ToM6e: Does Christianity Truly “Follow” Christ?

Source: Does Christianity Truly “Follow” Christ? Revised 8/2019 | Page copied with the friendly permission of the TorahOfMessiah (ToM) website author. | The page content is also available as Podcast under Proof: Christianity Teaches AGAINST Following Christ (Part 1 through 5)

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Introduction

This article will present easily grasped, unambiguous facts from the Bible that for the vast majority of Christians will be a stunning and disturbing revelation. It is a revelation which proves that they have been deceived into accepting grossly unscriptural teachings. I ask that you lay aside the impulse to act negatively and instead review the evidence presented with an open mind.

Put simply, this discussion exposes Christianity’s most infamous and well concealed institutionalized hypocrisy – a hypocrisy of a truly profound scale. The hypocrisy of which I will speak is the easily proven fact that most Christians do not “follow Christ” and, furthermore, are not being taught to do so by their Christian leaders. In fact, whether they know it or not, Christianity’s leaders are zealously teaching against “following” Messiah.

Clarification: Within this discussion I utilized terms such as “Christian”, “Christianity”, and “Messianic” in an obvious negative context. The terms are intended to target the broad category of religions that fall under the definition of “Christianity” and are not meant to target individual Christians. Since there are essentially thousands of diverse groups which call themselves “Christian”, they also do not necessarily apply to each and every one of those groups.

I genuinely believe that Christians are unwitting indoctrinated victims of Christianity’s centuries-long tyranny, deceit, and false teachings. My disagreement is not with the Christian victims. It is with the deceptive and potentially damning system of Christianity and its money-making leaders which have victimized them. My hope, much like the hope of rescuing citizens from an oppressive system of government, is to facilitate rescue of Christian victims from the oppressively false system of Christianity.

Definitions: Torah (TOE-rah) is the Hebrew word for “teaching” or “instruction” and is somewhat wrongly translated and assumed to be “Law” within Christianity. I provide an in-depth definition of “Torah” within a separate discussion.

Tanakh (Tah-NOCK) is what Christianity irreverently calls the “Old” Testament and is an acronym representing the three Hebrew terms “Torah” (Law), “Neviim” (Prophets), and “Ketuvim” (Writings). Thus “the Law the Prophets and the Writings” = Tanakh.

I will use the term “Tanakh” from this point forward within this writing to avoid being irreverent towards God and His teachings.

Assumed knowledge of the reader

It is assumed for the purposes of this discussion that you are familiar with Christianity’s teaching that the Torah is no longer in effect – that it has been annulled, superseded, abrogated, abolished, replaced, “nailed to the cross”, or “fulfilled”. In other words, I expect you to already know that Christianity’s position is strongly and fundamentally anti-Torah. This is such a soundly recognized fact of Christian ideology that I will not endeavor to provide evidence proving it. The anti-Torah teaching is doubtless the most universally accepted and customarily practiced dogma throughout all otherwise differing Christian organizations. (By the way, the Second Temple destruction was not Torah destruction. We still have a living Temple and High Priest: Yeshua the Messiah.)

It is true that in many cases this anti-Torah teaching is an outgrowth of basic ignorance of Torah, and since most Christians and Christian leaders are cursed with such ignorance, an anti-Torah mindset is the natural result. Nevertheless, whether intentional or unintentional the outcome is clearly an anti- Torah mindset.

Evidence supporting the premise proven within this discussion is shown by the fact that most Christians do not even know what “Torah” is despite the fact that the written Torah constitutes the very core of Biblical thought in both the Tanakh and the New Testament. And they do not know because Christian leaders do not inform them.

jpg Indeed, a primary proof of Christianity’s severe departure from Biblical doctrine is the fact that Torah holds no position of importance whatsoever in Christianity except for its rejection. Instead of being revered in Christianity, Torah is opposed and often despised.

Sadly, such a rejection is actually a rejection of both Yeshua (Jesus) and God, since rejection of the teachings (Torah) that Yeshua embraced is no different than a rejection of Yeshua and The Eternal One (God) who sent him to advance, clarify, and expound upon those teachings.

The current state of affairs

Typical Christians, whether they realize it or not and despite their honesty, do not and never have “followed” Christ, and this includes those who sincerely and vigorously claim otherwise. Instead, they follow their church’s teachings regardless of how contrary to Scripture those teachings may be. Ironically, these Christians blindly and often knowingly discard the faith-example and teachings of the very person whom they claim to worship, Yeshua the Messiah, generally known by his incorrect name “Jesus” Christ.

I say “often knowingly” because there are many Christian leaders who unapologetically teach that Messiah’s (Christ’s) example is not to be followed. Christians who are deceived by such leaders will openly admit that they do not consider following the example of Christ to be necessary. Those Christians flatly reject Christ’s example when that example is shown to differ with what their church teaches, and that difference is easy to prove.

Christianity’s common misuse and severe misunderstanding of the apostle Paul’s (Shaul’s) teachings is the primary problem, which Christianity incorrectly claims teaches that the Torah is no longer in effect.

By overruling Messiah’s teachings and example with its misinterpreted and distorted understanding of the apostle Paul’s epistles, Christianity has seated their version of the Christ-devoted apostle Paul above Christ. In fact, if the dominant focus within Christianity upon their distortions of the apostle Paul’s writings is recognized and admitted, along with how those distortions are used to usurp all other teachings in Scripture, then Christianity is proven to have effectively seated their version of Paul on the throne of God! I expand upon this observation later within this discussion.

Law vs. grace

The man-made “law versus grace” debate has been ongoing since the disastrous apostacy of Christianity in 4th century Rome. Authentic Christianity began in first century Jerusalem and is simply a sect of Judaism which I call Yeshua Judaism and describe in separate discussions. This debate generally and wrongly centers upon the alleged teachings of the apostle Paul, which are misinterpreted within Christianity.

jpg Amazingly, the teachings of the Messiah on the matter of “law vs. grace” are rarely considered within Christianity. Isn’t it odd that Christianity largely ignores the teachings and faith example of the very Messiah (Christ) it claims to promote?

Definition: Yeshua Judaism is a term I use to properly define the true Torah faith Yeshua was sent by God to promote. He and his original followers sought to re-establish what was and has since more so become a perversion of Torah. They sought to re-instill the true intent of God’s Torah within Israel, reinvigorate it by ridding it of its severe elitism which had occurred due to the extremely elitist mindset of Judaism’s leaders, and spread it to all nations and peoples of the world instead of among only “the Jews” as is taught by those elitist leaders. His efforts to re- establish, re-instill, reinvigorate, and spread Torah universally is the primary reason why, then and now, he and his initial followers were and still are hated within the “Judaism” which was birthed by those elitist leaders.

What is commonly called “Judaism” today is a faith that is actually based upon the biased opinions of a specific highly esteemed man (rabbi Akiva) and a small number of his followers whose opinions are found within the Mishnah and numerous other “writings of the Sages”. One of those followers individually acquired, parsed, and ultimately compiled the Mishnah. The Gemorah (or Gemara, Gemora, etc.), which is also based upon the biased opinions of that Akiva-based sect within Judaism and which represents commentary on the Mishnah, was subsequently added to the Mishnah to ultimately become the Talmud, upon which Judaism is totally based. Today’s “Judaism” can legitimately be called “Akiva Judaism” or “Akivaism”.

A typical argument put forth by most Christians is that the death of Messiah on the cross “abrogated” or “did away with” the Law (Torah). In order to prove this, they must show that Messiah never taught that the Torah would be applicable after his death. If it can be shown to be otherwise, then their argument is nullified.

Let me state that again since it is extremely important.

jpg In order to prove that the Torah was abolished, done away with, or abrogated by the death and resurrection of Yeshua, Christians must show beyond doubt that Messiah never endorsed the study and practice of Torah by his followers after his death and resurrection. If it can be shown he did teach that Torah study and practice by his followers should continue after his death and resurrection, then the anti- Torah foundational argument of Christianity crumbles into a smoldering heap of ruin. I will conclusively prove that Messiah did indeed promote during his earthly ministry before his death that Torah should be revered and obeyed by his followers after his death and resurrection. This means that Yeshua the Messiah directly refutes the absurd and false belief of Christianity that his death put an end to “the Law” (Torah).

By bringing Messiah’s own teachings and example into the “law vs. grace” debate, the question of whether or not Torah should be applicable in the lives of Christians is settled and debating over what Paul may or may not have taught is irrelevant. It is for this reason that Messiah’s teachings and faith example regarding the “Law” (Torah) are generally avoided by Christian leaders whenever they speak about “law vs. grace”.

Well, unlike Christian leaders, I will not ignore Yeshua’s teachings and faith example. I will instead elevate them to the supreme level which they should occupy among those who claim to believe in the Messiah introduced in the New Testament.

