During the 1992 Vice Presidential debates, retired Admiral James Stockdale1 captivated the audience by opening with two thought-provoking questions: “Who am I and Why am I here?” These questions were both relevant and timely, especially considering that most voters didn’t know who the Reform Party candidate was at the time.
While the reasons may vary, it is important to recognize that the questions raised by Stockdale are universal, often surfacing at various stages in our lives. As each of us embarks on a journey to define our personal identity we seek to understand our life’s purpose. What are we truly meant to do with our lives?
However, discovering biblically sound answers to these pressing questions can be challenging without a solid foundation of faith. Without faith in Yeshua, our lives can feel empty, devoid of meaning and purpose.
By laying down his life willingly, Yeshua went from suffering servant to High Priest. His priesthood is the means by which he will ultimately present believers to the Father as spotless, blameless, and worthy of citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. The door has been opened for humanity to connect with our Redeemer and comprehend this unmerited gift the Father has for every individual through Yeshua.
As a result, those who choose to believe in the promises of the Messiah will find themselves better equipped to answer the questions “Who am I and Why am I here?” with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Finding Life’s Purpose Begins with Faith and Obedience
When the Father sent Yeshua, He articulated a purposeful goal – redeem humanity from the penalty of sin. Our goal should be to avail ourselves of this magnanimous offer of eternal life.
As was mentioned, the starting point for discovering our true identity and purpose for our life lies in knowing our Messiah. This is not a ‘casual acquaintance’ type of relationship. The art of ‘knowing’ someone implies intimacy borne out of shared experiences – good times and bad.
And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith YHWH.
Jeremiah 9:3
The nation of Israel had a veiled understanding of the Truth that persisted up to the first coming of Yeshua. Although the Prophets and other righteous men and women desired to open their eyes, their attempts remained mostly fruitless.
You see, Truth can only be discovered and understood in the repository of Eloah’s Word – the Scriptures. Truth can only be unlocked by the Set Apart Spirit – the Ruach HaKodesh.
The word used for truth in Jeremiah 9:3 is emunah (Strong’s H530). It can be translated literally as ‘firmness’, or figuratively as ‘security’; moral fidelity. Truth always trumps tradition.2 But the people of Israel were destined to remain in a state of perpetual spiritual blindness because they were not valiant for the truth.
According to the Biblical Illustrator,3 “valour for the truth is most signally displayed by a consistent, prayerful, and persevering obedience to all its requirements.” Truth is real, not an esoteric concept. You have to desire it badly enough that you are committed to obediently persevering in your efforts to grab hold of it through study and faith.
When Pilate asked “What is truth?”4 Yeshua did not even bother to answer him, since it was asked from a heart of contempt. If the Roman Prefect (governor of Judea) had been sincere, no doubt Yeshua would have taken the time to explain.
Theologian Albert Barnes on the subject of ‘truth’:
“This question had long agitated the world. It was the great subject of inquiry in all the schools of the Greeks. Different sects of philosophers had held different opinions, and Pilate now, in derision, asked him, whom he esteemed an ignorant fanatic, whether he could solve this long-agitated question. He might have had an answer. If he had patiently waited in sincerity, Jesus would have told him what it was. Thousands ask the question in the same way. They have a fixed contempt for the Bible; they deride the instructions of religion; they are unwilling to investigate and to wait at the gates of wisdom; and hence, like Pilate, they remain ignorant of the great Source of truth, and die in darkness and error.”
One of the best definitions of truth I ever read was this: truth is when your words and deeds match. Truth is inextricably tied to integrity. In John 17:17, Yeshua explains that Yah’s Word embodies truth and that the Almighty El sets apart individuals through this Truth for a sacred purpose in a world that opposes believers in the Gospel.
In an effort to shore up the faith of certain Hebrew converts to the Gospel (post resurrection), the author of the letter to the Hebrews had to remind them of several important biblical truths:
Yeshua is the author and finisher of faith.
Life’s trials are necessary for maturity.
Our confession must be evident in our lifestyle.
We should not downplay the significance of obedience.
Our salvation is tied to Yahuah’s purpose for creating us.
Yeshua, the Author and Finisher of our Faith
We are known by the company we keep. The characteristics and behaviors of Yeshua should be reflected in our own character, behaviors, and values.
Therefore, we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, putting aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, let us run with patient endurance the race that has been set before us, fixing our eyes on Yeshua, the author and finisher of faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of Eloah.
Hebrews 12:1-2
As we seek to follow Yeshua, it is essential that we match His behavior. We need to set aside sin, doubt, rebellion, and anything that hinders our spiritual well-being. It’s important to endure trials with grace, choosing to refrain from complaining. By bearing our individual crosses with integrity, we become living testimonies of Yeshua’s faithfulness to His Father’s calling and purpose.
Life’s Trials Are Necessary for Maturity
Sometimes I wish I could have a conversation with my 20 year old self. I would tell her “Girl, stop freaking out about your near-empty refrigerator or how you’re going to pay for next month’s car payment!” Looking back at my life I realize that all that worrying was so pointless.
Then again, I must confess that even today – depending on the crisis – I have moments of fear and doubt concerning the future. (This was especially true during the period leading up to last November’s Presidential elections.) But each time I am tempted to slip back into those old habits, the Ruach reminds me of Yeshua’s sermon on the mount:
For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, what you will eat, and not for your body, what you will wear. Is your life not more than food and your body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:25
Keep this in mind: The past is finished. The future doesn’t exist. The present (now) is the only ‘real’ existence Yah & Yeshua inhabit.
…for the nations5 seek after all these. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, because tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:32-34
Our faith must be tested through trials. Trials bring us to a place of spiritual maturity.
Our brother James wrote: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you encounter various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacing in nothing.”
When we endure rough times we learn patience. But we must let patience complete its work by allowing it to become fully developed, unhindered. Patiently waiting for anything does not give us license to complain, murmur, or act out emotionally. While waiting for our answers to prayer, we do not have the right to question Yah’s character or motives in allowing certain things to happen.
When we try to circumvent the waiting process, we sabotage Yah’s timeline and blessings are delayed.
Our attitude should be to read what the Word says and do it. We must leave the outcome to Yah, knowing that whatever happens will always be for our good and His glory.
Our ‘Confession’ Must Be Evident In Our Lifestyle
No one appreciates a hypocrite—especially a believer who constantly criticizes others for faults they themselves possess. The term “hypocrite” originates from a Greek word that translates to “play actor.” In ancient times, a hypocrite was an individual who wore a mask and feigned to be someone else.
Yeshua compared hypocrisy to building a house on shaky ground.
But why do you call me ‘Master, Master,’ and do not do what I say? Everyone who is coming to me, and is hearing my words and is doing them I shall show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock. And when a flood came, the stream burst against that house, but was unable to shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But the one hearing and not doing, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream burst, and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.
Luke 6:46-49 TS2009
In the Scriptures, hypocrites were also known as wolves in sheep’s clothing and people who engaged in worship based on tradition and not Yah’s Word. John the Immerser challenged religious hypocrites to produce fruits worthy of repentance.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance! And do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones! Already now the ax is positioned at the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I am, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:7-12
Therefore he was saying to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “Offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance! And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones! And even now the ax is positioned at the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Luke 3:7-9
We must examine our lives and take care that our behavior matches our confession.
We Should Not Downplay the Significance of Obedience
Yeshua learned obedience through the things he suffered. So why do we think that we can avoid suffering as we strive to be obedient? Whenever you push back against evil in obedience to the Word you can expect to suffer.
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.
Hebrews 5:8
As we disciple under the direction of our Savior and High Priest Yeshua, we must remember that while he walked the earth as a man, he endured the same tests that we must endure. He had to resist sin. In resisting he also suffered. So Yeshua is not asking us to do something he himself did not do
Although he was the Son of The Most High and aware of his exalted status, he still learned through sinless experience what obedience demanded – suffering. His experiential perspective on life as a human was something the angels had trouble grasping.
Our Salvation is Tied to Yahuah’s Purpose for Creating Us
Paul told Timothy that believers have been called and redeemed to a holy life because of Yahuah’s purpose and favor which was gifted to us in Messiah.
So do not be ashamed of the witness of our Master, nor of me his prisoner, but suffer hardship with me for the Good News according to the power of Elohim, who has saved us and called us with a set-apart calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and favor which was given to us in Messiah Yeshua before times of old, but now revealed by the appearing of our Savior Yeshua Messiah, who indeed abolished death and brought life and incorruptibility to light through the Good News…
2 Timothy 1:8-10 TS2009
The notion of ‘purpose’ is sprinkled throughout the Scriptures. Job said, “I know you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” ( Job 42:2)
Proverbs 19:21 states: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is Yah’s purpose that prevails.”
In Paul’s letter to those at Philippi, we learn that it is Elohim who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His purpose.”
According to the Oxford dictionary, the word purpose can be defined as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” A coffee cup is designed as a receptacle for a hot beverage. Books are communication devices whereby ideas are transmitted via language through the printed word.
In the Bible, one of the key verses that emphasizes man’s duty or purpose to love Yahuah is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Specifically, Deuteronomy 6:5 states: “You shall love the Yahuah your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Additionally, in the New Testament, Yeshua reiterates this commandment in Matthew 22:37, where He says: “You shall love the Yahuah your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
These passages highlight the importance of loving Yahuah as a fundamental aspect of faith and duty.
But Wait. There’s More.
On our way to fulfilling our purpose in life, we must contend with obstacles in the form of malevolent people or challenging circumstances that will test our resolve.
It is interesting to contemplate why our tests and trials often revolve around difficult people. That narcissistic spouse, unreasonable boss, or mercurial friend may have been allowed to enter our orbit to help mold and shape us so we can achieve Yah’s purpose for our life.
If you think this is a preposterous notion, consider the role Pharaoh played during the time of Mosheh and Aaron. In the book of Exodus we are told that it was Yah Himself who raised him up for a purpose.
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16
Elohim kept Pharaoh standing, permitting him to live and hold out until His own purpose was accomplished. His purposes were:
To overthrow Egyptian deities, proving that YHWH was the only true El.
To punish Israel’s oppressor.
To confront the sovereign’s pride.
To effect the deliverance of the captives.
When we engage with challenging individuals and address them according to biblical principles, two outcomes arise: we show unbelievers that the Bible’s guidance on living is a practical resource in our faith journey, and we gain a deeper insight into how suffering shapes us into the individuals Yah intended us to become. In this way, Yah’s purpose for our lives is fulfilled.
The roadmap has been given us by our Redeemer. It is up to us as his disciples to choose this day who we will serve – the world’s ideas on how to find purpose in life or Yah’s.
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live.
Deuteronomy 30:19
And if it seems evil to you to serve YHWH choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve YHWH.
Joshua 24:15
Serving Yahuah with sincerity and truth can only come from a heart that is freely and willingly devoted. This is the invitation that Joshua extends, just as Moses did before him. It is the sole path to discovering and fulfilling our purpose in life.
Postscript: Stoicism vs. the Gospel.
How will you be remembered after you die? Will people remember you as a mighty warrior for the Kingdom or someone who was a believer in name only?
At the start of this article, Vice-Admiral James Stockdale was mentioned for posing two questions: “Who am I and Why am I here?” Although he was treated by the media as a punchline and by history as a footnote, Stockdale lived a remarkable life as a soldier. Even so, history mostly remembers him as a stoic. There is no information to suggest he was a believer in Yeshua or regarded the Bible. His United States Naval Academy biography states that he “lectured extensively on the stoicism of Epictetus and on those character traits which serve one best when faced with adversity.”
Stoicism will not save us from the second death. Only belief in the Messiah and adherence to Yah’s Word will.
Footnotes:
1 US Naval Academy article on Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale.
2 Mark 7:13 “Nullifying the Word of Elohim through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such traditions you do.” TS2009
3 The Biblical Illustrator: A collection of commentaries on every verse of the Bible, compiled by Joseph S. Exell.
4 John 18:38
5 The word for nations is the Greek term ‘ethnos’, (Strong’s G1484) translated as race, tribe; specifically a foreign (non-Hebrew) one (usually by implication pagan): – Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
6 James 1:2-4
7 Philippians 2:13 Some translations of the Greek word eudokia (Strong’s G2107) read “good pleasure” instead of purpose.
Yeshua’s sermon on the mount began with a list of blessings or beatitudes that would follow and characterize the people who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. On their face, these unique characteristics seem peculiar when judged by the world’s standards. When you act like this, some people may call you weak or stupid.
And yet, our High Priest says when believers in him and his Father demonstrate the following lifestyle behaviors, they are blessed:
humility
mournful over sins
gentle, kind & forgiving
thirsty for righteousness
merciful
integrity
peacemakers
persecuted for doing the morally right thing
You could say that this list is a great example of Kingdom ethos. Ethos is a Greek word that essentially means character. This word is often used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that epitomize a community, nation, ideology, or kingdom. Think of it as a mark of distinction from most carnal (fleshly) kingdoms of the world.
When we strive to adopt these character traits through much pain and suffering, we find ourselves in good company. Our Messiah, the Prophets, Apostles, and martyred believers throughout Biblical history also endured this.
Living As Salt and Light
As Yeshua continues his sermon on the mount, he focuses on the mission of those believers who display the ethos of the Kingdom. He compares them to salt — a preservative, and a lamp or menorah.
As salt and light, believers put Kingdom behavior on display. As ministers of the Gospel of the Kingdom, we are to be about the business of sowing the seed of the Word in the soil of receptive hearts.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.
Matthew 5:13-16
Historically salt has played a major role in the preservation of many societies. In ancient times, salt was used as a form of currency, a way to preserve foods, and a flavor enhancer. Salt as a commodity was deemed to be as precious and valuable as gold. Soldiers’ wages were once paid in salt and before going to war, many countries would ensure that their stockpiles of salt were in abundance so that food stores could be preserved.
