• Sin: Breaking the Law (Torah, commandments, and precepts) of YAHWEH (Pts. 1, 2)
• Transgression: Intentionally disobeying despite recognizing, understanding, and knowing it is wrong (Pt. 3).
• Iniquity: Planning, scheming, or plotting out sin. (Pt. 4)
• Presumptuous Sin: Deliberately sinning with full knowledge of the sin coupled with a deceived heart (Jeremiah 17:9) that leads one to believe YAHWAH understands and will excuse the sin, transgression, or iniquity. Doing what you think is right despite the Bible saying otherwise. 

Today let’s discuss the final installment of this series: The Reprobate Mind.

Reprobate: (Adokimos in Greek): That which is rejected on account of its own worthlessness. This word is also used with reference to persons cast away or rejected because they have failed to make use of opportunities offered them.

(Romans 1:28‭, ‬29) – And since they did not see fit to acknowledge YAHWEH or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], YAHWEH gave them over to a depraved (REPROBATE) mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossip [spreading rumors], slanderers, haters of YAHWEH, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity].

(Titus 1:15‭, ‬16) – To the pure, all things are pure; but to the corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure; both their mind and their conscience are corrupted. They profess to know YAHWEH [to recognize and be acquainted with Him], but by their actions they deny and disown Him. They are detestable and disobedient and worthless for good work of any kind.

YAHWEH created humans to reflect His image and worship Him “in spirit and in truth.” According to (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Father placed eternity in our hearts, and this causes us to yearn for Him. He purposefully planted an understanding or an awareness in every human that there is more to life and that there is a Creator. This awareness within us is a driving force that makes even the atheists and agnostics call on a god as they and others often say: oh my god, god help us, god bless America, so help me god, for god’s sake, I want to thank god, etc. Additionally, this implanted eternity leads many to pray and look toward heaven for answers and guidance. While compelling others to worship a Creator, to be subservient to a Creator, or to submit to a Creator. This longing, connected with the influence of Ha-Satan (Satan), whom we will discuss shortly, is why the world contains many false religions.

Ha-Satan is conscious of what YAHWEH placed inside us and hates YAHWEH and us all the more for it. For centuries, he has deceived (Revelation 12:9) humanity with many false gods, religions, beliefs, and ideas. Ha-Satan’s deceptions, coupled with our sinful nature and the awareness of a creator, have produced chaos worldwide. This chaos has led to an alarming rate of unbelief in the ONE true Creator (YAHWEH), widespread sin, and the worship of false gods of our own design. False gods and idols that cannot see, hear, talk, or help us because they are not real. These man-made gods, beliefs, and religions were manufactured through humanity’s puffed-up imagination paired with Ha-Satan’s craftiness. Understand this, ever since Adam and Eve ate from the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil,” Ha-Satan has used that knowledge against us to promote a continuous rebellion against YAHWEH.

Due to our sinful nature and the deceptions of Ha-Satan, many are facing the judgment of a reprobate mine because they decline to acknowledge YAHWEH, consider Him worth knowing, worship Him, or reflex His image due to the choice to operate in continuous rebellion. YAHWEH does not want to place His beautiful creations in this state of mind; He desires to love us and be our Father (2 Corinthians 6:18). However, if we decide to live a reckless and lawless life through a continued pattern of sin, transgression, iniquity, and presumptuous sin without repentance, then a reprobate mind is very likely to happen. Sin separates us from YAHWEH and moves us further from our designed purpose. The more we give into sin, according to Romans chapter 1, the more YAHWEH will allow us to face the consequences of our choices. The consequences of YAHWEH rejecting you, cursing your conscience, and giving you a reprobate mind.

Those with reprobate minds will live disobedient, lawless, corrupt, wicked, and selfish lives. Their sins are now justified and acceptable to them; their fate is almost certainly the lake of fire. No one is exempt from a hardened heart or a reprobate mind. No one, not those that “profess to know YAHWEH [to recognize and be acquainted with Him], but by their actions they deny and disown Him” or those with complete knowledge and understanding of YAHWEH and Yahshua. Those who have been baptized and received His Holy Spirit but somehow willfully turn their backs on Him and continue in sin. (Hebrews 6:4, 5, 6) implies that such a person would have hardened their heart so much by sin that they would never repent and, therefore, would go to the Lake of Fire. Also, see (Hebrews 10:26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32). Understand, there is no such thing as once saved, always saved; that is a false doctrine.

In conclusion, many are deceived by their hearts (Jeremiah 17:9) regarding their sins, transgressions, and iniquities. They often allow their hearts to lull them into a false sense of peace which facilitates their conforming to the world and qualifying statements like “God knows my heart” in their minds when they sin. Fortunately, YAWHEH knows our hearts; unfortunately, He knows it is “exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick.” Furthermore, this false sense of peace will lead you to lawlessness and possibly a reprobate mind if you are not careful. (Matthew 7:21, 22, 23 HRB) depicts the day of Judgement for this mindset. “21. It will not be that just everyone who says to Me, Master, Master, will enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but the ones who do the will of My Father in Heaven. 22. Many will say to Me in that day, Master, Master, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many works of power? 23. And then I will declare to them, from everlasting, I never knew you; “depart from Me, those working lawlessness (Not following the law of YAHWEH is lawlessness)!

Having a reprobate mind is serious business; please, let’s examine ourselves.

By David Edwards

The post Part 6 – To sin, or not to sin, that is the question: Reprobate mind appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

• Sin: Breaking the Law (Torah, commandments, and precepts) of YAHWEH (Pts. 1, 2)
• Transgression: Intentionally disobeying despite recognizing, understanding, and knowing it is wrong (Pt. 3).
• Iniquity: Planning, scheming, or plotting out sin. (Pt. 4)

Today let’s discuss presumptuous sin.

Presumption: Behavior perceived as arrogant, disrespectful, and transgressing the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.

Word of YAHWEH Bible: Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. (Psalm 19:13)

Imagine

Imagine these two scenarios for a moment and gauge your reaction. Scenario 1: You invite someone into your home. They wander into your kitchen and help themselves to the content in your refrigerator, assuming you won’t mind. Scenario 2: You purchase a new state-of-the-art riding lawnmower with all the bells and whistles you have always wanted. Your neighbor comes over and is just as excited as you. He helps you remove it from the truck and with the sets up. You plan on cutting the grass on the weekend to test out your new toy, so you rush home excited about using the new lawnmower on Friday after work. When you pull up, you notice the grass has been cut already. Your neighbor has cut the grass for you with your new lawnmower, genuinely thinking (assuming) he has done you a favor. In both scenarios, permission was assumed but never provided, nor had you provided prior permission. So, what are your thoughts? Did these people overstep their boundaries? 

These were examples of presumptuous people; some might call them arrogant, rude, overconfident, or prideful. A presumptuous person will intentionally take liberties believing that they are in the right. (Proverbs 21:2) says, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but YAHWEH pondereth the hearts.” Meaning we naturally try to defend ourselves. Sometimes we do this in truth, sometimes with deceit, but persistent arrogance, and sometimes our sinful nature leads us to assume we are in the right. But, YAHWEH considers our heart which, according to (Mark 7:21, 22) defiles the body with “evil thoughts, adulteries, fornication, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.” Let’s review two bible events that cover presumptuous sin, which brought forth the wrath of YAHWEH.

Uzzah and the Ark

YAHWEH tells the Israelites in (Exodus 25:12, 13, 14, Numbers 4:15, and Numbers 7:9) how to transport the Ark of the Covenant, which represented the physical manifestation of YAHWEH and His power. The Ark was only to be touched by the Levite high priest and transported by the Levites of the Kohath family. Great care and caution were essential when transporting the Ark because of its holiness; human hands could not move it. If the Kohath family touched the Ark, YAHWEH would strike them dead. Therefore, they could only touch the two poles and carry the Ark on their shoulders. Unfortunately, King David and his men did not follow the instructions of YAHWEH for transporting the Ark (2 Samuel 6:3, 6, 7, 8). They moved the Ark on a new cart pulled by oxen vs. having Levites from the sons of Koharh carry it on their shoulders by the poles. The oxen stumbled, causing the Ark to become unsteady on the cart. Uzzah, a Levite, knew the Ark should not be transported in this manner, let alone touched. Still, when the Ark appeared to be falling, Uzzah “put out his hand to the Ark of YAHWEH and took hold of it” presumptuously, and YAHWEH struck Uzzah for the fault, and he died.

Strange Fire

YAHWEH tells the Israelites, mainly the priest who, what, when, where, and how to bring fire before Him for worship (Exo 30:7, 8, Lev 6:12, 13, 16:12). Fire and incense were to be offered at appointed times of day before YAHWEH and coals should only be taken from the brazen altar. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, the high priest, decided to bring fire before YAHWEH how and when they wanted (Lev 10:1, 2), assuming it would be acceptable. YAHWEH called it “strange fire” and consumed both of them with fire, and they died.

