By Maria Merola אריאל
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, September 2009
The fig tree has been used as a metaphor to symbolize those who are true Yisraelites in the eyes of the Heavenly Father. The first mention of the fig tree as a prophetic illustration of the nation of Yisra’el, is seen in Hosea 9:10, where we read “I saw your fathers as the first-fruits on the fig tree in its first season.” In Jeremiah 24:5, the fig tree is used again as a symbol for the nation of Judah:
In Matthew 21:18-19, Yahuwshuwa, was on his way to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), and he cursed a fig tree for not bearing any fruit. On a fig tree, the blossoms of the fruit appear before the leaves. This is why Yahuwshuwa cursed the fig tree that only had leaves on it and no fruit.
The word used here for “ever” is “aeon” which simply means a long period such as an “age.” In Matthew 24:3, the disciples asked Yahuwshuwa: “What will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age (aeon)?”
This means that the fig tree would not remain withered and barren forever, but only until the end of this present age between his first and second coming.
Nathanael sitting under the fig tree meant that he was under the authority of YaHuWaH and his commandments (John 1:47-49). The Hebrew meaning of his name is Strong’s #H5417 - Nĕthane’l which means “given of Elohiym” or “given of El.”
In Matthew 21:19-21, Yahuwshuwa cursed the fig tree to signify that the nation of Yisra’el and the kingdom of Yahuwdah (Judah) would be destroyed because they refused to repent and accept the blood atonement offered to them for their sins.
In Matthew 21:19-21, Yahuwshuwa cursed the fig tree to signify that the nation of Yisra’el and the kingdom of Yahuwdah (Judah) would be destroyed because they refused to repent and accept the blood atonement offered to them for their sins.
However, he promised to restore and redeem the nation of Yisra’el by gathering them out of the nations and bringing them back into covenant with himself. Here, Yahuwshuwa used the fig tree and the grape vine as a metaphor of good, versus bad fruit:
Mattityahuw (Matthew) 7:
16 You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
In the parable of the barren fig tree there is yet another lesson to be learned:
Luqas (Luke) 13:6-9 “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down: why does it use up the ground? But he answered and said to him, Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.”
After that, the nation was given more time to repent through the ministry of the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) given to the apostles and the followers of Messiah.
Yahuwshuwa gave his generation a probationary period of forty years, (from the time that he was crucified for them in 30 A.D.), right up until the Romans laid siege on Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Thus, at the end of that generation, the fig tree (Yisra’el) was cut down by the Roman Empire, and its branches were spread all over the world.
Yet, the root of the tree remained in the ground, and has again started budding during Yisra’el’s national restoration since 1948 (Isaiah -66:7-14).
The confusion comes from the fact that (at one time), all twelve tribes were united under King Dawiyd (David) who was the King of Yahuwdah (Judah) as well as the King of Yisra’el.
Because Jerusalem is the holy city built by David (who is from the Tribe of Judah), this means that all twelve tribes would have been considered “Yahuwdiym” (Jews), when they were under the scepter of the Kingdom of Judah.
The patriarch Ya’aqob (Jacob) prophesied over his fourth son Yahuwdah (Judah) in Genesis 49:10 “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, not a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”
However, after David’s son (King Solomon) died, the two kingdoms were divided and became two separate nations. You can read the entire account in 1st Kings chapter 12.
At his second coming, our Messiah will once again gather all twelve tribes under his “scepter” (authority), and this is when all those who are the bride of Messiah, will be called “Yahuwdiym” or “Jews.”
Why does the bride join the tribe of her bridegroom? Shouldn’t that be obvious? Some might argue “But there are twelve gates in the New Jerusalem, not only the gate of Judah.”
Yes, but it’s no different than me being born an American citizen, even though I was born in Pennsylvania, and my parents were born in Naples, Italy. I can declare that I am an Italian-American from Pennsylvania. Similarly, (as the bride of Messiah), we will retain our original tribal identity, while at the same time, we shall be married into the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah).
As the bride, we shall be ruling and reigning with our bridegroom as part of his royal priesthood of Melchizedek (1st Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10). Hebrews 7:14 says that Malkiy-Tzedeq (Melchizedek) “Sprang out of Judah!”
This means that the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) pre-existed Leah and Jacob’s fourth son. Few people have stopped to consider that all twelve tribes pre-existed their earthly counterparts in eternity as the names of the twelve gates in the New Jerusalem.
To learn more about why Melchizedek had to spring from the Tribe of Judah, see my other blog: The Father & the Son Seen in Judah, the Kinsman Redeemer
Until our Messiah returns to unify these tribes, there is still a separation between The House of Yisra’el (Ephrayim) & the House of Yahuwdah (Judah). Christianity at large is still like Ephrayim who is “joined to idols.” (Hosea 4:17).
Those within Judaism do not recognize Messianic Jews, nor Christians as being part of the covenant, because they do not recognize Yahuwshuwa as their Messiah. Therefore, both houses continue to be at odds with one another.
