If Yahusha would not have died for our sins, then we would have to hang on the stake and guess what they would write on the sign hung above us
on the stake? That’s right! Our SINS!!! Wow… wouldn’t that be a huge sign indeed! They would nail our sins to the stake (or somewhere near it
because the list was too long)...
The "handwriting against us" or the "handwriting of ordinances" as it is written in some translations is not the law, but
the record book of our sins.
It is our indebtedness to the law. That is what is against us! That is what was nailed to the stake! It was the record book of our sins that He
blotted out by nailing it to the stake. Take note of the two Scriptures on each side of the stake in the picture, which is the prophecy and then
the fulfillment.
Sha'ul is using legal terminology to show how Yahusha has legally dealt with our sins, not how Yahuwah has dealt with the law. "Blotting out
the handwriting of ordinances" is a legal term whose meaning and application is from the system of jurisprudence or law used in the Greco -
Roman legal system.
verse 14;
Blotting out [1813] the handwriting [5498] of ordinances [1378] that was against [2596] us [2257], which [3739] was [2258]
contrary [5227] to us [2254], and [2532] took [142] it [846] out of [1537] the way [3319], nailing [4338] it [846] to
his stake [4716];
Why is the middle important?
"Recent studies have shed light on the meaning of cheirographon which occurs only once in the scriptures (Col 2:14). Its usage in apocalyptic
literature indicates that cheirographon is the record book of sins or a certificate of sin indebtedness, but not the moral or ceremonial law. This
view is also supported by the clause 'and this he has removed out of the middle'."
The middle was the position occupied at the center of the court or assembly by the accusing witness.
In the context of Colossians, the
accusing witness is the record book of sins, which YHWH through His Bĕn, ha’Mashiah Yahusha has blotted out and removed out of the court.
"We conclude then that the document nailed to the stake is not the law in general or the Sabbath in particular, but rather the record book of
sins. Any attempt to read into it a reference to the Sabbath or to any old testament ordinance is unwarranted gratuitous fantasy." -Dr.
Samuele Bacchiocchi from his book The Sabbath in the New Testament, p.111
Scripture Translations for Col 2:14
(the word cross replaced with stake as it should read)
"He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the stake." (New Living Translation)
"YHWH wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the stake."
(Contemporary English Version)
"having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the
stake." (Today's NIV)
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his
stake;." (RNKJV)
"having blotted out the handwriting against us - by the dogmas - which stood against us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed
it to the stake." (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Sha'ul is talking about circumcision and baptism to show us how they represent the cleansing and forgiveness of our sins.
He is telling the Colossians (who were being misled by heretics) that they don’t need to submit themselves to these ridiculous rules and
regulations to gain salvation, because YHWH has forgiven them who follow after Yahusha.
How can Sha'ul, in this context, be speaking about the law or any part of the law as being done away with. We are not forgiven by doing away with
the law. The abolishing of the law doesn’t make us sinless.
"Let no man judge you…"
Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a set-apart day, or of the new
moon, or of the Sabbath days: (RNKJV)
Qolasim (Colossal) - Colossians 2:16 Let no one therefore judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect of a Festival, or
of a new moon, or Shabbathoth - (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Most scholars make the assumption that Festivals or Feasts of YHWH, new moons and Shabbathoth are the false teachings that Sha'ul is combating.
They assume that the gentile Colossians were not keeping these days but that only the heretics were.
A few points discredit this theory
First of all, Sha'ul calls these false teachings the commandments and teachings of men (vs. 22).
Sha'ul was a Yisra'ĕlite of Yisra'ĕlites, a Pharisee of Pharisees; never in a million years would he refer to the law (Torah) as the commandments
and doctrines of men. It is unthinkable!
The Festivals, New Moons and Shabbathoth are clearly defined in the Torah as being commandments of YHWH.
Not even a bad Yisra'ĕlite would refer to the Torah as the commandments and teachings of men?
