Do you describe yourself as a student of Scripture?
Do you believe the written Words in your Bible are the very words of Yahweh?
Are they really important to you?
There is something curious...no where in Scripture are we told to read the Scripture.
But, we are told to study it. Read 2 Timothy 2:15.
OK.
Let's take an impromptu test...
Quick, name the 10 Commandments in order and the Scripture reference where they are found!
Hurry up, it should only take you a moment. I'll wait...
Finished?
Now, be honest. With yourself, that is.
Did you miss any? Do you know where they are found?
Are you aware that there are really 613 commandments in the Tanak (Old Testament)?
Many people say the Tanak doesn't count anymore. So, did you know that Yahshua gave 1024 commandments in the Renewed Covenant (New Testament)?
He also said something very crucial in this context regarding our qualifications as disciples.
He said,
"If you love me, keep my commandments."
This comes from John 14:15 - in the "New Testament."
Yet, Yahshua was quoting His Father from the Tanak. Read Deuteronomy and you'll see how loving Yahweh is tied to obeying His commandments.
Nonetheless, for those who automatically discard what the Tanak says because they think it's outdated, listen to what John goes on to say. Again, this is in the "New Testament." It is found at 1 John 5: 3 NKJV
"For this is the love of G-d, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."
Hmm... we better be careful. If we can't even name all of the big 10, how can we say we are diligent to obey this verse. And notice, the word commandments is plural.
I've been told that to insist we should obey the "Old Testament" is to put us back under the burden of the Law. That's because we've been so erroneously indoctrinated. Read the last part of verse three in 1 John again.
"...and His commandments are not burdensome."
Be aware. Anyone who tells you Yahweh's commandments are burdensome is calling Him a liar.
BTW, look in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 for the answers to the quiz.
2 comments:
Of the 613 "commandments" many are ceremonial (and thus fulfilled in Messiah). In the New Covenant, Yeshua is quoted by three sources known as "synoptic" (seeing together), thus reducing His direct commandments significantly.
Even so, He sum up the commandments in two: Love and serve God, and likewise toward your fellow men. YHWH makes it clear through the prophets that no amount of conformity to "rules" works when the heart is not right.
Whereas I respect our Hebrew heritage, the "keeping of rules" is not the essence of our faith. Beware of going from frothing Calvinist to frothing Hebraist!
:-)
True, the 10 commandments can be summed up in the two. However, this does not automatically imply all the commandments are swept away and we are left with only these two. Besides, the only way you know how to love G-d is to read how He wants us to act. Our definition of love is most often just some touchy-feely smiley face kind of love.
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