Righteousness, Obedience and Rewards
In this study, the following are to be considered:
Righteousness p.1: (i) What is righteousness? p.1; (ii) The humanity of the Messiah p.2;
(iii) How to become righteousness p.3;
Obedience p.4: (i) What is obedience? p.4; (ii) Why is it so difficult to be obedient? p.5;
(iii) Eternal salvation p.7; (iv) Ritual versus obedience p.8; (v) Commandments p.8;
Rewards p.10: (i) Physical and transient p.10; (ii) Physical and eternal p.10;
Body, Spirit and Soul p.12: (i) Body p.12; (ii) Spirit p13.; (iii) Soul p.13;
Final State p.14;
Conclusion p.15;
References and Credits p.16:
Righteousness
(i) What is righteousness?
‘Righteousness’ #H6663 צָדַק ss-ar-deck *1879 sadeq, #G1342 δίκαιος di-keye-os – that which is right, just, true (as in weights and measures meeting a required standard), Yahuah’s attribute as Sovereign. The meaning of righteousness under consideration is “‘justifying righteousness’ which He bestows on us sinful men, and which, when laid hold of by faith, makes them fit to appear in His holy presence” (Brown).
“For we are all become as one who is unclean, and all our righteousness are as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isa. 64:6). In Yahuah’s word through His prophet Yesha`yahu (Isaiah) Mankind is warned that no matter how hard we try, the righteousness that we can attain is but ‘filthy rags’ (KJV). The idea behind this phrase is that of the soiled cloths of a woman during her monthly period. The Tanakh reveals a number of men who are said to be righteous; Noach, Daniyel, Iyov, “though these three men, Noach, Daniyel, and Iyov, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, says Yahuah `Elohiym.” (Eze. 14:14) and Abraham, “He believed in Yahuah; and He reckoned it to him for righteousness.” (Gen. 15:6). The Renewed Covenant also tells of righteous people, “They (Zekharyah and Elisheva) were both righteous before `Eloakh, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of Yahuah.” However, even their attempts to righteousness must be considered as ‘filthy rags’. There is but One who was truly righteous, “My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counsellor with the Father, Yahusha the Messiah, the righteous.” (1 John 2:1).
“What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who did not follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.” (Rom. 9:30). In writing to the Messianic Community in Rome, Sha`ul (Paul) informs the congregation that righteousness cannot be gained by works, including the ritual following of the Written Torah and Oral Traditions. If this the case, how then can the Gentiles, who do not know Torah or the traditions, can attain righteousness? It can only be by faith in the work of the Saviour.
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“My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counsellor with the Father, Yahusha the Messiah, the righteous.” (1 John 2:1). The perfect standard of Yahuah is the Messiah, HaTzaddiq.
(ii) The humanity of the Messiah
“Have this in your mind, which was also in the Messiah Yahusha, who, existing in the form of Yahuah, did not consider it robbery to be equal with Yahuah, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:5-8). Sha`ul instructs the Philippian Community regarding the Messiah’s deity/humanity. In no way does Sha`ul say that the Messiah laid down His divinity in order to become fully Man. Rather, He who had equality with Yahuah ‘emptied’ #G2758 κενόω ken-ow-oh – 1a) laid aside equality with or from Yahuah. In His earthly ministry, the Master was fully Man and fully `Elohiym. It was the attributes of divinity that were put to one side. There could not be anything in the Master that was not in Mankind. Likewise, there was nothing in Mankind that was not in the Master. If this was not the case, then the Master could not be our Saviour. If the Master never was tired; if the Master was never hungry; if the Master could not feel anguish because He was Yahuah then He could not have complete empathy with Mankind. If the Master walked on water; if the Master healed the sick because He was `Elohiym; if the Master raised up the dead because He was `Elohiym then these miracles would not be available to Mankind to perform.
If the Master rose or was raised up from the grave because He was `Elohiym, Mankind could not also be resurrected through Him, “We were buried, therefore, with Him through immersion to death, that just like the Messiah was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, we will also be part of His resurrection;” (Rom. 6:4, 5).
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15). The reference to the High Priest is of Yahusha HaMashiach. ‘All’ points #G3956 πᾶς pass – each, every, any, all. This shows that the Messiah had in Him every attribute that was in Mankind, and Mankind had every attribute that was in the Messiah. If the Messiah was capable of sinning, so was Mankind. However, this verse tells us that the Messiah had no sin in Him so could not have been subject to ‘original sin’. Therefore, to be our perfect High Priest, Mankind also could not be subject to ‘original sin’. It is true that Man’s very nature made it so easy to sin that it was inevitable that he would succumb. Likewise, the Messiah’s very humanity made it very easy for Him to sin yet He did not yield to any temptation.
“Then Yahusha was led up by HaRuach into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matt. 4:1). Here is the beginning of the Master’s temptation. This means that:
(a) there must have been a possibility of the Master having a choice to sin or not.
(b) what haSatan had to offer, it was able to deliver its promise.