Several scholars (non-SDA) came together and wrote a book called "From Sabbath to the Adon’s day" which is similar to Dr. Samuele
Bacchiocchi’s book "From Sabbath to Sunday" and they all agree with regards to the meaning of "Let no man judge you…"
[Donald A. Carson, ed., "From Sabbath to the Lord's Day", A Biblical,Historical, and Theological Investigation, Zondervan, 1982]
No no no! It’s not a Pauline condemnation, but a Pauline approbation.
They agree that Sha'ul is not doing the judging. The ones doing the judging are the false teachers (the heretics) for not observing their man-made
rules!
The false teachers (the heretics) were telling them how to do these things.
To paraphrase, they were saying; if you really want to be saved, you have to eat a certain way, drink a certain way, and observe the qodesh days,
new moons and Shabbathoth a certain way. The reference to this is found in "Touch not; taste not; handle not" (vs. 21)
To paraphrase, Sha'ul is saying: "Let no man judge you" or "Let no man dictate to you, how to eat, drink or observe the qodesh days,
new moons and Shabbathoth." Only the Scriptures, the Word of YHWH can do that, not man.
Sha'ul is not doing the judging. Sha'ul is not condemning these 5 practices of eating, drinking or observing the qodesh days, new moons and
Sabbath days. He approves them provided they are done according to the Scriptures. (Pauline approbation)
Let us keep in mind that there is only one way the Appointed Times of YHWH can be found, and every tree can be known by the fruit it bears
according to the Word of YHWH.
Colossians 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. (KJV)
Colossians 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body of the Messiah. (RNKJV)
Qolasim (Colossal) - Colossians 2:17 which are a shadow of what is to come - but the Body of ha'Mashiah. (Halleluyah
Scriptures)
Notice that the word "is" is in italics for the KJV?
That means it was not in the original text and that the translators put it there. Why would the translators put that in there?
"Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body of Christ." (without the "is" correction)
Most people connect the two parts of this verse to form a complete sentence. Maybe this sentence maade absolutely no sense whatsoever to them, so
the translators thought it would make more sense if they put the verb "is" in there?
Qolasim (Colossal) - Colossians 2:17 which are a shadow of what is to come - but the Body of ha'Mashiah. (Halleluyah
Scriptures)
Notice though, that it says which are (not were) a shadow of what is to come?
YeshaYahu (Salvation of Yah) - Isaiah 66:22-23 "For as the new shamayim and the new earth, that I make stand before Me,"
declares YHWH, "so your seed and your name shall stand. "And it shall be, that from New Moon to New Moon, and from Shabbath to
Shabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before Me," declares YHWH. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Here it is, clear as black and white! "Even as the new shamayim and the new earth, that I make stand before Me," the New Moons and
Shabbathoth will also still be observed! Remember, YHWH changes not! Even as He does not change, His law (Ten commandments or Ten Words, written
by His finger) does not change! It might also be pointed out that in those Ten Commandments, that there are no sacrifices mentioned! It's like He
knew that those Ten Commandments would not be perfect if there was any mention of sacrifices, which I am sure He did, because both the Father and
His Word are perfect, no matter what man may try to do to it, or how they might try and interpret it!
Qolasim (Colossal) - Colossians 1:18 And He is the Head of the Body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the first-born from the
dead, that He might become the One who is first in all. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Qolasim (Colossal) - Colossians 1:24 who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking, in
Mashiah's afflictions for the sake of His Body, which is the assembly, (Halleluyah Scriptures)
The body is the assembly (what the world religions call church, to which a church can be any gathering for any purpose, and not the actual assembly
of Yahusha)!
The last part of verse Colossians 2:17 relates to verse Colossians 2:16...
16 Let no man therefore judge you…[in these matters] 17 but the body of ha'Mashiah [which is the assembly].
In other words, Sha'ul is telling the Colossians that no one should be judging them on these matters but the assembly to come with ha'Mashiah at
Judgement (shadow more clearly seen).
Remember when it is said every tree is known by the fruit it bears? This is how you know which are the real followers of Yahusha! These are your
brothers and sisters in the assembly! If you see that some are in error, study with them in the love of YHWH to show them the truth, then it is up
to them to decide to follow after the truth, even as Sha'ul showed the Collosians.
