New Covenant Studies
New Covenant Teaching on a Variety of Important Subjects:
The Better Covenant
The New Covenant is the complete fulfillment of the types and shadows under the Old Covenant; yet it is much more. Hebrews 8:6 tells us, "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." Does the New Covenant abolish the Old Covenant and its Torah principles? How are laws and commands from the Tenach (Old Testament) to be practiced by believers today? Many believers have honest questions about these important issues. Here is the answer from the Scriptures.
The Better CovenantThe Ten Commandments in the New Testament
It is popular in mainstream Christianity to teach that the Old Testament is abolished for believers today, and many include the Ten Commandments in the rubbish heap as well. Yet every one of the Commandments, "the Ten Words," is found in the New Testament. Here is a listing of where to find them. We have also included a rhyming version of the Ten Commandments from the "McGuffey's Readers" used in early America.
10 Commandments in New TestamentYahushuah's Commandments
Were you aware that there are Divine Commandments in the b'rit Hadesha or New Testament? Here is a complete list of over a hundred Commandments given by the Messiah, Yahushuah, in various books of the New Testament. We also have a growing number of Biblical studies that further expound and explain their meaning for those under the New Covenant. This is eye-opening truth for those who have been misguided by the popular claim that law and grace are opposites and that we are free from law and commandments.
Yahushuah's CommandmentsWhat Is Saving Faith?
Many Christian denominations describe their own individual set of requirements for eternal salvation. For example, one proclaims the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ ("Yahushuah haMessiach"), plus baptism. Another insists on faith, plus speaking in tongues. Others require faith, plus good works, or church sacraments. Also, popular today is a doctrine called "Lordship Salvation," a recycled form of the "faith-plus-works" teaching. To those proponents, no salvation exists without accepting the "Lordship of Christ" through absolute and perfect obedience to Him in this life. A common denominator of each doctrine is faith in Yahushuah haMessiach. However, are there other necessary requirements before we can be sure of our salvation? Here is the answer to the salvation puzzle direct from the Scriptures.
Saving FaithReconciliation
Matthew 5:23-24 advises, "Don't bring an offering to Elohim until you settle your differences with brethren." This command speaks of reconciling relationships with others before approaching Yah's Altar with a gift. In scripture, reconcile means change the mind of someone, to renew their friendship, to settle a quarrel, difference, to bring into harmony. In seeking to peacefully settle differences with estranged members of our family or Assembly, our steps in the reconciliation process may entail humbly admitting fault, or own up to being selfish. To restore a relationship we may need to apologize, beg forgiveness, and offer restitution. Reconciling with others is a good practice for reconciling with our Heavenly Father. (Mark 11:25) "When you stand praying, forgive, if you have ought (anything) against any; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
Matthew 5:25-26 adds, "Agree with your adversary quickly!" This command speaks of reconciling with someone who is going to court to settle his or her problem with you. When two parties agree to abide by Yah's teachings rather than the courts of men, they are assured of resolving their differences fairly. Coming into agreement (reconciliation) may include restitution (financial compensation) for harm done. To reconcile, consider opening your dialogue with, "Please forgive me. How can I make it up to you?" (Shofar Vol. 606)
The Sabbath: Ancient and Modern
YAHUAH spoke to Moses saying, "Speak to the children of Israel saying, Verily My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations that you may know that I am YAHUAH who does sanctify you." (Exodus 31:12-13)
Millenniums ago, Elohim gave our Biblical forefathers a special day of religious observance far surpassing in importance any human "holiday" ever conceived by the mind of man. That day was "Sabbath." It is a day of rest, for worship in the Temple, for contemplation of the things of Elohim, and for the ceasing of all plowing, harvesting, business and labor. What purpose did Elohim have in all of this, and has that purpose now changed? For answers, let us go back to the origins of Sabbath observance and listen to what Elohim says about it.
The Golden Rule With A Narrow Gate
Matthew 7:12 says, "Do onto others as you would have them do onto you." Many of Elohim's commands regarding how we are to behave toward others are contained within one sentence, known to many as "The Golden Rule." (Lev. 19:18) "You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I [am] YAHUAH." (Matt. 22:36-40) "Master, which [is] the great commandment in Torah?" Yahushuah said to him, "You shall love YAHUAH your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second [is] like unto it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all Torah and the prophets." (1 John 4:21) "This commandment have we from Him, that he who loves Elohim, love his brother also."
Matthew 7:13-14 adds, "Enter the strait gate, for wide is the gate and broad the way to destruction. Many go there. But strait is the gate and narrow the way to life. Few find it." Strait means narrow and it describes a gate or opening in a city wall, a palace, temple and prison." It can picture the entrance into Hades (the grave, hell), or the door into Yah's Kingdom. Satan's path is wide, broad (spacious). Yah's way is a narrow road, course of conduct (manner of thinking, feeling, deciding)" that we will strive (struggle) to travel. Yah's highway of holiness (righteousness) is the standard by which Yahushuah determines who enters through His Door (the Gate) into our Heavenly Father's Kingdom. (Shofar Vol. 624)
How Am I To Judge?
Matthew 7:1-2 tells us, "Judge not, that you be not judged, for you shall be judged with what measure you mete." In scripture, judge means to decide (mentally or judicially), condemn, punish, avenge, damn, decree, sentence and think. This command speaks to how we judge others. The way we pass judgment on people sets the course for how Yahushuah (John 5:30) and others will judge us. Take care not to misjudge others based on a faulty opinion. (John 7:24) "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." Matthew 7:3-5 adds, "Don't try to counsel a brother on issues until you resolve your own issues." It's easy to see and judge the idiosyncrasies and mannerisms of others. It's difficult to see our own faults and correct these shortcomings. This command is about not being quick to judge others faults, especially if we have the same unfixed problem. Counseling another is a great responsibility. Follow Yahushuah, our role model judge, who serves impartially, honestly, moderated with love, not harshness.
(Matthew 7:6 advises, "Give not what's holy to dogs, nor cast pearls before swine. Lest they trample them, and turn to rend you." In scripture, a dog pictures an infidel or male prostitute with their inclination to repeat foolishness. We aren't to bestow holy (set apart from Yah) matters like the Word's wisdom upon such impure, coarse and unappreciative people. A swine pictures one who lacks discretion. Our pearls (the ordinances of Yah) are priceless, treasured gifts. We aren't to foolishly share this wealth with those who lack good judgment, or who don't appreciate scripture-based truths. They may listen, then return to old practices, or view Yah's counsel with contempt and turn vicious: (Proverb 23:9) "Speak not in the ears of a fool. For, he will despise the wisdom of your words." (Proverb 9:8) "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." (Shofar Vol. 622)
Love Your Neighbor AND Your Enemy
Matthew 5:43-47 commands us to "Love your enemies. Bless them who curse you. Do good to them who hate you. Pray for them who despite-fully use and persecute you." Love (agape) of enemies is foreign to human logic and instinct. It's almost unthinkable to bless those who curse us, do good to those who detest us, and pray for those who persecute and maliciously use us. Love of neighbors is well known and accepted wisdom. The way of Yah calls us to reach for an even higher form of love. (Galatians 6:9-10) "Let us not be weary in well doing. For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially to them who are of the household of faith." (Shofar Vol. 613)
Love Your Enemy