Stop signs:

To prevent the reader from missing such information, I have placed a stop sign jpg where the teachings of Messiah undeniably refer to a future scenario of faith after his death and resurrection. I could have placed the graphic at just about every instance where Messiah addresses the Law since all his teachings are applicable in the lives of his followers after his death; however, I chose to limit my graphic symbol to only those places that are so blatant in their post-resurrection reference that they are beyond dispute.

That stop sign becomes a barrier of truth that the people who feel the Law (Torah) has been abrogated cannot logically explain away. The only way those individuals can get around it is for them to admit that they do not care what Messiah says or does. In short, they must either admit that they have no interest in following Christ, or that they prefer to follow a false Christ (an “antichrist”).

If you are a Christian who believes that the Torah (Law) has been abolished, superseded, or even made optional, then after reading this material you will have to decide whom you will follow. Who do you feel has greater authority? Will you follow and give authority to Messiah, or will you supplant his authority with that of your Christian leaders who teach you to ignore or discard Messiah’s example and teachings?

Preliminary definitions

As stated earlier, Torah (TOE-rah) is the Hebrew word for “teaching” or “instruction” and is often rendered – somewhat incorrectly – as “Law” in English translations of Scripture. Its use in conversation and writing may to refer to:

  1. The 5 books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) – part of thewritten Torah.
  2. The Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (the entire Tanakh) – part of the written Torah. The term “Old” Testament is a covertly irreverent term. Therefore, I generally use Tanakh when referring to what Christians call the “Old” Testament.
  3. The traditions/opinions (Oral Torah) of Jewish sages – I discuss this aspect of Torah in great depth in a separate location in which I prove the legitimacy and necessity of “oral Torah”.
  4. All of the above.

Given the four definitions above, I do not completely accept Torah as defined by numbers 3 and 4 to be the eternal and infallible Torah; however, my differences do not approach the point of large- scale rejection of such material. Therefore, in this discussion I will define Torah as number 4, with reservations.

To say that Torah is properly defined using simply numbers 1 and 2 is incorrect, but it is also incorrect in my opinion to accept all of the “oral Torah.” Definition number 1, often mistakenly called the “Law”, but which more accurately would be termed the “teachings” or “instructions”, is definitely the core heart-and-soul of Torah along with definition number 2 in a broader sense.

Nevertheless, there is no doubt in my mind from studying it and from recognizing so much of it present in the New Testament, particularly the “inner essence” of Torah, that Judaic “oral Torah” very often contains Divine teaching passed down from Moses, but in my opinion, not all “oral Torah” is of such Divine origin.

New Testament vs Tanakh (Older Testament)

It is important to note that within the New Testament it is clear the writers did not consider their writings to be the Torah (teachings) of God, and I elaborate on that topic within a separate discussion. Nevertheless, those writings should certainly to be considered Divinely inspired teachings so long as they are properly interpreted from the Hebraic context in which they were written and verified by referencing the Tanakh (Older Testament) just as was done by the Bereans of Acts 17:11.

I personally am of the opinion that the New Testament is a legitimate form of “oral Torah”.

Following the Leader

Matthew 10:38-40 (ESV): And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.

When as a teenager I first dedicated myself to Christ I was under the impression that the primary goal of every Christian was to “follow Christ” and that the church I attended was accurately teaching me how to “follow Christ.” In fact, the very name of the denomination in which I was raised, the “church of Christ”, explicitly distinguishes itself through its name to advocate following Christ.

For the 30+ years I was actively within the traditional Christian sphere of influence I continued to believe that such was the primary teaching of Christianity. Indeed, if you ask Christians today, they may tell you that Christians are those who “follow Christ” or who should strive to “follow Christ.”

Do Christians really “follow Christ” by observing the Torah (teachings) of Messiah? More importantly, do Christian leaders teach Christians to “follow Christ”?

What does it mean to “follow Christ” or to be “Christ-like”?

The third edition of the Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament edited by Fredrick William Danker needs no introduction, as it is a standard lexicon for Greek New Testament studies. This lexicon defines the Greek term ἀκολουθέω [akoloutheó (ak-ol-oo-theh ́-o), Strong’s #0190)], which is rendered as “follow” in Matthew 10:38 and the gospel parallels of Mark 8:34 and Luke 9:23, as:

  • literally to move behind someone in the same direction, come after
  • to follow or accompany someone who takes the lead, accompany, go along with
  • to follow someone as a disciple, be a disciple, follow
  • to comply with, follow, obey
  • to come after something else in sequence, follow

Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament by Joseph Henry Thayer, D.D. defines it as:

  • to follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him
  • to join one as a disciple, become or be his disciple; side with his party … to cleave steadfastly to one, conform wholly to his example, in living and if need be in dying also

The simple common sense meaning behind the concept of “follower” is that “followers” strive to mimic or copy the characteristics and to practice and promote the teachings of the one whom they claim to follow. Therefore, to “follow Christ” is to:

  • Think as he thinks
  • Approve of what he approves of
  • Oppose what he opposes
  • Worship as he worshiped (and Who he, himself, worshiped as his God)
  • Learn and practice his teachings
  • Revere what he revered
  • Obey him

Perhaps the best understanding is to “conform wholly to his [Messiah’s] example” as previously shown from Thayer’s Lexicon.

jpg In short, to follow Messiah is to be like him in every way possible in word and deed and to revere, obey, and practice his instructions while following his example. The ultimate goal of a “follower” of Messiah is to perfectly copy Messiah’s example. That is what being “Christ-like” means.

Does Christianity teach this?

Do most Christian leaders teach this? Do they truthfully teach that Christians are to “follow Christ”? Furthermore, do most Christians “follow” the Messiah in the common sense way just defined?

Most Christians will object that I dare to even ask such a question and will present evidence allegedly showing that Christians are taught to follow Christ. Such evidence will likely consist of Christian commentaries or teaching material. For sure such material does at first glance appear to instruct Christians to be Christ-like; however, appearances can be deceiving. Can such evidence be proven illegitimate and deceptive? Can it be proven that Christianity teaches against following Messiah?

To answer this question let us study Messiah’s teachings and practices concerning the Torah and compare them to the entrenched anti-Torah teachings of Christianity. It is important to remember the foundational anti-Torah (lawless) core dogma of Christianity, as that fact proves crucial to answering the question of whether or not Christians are taught to follow Christ.

What are Messiah’s teachings regarding the Torah (Law) and the obligation of Christians to follow him?

The verses I will present do not exhaust the evidence of Messiah’s pro-Torah teachings. They represent only a subset of additional evidence within the New Testament which illustrates directly, by example, and in parable form the unwavering pro-Torah stance of our beloved King Yeshua Messiah. These verses, therefore, likewise prove by necessary inference or direct command that Christians should adopt the same mindset.

Those who choose to reject the beliefs, faith-example, and teachings of Messiah demonstrate a rejection of him. Casting off Messiah’s example and teachings demonstrates a conscious decision to not be among those who strive to follow him but to, instead, prefer to follow the anti-Christ. (The “antichrist” is defined and discussed separately.)

Each set of New Testament passages I present will be scrutinized on a verse-by-verse basis.

Matthew 5:17-19 – Part 1

Yeshua the Messiah was a forceful and passionate advocate of God’s – his God and ours – eternal Torah. There is no clearer proof of this fact than his own words as recorded in the gospel of Matthew. Two versions of Matthew 5:17-19 are provided.

Matthew 5:17-19 (KJV): (17) “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. jpg (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (19) Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:17-19 (CJB): (17) “Don’t think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete. jpg (18) Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or a stroke will pass from the Torah — not until everything that must happen has happened. (19) So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot [commandments] and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

…not to abolish but to complete.”

The word rendered “destroy” in the King James Version (KJV) literally means, as rendered in the Complete Jewish Bible, to “abolish”.

Some Christians and Christian leaders purposely avoid terms like “abolish” when they promote that the Torah has been canceled, preferring instead terms such as replaced, superseded, annulled, or other similar words that do not sound quite as harsh. Perhaps their most deceptive term is “fulfilled” even though their use of that word is merely a “nice” way for them to directly express that the Torah is abolished. It is also a severe misunderstanding of the limited way in which Messiah certainly did “fulfill” Torah.

Frankly, as used within Christianity, all such terms carry the same meaning as “abolish” since the end result is the same: cancellation of Torah. Thus, Christian leaders and their sadly deceived church members show themselves to be deceitful participants in word games as they attempt to soften and conceal the fact that they do indeed firmly teach that the Torah (Law) is abolished and thus that they directly oppose the teachings of the Messiah whom they claim to worship.