Qolasim (Colossal) - Colossians 2:14-17 having blotted out the handwriting against us - by the dogmas - which stood against us.
And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the stake. Having stripped the principalities and authorities, He made a public display of
them, having prevailed over them in it. Let no one therefore judge you in eating or drinking, or in respect of a Festival or new moon or
Shabbathoth - which are a shadow of what is to come - but the Body of ha'Mashiah. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
That time and day is already set with the only approved and appointed Judge & Jury.
What I think this means is, we are not to try and sit in judgement of them at this time, but rather reprove the teaching they go by, whether it be
of the Scriptures or not, and if not, it is our duty to try and show them the truth found within the Scriptures.
According to what is taught in the Scriptures, we are to take it to them one on one first, then if that does not work, then by two or three, and if
that does not work, to take to to the entire assembly. Keep in mind, if they are not part of the assembly, that we can still do it in this manner
that they might come to know the truth of the matter.
Sha'ul (in Colossians 2) is not focusing on the law. But rather, he is focusing on Yah’s forgiveness and the completeness in ha’Mashiah Yahusha.
We can keep the Seventh-day Shabbath according to all the Scriptural evidence and be called illogical by those that think they are wise. We just
have to get our facts straight and use only wholly sound teachings from the Scriptures.
The law was not nailed to the stake!
What was nailed to the stake was the record book (or hand writings) of sins which was against us!
Sha'ul did not do away with any laws!
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 25:8 while Sha'ul said in his own defense, "Neither against the Torah of the Yahuḏim, nor against
the Miqdash, nor against Kaisar, did I commit any sin." (Halleluyah Scriptures)
We have been forgiven our sins and trespasses, therefore let no man judge you, but rather be subject to the judgement of the body of Mashiah,
which is the true assembly according to the righteous standard, which is the Word of YHWH.
If you get a speeding ticket and someone pays your fine, does that abolish the speed limit law? Or your debt for the ticket? Only your DEBT!
Yahusha did not come to abolish the law, which is righteous and qodesh, but to fulfill it! To blot out the transgression of the law which is
our sin. He paid our DEBT!
Wayyiqra (And He called) - Leviticus 23:1-3 And YHWH spake to Mosheh, saying, "Speak to the children of Yisra'ĕl, and say to
them, "The Appointed Times of YHWH, which you are to proclaim to be qodesh gatherings, My Appointed Times are these: 'Six days work
is done, but the seventh day is a Shabbath of rest, a qodesh gathering. You do no work, it is a Shabbath to YHWH in all your dwellings.
The seventh day Shabbath is a Feast Day of rest, gathering with prayer, study and worhiship with YHWH.
If you nail the Feast or Festival days to the stake, you nail the seventh day Shabbath to the stake as well, which is actually impossible to do,
because it is an Appointed Time of YHWH, even through the new shamayim and Earth!
Some might be thinking… (really? Come on!)
The Annual Shabbathoth or Feasts were for sacrificing animals…
Don’t mix the 7th day Shabbathoth in there…
We don’t need to sacrifice animals anymore, so we don’t need to celebrate the Annual Shabbathoth either…
Here are some things to consider if you think any of those things.
Bemiḏbar (In the wilderness) - Numbers 28:9-10 'And on the Shabbath day two lambs a year old, perfect ones, and two-tenth parts
of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with oil, with its drink offering, the burnt offering of every Shabbath, besides the continual burnt
offering, with its drink offering.'
Some argue that the annual Shabbathoth were abolished because sacrifices were performed on those days. However, the verses above show that
sacrifices were also performed on the 7th day Shabbath, yet we don't consider that to be a reason to abolish the 7th day Shabbath. Therefore it
is not a valid reason to abolish the annual Shabbathoth either.
While it is true that Yahusha is the final sacrifice, that still does not abolish the Feasts or Festivals of Yah! This just means those Feasts
are to be observed without blood sacrifices.
Some might be thinking... (more excuses?)
