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” Samuel prayed to [Yehovah]. 7 [Yehovah] said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they tell you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not be king over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, in that they have forsaken Me, and served other gods, so do they also to you. WEB
Had the people not rejected God’s laws, the original nation of Israel would still be a millennia old Theocracy! Ezekiel 20 is a thumbnail sketch of the history of Israel, starting with the Exodus. The entire chapter details God’s eternal plan for Israel. So here we have the “Mosaic Covenant” of the Ten Commandments and the “statutes” and “ordinances” (as well as particular emphasis on the “Sabbaths”) being rejected.
Ezekiel 20:11-24 I gave them My statutes, and showed them My ordinances, which if a man does, he shall live in them. 12 Moreover also I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am [Yehovah] who sanctifies them. 13 But the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness: they didnt walk in My statutes, and they rejected My ordinances, which if a man keep, he shall live in them; and My Sabbaths they greatly profaned .... 21 But the children rebelled against Me; they didnt walk in My statutes, neither kept My ordinances to do them, which if a man do, he shall live in them; they profaned My Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out My wrath on them, to accomplish My anger against them in the wilderness. 22 Nevertheless I withdrew My hand, and worked for My name’s sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I brought them forth. 23 Moreover I swore to them in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the nations, and disperse them through the countries; 24 because they had not executed My ordinances, but had rejected My statutes, and had profaned My Sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers’ idols. WEB
As a result of rejecting God’s laws, Israel was subjected to man’s laws. People love to quote this next section out of context, saying that God despised His own laws saying that they were “not good” and would promote death, so that they “should not live”, overlooking the part where He said that by keeping “My statutes” rather than man’s, “he shall live”!
vs. 25-26: Moreover also I gave them statutes that were not good, and ordinances in which they should not live; 26 and I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire [child sacrifice] all that opens the womb [the firstborn], that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am [Yehovah]. WEB
The following verses explain that God simply will not let His people reject His laws forever. He insists that He will “be king over you” by reversing the Diaspora. By Diaspora, I am not limiting the use of the word to just the Jews following the destruction of Jerusalem in Roman times. I am applying it to all twelve tribes, dating it back to their original captivity. This passage is in reference to the Second Exodus and the New Israel.
vs. 31-36: ... And shall I be inquired of by you, house of Israel? As I live, says the Lord [Yehovah], I will not be inquired of by you; 32 and that which comes into your mind shall not be at all, in that you say, We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone. 33 As I live, says the ‘the Lord’ [Adonay Yehovah], surely with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, will I be king over you: 34 and I will bring you out from the peoples, and will gather you out of the countries in which you are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out; 35 and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there will I enter into judgment with you face to face. 36 Like as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I enter into judgment with you, says the Lord [Yehovah]. WEB
Notice that the context itself explains that this is a scenario “like” the one He had had with “your fathers”. This is a prophecy about the Everlasting Kingdom. People tend to lose the futuristic context of this prophecy due to the reference to sacrificing in verse 40. However this is consistent with Zechariah 14 where the Messiah, after suppressing all of man’s governments, will mandate universal Feast of Tabernacles observance (v.16-19) and also reintroduce the Levitical sacrificial system (v. 20-21).
vs. 37-44 I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the [renewed] covenant .... 40 For in My holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, says the Lord [Yehovah], there shall all the house of Israel, all of them, serve Me in the land: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the first fruits of your offerings, with all your holy things. 41 As a pleasant aroma will I accept you, when I bring you out from the peoples, and gather you out of the countries in which you have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you in the sight of the nations. 42 You shall know that I am [Yehovah], when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country which I swore to give to your fathers. 43 There you shall remember your ways, and all your doings, in which you have polluted yourselves; and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that you have committed. 44 You shall know that I am [Yehovah], when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, you house of Israel, says the Lord [Yehovah]. WEB
When God set up the nation of Israel, He was playing “for keeps”, that is, while He knew that “we” would break our commitment to the “marriage” covenant. He promised never to be the One to break it:
Judges 2:1 Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you. NKJV
When things began to “go south”, as they say, God “appointed” other leaders, while insisting that the covenant was meant to be “forever”.
1 Samuel 13:13-14 Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of [Yehovah] your God, which He commanded you; for now [Yehovah] would have established your ‘kingdom’ [dynasty] on Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. [Yehovah] has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and [Yehovah] has appointed him to be prince over His people, because you have not kept that which [Yehovah] commanded you. WEB
After the people had rejected God as their ruler and were behaving exactly as the heathens around them, God made a final offer. Just as He had told Adam and Eve that if they only avoided one tree in the garden everything else would fall into place; in like manner He told Israel that if they only kept the Sabbath, that Jerusalem “shall remain forever” the capitol city of Israel. This was the proposal:
Jeremiah 17:19-27 Thus said [Yehovah] to me: Go, and stand in the gate of the children of the people, through which the kings of Judah come in, and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem; 20 and tell them, Hear the word of [Yehovah], you kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates: 21 Thus says [Yehovah], Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; 22 neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day holy, neither do any work: but make the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. 23 But they didnt listen, neither turn their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, and might not receive instruction. 24 It shall happen, if you diligently listen to Me, says [Yehovah], to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but to make the Sabbath day holy, to do no work therein; 25 then shall there enter in by the gates of this city kings and princes sitting on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and THIS CITY SHALL REMAIN FOREVER. 26 They shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places around Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the lowland, and from the hill country, and from the South, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meal offerings, and frankincense, and bringing sacrifices of thanksgiving, to the house of [Yehovah]. 27 But if you will not listen to Me to make the Sabbath day holy, and not to bear a burden and enter in at the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched. WEB
There are several Sabbath articles on this site. I would simply advise you to investigate the issue first before you draw any conclusions. Dont assume that your parents or grandparents or your minister have done that!