The Jesuits of Rome have joined with the Political Zionist movement to promote what is called “The Seven Noahide Laws.” To learn more, see my other blog: The Pride Rainbow vs YaHuWaH’s Covenant Rainbow
The One World Religion of Antichrist will seek to form a counterfeit restoration of “The House of Ephrayim & Judah.” This false movement is called “Dual Covenant Theology,” whereby the Vatican has announced that “Jews do not need Jesus to be saved, and Christians do not need to obey the Torah to be saved.”
False shepherds, such as televangelist John Hagee is a huge proponent of this false doctrine, as he even praises the Pope for his so-called moral convictions. See this article: Rev. Hagee says “Amen” to Pope Benedict’s “moral vision for America”
Pope Francis has taken an official stand of the Vatican, that Catholics should not proselytize Jews: Vatican calls on Catholics to stop trying to convert Jews
This “Dual Covenant Theology,” of the Vatican, is just another name for “The Seven Noahide Laws.”
The Noahide Laws are diametrically opposed to the Scriptures, as we are told that there is “One law” for the home-born Yisraelite and the stranger who sojourns with them (Exodus 12:49; Leviticus 24:22; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:11-17).
Every United States President since Jimmy Carter, as affirmed the Noahide Laws as public policy for the American people, and under the administration of George H.W. Bush, the United States Congress signed these into law, punishable under decapitation! To learn more, see my other blog: Is President Trump a Globalist?
Ever since the events of 9/11/2001, revelations about the Noahide Laws have been coming to light, and because of this, many who follow our Messiah have made the mistake of lumping in “All Jews” with “The Synagogue of Satan.”
However, Scripture tells us in Zechariah 12:10 & 13:8-9, that there will be a remnant “one-third” from the House of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem who will be saved at Messiah’s return. Therefore, it is a huge mistake to assume that “All Jews” are lost forever.
Conversely, the Roman Catholic Jesuits, have been cultivating hatred towards those who obey the Mosaic Law (Torah), ever since the decrees of the Roman Emperor Constantine in the fourth century. Therefore, we can see that the devil has been busy fomenting Anti-Jewish, and Anti-Christian sentiments, pitting all people groups against one another.
This is a very effective strategy of the Illuminati, to bring all religions and creeds under a One World Roman Catholic-Zionist Religion and Government. The merging of Judaism, Roman Catholicism, and Islam has been the goal of the Vatican for centuries, but it is now being fully-implemented. See the following article: One World Religion Headquarters
Also see these other blogs:
The Constantine Creed states:
“I renounce all customs, rites, legalisms, unleavened breads and sacrifices of lambs of the Hebrews, and all the other feasts of the Hebrews, sacrifices, prayers, aspirations, purifications, sanctifications, and propitiations, and fasts and new moons, and Sabbaths, and superstitions, and hymns and chants, and observances and synagogues---absolutely everything Jewish, every Law, rite and custom...
...And if afterwards I shall wish to deny and return to Jewish superstition, or shall be found eating with Jews, or feasting with them, or secretly conversing and condemning the Christian religion instead of openly confuting them and condemning their vain faith, then let the trembling of Cain and the leprosy of Gehazi cleave to me, as well as the legal punishments to which I acknowledge myself liable….
…And may I be an anathema in the world to come, and may my soul be set down with Satan and the devils.” (Stcfano Assemani, Acta Sanctorium Martyrum Orientalium at Occidentalium, Vol. 1, Rome 1748, page 105).
Furthermore, any follower of the “Jewish Messiah” (Yahushua ha’Mashiyach) who wished to join this “holy community” was compelled to adopt a different set of rules and customs. Subsequently special creeds were drafted, to which the Christian would have to swear such as:
“I accept all customs, rites, legalism, and feasts of the Romans, sacrifices. Prayers, purifications with water, sanctifications by Pontificus Maxmus (high priests of Rome), propitiations, and feasts, and the New Sabbath “Sol dei” (day of the Sun), all new chants and observances, and all the foods and drinks of the Romans (Pork and all unclean foods). In other words, I absolutely accept everything Roman, every new law, rite and custom, of Rome, and the New Roman Religion.”
Additionally, in approximately 365 A.D, the Imperial Church of ROME, Aka Catholic Council of Laodicea wrote, in one of their canons: Christians must not Judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day. Rather, honoring the Lord’s Day (Ba’al’s Day) which is “sun-day” for Sol Invictus (the invincible sun). But if any shall be found to be Judaizers, let them be anathema (against) Christ.”
The Swinging Pendulum
Because of so many conflicting narratives that have been handed down to us over the centuries, it is easy to see why there is so much arguing and fighting among believers in Messiah. Since the events of 9/11/2001, I have observed a growing trend, whereby many have left their traditional churches to embrace Sabbath and feast-keeping. During the first few years of this trend, Christians in their zeal began embracing “All things Jewish.”
We have all noticed that many Christians went out and purchased a prayer shawl and a shofar, as they wanted to identify with being Jewish. However, many Jews are resentful of this, because they think Messiah-followers are trying to “replace them.” Rather than seeing this as a blessing, (as when the Prodigal Son returned home to the Father and his commandments), many Jews feel threatened by it.
I can understand why many Jews have a mistrust towards Christians, and Messiah-followers, because it was the Vatican that was responsible for the Holocaust in Nazi Germany, having signed the Reichskonkordat Act with Hitler in 1933. Hitler even wrote in his book entitled “Mein Kampf,” (My Struggle), that he was following the Protocols of the Jesuits of Rome, by seeking to exterminate Jews around the world.
Because of how poorly Jewish people have been treated by Christians in the nations, many Jews have become bitter and hateful towards those of us who follow Yahuwshuwa as Messiah. Some Jews have even defected to the side of the enemy, hoping to get wealth and revenge. There are many “Hollywood Jews” such as Stephen Spielberg and Harvey Weinstein, who are basically Atheists, even though they are ethnically Jewish.
Many of these rich and powerful Jews from around the world, have sold out to the devil, in exchange for power and wealth. Such people are Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, George Soros, etc. These people are secretly involved with Israeli Espionage, and the Mossad Intelligence. They have been seeking to build up a Zionist State of Israel, for selfish gain, and for satanic purposes. These impostor Jews are not looking for the real Messiah from heaven to return to earth. They may be ethnically Jewish, but they will not be counted as a “Yahuwdiym” (Jews) on the day of judgment.
Those who will be counted as Yahuwdiym (Jews) at Messiah’s return, are those whose hearts are inwardly circumcised, and they obey the commandments:
Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profits, if you keep the Torah (law): but if you be a breaker of the Torah (law), your circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Romans 2:26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the Torah (law), shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
Romans 2:28 For he is not a Yahuwdiy (Jew), which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Romans 2:29 But he is a Yahuwdiy (Jew), which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Elohiym.
Nevertheless, it is a huge mistake for us to prematurely decide who is a “True Jew” (and who is not), because we are told in the prophets that many Jews from around the world will come to know Yahuwshuwa as their Messiah during the Great Tribulation.
Growing Hatred Towards Israel & Jews
In recent years, (as these conspiracies have come to light), many followers of Messiah have also begun to turn against “All things Jewish,” as they lump in all Jews with “The Synagogue of Satan.” And then, there are the “Black Hebrew Israelites,” who believe that being counted as a “True Jew” is based on skin color, or pedigree.
Little do these people realize, that the narrative they are pushing has been directly influenced by Jesuit Infiltrators such as Louis Farrakhan, Al Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson. In recent times, Kanye West has also shown himself to be a Jesuit infiltrator, beholden to Roman Catholicism and Anti-Jewish sentiments. See my other blog: What Does Kanye, Trump & the Papacy Have in Common?
Confusing Terminology
Those who confuse the terms “Yisraelite & Jew” fail to understand that there are twelve tribes of Yisra’el, and only one of those tribes is named Yahuwdah (Judah) from where we derive the term “Yahuwdiy” (Jew).
Hence, all Yahuwdiym (Jews) are indeed considered Yisraelites by terminology, but not all Yisraelites belong to the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah). Therefore, not all Yisraelites are Jews. To learn more about what these terms mean, see my other blog: Called, Chosen & Faithful: Are you a Hebrew, an Israelite, or a Jew?
In Acts 21:39 & 22:3 the Apostle Shaul (Paul) calls himself “A Yahuwdiy” (Jew), even though he is from the Tribe of Benjamin. The same thing with Queen Esther, who was also from the Tribe of Benjamin, yet, she was called a “Yahuwdiyah” (Jewess).
Why? As I previously mentioned, whenever all twelve tribes were unified under the Kingdom of Judah, they were called “Yahuwdiym”
(Jews), even though, they retained their original tribal identity.
As an example, I was born in Pennsylvanian, but I am still an American citizen, just as those born in the other fifty states are also Americans. Some people think you have to have a DNA test done to see if you carry certain genetic markers, and this is what determines if you are an Yisraelite or a Jew.
I do not doubt that these genetic markers exist, as there has been much scientific evidence for the DNA of the twelve tribes. However, having these genetic markers is not enough to save a person eternally-speaking. Repentance and obedience are still required, even for those who can trace their genetic markers to one of the twelve tribes.
Yahuwchanon (John) the Immerser (Baptist) warned the religious leaders of his day, not to rely on their pedigree for salvation. John made it abundantly clear that those claiming to be sons of Abraham, must still bear fruits worthy of salvation.
Matthithyahuw (Matthew) 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that Elohiym is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Matthithyahuw (Matthew) 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That Elohiym is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
So what qualifies someone as a
Our Messiah qualified Nathanael as a “True Yisraelite,” because he saw that in his heart there was no guile or deceit.
Yahuwchanon (John) 1:
47 Yahuwshuwa saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, Behold an Yisraelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael said unto him, How do you know me? Yahuwshuwa answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.
49 Nathanael answered and said unto him, Rabbi, you are the Son of Elohiym; you are the King of Yisra’el.
Yahuwshuwa identified for us what a
Yahuwshuwa identified for us what a
What does it mean to be “beguiled?”
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Mashiyach (Messiah).
This word “beguile” literally means “to deceive!”
Sha’uwl (Paul) wrote that Chawah (Eve) had been “beguiled” and this was being equated not to a physical seduction, but rather to having one’s mind corrupted. A true Yisraelite has no deception in him because he believes the word of YaHuWaH, and he obeys the truth that he hears. In other words, he puts actions to his faith.
Scripture makes it abundantly clear, that we are “Yahuwdiym” (Jews) through faith in Messiah, Yahuwshuwa. If he is our High Priest after the order of Malkiy-Tzedeq, and Melchizedek is from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) according to Hebrews 7:14, then we must conclude, that all those who are “born-again of incorruptible seed” (1st Peter 1:23) are “born from above” and not from the earth! What this means, is that we receive a renewed DNA when we are born of the Ruwach (Spirit) of Elohiym.
Scripture makes it abundantly clear, that we are “Yahuwdiym” (Jews) through faith in Messiah, Yahuwshuwa. If he is our High Priest after the order of Malkiy-Tzedeq, and Melchizedek is from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) according to Hebrews 7:14, then we must conclude, that all those who are “born-again of incorruptible seed” (1st Peter 1:23) are “born from above” and not from the earth! What this means, is that we receive a renewed DNA when we are born of the Ruwach (Spirit) of Elohiym.
20 But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Yitzchaq (Isaac) his son upon the altar?
22 Do you see how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed Elohiym, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of Elohiym.
24 You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Abraham “sojourned” with Melchizedek, King of Salem (JeruSalem) and he entered into covenant him:
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Yitzchaq (Isaac) and Ya’aqob (Jacob), the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is Elohiym.
Ruth also was a Moabite (from the worst of all pagan nations). Yet, she became a “Yahuwdiym” (Jew) when she sojourned back to Bethlehem-Judah with her mother-in-law Naomi.
She was “grafted into the tribe” of Yahuwdah (Judah) by faith! It had nothing to do with her DNA, nor joining a man-made religion, nor going through some religious ritual.
Ruwth (Ruth) 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you: for wherever you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge: your people shall be my people, and your Elohiym my Elohiym.
In Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 47:22 it tells us that any “stranger” may join the tribe of his choosing, simply by “sojourning” with a member of any of the Twelves Tribes of Yisra’el. Once we begin to sojourn with any of the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el, we are able to “inherit” land with that tribe and as an inheritance!
If we are “sojourning” with (walking with) the Messiah, Yahuwshuwa, do we not belong to his tribe?
1st Keefa (Peter) 2:21 For even hereunto were you called: because Mashiyach (Messiah) also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps.
If we are “following” in his steps (in other words, sojourning with) the “Lion of the Tribe of Yahuwdah,” (Revelation 5:5), who is also Melchizedek (from the Tribe of Judah), then what does that make us?
Anyone who “sojourns” with someone from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) belongs to that tribe! It does not matter about your DNA!
And incidentally, I truly believe that when we are “born-again of incorruptible seed,” (1st Peter 1:23) through the blood covenant of Yahuwshuwa, that our DNA does indeed change and we become physical descendants of Abraham. But how can we be sure of this?
And incidentally, I truly believe that when we are “born-again of incorruptible seed,” (1st Peter 1:23) through the blood covenant of Yahuwshuwa, that our DNA does indeed change and we become physical descendants of Abraham. But how can we be sure of this?
Galatiym (Galatians) 3:29 And if you be Mashiyach’s (Messiah’s), then are you Abraham’s seed (sperma), and heirs according to the promise.
Did you get that? To belong to Messiah makes you Abraham’s literal and physical “seed” which is the Greek word “sperma!”
The Apostle Sha’uwl explained that those who have their hearts circumcised and who obey Towrah, are Yahuwdiym (Jews). It has nothing to do with skin color or belonging to a certain lineage or genealogy. Let’s see what he wrote
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.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the Towrah (law), shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the Towrah (law), judge you, who by the letter and circumcision does transgress the Towrah (law)?
28 For he is not a Yahuwdiym (Jew), which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Yahuwdiym (Jew), which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Elohiym.
This is why the Apostle Sha’uwl wrote that we should not quarrel about “endless genealogies” (1st Timothy 1:4; Titus 3:9). What did he mean? The only genealogy that matters now, is our Messiah’s, because it qualified him as the genuine Messiah of prophecy.
When our Messiah spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, she was surprised that he even gave her the time of day. The Yahuwdiym (Jews) had no dealings with Samaritans, for they were regarded as “outcasts.” This woman was a member of one of the lost tribes of Yisra’el that had been divorced and cut out of the covenant by YaHuWaH (Jeremiah 3:8).
This is why the Apostle Sha’uwl wrote that we should not quarrel about “endless genealogies” (1st Timothy 1:4; Titus 3:9). What did he mean? The only genealogy that matters now, is our Messiah’s, because it qualified him as the genuine Messiah of prophecy.