It doesn’t really make a difference anyway because the yearly Shabbathoth were only for the Yisra'ĕlites (Jews).
The weekly Shabbath is the Shabbath of YHWH, it’s for everyone, but not the yearly Shabbathoth.
Those were just Feasts or Festivals of the Yisra'ĕlites (Jews).
~~Answer~~
the feasts of YHWH - Wayyiqra (And He called) - Leviticus 23:2
these are my [YHWH’s] feasts - Wayyiqra (And He called) - Leviticus 23:2
the feasts of YHWH - Wayyiqra (And He called) - Leviticus 23:4
YHWH's Passover - Wayyiqra (And He called) - Leviticus 23:5
the feasts of YHWH - Wayyiqra (And He called) - Leviticus 23:37
the feasts of YHWH - Wayyiqra (And He called) - Leviticus 23:44
Some argue that the annual Shabbathoth were just Yisra'ĕlite Feasts or Festivals, but the Scriptures clearly states that they are the Feasts or
Festivals of YHWH!
Romans 2:10-11 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there
is no respect of persons with YHWH. (RNKJV)
Romiyim (Strength) - Romans 2:10-11 but esteem, respect, and peace to everyone working what is good, to the Yahuḏi first and
also to the Yawanite. For there is no partiality with Elohim. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
That sure looks to me like He doesn't care who you are, He has made provisions for everyone!
Shemu'Ĕl 1 (Heard of Ĕl) - 1 Samuel 15:29 "Moreover, the Eminence of Yisra'ĕl does not lie or relent. For He is not a man,
that he should relent." (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Mal'aki (My messenger) - Malachi 3:6 "For I am YHWH, I shall not change,..." (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Ya'aqob (Supplanter) - James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of
lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of turning." (Halleluyah Scriptures)
If the yearly and weekly Feasts or Festivals were YHWH’s Feasts or Festivals in the First Covenant and YHWH does not change, then wouldn’t the
yearly and weekly Feasts or Festivals still be YHWH’s Feasts or Festivals today?
Absolutely! It is clear that they are still YHWH’s Feasts or Festivals!
Some might be thinking…(here we go again!)
Ok, Fine. They are YHWH’s Feasts or Festivals, but weren’t they given to Yisra'ĕl at Mount Sinai?
There is no record of anyone keeping the Feasts before Mount Sinai. So, they must have been only for the Yahuḏi (Jews).
Before Mount Sinai…
Tehillim (Psalms) - Psalms 81:3-5 Blow the ram's horn at the time of the New Moon, at the covering, on our Festival day. For this
is a law for Yisra'ĕl, and a Right-Ruling of the Elohim of Ya'aqob. He appointed it in Yahosĕph for a witness, When he went out through the land of
Mitsrayim; I heard a language that I did not know. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Ya'aqob (Joseph) kept the Feasts before Mt. Sinai!
Way before Mount Sinai…
Berĕshith (In the beginning) - Genesis 26:5 "Because that Aḇraham obeyed My voice and guarded My Charge: My Commands, My
Laws, and My Torot." (Halleluyah Scriptures)
The Appointed Times or Feasts of YHWH are part of YHWH’s statutes! Looks like Aḇraham kept the Feasts of YHWH too!
Berĕshith (In the beginning) - Genesis 19:3 But he urged them strongly, and they turned in unto him and came into his house. And
he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Lot had a feast with unleavened bread? That looks like a Feast was being kept before the Mount Sinai to me...
Some might be thinking... (good grief, really?)
I’m not too sure about those verses... They seem pretty inconclusive….
I’m still thinking that the Feasts or Festivals were given to Yisra'ĕl at Mount Sinai. Thus they were only for the Yahuḏi (Jews) and not for us.
The Seventh Day Sabbath on the other hand, that was given at creation, so it’s for everybody, not just the Yahuḏi.
Genesis 1:14 And Elohim said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and
let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: (RNKJV)
Berĕshith (In the beginning) - Genesis 1:14 And Elohim said, "Let lights come to be in the expanse of the shamayim to separate
the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for Appointed Times, and for days, and years, (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Psalms 104:19 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. (RNKJV)
Tehillim (Psalms) - Psalms 104:19 He made the moon for Appointed Times; the sun knows it's going down.
(Halleluyah Scriptures)
Mo’ed [4150]
Some might be thinking...
I’m still not convinced...
Just because YHWH created the moon for Mo’edim or "Appointed times", what does that have to do with the Feasts or Festivals?
Surely these Mo’edim or "Appointed Times" means Feasts or Festivals, and possibly even more Appointed Times yet to come as described
in Dani'Ĕl (Judgement of El) and Hazon (Vision) - Revelation.
YHWH created the moon so we can tell when a month starts and how to find the Appointed Times!
Seasons [4150] = Appointed times
Exodus 13:10Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year. (RNKJV)
Shemoth (Names) - Exodus 13:10 "And you shall guard this Law at its Appointed Time from year to year."
(Halleluyah Scriptures)
Numbers 9:2 Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season. (RNKJV)
Bemiḏbar (In the wilderness) - Numbers 9:2 "Now let the children of Yisra'ĕl perform the Pesah at its Appointed
Time." (Halleluyah Scriptures)
In other words…
Appointed Times are the Shabbathoth and Feasts or Festivals of YHWH
Wayyiqra (And He called) - Leviticus 23:4 'These are the Appointed Times of YHWH, qodesh gatherings which you
are to proclaim at their Appointed Times'. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
another way to view this...
Wayyiqra (And He called) - Leviticus 23:4 'These are the mo’edim [4150] of YHWH, qodesh gatherings which you
are to proclaim at their mo’edim [4150].' (paraphrased Halleluyah Scriptures)
the Appointed Times [4150] of YHWH (Lev. 23:2)
these are my Appointed Times [4150] (Lev. 23:2)
the Appointed Times [4150] of YHWH (Lev. 23:4)
the Appointed Times [4150] of YHWH (Lev. 23:37)
the Appointed Times [4150] of YHWH (Lev. 23:44)
Again, the word Feast [4150] is transliterated from the Iḇrim (Hebrew) word Mo’ed [4150] or Mo’edim (plural)
meaning Appointed Times.
Berĕshith (In the beginning) - Genesis 1:14 And Elohim said, "Let lights come to be in the expanse of the shamayim to separate
the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for Appointed Times, and for days, and years, (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Tehillim (Psalms) - Psalms 104:19 He made the moon for Appointed Times; the sun knows it's going down.
(Halleluyah Scriptures)
YHWH created the moon so that we would know when to celebrate His mo’edim [4150].
They are His "Appointed Times".
Remember, YHWH does not change!
Some might be thinking…
That’s interesting… but if this is really the case, then wouldn’t Yahusha and the Apostles have kept the Feasts and Festivals too?
Absolutely! And they did just that!
Festival of Tabernacles
Yohanan (Yah has favored) - John 7:8-14 "You go up to this Festival. I am not yet going up to this
Festival, for my time is not yet been filled." And having said this to them, He stayed in Galil. But when His brothers
had gone up to the Festival, then He also went up, not openly, but as it were in secret. The Yahuḏim, therefore, were seeking Him
at the Festival, and said, "Where is He?" And there was much grumbling about Him among the crowd. Some were saying,
"He is good," but others were saying, "No, but He is leading the crowd astray." However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of
the Yahuḏim. And about the middle of the Festival Yahusha went up to the Miqdash, and He was teaching." (Halleluyah
Scriptures)
More Yearly Appointed Times or Feasts attended...
Yohanan (Yah has favored) - John 7:37-38 And on the last Great Day of the Festival, Yahusha stood and
cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me, and let him who believes in Me drink. "As the Scripture said, out of His
innermost shall flow rivers of living water." (Halleluyah Scriptures)
In the Scripture quotes above, is the included verse 38, showing one of the 300 prophesies from the First Covenant being fulfilled in the
Restored Covenant. There are 300 prophesies within the First Covenant concerning the Bĕn of YHWH, ha'Mashiah Yahusha. This is one of the most
impossible things to do by any man, to make such prophesies that were fulfilled in ha'Mashiah Yahusha, proving the Scriptures are true and real
when guided by the Word which was breathed into man by YHWH! These 300 prophesies also disprove any claim by anyone that Yahusha is not ha'Mashiah
sent by YHWH!