Messiah said his coming did not abolish Torah. Christianity teaches that his coming did abolish Torah.

jpg The teachings of Messiah (did not abolish) and Christian leaders (did abolish) are completely the opposite of one another! Whose teachings should you follow: Yeshua the Messiah’s, or those of Christian leaders who directly contradict his faith example and instructions?

Dr. Brad Young, author of the book, Jesus the Jewish Theologian, points out that in verse 17 Yeshua was actually making use of a common Hebraic expression with the use of “destroy/abolish” and “fulfill/complete”. In the Hebraic context of Yeshua’s day those who misinterpreted or misapplied Torah were said to “destroy” it, and those who correctly interpreted and applied Torah “fulfilled” it. Therefore, Dr. Young postulates that the intent behind the symbolic use of “fulfill” and “destroy” was:

“Don’t think that I have come to misinterpret the Torah. I have not come to wrongly interpret but to interpret it correctly.”

I agree with Dr. Young’s opinion relative to use of such terminology in most cases. I also feel that Yeshua did indeed come to correctly interpret Torah in a way that differed and still differs with Jewish spiritual leaders then and now. However, it appears obvious that in this specific case the next passage, verse 18, seems to support a more direct literal meaning.

Regardless of whether or not the interpretation or Dr. Young is applied, the verse is still proven to be a pro-Torah statement from Messiah.

Matthew 5:17-19 – Part 2

jpg Matthew 5:18 (CJB): (18) “Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or a stroke will pass from the Torah — not until everything that must happen has happened.”

This verse needs no in-depth explanation. It is so obvious that even a young child can understand its meaning.

Here we have one of many clear examples where Messiah was direct and unmistakable in teaching that after his death and resurrection the Torah would still be in force. Nevertheless, despite Yeshua’s clear future reference most Christians still insist that the Torah has been “abrogated” or “abolished.”

Are “heaven and earth” still here?

Could those who so boldly declare death to the Law (Torah) please tell me when heaven and earth passed away?

My sarcasm is intentionally and used to establish the foolishness and nonsensical nature of the arguments put forth by those within Christianity who directly contradict Yeshua by claiming that the Torah is abolished.

Would the Torah opponents of Christianity please produce evidence of the destruction of heaven and earth? Would anyone among the elite leaders of Christianity who teach that the Torah is no longer in effect or has been annulled please prove the past destruction of our planet?

We’re bordering on the ridiculous; however, more accurately stated, Christian leaders are promoting a ridiculous contradiction to the words of the “Jesus Christ” whom they claim to promote.

If the planet is still here, which it is, then Christian organizations are wrong about the abolishment or “fulfillment” of Torah. In other words, if you can look up and see sky, clouds, stars, or look down and see the ground, then Yeshua’s words are still in effect and the Torah stands.

Have all things been fulfilled?

Furthermore, when were all things fulfilled? Unless I’m mistaken, Messiah has not yet returned, wars are being fought, people are still going through life’s ups and downs, and with the exception of the extreme northern and southern latitudes the sun still rises every morning and sets each night. So, it appears that all things have not yet been fulfilled.

Heaven and earth are still here, and all things are not yet fulfilled. Therefore, not even the most minor elements (“yud or a stroke”) of the Law (Torah) have been annulled. Anyone who claims otherwise directly opposes Messiah’s words within the New Testament. Nevertheless, Christianity does claim otherwise, and I suppose would consider Yeshua potentially damned since it generally advances the doctrine that anyone who seeks to learn and practice Torah is condemned unless they “comes to Christ” and repents of their “bondage to the Law” – to the Torah that Yeshua so loved.

jpg The very teachings – the Torah – that Yeshua loved, taught, to which he was totally devoted, and that he directed his followers to adopt is called “bondage” by Christianity!

Future tense verbs

jpg Matthew 5:19 (CJB): (19) “So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot [commandments] and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

First please notice that Yeshua did not say is called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven” or “is called great in the Kingdom of Heaven”. Instead he said, will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven” and “will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven”. Therefore, his use of future tense verbs instead of past or present tense proves that he is referring to a time in the future after his death and resurrection.

So once again Messiah clearly references future faith practices a person must adhere to after his death and resurrection.

I think you get the picture; therefore, I may not continue to repeat myself and alert you to each future reference in Messiah’s statements. Please simply be watching within Messiah’s words for the frequency of such allusions to the future scenario that would follow his death and resurrection which are often identified with the stop signs.

As mentioned earlier, Christian leaders and most Christians usually do not stop at promoting simply that the Torah has been abolished. No. They often go further by declaring that it is useless for a person to pursue Torah knowledge or practice at all, which once again directly contradicts the words of Messiah as voiced in verse 19. Ironically, the belief of some Christians that it is “sinful” to strive to observe Torah is proven particularly absurd by the fact that without Torah (Law) there is no definition of sin.

“Follow Me”

Matthew 10:38-40 (ESV): (38) “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (39) Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (40) Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.”

Parallel passages are found in Mark 8 and Luke 9.

Mark 8:34-38 (ESV): (34) And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (35) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. (36) For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? (37) For what can a man give in return for his soul? jpg (38) For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Luke 9:23-26 (ESV): (23) And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (24) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. (25) For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? jpg (26) For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

The admonition to “follow” Messiah and to thus conform wholly to his example is unmistakably shown to be a necessary requirement for all who claim to be Christian or Messianic. Do Christians strive to conform wholly to his example? Do they:

  • Think as he thinks?
  • Approve of what he approves?
  • Oppose what he opposes?
  • Worship as he worshiped (and Who he, himself, worshiped as his God)?
  • Learn and practice his teachings?
  • Revere what he revered?
  • Obey him?

jpgDoes Christianity honestly strive to conform wholly to Messiah’s example? No! If they did Christianity would not persist in its deliberate anti-Torah rebellion against Yeshua’s pro-Torah position and thus rebellion against Yeshua himself.

It is impossible for a person to have “received” (accepted) Messiah while rejecting his teachings. Amazingly however, the world of Christianity has established such rejection as a foundational Christian doctrine. Since such anti-Torah Christians are obviously “ashamed” of Messiah’s pro- Torah teachings, Messiah may very well be “ashamed” of them when he returns in glory to consummate the promised Messianic Kingdom on earth.

Note: The stop sign was used primarily to emphasize Mark 8:38 and Luke 9:26 since in both of those verses Messiah clearly refers to a future scenario that will not be fulfilled until Messiah returns.

Lawlessness & Iniquity

jpg Matthew 7:21-27 (ESV): (21) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (22) On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ (23) And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (24) Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (25) And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. (26) And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. (27) And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

A similar warning is found in Luke 13.

jpg Luke 13:24-27 (KJV): (24) “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (25) When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open unto us;’ and he shall answer and say unto you, ‘I know you not whence ye are:’ (26) Then shall ye begin to say, ‘We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.’ (27) But he shall say, ‘I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.’”

Verse 21 in Matthew shows the distinction of the Father in heaven while Yeshua was speaking from Earth. Such distinction dominates New Testament passages thus providing evidence that Messiah is not God. However, the primary point I wish to make regarding these verses is the strong pro-Torah message Yeshua is proclaiming.

Once-Saved-Always-Saved & Eternal Security

Those who advance the extremely dangerous error of “once saved-always saved” (OSAS), “eternal security”, or similar doctrines definitely have a problem with this verse because it clearly implies that the ones who cry, “Lord, Lord have we not…” undeniably considered themselves “saved”. Verse 22 leaves little doubt of this:

jpg Matthew 7:22 (KJV): (22) “Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?’”

The “eternal security” vainly attempt to extract themselves from these very clear words by claiming that since he said, “I never knew you” they must never have actually been saved. Those same people avoid the clear definitions in the New Testament of what it truly means to “know” God and Messiah as they completely ignore the context. The definition of “knowing” God, and therefore His Anointed one, Yeshua the Messiah, is found in 1 John.

1 John 2:3-5 (NET): (3) Now by this we know that we have come to know God: if we keep his commandments. (4) The one who says “I have come to know God” and yet does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in such a person. (5) But whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in him. (6) The one who says he resides in God ought himself to walk just as Jesus walked.

Transgression of the Law (Torah) = Lawlessness

Undoubtedly, the just quoted passages from the first epistle of John show that to “know” God requires sincere effort to keep the commandments or teachings of God (Torah). Those who refuse to do so yet claim to know (believe in) God are liars and have no truth within them. The passages continue to directly state that that following Christ (“…walk as Jesus walked.”) demonstrates whether or not a person knows God and, by extension, Messiah.

jpg Anyone who rebelliously refuses to revere the Torah (teachings) does not “know” God and is not “walking as” Messiah walked. Upon Messiah’s return they will therefore be told, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity (lawlessness)!”

The New American Standard Bible and others more appropriately translate the term “lawlessness”. Since Torah is God’s eternal law, the lawless are those who do not keep Torah. From the following verse the point is further confirmed.