Hebraic Roots Bible (HRB):  There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death. (Proverbs 16:25 and Proverbs 14:12)

In both instances, the instructions were clear, and no ambiguity was present. All the Israelites, more so, the Levites, were utterly and adequately educated in these matters. Uzzah thought it was ok for him to take hold of the Ark because it appeared unstable. He presumed that if he did not step in, the presence of YAHWEH would suffer or be compromised. Uzzah also may have arrogantly assumed that his hands were cleaner before YAHWEH than the dirt or mud on the ground. He did not understand that the dirt on the ground could never be dirtier than a sinful human being defiled by sin. His quick-witted presumptuous overreach was a sin. Nadab and Abihu thought that common fire was sufficient, but they blatantly sinned in their reckless presumptuous neglect.

There are times when we are like Uzzah, Nadab, and Abihu, and we fail to recognize the holiness of YAHWEH, becoming too comfortable with YAHWEH and having an irreverent attitude. Many of us get so focused on our ways, our thinking, and the traditions of man instead of the sanctity and holiness of YAHWEH and His word. We frequently excuse our terrible actions and the actions of others because of what we think are good intentions; “God knows my heart” and “Don’t judge me” is what we say. We forget that our sinful nature wants to take liberties with the things of YAHWEH and that our human brains love to rationalize everything we do. Rationalization is “a disavowal defense mechanism which permits an individual to deal with emotional conflicts, or internal or external stressors, by devising reassuring or self-serving but incorrect explanations for his or her own or others’ thoughts, actions, or feelings, which cover up other motives.” If you know something is wrong, don’t assume or presume that YAHWEH is ok with you doing it your way because of your intentions. What you take for good intentions might be considered sinful to YAHWEH.

Hebraic Roots Bible (HRB): Go in through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are the ones entering in through it. For narrow is the gate, and constricted is the way that leads away into life, and few are the ones finding it. (Matthew 7:13, 14)

By David Edwards

The post Part 5 – To sin, or not to sin, that is the question: Presumptuous Sin appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

Iniquity: Wicked or immoral in nature or character.

As previously covered in (Pt. 1, 2, and 3) sin is breaking the Law (Torah, commandments, and precepts) of YAHWEH, and transgression is intentionally disobeying despite recognizing, understanding, and knowing that it is wrong. Today we will discuss iniquity, the worst of the three. The roots of iniquity go deep and affect your character. These roots penetrate your heart, mind, and spirit as it deals with premeditated sin.

Hebraic Roots Bible (HRB): Woe to those plotting or devising (Iniquity) wickedness and preparing evil on their beds! In the light of the morning they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. (Micah 2:1 HRB)

(Micah 2:1) speaks directly about iniquity and how these men laid out designs in their minds about the sins they wanted to commit. Throughout the night, they tirelessly plotted and schemed wickedness to establish blueprints with different strategies to accomplish the sin(s). I imagine them getting so immersed in their thoughts of sin that they created multiple contingencies to fall back on in case things didn’t go as planned. When morning came, they finalized and implemented the plans as they became overtaken by iniquity. The scripture finishes with a revealing conclusion as to why they planned all night to sin. They did it “because it is in the power of their hand.” which suggests they saw an opportunity to sin and knew they had the means, resources, or power to commit the offense successfully. These are the actions of a morally deprived person.In the case of these men, their iniquity was motivated by greed and covetousness. Unfortunately, we learn from (Micah 2:2) that they did have the means, resources, and power, so they oppressed the people and took their homes, fields, and inheritance.

A modern-day example would be the conman lawyer who designs a plan to trick a widow out of her house or a politician who systematically plans or arranges the closing of homeless shelters to increase their salary. People immersed in sin have hardened or tainted hearts and character, which produces iniquity. Furthermore, iniquity is not merely about the act of sin but also about the spirit of radical contempt for YAHWEH and his law which extends beyond transgression.

Let’s again consider King David and his encounter with Bathsheba in (2 Samuel Chapter 11) to illustrate temptation, sin, transgression, and iniquity. David’s heart became hardened due to his lust for Bathsheba and lack of repentance. This sin progressed into transgression and grew more serious. He lied, schemed, deceived, used his power as King, and had Bathsheba’s husband murdered after committing adultery with her. David’s life had become plagued by iniquity.

Temptation:

• Bathsheba was bathing on the rooftop in the eyesight of King David, causing his temptation. (2 Samuel 11:2)

Sin:

• Temptation turned into lust which is sin. Covet in Hebrew is “chamad,” which means to lust, desire, or take pleasure in. (Exodus 20:17, Luke 12:15, Colossians 3:5)
• Temptation and lust caused him to search for Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:3)

Warning:

• David received his warning and way of escape from YAHWEH when he learned that Bathsheba was married to Uriah the Hittite, one of his mighty men. (2 Samuel 11:3) Finding out she was married probably reminded him that he also was married. 
• David lingered too long on this temptation, ignored the warnings and escape route, and was overtaken by sin.

Transgression:

• He requested Bathsheba to come to him, and he intentionally transgressed, which included fornication and adultery. (2 Samuel 11:4)
• Fornication and adultery produced an unwanted pregnancy. (2 Samuel 11:5)

Iniquity:

• David used his authority and power to continue in sin instead of repenting, showing that David’s character at the time was flawed.
• Unwanted pregnancy produced lies and deception. (2 Samuel 11:6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
• Lies and deception turned into murder. (2 Samuel 11:14)

Repentance:

• YAHWEH sent the prophet Nathan to confront David in (2 Samuel 12) about his sins, transgressions, and iniquity.
• David acknowledges his sin, transgressions, and iniquities; and repents (2 Samuel 12:13).
• David recorded his passionate plea for forgiveness in (Psalm 51). He asks YAHWEH in verses 1-3, 1) “Let your grace be to me, O Elohim, according to Your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies; blot out my transgressions.” 2) “Wash me completely from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” 3) “For I know my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me.”

Whether sin(s), transgression(s), or Iniquities, YAHWEH is merciful and gracious to forgive us of them all through the sacrifice of his son Yahshua (YAH is Salvation). “And YAHWEH passed by before his face and called out: YAHWEH! YAHWEH Elohim! Merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and great in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and not leaving entirely unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons, and on sons of sons, to the third and to the fourth generation.” (Exodus 34:6-7 HRB) (Numbers 14:18)

Sin is missing the mark, transgression is choosing to sin, and iniquity is planning/plotting out sin. What will you do when the power is in your hands? To sin, or not to sin, that is the question!

By David Edwards

The post Part 4 – To sin, or not to sin, that is the question: Iniquity appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

Hebraic Roots Bible (HRB): I confessed my SIN to You, and I have not hidden my INIQUITY; I said, I will confess over my TRANSGRESSION to YAHWEH; and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:5 HRB)

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of YAHWEH” (Romans 3:23 HRB). However, we must discuss the levels, limits, and boundaries to sin. We have learned from (Part 1) and (Part 2) that sin is breaking the Law of YAHWEH (Torah, commandments, and precepts) (1 John 3:4), but what about Transgressions, Iniquities, and a Reprobate mind? This week we will cover Transgression and Temptation.

Definition of Transgression: An act, process, or instance of infringing on or violating a law(s), command(s), or duty(ies).

Definition of Temptation: The desire to do something, especially wrong or unwise. A desire to engage in short-term urges for enjoyment that threatens long-term goals.[1] The inclination to sin

In this life, we will face many challenges and conflicts and must overcome them. These conflicts are with the devil Ha-Satan, principalities, those in authority, possessors of this dark world, evil spirits beneath the heavens, and last but not least, our own sinful nature (Eph 6:12). Though these conflicts often intermingle, the law of sin seems most active in our flesh. According to (Romans 7:23) the law of sin is waging a constant war within our mind and body, stirring up our evil sinful nature. This war on the inside of us can sometimes cause us to miss the mark and sin because we are imperfect, and the law of sin takes us captive. Some individuals unintentionally sin due to a lack of self-control, while others are unaware of their sins because they do not know their actions are sins. King David knew there were some sins he committed without knowing and gives us an example in (Psalm 19:12) in which he says: “Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear me from hidden [and unconscious] faults“. Conversely, transgression is quite the opposite as it is knowing and understanding the law of YAHWEH and intentionally choosing to do wrong or disobey.