Luqas (Illuminating) - Luke 2:41-42 And his parents went to Yerushalayim every year at the Festival of the Pesah.
And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Yerushalayim according to the practice of the Festival. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Yohanan (Yah has favored) - John 2:23 And when He was in Yerushalayim at the Pesah, at the Festival, many
believed in His Name when they saw the signs which He was doing. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Although Yahusha is part of the house of Yisra'ĕl through birth as such, He did not have to offer sacrifices because he had no sin. But, as our
example, He kept the Appointed Times..
Seventh day Shabbath examples:
Marqos (Defense) - Mark 1:21,
Marqos (Defense) - Mark 6:2,
Luqas (Illuminating) - Luke 4:16,
Luqas (Illuminating) - Luke 4:31,
Luqas (Illuminating) - Luke 13:10,
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 13:42,
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 13:44,
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 17:2,
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 18:4,
Iḇrim (Those from beyond) - Hebrews 4:4,
Iḇrim (Those from beyond) - Hebrews 4:9-11
and so on.
Yearly Appointed Times examples:
Tabernacles
Yohanan (Yah has favored) - John 7:8-14,
Yohanan (Yah has favored) - John 7:37
Pesah (Passover)
Luqas (Illuminating) - Luke 2:41-42,
Yohanan (Yah has favored) - John 2:23
Shabouth (Pentecost)
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 20:16,
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 18:21,
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 2:1-4,
Qorin'tiyim 1 (Satiated) - 1 Corinthians 16:8
Unleavened Bread
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 20:6,
Qorin'tiyim 1 (Satiated) - 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
The outpouring of the qodesh Ruah (Spirit) happened during the Appointed Time, the Feast or Festival of Shabouth (Pentecost) long
after the death (and resurrection) of Yahusha on the stake.
The day of Shabouth (Pentecost) could not have fully come if it was nailed to the stake.
The talmidim (apostles), and the houses of Yisra'ĕl and Yahuḏah, as well as Gentile believers kept the Appointed Times, Feasts and/or
Festivals long after the stake!
Yearly Shabbathoth (High Shabbathoth at the start or end of specific Appointed Times) and / or the Appointed Times or Feasts/Festivals they were
part of.
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 2:1-4,
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 18:21,
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 20:6,
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 20:16,
Qorin'tiyim 1 (Satiated) - 1 Corinthians 5:7-8,
Qorin'tiyim 1 (Satiated) - 1 Corinthians 16:8
Role Models for us?
Sha'ul kept the Appointed Times and he writes:
Qorin'tiyim 1 (Satiated) - 1 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore I appeal to you, to become imitators of me. (Halleluyah
Scriptures)
Yahusha kept the Appointed Times and Peter writes:
Kĕpha 1 (Rock) - 1 Peter 2:21-22 For to this you were called, because Mashiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that you should follow His steps, "who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth," (Halleluyah Scriptures)
Some might be thinking… (here we go again)
But aren’t the Annual Sabbaths or Feasts part of the Ceremonial Law?
Weren’t those nailed to the stake?
First of all, the term “Ceremonial Law” is not found anywhere in the Scriptures.