1 John 3:4 (NASB): (4) Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.

1 John 3:4 (KJV): (4) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

The Greek word translated “lawlessness” in the NASB and “transgression of the law” in the KJV is the same word – anomia – and is shown from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to be:

Strong’s #458. anomia, an-om-ee ́-ah; from 459;

  • illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness:
  • iniquity,
  • transgress (-ion of) the law,
  • unrighteousness

Likewise, Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament defines anomia as:

anomia;

  • properly, the condition of one without law — either because ignorant of it, or because violating it.
  • contempt and violation of law,
  • iniquity,
  • wickedness:

It is very important to note the clear implications of the definition from Thayer’s with the proper contextual term of “Torah” applied. The term “anomia” can literally be translated as:

the condition of being without Torah (Law)

  • because the person is uninformed regarding it (which Christians and their leaders are), or
  • because it is violated or transgressed (which Christianity’s leaders cause), or
  • To have contempt for Torah (which Christianity’s leaders teach Christians to have).

Contempt for the Torah

This is precisely the same Greek word used in Matthew 7:23 where we hear Yeshua say, “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness (anomia).’” Nevertheless, Christianity displays unrepentant contempt of Torah (anomia) by brazenly teaching against it.

jpg Christian leaders demonstrate and teach clear “contempt for” the Torah as they advance the foundational doctrine of Christianity that Torah is no longer in effect – that we are in “the condition of without Torah.” Therefore, Christianity’s leaders promote the very ideology that Yeshua says will result in him saying to those who follow such anti-Torah teachings, “I never knew you, depart from me!”

jpg In case the obvious future reference was missed, allow me to direct your thoughts back to the verses.

In both examples of gospel verses we see Messiah directly and unambiguously referring to a future time when he will address those who promoted and embraced lawlessness, iniquity, and Torahlessness (without Torah). His negative opinion of such people at the fulfillment of this future scenario is very clearly displayed.

Furthermore, note the contrast Messiah presents in Matthew’s record between the wise man who 1) “hears” and “does” and the unwise man who 2) “hears” and “does not do”.

Thus, even though Messiah unmistakably states that obedience to his teachings is required, Christianity nevertheless “hears” and “does not do”, thereby advocating unwise doctrines which directly oppose Messiah. Therefore, it is actually worse than the “unwise” example in the parable since Christianity not only “does not do” Messiah’s words, they go further by openly rejecting and fervently teaching against his words!

jpg Matthew 12:30-32 (ESV): (30) Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. (31) Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. (32) And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

jpg Messiah makes it clear that you are either with him or against him. It is impossible to be “with” Messiah while teaching doctrine that is “against” his teachings. Christianity’s anti-Torah teachings are effectively spitting in the face of Messiah and firmly against him.

Sadly, millions upon millions of Christians are therefore “scattered” in a world of lawless (Torahless) rebellion against God and Messiah.

Messiah further warns against being a “law-breaker” in the parable of the sower.

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-42 (ESV): (24) He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, (25) but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. (26) So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. (27) And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ (28) He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ (29) But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. (30) Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” … (36) Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” (37) He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. (3) The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, (39) and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. (40) Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. (41) The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, (42) and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Matthew 13:36-42, particularly verses 41 and 42, undeniably refer to a future time at Messiah’s second coming when the “law-breakers” (those who violate, oppose, or reject the Torah) will be thrown into a fiery furnace. We’re not talking about civil laws of worldly governmental laws. We’re talking about those who oppose or reject God’s eternal teachings, the Torah.

In Matthew 13 Yeshua (Jesus) is describing the time when he will send forth angels to gather the wicked out of his Kingdom. Visiting that passage again we read:

jpg Matthew 13:39-43 (NASB): (39) and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. (40) So just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age. (41) The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, (42) and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (43) Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Here we have another instance of the use of the Greek term anomia. “Those who commit lawlessness” (Torah violators) are among the people who are first gathered and cast into the furnace. Here and elsewhere Messiah makes it clear that the wicked are gathered before the righteous – a clear and irrefutable contradiction of the outrageously false and dangerous “rapture” theory. Of course, those clinging to the “rapture” belief do so because they want to and do not care that the person whom they worship as “Christ” proves the rapture to be a false doctrine.

The Kingdom of God will be on earth

A secondary important teaching relates to where the Kingdom will be. Note that the wicked are gathered out of His (God’s) Kingdom”, and the righteous, who were not gathered will then “shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom.” Obviously, since the wicked and the righteous are right here on planet Earth where the angels are sent to gather, the Kingdom from which the Torah violators are gathered is an Earthly Kingdom in which the righteous will then shine forth. Matthew 13:49 further solidifies this truth as well as additional proof against the “rapture.”

jpg Matthew 13:49 (NASB): (49) So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous…

Here we have extremely clear passages where Yeshua specifically describes how those who are “lawless” (violators of Torah) will be told to depart from his presence (Matthew 7:23) or gathered out of his Kingdom (Matthew 13) because by their lawlessness (willful opposition to Torah) they prove to have never known The Creator God.

jpg Yet, today in churches worldwide the Torah is openly preached as abolished. Thus, Christianity is largely promoting doctrine that will result in the Lord’s stern rebuke. Christian leaders are promoting a doctrine that will cause those who accept it to fail to know God!

I will not dwell on it; however, the verses immediately following further confirm this as Yeshua describes how the wise man is the one who hears and acts upon the commandments whereas the foolish man hears but does not act.

There is more within the verses we have thus far covered that needs to be considered. It is a point that leaders of Christianity would particularly do well to consider as well as anyone else who teaches that the Torah is not applicable to Christians.

Profound warning against causing others to sin

Let us go back to focus on Matthew 13: 41-42. I will use bold text to indicate the region of the verses that I wish to discuss. I will also include Matthew 18: 6-7 to add additional clarity and support for the point I wish to make. To ensure that it is clearly shown, I will be using multiple translations: The New American Standard Bible, the NET bible, the English Standard Version, and the Amplified Bible. If those versions do not appeal to you, use one that does. The same meaning is found in all others.

The passages are shown on the following page.

Matthew 13:41-42

NASB: jpg (41) The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, (42) and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

NET: jpg (41) The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom everything that causes sin as well as all lawbreakers. (42) They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

ESV: jpg (41) The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, (42) and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

AMP: jpg (41) The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of offense [persons by whom others are drawn into error or sin] and all who do iniquity and act wickedly, (42) And will cast them into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and wailing and grinding of teeth.

Matthew 18:6-7

NASB: (6) but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (7) Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!

NET: jpg (6) But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the open sea. (7) Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! It is necessary that stumbling blocks come, but woe to the person through whom they come.

ESV: jpg (6) but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (7) Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!

AMP: jpg (6) But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea. (7) Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influences to do wrong! It is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the person on whose account or by whom the temptation comes!

Here I do not wish to focus upon the ones who reject Messiah’s pro-Torah example, but instead on those who cause it to happen or those who teach it. NOTE: It would be wise for men and women to consider these verses as they decide how to clothe themselves.

Notice all the stop signs? It is because the words of Messiah obviously apply then, now, and in the future.

All versions have the same meaning, but the Amplified Bible most clearly describes the intention of Yeshua with its translation, “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought]”. Pay particular attention to “who … hinders him in right conduct or thought”.

These verses present some of the most serious warnings found anywhere in the Bible. There may be other warnings equal in severity, but there are none that exceed it. And to whom does this extremely grave and serious warning apply? It could apply to numerous specific issues, but for sure it also applies to those who teach against following the pro-Torah example of Messiah. It teaches against those who promote an anti-Torah agenda.

In fact, there is no more “offense” or “cause to stumble” than is the teaching that the example of Messiah should be ignored and that the eternal instructions from the Eternal God are abolished and no longer in effect. Nothing is more likely to cause “stumbling” among Yeshua’s followers. I need not address these verses in detail since they speak for themselves in a most profound and fearful manner.

jpg Please heed Messiah’s warning. Do not risk having to endure the “fiery furnace” of purification because you cause others to stumble by leading them into temptation or supporting teachings that are against following Messiah’s firm pro-Torah example.

The Warnings – time to pause and consider

At this point it would be prudent to pause and consider the gravity – the enormous importance – of Messiah’s warnings found in Matthew 7:23, Matthew 13:41-42, and Luke 13:27. Taken together they read: jpg (Matthew 7:23 NASB) (23) And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

jpg (Matthew 13:41-42 NASB): (41) The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, (42) and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

jpg (Luke 13:27 KJV): (27) But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

The primary point to grasp from those verses is this:

jpg Messiah directly condemns, in an undeniable future reference, those who have “contempt for and violation of the Torah” and/or who promote “the condition without Torah”.