But now that we are “In Messiah,” we are literally his seed, aka his family by faith. Therefore, our earthly genealogy does not matter at this point. All the patriarchs had their genealogies listed, because we needed to be able to trace our Messiah back to Adam!
But now that we have the perfect “blood sacrifice,” we are part of Messiah’s “blood-line” by faith!
Why Does Salvation Come From the Tribe of Judah?
When our Messiah spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, she was surprised that he even gave her the time of day. The Yahuwdiym (Jews) had no dealings with Samaritans, for they were regarded as “outcasts.” This woman was a member of one of the lost tribes of Yisra’el that had been divorced and cut out of the covenant by YaHuWaH (Jeremiah 3:8).
She obviously had a hunger for knowledge and truth, because she had many questions for our Messiah regarding the correct way to worship Elohiym.
He told her that she did not know what she worships, because salvation can only come from the Yahuwdiym (Jews):
Yahuwchanon (John) 4:22 You worship you know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Yahuwdiym (Jews).
What did he mean by this? Was he telling her to join a Jewish Synagogue and become a convert via the hypocritical leaders that he harshly rebuked? No, this is not what he was telling her. So why did he attribute salvation to the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah)? It is because, the eternal High Priest, Melchizedek is from this tribe:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Yahuwdah (Judah), nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
Tehilliym (Psalm) 110:4 YHWH has sworn, and will not repent, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Abriym (Hebrews) 7:14 For it is evident that our Master sprang out of Yahuwdah (Judah); of which tribe Mosheh spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
The Sons of Aharown (Aaron) could not permanently, and perfectly atone for the sins of the nation. Every year on Yom Kippur, the role of the High Priest was to atone for the sins of the nation. And because they were mere mortal men, there was always the possibility that they could die behind the veil in the “Holy of Holies.”
But this atoning work had to be repeated annually, and there were some years when the High Priest had not sufficiently repented of his own personal sins. This meant that his atoning work was not accepted by the Heavenly Father at the throne, and therefore, the entire nation was unaccepted by the Father in heaven.
This is not the case with Melchizedek, because he is sinless and eternal. There is never a chance that he might die while performing his duties of atoning for the nation. And because our Messiah completed the most perfect and permanent atoning work for us sinners, there will never again be another Yom Kippur where the nation of Yisra’el is not accepted!
The sons of Aharown (Aaron) served as “High Priests” on Yom Kippur temporarily “until the seed should come” (Galatians 3:19). Yahuwshuwa came to restore the nation of Yisra’el back to the eternal High Priesthood of Melchizedek which is how the original covenant with Abraham began in the first place!
The sons of Aharown (Aaron) served as “High Priests” on Yom Kippur temporarily “until the seed should come” (Galatians 3:19). Yahuwshuwa came to restore the nation of Yisra’el back to the eternal High Priesthood of Melchizedek which is how the original covenant with Abraham began in the first place!
And since Melchizedek is from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) according to Hebrews 7:14, this means that salvation can only come from him! This is why Yahuwshuwa told the woman at the well, that salvation is from the “Yahuwdiym” (Jews). It is because our Messiah was born into the tribe that holds the scepter to rule over the other eleven tribes.
If genetics and DNA is what counted for salvation, then why did Yahuwchanon (John) the Immerser (Baptizer) say the following to the religious leaders who came to be immersed by him?
Luqas (Luke) 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That Elohiym is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
So you see, Yahuwchanon (John) did not say to them “You don’t have the right genealogy, so I cannot immerse you.” No! He told them to repent, and that would qualify them to become “Sons of Abraham!”
Now with all of that said, I want to warn all of you who are reading this, that these doctrines which make people place their trust in their DNA, or question who is a genuine Yahuwdiym (Jew) is of the devil!
Who are you to decide if the people living in the Modern State of Yisra’el are genuine Yahuwdiym (Jews) or not? Will not YaHuWaH accept anyone who comes to him by faith, regardless of their DNA?
Until Messiah lands his feet on the Mount of Olives, it is not for anyone to decide who is a true Yahuwdiy (Jew) or an Yisraelite!
I will not tolerate these baseless arguments from those claiming to know who is a “fake Jew,” based on skin color, pedigree, nationality, or national origin. The truth be told, all humans came from one set of parents, Adam & Chawah (Eve). Therefore, our salvation does not depend on skin color, pedigree, nor ethnic background.
It’s unrighteous for people to make broad-brush declarations about who belongs to “The Synagogue of Satan,” or who is a “Political Zionist,” because salvation is based on faith and obedience.
In this prophecy, we are told that anyone who fights against Jerusalem (whether in word or in deed) will be judged by YaHuWaH. He says that he will smite all those nations who come against his holy city, because he has chosen to place his name there.
Zakaryahuw (Zechariah) 14:1 Behold, the day of YHWH comes, and your spoil shall be divided in the midst of you.
Zakaryahuw (Zechariah) 14:2 For I will gather all nations against Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
Zakaryahuw (Zechariah) 14:3 Then shall YHWH go forth, and FIGHT AGAINST THOSE NATIONS, as when he fought in the day of battle.