If these were not true, then it could not be classed as temptation and the Messiah could not be our Redeemer as He would not have full understanding of the effect of the constant battle with temptation.
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(iii) How to become righteous
“Therefore, has Yahuah recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to my cleanness in His eyesight.” (2 Sam. 22:25; Psa 18:20). It is not how we see ourselves or how others see us but how we appear to Yahuah.
“He (Abraham) believed in Yahuah; and He reckoned it to him for righteousness.” (Gen. 15:6). “Even as Dawid also pronounces blessing on the man to whom Yahuah counts righteousness apart from works,”. (Rom. 4:6). Sha`ul frequently interchanges righteousness with justification. There is no mention of any work that Abraham carried out that made him righteous; it was totally due to his faith in Yahuah to fulfil His promises, “Yet, looking to the promise of Yahuah, he did not waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to Yahuah, and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore, it also was ‘reckoned to him for righteousness.’” (Rom. 4:20-22).
“Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. Abraham was justified because he put his faith into action. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Yitzchak (Isaac) his son on the altar? You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected.” (James 2:17; 21-22). There is a common saying ‘Talk is cheap’. It is easy to say that I have faith but without action, this talk is cheap. Abraham believed all that Yahuah said would come about but this was followed up by putting this faith into action. “But seek first Yahuah ‘s Kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33). This means to actively seek out and to keep on seeking out His righteousness and put that before all other things. Where shall a person go to find this ‘righteousness’? From this verse, it is clear that righteousness is closely associated with the Kingdom of Yahuah. “For Him who knew no sin He made to be sin on our behalf; so that in Him we might become the righteousness of `Eloakh.” (2 Cor. 5:21).
“The gift is not as through one who sinned: for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the freely-given gift came of many trespasses to justification. For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Yahusha the Messiah.” (Rom. 5:16, 17). This is usually referred to as the ‘free gift’ of Yahuah. This cannot be further from the truth. The ‘gift’ has been freely given, but the price that was paid was the death of Yahuah’s only begotten Son. Imagine a person needing a car but could not afford one. In steps a benefactor who buys one from the local dealership and then gives it to the one in need. The car had a cost, but it was the benefactor who paid for it, not the one in need.
“He shall receive a blessing from Yahuah, Righteousness from the `Elohiym of his salvation.” (Psa. 24:5). ‘Salvation’ #H3468 יֵשַׁע *929 yeh-share. Yahusha means ‘Yahuah is Salvation’. “For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Rom. 10:10). This verse, and the previous verse from Psalms, clearly link righteousness with salvation and this only comes through faith in the completed work of the Messiah Yahusha.
Why then does Yahuah impute righteousness to repentant sinners when it is He who saves? “Show your marvellous lovingkindness, You who save those who take refuge by your right
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hand from their enemies.” (Psa. 17:7). ‘Loving-kindness’ #H2617 חֶסֶד khekh-said – benevolence, mercy, pity, favour. *698a hesed is has a wide range of meaning based around three attributes:
(a)The Covenant that is between Yahuah and His people whereby the people that
remain loyal to Him are assured of grace. Although a secular covenant is dependent upon both sides remaining loyal to the terms of the covenant, Yahuah cannot break His word so the scriptural Covenant is wholly dependent upon His people keeping theirs. This is clearly shown by Deut. 28:1-68 and its prophetic part fulfilment.
(b) Yahuah’s love is not a facet of the Covenant but rather the Covenant is an outworking of that love.
(c) The Covenant is an assertion of the character of Yahuah that includes but not limited to love.
“Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as debt.” (Rom. 4:4). ‘Grace’ #G5485 χάρις Khar-riss 2) favour, good-will, loving-kindness. This is the Renewed Covenant equivalent of khekh-said. Sha`ul understands that a person who works deserves (is owed) his wages. A salary cannot be reckoned as a favour (imputed) because it lacks the element of something that is freely given (grace). “For the wages of sin is death, but the freely-given gift of `Eloakh is eternal life in the Messiah Yahusha our Master.” (Rom. 6:23). The sinner who ‘works’ sin in his life is ‘owed’ death.
Salvation (for further details refer to Salvation – First Generation Assembly), redemption, sanctification and righteousness are all part of the gift freely given by Yahuah to all who repent and put their trust (faith) in the Messiah. It is not a ‘free’ gift as is commonly stated, but was paid for by the ultimate price – the sacrifice of Yahuah’s beloved Son.
Obedience
(i) What is obedience?
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine;” (Exod. 9:5). ‘Obey’ #H8085 שָׁמַע sha-mare – hear attentively *2412 pay attention, understand, obey, hear critically; #G3980 πειθαρχέω pie-tha-khay-oh – to obey as a sovereign. It is not a blind following, but a conscious effort of the will.
It can be shown how obedience results in rewards in this life and the next and that they are promised to righteous Believers. However, we must take great care not to mistake success in this life with the degree of obedience or righteousness.