The passages quoted above are direct statements from Yeshua the Messiah. Anyone who does not agree with them and who refuses to follow his pro-Torah teachings and example demonstrates a deliberate rejection of him.

Though the precise same Greek word, anomia, is not used in Luke 13:27 for the term of “workers of iniquity” as shown in the KJV, a very similar word is used. That Greek word is adikia. Among Thayer’s Greek Lexicon’s definitions of this word are:

  • a deed violating law and justice,
  • act of unrighteousness.

Given the almost identical nature of the three statements we can be reasonably certain that the same meaning applies to all – that meaning being “contempt and violation of Torah.”

So, Matthew 7:23, 13:41, and Luke 13:27 provide us crystal clear, common sense, unequivocal proof that Messiah vehemently opposes – then, now, and in the future – those who show contempt for his God’s Torah (Law), the Torah that he perfectly obeyed from the God to whom he was perfectly devoted. How much evidence is needed to prove that Messiah personally and repeatedly condemns violation of God’s eternal Law – the Torah? Furthermore, if he condemns Torah violation, the condemnation is obviously worse for those who openly and willfully teach that Torah has been abolished.

And of course, the passages from Matthew 18:6-7 which we discussed earlier also need urgent consideration for reasons that should be obvious.

The basic point to grasp is this:

jpg Messiah absolutely, indisputably opposes the anti-Torah mindset of Christianity since it is literally promoting an anti-Christ message! (“Anti-Christ” is defined as “against” Christ, or “opposite of” Christ, or “opposed to” Christ.)

Sadly, I realize that very few Christians heed Messiah’s words even when those words warn of extreme consequences for what a person may practice or believe. Most are happy with the “freedom” to be lawless which Christianity’s anti-Torah foundation provides. They have become spiritually dead beyond the reach of Messiah’s teachings and example to the point that not even the most dreadful warnings found in Scripture spoken by Yeshua himself can affect them. Tragically, those warnings eventually will affect them in a painfully direct manner when what he warned about occurs.

Yeshua identifies the most important passage of Scripture

Late in his earthly life Yeshua was quizzed by a devout Jew of his day, although it was actually an easy question for anyone knowledgeable of Torah.

Matthew 22:36-40 (NASB): (36) “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” (37) And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (38) This is the great and foremost commandment. (39) The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (40) On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Parallels to these verses are found in Mark 12 and Luke 10. These parallels confirm and elaborate upon the Pro-Torah response of Messiah.

Mark 12:28-34 (ESV): (28) And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” (29) Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. (30) And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (31) The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. (33) And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (34) And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Luke 10:25-28 (ESV): (25) >And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (26) He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” (27) And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (28) And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

In these verses we see Messiah responding to a question about Torah. Few Christians realize that such questions were common and that they reflect the Jewish (Hebraic and Torah-focused) underpinning of the gospels. Even fewer realize that Yeshua’s answer is precisely the answer that would be given by any Jewish rabbi or student then, today, and throughout history since the passages quoted by him represent the foundational basis of the Torah upon which all Truth is constructed. He was quoting what is called in Judaism the Shema (shMA) plus Leviticus 19:18. The Shema is Deuteronomy 6:4-5.

The Shema Yeshua quoted, and which is a fundamental passage of Torah was, is, and always will be the very core doctrine of Torah belief. His use of it is but one of numerous examples showing the broad agreement “Yeshua Judaism” has with what is commonly known as “Orthodox” or “Rabbinic” Judaism. Unfortunately, Christians are quite unaware of that as well as many more basic facts due to the plague of Torah ignorance within Christianity.

It is no coincidence that the Shema was, is, and will be when he returns, the core doctrine embraced and taught by Yeshua. The point is reinforced by Yeshua’s response to the questioner who himself displayed knowledge of Torah passages commonly considered fundamental teachings of a Torah based faith. You will note that Yeshua displayed complete agreement with the man who posed the question and stated that the individual’s Torah based beliefs placed him very near the Kingdom of God.

Question: What placed the man who questioned Yeshua so near to God’s Kingdom?

Answer: His embrace and comprehension of Torah, which is the very opposite of Christianity’s rejection, opposition, and unawareness of Torah.

jpg What does that suggest regarding Christianity’s anti-Torah foundational teachings? Do such teachings place Christians near the Kingdom of God or far from it? The answer should be obvious. Christian rejection of and opposition to Torah places Christian’s perilously far from the Kingdom of God.

This episode recorded in the gospels is yet more strong proof of Yeshua’s firm, uncompromising, and continuous pro-Torah position – a position he expects his followers to adopt and promote.

Does Christianity “follow Christ” by adopting and promoting his position? Shamefully, no it definitely does not. If it did, it would not continue to oppose his pro-Torah faith example and teachings.

A strikingly similar conversation is recorded in Jewish literature between two prominent rabbis and a potential Jewish proselyte. There are slight variations to the story depending upon the source being referenced. One variation is as follows.

Hillel & Shammai – A story reminiscent of Yeshua’s answer

Within the same time frame as Messiah Yeshua, actually about a generation before his time, there were two dominant rabbinic schools of thought within the Pharisaic sect of the widely varying, pluralistic sphere of Jewish belief – the school of Hillel and the school of Shammai. The lasting impact of these two schools is still heavily felt today in Rabbinic Judaism. There was a notable rivalry and mutually respectful debate between the two competing mindsets of Hillel and Shammai, with Hillel usually being less strict in his interpretation of Torah.

One day a young man approached Shammai and stated that he would adopt Torah into his life and convert to the Jewish way if Shammai could explain Torah (Law) while he, the young man, stood on one leg. Enraged by what he viewed as an impossible question and irreverent mocking of the Torah, Shammai drove the young man away with his staff.

The young man then approached Hillel with the same request. Hillel responded, “Love the lord thy God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and your neighbor as yourself. The rest is commentary.”

Having received his answer, the young man adopted the Jewish way and began his journey of Torah learning.

This shortened version of a widely known and taught event among anyone who studies Torah represents but one of many common parallels between Yeshua’s teachings and the Torah teachings of a very highly revered rabbi. It is quite possible that since the Hillel/Shammai influence was deeply felt in Yeshua’s day that the questioner was actually seeking to know with which school of thought Yeshua agreed.

jpg There is far more agreement with Judaism within the New Testament than disagreement, though neither Judaism’s nor Christianity’s leaders wish that to be known. And amazingly, there is also far more agreement with Judaism within the New Testament than there is with Christianity! Both Judaism’s and Christianity’s leaders also prefer for that to remain unknown.

The New Testament is grossly misinterpreted within Christianity because the knowledge needed for correct interpretation is rejected due to Christianity’s foundational anti-Torah position. That knowledge is of course Torah, which Yeshua and all his original followers loved and pursued for deeper understanding of God’s Will.

The point stands

Regardless, Messiah’s answer to the question posed to him and quoted from the gospels was thoroughly Jewish and with the standard, no-need-to-mention, pro-Torah understanding of his day. There is no hint whatsoever of any anti-Torah sentiment in Messiah’s response. The gospels persistently present a very Jewish Messiah who often used standard rabbinic methods, such as parables, and oral Torah to convey truth. Even his arguments with rabbis of his day were typical since spirited debate was and is common.

Delving into Messiah’s Jewishness is beyond the scope of this discussion. A useful book revealing Messiah’s Jewishness is Jesus the Jewish Theologian by Dr. Brad Young. That book, as well as an increasing number of others, presents evidence of Messiah’s pro-Torah characteristics. Though I may not completely agree with Dr. Young’s opinions, I recommend that book to anyone who seeks more insight.

A final word from Matthew’s gospel

Although there is more that I could reference from Messiah’s words, I realize this discussion is getting quite long; therefore, I will limit my review to one final passage from the gospel of Matthew. No one can argue its future reference since it is found within Messiah’s discussion of the future scenario after his departure from this world.

This passage is found within two entire chapters of Matthew’s gospel in which Messiah provides an answer to a question from his disciples regarding what the future holds. Parallels are found in the gospel of Mark chapter 13 and the gospel of Luke chapter 21. The comments below for the verses from Matthew are also applicable for Mark’s and Luke’s account.

jpg Matthew 24:3 (NET): (3) As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?

The future relevance of their question is obvious. Messiah’s response then follows and, as I stated, encompasses two entire chapters.

I am tempted to delve into a discussion of the crucially important chapters of Matthew 24 and 25 since they have been severely misrepresented by Christian leaders. The misrepresentation is because if these chapters were properly interpreted those leaders would be exposed as the deceivers to whom Messiah response refers. However, I will expand upon it in a separate discussion.

For now, I simply wish to direct your attention to a single verse. It is a verse which further solidifies Messiah’s very negative opinion of the “lawless” (those who oppose Torah).

jpg Matthew 24:12 (KJV): (12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

jpg Matthew 24:12 (NET): (12) and because lawlessness will increase so much, the love of many will grow cold.

Here we once again find use of the Greek term anomia, and just as before it is translated as “iniquity” in the KJV and “lawlessness” elsewhere, such as the NET Bible.

Love Grown Cold

Once again Yeshua the Messiah is speaking negatively about opposition to, or contempt for, Torah. In his description of the growing wickedness of the last days he specifically mentions how “lawlessness” (rejection of or contempt for Torah) is a primary reason why “the love of many will grow cold.” That “love” is love for both God and one’s fellow man since rejecting The Eternal Creator’s Torah cannot possibly contribute to love for that Creator and, therefore, also contributes to a growing coldness of heart among mankind in general.

Indeed, a major reason according to Yeshua the Messiah for a disappearance of the love is a lack of Torah (lawlessness). The anti-Torah foundational doctrine of Christianity obviously contributes to the problem. Without doubt, Christianity’s foundational opposition to Torah unwittingly assists in fostering wickedness in this world.

Please do not fail to notice the irrefutable future reference within Yeshua’s response to events that were to occur long after his death and resurrection.

jpg When will Christians awaken to the severity of Christianity’s anti-Torah position? When will they repent and strive to repair the damage Christianity’s anti-Torah position has caused instead of continuing to contribute to the damage?

Honoring the son

Continuing with yet more proof that Christianity does not promote “following” Messiah we will now read from John’s gospel.

jpg John 5:23 (NASB) (23) so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

A fundamental means of showing “honor” to the “son” is to honor his example by following him. As stated earlier, it is impossible to “follow” or “honor” Christ unless his teachings are “honored” and adhered to. Of course, the same applies to God, the “Father who sent him.”

Implicit within Messiah’s statement in the gospel of John is the reverse, which is that “He who does honor the Son does also Honor the Father who sent him.”, and to do so requires that the “Torah” (teachings) be honored.

jpg Refusing to honor the pro-Torah teachings and faith example of Messiah is the same as refusing to honor the son and the God Who sent him. It is a willful decision to blatantly dishonor them both.

Believing the son

John 12:44-50 (NASB): (44) And Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. (45) He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. (46) I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. (47) If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. jpg (48) He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. (49) For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. (50) I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore, the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

“… He who believes in me, does not believe in me but in Him who sent me. …”

Belief is more than simply an intellectual acknowledgment. It requires devotion and that the one who has a believing faith actually “follows” the object of their faith. Messiah clearly states that to properly believe (demonstrate faith) in him one must demonstrate faith in God the Creator – his God and ours. A common-sense basic ingredient of that faith requires devotion to God’s instructions (Torah). Sadly, instead of devotion to Torah Christianity, through its anti-Torah foundational position, promotes rejection of the Living God’s teachings.

jpg Choosing to not follow the pro-Torah teachings and faith example of Messiah is the same as refusing to believe, or to believe in, the son or the God who sent him.

Seeing the son

“… He who sees (understands) me sees (understands) the One who sent Me. …”

The Hebraic and thus Scriptural meaning of “see” in a Spiritual context is akin to “understanding”; therefore, to “see” Messiah is to understand him. Elsewhere it is stated that Messiah and God are one. I discuss that in other areas of this website, but the basic meaning is that Messiah, as the perfectly obedient servant and shaliach (agent or emissary) of the One who sent him, is “one” in purpose and will with Father God. It is also stated that we are to be “one” with Messiah and with God in precisely the same manner. How can we “see” or be “one” with Messiah if we reject his undeniable pro- Torah stance?

To “see” Messiah is to follow him, and to follow Messiah is to revere and observe the Torah to which he, himself, was devoted.

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness.”

Scripture teaches that the Torah is light. Messiah, as the perfect example of Torah, was the Torah made flesh since he lived his life as his God and ours intends all to live, Thus, Messiah is also “light.”

jpg Choosing to reject Messiah’s pro-Torah teachings and faith example is the same as deliberately closing one’s eyes and refusing to see him or the God who sent him. It is a choice to remain in the darkness instead of the light.

Hearing the son

jpg “If anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 “He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.”

Here Messiah makes mention of hearing his sayings (teachings) and choosing to not keep them. His words are obviously timeless in their application – applying as much today after his death as they did then before his death. This is made particularly clear by his mention of “the last day,” which obviously refers to a future time.

This reminds us of the previously discussed parable of the wise man who 1) “hears” and “does” and the unwise man who 2) “hears” and “does not do”. He states that the one who rejects him by rejecting his teachings will be judged by those teachings (“… the word I spoke …”).

jpg Choosing to reject Messiah’s pro-Torah teachings and faith example is the same as closing one’s ears to his words and refusing to hear him. Anyone who believes or promotes that the Torah is abolished is indeed refusing to hear Messiah’s words and will be judged by their response or lack of response to those words.

The point is this: By rejecting and opposing the pro-Torah teachings and faith example of Yeshua the Messiah, Christians and their leaders are refusing to honor, believe, see, or hear the son and the One Who sent him. The passages quoted, as well others that were not presented, prove this in a simple, straightforward, and unambiguous manner.

Walk the Walk

The following verses speak for themselves showing that a true “follower” of Messiah walks as he walked spiritually and that such a walk includes reverence and observance of the eternal Torah.

We will read from 1 John 2:1-6, 1 John 3:3-4, 2 John 1:6-11, and Ephesians 4:15.

1 John 2:1-6 (ESV): (1) My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (2) He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (3) And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. (4) Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, (5) but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: (6) whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

1 John 3:3-4 (ESV): (3) And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (4) Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness (Torahlessness).

2 John 1:6-11 (AMP): (6) And what this love consists in is this: that we live and walk in accordance with and guided by His commandments (His orders, ordinances, precepts, teaching). This is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you continue to walk in love [guided by it and following it]. (7) For many imposters (seducers, deceivers, and false leaders) have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge (confess, admit) the coming of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) in bodily form. Such a one is the imposter (the seducer, the deceiver, the false leader, the antagonist of Christ) and the antichrist. (8) Look to yourselves (take care) that you may not lose (throw away or destroy) all that we and you have labored for, but that you may [persevere until you] win and receive back a perfect reward [in full]. (9) Anyone who runs on ahead [of God] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ [who is not content with what He taught] does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ [does have God], he has both the Father and the Son. (10) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [is disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught], do not receive him [do not accept him, do not welcome or admit him] into [your] house or bid him Godspeed or give him any encouragement. (11) For he who wishes him success [who encourages him, wishing him Godspeed] is a partaker in his evil doings.

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): (15) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

There is of course much disagreement to the position within this discussion that is expressed from Christians, and predictably the most prevalent disagreement is voiced as …

But the apostle Paul says… (The standard NON-response.)

This is actually a non-response. It is more truthfully a trained avoidance and purposeful misdirection of the issue since those using it often realize, despite their likely denial, that they are sidestepping Messiah’s teachings. Therefore, whether explicitly or implicitly users of this non-response recognize that their understanding of New Testament teachings does indeed conflict with the words of Messiah, the one whom they claim to follow, i.e. that their teachings stand against Messiah’s.

Every time I have ever presented Messiah’s unmistakable pro-Torah stance and how it is impossible to “follow Christ” while rejecting Torah the inevitable and immediate standard response of the Torah opposing Christian is to bring the apostle Paul’s epistles into the discussion. This virtually always happens.

No matter how much evidence is presented showing Messiah’s pro-Torah teachings they flippantly and instantly discard it and redirect the conversation to what they think are teachings of the apostle Paul which they wrongly believe “prove” that the Torah (Law) is no longer in effect.

jpg Of course, by redirecting the conversation to what they mistakenly think the apostle Paul taught, they demonstrate a disregard of how Yeshua lived and what he taught. They therefore unwittingly prove that they do not wish to be dedicated followers of Messiah.

They seriously misinterpret Paul’s epistles.

Is Paul anti-Torah?

Those who think Paul is anti-Torah are grossly ignorant of Paul’s intent, largely because they are ignorant of the Hebraic Torah mindset of Paul. They are the persons to whom Peter alludes in 2 Peter.

2 Peter 3:14-17 (NRSV): (14) Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; (15) and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also, our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, (16) speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable

twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures. jpg 17 You therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error of the lawless and lose your own stability.

It should be noted that although the Greek word rendered as “lawless” here is not anomia, and thus not precisely the same Greek word we previously discussed, it nonetheless has the same meaning. This is because we must apply the context of the time in which Peter was writing as well as his Hebraic mind set. When the proper context is applied and aligned with the rest of the New Testament, it is undoubtedly referring to those who practice Torahlessness – those who oppose or violate God’s eternal Torah.