Zakaryahuw (Zechariah) 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
Did you see this? Those who “fight” against Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) by calling them “fake Jews” (when only Yah knows who is who) will be smitten by YaHuWaH.
Where Has YaHuWaH Chosen To Place His Name?
1st Melekiym (Kings) 11:36 And unto his son will I give one tribe, that Dawiyd (David) my servant may have a light always before me in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.
2nd Melekiym (Kings) 21:4 And he built altars in the house of YHWH, of which YHWH said, In Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) will I put my name.
2nd Melekiym (Kings) 21:7 And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which YHWH said to Dawiyd (David), and to Shelomo (Solomon) his son, In this house, and in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), which I have chosen out of all tribes of Yisra’el, will I put my name forever:
2nd Melekiym (Kings) 23:27 And YHWH said, I will remove Yahuwdah (Judah) also out of my sight, as I have removed Yisra’el, and will cast off this city Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.
2nd Dibre ha Yamiym (Chronicles) 6:6 But I have chosen Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), that my name might be there; and have chosen Dawiyd (David) to be over my people Yisra’el.
2nd Dibre ha Yamiym (Chronicles) 33:4 Also he built altars in the house of YHWH, whereof YHWH had said, In Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) shall my name be forever.
2nd Dibre ha Yamiym (Chronicles) 33:7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of Elohiym, of which Elohiym had said to Dawiyd (David) and to Shelomo (Solomon) his son, In this house, and in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), which I have chosen before all the tribes of Yisra’el, will I put my name forever:
In the final analysis, we can safely say that those whose hearts are circumcised, and who obey Torah are true Yahuwdiym (Jews).
And who are the elect?
1st Keefa (Peter) 1:
1 Keefa (Peter), an apostle of Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of Elohiym the Father, through sanctification of the Ruwach (Spirit), unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach (Messiah): Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Keefa (Peter) wrote these letters to “strangers” who were not originally part of Yisra’el, yet he tells them that they are the
“ELECT” after the FOREKNOWLEGE OF THE FATHER!
“ELECT” after the FOREKNOWLEGE OF THE FATHER!
This is because they have two things that qualify them to be part of the “election.” What are they?
1.) They are “sanctified” (set-apart) from the pollution of the world and paganism by the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) who called them out!
2.) They are “sprinkled” with the blood of Messiah, Yahuwshuwa! Paul goes onto to qualify these former Gentiles as now being part of the Commonwealth of Yisra’el:
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 2:
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Mashiyach (Messiah) Yahuwshuwa unto good works, which Elohiym has before ordained that we should walk in them.
11 Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time you were without Mashiyach (Messiah), being aliens from the commonwealth of Yisra’el, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without Elohiym in the world:
13 But now in Mashiyach (Messiah) Yahuwshuwa you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Mashiyach (Messiah).
Therefore, if you are “set-apart,” and have repented of all paganism and worldliness, and you are washed in the blood of the lamb, you can say that you are an Yisraelite!
And more specifically, you can say that you have joined the tribe of your future bridegroom, which is the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah)!
There are three different terms that are confusing to most people. These terms are: Hebrew, Yisraelite & Jew.
Where do these terms come from?
Well, it all began in Genesis 32:24-25 with Ya’aqob (Jacob), the younger son of Yitzchaq (Isaac) and Rebekah.
There are three different terms that are confusing to most people. These terms are: Hebrew, Yisraelite & Jew.
Well, it all began in Genesis 32:24-25 with Ya’aqob (Jacob), the younger son of Yitzchaq (Isaac) and Rebekah.
Jacob’s name later became Yisra’el when he wrestled all night long with YaHuWaH, and he was changed into another man. In other words, he was born-again, converted.
What does the name “Yisra’el” mean in Hebrew? In the Strong’s Concordance it is seen as follows:
What this means, is that the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) is an eternal tribe. You see, this is the only tribe that bears the name of our Heavenly Father, YaHuWaH with the added letter “dalet” in it to form the name YaHuWDaH!
The fourth letter in the Hebrew Alphabet is called the “dalet,” and it means “The door.” Our Messiah is “The door” for the sheep to enter salvation (John 10:7-9). Hence, the name Yahuwdah is the name of the Father with the door in it!
What does the name “Yisra’el” mean in Hebrew? In the Strong’s Concordance it is seen as follows:
#H3478 Yisra’el yis-raw-ale’ from 8280 and 410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity: --Israel.
Jacob had twelve sons and his fourth son born to him by Leah was named Yahuwdah (Judah). Judah is the tribe where the High Priest named Melchizedek comes from (Hebrews 7:14).
Melchizedek is “Without father, without mother, having neither beginning of days nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of Elohiym; abides a priest continually.”
What this means, is that the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) is an eternal tribe. You see, this is the only tribe that bears the name of our Heavenly Father, YaHuWaH with the added letter “dalet” in it to form the name YaHuWDaH!
The fourth letter in the Hebrew Alphabet is called the “dalet,” and it means “The door.” Our Messiah is “The door” for the sheep to enter salvation (John 10:7-9). Hence, the name Yahuwdah is the name of the Father with the door in it!