Ellen G. White used the term several times and that is where we probably got it from. Let’s allow her to define this term for us…
Sacrificial / Ceremonial Law
"Elohim's people, whom he calls his peculiar treasure, were privileged with a two-fold system of law; the moral and the ceremonial. The one,
pointing back to creation to keep in remembrance the living Elohim who made the world, whose claims are binding upon all men in every
dispensation, and which will exist through all time and eternity. The other, given because of man's transgression of the moral law, the
obedience to which consisted in sacrifices and offerings pointing to the future redemption. Each is clear and distinct from the other. From the
creation the moral law was an essential part of Elohim's divine plan, and was as unchangeable as himself. The ceremonial law was to answer a
particular purpose of the Messiah’s plan for the salvation of the race. The typical system of sacrifices and offerings was established that
through these services the sinner might discern the great offering, the Messiah. But the Jews were so blinded by pride and sin that but few of
them could see farther than the death of beasts as an atonement for sin; and when the Messiah, whom these offerings prefigured, came, they could
not discern him. The ceremonial law was glorious; it was the provision made by Yahusha ha’Mashiah in counsel with his Father, to aid in the
salvation of the race. The whole arrangement of the typical system was founded on the Messiah. Adam saw the Messiah prefigured in the innocent
beast suffering the penalty of his transgression of YHWH’s law." (RH, May 6, 1875 par. 4) - Ellen G. White - The Review and Herald
May 6, 1875 - The Law of Elohim, paragraph 4
All sacrificial offerings were to cease
"The ceremonial system was made up of symbols pointing to the Messiah, to His sacrifice and His priesthood. This ritual law, with its
sacrifices and ordinances, was to be performed by the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of the Messiah, the Lamb of Elohim that
taketh away the sin of the world. Then all the sacrificial offerings were to cease." - Ellen G. White - Patriarchs and Prophets (1890)
Chap. 32 - The Law and the Covenants, p.365
"’In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.’ In A.D. 31, three and a half years after His baptism,
our Messiah was crucified. With the great sacrifice offered upon Calvary, ended that system of offerings, which for four thousand years had
pointed forward to the Lamb of Elohim. Type had met antitype, and all the sacrifices and oblations of the ceremonial system were there to cease.
" (GC88 327.3) - Ellen G. White - The Great Controversy (1888) Chapter XVIII -An American Reformer –p.327-328
The Mashiah was our Sacrifice
"We have the types and the shadows in the ceremonial laws, and these were to last until they should meet the reality. The sacrificial
offerings were continually revealing the fact that the Messiah was coming to our world, and when type met antitype in the death of the Messiah,
then the sacrificial offerings, typifying the Messiah, were no more of any value, but the royal law of Elohim could not be changed." - Ellen
G. White - The Review and Herald - July 15, 1890 -Obedience to the Law Necessary.
Now that we see the definition of the term "ceremonial laws" by Ellen White, let's look a little farther.
Sacrifices and oblations were to cease
Numbers 18:9 This shall be thine of the most set-apart things, reserved from the fire: every oblation
of theirs, every meat offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me,
shall be most set-apart for thee and for thy sons. (RNKJV)
Bemiḏbar (In the wilderness) - Numbers 18:9 "This is yours of the most qodesh gifts, from the fire: all their
offerings, all their grain offerings and all their sin offerings and all their guilt offerings which they render to Me, are most
qodesh for you and your sons." (Halleluyah Scriptures)
In my original document, I used Dani'Ĕl (Judgement of El) - Daniel 9:27 to show this point, which I should not have, because that
was in reference to the beast, and the man of sin and destruction.
This also includes how he tries to imitate the Father concerning fake laws
and times, where he thinks to have changed both times and laws (Dani'Ĕl (Judgement of El) - Daniel 7:25) in order to attempt to
steal the people of YHWH and their worship and praise of YHWH for himself!
The word oblation [4503] means "offering" according to Strong’s Concordance.
These offerings went along with the
sacrificial system (Bemiḏbar (In the wilderness) - Numbers 28:5,8,9,12,13,20,26,28 etc.).
The sacrificial system with its sacrifices and offerings were to cease at the stake. Remember, Yahusha did not come to destroy the law, but to
fulfill it, therefore since He was the final sacrifice, no more are needed. No mention is made of YHWH’s Appointed Times ceasing at the stake.
Neither the Scriptures nor Ellen White ever say that YHWH’s Appointed times were abolished at the stake.
Over and over Ellen White defines the ceremonial law as the sacrificial system. YHWH’s Appointed Times are never included in her definition of the
"ceremonial law".