Examples: 

• You know the truth, but when asked, you intentionally chose to lie, cover-up, and deceive.
  • Biblical illustration – (Acts 5:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
• You know the money was not yours, but you intentionally chose to steal it anyway.
  • Biblical illustration – (Joshua 7:11)
• You knew that woman or man was married or you were married, but you intentionally decided to proceed and fulfill your lustful desires.
  • Biblical illustration – (2 Samuel 11 Chapter)
• You knew if you kept drinking, you would get drunk, but you intentionally chose to keep going.
  • Biblical illustration – (Genesis 9:20, 21, 22, 23 ,24)

We all share the same broken and twisted sinful nature that Adam and Eve displayed in the garden. This sinful nature naturally gravitates toward arrogance, greed, cruelty, covetousness, lying, lust, addiction, and many more deplorable behaviors (Gal 5:19, 20, 21 and Rom 1:29, 30, 31). It also wants to tempt, be tempted, and intentionally sin. Does that mean that we are powerless in our day-to-day decision-making? 

Absolutely Not!

(1 Corinthians 10:13 HRB) says: “No temptation has taken you except what is human; but Elohim is faithful, who will not allow you to be tested above what you are able. But with the trial, He (YAHWEH) will also make the way out, so that you may be able to bear it.”

No matter how special, extravagant, or grotesque you think your compelling circumstances are, they are not unique or supernatural. Men and women of YAHWEH all around the world have faced the same or similar temptations as you and have been able to overcome, turn away from, and escape them through YAHWEH. YAHWEH will not ALLOW you to face a temptation that he has not given you the strength to face or endure. So when you encounter temptation, know that YAHWEH has sufficiently equipped you to fight against it, escape, and triumph. Temptation for some is an everyday occurrence, while for others, it’s sporadic. However, be assured no matter how old you get or how devoted you are to YAHWEH, as long as you breathe air; you will face temptation in some way, shape, or form. 

Temptation alone is NOT a sin but must be dealt with immediately whenever it occurs. Allowing yourself to linger on or around temptation and ignore the blaring warning signs increases the likelihood of transgressing. If unchecked, this negligent behavior will eventually overtake you, and you will commit the transgression, form a habit, and follow it up with other transgressions. We also must always pay attention to the escape YAHWEH provides from temptation, no matter how difficult, embarrassing, or uncomfortable it may seem. Remember, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), so think of temptation as an enemy attempting to kill you. If faced with the possibility of death by your enemies, would you be willing to do anything to escape, even if it was difficult, embarrassing, or uncomfortable? So when YAHWEH provides a way out of temptation, TAKE IT! Your life depends on it.

Think of King David and his encounter with Bathsheba in (2 Samuel Chapter 11) when he intentionally chose to sin:

• Bathsheba was bathing on the rooftop in the eyesight of King David, causing his temptation. (2 Samuel 11:2)
• Temptation turned into lust.
• Temptation and lust caused him to search for Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:3)
• David received his warning and way of escape from YAHWEH when he learned that Bathsheba was married to Uriah the Hittite, one of his mighty men. (2 Samuel 11:3) Finding out she was married probably reminded him that he also was married. 
• David lingered too long on this temptation, ignored the warnings and escape route, and was overtaken.
• He requested Bathsheba to come to him, and he intentionally transgressed, which included fornication and adultery. (2 Samuel 11:4)
• Fornication and Adultery produced an unwanted pregnancy. (2 Samuel 11:5) 
• Unwanted pregnancy produced lies and deception. (2 Samuel 11:6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) 
• Lies and deception turned into murder. (2 Samuel 11:14, 

Unfortunately, David’s transgressions led to an onslaught of repercussions that didn’t stop with the lies, deceptions, and murder. Read Chapters 11-18, and you will discover that David and Bathsheba’s baby dies, his daughter gets raped, one of his sons murders another, and one of his sons starts a civil war to overthrow him.

Contrast this to Joseph in (Genesis Chapter 39) when he was tempted worst than David with a similar temptation but chose to be righteous:

• His master’s beautiful wife attempted to have an affair with him. (Gen 39:7)
• Temptation for Joseph immediately turned into fear of YAHWEH and respect for his relationship with his master. (Gen 39:8, 9)
• His master’s beautiful wife relentlessly attempted to persuade Joseph into adultery daily. (Gen 39:10)
• Fear of YAHWEH led him to see his way of escape, which was to deny her.
• One day, Joseph was in the house alone with no witnesses, meaning that he could have had a secret affair that day. (Gen 39:11)
• On that same day, with no one there but Joseph and His master’s wife, she pulled his clothing off him and insisted he lay with her. (Gen 39:12)
• Joseph did not allow this temptation to linger. He saw his way of escape was to RUN, so he did. He literally ran out of the house, probably naked, ashamed, and embarrassed. (Gen 39:12)
• The way out was difficult, embarrassing, and uncomfortable, but his fear of YAHWEH and respect for his relationship with his master got him through it. 
• His righteousness and the lies of his master’s wife landed him in jail. (Gen 39:13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
• There is much more to the story, but being in jail led him to become Egypt’s second most powerful man under Pharaoh. (Gen 41:39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)