Many people falsely believe that the term “Yahuwdiy” (Jew) means belonging to Judaism. Or they think it means that you merely belong to an ethnic group of people. But in the eyes of our Heavenly Father, to belong to the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) means that you have had your heart circumcised, and that you obey his commandments as the Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) illustrated in Romans 2:26-29.
Let’s define these three terms:
The term “Hebrew” means “from beyond” and it comes from another root word “eber” which means “To cross over the Jordan River.” In other words, the word “Hebrew” means to make a transition from being a Babylonian (just like Abraham was) to being “set-apart” from the world and all forms of paganism.
The first Yisraelite was Jacob, for he was the first one to be given this name. The word “Yisra’el” literally means “To prevail or overcome with Elohiym.” Yisra’el-Jacob gave birth to twelve sons and his fourth son to Leah was named Yahuwdah (Judah).
Therefore, the first “Yahuwdiy” (Jew) was Judah. However, in eternity, the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) is the Tribe of our Heavenly Father and the Messiah who are both Melchizedek!
Therefore, we become a Hebrew we come out of our worldly and Babylonian ways of worship like Abraham did. Then, you become an Yisraelite when you learn to prevail over the enemy by conquering the sinful nature, just like Ya’aqob (Jacob). Finally, you become a Yahuwdiy (Jew) when you sojourn with the Messiah whose tribe is Yahuwdah (Judah)!
Not All Yisraelites are True Yisra’el
*Explanation: Yitzchaq (Isaac) was the son of promise, but Yishma’el
(Ishmael) was a son born to Abraham out of his own desire to have a son.
Romiym (Romans) 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of Elohiym: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Not All Yisraelites are True Yisra’el
The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) illustrated in his letter to the Romans that those who call themselves “Yisra’el” are not necessarily “Yisra’el” simply because they have the genetic markers (born of the flesh). He goes on to explain, that the “elect” (chosen ones) are by promise, and not by natural birth:
Romiym (Romans) 9:
4 Who are Yisraelites; to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the Towrah (law), and the service of Elohiym, and the promises;
5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Mashiyach (Messiah) came, who is over all, Elohiym blessed forever. Awmane.
6 Not as though the word of Elohiym has taken none effect. For they are not all Yisra’el, which are of Yisra’el:
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Yitzchaq (Isaac) shall your seed be called.
(Ishmael) was a son born to Abraham out of his own desire to have a son.
Yishma’el (Ishma’el) was a product of Abraham’s unbelief, but Isaac was a product of Abraham’s unwavering faith, (once he finally decided to believe in the promises of Elohiym).
Romiym (Romans) 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of Elohiym: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
*Explanation: What does Paul mean here? He is explaining that having the genetic markers of an Yisraelite, is not enough to make you a seed (offspring) of Abraham. We must be “born of the Spirit” by having an encounter with YaHuWaH by faith.
There are many examples of people in Scripture who had a life-changing encounter, with Yah, and they were forever changed. Such people are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Paul on his road to Damascus, etc.
Romiym (Romans) 9:
9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.
10 And not only this; but when Ribqah (Rebekah) also had conceived by one, even by our father Yitzchaq (Isaac);
11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of Elohiym according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls;)
12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
13 As it is written, Ya’aqob (Jacob) have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with Elohiym? Elohiym forbid.
15 For he says to Mosheh (Moses), I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
16 So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of Elohiym that shows mercy.
Why did YaHuWaH hate Esau, yet he loved Jacob? In order to understand this concept, let me explain two kinds of seed. In Matthew 13:25-30, Yahuwshuwa taught a parable about two kinds of “seed” (offspring) which are as follows: Wheat & Tares.
This goes to show, that it is possible to begin with your name in the book of life, and then have it blotted out at the end. It is the Spirit of YaHuWaH that empowers us to obey his commandments to begin with.
There are those who honestly believe they are “wheat” (the elect), just because they “went through the motions” of saying “A sinner’s prayer,” or they were baptized (immersed) in the name of “Jesus Christ” or in the correct Hebrew name of “Yahuwshuwa Messiah.”
However, the true test of a genuine conversion, is if these people eventually produce “good fruit.” However, if they continue in sin, they will be shown at the end to be “tares” (false converts). This is what is meant by the phrase “losing one’s salvation.” I contend that if one loses their salvation, they never had it to begin with.
Many think they have salvation because they went through the motions. But on that day, when Yahuwshuwa separates the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32-46), he will say “Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”
In Revelation 3:5, we are shown that whoever “overcomes,” the same shall not have his name blotted out!
This means it is possible to have one’s name written down in “The lamb’s book of life,” but it can be blotted out in the end.
In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-12), the five foolish began with oil in their lamps (symbolic of the Holy Spirit), but they allowed it to run out:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
 |
Those who have the desire to obey, show that they have his Spirit. YaHuWaH gives everyone an “equal opportunity” to be saved for it is not his will that any should perish, but that all might come to repentance (2nd Peter 2:9).
