By Maria Merola אריאל
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, October 2009
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, October 2009
Whenever the topic of the Mosaic Law (Towrah) arises, most Christians resort to the book of Galatians.
When it comes to Paul’s Epistles, we must not apply a “One size fits all,” mentality.
We must ask the questions “To Whom was this letter written?”
Also, “What was the specific issue that was taking place in that particular congregation?”
Let’s begin by tackling the question “What is a Schoolmaster?”
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:
24 Wherefore the Towrah (written law) was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Mashiyach (Messiah), that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
This term in Greek means “A person assigned to take the children to school.”
The Strong’s Greek Concordance defines very well for us what the Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) was describing when he compared the Towrah (Mosaic Law) to a “schoolmaster.” The definition for this word is seen below:
#G3807. paidagogos pahee-dag-o-gos’ from 3816 and a reduplicated form of 71; a boy-leader, i.e. a servant whose office it was to take the children to school; (by implication, (figuratively) a tutor (“paedagogue”):-- instructor, schoolmaster.
As you can see, this word means “A servant whose office it was to take the children to school.” But once the student gets to the classroom, the “teacher” takes over from there. And who is our teacher? Our Messiah sent us his Ruwach (Spirit) to be our teacher:
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Our Messiah has immersed (baptized) us with the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) and fire so that we now have the anointing that teaches us all things!
If I were to call you up on the phone, and I say to you, “I am in jail because I have broken the law,” the first thing you would ask me is “Which law did you break?” It would be ludicrous for you to assume that I had broken every law in the book, wouldn’t it?
Similarly, it is also ludicrous for us to think that the entire Mosaic Law is our schoolmaster, especially since our Messiah already emphatically stated that “One jot or tittle of the Mosaic Law, shall in no wise pass away, until heaven and earth passes away” (my paraphrase, but you get the message, right?).
Since heaven and earth are still here, we have to conclude that the schoolmaster is still with us, because our Messiah has not come for his bride yet.
Therefore, we must ask ourselves, “If every jot and title” (every punctuation mark) of the Towrah & Prophets are still in effect, what law was Sha’uwl (Paul) talking about?
Therefore, we must ask ourselves, “If every jot and title” (every punctuation mark) of the Towrah & Prophets are still in effect, what law was Sha’uwl (Paul) talking about?
To answer that question, we must first understand that the original marriage covenant made with Yisra’el on Mount Sinai, had terms and conditions that went along with it. Just like any other contract, there are “terms and conditions,” that either nullify the agreement, or they enforce, or strengthen the agreement.
The original marriage covenant between YaHuWaH and Yisra’el, was entered into in Exodus 19:5-8. This was a verbal exchange of vows, but nothing had been written in stone yet. The second part of the agreement had to be written down, called a “ketbuwah.”
This is a crucial part of any marriage agreement or contract, because humans are fickle, and they conveniently “forget” their vows and commitments. The written part of the agreement is mostly for our benefit, for we are quick to forget YaHuWaH in times of adversity.
The first time someone transgressed the oral law (instructions) of YaHuWaH, was in the Garden of Eden. Because of Adam & Eve’s transgression, the law of blood atonement, conducted by the High Priest (Melchizedek) “was added.”
Moving forward, we see all the patriarchs, such as Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (among others) conducting animal sacrifices to YaHuWaH, as an act of worship. Animal sacrifices were not a law written in stone yet, but it was a law written in their hearts.
Each of these patriarchs knew they were expected to bring a sacrifice of their best flocks to YaHuWaH. But more importantly, they did it out of love for him, not because they were commanded to do so in stone. It was an act of worship, honor, and praise to him.
But was that the only law that was added? Blood atonement? Before we dig into Paul’s letter to the Galatians, let’s go back to the original transgression in the wilderness.
Our journey begins with Mosheh (Moses) in the wilderness, and the children of Yisra’el. Mosheh first went up to Mount Sinai on the Feast of Shabuwoth (Pentecost), exactly 49 days after they left Egypt. This was the self-same day that the first set of Ten Commandments was given to Yisra’el.
This was subsequent to their taking the oral vows, having heard his voice on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19).
Mosheh communed in the mountain for forty days following Pentecost, and received the written Towrah in stone. Yisra’el declared that they did not want to hear the voice of YaHuWaH, but instead, they would rather hear his voice through Mosheh.
Mosheh communed in the mountain for forty days following Pentecost, and received the written Towrah in stone. Yisra’el declared that they did not want to hear the voice of YaHuWaH, but instead, they would rather hear his voice through Mosheh.
Their disdain for his voice is seen here in Exodus 20:19: “And they said unto Mosheh, Speak you with us, and we will hear: but let not Elohiym speak with us, lest we die.”
In Exodus 24:7 Yisra’el took “wedding vows” and they agreed to “obey” the covenant. In the next verse, in Exodus 24:8, Mosheh then sprinkled the nation of Yisra’el with the blood of a bullock to sanctify them.
Then, in Exodus 24:12, Mosheh went up to receive “The two tables of testimony” or the “written marriage covenant,” called a “ketuwbah” in Hebrew.
In Exodus 24:15, when Mosheh went up to receive the written marriage covenant for Yisra’el, the cloud “covered” the mountain for “six days” and on the “seventh day” Mosheh descended down the mountain to present to Yisra’el the written marriage covenant in stone.
Forty days later, Mosheh returned to find Yisra’el whoring with the molten calf on the 17th day of the 4th month. That is when Mosheh “broke” the first set of stone tablets to signify that this was a “broken marriage covenant.”
In other words, it was a divorce. This is precisely why our Messiah’s body was “broken” for us when he died on the tree. His body symbolized that broken marriage covenant.
When his body died, what died along with it? The “Law of divorce,” which prevented Yisra’el from returning to him (Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Matthew 26:26).
From that point moving forward, Yisra’el was “Under the law of divorce,” according to Deuteronomy 24:1-4. This meant that they could not return to their first husband (YaHuWaH), because they had already entered into a false covenant with the molten calf. Hence, they were back in bondage again. This was “The covenant that genders to bondage” (Galatians 4:24).
From that point moving forward, Yisra’el was “Under the law of divorce,” according to Deuteronomy 24:1-4. This meant that they could not return to their first husband (YaHuWaH), because they had already entered into a false covenant with the molten calf. Hence, they were back in bondage again. This was “The covenant that genders to bondage” (Galatians 4:24).
But Mosheh went back up a second time, on the 1st day of the 6th month of Elul, and he remained there, yet another forty days (Exodus 34:4-10), leading up to Yom Kippur, to receive a “renewed marriage covenant.”
Afterwards, Mosheh came down from the mountain during what is called the “Ten Days of Awe.” This is a ten-day period between the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruw’ah) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
At this point, Mosheh made atonement for all the people, and since he was from the Tribe of Lewiy (Levi), they were no longer under the eternal High Priest of Melchizedek (who sprang out of Judah, according to Hebrews 7:14).
To understand more about the eternal destiny of the Tribe of Judah, see this blog: “The Father & the Son, Seen in Judah, the Kinsman Redeemer.”
The renewed marriage covenant would now be administered by a temporary priesthood rather than Melchizedek. This is when “The book of the law was added.”
It was added because of the transgression with the molten calf. From this point moving onward, their new High Priests (who would atone for them each year on Yom Kippur) were from the Sons of Aharown (Aaron) and no longer would it be their eternal High Priest, Melchizedek. This was “The law that was added because of transgression until the seed should come” (Galatians 3:19).