King David succumbing to temptation and choosing to sin led to awful things, whereas Joseph’s resistance to temptation resulted in his elevation. The cost of falling to temptations and transgressing is usually greater than what we consider at the time. Transgressions often leave us with 20/20 hindsight, regretting the consequences of the transgression. Consequences like STDs, crumbling marriages, unwanted pregnancy and children, broken relationships, DUIs, addictions, or your grace runs out, and you die an unrepented sinner. 

Whatever your temptation is, look for the escape route and RUN before it’s too late and you choose to transgress.

By David Edwards

The post Part 3 – To sin, or not to sin, that is the question: Transgression and Temptation appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

Definition of sin:  Both Oxford and Webster’s dictionaries define sin as an offense against YAHWEH or the act of breaking a religious or moral law.

The Bible defines sin in 1 John 3:4.

Hebraic Roots Bible: “Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is the breaking of the Torah.” Download PDF.

Amplified Bible: “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness [ignoring YAHWEH’s law by action or neglect or by tolerating wrongdoing—being unrestrained by His commands and His will].”

Recap

1. YAHWEH commanded Adam NOT to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. If he did, it would be called sin, and death would surely follow (Genesis 2:16, 17). Hence the Law of Sin and Death.

2. Adam ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which enacted the Law of Sin and Death (Romans 5:12). Since YAHWEH can not lie (Titus 1:2) or go back on his word (1 Samuel 15:29), the Law of Sin and Death remains legal on the Earth.

3. YAHWEH did not leave us stranded in our sin(s) or sinful nature. In Genesis 3:15, YAHWEH promised redemption through the seed of the woman directly after their sin. YAHWEH provided a “LEGAL” way to salvation through His son Yahshua (Romans 5:18, 19).  

4. Yahshua, the son of YAHWEH, lived a sinless life, perfectly fulfilling and following the Torah, which made him the “LEGAL” acceptable sacrifice or scapegoat to bear all of our sins (Matthew 5:17, 18).

5. Our sins were violently placed on Yahshua (see Part 1 to see how violent), so much so that He was unrecognizable to His mother. After Yahshua bore our sins through the brutality inflicted on him by the Romans and Jews, He said, “Behold, it is finished.” “It is finished” or “it is completed” indicates that He fulfilled and completed what He was sent to do, and then He died (John 19:30). 

6. Through Yahshua’s death, the enacted Law of Sin and Death is “LEGALLY” done away with for those that accept Him as their savior (Romans 8:2, Romans 5:19, John 3:16, 17). However, we must still deal with the Law of Sin in our flesh.

7. If you receive Yahshua and accept him as your savior, YAHWEH gives you grace and forgiveness by faith. Being under grace means that we are free from the PENALTY or CONDEMNATION of sin, which is death (Romans 8:1).  

Living Under Grace

Being under grace through faith is the ultimate undeserved gift. This gift does not, however, give us a license to sin freely. We are not to continue in sin freely, ignoring the Torah, commandments, and precepts of YAHWEH (Romans 3:31, Romans 6:1, 2, 15 – Read the entire chapter). “To say that grace causes us to be free from obedience to the Law of YAHWEH wouldn’t make sense. As (Romans 7:7, 8, 9, 10, 11 ,12) tells us that the Law of YAHWEH (Torah, commandments, and precepts) defines sin. Without the Law of YAHWEH, there would be no sin. If there is no sin, then there is no need for grace”. Christian theologies like universalism, once saved always saved, religious syncretism, and anything remotely close to these are false doctrines. Please do not follow or be misled by them.

• Yahshua said: If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. (John 14:15) indicating Love and obedience go hand and hand.
• John the Apostle said: And the one keeping His commandments is guarded by Him, and He will dwell in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He gave to us (1 John 3:24).
• Yahshua said: And then I will declare to them, from everlasting, I never knew you; “depart from Me, those working lawlessness (Matt 7:23). Lawlessness is a state of disorder due to a disregard of the law. The law is the Torah, commandments, and precepts of YAHWEH.
• Paul said: Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of YAHWEH is everything (1 Corinthians 7:19).
• Revelation: 22:14 – Blessed are the ones doing His commandments, that their authority will be over the Tree of Life, and that they may enter by the gates into the city.
• Revelation: 14:12 – Here is the patience of the sanctified ones; here are the ones keeping the commandments of YAHWEH, and the faith of Yahshua
• Duet 4:1, 2, 6, 7 ,8 explains how Israel’s obedience to the Law of YAHWEH (Torah, commandments, and precepts) was to show the Gentiles just how excellent and wise the commandments were. We are also called to be Holy (set apart) by following the commandments to be an example to the world. Unfortunately, in today’s world, there is no real difference between Christians and non-Christians they look and basically act the same.
• (Mark 10:17, 18, 19, 20, 21) A man asked Yahshua what he must do to inherit eternal life. Yahshua told the man of the commandments, surrendering his worldly possession, and following Him (Yahshua).

I know this is not mainstream Christianity and is hard to swallow for many, but this is Bible truth. Yahshua tells us to follow him into life through the narrow gate where the path is constricted and not to take the wide gate with the broad path that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13, 14). The path of a believer is narrow and constricted because YAHWEH is calling us to be holy (set apart) because He is holy. Choosing to be a set-apart believer in this world built to distract us from the Law of YAHWEH (Torah, commandments, and precepts) is difficult. However, YAHWEH promised in (Jeremiah 31:31,32,33,34) a New Covenant that would place the Torah (law) inside us and write it on our hearts. Paul quotes this passage in (Hebrews 8:8,9,10,11,12) when explaining the New Covenant and how the agreement about sin has changed through the blood of Messiah paying the penalty of sin. YAHWEH also tells us in (Ezekiel 36:26,27) that He would place His spirit, the Ruach HaKodesh, in us and cause us to walk in his statutes, judgments, and commands. Yahshua confirmed the Ruach HaKodesh would come and teach us all things (John 14:26). On the day of Pentecost, YAHWEH started placing the Ruach HaKodesh inside of people (Acts 2:1,2,3,4). YAHWEH still places His Spirit in humanity today so we can walk in his statutes, judgments, and commands. Placing His spirit in us so that we can walk in his commandment does not communicate that YAHWEH planned to abolish or do away with His law. Putting His Torah (Law) in us and writing it on our hearts certainly does not express abolishing or doing away with His law. 

I’m not saying following the Torah, commandments, and precepts of YAHWEH gains your salvation or that your works/actions do. Salvation can only be obtained through grace and faith by accepting Yahshua. However, we are to obey His commands because we love Him and want to be obedient children, not lawless. Faith, Grace, and Obedience go together, if you continue in disobedience (sin), you are lawless and will be cast into the Gehenna fire. When you surrendered your life to YAHWEH, you gave up your life and will for His, like His son Yahshua did. Yahshua came to do the will of His Father and shut down the added traditions of men (Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes). The Torah, commandments, and precepts of YAHWEH are not traditions of men; they are His laws which include the 7th day Sabbath. Additionally, today there are over 200 Christian denominations in America alone and about 45,000 globally, meaning there are tons of man-made traditions that have nothing to do with the Bible. We cannot serve YAHWEH however we want, as the sons of Aaron did with the strange fire (Leviticus 10:1,2,3) or by following the man-made or manufactured traditions of mainstream Christianity.

Questions to ask yourself and ponder

Why Did Yahshua tell the man about the commandments when asked about eternal life?

Why is Yahshua telling folk to obey the commands to show they love him?

Why is the last chapter of the last book in the Holy Bible still talking about commandments if the law was done away with? ***The penalty of the law of sin and death was done away with, not the law of YAHWEH***.

Who told you that the commandments or Law of YAHWEH was done away with? You might reply the same way Eve did in (Genesis 3:13). Remember that the Bible says Ha-Satan was able to deceive the inhabitants of Earth (Revelation 12:9)

I’m a BBB (Bible Believing Believer), follower of Yahshua, and a child of YAHWEH sounding the alarm for all to hear. Please take heed to this message and pray to YAHWEH for direction.

By David Edwards

The post Recap and Living Under Grace appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

The Bible defines sin in 1 John 3:4.

Hebraic Roots Bible: “Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is the breaking of the Torah.””Download PDF“.

Amplified Bible: “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness [ignoring YAHWEH’s law by action or neglect or by tolerating wrongdoing—being unrestrained by His commands and His will].”