Have you ever wondered why the Bible has so much information about an end time period of destruction? The answer is quite specifically explained in Isaiah. People are breaking God’s “EVERLASTING COVENANT” as well as His “laws” and “statutes”! Notice:
Isaiah 24:1-6 Behold, [Yehovah] makes the earth empty, makes it waste, turns it upside down, and scatters its inhabitants .... 3 The earth will be utterly emptied and utterly laid waste; for [Yehovah] has spoken this word. 4 The earth mourns and fades away. The world languishes and fades away. The lofty people of the earth languish. 5 The earth also is polluted under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the EVERLASTING COVENANT . [I believe this to be the Exodus 31:16 Sabbath covenant (below).] 6 Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, and those who dwell therein are found guilty. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. WEB
(Do notice that the destruction is not complete, as it was not complete during the worldwide flood, and that some people are left.)
This would be a good place to comment on the word “owlam” that I mentioned in the opening paragraph. If Bible translators would make more of an effort to consistently translate words into English using the same equivalent words, many problems would be solved.
Nevertheless, the word “forever” (“for ever” in the KJV) is almost always translated from the word “owlam”, which is generally the exact equivalent to our word “eternity”.
The odd renderings have logical explanations. For example, when “owlam” is translated as “never”, the context tells you that something will “never” be—for eternity.
2 Samuel 12:10 Now therefore the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. WEB
On the few occasions when “owlam” is used in reference to a man, it means “always” for the rest of his life.
Psalms 119:112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, to the very end. NKJV
There are a few other words in Hebrew that are translated as “forever”. However, these words usually do not imply eternity. Some “scholars” use the Hebrew definitions of these words so as to indicate that God can never be understood to imply eternity. That is simply an unconscionable ploy.
Here are a few more quotations of things that will yet be made everlasting. The Sabbath is either specifically indicated as being the perpetual covenant or it is part of a more detailed contract.
Exodus 31:16-17 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days [Yehovah] made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed. WEB
Leviticus 16:31 It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict your souls; it is a statute forever. WEB
Leviticus 24:8 Every Sabbath day he shall set it in order before [Yehovah] continually. It is on the behalf of the children of Israel an everlasting covenant. WEB
Isaiah 59:21 As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says [Yehovah]. “My Spirit [which] is on you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of your seed’s seed,” says [Yehovah], “from henceforth and forever. WEB
Isaiah 60:20-21 Your sun shall no more go down, neither shall your moon withdraw itself; for [Yehovah] will be your everlasting , light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended. 21 Your people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever , the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I may be glorified. WEB
Isaiah 61:8 For I, [Yehovah], love justice, I hate robbery with iniquity; and I will give them their recompense in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. WEB
If there is any kind of a time limit to these “forever” statements, then it would have to involve “a thousand generations” and “His Covenant”. A thousand generations could represent eternity as we know it, or it may indicate that something will change for the better after 30,000 to 100,000 years. The scriptures simply leave us seeing thru a dark glass concerning this.
Deuteronomy 7:9-13 Know therefore that [Yehovah] your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps Covenant and loving kindness with them who love Him and keep His commandments to A THOUSAND GENERATIONS, 10 and repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them: He will not be slack to him who hates Him, He will repay him to his face. 11 You shall therefore keep the commandment, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which I command you this day, to do them. 12 It shall happen, because you listen to these ordinances, and keep and do them, that [Yehovah] your God will keep with you the covenant and the loving kindness which He swore to your fathers: 13 and He will love you, and bless you, and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your livestock and the young of your flock, in the land which He swore to your fathers to give you. WEB
1 Chronicles 16:15-17 Remember His Covenant forever, the word which He commanded to A THOUSAND GENERATIONS, 16 the covenant which He made with Abraham, His oath to Isaac. 17 He confirmed the same to Jacob for a statute, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant .... WEB [Also Psalm 105:8]
The only context that the “thousand generations” mystery is used in is in the context of the covenant made to Abraham.
Psalm 119:44-48 Let Your loving kindness also come to me, [Yehovah], Your salvation, according to Your word. 42 So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word. 43 Dont snatch the word of truth out of my mouth for I put my hope in Your ordinances. 44 So I will obey Your law continually, forever [05769: for eternity] and ever [05703 into perpetuity]. 45 I will walk in liberty, for I have sought Your precepts. 46 I will also speak of Your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed. 47 I will delight myself in Your commandments, because I love them. 48 I reach out my hands for Your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on Your statutes. WEB
Some scriptures are from the “New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.” “Bible text from the New King James Version® is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.”
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