“and all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall listen (sha-mare) to the voice of Yahuah your `Elohiym.” (Deut. 28:2). This is typical of all the promises of Yahuah (both blessings and curses) in that they are all conditional on man’s obedience or disobedience. Deut. 28:1-68 is commonly called the ‘Blessings and Curses’ chapter. It is too long to copy out here, but it is well worth visiting the passage to see what is available. (‘Blessing’ #H1293 בְּרָכָה ber-ra-khar– a gift or present *285b beraka expression of good things).
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“Hear, Yisra`el: you are to pass over the Yarden this day, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to the sky,” (Deut. 9:1). Moshe warns the Yisra`elites against being complacent. Yahuah has blessed them throughout the wilderness journey. The warning is against considering that the Ysra`elites had somehow earned these blessings by following the Word of Yahuah completely. If Moshe had not intervened at the Golden Calf incident, they would not have made it past Sinai. Yahuah told them what to do (through Moshe) and it was only right that the people obeyed Yahuah for who He is. They must not expect a reward for simply being who they are or ought to do.
“But who is there among you, having a servant ploughing or keeping sheep… Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty.’” (Luke 17:7a, 10). Our Master teaches us that Yahuah is to be obeyed as He is the Master and we are His servants. A servant should not expect a reward for carrying out what he is supposed to do. A master may give a reward for a job well done but this is out of the goodness of his heart and not the merit of the servant. We should not do Yahuah’s work for what we get out of it but for who He is (Almighty Yahuah, Abba Father) and because we love Him and want to please Him.
For example, Yahuah’s Word tells us not to be promiscuous, “For this is the will of `Eloakh: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality,” (1Thess. 4:3). We obey Yahuah because He requires it and we want to please Him and not out of fear of punishment or its benefits. However, there are obvious health benefits of not leading an immoral life.
“Love does not harm a neighbour. Love, therefore, is the fulfilment of the law.” (Rom. 13:10). According to Wesley the law is only fulfilled when it is obeyed (Wesley p.218) and the fruit of this obedience is love.
“But as for you, your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness.” (Num. 14:32). In the account of The Sending Out of the Spies (Num. 13:1 – 14:45), all but two of the adult generation fell under Yahuah’s curse because of their disobedience. Nevertheless, it was only two who were trusting completely in Yahuah that entered the promised land, “Surely none of the men… shall see the land…save Kalev the son of Yefunneh the Kenizzi, and Yehoshua the son of Nun; because they have wholly followed Yahuah.” (Num. 32:11, 12).
Compare this with the next verse.
(ii) Why is obedience so difficult?
“He gave Yehoshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, ‘Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Yisra`el into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with you.’” (Deut. 31:23). Of the complete adult generation, only Yehoshua and Kalev were allowed to enter the Promised Land because of their obedience. The contrast is that all the current adult generation were consigned to death in the wilderness for disobedience.
“… For I do not practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do. But if what I do not desire, that I do… For the good which I desire, I do not do; but the evil which I do not desire, that I practice. But if what I do not desire, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.” (Rom. 7:15-20). Sha`ul tells it as it really is and gives us the common problem with obedience.
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“For the flesh lusts against HaRuach, and HaRuach against the flesh; and these are contrary to one other, that you may not do the things that you desire.” (Gal. 5:17). Here is the cause of Sha`ul’s dilemma. In this constant battle between the flesh and the spirit, what can be done? “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:” (Col. 3:5, 6 KJV). ‘Mortify’ #G3499 νεκρόω nekroo – 1) to put to death, 3) to deprive of power, destroy the strength of. How can this be accomplished? “Watch and pray, that you do not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41). The Master was well aware of the problem of spirit versus flesh. By following His perfect example, we are shown how to go about conquering the flesh.
“And being found in human form, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:8). Here, the definite article ‘the’ denotes a specific death. “…for he who is hanged is accursed of Yahuah; that you do not defile your land which Yahuah your `Elohiym gives you for an inheritance.” (Deut. 21:23b). Of all the various ways a person can die, Scripture records only one that causes a person to be under Yahuah’s curse. The ‘tree’ therefore is a symbol of crucifixion or more accurately, the execution stake.
“though He was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” (Heb. 5:8). What exactly did the Master suffer? Was it the betrayal of a friend? The injustice of the mockery of a trial? The scourging? Was it the hours spent on the cross? “…My `El, my `El,
why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). Or was it when the Father turned His back on His beloved Son? The Aramaic Peshitta (Scriptures) understands this plea as “My El! My El! Why you have spared me?” (Matt. 27:46 Roth AENT). Roth further explains that Yahuah Father could not forsake His Messiah, rather the Messiah was asking how much longer would He have to suffer on the stake. Immediately after this question, the Messiah’s physical suffering was ended.
“For as through the one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One will many be made righteous.” (Rom. 5:19). How can we appropriate the blessings as a result of the Master’s obedience? The Master obeyed the Law fully and completely, not in order to be saved but wholly to please His Father.
“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you shall listen to the commandments of Yahuah your `Elohiym, which I command you this day;” (Deut. 11:6, 7). “…Obey my voice, and do them (commandments), according to all which I command you: so shall you be my people, and I will be your `Elohiym;” (Jer. 11:4b). We are very rarely, thankfully, called to be obedient to Yahuah even unto death like our Master. We are however, called to follow His perfect example. “For Him who knew no sin He made to be sin on our behalf…” (2 Cor. 5:21a).
The example given to us by the Master is that by knowing and obeying His Father’s will He was able to resist sin. Unlike a popular belief, the Master was capable of sinning, otherwise He could not be tempted and be the perfect example. “…His servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16b). ‘Servant’ #G1401 δοῦλος doo-los – slave.
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“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both Yahuah and Mammon.” (Matt. 6:24). Here the Word of Yahuah calls us to make a decision: there cannot be any fence sitting. Mammon is a symbol of what the world has to offer. Yahuah is asking us to choose between what He has to offer (freedom in the Messiah) or what the world has to offer (slavery to sin).
“…choose you this day whom you will serve; …but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahuah.” (Josh. 24:15). Joshua is the anglicized and shortened form of Yehoshuah; as is the Master’s name. It is only the early Church fathers that could not bring themselves to have anyone else in the Bible with the same name as the Master. The whole economy of Yahuah is based upon a single concept: free-will choice. Without this free-will choice there can be no sin; if there is no sin then there is no need of a Saviour. Therefore, Mankind would have an existence no different from a dog or a horse. However, in Almighty Yahuah’s infinite wisdom, Mankind has been given a free-will to choose; thus sin enters the world and there is a need for a Saviour. In order to determine what is sinful, Yahuah has given us a clear set of guidelines for us to choose how to live our lives. These are called commandments.
“The men marvelled, saying, ‘What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him (the Messiah Yahusha)?’” (Matt. 8:27). “with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him (the Messiah Yahusha)!” (Mark 1:27). If the elements and demonic spirits obey Him, how much more should we who love Him, obey Him.
One of the most common ways that disobedience occurs is when Yahuah’s voice is not heard.
“It happened after these things, that `Elohiym tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ He said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, even Yitzchak, and go into the land of Moriyah. Offer him there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of.’” (Gen. 22:1, 2). Abraham heard Yahuah’s voice and obeyed, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
“Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to kill his son. The angel of Yahuah called to him out of the sky, and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ He said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the boy, neither do anything to him. For now I know that you fear `Elohiym, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.’” (Gen. 22:10-12). In the critical moment of the Akedah, the binding of Yitzchak, Abraham heard again, the voice of Yahuah. Should he have carried on doing what Yahuah told him to do, he would have killed his son, against Yahuah’s will, if he was not hearing the voice of Yahuah and obeying continually.
(iii) Eternal salvation
The ultimate fruit of obedience is in the knowledge that, “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:29), and salvation is assured (for a more detailed account refer to Salvation – First Generation Assembly).
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(iv) Ritual versus obedience
“Yahuah said to Moshe, ‘Walk on before the people, and take the Elders of Yisra`el with you, and take the rod in your hand with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horev. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.’ Moshe did so in the sight of the Elders of Yisra`el.’” (Exod. 17:5, 6).
“Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aharon your brother, and speak you to the rock before their eyes, that it give forth its water; and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their cattle drink.” (Num. 20:8). In these similar situations, Yahuah changes His instructions slightly. In both, Moshe was to bring his rod and in the first passage to strike the rock but in the second account only to speak to the rock. The differing instructions may have been to see how Moshe listened and how obedient he was. However, it is my opinion that it is more likely that Yahuah wanted Moshe to turn to him on every occasion and not to rely on ritual. By following a set method, there became a danger on relying upon Man and not upon Yahuah for the miracle. This disobedience was the cause of Moshe missing out on leading the Ysra`elites into the Promised Land.
“Dawid inquired of`Elohiym, saying, ‘Shall I go up against the Pelishtim (Philistines)? and will you deliver them into my hand?’ Yahuah said to him, ‘Go up; for I will deliver them into your hand.’” (1 Chron. 14:10).
“Dawid inquired again of `Elohiym; and Yahuah said to him, ‘You shall not go up after them: turn away from them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees.’” (1 Chron. 14:14).
In these two passages, similar situations were met with different instructions. Dawid did not presume Yahuah would automatically give him the victory nor that it was Dawid and his army that would obtain the victory. However, by seeking Yahuah’s instructions, Dawid showed his reliance upon Yahuah.
(v) Commandments
“because Abraham obeyed (shama’) my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” (Gen. 26:5).
‘Charge’ – #H4929 מִשְׁמָר mish-mar – the object of a watchman’s vigilance *2414f division of service.
‘Commandment’ – #H4687 מִצְוָה mitz-var *1887b – command where Yahuah knows what is beneficial to Man.
‘Statute’ – #H2706 חֹק khoke – ordinance, limit *728a custom, law, decree.
‘Laws’ – #H8451 תּוֹרָה toh-rar – the first five books of Scripture (the Law of Moshe); 2) the TaNaKh (Ta = Torah {Law. Teachings}; Na = Navi’im {Prophets}; Kh = K’tuvim {Writings}); 3) All the books of Scripture. *910d tora – the stipulations of the Covenant.
This single verse removes any doubt that Yahuah’s Torah is necessary in our lives and very much relevant today. Chapter 4 of Romans shows us that Abraham was a man of great faith and it was accounted as righteousness, “because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my mitzvot, my statutes, and my laws.” (Gen. 26:5), the inspired writer tells us that
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Abraham observed all of Yahuah’s commandments. Abraham looked forward prophetically and accepted Torah even before it was ‘officially’ given to Moshe at Mount Sinai. He looked further past that to what Torah was showing even to the birth, ministry, death, resurrection, exaltation and the return of the Messiah. This made it possible for Abraham to accept Yahusha HaMashiach as his Saviour.
Rarely do I copy ‘chunks’ of other people’s work but I am about to make an exception. What follows is taken from First Fruits of Zion’s Torah Club Vol. Five Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of Torah).
“Keep in mind then, we learn Torah and we keep the commands of Torah not to earn God’s favour or even to achieve righteousness. Instead, we learn Torah and do Torah because it represents who we already are in Messiah. Our delight in the Torah is a true delight, begotten of our spiritual rebirth in Messiah. Thus it is true simchah – true joy – that we lift our hearts to dance with the Torah again. Our joy in the Torah is because of Simchat Yeshua – the Joy of Salvation.” (FFOZ 2003).
Orthodox Judaism states that there are 613 commandments codified by the Middle Ages sage Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (RaMbaM) in his Sefer HaMitzvot (The Book of Commandments www.chabad.org). However, not all the commandments are relevant to every person, at every time and place. For instance: “…and the whole assembly of the congregation of Yisra’el shall kill it (Passover lamb) at evening.” (Exod. 12:6b). This commandment is totally dependent upon the Temple in Jerusalem being in service and to be carried out in the evening. As there is no Temple (and it can only be the Temple in Yerushalayim) then no sacrifices of any sort can take place.
“If a woman has a discharge, and her discharge in her flesh is blood, she shall be in her impurity seven days: and whoever touches her shall be unclean until the evening.” (Lev. 15:19). This is obviously concerning a woman’s discharge.
“Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest…” (Exod. 23:12a). There are no restrictions regarding gender or location and must be carried out by all, everywhere.
“but the seventh day is a Shabbat to Yahuah your `Elohiym. You shall not do any work…” (Exod. 20:10a). The previous commandment is a positive commandment whilst this is a negative commandment that is incumbent upon all males and females at every time in every location and even includes domestic animals. The codified 613 commandments, therefore, are not a definitive list as some commandments, such as regarding the Sabbath, have a positive and negative connotation. It is necessary, therefore, to know what commandments are relevant in order to determine if it is required or even possible to uphold individual commandments.
All commandments are found in the Tanakh. There are no new commandments but only renewed found in the New Testament. There is the old adage ‘New in the Old contained; Old in the New explained’. Sha`ul of Tarsus (Paul) studied Torah under Gamaliel, a Pharisaic teacher and member of the Jerusalem Sanhedrin. This was one of the most exclusive Rabbinic schools of the time. Sh`aul’s letters to the Messianic communities and pastoral letters are a result of lost letters to Sha`ul asking to clarify matters of halachah. This is Hebrew for ‘walk’ and refers to how a person is to ‘walk’ or live according to Torah. Apart
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from the Good News accounts, Acts and Revelation, the other books are letters giving guidance on how to live according to Scripture from people acknowledged by the first generation assemblies.
Rewards
Salvation is not a reward but a consequence of repentance and accepting Yahusha HaMashiach as Master and Saviour. “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.” (Rev. 22:12). There are two categories of rewards: i) physical and transient; ii) physical and eternal.
(i) Physical and transient – this refers to rewards on earth.
“So that men shall say, ‘Most assuredly there is a reward for the righteous. Most assuredly there is an `Elohiym who judges the earth.’” (Psa. 58:11). ‘Reward’ #H6529 פְּרִי pe-ree – fruit, reward *1809a consequence of an action. “and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matt. 6:6b). ‘Reward’ #G3408 μισθός mis-thos – wages. In this passage (Matt. 6:1-6) Mattityahu (Matthew) tells us that Yahuah is a rewarder of our actions. “for they loved men’s praise more than Yahuah’s praise.” (John 12:43). Both types of person receives a reward; one the accolade of his peers, the other from Yahuah Himself.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahuah, and depart from evil. It will be health to your body, And nourishment to your bones.” (Prov. 3:7, 8). “My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, And health to their whole body.” (Prov. 4:20-22). “If they listen and serve him, They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures.” (Job 36:11). These passages show that there is an immediate reward of health and prosperity to those who are obedient to Yahuah. These rewards are relevant to the here and now. Again, it must be stressed that Believers are not to be obedient because of the expectation of rewards, but rather to please Abba Father.