The lampstand or menorah is symbolic of the priesthood1 which also ties to our commission to go and take the Gospel of the Kingdom to all four corners of the earth. As Dr. John Currid2 so elegantly put it, “The name menorah simply underscores the utilitarian purpose of the lampstand: it is to give light to the priests who work in the Holy Place of the tabernacle.”
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105
For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light, And reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life…
Proverbs 6:23
Your No one lights a lamp and puts it in the cellar or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see its light.
Luke 11:33
According to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament:3
Therefore, the symbolism of salt and light supports New Testament statements that Christians are indeed the light of the world whose lamps are always to burn and shine before men, leading the ungodly to Yahuah and basking in a state of blessed expectation of and preparation for Christ’s return.
It has been said that the problem with religion is that it is a system that tries to make the flesh behave. Religious people are good at suppressing their fleshly nature4; making it look good from the outside. However, the true self is hidden. There is a form of godliness but the person is rotten inside.
As those who desire to one day be deemed worthy to be called citizens of Yah’s Kingdom, we must die to self daily so we can become the salt that heals and light that instructs.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19
Kingdom Status is Tied to the Law
Yeshua is clear in his sermon on the mount. He did not come to abolish the Law (Torah). His life is an example of what we should emulate, walking in obedience to Yahuah’s standard of righteousness.
So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.
Romans 7:12
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
Matthew 5: 17
You can’t get any clearer than this. The Greek word for destroy or abolish is kataluó. It means to overthrow or destroy (both literally and metaphorically). When referring to government laws or institutions, kataluó is also understood to mean to deprive of force, annul, abrogate, or discard. Yeshua walked in perfect obedience to the Father. If he had taken it upon himself to annul the Law he would have disqualified himself as Savior and High Priest.
The Law is eternal and good and will never be abolished. Those who teach otherwise will be considered the least in the Kingdom. Those who choose to obey to Torah will be called great.5
A Higher Standard of Righteousness
While the Law is a standard by which righteousness can be measured, works of the law can not make you righteous. Only Yeshua can do this through his authority as our mediator and High Priest.
Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
Romans 3:20-22
In his letter to the Romans, Paul was dealing with morality. Since we all fail in our obedience to moral laws, we cannot be justified by that Law. The problem is a lack of conformity of the heart in matters related to life.
This brings us to the scribes and Pharisees. From the outside, they looked as if they were walking in obedience to Torah but they weren’t. They had a form of godliness but their traditions and practices betrayed them. (Matthew 23:25-28) This is why Yeshua said that our righteousness must exceed theirs in order to gain admittance into the Kingdom.
For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:20
The expression “you have heard that it was said” was common during the time of Yeshua’s earthly ministry. However, theologically, it led to misapplications of the Torah and confusion among the people. These sayings (Matthew 5:21-48) distorted Biblical instruction concerning:
Respect for Life
Sexual Passions
Fidelity in Marriage
Taking Oaths
Response to Hatred
Retaliation
Case in point: The “eye for an eye” expression that is often quoted in contemporary society has been radically misconstrued. In Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:17-20 and Deuteronomy 19:17-21, the legal remedy for harm was intended to make people whole again. It is rooted in the concept of justice for all. American theologian, Albert Barnes offers this commentary:
It serves as a maxim for the magistrate in awarding the amount of compensation to be paid for the infliction of personal injury. The sum was to be as nearly as possible to the worth in money of the power lost by the injured person. Our Lord quotes Exodus 21:24 as representing the form of the law, in order to illustrate the distinction between the letter and the spirit. (Matthew 5:38)
Faith in Practice
In his sermon, Yeshua took time to unpack the deeper motivations behind our outward behaviors or actions. When we put our “goodness” on display for the world to see, the sin of pride is always at the root. It’s not just what we do it is why we do it.
This same application can be made concerning the act of fasting. Yeshua says it is hypocritical for us to put something that should be a private interaction with the Father on display. This is something that should be done in secret as an act of contrition or sorrow over sin. When done in this spirit, Yah will reward us appropriately. (Matthew 6:18)
Yeshua stresses the importance of prayer and how this too is a private matter between us and the Father. When we petition the Almighty we must be concise and to the point, speaking from the heart. We reverence His name and acknowledge His coming Kingdom on earth. We acknowledge our sin debt owed him and we release through forgiveness the debt of others who have personally harmed us. As we deconstruct our Messiah’s instructions on how to pray, four things should prompt us to do so:
It is expected
Sin in our lives that need to be confessed
The weakness of our flesh
The subtlety of the enemy
As we go through this mortal life, we must stay focused on the eternal life to come. Material things such as homes and cars will decay and rust. Gold and silver coins will be left behind for others after we die. Mammon6 is a spirit that will demand our service and attention. In Luke’s gospel, Yeshua teaches us that wealth does not really belong to men, but as stewards, we may use it to our eternal advantage. Instead of serving Yah and mammon both, we should serve the Most High with our money, and in doing so lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven.
As his sermon draws to a close, Yeshua’s focus turns to other aspects of a believer’s life: the temptation to worry, the danger of judging others, the importance of persistence, staying on the narrow path spiritually, and the importance of discernment. We should become fruit inspectors so as not to be led astray by false teachers. By being attentive to these things we develop an authentic relationship with our Messiah and High Priest – Yeshua. (Matthew 6:25-7:23)
A Sure Foundation
Yeshua ends his sermon on the mount by stressing the importance of obedience. Sermons that tickle the ears and stimulate emotions are worthless. Blessings will come only to those who hear, consider, understand, believe, and obey the doctrine our Messiah just preached. That person will be considered wise — someone who has built his house on the solid foundation of the Word. In doing so, the serious believer can anticipate the everlasting security, joy, and peace that will come as a citizen of the coming Kingdom.
And so it was, when Yeshua had ended these sayings, that the peple were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Matthew 7:28,29
FOOTNOTES
1 Menorah (#H4501): Exodus 25:31-40
2 Dr. John D. Currid is Chancellor’s Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary.
3Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Volume 2, R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer, Jr., Bruce K. Waltke, Moody Press, Chicago. 1980. Page 566
4 The ‘flesh’ is a metaphor for desires that are opposed to the way and will of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh – Yah’s set-apart Spirit.
5 Matthew 5:18,19
6 Mammon is an Chaldee or Syriac word for riches. It is a term used to denote wealth.
In his legendary sermon on the mount, Yeshua laid the foundation for Kingdom righteousness. Interestingly, this foundation is based on principles taught in Torah – the Law. Yeshua never told us that Torah would be abolished. Rather, he claimed to be the fulfillment or completion of the Toraha. His life shows us what we will become when we are made complete by obeying it. This is a covenant promise that is fulfilled upon our resurrection. So there remains a requirement of obedience to the Torah for every professing believer in the Messiah.
What It Means To Be Righteous
Scripture informs us that righteousness is something that has to be practiced.
Little children, let no one deceive you: the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
1 John 3:7
If you were to look up the definition of the word righteous, it would be defined as “acting in accord with divine or moral law: free from guilt or sin.”1 It is remarkable that this description aligns with the Hebrew word for righteous, which is tsaddiq2 a word which connotes conformity to a moral or ethical standard.
