And now let us embark upon some of the most misunderstood and oft twisted Scriptural passages that we shall be confronted with … and these are specific revelations through Paul that deal with “lawlessness”.
But before we undertake this journey let us first get some proper context so that we really understand how to view Paul properly.
Paul is of course a Jewish Rabbi … a Pharisee of Pharisees! Let us also recall that Paul himself had no problem upon his visit to Jerusalem in going to the temple and making the offerings on behalf of the Nazarites. Paul is thoroughly Jewish … in all ways! The point to be made is that Paul is no Greek philosopher … he is a Jewish teacher and the inspired writings through Paul must be viewed within this context.
Let us also note that even the Apostles, as mentioned herein by Peter, realize the intricate nature of Paul's exquisite writings: 2 Peter 3:14-16 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the long suffering of our LORD is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
We should understand that the basis of much wayward doctrine within the Christian church is a direct result of misinterpreting the writings of Paul as was the case from the beginning … c’mon beloveds … it must be admitted that the church hangs its grace and love doctrine upon the writings of Paul in most instances.
But let us also remember this: The Scriptures can’t be broken nor do they change nor do they contradict! At times it may seem as much but this is simply because we don't see clearly. At the end of the day Paul is not going to disagree with Mashiach or the other apostolic writings! If such was the case then we simply could not trust Paul's inspired writings.
But such drastic measures need not be taken! We just need to understand that Paul will not disagree with Mashiach or the other inspired texts … be they of the TANAKH or of the B’rit Chadasha revelations respectively! Using this faithful axiom we can see without scales or blinders!
Paul as we know was the most learned Torah teacher amongst Yeshua’s apostles. Can we not see why Paul was selected by Mashiach to be the bearer of the Good News Gospel to the Gentiles? Can we not see G_D’s plan unfold wherein the Jew is to be the light to the nations? Can we not see Mashiach’s selection of Paul as a mandate for all people to be grafted into Israel … and be like Paul … a zealot for Torah? Please dear reader ponder this choice by Mashiach and consider his motives and the implications … it is the only way to really understand the nature of Paul's mission and G_D’s plan for the nations.
So let us begin:
Romans: 4:6-11 Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, unto whom G_D imputes righteousness without works, saying, blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Commentary:
Obviously Paul is making the case for a faith based as opposed to a law based justification … on this there can be no argument. Paul uses Abraham as the primary example of how G_D gifts unmerited mercy (grace) before one enters into a covenantal relationship with G_D.
Of course Paul had to confront those legalistic Jewish factions within the early believers that were mandating that Gentiles had to first become converted as a Jew and circumcised before they could be saved or immersed into Jewish culture. Paul of course negated this as G_D revealed his plan of mercy by showing us how Abraham was called by mercy from his state of lawlessness into the covenant … while Abraham was a Gentile!
But let us really look at what is being revealed herein. Let's look at what the Greek text actually states. The text states that blessed is the man whose lawlessness is overlooked … period … and blessed is the man whose sins, while being lawless, G_D will not keep on his record of account.
We have already seen that lawlessness or rebellion will not be tolerated and that the state of lawlessness, despite any mental beliefs, is paramount to rebellion. As such Paul must be revealing to us that grace, G_D’s Mercy, is extended to us as a free gift … and … if the free gift is accepted than the sins of the “old man” will not be held against us.
Now a bit later in the letter to the Romans Paul follows up with this: Romans: 6:18:23 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to G_D, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of G_D is eternal life through Yeshua Messiah our LORD.
Here Paul is discussing the response to G_D’s gift of mercy in Mashiach. Here Paul specifically states that we should no longer be yielding to uncleanness and “lawlessness” but rather to righteousness and holiness. This is what the text definitively states. So Paul is undoubtedly discussing the opposite state of “lawlessness” and doing so in the context of righteousness and holiness. And what pray tell defines righteousness and holiness … from Paul’s inspired perspective?
Romans 7:12-14 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? G_D forbid! But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Romans: 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of G_D, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto G_D, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of G_D.
1 Corinthians 2:12-14 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of G_D; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of G_D. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of G_D: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 3:17 If any man defile the temple of G_D, him shall G_D destroy; for the temple of G_D is holy, which temple ye are.
1 Corinthians 9:11-13 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Messiah. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so has the LORD ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel!
Colossians 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blame and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
2 Timothy 3:1-17 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of G_D; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds; reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long suffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the LORD delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Messiah Yeshua shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Messiah Yeshua. All scripture is given by inspiration of G_D, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of G_D may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Commentary
Let us clarify what Paul is revealing to the community of followers:
Paul reveals that the Torah is good and holy and G_D forbid that it be viewed as causing death within us. Paul goes on to reveal the “spiritual nature” of Torah and how it can only be discerned and used by those that are of the Holy Spirit and still further how we ourselves are to be transformed to righteousness from lawlessness being that we are now the very temple of G_D! Paul declares that we must be conformed not to the world's system but to G_D’s system. Does Paul declare anything other than this?
Interestingly enough Paul exhorts the Colossians to forego their lawlessness and become holy … but … Paul also declares that this can be done “if” they continue in the faith and not be removed from the Gospel … which of course must include Torah … must be the commandments … and Paul conclusively closes the door on any arguments to the contrary as we see in 2nd Timothy where Paul condemns Jannes and Jambres for teaching against the Mosaic Law. Look at how Paul depicts these false teachers which are teaching against Moses. The Greek word Paul uses to declare these men's position towards Moses is “anthistemi” … meaning “to oppose … or set against”! So we know that these men are teaching against the Torah. Paul refers to these men as corrupt and reprobate! … These men are preaching “lawlessness”! These men are the deceivers! The text is irrefutable and the truth undeniable!
Can we see whom Peter was referring to … the one(s) twisting the teachings of Paul … the one(s) twisting the Gospel message? Peter is referring to those false prophets and teachers that are twisting the revelation through Paul to promote “lawlessness” … or in effect any teaching outside of what is considered good, holy and orthodox to a first century Jew who walked with and died in Mashiach Yeshua! Mystery Babylon was already infiltrating the faith long before the end of the apostolic age … the difference dear reader is that there were knowledgeable, faithful and authoritative Hebraic leaders available to rebuke the lies with power and truth!
And pray tell dear reader … what say ye in these matters? What is the doctrine that has been handed down to you and placed within your mind and heart? Is it a doctrine aligned with G_D’s word or is it a doctrine of men? Is it a doctrine consistent with Torah or a doctrine that stands contrary to G_Ds good and holy revelation? Is it a doctrine that is consistent with the authoritative Hebrew mindset or a Greek mindset? Is it a doctrine consistent with Paul or that of Jannes and Jambres? It may be a good time to make a gut-check!
But let us continue on!
Hebrews 1:8-9 But unto the Son he says, thy throne, O’ G_D, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore G_D, even thy G_D, has anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Commentary:
Once again we have a fairly straight forward revelation when we use the proper meaning of “lawlessness” in verse nine! We should understand that holy and righteous is G_D’s Torah and Mashiach loves Torah … and is Torah … and Torah is the actual governing framework … the ruling scepter of his kingdom. Conversely Mashiach hates lawlessness … Mashiach hates rebellion!
Further along in Hebrews, Paul once again reveals G_D’s mercy to us but in so doing lets us know what this mercy is to result in … Hebrews 8:10-13 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a G_D, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the LORD: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he says, a new covenant, he has made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.
Beloved children of G_D … the only confusion that exists about the removal of “lawlessness” and sins is that somehow people have been duped into believing that upon receiving the mercy of G_D it is perfectly acceptable to remain lawless and ignore G_D’s Torah. But how could this be the case if Mashiach himself hates lawlessness … should he be considered the master of uncleanness … the unholy … the lawless? G_D forbid! What kind of new covenant would this be … what kind of redeemer would Yeshua be if this were the case?
Remember that this same renewed covenant was promised to the Israelites in the desert through Moses when G_D revealed that he would circumcise the hearts of Israel so they might live! Paul … a rabbi is … as usual … invoking key passages from the TANAKH! The covenant had to be renewed so that Yeshua HaMashiach would be the one whom delivered our side of the covenant relationship. The covenant had to be renewed so that the children of Israel, unable to keep the human side of the covenant, could be released from the covenantal terms and conditions … the death sentence! This was the renewed covenant … there was nothing wrong with the covenant outside of peoples' inability to abide by the covenant. All the divine terms and conditions set forth were and remain perfect! This is a similar construct to the original covenants made at Sinai and Horeb … which ultimately foreshadowed the great renewal of the covenant between Yeshua and Israel!
Before Yeshua there was the law and the prophets but now in Yeshua is revealed G_D’s grace and mercy. So now it is complete … now we have the law … the prophets … grace … and mercy! What perspective discerns that now we only have grace and mercy? Hmmm!
G_D has always … and will continue to hate lawlessness … it is completely counter to his holy and righteous being and it must be declared that the good news which is the Gospel reveals the glory of Mashiach upholding our end of the covenant by being perfect … and we can be partakers of the covenant if we are to overcome and refute uncleanness, unrighteousness and lawlessness … the doctrine of “this world”!
Can we possibly believe that the Good News Gospel of redemption refutes the perfect unchanging character of our beloved Mashiach … of G_D? Heaven forbid!
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Titus 2:11-15 For the grace of G_D that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great G_D and our Saviour Y”SHUAH Messiah; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Commentary:
To no surprise Paul consistently preaches the good news of the Gospel in the familiar context of transformation responsive to G_D’s mercy! What is crucial to understand is how Paul reveals that Mashiach gave himself so that we can be redeemed from lawlessness … and purify us so that we become a covenantal people … spiritually zealous of Torah! Oh beloveds … how differently do these texts continue to look through opened eyes … through Hebraic eyes … through spiritual eyes? Can we see?
Without a firm understanding of “redemption” from a Hebraic perspective … which is all about restoration … we are left to formulate ethereal and philosophical constructs to make up for an ignorance of same. From a Hebraic perspective the restoration brought about by Mashiach’s redemptive works is a return to conformance of Torah by Israel and acceptance of Israel by G_D under the auspices of the eternal covenant! From a Greek perspective redemption is more a matter of being saved from sin and bad flesh in general … as in not being held accountable … rather than a return to the Garden of Eden where man through obedience existed in the presence of G_D … in the flesh! Hence the road or path directed by Torah is a path back to the beginning … a path back to orderly co-existence with G_D on his terms!
Do we not know from Scripture that what makes Israel peculiar is that G_D is near to them and The Ways of Israel, defined by Torah represent that same peculiarity! And that peculiarity to this world's lawlessness is foolish … odd … weird! From a Hebraic perspective these peculiar ways of G_D for mankind serve as the basis of the eternal covenant! Indeed we are mandated to be a peculiar people in the sight of this world.
Stand fast beloveds and let not our redemption fall prey to the folly of this world!
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2 Corinthians 6:11-18 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. Now for a recompense in the same, I speak as unto my children, be ye also enlarged. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Messiah with Belial? Or what part has he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of G_D with idols? For ye are the temple of the living G_D; as G_D has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their G_D, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, says the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.
Commentary:
In these specific passages Paul is instructing believers to separate themselves from unbelievers and more importantly from their ways. More appropriately Paul is revealing to the believers that just like the early Israelites, believers of the Gospel can’t cleave or remain close to the ways of nonbelievers because they will naturally be led astray from the true path.
Notice however that once again Paul asks what fellowship is there between lawlessness and righteousness? What communion between those that walk the path and those that do not? What communion is there between light and dark? Oh how sad that the church can't see Torah with faith as equivalent to righteousness … as is declared by Paul herein! Sadly … the myth has been propagated and the truth twisted so that righteousness is seen only as “belief” and worse yet under the delusion of Mystery Babylon that “belief” is paramount to faith! But alas … even the demons believe in Messiah! Alas even the rebels today have seats at the table of church leadership! Woe to us for the good is called evil and the evil is called good!
Also notice how Paul goes on to discuss the differences between the true believer and the “infidel” … the true believer and the pagan … the true believer and the unclean? Most assuredly the faith that Paul speaks of is much more than a mental acceptance of Mashiach! Most assuredly Paul is revealing that the believer must come out from the ways of this world unto separation … unto cleanness … and then G_D will receive the believer. Beloveds please pay attention to the progression Paul reveals … the calling … separation … cleanness … and finally being received!
Does the text in any way shape or form intimate that the believer is to remain as they were? That the believer can continue to walk outside of G_D’s Torah … that the believer can continue in their uncleanness? As is always the case Paul reveals that transformation is necessary … that spiritual understanding and application of G_D’s Torah is required … and that application of Torah most certainly can't result in anti-Torah behavior … lawlessness! Are we in agreement?
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The last use of Greek “anomia”, and one integral to this work herein, comes within 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12: Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called G_D, or that is worshipped; so that he as G_D sits in the temple of G_D, showing himself that he is god. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now lets will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the LORD shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause G_D shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Commentary:
Twice within these passages does Paul use the Greek “anomia”! First to describe Anti-Messiah, translated as the man of sin and son of perdition, and secondly to reveal how lawlessness is in effect the doctrine of the Mystery Religion … Mystery Babylon.
Is it not interesting yet again that the translators describe anti-messiah as the man of sin instead of the man that is lawless? Is there some reason that yet again the real text is manipulated to represent something other than what is really stated? Hmmm!
Why is it that this great falling away, which is clearly the result of deceit (the Greek reads "delusion") towards unrighteousness/lawlessness is not connected to the anti-Messiah?
Could it be that translating “anomia” as lawless or against Torah was simply not convenient? Could it be that translating “anomia” as lawless or against Torah would have naturally been self-condemning to the very church and faith of which these Christian interpreters were loyal adherents? Could it be that the breach from the Hebraic roots of the faith and the call to separate from all things Jewish, makes this accurate translation simply irreconcilable for the rebellious? Hmmm!
Moreover Paul uses the term “musterion” or mystery, in conjunction with lawlessness to reveal how this lawlessness works within people and how it is not even obvious to their own understanding … hence this rebellion is a mystery! Hence this rebellion disguises itself as faith and zeal to those who can't see properly!
Yes beloveds … these passages have a direct bearing upon the entire premise of this work. Right here in 2 Thessalonians does the entire story come to light. What do we see without the blinders?
We see that anti-messiah is in fact revealed to us as being the man of lawlessness … against Torah … against the covenant … against redemption … against Israel!
We see that the deception of lawlessness itself is presented as a mystery … a delusion!
We see that what is with-held (hindered) is lawfulness … but this state shall be revealed by the truth!
We see that lawlessness … without Torah … is directly correlated with wickedness!
We see that both the adversary and those deceived will perish because they received not the love of the truth … which is righteousness and lawfulness; and … finally …
We see that G_D himself shall allow the lawless to fall prey to a strong delusion so that they should believe the lie.
And … what lie could that possibly be?
We've been through so many Scriptures thus far … is the nature of the lie really still a mystery at this point? Have we not seen exposed the great mystery … the mother of all whores, infidelity and uncleanness? Can we not open our eyes to the truth of the lie? Will we sit idly by and be partakers of the false prophets within our churches and synagogues who promote the lie of lawlessness … of unrighteousness … of unholiness … of uncleanness … of faithlessness? May G_D forbid!
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