On the 40th day of Mosheh being on Mount Sinai, he received the second set of Ten Commandments for Yisra’el on Yom Kippur (Exodus 34:10). There was a seven-day renewal of the wedding ceremony during the last of these forty days while Mosheh was in the mountain receiving the renewed marriage covenant.
This event prefigured the New Covenant that Yahuwshuwa would later on come to seal in his own blood. In the future, during what is called the “Ten Days of Awe” between The Feast of Trumpets & The Day of Atonement, there will also be a “seven-day” wedding for the bride of Messiah during these two feasts.
When Mosheh came down the mountain and found Yisra’el whoring with the molten calf the first time, he then went back up the mountain to “make atonement” for their sins (Exodus 32:30).
We then see that Mosheh (like Messiah) also acted as the “scapegoat” who was willing to have his name blotted out of the book of life so that the people would live:
Shemoth (Exodus) 32:
When Mosheh came down the mountain and found Yisra’el whoring with the molten calf the first time, he then went back up the mountain to “make atonement” for their sins (Exodus 32:30).
He acted as the High Priest on Yom Kippur who made atonement for the entire nation. After this, in Exodus 30:10-16, YaHuWaH established an ordinance that Aharown (Aaron) and his sons would “make atonement” for the nation of Yisra’el once per year on Yowm Kippur.
We then see that Mosheh (like Messiah) also acted as the “scapegoat” who was willing to have his name blotted out of the book of life so that the people would live:
Shemoth (Exodus) 32:
32 Yet now, if you will forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray you, out of your book which you have written.
33 And YHWH said unto Mosheh (Moses), Whosoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
To this very day, the Jewish people have a saying during the “Ten Days of Awe” as they declare to one another “May your name not be blotted out of the book of life” or “may your name be written in the book of life.”
This is precisely why our Messiah warned the Congregation at Sardis, that because their works were not found to be perfect, they were in danger of having their names blotted out:
Chazown (Revelation) 3:
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found your works perfect before Elohiym.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come upon you.
4 You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Mosheh offered to have his name blotted out instead of the nation of Yisra’el as he was foreshadowing the role of the “scapegoat” who was the innocent party willing to take the blame for the guilty.
But the people had to pay for their own sins because they sinned willfully after they had already received the sprinkling of the blood at the marriage ceremony. On that day 3,000 men fell (Exodus 32:28).
In Hebrews 10 & Leviticus 4:13-14, we read that atonement is only made for those who sin out of ignorance. But for those who sin will-fully, they will have their names blotted out:
Ibriym (Hebrews) 10:
26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Mosheh’s Towrah (law) died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer (worse) punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden underfoot the Son of Elohiym, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that has said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, says YHWH. And again, YHWH shall judge his people.
In Exodus 33:6 the Yisraelites “stripped off their ornaments” of pagan idolatry at Mount Horeb. The name “Sinai” literally means “Babylonian moon-god” but the name “Horeb” literally means “to kill and destroy.”
This is why in Galatians 4:24, the Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) likened the first covenant on Mount Sinai to “bondage” because the people placed themselves back under bondage with the golden calf after they had already taken marriage vows with the Most High.
This is why in Galatians 4:24, the Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) likened the first covenant on Mount Sinai to “bondage” because the people placed themselves back under bondage with the golden calf after they had already taken marriage vows with the Most High.
Then, at Mount Horeb, they stripped of their idolatry and this is where they chose to “die to the old sinful nature.” Hence, Mount Horeb represents freedom and repentance where they chose to renew their covenant with YaHuWaH again.
In Exodus 33:11, Mosheh communed with YaHuWaH “face-to-face” on behalf of the people of Yisra’el and this is once again “Yom Kippur” language, for to this day the Jewish people nick-named the Day of Atonement “face to face!”
And what is this a picture of? It is a picture of the bride receiving the ketuwbah, the written “Towrah” in her heart and mind as a sign of the “Renewed Covenant” (Jeremiah 31:31-33, Hebrews 8:10, 10:16).
In the same way that these commandments of stone were deposited into an ark made of wood that is “incorruptible,” so the very same commandments were deposited into a brand new nature on the Feast of Shabuwoth (Pentecost) in the 2nd chapter of Acts as 3,000 were saved on that day when they were “born-again of incorruptible seed!” (1st Peter 1:23).
In Exodus 34:28, Mosheh returned after being in the mountain a second time for yet another “forty days and forty nights” and he received a “new” set of stone tablets.
This was a “renewed” marriage covenant! The same laws were on these tablets only this time, when Mosheh was in the mountain for forty days, it was leading up to Yowm Kippur. In the same way, our Messiah remained here after his resurrection for “forty days” teaching his disciples the Towrah (Law of Moses)!
When Mosheh presented the second set of stone tablets to Yisra’el, and he deposited them into the Ark of the Covenant made of incorruptible wood, this was in the second year of their journey fifty days after “First Fruits,” the resurrection day of our Messiah. In Deuteronomy 4:10-12 we read that the people of Yisra’el gathered to “hear” the words of YaHuWaH as he spoke out of the “midst of the fire.”
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This was the self-same day of the Feast of Shabuwoth or Pentecost when the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) came upon the disciples as “tongues of fire” and they all “heard” the voice of YaHuWaH each man in his own tongue (Acts 2:11).
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That is when the Towrah was then “deposited” into their new incorruptible nature!
The first covenant that Mosheh presented to Yisra’el was during Pentecost and forty days later, they transgressed the covenant with the molten calf.
But then, Mosheh went up a second time for forty more days leading up to Yom Kippur. When our Messiah fasted during those very same “forty days” it was to “reverse the curse” of the broken covenant at Mount Sinai!
However, he also fasted for the future sins of the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) who would later on reject his blood sacrifice for “forty years” leading up to 70 A.D. when the Romans came and laid siege to Jerusalem. Like Ezekiel, our Messiah fasted “one day for each year” for the sins of Yisra’el & Judah (Ezekiel 4:6).
Both Mosheh and our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa interceded for Yisra’el during the “forty days” leading up to Yowm Kippur. Mosheh had come ”face-to-face” with the YaHuWaH himself and his face shown so brightly that he had to place a “veil” over his face to cover it (Exodus 34:33-35).
Both Mosheh and our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa interceded for Yisra’el during the “forty days” leading up to Yowm Kippur. Mosheh had come ”face-to-face” with the YaHuWaH himself and his face shown so brightly that he had to place a “veil” over his face to cover it (Exodus 34:33-35).
Once again, this is Yom Kippur language! Similarly, the “veil” in the Temple “parted” on Passover the moment that Messiah died on the tree paving the way for the Renewed Covenant.
Every time we see the word “veil” in scripture, it is going to always give us a clue pertaining to Yom Kippur typology. The literal meaning in Hebrew for the word “kippur” is “atonement,” but it also comes from the root word “kaphar” which means “to cover.”
The second time around, Mosheh returned on the 40th day of Yom Kippur, but the following spring, on the 50th day following First Fruits, he deposited the “Renewed Covenant” for Yisra’el into the Ark of the Covenant, just as our Messiah presented to Yisra’el a “Renewed Covenant” on the fiftieth day following his First Fruits resurrection!
Under the first Mosaic Covenant, Yisra’el was cursed when they worshiped the golden calf. But they were then redeemed with the second covenant during Yowm Kippur with the blood of the Lamb! Under the Renewed Covenant, the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) was cursed when they rejected their Messiah as the Passover Lamb. That is why Yahuwshuwa “cursed the fig tree” (Mark 11:21).