“…I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b). The promise by the Master in this verse is that He came so that Believers can have a life over and exceeding anything that non-Believers can expect. This can only take place here on earth.
(ii) Physical and eternal – this refers to rewards in eternity usually referred to as Heaven where Yahuah will reign.
There are two types of rewards in eternity; a) crowns and b) heaven itself.
(a) Crowns
(1) #G4735 στέφανος stef-an-os – a metaphor of eternal blessing given as a prize to
genuine servants of Yahuah. It is always used of conquerors and victors but never of kings, “Also, if anyone competes in the games, he is not crowned unless he has competed by the rules.” (2 Tim. 2:5). The stef-an-anos was used in the Greek games as wreaths or garlands of earthly produce that quickly lost their beauty and freshness. These were usually made of woven oak, of ivy, of myrtle, of olive, or of flowers. This reference to idolatrous culture was alien to the Jewish people.
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“Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Master promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12).
“Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10). “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four Elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns (stephanoi) of gold on their heads.” (Rev. 4:4). In Jewish culture, the stefanos is the emblem of highest joy, gladness, glory and morality and pre-nuptial anticipation of the betrothed couple (Edersheim). “They braided a crown (stephanos) of thorns and put it on his head… saying, ‘Hail, King of the Yehudim!’” (Matt. 27:29). This woven crown was made as a token of mockery by the Romans. However, from the Jewish paradigm it signified the highest joy and nuptial bliss. The Master suffered the pain of the thorns knowing that He was about to achieve His highest joy (His ultimate obedience to the Father) and pre-nuptial anticipation (preparing for His bride).
(2) #G1238 διάδημα dee-a-day-ma – diadems. “And there appeared…a great red dragon, having…seven crowns upon his heads.” (Rev. 12:3 KJV). These were the insignia of royal or exalted rank, usually a simple gold band but may have even just been a white linen band trimmed in blue.
“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns (dee-a-day-ma), and on his heads, blasphemous names.” (Rev. 13:1). HaSatan and the beast appear wearing crowns of royal rank. These two references to crowns describe how it tries to usurp royal status.
“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of Yahuah… I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like Ha`Elyon (the Most High).’” (Isa. 14:13, 14). Throughout His earthly ministry, the Master was only publically acclaimed as King three times:
First)- upon His ‘triumphant’ entry into Yerushalayim, “Tell the daughter of Tziyon, Behold, your King comes to you, Humble, and riding on a donkey, On a colt, the foal of a donkey…A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees, and spread them on the road.” (Matt. 21:5, 8);
Second)- with the crown of thorns, “They clothed Him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on Him. They began to salute Him, ‘Hail, King of the Yehudim!’” (Mark 15:17, 18);
Third)- with the sign above the execution stake, “The Chief Priest of the Yehudim therefore said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, ‘The King of the Yehudim,’ but, ‘He said, ‘I am King of the Yehudim.””
However, the Usurper tries to be like Yahuah and seeks public acknowledgement.
“His (the Messiah) eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns (diadema). He has names written and a name written which no one knows but He Himself.” (Rev. 19:12). When the Messiah returns, there will be no doubt that He is the King of Kings.
(b) Heaven
“His Master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Master.’” (Matt. 25:21). Personally, this is the reward that I am looking for. All the other
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rewards would be the icing on the cake whereas this would be my Master being pleased with how I have conducted my life and used all the gifts that He has given to me to the utmost for His Kingdom.
“He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4). Heaven is the place where peace and joy will reign. All those things that had robbed Mankind of peace and joy will not be in heaven.
“Death and She`ol were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:14). Death has no place in heaven. From the introduction of death as a consequence of disobedience, death has stalked every person with its insatiable appetite. However, with the redemption of Mankind (and of all Creation) death has lost its power over Mankind. If sin cannot be found in the presence of Yahuah, neither can its close attendant, death.
“…neither by heaven, for it is the throne of Yahuah;” (Matt. 5:34b). Heaven is the place that Yahuah resides. “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.” (John 3:13). The Apostle Yochanan taught that the Messiah came from and returned to heaven. “Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” (Matt. 5:12a). Heaven will be where we receive our final rewards.
“Blessed and set apart is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over these, the second death has no power, but they will be Priests of `Eloakh and of the Messiah, and will reign with Him one thousand years.” (Rev. 20:6). The Bride of the Messiah will co-reign with Him on earth for 1000 years. This will only be a temporary rule until, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more.” (Rev. 21:1), where eternity begins.
Body, Spirit and Soul
There now arises the difficult question as to what ‘form’ Believers will be in heaven. This discussion refers to the Final State, that following resurrection.
(i) Body
99% of the mass of the human body is made up of the six elements oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and iron (the balance made up with trace elements). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_of_the_human_body).
Compare this with the typical composition of soil that comprises of a mixture of rock and organic material being mostly oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, iron and calcium (the balance being made up with trace elements). (www.krishiworld.com).