For this reason, I believe that every person is born into this world with their name written in the lamb’s book of life (salvation). If they do not respond to his free gift of salvation with obedience, their name will be blotted out at the end. And this means that they were never his to begin with, for the Father knows the beginning from the end.
YaHuWaH gives us “free-will,” unlike what Calvinism teaches. Hyper-Calvinism teaches that since the elect are already predetermined, there is no need to evangelize. They say that “free-will” is not even factored into the equation.
This is not true, however. Even though YaHuWaH already knows who his elect are, he still gives us a free-will, so that we can choose. He gives everyone the equal opportunity to be saved.
*Case in Point: Esau was given the inheritance because he was the first-born by natural birth.
But he “chose” to forfeit his birth-right for a bowl of stew.
This is the reason why YaHuWaH said “Jacob I have loved and Esau I have hated.”
If Esau had no choice in the matter (because he was already predetermined as lost), then how could YaHuWaH hold him responsible? Why would he hate Esau for abiding by his predetermined destiny?
There are those within Christendom who seek to place us into one of these two categories. Years ago, when I was a member of a Non-Denominational Evangelical Church, they were constantly trying to make us choose between “Calvinism” (named after John Calvin) or “Arminianism” (named after James Arminius).
This is how we know that both free-will and predestination work hand-in-hand. YaHuWaH knew what Esau would do before he even did it. But he still gave him the choice, and because he treated his inheritance or his birthright with such disregard, he is hated.
Hence, Yah works together with our free-will. Jacob on the other-hand was predestined to be the son of promise by prophecy and not by natural birth-right. This means that with all of us, our eternal destiny is based on prophecy, not by natural birth.
Predestination is biblical, as we are told in 1st Peter 1:2 that the “The elect” are determined by “The “foreknowledge of the Father,” as they are sprinkled with the blood of Messiah, and sanctified by his Spirit. But “free-will” is also true as well. I know that this sounds like a dichotomy, and it is a dichotomy. Both seemingly opposite realities are true.
There are those within Christendom who seek to place us into one of these two categories. Years ago, when I was a member of a Non-Denominational Evangelical Church, they were constantly trying to make us choose between “Calvinism” (named after John Calvin) or “Arminianism” (named after James Arminius).
I approached the Pastor and said to him “I don’t fit into either of these, because I am a little bit of both.” Calvinism teaches absolute Predestination, and that our decision to follow Messiah is not of our own doing, that it is entirely a work of grace. While I agree with this to a point, we are not mindless robots, and Yah has given us a free-will to choose him, even though he draws us by his Spirit.
Arminianism teaches that we earn our salvation by our own obedience, and that it is possible to lose our salvation. I do not believe that we initially earn our salvation, as it is a free gift that is given to us when we repent and surrender our lives completely to YaHuWaH.
However, I do believe that once we have obtained that initial salvation, we are commanded to “Work out our own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
What I see in Scripture is that we are called by the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit), but we have a free-will that enables us to chose to respond to the call.
Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans about “The elect” of the nation of Yisra’el. He goes on to reference the prophecy in Hosea explaining how the nation of Yisra’el would no longer be called “my people” by the Heavenly Father.
Yet, after they are cleansed by the blood of the lamb, he would once again call them “my people,” when they repent of their idolatry and return back to the covenant through Messiah:
Romiym (Romans) 9:
24 Even us, whom he has called, not of the Yahuwdiy (Jews) only, but also of the Goyim (Gentiles)?
25 As he says also in Howshea (Hosea), I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, You are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living Elohiym.
27 Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) also cries concerning Yisra’el, Though the number of the children of Yisra’el be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will YHWH make upon the earth.
29 And as Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) said before, Except YHWH of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrah.
30 What shall we say then? That the Goyim (Gentiles), which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
31 But Yisra’el, which followed after the Towrah (law) of righteousness, has not attained to the Towrah (law) of righteousness.
*Note: Paul is saying in the above verses that even though natural-born Yisra’el seems to obey the Towrah (law) in an outward and external way, if it is not based on an intimate relationship with the Father through Messiah’s blood, then all of their “going through the motions” of obeying Towrah means nothing. It must be obedience from the heart, and not merely a superficial false obedience!
Romiym (Romans) 9:
32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone;
33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Tziyown (Zion) a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.
And Paul concludes with the last two verses where he once again, confirms that doing outward “works” of the Towrah (without having a genuine heart conversion), is useless.
So then, natural Yisra’el must die to their “old sinful nature” much like a caterpillar dies when he goes into a cocoon. During that process, he dies to the caterpillar DNA, and he goes through a “metamorphosis” (a total transformation).
When that caterpillar emerges from the cocoon, he is no longer a caterpillar, but he is a butterfly!
When that caterpillar emerges from the cocoon, he is no longer a caterpillar, but he is a butterfly!
His DNA has totally changed!
Similarly, a Gentile can be “born-again” of Messiah’s incorruptible seed, and then he changes from a Gentile to an Yisraelite!
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Mashiyach (Messiah), he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
No comments:
Post a Comment