Yahuah is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works.
Psalm 145:17
The earliest uses of tsaddiq pertained to the role of judges, whose decisions were to be in accordance with the truth and without partiality. (Leviticus 19:15) The term also applied to weights and measures. (Leviticus 19:36)
Blessed are those who uphold justice, and those who practicerighteousness at all times.
Psalm 106:3
When you practice something you do it repeatedly in order to develop a level of proficiency. As followers and imitators of our High Priest Yeshua, we are expected to practice righteousness. Using him as our example, we walk in his “way.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)
How do we practice righteousness? We obey the terms of the covenant that are laid out in the Law.
Moreover Yeshua Mashiach said to his talmidim, “Do not think that I came to throw down the Torah and the Prophets, on the contrary, I came to confirm. I say unto you in truth, that not one word will be diminished from the Torah – that it would not be perform until the end of the world.” [Gospel of Matthew translation3]
Matthew 5:17
Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
Psalm 29:18
There remains a requirement to obey Torah for every professing believer in Yeshua. This mandate is in addition to trusting in what our Messiah, as our High Priest, will do for us in terms of bringing about our future resurrection.
Yahuah (YHWH) defends those who remain in covenant with Him. The linking of righteousness and salvation is grounded in the concept of covenant. In this way, Yah’s righteousness is demonstrated through His fidelity to promises made. No justice of His can be satisfied any other way.
Biblical Israel4 consists of believers from every nation, tribe, tongue, and people who have put their faith in Yeshua for redemption. This process, also known as sanctification, is carried out by our High Priest and will reach its apex at the resurrection. Through faith and obedience, we have been grafted in. (Romans 11)
For they are not all Israel which are of Israel; neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children…but the children of promise are counted for the seed.
Romans 9:6-8
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Yeshua Moshiach.And if you are Moshiach’s then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:28-29
But First Comes the Test
Prior to giving his sermon in the Galilean countryside, Yeshua spent forty days being tempted (tested) by the devil. Satan’s attempt to entice him with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life5 would fail miserably.
After hearing of John’s imprisonment, Yeshua began his ministry with the same words that had been spoken by the Immerser: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) The start of Yeshua’s ministry was the fulfillment of Isaiah 9:1-2:
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
Like our merciful Savior, every believer should expect to be tested. These tests are designed to build our faith and reveal our true character. They also confirm the trustworthiness of covenant promises for those who meet life’s challenges.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
Hebrews 4:16
We are told that Yeshua also went about the region teaching in synagogues, casting out demons, healing all kinds of sickness and diseases, and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom.
So now the stage is set. Multitudes from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and “beyond the Jordan” flocked to him. And from his elevated (literal and figurative) position on the mountain, he taught them.
What Does It Mean To Be Blessed?
At the beginning of his sermon, Yeshua lists certain character traits of those who are truly blessed — traits that are peculiar to this Kingdom and no other. To those who gathered on the hillside that particular day, this must have sounded like crazy talk. They, like us, no doubt believed that real happiness came in the form of riches or beauty, or material possessions. But Yeshua would explain that true contentment comes from within and is not situation-dependent or rooted in pride.
“The Sermon on the Mount” by Carl Bloch (1877)
There are two verbs in Hebrew meaning “to bless.” One is barak and the other is ashar. Barak is used by Yah when He blesses someone. On the other hand, “to be blessed” (ashre), one has to do something. Usually, this something is positive.
For example, a blessed person is one who trusts in Yah without equivocation. (Proverbs 16:20) A blessed man is one who comes under the authority of Yahuah’s revelation — His Torah. (Proverbs 29:18) The man who is generous to the poor is blessed. (Psalm 41:1)
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners,or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of YHWH, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.
Psalm 1:1-3
The Beatitudes: 8 Blessings We Should All Seek
At the start of his sermon, Yeshua revealed the open gate to the Kingdom through which each individual must enter alone. (Matthew 5:1-12)
For those of us who earnestly desire to become worthy citizens of this Kingdom, these Beatitudes shed new light on behaviors we should exhibit and the character we must demonstrate.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The first blessing emphasizes the importance of humility. The “poor in spirit”, those who have nothing but themselves to offer, are awarded VIP status in this marvelous kingdom. Yeshua turns perceptions upside down as he explains that the chief glory and distinction of the heavenly kingdom will be humility. We are to mimic him. (Matthew 11:9)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
The Gospel of the Kingdom provides a much-needed source of comfort for those who mourn over the sins they’ve committed and forsake them. Other remedies will never reach this level of consolation for the soul. The comfort we seek comes in the form of promised forgiveness and peace that comes from the hope of a better world. (2 Corinthians 7:10) (Isaiah 61:1-3) (Luke 4;18) (Matthew 11:28-30)
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Those who are gentle, kind, forgiving, and benevolent are meek. Meekness is not weakness — quite the contrary. Meekness demands that we be patient with people who have injured us, knowing that vindication belongs to Yah alone. (Romans 12:19) Yeshua is the very model of this. Meekness produces peace and it is a testimony to the greatness of one’s soul. (Proverbs 15:1) It takes strength of character and great discipline to be considered meek. Those who exhibit these character traits will inherit the kingdom. (Isaiah 60:21)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
These are people who are striving to live out the Torah. A strong desire for anything in the Scriptures is often compared to the strong pull of hunger and thirst. (Psalm 42:1-2) (Psalm 63:1-2) (Isaiah 55:1-2) The Most High will always satisfy our spiritual longings when we sincerely desire them. There is provision made in the Gospel for those who truly desire to be set apart (holy) for the Kingdom. (Isaiah 65:13)
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
People who show mercy, compassion, and patience can expect to receive blessings. That Yahuah is the epitome of mercy is demonstrated in the fact that He has withheld judgment against guilty sinners. His mercy was personified in the person of Yahusha whom he sent to redeem those who repent. Those who are merciful will receive mercy now and at the judgment seat. (Matthew 10:42) (2 Samuel 22:26-27) (Matthew 6:14-15)
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see the Most High.
Those having integrity, godly character, and moral courage will experience Yah’s presence now and in the Kingdom to come. Disciples who fall in to this category are those whose motives are pure. Of course everyone is destined to meet our Creator, many will encounter Him as Judge, not as a Father. (Revelation 22:4) The latter will dwell with Him in the New Jerusalem on earth.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of the Most High.
Sons and daughters of the Most High are those who avoid strife and contention while laboring to extinguish it in others (and situations). These are Yah’s legitimate offspring by reason of their likeness to the Father.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
These are those who are persecuted for their commitment to Torah (living righteously) and holding up under pressure; faithful to the end. Martyrs throughout history are in this category. True Prophets of the Most High are also in this category. (Luke 6:23) However, we are not given permission to treat others harshly through inappropriate behavior. We should strive to live righteously, holding up under pressure, and faithful to the end. (2 Timothy 3:12)
From Pride to Humility
In his book Humility: The Beauty of Holiness, Andrew Murray observes that meekness is the chief mark by which those who follow the Lamb are to be known. He astutely observes that humility (the entire dependence on Yah) is the first duty and highest virtue of the creature and the root of every virtue:
And so pride, or the loss of this humility, is the root of every sin and evil. […] Even so, it was, when the serpent breathed the poison of his pride, the desire to be as God, into the hearts of our first parents, that they too fell from their high estate into all the wretchedness in which man is now sunk. In heaven and earth, pride, self-exaltation, is the gate and the birth, and the curse, of Gehenna (hell).[…] And so Jesus came to bring humility back to earth, to make us partakers of it, and by it to save us.
Whereas Satan exalted himself in his lust for power6, our Messiah humbled himself for our sake. Yeshua taught the multitudes on the mountainside (and us) that humility is the only path to the glory of the Almighty and entrance into His Kingdom.
We inherited the unsavory character traits of pride and rebellion from our parents in the garden. But sin will not have the final word. Messiah’s chief glory was his humility. When we take on his yoke and learn from him, we will experience the highest level of blessedness in this life and the one to come.
“And see, I am coming speedily, and My reward is with Me, to give to each according to his work.“I am the ‘Aleph’ and the ‘Taw’, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. “Blessed are those doing His commands, so that the authority shall be theirs unto the tree of life, and to enter through the gates into the city. “But outside are the dogs and those who enchant with drugs, and those who whore, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and all who love and do falsehood.
2Tsaddiq (#H6662). The Greek word for righteous is (#G1342) Dikaios: (an adjective, derived from dikē, “right, judicial approval”) – properly, “approved by God”; [HELPS word study] In a wide sense “upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God.” [Thayer’s Greek Lexicon]
3The Hebrew Gospels from Sepharad, the Gospel According to Matthew, translated by Justin J Van Rensburg, Version 2.2; a literal translation of a medieval Hebrew manuscript in the Vatican Library, Vat. Ebr. 100, March 2020, page 12
4 Theword Israel (#H3478) is actually composed of two names: saraw (the root of the word shar) which means “to prevail or have power” and El meaning “strength, mighty, Almighty, or strong.” However, in Joshua 10:13 there is a joining of Yah with the word shar to spell Yashar (#H3474) (Jasher) and also in 2 Samuel 1:17-18. Yashar’el translates to mean “the prince of Elohim in Yah. (Genesis 32:28) The nation of Yashar’el (Yacov/Jacob) is the “people who are called by my name” in 2 Chronicles 7:14 (not Christians, since Christ is a title and not a name).
5 Genesis 3:6. Interestingly, the seed of pride that was sown in Eden that brought forth sin would be replaced by humility in the person of Yeshua who will bring about redemption.
6 Isaiah 14:12-15
a Torah means “teaching, instruction, or guidance.”
Patience is a virtue. As it pertains to how believers interact with each other, this adage should hold true. Unfortunately, it often does not as our frustrations with one another’s interpretations of scripture become apparent.
Before we allow ourselves to get annoyed, we should pause and biblically consider how to treat one another.
We may think: “They are just stuck in the milk of the word” or “They are still brainwashed by Christian dispensationalism doctrine” and so forth. However, the question remains – how should we react to one another when points of view and scriptural interpretations differ?
This is a complex area to navigate. It involves our most deeply held beliefs about our Elohim Yahuah (God), our understanding of His character, our role in His kingdom, and our relationship with His son Yahusha (Jesus).
For example, you may have very strong emotional and philosophical reasons about how the names of Father and Son are pronounced. Another person may be fully convinced that the calendar they are following is correct, and so forth.
Nonetheless, we should not be so dug in that we become unwilling to listen and consider different views of scriptural interpretation – lest we risk becoming stiff-necked and hard-hearted. As we interact with one another, we should consider the examples set by Yahusha Messiah and examine how he responded to his disciples and others in similar situations.
Likewise, we should also examine how the disciples responded to others following Yahusha’s ascension.
Patience is Forged from Friction
It seems appropriate to prime this section with a biblical reminder that all believers are at different points in their spiritual walk, and only some share the same level of understanding, research, and knowledge.
But the wisdom from above is first clean, then peaceable, gentle, ready to obey, filled with compassion and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17 TS2009
Indeed, all true wisdom comes from Yahuah, and what wisdom we do have, we should apply it in a similar fashion as did Yahusha and his disciples. Additionally, believers should remember that we are all different members of the body of the Messiah. (1 Corinthians 12) It is not everyone’s calling to be a Bible scholar, teacher, rabbi, or preacher.
Believers should pause before judging brothers and sisters in Messiah who have a different understanding of scripture. First, we must determine if what others are presenting is simply a different point of view, or if it is indeed a strange or blasphemous doctrine. This advice does not suggest that we tolerate blatant lies, blasphemy, evil, or immorality. As believers, we should stand up against such doctrine in those instances.
However, the focus of this discussion is not on these types of situations, but on those where some believers react negatively to scripture topics that should be open for discussion.
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17 Cepher
It is essential to remember that when iron sharpens iron there is friction in the process, and although there is friction, the goal is to improve the tools being sharpened. We should be building each other up and encouraging one another as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 instructs.
Is the Medium the Message?
Philosopher and media theorist Marshall McLuhan popularized the expression “the medium is the message.” He argued that the medium (video, print, internet, etc.) through which we choose to deliver a message will determine how that message is received.
On a personal note, one of the most intriguing phenomena I have witnessed over the years is the quick acceptance of YouTube teachers’ interpretations of scripture versus “face-to-face” explanations. Perhaps a psychologist might better explain this phenomenon of why so many people are receptive to video teachings about a bible topic and so resistant to the same information when presented in a personal conversation.
Is it the lack of visual aids, charts, graphs, soothing music, or perfectly edited statements? Or perhaps it is the inability of the viewer to talk back, interrupt, or argue – leaving no choice but to either listen to the message or turn off the video. Nonetheless, it seems very disingenuous that believers won’t give full attention and consideration to biblical interpretation to a brother and sisters they know personally, holding strangers they don’t know personally, of which they have no way of judging their fruit above their personal relationships.
I would challenge all brothers and sisters in Messiah to strive to become better listeners during “in-person” scriptural conversations, as this will undoubtedly result in stronger relationships and more profound scriptural growth over time.
Patiently Building Up or Rudely Tearing Down?
Several biblical topics are deeply rooted in our core values and beliefs. The pronunciation of the name YHWH is one example.
Many believers are deeply convicted about pronouncing the Father’s name correctly as a sign of admiration and respect toward the Father. Once they discover that the name was intentionally removed from Scripture and replaced with “God” and “LORD”, they may feel that using these titles for Yahuah instead of His real name is disrespectful. This is understandable. I also felt this way during a certain period of my walk.
However, in doing so I failed to show patience and consideration toward other believers for whom the full significance of the true name had not yet been revealed and who were actively researching and studying this topic for themselves.
The Bible states in Philippians 2:12-13:
So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.
HCSB
So, did my adverse reactions help build up or tear down my brother? Did my sharp corrections act as a building block, or a stumbling block for my sister? Could I have presented my understanding of the name more positively?
I could have and should have, in many situations.
Another touchy subject is the calendar. Some believe the traditional Jewish calendar is correct, while others believe the Enoch/Zadokite calendar is accurate. While others’ research has led them to trust another variation of the biblical calendar.
Many of us are deeply convicted and emotionally connected to the idea of keeping the calendar in the most accurate way possible. Some may feel betrayed and lied to from years of deception from the mainstream Christian church, which falsifies dates about when the Messiah was born and observes pagan feast days dedicated to the false goddess Eostre (Easter).
I once shared those feelings of betrayal and felt very convicted to make sure that I keep Yahuah’s feast days as outlined in the Bible. I did not want to offend the Father more than I already had in my former sinful life. These are just a couple of examples.
As believers, we should be extra considerate of others’ convictions about these topics, given their extreme importance.
However, this is a two-way street. We should not become hard-hearted toward one another. We must remain open to listening to a brother or sister’s research which led them to the conclusion they are presenting.
We can listen, learn, and disagree with respect and love toward one another. The same approach holds true for discussions regarding:
So how do we show love and patience toward one another in circumstances of differing scriptural understanding? The Bible gives guidance in numerous verses, and here are a few to consider regarding this subject:
Romans 14:1-4
1 Peter 3:8-11
Proverbs 16:24
Matthew 7:12
Together with one of my favorites is 2 Timothy 4:1-2:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
ESV
This verse is very instructive in that it simultaneously advises us to be prepared at all times to reprove (correct misguided interpretations of scripture), rebuke (bluntly reject blasphemy), and exhort (encourage, advise, and appeal to sound biblical interpretation).
It is an excellent summary of how our approach toward each other should always be.
We must also apply Ephesians 4: 1-6:
I call upon you therefore, I the prisoner of the Master, to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all humility and meekness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being eager to guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace – one body and one Spirit, as you also were called in one expectation of your calling, one Master, one belief, one immersion, one Elohim and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
TS2009
Verse 2 presents a critical point to this discussion: if a person is a brother or sister, we should express humility, meekness, and patience toward one another in love.
Lessons in Patience and Humility
So, what might 2 Timothy 4:1-2 and Ephesians 4:2 look like in practice between brothers and sisters in Yahusha Messiah? Let’s take a closer look at how Yahusha behaved in a few situations to understand his example.
In Luke 9:46-48 Yahusha reproves his disciples who were arguing about who would be “the greatest” in the Kingdom. Our Messiah explained that welcoming a child in his name was equivalent to receiving the Father. He also stated that the least (those who humbled themselves) were considered to be the greatest (highly esteemed).
Yahusha rebuked his disciples several times for lack of faith and for being hard-hearted. (Mark 8:33, Mark 16:9-15, Luke 9:49-50, and Mathew 17) Mark 16: 9-15 serves as a great example of what happens when “the messenger” gets in the way of the message.
Mary Magdalene was given orders by an angel of Yah to inform the disciples that Yahusha has risen. Yet, their response was hard-hearted and they dismiss her report.
Pause for a second and think about the gravity of this passage and the severe error that the disciples make in rejecting her message. The disciples knew Mary personally as a sister in Messiah. They knew she had sincere love, obedience, and commitment toward Yahusha. They knew this woman had faith and compassion toward them as well. Yet, when times got tough, the disciple’s knee-jerk reaction was to dismiss this woman’s message – in disbelief! Would you recognize a message sent directly from Yahuah through a woman’s mouth? Would I?
Yahusha responded with righteous anger a few times because of disbelief, hypocrisy, and lack of compassion toward one’s neighbor.
Many of us are familiar with the account in Matthew 21, John 2, Mark 11, and Luke 19, where Yahusha (Jesus) went into the temple and drove out the moneychangers. His anger at their sinful behavior and disrespect of the temple is evident in this account. A response of righteous anger was warranted.
In Mark 10:13-16, Yahusha expresses his displeasure with his disciples, who rebuked those who brought children to him. Messiah publicly called out their errors and corrected them in front of both children and adults. It must have been embarrassing and humbling, considering they were his trusted twelve who walked with him and learned from him daily.
There are several other instances where the Messiah becomes indignant and displeased, rebuking people and disciples. However, the point is that when appropriate, Yahusha is quick to correct egregious errors in scriptural interpretation, thought, and misstatements in a righteous and very blunt way. Sin is sin. Believers should not pull punches in publicly calling out sinful and unbiblical behavior.
Patiently Exhorting
Lastly, Yahusha set an example of exhortation – encouraging, advising, and appealing to people earnestly seeking the truth of Scripture.
Messiah Yahusha showed patience with his disciples and the Israelites’ lack of faith and scriptural understanding on numerous occasions. One good example is found in Matthew 6:23-27 where Yahusha rebukes the storm. Messiah calmly questions their fear and faith. And yet he shows them, by example, what genuine faith in practice can accomplish as he commands the storm to stop.
In Matthew 13, Yahusha patiently unpacks the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Weeds. Likewise, in Matthew 14, Yahusha tells his disciples to give the crowd of 5,000, something to eat. The disciples lack the faith and understanding to accomplish the task – responding with a list of food inventory (logically) instead of feeding the crowd by faith as he commanded them to do. Yahusha shows them what faith can accomplish.
Likewise, Yahusha showed patience with Peter when he tried to walk on water. Instead of highlighting his failure, Messiah reached out his hand and asked the disciple why he doubted.
These are just a few examples from the book of Mathew. Numerous other examples can be found in Mark, Luke, and John, wherein Yahusha responds to a lack of faith and misunderstanding of scripture with patience and understanding. It is not done in a corrective or rebuking manner.
Patience In Context
Much depends on the context of the situation and the person’s heart condition as to how Yahusha responds. He is the perfect example of how a mature believer should behave and react.
When we think of Yahusha’s reactions when questioned by the Pharisees, we most often recall the verses where the Messiah points out their hypocrisy and lack of scriptural understanding. He rightly calls many of them out as a “brood of vipers and sons of the wicked one.”
However, in some instances, Yahusha responds in more of a reproving and advising manner.
In John 3:1-20, Nicodemus the Pharisee meets with Yahusha. He confesses that they know he came from Yahuah – because no one could perform the signs he has unless Yah was with them. However, Yahusha responds with an astounding biblical salvation statement in verse three, stating that unless someone is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus does not understand and asks, “But how can anyone be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”
This discourse is interesting in two ways. First, it is apparent that Nicodemus is asking the questions earnestly, not with a hidden hypocritical agenda. Second, Yahusha doesn’t perceive the questions as a trap or trick, but instead, he sees that Nicodemus does not fully understand the deeper scriptural mysteries of spiritual matters and knows Nicodemus is thinking only in the physical.
Yahusha provides a few examples to help Nicodemus understand the spiritual meaning. He even reproves Nicodemus in verse 10, reminding him that as a teacher of Israel, he should know these things. Again, this discourse is not presented as adversarial but is an excellent example of a firm yet respectful and mature discussion between the Master Yahusha and a person with a much different understanding of scriptural interpretation.
Final Thoughts
The reactions of Yahusha in these various situations depended on the content of the questions, the agenda of the person, and the context of the topics. If the line of questioning was a blasphemous or hate-rooted question or challenge, Yahusha rightly put people in their place with a biblically founded, righteous response.
However, if they asked a question earnestly, they are responded to with grace, wise correction, scriptural guidance, and truth.
Hopefully, these examples will help Torah-observant brothers and sisters who sometimes struggle to know how to respond to challenges in their understanding of scripture, as I, too, struggle. There are always two sides to the coin – two different minds at different places in their spiritual growth and walk. It is my hope and prayer that we treat each other with the love, patience, and forgiveness spoken of in Colossians 3:12-13, Ephesians 4:32, and 1 Peter 4:8.
Through the grace and power of Yahusha Messiah, may we all do as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 advises:
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Blessing and shalom to you all, and thanks for reading.
The Gospel of the Kingdom that Yeshua proclaimed is more comprehensive than his death, burial, and resurrection. Yes, hIs crucifixion and resurrection fulfilled prophecy and ordained him as our heavenly High Priest (Hebrews 5:6) and mediator. However, this was just the tip of the Kingdom of heaven iceberg.
When you examine the gospel record of Yeshua’s ministry you will find that he rarely mentioned his impending death. He focused on behaviors that were necessary to enter the Kingdom and pointed the way to salvation through repentance and obedience. On at least three occasions1 his disciples were given a head’s up regarding his death and resurrection, but they did not understand what he was saying. Moreover, Yeshua did not share this information with the general public until the eve of his death. Following his triumphal entry into Jerusalem “certain Greeks” and “the people who stood by” were told:
“The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”
John 12:23,24 New King James Version
“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all to myself.” This he said, signifying by what death he would die. The people answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can you say, “The Son of Man must be lifted up”? Who is this Son of Man?”
John 12:32-34 New King James Version
Yeshua’s crucifixion and resurrection fulfilled the covenant promise of a coming Redeemer — the hallmark message of the Law and the Prophets. His promise to draw all men to himself after he was lifted up would be fulfilled via the authority given to him by the Father to resurrect believers. He was that door through which the redeemed sheep could enter into the Kingdom.
Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 10:7-9 New King James Version
Our Messiah spent the bulk of his ministry correcting the bad doctrine taught by the religious leaders, stressing the importance of obedience to Torah. He never preached a doctrine of “once saved always saved” because he knew it was a subtle way of giving license to sin. Salvation is conditional and is predicated on our obedience.
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
Philippians 2:12 New American Standard
Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence— if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,
Colossians 1:21-23 New American Standard
The Kingdom of Heaven: Literal and Tangible
It has been said that the word gospel can mean either the good news about Yeshua, or the good news preached by Yeshua. If you limit the gospel to information about Yeshua (as many churches do) your understanding of the nature and function of the Kingdom will remain veiled.
Unfortunately for some, Yah’s Kingdom has become a kind of esoteric and substance-less existence promoted by gnosticism and Catholicism.
The catechism of the Catholic Church defines heaven thus: “Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness. (1024)
Terms like “deepest human longings” and “happiness” are subjective. Sadly, many Protestant churches have adopted these teachings, relegating heaven to an ethereal place devoid of materiality and tangibility. They have completely ignored what the Law (Torah) and Prophets had to say. Remember, the New Testament did not exist during the time of Yeshua’s ministry. He often quoted from the Old Testament to explain matters pertaining to the Kingdom.
The Scriptures tell us that Yah’s Kingdom exists now above our heads and is a tangible place where animals, spirit beings, rivers, fruit, mountains, and trees can be found. It is a literal, material place. It is real, bruh.
And they shall come, and shall rejoice in the mount of Zion, and shall come to the good things of God, to a land of corn, and wine, and fruits, and cattle and sheep…
Jeremiah 38:12
The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding: and they were not willing to come. Again he sent out other servants, saying, “Tell those who are invited, ‘See, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatted cattle are killed and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.'”
Matthew 22:2-4
And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations.
Revelation 22:1,2
And he answered saying: “This high mountain which thou has seen, whose summit is like the throne of God, is His throne, where the Holy Great One, the Lord of Glory, the Eternal King, will sit, when He shall come down to visit the earth with goodness. And as for this fragrant tree no mortal is permitted to touch it till the great judgment, when He shall take vengeance on all and bring everything to its consummation for ever. It shall then be given to the righteous and holy. Its fruit shall be food for the elect;
1 Enoch 25:3-5The Book of Enoch by R.I. Burns
Yeshua wants us to cling to a hope that surpasses understanding. He wants us to grasp the magnitude of a Kingdom so glorious and precious that we would sacrifice everything in this life to get there. This was the depth of the commitment that martyrs throughout history have willingly made because they considered death a small price to pay. For these brave saints the Kingdom was good news for all who embraced it and longed to be there.
Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 Berean Study Bible
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12 Berean Study Bible
Kingdom Fundamentals
Those who heard the call to repent that John the Immerser (Baptist)2 and Yeshua preached had to enlarge their understanding of what biblical salvation meant. They had to cast aside the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees3 which was hypocrisy and doctrine which placed religious tradition4 above obedience to Torah.
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew 4:15-17 Berean Study Bible
If you are reading this article you probably identify with those early believers in Messiah who sincerely desired to walk in his footsteps and embrace his Kingdom promises. You may have thought, “Ok, I have repented and believed in Yeshua to save me and usher me into the Kingdom of Heaven by resurrection. Now what?”
Proleptically born-again believers are expected to practice Kingdom behavior. This means we have to make a concerted effort to overcome our fleshly nature and deliberately choose to handle people and situations according to Messiah’s instructions. Our walk is to emulate his. The expression “What would Jesus do?” must be contemplated in every situation because his behavior was/is Kingdom behavior and complies with Torah.
For example, when someone hurts you do you try to reconcile, or do you refuse to speak to them? Do you choose to forgive others or slander them? Do you listen to the voices of unclean spirits, or handle situations based on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as outlined in the Scriptures?
Yes, these are hard choices. Obeying the Spirit means we must reject “fleshly” behaviors that include lying, gossiping, seeking revenge, adultery, cheating and stealing. When Messiah paid our sin debt, he did not give us license to ignore the commandments. Our lives are being measured against Yah’s moral and ethical standards. (Exodus 20:1-17; Leviticus 18 & 19;Deuteronomy 5:6-21)
Before we move on, there are a few foundational matters to consider:
Repentance Precedes Redemption
Obedience to Torah Leads to Righteousness
Love and Forgiveness are Kingdom Behaviors
Kingdom Citizenship is Selective
Repentance Precedes Redemption
From the time he began his Galilean ministry until his death, Yeshua’s command to repent was required of anyone seeking admission into the Kingdom.
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:17 New King James Version
Repentance is not something to be taken lightly. Godly sorrow that is in agreement with Yah’s willproduces a change in the inner man which brings us to salvation. However, the hopeless sorrow of those who do not believe will bring death. Being sorry that you got caught doing something is not repentance.