“Yahuah `Elohiym formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7). Mankind’s body consists of a combination of bio-chemicals. Only when Yahuah breathed into Adam did Man come to life.
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The body is also frequently referred to as the ‘flesh’.
Throughout the ‘civilised’ world, there are various national laws governing abortion. Those allowing abortions have differing ages at which the foetus is considered to be viable. I do not like the medical term foetus but would prefer to call this unique combination of bio-chemicals a ‘person’. All these laws are man-made standards and are purely arbitrary. There is but one standard – Yahuah’s standard – and it is absolute.
“Thou shalt not kill.” (Exod. 20:13 KJV). ‘Kill’ #H7523 רָצַח rat-sakh – to slay, kill premeditated *2208 murder. This is a poor translation and should read, “He saith unto Him, ‘Which?’ Jesus said, ‘Thou shalt do no murder…” (Matt. 19:18 KJV). ‘Murder’ #G5407 φονεύω fo-noo-oh – to slay, kill. The mistranslation is rectified in Mattiyahu’s account. Yahuah’s Word is clear on what constitutes murder and it is the unlawful taking of life. Murder – the unlawful and premeditated killing of one person by another (www.oxforddictionaries.com). It is my belief that at the instant of conception, Yahuah breathes His Spirit into the chemical combination and life is formed. Any killing of the unborn ‘person’ would be considered as murder. It is clear that what Yahuah gives, Man has no right to take away.
(ii) Spirit
“Yahuah `Elohiym formed ( ייָצַר ) man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7). ‘Breath’ #H5397 נְשָׁמָה neh-sha-mar 1d) – spirit (of man) *1433a neshama fragility of life. After forming Man from the earth, Yahuah `Elohiym imparted His breath, the only part of Creation this is known to have happened. ‘Formed’ #H3335 יָצַר yat-say-air *898 when used for an action of Yahuah describes the way a potter creates. The Rabbinic tradition explains that this word has a unique double yod letter. All other times this word is used it has a single yod. There are two considerations: Mankind is uniquely a citizen of earth and a citizen of heaven or has both a good inclination and an evil inclination, a moral aspect. (Hertz).
“Yahusha, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ Having said this, He breathed His last.” (Luke 23:46). “They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, ‘Master Yahusha, receive my Spirit!’” (Acts 7:59). From these two accounts, it is clear that death is the instant that the spirit leaves the body.
“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, And the spirit returns to Yahuah who gave it.” (Ecc. 12:7). It has been shown above that Yahuah gives us our spirit, that which is unique to Mankind, and it will eventually return to Him.
(iii) Soul
My belief is that when the body (the bio-chemical combination) receives its spirit from Yahuah, life begins and the soul starts to function. “…and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7b). Rabbi Joseph Hertz informs that the Jewish Targum considers the soul “a personality endowed with the faculty of thinking and expressing his thoughts in speech.” From the very instant of conception, the person’s soul begins to develop. All that a person experiences during gestation, labour and life are totally unique to that person. Even twins in the womb would not share the exact same experiences before birth, commonly referred to a person’s
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‘character’. Upon death, the spirit/soul combination remains united but is separated from the body during the Intermediate State. (For more details on the Intermediate State refer to Maxi Bible Study Punishment – First Generation Assembly).
Final State
“See my (the Messiah’s) hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see that I have. They gave Him (the Messiah) a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. He took them, and ate in front of them.” (Luke 24:39, 42, 43). “Then He said to T`oma, ‘Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing…’” (John 20:27). The Messiah was resurrected with a physical body capable of conversation, being touched and of eating.
“But now the Messiah has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man. For as in Adam all die, so also in the Messiah all will be made alive. But each in his own order: the Messiah the first fruits, then those who are the Messiah’s, at His coming.” (1 Cor. 15:20-23). When the Messiah was raised up, He became the guarantee that all the dead would be raised up again. Verse 23 is the guarantee being fulfilled. The guarantee is only as good as the guarantor. If I bought double glazing with a ten-year guarantee and the company I bought it from of went bankrupt, the guarantee would be worthless.
“Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of Yahuah; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.” (1 Cor. 15:50). If ‘flesh and blood’ cannot enter heaven and the previous verses above show that the body will have flesh, then it may be that bodies in heaven will have no blood. It could well be that the blood is the source of ‘corruption’. The Master showed His followers His resurrected body with the wounds being obvious but not said to be bleeding. When blood stops flowing around the body, gangrene, commonly referred to as corruption or decay, sets in.
“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, And the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (Ecc. 12:7 KJV). This is the Intermediate State. Death can be defined as “separation: spiritual death as being the separation of man from God; physical death as being the separation of the material body from the immaterial soul and spirit”. (Hoyt 1986).
“The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and She’ol gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works.” (Rev. 20:13). Compare this description of resurrection where the body (held in the sea or ground/death) is re-united with the soul/spirit held in She`ol (or Paradise ).
“But when this corruptible will have put on incorruption, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’” (1 Cor. 15:54). Death will only be finally defeated in heaven. Therefore, when the perishable, mortal body is finally resurrected it will be with an imperishable, immortal body, both for Believers to everlasting life and non-Believers to everlasting torment.
“Thus says the Yahuah `Elohiym to these bones: ‘Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will bring up flesh on you, and cover
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you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am Yahuah.’” (Eze. 37:5, 6). From the dead bones, Yahuah raises up people by clothing them with flesh and breathing His Spirit into the body and life resumes. However, the bodies will be immortal no longer to see corruption or decay. There is no mention of blood.
“They gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. He took them, and ate in front of them.” (Luke 24:42, 43). In the resurrected and glorified body, the Messiah ate a meal with two of His followers. “He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate.” (Gen. 18:8). Both the pre-incarnate Messiah and the two angels ate a meal provided by Abram.
“He said to me, ‘Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ He said to me, ‘These are true words of Yahuah.’” (Rev. 19:9). This will be an actual meal, as taking it symbolically, as in Breaking of Matzah would not make any sense. The resurrected body of the Believer will be capable of eating. This would also be true of other earthly pastimes. Eating will no longer be a requirement to exist, but would become a means of enjoyment. As there would be no sin, there will be no over-indulgence or gluttony. The non-Believer in She`ol will have an everlasting hunger because in life, they had refused the Bread of Life, “Yahusha said to them, ‘I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me will not be hungry…’” (John 6:35a). Likewise, “and he who believes in me will never be thirsty…” “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14) but non-Believers will have an everlasting thirst. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, For they shall be filled.” (Matt. 5:6). As with salvation, only if a person accepts in life the salvation of Yahuah through His Son and all its eternal provisions, will the final state of a person be determined.
Upon the final resurrection, Yahuah re-unites the bio-chemical combination, the body, with the soul/spirit. I believe that this is how we can recognise one another in heaven yet not grieve for our loved ones that were not saved.
Conclusion
Salvation is not a reward. It is the gift of Yahuah, freely given to those who have repented and accepted His salvation through His Son Yahusha HaMashiach, their Master and Redeemer.
Similarly, righteousness is not a reward but is part of the ‘overall package’ a Believer receives upon salvation. The consequences of acceptance of the terms of Yahuah’s covenant as summarised in Jer. 11:4-7 is that a Believer is required to continually hear and obey Yahuah’s voice. This can be either from the written Word, from the Ruach HaQodesh speaking through our conscience or from a godly person relaying a prophetic word from Yahuah or a combination of these three. Of course, there will be times when we get things wrong, either by omission (not doing what we should) or commission (doing things we should not). That is when we have to repent and seek Father’s mercy or risk Yahuah’s wrath and curses.
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When we get things right, there is the two-fold benefit of pleasing our heavenly Father and receiving His blessings. Although the rewards are very real and tangible, they should not be the reason for obeying Father. The over-riding reason should be that we want to please our Father. Yet this should not take away from the fact that obedience will be rewarded. Scripture refers to crowns forming part of the rewards in heaven but remains quiet on the exact nature or result of receiving the crowns. Some things should be enjoyed purely for the enjoyment value.
My idea of heaven is one of enjoyment; enjoying the rewards, enjoying one another’s company but above all, enjoying the presence of Yahuah `Elohiym.
Yahuah bless you and keep you,
Yahuah make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you,
Yahuah lift up His face toward you and give you peace.
All glory be to Yahuah,
Ameyn.
References and Credits
In using these references, it is in no way agreeing to or condoning the theological viewpoint of the authors.
Blanchard J. (1993) Whatever Happened to Hell?, Evangelical Press, Durham.
Brown D. (1983) ISRAEL In The Plan of God, Kregel, Grand Rapids, MI.
Edersheim A. (1994) Sketches of Jewish Social Life, Hendrickson, Peabody,
Mass.
Harris R.L., Archer Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Moody, Chicago,
G.J. Jr., Waltke B.K.(1980) Il.
Hertz Dr. J.H. (1960) Pentateuch & Haftorahs, 2nd. Ed, Socino, London.
Hoyt H.A. (1986) The End Times, BMH Books, Winona Lake, IN.
Roth A.G. (2011) Aramaic English New Testament, 4th. Ed., Netzari Press,
USA.
Strong J. (1994) Strong’s New Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, World Bible Publishers Inc., Madison. (denoted by #H or #G).
Strong J. (1996) The New Strong’s Complete Dictionary of Bible Words, Thomas Nelson, Nashville. (denoted by #H or #G).
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Wesley Rev. J. (1987) Sermons on Several Occasions, (mod. Holway J.D.), Morley’s,
Ilkeston.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_of_the_human_body
AENT “Scripture taken from the Aramaic English New Testament Copiyright 2008. Used by permission of Netzari Press.”
HNV The Hebrew Names Version is based off the World English Bible, an update of the American Standard Version of 1901. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.
KJV The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
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First Generation Assembly 