You Have Left Your First Love

You have probably heard this verse numerous times in your life, and, like me, were given an explanation of its meaning that was something like this—that the passage is speaking of “losing one's original zeal and fervor for the things of the Lord.” Now, don't misunderstand me; I know that can happen in one's life. However, is that really what John was saying about the vision he had on the island of Patmos?

Before delving into that question, allow me to preface the rest of my comments with an explanation, as the answer I will proffer is likely not one that you've ever heard, and probably hasn't even crossed your mind—and there's a reason for that. Several years ago now, I started realizing that things I had taken for granted my entire life had been taught to me by various pastors, teachers, and/or evangelistic preachers, and didn't entirely “line up” with either scripture or the historical record. And, I know the difficulties involved when one realizes he has believed things his whole life that are simply not true.

Now, I don't mean to suggest that those spiritual leaders were intentionally lying to me, for I don't believe that to be the case; however, what they taught (and believed) were, in fact, lies that were started many centuries ago, and have been repeated for so long that most people accept them, at face value, as the truth. While I do not believe there to have been any malicious intent on their parts, the fact that pure spiritual truths have been perverted over the years has resulted in a spiritual status quo, as it were, that is far from being biblically faithful.

When that journey into the truth began for me, one of the primary realities I faced was that, without fully admitting, or even realizing, it, accepting those commonly embraced fallacies required leaps in logic that are, in fact, broad jumps away from even common sense. My doorway into that journey was actually “the most wonderful time of the year,” or Christmas. Of course that door led me also to Easter, and then to the Fourth Commandment.

Over the years, I have researched and studied those issues from a biblical and historical perspective, and have adopted what, I believe, is a scripturally faithful understanding of them. But, what does that have to do with leaving “your first love”? Let's examine what John actually said in Revelation 2 from the perspective of its prophetic warning, for we must understand that John's vision was not only of things past and present, but, most importantly, of things yet to come. Viewing his statements prophetically sheds incredible light on the current state of what we know as the church, even though the word John used was “ekklesia,” which means “the called out,” and not “church,” which is a derivative of “Circe,” who was an ancient goddess—the daughter of Baal (I bring that up because it is relevant to John's vision).

Now, remember that we've been led to believe that, in stating that the church at Ephesus had left her first love, John was somehow reporting that they had lost the original fervor of their salvation. These are the things John saw:

“I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.” Rev. 2:2,3

So: They toil and persevere. They cannot tolerate evil men. They recognize and identify false apostles. They endure and do not grow weary.

Does this sound like people who no longer have a burning desire to serve God? I think we all know from experience that toiling, persevering, enduring, and not growing weary are distinctly tied to “desire.” If the yearning to serve were not there, neither would those characteristics be.

Then, John reports this from his vision: “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent.” (Rev. 2:4,5)

It is interesting to note that the Ephesians are told, not to try to reclaim that “lovin' feeling,” but to do the deeds they did at first. Having a zeal for something is inward, and simply cannot be equated with doing deeds, or works, which are outward. The church is not told to feel a certain way again, but rather it is told to DO something that it did at first, but it no longer does. And, remember, this was a prophetic vision, and when viewed properly, it accurately describes a vast portion of today's church.

So, what were the deeds that the church did at first that it no longer does? There are many passages in the New Testament that show that after Yeshua's resurrection, and even after Pentecost (which was actually the Feast of Unleavened Bread), the early church observed the Sabbath according to the Fourth Commandment, and continued observing the ordained Feasts of YHWH. Considering that the messianic symbolisms taught by the seven feasts are found throughout the New Testament, and that the Book of Revelation is replete with that same symbolism, it is quite simple to grasp that those are things YHWH intended to be ongoing in the life of His Son's bride.

History records for us the reason the church strayed from doing those things YHWH intended to be done in perpetuity (and will be done during the Millennial Reign of Christ). Actually, there were two main reasons for the forsaking of the things of YHWH: hatred of the Jews, and syncretism with the pagans. In the fourth century, under the rule of Constantine, the Roman Catholic Church harbored bitter hatred toward the Jews, which is a sentiment that has lived in the hearts of many groups throughout history.

Also, Christian emperors of Rome decreed that any Christians who converted to Judaism, or Jews who obstructed the conversion of other Jews to Christianity, would receive the death penalty. Moreover, Jews could not marry Christians, hold public office, or own slaves. To distance itself from the Jews, the Roman Catholic Church changed the official day of worship from the Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday (the day pagans worshiped their gods—specifically, their sun gods). Additionally, the ordained feast days of YHWH were abandoned, and replaced with the pagan festivals of Christmas (Saturnalia) and Easter (interestingly, the church didn't even bother to change the pagan name of that celebration).

The graven images of the pagans were brought into the church (in defiance of YHWH's commandment), and, at that point in history (the "from where you have fallen" in Rev. 2:5), the church rebelliously went down a path that more than 1700 years later, paints the practical existence of most of what calls itself the church today, both Roman Catholic and Protestant. Is it any wonder that the chosen translation of ekklesia was the name of a pagan goddess, Circe, the daughter of Baal?

Human nature being what it is, we don't leave something and head into a vacuum; rather, we leave one thing to embrace something else. What is described in Revelation 2 is the portrayal of that very progression—the church at different stages of embracing apostasy. Ephesus has forsaken the feast days and Sabbath observance; however, John's vision shows that it still eschews paganism: “Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” The Nicolaitans can be traced back to Nimrod, who is equated with Baal worship, and who is actually the foundation of both Christmas and Easter.

But, at this point, Ephesus shows the initial descent into paganism--stopping specific divinely ordained practices. Having forsaken those things of YHWH (the Sabbath and feast days), the progression in the churches shows the adoption of paganism in their worship as the replacement for the mandates of YHWH.

There is vast symbolism in this passage that could encompass several volumes; however, there is something that should be primarily noted: to those churches that have left the things of YHWH and have adopted the elements of paganism, there is a call to repentance, and a consequential warning for not repenting. That consequence is the removal of the lampstand from its place. What is the lampstand, and what does it mean to remove it?

What is referenced here is the temple menorah, and there is incredible symbolism being used. That menorah was not something that held candles, but was a lampstand containing seven cups that were filled with olive oil. The oil represents the Holy Spirit of YHWH, and removing the lampstand is the symbolic act of removing the Holy Spirit.

But, examining that symbolism even further, John's vision addressed seven churches. Out of those seven churches, two receive only commendation for their faith, while five are given stern warnings. Note, that Revelation 11:4 reveals this: These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. So, we see that of the seven lampstands of Revelation 2, only two remain by Revelation 11. This is not merely coincidence; it should be viewed as a serious warning to all who claim to be part of the ekklesia, but remain in ignorance about the vast idolatry and paganism they embrace. It could not be clearer from scripture how God views such practices.

In Exodus 20:5, YWHW states, “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me.” Now, this attribute of YHWH—His jealousy—is what New Age prophetess Oprah Winfrey said she could not accept; but, that is also the very sentiment exuded by most of the modern church. Of course, those folks won't use Oprah's words; they'll choose language that sounds much more spiritual--words that typically result in statements like, “Well, that's not what those things mean to me,” “God knows my heart, and He knows that I am not worshiping pagan gods,” and “God is bigger than all that, and I'll trust Him to sort it all out in heaven.”

That is human foolishness, for YHWH has indeed already “sorted it out,” and He made it abundantly clear to us how He views the practices. Human pride, coupled with the deception of the evil one, prevent so many well-intentioned professors of Christ from admitting they have believed a lie—that they are actually a part of those five churches in Revelation 2. The time to start questioning the practices and beliefs of your local body is now, as the days of the great reckoning and holy wedding are quickly approaching.

Start where I did; examine the historical and biblical record regarding the pagan celebrations of Christmas and Easter (laying aside all the warm and fuzzy emotional appeal the enemy has attached to them). Study the Word of YHWH about the Sabbath. You will find that most of the church (well, let's say 5/7 of it) dwells in things that are not to be found in scripture, while forsaking those things that are.

It is not an easy journey, for as Yeshua said, “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Truly finding it means an eternal relationship with YHWH. How horrible it will be for those who lazily accept the pagan ways of the church when they ultimately hear, “Depart from Me, I never knew you.”

What do you do with the several times in Scripture where it says the Christians met in fellowship on the “first day of the week”? Paul spoke of it several times, in fact. Though the early Christians continued to observe Sabbath and go to the temple (those who were Jewish), they also started meeting on Sunday (which was the first day of the week) in remembrance of the day the Lord was resurrected. This eventually became the custom as more and more Gentiles came to faith in Christ. I do not think they did this to covertly honor the pagan sun god. What are your thoughts? Should Christians NOT worship and meet together on Sunday as was the custom of the Apostles and the early Christians?

You then need to also deal with the Scripture that talks about not judging another on the feast days or sabbaths that they observe. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. (Romans 1:5) Thank you.

Not to butt in, but I'm butting in : )

**Bearing in mind that Judaism doesn't have it right either (their !!!Tradition!!! is a lot of what Christ was berating the Sadducees and Pharisees about):

The Torah says to REST on the Seventh Day. I am a Sabbath keeper, and that mainly means trying to devote Saturday to being with YHWH and removing myself from the cares of everyday life, with a distinct emphasis upon the Creation... And YHWH's REST. Judaism says no travel (walking is OK) - I adhere to that pretty much - and no work - which I adhere to with less emphasis - I try to prepare for the Sabbath by creating meals for Saturday before sundown on friday. I make no appointments on Saturday, and do no work, especially work for money. But while that is REALLY important, The ox does fall in the well from time to time. But for the most part, cold-cuts or cold leftovers as much as I can, or fasting sometimes... avoiding even doing dishes, laundry, and etc... spend the day in the Word, or studying topically, with lots of prayer time, quite often with a walk into His creation with the intention of being close to Him in the beauty of the natural world. Lots of ME! time with the Father, worshiping and music, but not to the exclusion of family (if I can help myself).

It has become a time I guard jealously, and look forward to.

All that in no way interferes with going to church on Sunday, to answer one of your questions: There is no day that is unfit for worshiping YHWH - But there is ONE DAY that He requires, and it is explicitly defined. It is the Sabbath Day.

To answer another question: I don't think that the apostles and the early Church had anything to do with moving the Sabbath. In fact, it is the Roman church who lays vigorous claim to that.

A Jewish friend of mine was able to shine a little light on the New Testament custom of worshiping on the 'first day of the week'... Because of strict prohibitions against walking too far, many people could not get to the temple or synagogue on the Sabbath, so it was already customary to have worship services after dark on Sabbath, which, being YHWH's time, after dark on the Sabbath is actually the first day of the week... It was his contention that the service where Paul talked deep into the night (and the kid fell asleep and fell out the window) was actually a Saturday night, and the service probably started at dusk on Saturday.

And as a side note, he further speculates that the Christian custom of having potluck dinners after the service may derive from Judaism of that time - Since it was strictly enforced that no food preparation was possible on the Sabbath, those services on Saturday night were often potluck too, with everyone cooking something up before heading to the service...

You then need to also deal with the Scripture that talks about not judging another on the feast days or sabbaths that they observe. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. (Romans 1:5) Thank you.

If you would kindly read up the page from Rom 1:5 you will find the context is having to do with fasting, not the Sabbath or the holy days that YHWH ordained.

Actually, Paul didn’t speak of believers assembling on Sunday several times. The apostles preached every day, so it is not unusual at all that they would preach on a Sunday (or any other day of the week). That is simply an erroneous notion, and those passages cannot be used as proof texts for forsaking the Sabbath, which is something YHWH blessed forever.

The first day of the week WAS set apart ever since the resurrection of Christ.

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.(Mark 16:9

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7)

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. (I Cor. 16:2)

Jesus spoke of the Jewish Sabbath:

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath. (Mark 2:27)

Which goes along with Paul's admonition:

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. (Col. 2:16,17)

And also:

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. (Romans 14:4-6)

It is because of these Scriptures in addition to the actions of the early church under the leadership of the Apostles and their direct disciples that Sunday is generally observed as the day for worship and fellowship. We are no longer under the law - nor were we ever who are Gentiles. The New Testament seems pretty clear that the "day of rest" is between each person and the Lord and we are also admonished:

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Those who would be "Judaizers" (live according to Jewish customs) to the Christians of today, should remember that we are no longer under the law but under grace. Things work differently now.

My mistake, it’s Romans 14. But, yes, let’s look at the chapter:

1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Sorry, Roamer, I do not see this ONLY referring to fasting, but in ALL things we should act by faith. Man was not made for the sabbath, but the sabbath for the man, our Lord said. We all NEED a day of rest, I agree, but we do not live under the Jewish law, but under grace. That “set-aside/apart” day (which the word “holy” means) is between us and God and no one else has the right to judge another on that.

Boatbums, Sorry this reply is so long in coming, I don't come around as often as I used to, and it got lost in my pinglist....

What you have said here is seen through a greek/roman paradigm... Remember that these folks are Torah observant Hebrews. In order for me to accept your conclusion, then I can only conclude that Yeshua as a Rabbi and prophet, and his followers after him, 'have taken away from the Torah' - which marks them as false.

Yeshua did not change the law. He cannot. Neither is the law fulfilled in it's entirety (nor will it ever be as portions are eternal). And The Master did not say the law can be changed at all, but rather, upheld in it's entirety:

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mat 5:18 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.
Mat 5:19 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.
Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

(e-Sword:KJV)

The KEY to understanding the above passage is to understand why the scribes and Pharisees are unrighteous. This is a very long study, but well worth it, as you will find that invariably, Yeshua criticized the leaders in His day for adding to and taking from the Torah - in Every_Single_Case. Not once will you find Yeshua taking exception with the Torah - Only with the commandments of men. In any case, the above passage clearly states, from the Master's own mouth, that we are to DO and TEACH the Torah, which should be enough to change your mind.

I will agree with you that we live under grace - but then so has everyone since the fall of Adam. The Law has never been salvific. It teaches how to worship properly, right-living for humans, and defines sin. We are no longer bound by the curses of the law, by way of a Perfect Sacrifice - but the blessings of the law endure. We are now bound to the law in LOVE. If we love Him, we will keep His commandments. Do a word search for 'love commandments' in the NT and understand just what emphasis is put upon the law.

As for the Sabbath, remember the prophecy. Who is it that changes the times and seasons (the Sabbath and Holy Days)? There is only one possibility in all of history, and that entity not only admits that it HAS changed them, but brashly proclaims it's right to do so.

Far be it from you my very dear FRiend, to let !!!TRADITION!!! light your way - Herein lies the best defense for Sola-Scriptura: How can the Word incarnate be different than the Word written down? Does YHWH have two minds, different one from the other?

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