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
2 Corinthians 7:10 New Living Translation
In the strictest sense, repentance requires abandoning thoughts and actions which do not agree with the Father’s rules concerning righteous behavior.
So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin];
Matthew 3:8 Amplified Bible
Anyone who sincerely repents of sin and stays on the narrow path for the rest of their life will be grafted into covenant Israel. (Romans 11) They will be invited to the wedding banquet.
But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
Exodus 20:6 New Living Translation
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
Deuteronomy 5:10 King James Version
Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.
John 14:21 Berean Study Bible
Obedience to Torah Leads to Righteousness
Without realizing it, many Christians have been indoctrinated into dispensationalism5 and antinomianism. Believers in Messiah are taught that “grace” has set them free from the necessity of obeying Torah. Obedience is equated with a rigid, inflexible legalism. They are told that Christ’s righteousness has been “imputed” to them so they bear no responsibility in working out their own salvation. If the notion of imputed righteousness is true, then Yeshua wasted his time preaching the importance of faith and works relative to salvation.
Jesus said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments
Matthew 19:17 Contemporary English Version
So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].
2 Philipians 2:12 Amplified Bible
Love and Forgiveness are Kingdom Behaviors
Both Father and Son are living examples of love and forgiveness. Unfortunately our modern culture has distorted the meaning of both. Biblical love is tied to commitment, not feelings. Forgiveness does not weigh transgressions in the balance to determine if a person is worthy to receive it. Yeshua was clear and unequivocal:
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.
John 13:34 Berean Study Bible
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12 Berean Study Bible
Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Romans 13:10 Berean Study Bible
We don’t get to decide who is worthy of forgiveness. As we have been forgiven of sin, we are expected to extend forgiveness to others.
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 18: 21,22 Berean Study Bible
Then Kaypha approached him, and he said, “My Lord, if my brother commits an offense against me, how many times shall I forgive him? Seven times?” and Yeshua said to him, “I do not say to you until seven times, but until seventy times seven each.”
Matthew 18:21,22 Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Kingdom Citizenship is Selective
The Kingdom will not open its doors to everyone. Yeshua was clear — “Not every one who says to me, ‘Master, Master,’ will enter the Kingdom of the Heavens, but only those who are obedient to my Father who is in Heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Only those who continue to do the will of the Father throughout their lifetime will be worthy of citizenship.
I used to believe the “once saved always saved” dogma. However, as I have grown in my understanding of the Scriptures, I know that this statement is not true. How can it be? As a child grows and is weaned from milk to meat, we as believers in Messiah are likewise expected to grow and mature. We grow and mature by feeding daily on Yah’s word. Yeshua says we must continue to abide in him and remain faithful until we die.
If “once saved always saved” then I can live a life of reckless abandon and still expect to enter the Kingdom — right? Once saved always saved is a license to sin. It cheapens the price that was paid by Yeshua on the tree. It degrades the notion of spiritual fidelity. If “once saved always saved” then why did Yeshua consistently warn people whom he had healed or rescued to go and sin no more?
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
Matthew 12: 36,37 Berean Study Bible
Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.
2 Peter 3:17,18 Berean Study Bible
We guard ourselves from being carried away by the error of bad doctrine by taking the time to read the Gospel message, which begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation. Bible canon is an integrated, cohesive message. When you remove the Old Testament/New Testament barriers, the Gospel of the Kingdom narrative is easily understood. The Gospel message expands beyond the death, burial, and resurrection of Yeshua.
What Is the Gospel of the Kingdom?
Simply put, the Gospel of the Kingdom is the good news of a tangible and real heaven coming down to earth. It is the blessed hope and culmination of the promise made in Genesis of a coming Redeemer. The descent of New Jerusalem, routing of the wicked from the earth, and the resurrection of the righteous from Sheol, are key events associated with the Day of the Lord.
Our High Priest Yeshua, in concert with the angels, is busy right now interceding on behalf of all believers destined to inherit this Kingdom.
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!
Hebrews 9:11-15 Berean Study Bible
For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.
Romans 10:4 Berean Study Bible
The Greek word for end is telos, which is defined as the principal end, aim or purpose of something or someone. It is part of the English word telescope. Skopos (scope) means a target for shooting at, as in hitting the mark. In other words, Yeshua is the goal that we aim at to become more like him. Like a telescope zooming in on something you look at, we observe Yeshua’s obedience to the law and strive to be like him.
Messiah being the goal of the law does not mean his righteousness was imputed, or transferred, to my (sin debt) account. This absolves the believer of his or her responsibility to obey the law; and sin is transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4)
Just as the “law” has been said to apply only to the “Jews” by the church, so has the word Torah. Torah is simply directions or instructions in righteousness given to us by the Most High. These laws are moral guidelines for us to follow in order to commune with the Father and have a blessed and fruitful life. Torah is not something exclusive to the “Jews” that some branches of Christianity oftentimes make it out to be. When we are taught to dismiss Torah, we place ourselves in spiritual/legal jeopardy.
Yeshua, Our High Priest
The Gospel of the Kingdom was known, taught and understood by Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the Prophets, and Apostles. They knew that all of humanity was tied to a covenant of blood until a Redeemer would come. He would pour out his blood on an earthly altar order to initiate a New Covenant with mankind where the shedding of blood would no longer be necessary. This New Covenant is not in force now but will be after the Day of the Lord resurrection event. (Hebrews 9:15-28)
Yeshua’s death was not “sacrificial” in the sense that he was taken against his will and killed in an effort to appease an angry god. He voluntarily laid down his life as a freewill offering in obedience to the Father. The Prophets and Patriarchs understood that the sacrificial rituals they performed are in essence pointing to a Redeemer. The offering of Messiah’s blood was not poured out on an altar in heaven. It was poured out on the alter of the earth.6 (Exodus 20:24; Exodus 23:18,19 LXX; Leviticus 17:11)
Yeshua’s blood secured our redemption by being pure and undefiled. This qualified him to become our sinless High Priest who acts as our mediator with the Father, and will ultimately resurrect us to eternal life. Hallelujah!
The way to the Kingdom is through the door of death. We get there by enduring to the end.
FOOTNOTES
1 Matthew 16: 21-23; Matthew 17:22,23; Matthew 20:17-19
2 Matthew 3:1-3; 11
3 Matthew 16:6,11&12; Luke 13:21
4 Matthew 15:3; Mark 7:8,9 &13
5 Yeshua never taught dispensationalism. It was a belief system introduced in the 1830s by John Nelson Darby. Dispensationalists split the church and Israel into two different factions. It exempts the church from having to obey Torah and teaches that the promises made to Israel (the “Jews”) are different from the ones made to Christians. Dispensationalists teach that the Church will be raptured before the Tribulation and do not have to obey Torah (which Judaism refers to as the Law of Moses).
6 This makes more sense if you understand the biblical creation model. See The Gospel Worth Dying For, “Biblical Cosmography”, Chapter 7
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.