Indeed, Christian leaders and most Christians do misinterpret and twist Paul’s writings to their own destruction. Additionally, they are carried away with the error of the lawless – those who oppose Torah. The result is to cause themselves and others to be found with “spot or blemish” instead of without.

Do not casually miss the enormously important information Peter provides in verse 17 – a warning that applies now just as much as then. The lawless (anti-Torah) people are the ones Peter explicitly warns of when he says we are not to be “carried away with the error of the lawless and lose your own stability.” Furthermore, the stability to which he refers is at least in part the stability provided by reverence and observance of God’s eternal Torah.

jpg Amazingly, Christianity teaches the very lawlessness (foundational anti-Torah doctrine) that Peter specifically warns us to avoid!

Summary regarding the apostle Paul’s teachings

Regardless of what Paul may or may not have been trying to convey in his writings, Christians, especially Christian leaders, need to realize the following:

  1. Yeshua is the Messiah – NOT PAUL
  2. Yeshua gave himself to innocently endure suffering for the sake of the world – NOT PAUL
  3. Yeshua was raised from the dead by the Eternal God – NOT PAUL (Paul is still in the grave)
  4. Yeshua will return to rule as King in God’s Kingdom – NOT PAUL
  5. Yeshua is the head of the Messianic (Christian) community – NOT PAUL
  6. The Messianic community is the body of Messiah – NOT THE BODY OF PAUL
  7. Ultimate, fully empowered God-given authority was given to Yeshua – NOT PAUL

Christianity or Paulianity?

As I communicate with others I am increasingly made aware of the extent to which a distorted Paul- like figure, or more precisely an anti-Paul (anti defined as “against”, “opposite of”, “instead of”, or “counterfeit”), has become the unofficial yet actual Messiah and even the God of anti-Torah Christianity. At the very least, the anti-Paul persona invented by Christianity and whose teachings differ considerably with those of the legitimate apostle Paul is Christianity’s equivalent to Moses. Christianity unquestionably considers their anti-Paul’s teachings to be superior to those of God given through Moses, the greatest of all prophets, since the anti-Paul’s instructions are used to utterly revoke what Moses taught.

Christianity’s unequaled exalting of the supposed teachings of their defective version of the apostle Paul realistically means that Christianity is more accurately called Paulianity. Such a label truly is more realistic when the unmistakable fact of Christianity’s use of the apostle Paul’s alleged teachings to overrule all others within Scripture is considered.

I accept and aggressively defend Paul’s writings against the threat of growing anti-Paulism and anti- missionary attack but am certain that he has been horribly misinterpreted and misrepresented by the vast majority of Christians.

Definition: Anti-Paulism is a movement composed of those whom I call “anti-Paulists”. Anti- Paulists rightly oppose the foundational anti-Torah doctrine of Christianity and wrongly believe that the apostle Paul taught that doctrine. They, therefore, partially or in most cases completely reject the apostle Paul and display intense dislike of him while often mercilessly slandering his character.

They, like Christians, are quite ignorant of Torah and, therefore, do not realize that Paul was actually a strong Torah proponent. Like Christians, their ignorance and general rejection of primarily “oral Torah” prevents them from seeing the oral Torah parallels within Paul’s epistles as well as within the rest of the New Testament.

They practice the exact same error of interpretation as do Christians for exactly the same reason, which is Torah ignorance. But at least they do not consider the Torah to be abolished

The worship of a falsely represented Paul instead of Messiah and God that I observe practiced by Christians deeply saddens me. They attempt to understand Paul from a Greco-Roman mindset then use their incorrect, Torah-ignorant interpretations to veto Messiah’s teachings, to implicitly declare God’s Holy and Eternal instructions abolished, and therefore to rescind The Creator God’s teachings (Torah).

jpg It is because of the flawed misuse within Christianity of Paul’s writings to overrule Messiah and God that I state again without apology that a distorted Paul-like figure (an anti-Paul) is the unofficial yet actual Messiah and God of Christianity.

Unfortunately, the Paul-worship attitude common within Christianity is so deeply entrenched that most Christians are incapable of shaking its effects – or have no desire to do so since their misinterpretation implies that they have freedom to transgress God’s instructions (Torah). It is the spiritual equivalent of a powerful drug addiction that has its victim locked in an almost inescapable psychological dependency.

Instead of interpreting Paul’s writings in the light of Messiah’s teachings and faith example, they toss out or ignore Messiah’s words and example and embrace a faulty interpretation of the writings of Paul. Therefore, if they believe Paul taught that the Torah was done away with then it does not matter how strongly the words and example of Messiah demonstrate support for Torah.

jpg In most instances where Christians are presented with the sure pro-Torah message of Messiah, they willfully and shamelessly choose to let what they consider to be the teachings of the apostle Paul overrule the teachings and faith example of Messiah!

Is Paul the New & Improved Messiah? … Or God?

To further clarify why I honestly believe, without sarcastic intent, that Paul – or more correctly the anti-Paul fashioned together from Christianity’s Torah ignorance and misinterpretation of Paul’s writings – is the de-facto Messiah and even the God of Christianity, consider the following:

  • Christianity incorrectly teaches that Messiah is God but let us assume for the purposes of this point that it is correct.
  • Nevertheless, Christianity openly and without apology elevates the distorted anti-Paul’s alleged teachings above those of the man-god Messiah whom it promotes as God. As a matter of fact, Christianity flippantly and blasphemously elevates the distorted anti-Paul’s teachings above anything else within the entire Bible!
  • Therefore, by overruling Messiah’s teachings and example – as well as The Eternal Creator’s teachings – with what they wrongly consider the teachings of Paul, Christianity proves itself to have effectively seated their false Paul persona on the throne of God!

The entire scenario is absolute spiritual insanity!

I continue to be amazed at the lack of legitimate reverence shown toward Messiah and God by Christianity. Sure, there may be the appearance of reverence, but it is not being totally directed towards the true Messiah and true God despite the insistence from most Christians that it is.

Was Torah “Nailed to the Cross”?

Many Christians are taught and largely accept the horrendously false teaching that because of his death Yeshua’s teachings are no longer valid. Most of these false teachings are derived from an ignorant, un-Hebraic, and in some cases anti-Semitic misinterpretation of Paul’s writings. Because of this terrible error many Christians zealously blaspheme (scorn or reject) Messiah by proclaiming that all he taught was “nailed to the cross”.

I have personally been present at church services prior to my realization that Christian teachings are often horribly unscriptural where the preacher boldly stated that because of Messiah’s death many of his teachings, particularly his pro-Torah teachings, no longer apply. Similarly, while watching a popular TV evangelist I witnessed him saying the same thing. Both preachers made sure to point out that Christians are actually to follow the teachings of Paul instead of Messiah.

Definition: “Instead of” is one translation of the Greek word “anti”; therefore, “instead of” Messiah literally means “anti-Messiah” (anti-christ). When told to follow someone “instead of” Messiah, you are literally being told to follow “anti-Messiah” or antichrist.

Whether read or heard there are innumerable references in Christian material that make the same irreverent and blasphemous claim. Need I say more to demonstrate how “following Christ” is indeed not the objective of Christianity?

Do not foolishly listen to or fall lockstep behind Christian leader’s anti-Torah, and thus indisputably anti-Messiah teachings.

Effectively, Christianity teaches and Christians apparently feel that Messiah’s teachings died with Him and that upon his resurrection one of the most fundamental aspects of his teachings along with his example as a Torah-observant devotee to the One and Only Living God whom he, himself, worshiped were nullified because of the wildly unscriptural and lawless concept of a new “dispensation of grace”.

How can a person possibly say they follow Messiah or are “Christ-like” while discarding his teachings and faith example?

The common saying of “What Would Jesus Do” (WWJD) may be better phrased as “What Would Jesus Think” regarding the common “dispensational” teaching that his instructions were abolished upon his death.

jpg In their sloppy zeal to chop the Bible into neat little sections most Christian leaders and their unknowing followers have brazenly, enthusiastically, and irreverently not spared even Messiah’s own teachings from their theological hatchets and machetes.

Freedom in Christ is NOT freedom to sin

We earlier proved from the first epistle of John that sin is defined as “transgression of the Law”; or, more accurately stated, it is transgression of Torah.

1 John 3:4 (NASB): (4) Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.

1 John 3:4 (KJV): (4) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Once again, we find use of the Greek term, anomia, used and translated as “lawlessness” in the NASB and “transgression of the law” in the KJV.

jpg Recall that we have already shown that anomia can be literally rendered as “violation of Torah” or “contempt for Torah”; therefore, 1 John 3:4 could be more correctly translated as:

1 John 3:4: (4) Everyone who practices sin also practices violation or contempt of Torah; and sin is violation or contempt of Torah.

There is only one real reason why a Christian will allow the alleged teachings of the anti-Paul of Christianity to rule supreme over those of Messiah and even The Living Creator God. It is because he or she prefers to do so due to the fact most Christians simply do not want to accept the idea that God’s eternal teachings (Torah) are still in effect.

They prefer the “freedom” of lawlessness (Torahlessness) that they blasphemously refer to as the “freedom in Christ”. They want to feed their sinful nature by believing that they are free to sin. They want to “do what is right in their own eyes” just as pre-captivity Israel was shown to do in the writings of the prophets. Christianity’s rejection of Torah is one example that perfectly fulfills Paul’s warning to Timothy as quoted from the Amplified Bible:

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (AMP): (3) For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, (4) and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].

If we also consider the following verse from Proverbs, the eternal peril caused when Christians “turn away the ear” from Torah is plainly described. Please note that in the following verse “Torah” is the literal Hebrew word that is translated in English translations as “law”.

Proverbs 28:9 (NET): (9) The one who turns away his ear from hearing the law (Torah), even his prayer is an abomination.

jpg That verse from Proverbs should cause all Christians who “turn away the ear” from the pro-Torah teachings and faith example of Messiah to somberly reconsider their position. Tragically, and amazingly, it usually doesn’t. The addiction most Christians have to the spiritual narcotic of “lawlessness” (anti- Torah doctrine) that Christianity sells is far too powerful and attractive for them to overcome.

The situation Paul describes in his letter to Timothy is precisely what has happened and what defines Christianity. Indeed, Christianity promotes a willful rejection of God’s teachings and the teachings of the one He anointed as His chosen agent (Messiah).

Messiah’s words or the apostle Paul’s?

But wait. We are not talking about what Paul said are we? We are discussing what Messiah said; therefore, what Paul may or may not say is totally irrelevant! And with that realization a bright light pierces the darkness of deception and exposes the [often] unwitting treachery and error of those who skillfully attempt to avoid Messiah’s words by redirecting the focus to Paul.

jpgHere is my point regarding Paul: Paul’s teachings, whatever they may be, should never, ever overrule those of Yeshua the Messiah. In all cases with all personalities introduced in the New Testament the teachings of Messiah are the final authority.

We are to follow Messiah, not Paul, and in cases where Messiah’s and Paul’s teachings appear to contradict there are only three possible choices:

  1. Reject what Paul said and cling to Messiah’s teachings.
  2. Realize that you likely misinterpreted Paul’s epistles.
  3. Consider that scattered statements in Paul’s writings may include some corruption caused by biased Christian scribes making either intentional or unintentional mistakes during their copying copies of copies of copies of the ancient writings. In such cases, those few verses may need to be put aside as potentially flawed.

Of the three choices given above, in the overwhelming majority of cases, the second – “Realize that you likely misinterpreted Paul’s epistles” – is the best choice. The third choice is also sometimes worth consideration since it is a proven fact that there exists a small amount of error in the New Testament writings.

Regrettably, many who fall into the same misinterpretation trap as Christians yet who realize Torah is not abolished, label Paul as a false apostle, reject him, and in extreme cases become fanatical Paul slanderers and anti-Paul activists – a movement I call anti-Paulism as defined earlier and which I passionately and unapologetically oppose. The choice to reject Paul by anti-Paulists is based on either severe ignorance or ulterior motives, or both. However, at least they are wise enough to know that the Torah (Law) of The Living God is not annulled.

Under no circumstances should a true Christian or Messianic ever elevate the teachings of Paul above those of Messiah, an error that is so common within Christianity that few Christians possess the discernment to even realize they practice it. Practicing it is tantamount to utter rejection and usurping of Messiah and therefore embracing the spirit of antichrist since “anti-Christ,” if translators had decided to translate the word, is literally rendered in English as “usurper of Christ” or “against Christ” or “instead of (replacement) Christ”.

jpg Elevating Paul’s or anyone’s teachings above Messiah’s “usurps” Messiah, is “against” Messiah, and “replaces” Messiah as the head of the body of Messiah and is therefore an embrace of “antichrist”.

I will end this segment of our discussion repeating what needs to be repeated and repeated and repeated until traditional anti-Torah Christians finally grasp it.

  1. Yeshua is the Messiah – NOT PAUL
  2. Yeshua gave himself to innocently endure suffering for the sake of the world – NOT PAUL
  3. Yeshua was raised from the dead by the Eternal God – NOT PAUL
  4. Yeshua will return to rule as King in his Father’s Kingdom – NOT PAUL
  5. Yeshua is the head of the Messianic (Christian) community – NOT PAUL
  6. The Messianic community is the body of Messiah – NOT THE BODY OF PAUL
  7. Ultimate, fully empowered God-given authority was given to Yeshua– NOT PAUL

If that does not settle the issue and stop the sacrilegious use of Paul’s alleged teachings to overrule Messiah’s then I don’t know what will, and those guilty of continuing such error are tragically beyond the reach of reason.

It does not matter if Paul’s teachings appear to contradict Messiah’s because Messiah’s should always rule supreme. Those who feel otherwise do not follow Messiah and should stop making false claims of doing so since their actual “Messiah” and “God” is proven to be an improperly interpreted apostle Paul. They should refrain from the false claim of being “Christians” and should instead just admit to being anti-Christians – followers of the antichrist.

Or, if that’s too politically incorrect for some people, they should refer to themselves as Paulians who attend The Church of Paul, are members of The Body of Paul, and are awaiting the time when Paul returns to reign as Messiah.

Conclusion

In order to reduce the length of this article I have presented only a handful of verses from the Bible. There are many more I could have shown from Messiah’s own words and from areas other than the gospel accounts. However, I see no reason why more evidence is required. Quite frankly, if the material I have presented does not convince the reader then nothing will, and the reader proves him or herself to be hardened and deceived beyond the reach of truth. I ask that you consider referring others to this immensely important discussion.

The teachings of Messiah (Christ) from which “Christianity” gets its name and those of Christian leaders could not be more opposite in their view of Torah. They are as far apart on the issue as white is to black and east is to west. Christian leaders and the overwhelming majority of Christians reject Messiah’s unyielding embrace of Torah. Rejecting Messiah’s teachings on Torah is actually a rejection of Messiah. Christian teaching regarding the Torah (Law) is fundamentally against Messiah (Christ) and therefore anti-Christ.

Yes. Most Christians are taught doctrines that make them enemies of the very Messiah they claim to love and, according to the words of Messiah, places them in a position of potential condemnation when he returns!

Personally, I am convinced that many Christians, particularly Christian leaders, realize their agenda conflicts with the actual teachings of Yeshua the Messiah, falsely named “Jesus” the Christ. Even the promotion of the false name “Jesus” is proof that Christian leaders do not follow the true Messiah, do not care about truth, and willfully choose to promote falsehood.

jpg “Following” Christ has not been, is not, and apparently will never be the message advanced by many Christian leaders and embraced by many Christians. Instead, the teachings of Yeshua the Messiah have literally been banished from Christianity’s churches!

A true follower of Messiah reveres and embraces Torah.

Simply put, there is no possible way to show oneself to be a follower of Messiah – to be “Christ-like” – while practicing or promoting an ideology that considers the Torah (Law) to be null and void.

A sad irony of history is that the very term “Christianity”, as applied to the Christian religious system, is essentially phony since it indicates Christianity is a religion that promotes “following” Christ (Messiah), when in fact Christianity advances an agenda that largely opposes Messiah’s teachings. A more accurate term for the majority of Christian organizations is AntiChrist-ianity since they are anti (against) the teachings of Christ.

Incredibly, most Christians have dutifully accepted the role of sheep given them by Messiah but have allowed a new shepherd to run the flock, as they neither flinch nor seriously scrutinize the teachings of their leaders even when those leaders promote doctrines that explicitly contradict teachings of Messiah. It reminds me of a tragic news story I read involving hundreds of sheep in the country of Turkey.

A number of sheepherders were sharing grazing land for their sheep. One sheep with an apparent death wish decided to jump from a high cliff. To the horror of the shepherds 1,500 sheep dutifully and mindlessly followed the “leader” off the cliff. Four hundred and fifty sheep perished, and those that lived did so only because the pile of sheep corpses at the base of the cliff eventually became a large fluffy cushion for those blindly joining the herd in this “blind leading the blind” animal tragedy.

Unfortunately, most Christians “follow” the lead of their teachers much like the hapless sheep followed their “leader” in the example just given.

jpg and Think!

jpg Friend, I plead with you to consider the eternal question of whom you follow. Do you truly follow Messiah or are you following someone or something that promotes an ideology that directly contradicts and opposes his pro-Torah teachings and faith example?

Please. With and open mind and heart I ask that you calmly, sincerely, and scripturally consider the issues raised in this discussion.

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