Definition of Scapegoat: A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others. For the atonement of sins, the ancient Hebrew priest would symbolically place the sins of the people upon the head of a goat and send it out into the wilderness. Yom Kippur (Lev. 16)

Sin has always been about breaking the command(s) of YAHWEH. Let’s start from the beginning with Adam and the first sin of man. YAHWEH commanded Adam in (Gen 2:16, 17) to not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, making it clear that the punishment for disobedience (sin) was death (Romans 6:23). In Gen 3:6, we see that Adam chose to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil disobeying the command of YAHWEH which was a sin. Adam’s actions (Romans 5:12) introduced us all to the “law of sin” (Romans 7:23) and the “law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).

Our ancestors and parents passed down many things to us, such as physical traits, behavioral traits, illnesses, etc. Adam, however, passed down something more heinous than hair color, freckles, or even genetic disorders. Through Adam, humanity’s natural tendency, the urge to act or feel, has been inherently broken, twisted, and bent toward evil and lawlessness. We now struggle with the inherent sinful nature that dominates our flesh and wages war on the inside of us every day, bringing our mind, heart, body, and spirit into conflict. Paul describes this conflict best in (Romans 7:15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21), . Please read it.

The “law of sin” and “the law of sin and death” looms over humanity, and we struggle with a dominant sinful nature in an unwinnable fight. So what do we do about this dire situation we find ourselves in? We don’t want to be sinners, but we have an inherited inclination to sin, so we appear to be stuck and helpless. Paul identifies with this feeling and says in (Romans 7:24): “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this mortal body?” Paul realizes that no human effort(s) can justify him or us before YAHWEH. The only answer to Paul’s question is Yahshua Messiah, our Master. So, fortunately, we are not stuck. There is hope, and the hope (confidence) lies only in Yahshua (YAH is Salvation) and his redeeming sacrifice on that tree in Calvary (Roman 5:19, John 3:16).

Yahshua the only begotten son of YAHWEH (John 3:16) decided to be our scapegoat and took our sins upon himself (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24). Our sins were placed on him through the beatings and torment he endured. Yahshua was arrested, bound by soldiers, and made to stand trial all night in a Hebrew kangaroo court where lies were used to convict Him. He was not only the victim of lies and insults. He was spat on, blindfolded, beaten with fists, and slapped by members of this Kangaroo court which would have been about 24 grown men. Then, the guards took him and beat him (Mark 14:65). When morning came the Hebrews handed Yahshua over to the Roman authorities to gain a death sentence. During these trials, they taunted Him as a fake Messiah. The soldiers plaited (interweaved) a crown of thorns and placed it on Him (Mark 15:17). His forehead, temples, and the back of his head were punctured deeply by the long-thorned briar. The soldiers repeatedly “struck His head with a reed (staff) and spat at Him (Mark 15:19). Yahshua’s face must have been swollen, His eyes blackened, and His nose bloodied by the abusive members of the kangaroo court, their guardsmen, and the Roman soldiers.

Yahshua was beaten 39-40 times (Deut 25:3) with a scourge (a multi-thong whip embedded with bits of lead and stone). “Historians assert that scourging was a most dreaded punishment. Bits of lead and stone made the whip a brutal, slashing instrument of terror, ripping a man’s back and legs to shreds, occasionally even tearing out an eye or slicing open an ear“. He was then made to carry His 165lbs torture stake for about half a mile. The beam rubbed Yahshua’s shoulders raw, and due to his stumbling multiple times under the weight of the beam onto the rough streets, his knees, elbows, and hands were skinned.

Then He was crucified (Mark 15:24). Yahshua’s hands and feet were nailed to the tree, which was the only thing supporting his body weight. His body was stripped naked, and He was suspended in the air above the crowd for all to see. Every second on the tree was humiliating. Every minute his blood was flowing out of his body. Every breath was a struggle. Every movement produced excruciating pain. But Yahshua suffered cruel and inhumane torture and crucifixion for six agonizing hours for our sins as our scapegoat, and then He died.

An ancient manuscript suggests that when Mary (Maryam or Mariam), Yahshua’s mother, was escorted to the crucifixion, she looked up at the three torture stakes and asked, “Which one is He?” Indicating that Yahshua was beaten beyond recognition. The prophet Isaiah prophesied that Yahshua would be beaten beyond recognition and that many would be appalled at him. “His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.” (Isaiah 52:14).

This is how he bore our sins upon himself as our scapegoat, and only because of this can we be saved from death (lake of fire).

By David Edwards

The post To sin, or not to sin, that is the question appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.