Some might be thinking…(come on, really?)
What about all those verses Sha'ul wrote in the Restored Covenant?
Didn’t he clearly write that the Feast or Festival Days or Annual Sabbaths were done away?
Not necessarily. People have interpreted Sha'ul’s writings in so many different ways.
Not all interpretations claim that the Appointed Times of YHWH were abolished. But, how do we know which interpretation is true?
Kĕpha's Warning about Sha'ul’s Writings
Kĕpha 2 (Rock) - 2 Peter 3:15-17 And reckon the patience of our Aḏon as deliverance, as also our beloved brother Sha'ul wrote to
you, according to the wisdom given to him, as also in all letters, speaking in them concerning these, in which some are hard to understand,
which those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also the other Scriptures. You, then, beloved ones,
being forewarned, watch, lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the delusion of the lawless,
(Halleluyah Scriptures)
Sha'ul (Paul) = Torah Scholar | Kĕpha (Peter) = Fisherman
We can relate to Kĕpha's concern. Some of the things Sha'ul writes really are hard to understand. Sha'ul was a Pharisee, he knew and understood the
Aramaic & Iḇrim (Hebrew) Scriptures - the Tanak (First Covenant), which included the Torah (Teaching), Neḇi'im (Prophets), and Kethuḇim
(Writings) inside out; he knew them almost like the back of his hand.
On the other hand, most of us are like Kĕpha the fisherman, and studying the Scriptures is not our fulltime job. There are many things in the
Scriptures in which we may be unlearned and unstable. I am very guilty of this as charged, because of the time I grew up in, as well as my
surroundings, where the Scriptures became something less and less studied and talked about on a normal basis. How about you? Is the world around
you trying to make it harder and harder to keep studying His Word to show yourself approved, rightly dividing His Word?
Therefore we need to be careful on how we interpret Sha'ul's writings so that we're not wrestling them out of their intended context. But how can
we be sure that we’re not misinterpreting Sha'ul's writings?
We need to be daily and constantly studying His Word, seeking Him with prayer and the guideance from the qodesh Ruah (Spirit)!
The noble Thessaloninikĕ (Bereans) (who we should be like in studying His Word)
We all should know about the noble Thessaloninikĕ (Bereans) who searched the Scriptures daily to see whether Sha'ul's teachings were true.
Ma'asĕh (Actions) - Acts 17:10-11 And the brothers immediately sent Sha'ul and Sila away by night unto Beroia, who, having come,
went into the congregation of the Yahuḏim. Now these were more noble than those in Thessaloninikĕ, who received the Word with great eagerness,
and searched the Scriptures daily, if these were so. (Halleluyah Scriptures)
They searched what Scriptures?
What Scriptures were the Bereans using? The Renewed Covenant (New Testament)? Nope, because most of it wasn't even written yet as far as we know,
and that which was written by the Talmidim (Apostles) and Sha'ul was not considered as Scripture yet. Maybe it is possible they saw these letters
written by the Talmidim and Sha'ul, and were actually comparing them in order to know if they were truth according to the First Covenant? This
looks like a more likely means by which the Thessaloninikĕ were doing a comparison, in comparing those letters to the First Covenant.
The Scriptures they were using to verify Sha'ul's teachings were the Aramaic & Iḇrim (Hebrew) Scriptures (the First Covenant). The
Thessaloninikĕ (Bereans) were noble because they searched to verify that Sha'ul's teachings were in harmony with the First Covenant Scriptures. If
Sha'ul's teachings would not have lined up with the First Covenant Scriptures, then they would not have accepted his teachings.
We need to do likewise, but remember, they had books that we do not mormally have today, like the book of Hanok (Enoch), Yashar and so on. It is
our duty to find what is missing and read those as well (no one is going to do it for us)!
Webmaster - Terry W. Avery
Phone: 918-327-7252
Oklahoma, USA.
Stay Up to Date With Whats Happening:
Most of these are my personal accounts (Terry W. Avery)
the FaceBook account is for Leading Light District!