Under the first Mosaic Covenant, Yisra’el was cursed when they worshiped the golden calf. But they were then redeemed with the second covenant during Yowm Kippur with the blood of the Lamb! Under the Renewed Covenant, the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) was cursed when they rejected their Messiah as the Passover Lamb. That is why Yahuwshuwa “cursed the fig tree” (Mark 11:21).
But in the last days however, the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) will be redeemed again on Yom Kippur when they finally accept the blood covenant of Messiah.
And thus we can see that the first covenant was broken when Yisra’el sinned with the molten calf, but then that covenant was renewed during the first Yom Kippur in the days of Mosheh.
Our Messiah followed the very same pattern when he came to renew the covenant and he began his ministry during the very same time of the year on Yowm Kippur.
Yahuwshuwa came to “reverse the curse” of Mount Sinai when he fasted in the wilderness for forty days for their forty years of unbelief in the wilderness.
Yahuwshuwa came to “reverse the curse” of Mount Sinai when he fasted in the wilderness for forty days for their forty years of unbelief in the wilderness.
The four Spring Feasts represent Messiah’s first coming and his redemption for the Lost Sheep of the House of Yisra’el (Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim). But the three Fall Feasts at his second coming will bring together “the first and the last” born of Yisra’el as one bride.
Thus, we see that following the three Spring Feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, & First Fruits, there were “ten days” where the disciples had to “tarry” to receive the promised Renewed Covenant on Pentecost.
Also following the Feast of Trumpets, there is another period of “ten days” where the bride typified in Rachel will have to “tarry” and prepare herself to receive the promise of the Renewed Covenant as well.
Both Moses & Messiah communed with the Father for “forty days” and they both “made atonement” for Yisra’el’s sins on Yom Kippur.
Mosheh “renewed” the broken marriage covenant on Yom Kippur, but the following spring on Pentecost, he deposited the two tables of testimony into the Ark of the Covenant, made of incorruptible wood (Deuteronomy 10:3-4).
Yahuwshuwa did the very same thing by renewing the marriage covenant when he first began his ministry on Yowm Kippur, he then completed his atonement for Passover and he also deposited into the hearts of men his Towrah on Pentecost into “fleshy tables of the heart” (2nd Corinthians 3:3).
Mosheh “remained forty days” on Mount Sinai receiving the Towrah for Yisra’el, and Yahuwshuwa “remained forty days” on earth following his resurrection as he taught his disciples the Towrah. Fifty days following the “Feast of First Fruits” (resurrection day), both Moses & Messiah made a “deposit” of the renewed marriage covenant (Towrah) into a vessel made of that which is “incorruptible.”
What pattern can we observe here? Well, we can see that there are “ten days” in the spring between the ascension of Yahuwshuwa back to the Father and the day of Pentecost when the Towrah was written on the bride’s heart.
What pattern can we observe here? Well, we can see that there are “ten days” in the spring between the ascension of Yahuwshuwa back to the Father and the day of Pentecost when the Towrah was written on the bride’s heart.
In the fall, there are “ten days” following the bride’s ascension to the Father on Yom Teruw’ah leading up to Yom Kippur when the bride will have her heart restored to the “Living Towrah” the Messiah himself!
Why Did Yahuwshuwa Fast for Forty Days in the Wilderness?
As many of you already know, when Mosheh returned the first time from the mountain during his forty days (following Pentecost), he found Yisra’el cheating on YaHuWaH with the molten calf.
Mosheh then went up a second time to make atonement for them with the blood of a goat.
But you see, animal blood never took sins away in the first place. In Hebrews 10:4 it says: “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”
Animal sacrifices were only meant to point us to “The lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).
When Mosheh made atonement for the nation of Yisra’el, it was only temporary until the “seed” (Messiah) would come and illustrate for us in the flesh his permanent blood atonement which was already done in eternity. Grace was already available to them because of that eternal sacrifice, but our Messiah had to come and “flesh it out” for us in person, so that we could see his great love for his bride.
When our Messiah fasted in the wilderness for forty days, he was repeating all the same steps that Mosheh made for Yisra’el, only this time, he would be the perfect High Priest after the order of Melchizedek who never dies.
You see, the role of the High Priest each year on Yom Kippur represents the husband of the bride. His role was to be the “kinsman redeemer” and to intercede for her, to stand in the gap and to make her a spotless, sinless bride.
The role of the High Priest always belonged to Malkiy-Tzedeq (Melchizedek) in eternity, but after Yisra’el transgressed with the golden calf, Mosheh (who was from the Tribe of Levi) had to be their High Priest that year.
Our Messiah was about to restore the role of the High Priest back to Melchizedek. When he went into the Temple to read the Isaiah 61 scroll, this was on Yom Kippur. Now let’s read the account to see how we can tell that this was on Yom Kippur:
14 And Yahuwshuwa returned in the power of the Ruwach (Spirit) into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Yeshayahuw (Isaiah). And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
18 The Spirit of YHWH is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the besowrah (gospel) to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of YHWH.
20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
You see, the function of the High Priest (Kohen Gadowl) each year on Yom Kippur was to act as the “kinsman redeemer” for the nation. The High Priest represented the “husband” of the bride (Yisra’el), and only he could “stand in the gap” for her and make atonement for her sins year-by-year.
The temporary order of High Priests was given to the sons of Aharown (Aaron) after Yisra’el sinned with the molten calf in Exodus 32. After their “transgression,” “The law of the high priest” was added because of transgression (Galatians 3:19).
Moses made Aaron and his sons the new High Priests to minister on behalf of the nation every year for Yom Kippur. But prior to that, the High Priest belonged to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18).
The Law of the High Priest Added Because of Transgression
The Law of the High Priest Added Because of Transgression
Why did Mosheh (Moses) hand over the role of the “Kohen ha’Gadowl” to the sons of Aharown (Aaron) instead of to the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) from where the Melchizedek Priesthood came?
It was because Aaron was the originator of this transgression. He was the one who caused Yisra’el to sin in the first place with the golden calf!
Therefore, the only way that Aaron and his sons could live, is if they were the ones who gave their lives as a ransom for the nation!
Each year when the High Priest performed the role of the kinsmen redeemer on Yom Kippur, he had to first “sanctify himself” with the blood of a bullock, and then he had to make a sacrifice for the nation of Yisra’el with the blood of a goat.
The bullock was killed to symbolize that “golden calf worship” was being killed. And the goat was killed to symbolize Yisra’el being killed for her own sins after this transgression in Exodus 32.
This act was to remind them year-by-year about the “great transgression” in the wilderness (Psalm 19:13) which they would never again want to repeat.
So you see this “law” that made Levites (mortal men) into “High Priests” each year for Yom Kippur was now being changed when Messiah was baptized!
Ibriym (Hebrews) 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the Towrah (law).
Our Messiah came to restore the role of the High Priest (the husband and kinsmen redeemer) back to the order of Melchizedek from Yahuwdah (Judah). And so when he was baptized by Yahuwchanon (John), who was a Levite, John was the “High Priest” in the eyes of YaHuWaH that year.
But Caiaphas was selected by men (an impostor). John was the temporary high priest, until the “seed” (Messiah) came (Galatians 3:19). When John immersed Yahuwshuwa, he was transferring the role of the High Priest back to the order of Melchizedek! That is why John had to die!
The nation of Yisra’el has a custom of fasting for forty days leading up to Yom Kippur to commemorate when Mosheh was on Mount Sinai for forty days.
At the end of those forty days, Mosheh returned to find them in “transgression” with the molten calf. Mosheh then had to make atonement for them and that is when he instituted the “law” of the High Priests after the sons of Aaron.
This is the reason why the nation of Yisra’el to this day calls for “forty days of teshuwa” or repentance. This is why Yahuwshuwa fasted for forty days leading up to Yom Kippur. He performed the role of the sacrificial goat at his baptism, since baptism is a symbol of death (Romans 6:4). Then he was lead into the wilderness as the scapegoat by the Holy Spirit.
When he emerged from the wilderness after his forty days of fasting, he went to the Temple and he read the Isaiah 61 scroll.
In this passage he is showing them that he is the “anointed one” that they were expecting, the “Mashiyach” and he is declaring to them “The acceptable year of YaHuWaH” which only the Kohen Gadowl could announce each year on Yowm Kippur!
You see, if the red ribbon turned from red to white and the white stone came up, that meant that the nation was “accepted” by YaHuWaH that year on Yom Kippur. It meant that their High Priest had atoned for his own sins and then he would have been a proper vessel to atone for the nation.
That is why they were “accepted.” But if the High Priest was corrupt and he did not sanctify himself, then he was not fit to atone for the nation either and then he would have died behind the veil and they were “not accepted” that year!
When our Messiah declared “The acceptable year of YaHuWaH” he was essentially saying to them:
So what is the “schoolmaster?”
In an Ancient Hebrew Wedding Custom, the Spirit of Eliyahuw (Elijah) is typified in Yahuwchanon (John) the Immerser who is the “best man” and he is also called “The Friend of the Bridegroom” in John 3:29, or his “witness,” who waits at the chamber door. At the end of the seven-day wedding, the guests will then arrive and are waiting for the door to be opened, and the wedding banquet to begin.
When the groom is ready, he knocks from the inside of the door of the chamber, indicating that they are ready to make their public appearance before every-one. The friend opens the door, and the guests cheer.
This will take place on Yowm Kippur when the “veil” is removed and the bride and groom are revealed to the guests. The House of Yahuwdah (remnant Jews who were sealed in advance) will then see him “face-to-face” and they will finally recognize him as their Messiah whom they pierced (Zechariah 12:10).
The Two Witnesses at the Wedding
He stands and waits for the bridegroom’s knock on the door. Matthew 17:3 shows the glorified, radiant Messiah standing with Mosheh & Eliyahuw as his “Two witnesses.”
The bride’s attendant according to Hebrew tradition is Mosheh (symbolic of the Towrah). His function is to escort the bride to the bridegroom, as Mosheh escorted the children of Yisra’el to Sinai to be wed to Elohiym there.
Mosheh typifies the Towrah (Law) which is also the “schoolmaster” that brings us to Messiah (Galatians 3:24). But instead of the bride being escorted to Mount Sinai (a picture of her old sinful nature which placed her back into bondage), she will be escorted in the future to Mount Tziyown (Zion) for the wedding with Messiah! (Revelation 14:1).
In Revelation 11:3-7, the two witnesses have the same characteristics of Elijah and Moses. The Towrah (Law) is our schoolmaster that brings us to Messiah according to Galatians 3:24.
But the bride has not been presented to the bridegroom yet! She must be escorted to him by the Towrah (represented as Mosheh). If the bride has not been presented to the bridegroom yet, that means that the Towrah cannot be done away with (Matthew 5:17-19).
Messiah told us that until heaven and earth are passed away, one jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the Mosaic Law! But heaven and earth are still here! So when does the Mosaic Law pass away?
Chazown (Revelation) 21:
21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I, Yahuwchanon (John) saw the holy city, new Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), coming down from Elohiym out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
The New Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), will not be presented to YaHuWaH until after the 1,000 years are finished.
All during the Millennium, the bride of Messiah will act as the Melchizedek Priesthood with him and the entire Mosaic Law will be implemented and “fleshed out” for 1,000 years, to include animal sacrifices (Ezekiel 40-48).
Our Messiah will perform these animal sacrifices not as atonement for sin, but as a memorial of himself who has always been “the lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).
When he performs these animal sacrifices, they will only serve as “visual pictures” to teach us what his sacrifice was all about. All of the Feasts of YaHuWaH outlined in Leviticus 23 will be celebrated during the Millennium and also the weekly 7th day Sabbath.
All nations who refuse to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem to keep the feasts will suffer drought and famine (Zechariah 14:17). Below we see from the prophets that during the Millennium, the Towrah will go out of Zion to the nations:
Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come you, and let us go up to the mountain of YHWH, to the house of the Elohiym of Ya’aqob (Jacob); and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Tziyown (Zion) shall go forth the Towrah (law), and the word of YHWH from Yerushalayim (Jerusalem).
Mikah (Michah) 4:2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of YHWH, and to the house of the Elohiym of Ya’aqob (Jacob); and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the Towrah (law) shall go forth of Tziyown (Zion), and the word of YHWH from Yerushalayim (Jerusalem).
If our Messiah will be teaching us the Towrah (Mosaic Law) during the Millennium, this means that the “schoolmaster” is not merely the Towrah itself, but the schoolmaster is the “old administration” of the Levites who were mortal men.
When they presented the law to us, they were limited in their understanding. And so they came up with additional man-made laws to help fill in the gaps where their carnal mind could not comprehend what the Towrah was pointing us to.
Now we can begin to understand that the Mosaic Law which made mortal men into High Priests is the only law that was “added because of transgression.”
Now we can begin to understand that the Mosaic Law which made mortal men into High Priests is the only law that was “added because of transgression.”
Blood sacrifices were done by the Melchizedek Priest even since the first transgression in the Garden of Eden. And since our Messiah was always the lamb slain from the foundation of the world, this means that his law for blood atonement is eternal.
When was the first time that somebody transgressed the law or instructions of our Creator? You see the word Towrah (law) in Hebrew means “instructions.”
Long before Yisra’el sinned on Mount Sinai with the molten calf, someone else committed a transgression when they were instructed not to do something and they disobeyed. Who was it? You guessed it! Adam & Eve!
YaHuWaH gave Adam & Chawah (Eve) one simple commandment:
16 And YHWH Elohiym commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die.
And we know what happened after this, Adam & Eve both transgressed this commandment. And what did YaHuWaH have to do because of their transgression? YaHuWaH himself came down as the Melchizedek Priest and he made a sacrifice for them:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did YHWH Elohiym make coats of skins, and clothed them.
Once again, this was more than likely on Yom Kippur aka the Day of Atonement, because as I mentioned earlier, the word kippur comes from another root word kaphar which means “to cover, to make atonement.”
When YaHuWaH made “coverings” (skins, coats), for Adam & Eve, he was illustrating Yom Kippur typology!
This was the law that was “added because of transgression.” The laws pertaining to blood atonement sacrifices were added because of the transgression of Adam & Eve.
Not all animal sacrifices in the Bible were done for sin. There are other animal sacrifices that are done for thanksgiving and worship. But the only laws that were added because of transgression were those that pertain to blood atonement on Yom Kippur.
The first Adam was given the role of the High Priest in the Garden of Eden, but he failed. It then became necessary for YaHuWaH himself to come as “The son of Adam” or “The son of man.”
The Hebrew word for “man” is “adam.” When our Messiah continually made reference to himself as “The son of man,” he was letting us know that he was the Creator himself who came in the role of “The last Adam.”
1st Qorintiym (Corinthians) 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
In order for mankind to be redeemed, our Messiah had to fulfill the role of the twin goats on Yom Kippur which would then redeem all of mankind back to their position in the Melchizedek Priesthood for which each of us were originally created:
1st Keefa (Peter) 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Often-times I hear Christians declaring that we do not have to keep the Sabbath day or the Feasts of YaHuWaH, because they say that these were laws that were “added because of transgression.”
Below, I have listed all of the ordinances that were first instituted by YaHuWaH before the transgression with the molten calf. In addition, I also show those ordinances that are directly tied to the New Covenant in the blood of Messiah.
As you can see, none of the Feasts of Yah or the Sabbath day are laws that were added because of transgression. As a matter of fact, each of these feasts point to the “Testimony of Yahuwshuwa” (Revelation 19:10).
Ordinances That Were Already in Place Before Before Yisra’el’s Transgression
1.) The 7th day Sabbath was instituted at creation, by YaHuWaH following his six days of working (Genesis 2:2).
2.) Animal sacrifices began after Adam & Eve sinned in the garden under the Melchizedek Priesthood (Genesis 3:21).
3.) The Biblical New Year was instituted before Yisra’el sinned on Mount Sinai with the molten calf (Exodus 12:2 & 13:4).
4.) The Feast of Passover & Unleavened Bread was instituted before Yisra’el sinned with the molten calf (Exodus 12:3-49).
5.) The Feast of Shabuwoth (Pentecost) where Yisra’el heard the voice of YaHuWaH and they received first set of stone tablets with the Ten Commandments were given before the transgression with the molten calf
6.) The Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruwah) signals the Renewed Covenant when Mosheh went up the second time to Mount Sinai to receive the second set of stone tablets.
7.) The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was first instituted in the Garden of Eden when YaHuWaH made “coverings” (skins, coats) for Adam & Eve. He acted as their Melchizedek Priest by making atonement for them.
It is also when Mosheh received the renewed marriage covenant the second time for Yisra’el. This pre-figures the New Covenant.
The Law of Divorce:
For the most part, the body of Messiah is still very much “in transgression.” We can see that our Messiah has not yet “finished the transgression” nor has he “made an end of sins,” nor has he “brought in everlasting righteous-ness” according to Daniel 9:24.
Even though he destroyed the power of sin by his once-and-for-all sacrifice on the cross, the New Covenant (the renewed marriage covenant) has not yet been fully implemented into the earth until the “Marriage Supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:7).
After he receives his bride unto himself, he will then begin to restore the earth during his 1,000-year reign where he will fulfill all of the Towrah.
You see, at his first coming, his entire mission was to destroy “The law of divorce” on the cross, thereby allowing the backslidden wife, Yisra’el to come back to him and be married to him once again.
What is the law of divorce? In Deuteronomy 24, it says the following:
1 When a man has taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he has found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.
2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife.
3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and gives it in her hand, and sends her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife;
4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before YHWH: and you shall not cause the land to sin, which YHWH your Elohiym gives you for an inheritance.
Ten out of twelve tribes of Yisra’el were divorced by YaHuWaH in Jeremiah 3:8 because of their harlotry with pagan holidays and idols. In 1st Kings 12, we read about how the two kingdoms of Yahuwdah (Judah) & Yisra’el split after King Solomon died.
Ten of the tribes departed from the Kingdom of Judah and they went into the heathen nations to serve other pagan idols. King Jeroboam invented brand new pagan holidays for them and set up a golden calf at Dan & Mount Ephrayim.
From that point moving forward, the Ten Northern Tribes became known as “Ephrayim” and the Two Southern Tribes became known as “Yahuw-dah” (Judah).
When our Messiah came the first time to earth, the House of Judah had returned to the land after the Babylonian Captivity, but the other tribes were still in exile.
He came for those tribes who were in exile and he called them “The lost sheep of the House of Yisra’el” (Matthew 15:24).
The Two Southern Tribes of Yahuwdah (Judah) were not divorced, but the other Ten Northern Tribes were still divorced and not allowed to return to their first husband, because they had already defiled themselves with their “Baalim” (Hosea 2).
But Hosea’s prophecy states that in the end-times, Yisra’el would “return to her first husband” (Hosea 2:7-20). But how is this possible, if the “law of divorce” seen in Deuteronomy 24 preven-ted them from returning to their first husband?
The Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) explained in Romans 7:2-4, that since Messiah has now died on the tree, the bride is now: “Free from the law of her husband, so that she may be married to another, even he who is raised from the dead!”
You see, once the husband is dead, the law that kept her away from him is now dead also!
That is what Paul meant in Romans 7:4 when he said:
“Wherefore, my brethren, you also are become dead to the law by the body of Mashiyach; that you should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto Elohiym.”
So you see, the only “law” that was added because of transgression, was “The law of divorce,” which kept the backslidden bride from returning. The other law was called “The law of the high priest,” which made mortal men into high priests!
The rest of the Mosaic Law is still in full force until heaven and earth passes away. The bride of Messiah will be presented to him at the beginning of the seventh millennium when he returns (Revelation 19:7).
But the bride will then be transformed again into the New Jerusalem, and then she will presented to YaHuWaH after the seventh millennium, at the start of the eight millennium (Revelation 21:2).
The Towrah in its corruptible form (in stone or in scrolls) or in the “letter” was not able to save us, and that is why we need to go to school and learn from the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit).
Now, once the written law (the schoolmaster) shows us that we need the Ruwach ha’Qodesh, we are motivated to come to faith in Messiah because we can see our sinfulness and lawlessness.
But what is sin?
1st Yahuwchanon (John 3:4) Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the Towrah (law): for sin is the transgression of the Towrah (law).
*Note: Aha! If we transgress the Towrah (instructions) of our Father in Heaven, then we sin, and what are the wages of sin?
Romiym (Romans) 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of Elohiym is eternal life through Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach (Messiah) our Master.
If the wages of sin is death, and sin is transgression of the Towrah (law), that means that we are under a curse every time that we violate the Towrah (law) of YaHuWaH!
And so how are we going to learn to live righteous in Messiah? How are we going to learn to crucify the “old sinful man” daily? How are we going to “overcome” sin (lawlessness)?
Well we can’t do this with the “written letter of the law” alone! We need the help of the very same power that raised our Messiah from the dead!
The “letter of the law” does not teach us how to die daily to the “old man.” It only tells us how sinful we are, and we already know this!
It is like receiving a diagnosis from the doctor that you are dying of cancer and it is not treatable. You know that you are going to die, no matter what!
There is no hope! The Doctor’s diagnosis is like the “letter of the law.” It is a piece of paper with the doctor’s diagnosis on it and his handwriting is not going to miraculously change!
But....what if the doctor himself (Moses) sends you to another specialist? What if the doctor is just like that “schoolmaster” who merely shows you that you need to get to another doctor who can treat you?
What if the doctor who gave you the diagnosis is only a “general practitioner” and all he can do is tell you what is wrong, but he does not know how to treat you? That is what the “letter of the law” does! It shows us how sinful we are, but it does not help us die to the old selfish nature!
But who can help us die to the old sinful man? Who can teach us how to live “qodesh” (holy) and set apart? It is the Ruwach (Spirit) of YaHuWaH who teaches how to obey his commandments!
The teacher is the Ruwach (Spirit) of YaHuWaH, once we come to faith by the “hearing of the law.” Once we come to faith in Messiah, what does the Ruwach ha’Qodesh teach us to do? He writes his Towrah (laws) in our hearts and minds and he teaches us to obey his commandments!
In Romans 8:1-4, Paul uses this term “The law of the spirit of life” and he says that this “law” frees us from another law called “The law of sin and death.”
He then goes on to say, that the written “law” cannot make us righteous because our weak sinful flesh prevents us from being obedient to the law. So what exactly is this THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE?
It is the very same spirit that gave Mosheh the Towrah---the Spirit of YaHuWaH!
The Spirit of YaHuWaH Elohiym is the Set-Apart (Holy) Spirit.
The Towrah was written with the finger of Elohiym!
Christians often times suppose that the “letter of the law” (in its corruptible form) is somehow different from the “spirit of the law” (in its resurrected, incorruptible form). But they are really the very same laws only in a different form.
In the same way, our Messiah’s body was “broken” for us on the cross, and that is why he “broke” the bread the night before he was sacrificed for us (Luke 22:19).
He was showing us that his body was now becoming the Towrah! This is why he rebuked Satan in the wilderness after being tempted to turn stones into loaves of bread (Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4).
In his declaration “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of Elohiym,” he was teaching us that his body was about to become that living, eternal Towrah, and that we should live by every word of it!
When his body was broken, the corruptible form of the Towrah (in stone or in the letter) was also broken (destroyed). But what happened to Messiah’s body? He resurrected!
When his body was broken, the corruptible form of the Towrah (in stone or in the letter) was also broken (destroyed). But what happened to Messiah’s body? He resurrected!
This means that the same Towrah (law) has now resurrected also!
It means that the Towrah (law) has come to us in human form and it has now become incorruptible! It means that we still have the same Towrah (law) in a more permanent form, called “The law of the spirit of life” (Romans 8:2).
It is also referred to as “The perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25), because it does what?
The law in its permanent, resurrected form brings us LIBERTY! FREEDOM! NOT BONDAGE!
Romiym (Romans) 8:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Messiah Yahuwshuwa, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Mashiyach (Messiah) Yahuwshuwa has made me free from the law of sin and death.
*Note: we are not under condemnation when we do what? Walk in the power of the Holy Spirit! And what does the Holy Spirit do? He frees us from the law of sin and death, with what? Another law called “The law of the spirit of life!”
Romiym (Romans) 8:3 For what the Towrah (law in stone or in the letter) could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Elohiym sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
*Note: the Law in its corruptible form in the letter or in stone, could not save us ----why? Because the Law in the letter is WEAK BECAUSE OF OUR OWN SINFUL FLESH!
Romiym (Romans) 8:4 That the righteousness of the Towrah (law) might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
*Note: Because Messiah condemned sin in his own flesh, we are now able to FULFILL THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LAW WHEN WE WALK IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!
Romiym (Romans) 8:
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
*Note: the Towrah (law) of YaHuWaH is “spiritual” (Romans 7:14), but we as humans are “carnal.” And so to be carnal is death, but to be spiritual (subject to the law) is life and peace!
Romiym (Romans) 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against Elohiym: for it is not subject to the Towrah (law) of Elohiym, neither indeed can be.
*Note: Aha! The carnal mind is NOT SUBJECT TO THE LAW OR TOWRAH!
That is why we must be BORN-AGAIN!
When we “put off the old man” (Colossians 3:9), and we “put on the new man” (Colossians 3:10), we are actually putting on Messiah himself, the renewed image of Elohiym!
Romiym (Romans) 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please Elohiym.
*Note: We are not able to please YaHuWaH Elohiym when we are walking in the flesh because the “old sinful nature” is not subject to the law (Towrah) of YaHuWaH!
However, when we are walking by the resurrection power of Messiah, in the power of the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit), we are now able to be subject to the Towrah!
A Cult Called “Works of the Law”
A Cult Called “Works of the Law”
In 1947, an important document was found with the “Dead Sea Scrolls” which proves that Paul’s letter to the Galatians was not about the entire Mosaic Law.
When Paul condemned the “Works of the Law” he was not even speaking about the Mosaic Law, but instead, he was specifically speaking about an Essene Sect of Judaism that enforced outward circumcision in the flesh as a means to salvation.
But that was never the case, even under the Abrahamic & Mosaic Covenants. Abraham received circumcision in his flesh ONLY as a “sign” of his faith (Romans 4:11), which he had already obtained long before being circumcised. To read more about this cult, click on this link below:
Okay, so with this understanding, let’s break down the letter that Sha’uwl (Paul) wrote to the Galatians.
1 O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach (Messiah) has been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Now, it is important to point out that the Greek word used here for “bewitched” is “baskaino” which is #940 in the Strong’s Concordance.
This word means to “charm, fascinate” or in other words to “seduce.” This means that the Galatians were under some spell of a cult who had convinced them that being circumcised in the flesh is what made them righteous rather than having a relationship with Yah.
Now, you will also notice that Paul did not ask them: “Did you receive the Spirit by the hearing of the law?”
Now, you will also notice that Paul did not ask them: “Did you receive the Spirit by the hearing of the law?”
He specifically asked them “Did you receive the spirit by works of the law or by the hearing of faith?” So what is the difference?
Paul begins by asking “Who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth?” Now if King David had already declared “Thy law is truth,” and Paul asked them who had bewitched them into not obeying the truth, then Paul could not have been talking about the Law of Elohiym, but rather, some other law:
Tehilliym (Psalm) 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your Towrah (law) is the truth.
He was obviously making a distinction between the hearing of faith (which is the law of truth), and some other law that was seducing them away from the Towrah.
Tehilliym (Psalm) 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your Towrah (law) is the truth.
He was obviously making a distinction between the hearing of faith (which is the law of truth), and some other law that was seducing them away from the Towrah.
We know that all new converts in Messiah were already hearing the Mosaic Law every Sabbath day according to Acts 15:21, so obviously that was not the law that was being spoken of here. So which law did Paul mean? You see, in Paul’s day, there were three sects of Judaism: Pharisees, Sadducees & Essenes.
The Essenes were very rigid and legalistic about the Towrah (Mosaic Law) and they created their own cult called “The Works of the Law.”
This cult taught that one could be JUSTIFIED by doing certain “works” of their own interpretations of the Mosaic Law, even WITHOUT HAVING FAITH in Elohiym!
If Sha’uwl (Paul) was discounting the Towrah (instructions) of our Heavenly Father for bringing us to faith and receiving the Holy Spirit, he would be contradicting King David:
Tehilliym (Psalm) 19:7 The Towrah (law) of YHWH is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of YHWH is sure, making wise the simple.
The Towrah (law) is perfect and it CONVERTS THE SOUL---brings us to faith in Messiah!
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:3 Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?
*Note: the Galatians started out with the Holy Spirit’s power to obey the commandments by the hearing of faith. But now they were going backwards and trying to obtain power by outward circumcision in the flesh. Was Paul against outward circumcision in the flesh? No!
He even circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3), and he proved that he was not against the Mosaic Law or circumcision in Acts 21:21-27 when he performed a Nazarite Vow in the Temple. So what did Paul mean when he equated circumcision in the flesh to being bewitched?
Circumcision of the Heart
Circumcision of the Heart
Abraham received circumcision in his flesh AFTER HE HAD FAITH, as an outward sign of his faith in YaHuWaH. Outward circumcision merely served as a reminder of circum-cision in the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4).
The Galatians had some infiltrators who were trying to convince them that they needed to be circumcised outwardly in order to be brought back into covenant with Elohiym. That is what the entire controversy was about. Listen to what Paul writes:
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:
4 Have you suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
5 He therefore that ministers to you the Ruwach (Spirit), and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
*Note: Notice that Paul makes a distinction between the “hearing of faith” and “going through the motions” of the law without faith (dead works).
This means that faith comes by hearing what? The word of Elohiym (Towrah)! Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the word of Elohiym (Towrah)!
Doing meaningless works without faith is useless. And which “word of Elohiym” was in print when Sha’ul (Paul) wrote this letter?
The Law & Prophets! There was no such book called the “New Testament” Scriptures in those days.
The “Briyth Chadashah” (Renewed Covenant writings) did not go into print until about 96 C.E. after Paul had written this letter to the Galatians. The only “hearing of faith” that they had was hearing the Law of Moses, and then obeying it by faith!
And so we see here that Paul is making a distinction between the “hearing of faith” in the word of Elohiym, (which by the way includes the Law & Prophets), and this Essene Cult in his day who called themselves “Works of the Law.”
The existence of this cult was proven in 1947 when a document was discovered along with the Dead Sea Scrolls. In America, there has been several law suits filed by various religious organizations over this document because the very existence of this document will shatter the lies that have been taught to us over the years about the Towrah (law) of YaHuWaH and its role under the Renewed Covenant.
Paul poses the question: Is there any profit in circumcision?
Romiym (Romans) 3:
1 What advantage then has the Yahuwdiy (Jew)? or what profit is there of circumcision?
1 What advantage then has the Yahuwdiy (Jew)? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of Elohiym.
Romiym (Romans) 2:25 For circumcision verily profits, if you keep the Towrah (law): but if you be a breaker of the Towrah (law), your circumcision is made uncircumcision.
You see, circumcision was to the Yahuwdiy (Jew) what water baptism is today for Christians. The water itself does not save you, but when you are baptized in water, it is an outward expression of an inward grace that is taking place.
Romans 6:4 explains that being baptized in water is a symbol of being baptized into the death, burial and resurrection of Messiah. Is baptism commanded? Is it mandatory under the New Coven-ant? Yes! But does baptism alone save you? NO!
Baptism without repentance or a life of obedience is worth-less in the same way that outward circumcision is worthless without obedience to the commandments. Therefore, outward circumcision was not against the faith of Messiah, but it was not the means to salvation either. That was all that Paul was trying to convey. He was not forbidding circumcision in the flesh.
But this cult wanted Gentiles to convert to their man-made religion and to obey them without having faith in YaHuWaH Elohiym first. It was all about the money, because then they could charge these new converts circumcision fees and then they would be allowed to go into the inner court (the Sanctuary) of the Temple according to Ezekiel 44:7.
Once these new converts were circumcised in their flesh, then they could be charged “temple taxes,” and that was the motivation for this cult to circumcise them in the first place!
Sha’uwl (Paul) was rebuking them because they were “putting the cart before the horse” by not allowing Gentiles to have fellowship with them until they first did outward circumcision and went through a man-made conversion into their sect.
It would be the equivalent of what the Catholic Church does to this day, in teaching that “One must be baptized into the Catholic Church first, attend Catechism classes and then the priest will pronounce you as saved.”
And of course we know that this is completely false. Yahuwshuwa told us in John 3:3 that we must be BORN-AGAIN BY THE HOLY SPIRIT---NOT JOIN A MAN MADE RELIGION.
Now let us continue with Sha’ul’s letter to the Galatians:
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:
6 Even as Abraham believed Elohiym, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know you therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that Elohiym would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the besowrah (gospel) unto Abraham, saying, In you shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
*Note: Paul is speaking of JUSTIFICATION here. He is NOT addressing the next step (after we are justified) which is called SANCTIFICATION. After we come into the faith, we are told to “Work our own salvation with fear & trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
Paul was putting things in the proper order here. He was shooting down the heresy of this cult known as “Works of the Law” because they were requiring Gentiles to become circumcised as a “pre-requisite” to salvation.
But we are SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, as this was always the case even under the Abrahamic & Mosaic Covenants. No person was ever justified by keeping the Law. But after we are justified by grace through faith, the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) brings us into SANCTIFICATION, by teaching us to obey the Towrah (law) of YaHuWaH Elohiym----not the laws of men!
The Curse for Breaking the Law
The Curse for Breaking the Law
*Note: What does Paul mean here? Is he telling us that we are under a curse for attempting to obey the law?
NO!
He is telling us that if this is the way in which we seek to be justified, then we are under a curse, because our human nature will inevitably cause us to sin (transgress the law) and then we will come under the curses of Deuteronomy 28.
But if we are justified by grace through faith first, and then we obey the Towrah (law) as a RESULT OF OUR FAITH, then we are not under a curse!
The Towrah only brings us under a curse, when we seek to be justified by it! But when it becomes the end result of our walking in the Holy Spirit’s power, it brings us liberty!
For women, it would be like when your husband buys you roses for no special occasion, but simply because he loves you. For husbands, what if you wife bakes your favorite dessert, just to show that she loves you? And what if she does this, even though it’s not your birthday, or any other obligatory occasion?
If your spouse feels as if you only make romantic gestures because it is an obligation, now it feels like a law, instead of from the heart.
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of Elohiym, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
*Note: Aha! Paul reveals what he is talking about here. He says that NO MAN IS JUSTIFIED BY THE LAW.
He never says that we are no longer required to obey the law AFTER WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH. And what does Paul mean when he says “As many as are of the works of the law are under the curse?”
He is emphasizing that belonging to this cult and doing things in the reverse order of “putting the cart before the horse” brings us under a curse. Why? Because no man is able to perfectly keep the Towrah (Mosaic Law) 100% of the time.
But if we are JUSTIFIED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH FIRST, then we are FREE TO OBEY THE LAW WITHOUT FEAR OF CONDEMNATION if we should happen to break it unintentionally.
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that does them shall live in them.
*Note: What does he mean here? Which laws does he mean? He is referring to certain man-made interpretations of the Towrah (Law). He is telling us that keeping the law does not produce faith, and it cannot justify us.
If a man supposes that he shall be justified, simply by outward obedience to the law, then he must be able to live by the law 100% of the time without fail.
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:13 Messiah has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:
*Note: Messiah has redeemed us from the curse of not being able to obey the law. What is this curse? In Deuteronomy 28 there are 98 curses for not obeying the law.
That is why during the week of The Feast of Tabernacles there were 14 lambs slaughtered for each of the 7 days of this feast, totaling 98 lambs for each curse that Yisra’el incurred when they failed to keep the law. Messiah fulfilled all of these animal sacrifices in his “once-and-for-all” blood sacrifice.
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach (Messiah); that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man annuls, or adds to it.
*Note: What is Paul talking about here? He is giving an example of what happens in a man-made contract or covenant.
He says (if I may paraphrase): “Once a contract is made, no person adds to or takes away from that contract....therefore, how much more with a covenant that YaHuWaH Elohiym made with Abraham? Shall Elohiym not make good on his promises?”
Paul is explaining that entering into covenant with YaHuWaH Elohiym is exactly the way it was for Abraham--by faith. But once that marriage covenant was established, YaHuWaH Elohiym gave Yisra’el his Towrah (instructions) on how to live holy, set-apart, victorious and abundantly.
It was only after Yisra’el transgressed this marriage covenant with the molten calf, that YaHuWaH allowed Mosheh to add the “Law of the Sons of Aaron” for the High Priestly line.
The mortal priesthood cannot adequately atone for sins because there is always the possibility of them dying behind the veil in the Holy of Holies. Also, they had to perform these sacrifices “year-by-year,” because Yisra’el continued to sin, and transgress the Towrah (law).
But now, since Messiah is that permanent, immortal High Priest who never dies, he has imparted to us his spirit which empowers us to live holy and righteous, just like him!
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He said not, “And to seeds,” as of many; but as of one, “And to your seed,” which is Messiah.
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of Elohiym in Mashiyach (Messiah), the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot dis-annul that it should make the promise of none effect.
18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but Elohiym gave it to Abraham by promise.
19 Wherefore then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but Elohiym is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of Elohiym? Elohiym forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Towrah (law).
*Note: the Towrah (law) of YaHuWaH Elohiym is NOT AGAINST THE PROMISES OF ELOHIYM!
Before the transgression in the wilderness with the golden calf, Abraham obeyed the voice of YaHuWaH and his Towrah (law) according to Genesis 26:5.
But the Towrah in stone tablets had not been given yet, for Yisra’el had not been born yet, and they had not yet transgressed the covenant with the molten calf.
That is why Paul explained that the covenant given to Abraham 430 years earlier could not be annulled just because Yisra’el had transgressed the covenant in the wilderness.
Sha’uwl (Paul) goes on to explain that the covenant was first established between Abraham & YaHuWaH, and the only reason why the role of the High Priest transferred from Melchizedek to the sons of Aharown (Aaron) was because of the incident with the golden calf.
Abraham was a man who lived by complete faith and trust in YaHuWaH, and there was no need for a written covenant in stone. Abraham learned how to commune in prayer with Elohiym and to listen to his voice.
Yisra’el, however were a stiff-necked and rebellious people who did not want to listen to the voice of YaHuWaH. Therefore, it became necessary to give them the commandments in stone tablets. Now, with that understanding, let’s continue with Sha’uwl’s letter to the Galatians:
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:
22 But the scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach (Messiah) might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Mashiyach (Messiah), that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
*Note: Once, again, as I stated at the beginning of this teaching, a schoolmaster is a term in Greek that means “a person assigned to make sure the student gets to class every day.” But once the student gets to class, the “teacher” takes over from there.
The “schoolmaster” is the law that made the sons of Aharown (Aaron) into High Priests each year on Yom Kippur. This law was added because of the transgression with the molten calf, and it was not placed inside of the Ark of the Covenant, but rather, it was placed on the side of the ark (Deuteronomy 31:26).
The “schoolmaster” is the law that made the sons of Aharown (Aaron) into High Priests each year on Yom Kippur. This law was added because of the transgression with the molten calf, and it was not placed inside of the Ark of the Covenant, but rather, it was placed on the side of the ark (Deuteronomy 31:26).
In this “book of the law” were all of the ordinances for the Priesthood after the sons of Aaron. All of these ordinances were done as a prophetic shadow-picture of Messiah.
This “book of the law” kept Yisra’el married to the Levites as their temporary husband instead of Yahuwshuwa Messiah who is Melchizedek. This is why John the Immerser (Baptist) had to die!
He had to die to show that the temporary High Priestly line was now about to die, so that Yisra’el could be married to her kinsmen redeemer after the order of Melchizedek again.
But she was also not allowed to return to her first husband according to Deuteronomy 24 either. Just like Tamar who became a widow twice in Genesis 28, so Yisra’el was now about to become a widow twice! Tamar’s first husband (Er) represented Messiah in his mortal body because he died.
But she was also not allowed to return to her first husband according to Deuteronomy 24 either. Just like Tamar who became a widow twice in Genesis 28, so Yisra’el was now about to become a widow twice! Tamar’s first husband (Er) represented Messiah in his mortal body because he died.
Then, her second husband (Onan) symbolized John the Immerser (Baptist) who was a Levite and he was also about to die after Messiah was baptized.
You see the Levites and the Rabbis refused to allow the widowed wife (Ten Lost Tribes of Yisra’el) to come back into covenant to receive their inheritance, in the same way that Onan would not give Tamar a son.
You see the Levites and the Rabbis refused to allow the widowed wife (Ten Lost Tribes of Yisra’el) to come back into covenant to receive their inheritance, in the same way that Onan would not give Tamar a son.
But then her third husband (Judah) symbolized the resurrected Messiah, who is the promised Son (like Shelah) who also became the “everlasting Father” (Isaiah 9:6). Judah was her father-in-law who promised to send her his son, Shelah, but Judah himself (the father) became her kinsmen redeemer when he impregnated her with twins!
This was symbolic of our Messiah who came to fulfill the pattern of the Twin Goats for Yom Kippur!
To learn more, see my other article entitled “The Father & the Son Seen in Judah, the Kinsmen Redeemer.”
Our Messiah has now given us the anointing of the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) to teach us his Towrah and to walk in obedience. The Towrah (in its corruptible form (in stone, or in scrolls) or in the “letter” never made it’s way into the hearts of men.
But in Messiah, he is the “Word in mortal flesh” (John 1:1) but when he died, he also became the “Towrah in resurrected immortal flesh.” In the incorruptible, resurrected form, the Towrah has now come into our hearts.
The teacher is now with us through the Ruwach (Spirit) of YaHuWaH who teaches us to obey his Towrah (Law).
Many today in the Christian Church don’t even have the real Messiah to begin with or the real Spirit of YaHuWaH, so how are they able to be taught the true gospel? The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) illustrated this in his day:
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 11:4 For if he that comes preaches another Yahuwshuwa (Jesus), whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him.
Paul rebuked the Corinthian Church because they were ready to accept “Another Spirit” or “Another Yahuwshuwa ” and “Another Gospel” and why was this happening?
It is because the Corinthians were not schooled in the Towrah to begin with, so they had all kinds of pagan ideas left over from their former lives. They had no “gauge” for how to identify the real Messiah from the pagan counterfeit ones.
They had no gauge for how to identify the true Holy Spirit who always agrees with what is written in the scriptures, versus the false spirit of Anti-Messiah who teaches lawlessness.
And so Paul had to bring them back to the basics again. They had to go back to the rudimentary principles of being taught the Towrah (Mosaic Law) which is the schoolmaster. And this schoolmaster brings us to the real Messiah, Yahuwshuwa, and the real set-apart Spirit and the real besowrah (gospel)!
Now once the “schoolmaster” (the written law) gets us to the school, what will the Holy Spirit teach us?
Towrah Written in Our Hearts
Towrah Written in Our Hearts
The Holy Spirit will deposit the very same laws into us in spiritual form:
Ibriym (Hebrews) 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisra’el after those days, says YHWH; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them an Elohiym, and they shall be to me a people:
Ibriym (Hebrews) 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says YHWH, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
In conclusion, we have the “schoolmaster” which is the written Towrah in stone or in scrolls which “kills our flesh” because “the letter kills” (2nd Corinthians 3:3-4). This is because our flesh must be crucified daily.
But once the written law (the schoolmaster) gets us safely to school, we have the Holy Spirit who “teaches us” the same law only not under an earthly teacher or a Rabbi, (who has limited understanding), but now the Rabbi is Yahuwshuwa Messiah himself:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 23:8 But be not you called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Mashiyach (Messiah); and all you are brethren.
We have only one teacher, one Rabbi, Yahuwshuwa ha’Mashiyach!
The word “Rabbi” often times means: Master or Teacher, but more literally, it means “my great one.” This is why Yahuwshuwa does not want us to call any human being “Rabbi!”
There is only one “Great One” and that is our Master YaHuWaH Elohiym and Messiah!
And so ultimately the final teacher is Yahuwshuwa Messiah himself as he has sent the Ruwach ha’Qodesh to teach us.
There is nothing wrong with having earthly teachers, so long as we know who the final authority is, and we don’t allow an earthly teacher to usurp the authority of the word of Elohiym over us. Every person who teaches us must be under the authority of Messiah and the scriptures as their final authority.
The term “Under the law” in those days when Paul wrote this letter to the Galatians, meant to be “under rabbinic law” and so we are not “under” some earthly Rabbi if the Holy Spirit is our teacher.
The earthly Rabbi may be our schoolmaster who brings us to faith in Messiah (just like the priesthood of Aaron), but once we obtain faith in Messiah and our heart is circumcised, then Messiah is our Rabbi, who teaches us how to obey his Towrah!
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