I believe the Body of Christ is in desperate need of reformation. The purpose of this blog is to encourage dialog that will lead to positive changes in local churches that will facilitate the soon coming of our Messiah.


Disclaimer:

This site does not have control over products that are advertised here. Every effort is made to insure that products advertised here are not contrary to the teachings of Scripture. However, it is possible that some material may be contrary to what is taught here. We apologize for any confusion.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Enter HERE for Rest

Our previous post consisted entirely of a scripture portion taken from the book of Hebrews, chapter 4.  I would encourage you to read it in its entirety before proceeding. 

Verse 12 of this chapter speaks of the Word of Yahuweh being alive and powerful.  If that is the case, is it not torture to the Living Word to take verses and/or passages out of context and build doctrines and even denominations of them? 

The context of this chapter is entering into the rest of the Almighty through what Yeshua accomplished for us on the cross.  We enter that rest through His gift and nothing else.  The 'unmerited favor' extended to us as human beings was so costly to our Heavenly Father that He would declare it impossible for anyone to enter His kingdom through any other method. 

Look at Hebrews 6:4-6:  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

Any time we take what has been given to to us by grace, and then attempt to add requirements to it we are guilty of adding to the Word of our Creator.  Scripture strongly warns against this (Rev. 22:18,19).  {This reference is specifically referring to the prophecy in the book of Revelation, but is a repetition of Torah commands in Deuteronomy} 

Because we enter His rest (salvation) by His grace, EVERYTHING from that point on must be done out of love and respect for what He has done.  If you are going to obey scriptural injunction, it must be because you love, and not to earn!   When we come to this understanding then passages of scripture such as Romans 6:1-4 take on new meaning.  Please don't misuse the grace that has been extended to you.  It cost Yahuweh the death of His Son.  It is Grace that allows you to attempt walking in obedience!

 

Shalom

No comments: