Yom Kippur: Israel's Reconciliation

The B'rit Chadasha Pages | 9/29/06 | Michael D. Bugg

[Thinkin' Gal]

Zechariah 8:19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch (house of Israel is at v. 13, but then...?)...

Zechariah 8:23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

[1000 silverlings]

If by nitpicking you mean my insistence on chapter and verse to support your claims, yes. Just a quick and vague reference is not good enough. If what you say is true, I will be happy to support it.

Galatians is written to Jewish Christians:

4:9

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage ?

4:10

Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

4:11

I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Philippians 3:1-3.

3:2

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

3:3

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

[HarleyD]

This is, in fact, what Replacement Theology claims that God did to Israel in the first century: destroyed them, and replaced them with the Messiah’s “children,” the Church.

This is incorrect. "Replacement" theology is a misnomer. I'm not sure where the name came from but it is an inaccurate description of the theology.

Replacement Theology does not claim that God “destroyed” Israel and “replaced” them with the Church. Replacement Theology follows Paul’s doctrine and states that Gentiles are grafted into the true Israel, the believing Jews. All believers, Jews and Gentiles share in God’s covenant as Christians. All unbelieving Jews and Gentiles are outside of God’s covenant as unbelievers. Israel was never destroyed. Christians are the true Israel.

Eph 2:11-13 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands-- remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Heb 8:10 "FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS. AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.

Those who have God's Laws written on their minds and hearts are the new Israel. Period. This is a simple concept that you have missed in your paper that should be pointed out.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Those who have God's Laws written on their minds and hearts are the new Israel. Period.

Amen.

God is not schizophrenic. His plan today is the same as yesterday's plan and tomorrow's plan -- for Jesus Christ to gather God's flock, all believing Jews and Gentiles, and bring them home.

"Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." -- Romans 9:6-8

[1000 silverlings]

Hebrews 8 -10 explains that when Messiah completed His sacrifice on the cross, He entered the heavenly Holy of Holies, of which that of the Tabernacle and the Temple were merely copies, to complete the Yom Kippur ritual of atonement. The sacrifice was not accepted because it was being offered by the wrong High Priest:

An astounding statement, considering that this is just the opposite of what the book of Hebrews teaches!

Please provide chapter and verse to support this argument.

[DouglasKC]

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage ? 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

Just to be clear, do you believe that Paul is calling holy days that the almighty eternal God created, such as the day of atonement, "weak and beggarly elements"?

[1000 silverlings]

Why didn't you post the rest of the scripture I referenced?

4:11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

After hearing the gospel preached, Paul is telling them that he is concerned that they understand nothing about Jesus. They cling to the old way of life, the shadows as opposed to the true light.

The word elements comes from root words meaning a cooling as in end of summer, or a chill.

[DouglasKC]

Galatians is written to Jewish Christians: 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage ? 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 4:11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. Philippians 3:1-3. 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Just to be clear, do you believe that Paul is calling holy days that the almighty eternal God created, such as the day of atonement, "weak and beggarly elements"?

[1000 silverlings]

Paul was addressing two groups in Galatians, the false teachers who were formerly Jewish and the converted, formerly pagan Galatians. As it would be blasphemy, both for anyone and for Paul to call God's ordained holy days anything like weak and beggarly, and since verse 3, chapter 4, mentions the elements of the world, it is clear that the elements of the world, not God is what he is addressing, or pagan beliefs.

[DouglasKC]

Paul was addressing two groups in Galatians, the false teachers who were formerly Jewish and the converted, formerly pagan Galatians. As it would be blasphemy, both for anyone and for Paul to call God's ordained holy days anything like weak and beggarly, and since verse 3, chapter 4, mentions the elements of the world, it is clear that the elements of the world, not God is what he is addressing, or pagan beliefs.

Thanks for clearing that up. I wasn't sure where you were coming from.

[ET(end tyranny)]

Paul was addressing two groups in Galatians, the false teachers who were formerly Jewish

Who might these be? James? Peter?

Gal 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

Gal 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Oh yeah, funny how the Apostles that actually knew Yehoshua became the 'false brethren'.

[Diego1618]

Galatians is written to Jewish Christians: But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, where unto ye desire again to be in bondage ? 4:9

Hardly! Verse 8 says, "Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not Gods." When was the last time you heard of any Jewish folks who "did not know God?"....at least in New Testament times!

4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

Pagans observed the above.....have you ever heard of the "Venerable Day of the Sun?" There is no mention of Sabbaths or Feast Days in this scripture! Pagans did indeed have "special days".....and months....and years.

[BlackVeil]

St Paul suggested that those who tried to live by the law could never fully keep its ordinances, therefore they were under 'the curse of the law.' He also refered to the commandments at Sinai as 'ordinances of death.' Therefore, they need Jesus as the appointed sacrifice to free them of sin.

There are a couple of problems with this (thus some of the debates you might see on this thread, etc.) But, in my view, one of simplest objections to the 'law is a curse' argument, is just that through book after book of the Bible, no one seems to suggest it is impossible to keep, although many of the Prophets point out that there is a lot more to keeping the law than outward observances.

Some would argue that the Old Testament is abrogated by the New, but even in the New Testament we read of: 'a certain priest named Zacharias ... and his wife ... and they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless.' (Luke 1,5-6)

A standard theological response to these questions is given by John Calvin who says:

When [God] calls it a “perpetual” or eternal “covenant,” the Jews rest on it as a ground of their obstinacy, and wantonly rave against Christ as a covenant-breaker, because He abrogated the Sabbath.... Whatever was spoken of under the Law as eternal, I maintain to have had reference to the new state of things which came to pass at the coming of Christ; and thus the eternity of the Law must not be extended beyond the fulness of time, when the truth of its shadows was manifested, and God’s covenant assumed a different form. If the Jews cry out that what is perpetual, and what is temporary, are contraries to each other, we must deny it in various respects, since assuredly what was peculiar to the Law could not continue to exist beyond the day of Jesus Christ.

[Diego1618]

St Paul suggested that those who tried to live by the law could never fully keep its ordinances, therefore they were under 'the curse of the law.

Your confusing the "Law of Moses" with the "Law of God."

The spiritual Law had been in effect from creation....the Law of Moses was the Law added later.

It was added because of transgressions (sin). The definition of sin? [1 John 3:4] The transgression of the Law. What Law???? God's spiritual Law that preceded "The Law of Moses!"

The civil and ceremonial "Law of Moses" is what has been done away with and is of what the Apostle speaks. Deuteronomy, chapters 27 & 28 are good examples of the Mosaic Law. Exodus 20:1-17 is a good example of the Law of God.

[1000 silverlings]

I'm glad you asked that because that passage can be confusing and we want lurkers to see the truth that the bible preaches. My post was actually more in condemnation of false teachers who want to lead the weak astray, and that some, even after hearing of the gospel, fail to grasp its full signigficance. Since I am constrained somewhat on this forum I am trying to use scripture, as we all should, to support my arguments. I especially liked the verse in Philippians3:2, regarding the concision, for there Paul is unabashedly calling the matter in very harsh terms.

Thank you for your post.

[1000 silverlings]

Hardly!

Let us review:

The purpose of the letters to the churches, and even though they were addressed to"Galatians" they were circulated throughout all of them. They are even written to us today, and the message is timeless.

Galatians was written to refute the Judaizers and to call people back to the true Gospel.

Chapter1: verse8- 9, is his warning against listening to those who preach any gospel other than the one Paul preached

He proceeds to tell them that he received the Gospel from God, and in chapter 2:4, he says that false brethren were unawares brought in.

In chapter 3, he explains the superiority of the Gospel over all others.

Chapter 3:1, he asks the foolish "Who has bewitched you", so they were getting false information from someone, and it would not be from the Apostles.

Chapter 4, verses 8-20 shows his concern for the deceived.

Chapter 5, he preaches the liberty of the Gospel and here once again, he shows why the Law cannot save.

Chapter 6, verses 11-18 he gives his last warning, especially see verse 13, and again in verse 15, he says that Jesus is all that matters.

To conclude, beware, for false teachers want you to think that Christ's death did not make a final atonement for sin, they say that people must obey the Law in order to be saved, they try to find favor with God by observing certain rituals. When told that he was disregarding the Law of Moses, Paul responds by putting the Law in its proper place. He says it shows people how they sin and points them to Christ.

[kerryusama04]

A standard theological response to these questions is given by John Calvin who says:

When [God] calls it a “perpetual” or eternal “covenant,” the Jews rest on it as a ground of their obstinacy, and wantonly rave against Christ as a covenant-breaker, because He abrogated the Sabbath.... From Dictionary.com:

ab·ro·gate (br-gt) Pronunciation Key tr.v. ab·ro·gat·ed, ab·ro·gat·ing, ab·ro·gates To abolish, do away with, or annul, especially by authority.

Jesus did not abrogate the Sabbath:

Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Deu 13:1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, Deu 13:2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spoke unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Deu 13:3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deu 13:4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. Deu 13:5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

Note 1: the standard for judging prophets.

Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Note 2: Jesus IS the light that Isaiah references!

Mat 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. Mat 12:2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. Mat 12:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him; Mat 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests Mat 12:5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless Mat 12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. Mat 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. Mat 12:8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. Mat 12:9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: Mat 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. Mat 12:11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? Mat 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Mat 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Note 3: The Pharisees were testing Jesus with the Deuteronomy and Isaiah standard. They failed.

Note 4: Jesus could not say there was no more Sabbath or it has changed because if he had, he would have been contradicting the Law, he would have been stoned, and that would have been that

[kerryusama04]

To conclude, beware, for false teachers want you to think that Christ's death did not make a final atonement for sin, they say that people must obey the Law in order to be saved, they try to find favor with God by observing certain rituals. When told that he was disregarding the Law of Moses, Paul responds by putting the Law in its proper place. He says it shows people how they sin and points them to Christ.

It is obvious to even the most casual reader that following the Law does not save anyone. For instance, not stealing cars will not earn you a good result at the Resurrection. No sleeping with your neighbor's wife will not earn your place in the Kingdom. Keeping 52 Sabbaths a year and the Holy Days will not earn your salvation. If it could, then we would not have needed a Saviour. The gift of salvation is free, and one must accept it. Obedience to God's Law is the product of faith.

Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

[ET(end tyranny)]

The civil and ceremonial "Law of Moses" is what has been done away with and is of what the Apostle speaks. Deuteronomy, chapters 27 & 28 are good examples of the Mosaic Law. Exodus 20:1-17 is a good example of the Law of God.

They are both the Laws of YHWH. Mat 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

It is clear that both sets are to be practiced.

Exodus 20

Deut. 27

1And God spake all these words, saying,  2I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  3Thou shalt have no other gods before me.  4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;  6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.  7Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.  8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.  9Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:  10But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:  11For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.  12Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.  13Thou shalt not kill.  14Thou shalt not commit adultery.  15Thou shalt not steal.  16Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.  17Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

10 Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day. 15Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.  16Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.  17Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.  18Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.  19Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.  20Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.  21Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.  22Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.  23Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen.  24Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.  25Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.  26Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

[1000 silverlings]

Now that we have defended our positions using scripture, I would like you to hold Mr. Buggman to the same standard. Please ask him to explain this statement, and back it up, using scripture. Thank you

Hebrews 8 -10 explains that when Messiah completed His sacrifice on the cross, He entered the heavenly Holy of Holies, of which that of the Tabernacle and the Temple were merely copies, to complete the Yom Kippur ritual of atonement. The sacrifice was not accepted because it was being offered by the wrong High Priest: