As followers of the new covenant, we must be vigilant in seeking the truth and avoiding deception. There are many sources of deception that can lead us astray. Therefore, we must be like the Bereans who studied constantly for better understanding of the scriptures. When we are grounded in truth, we are less likely to be deceived. One prevalent deception involves the fall feasts.
Leviticus 23 lists the spring and fall feasts of Yahweh. These were revealed as part of the old covenant. We are now approaching the time of the fall feasts for 2017.
These feasts are: Yom Teruah, (day of shouting), Yom Kippurim, (day of coverings) Sukkot, (feast of booths) and the Last Great Day. (Yom Gadol or Shemini Atzeret)
With the death of Messiah on the tree, the old covenant ended, and we are now observing the new covenant. The sacrificial law of the old covenant was terminated as well as the Levitical priesthood. (Hebrews 7:12)
The new covenant presents some significant changes from the old covenant. Circumcision was changed from that of the flesh to that of the heart, or baptism. (Colossians 2:11) The Passover service was also modified when Messiah washed the feet of his disciples. He also instructed them to eat leavened bread and drink the fruit of the vine as symbols of his body and blood.
Paul introduced another significant difference between the old and new covenants. Remember that Messiah taught Paul for a three-year period following his conversion on the road to Damascus. In Hebrews 6: 1-2, he provided a revised list of feasts to be observed by the new covenant saints. The spring feasts were the same for both covenants. However, the fall feasts introduced remarkable differences. The doctrine of Messiah lists only two feasts: Yom Teruah and Yom Gadol. Yom Kippurim and Sukkot are not included.
This change is very curious. Yom Kippurim and Sukkot are very significant feasts for the Jews, Messianics and Sacred Name groups. Why the change? Messiah may have given us some insight in these two scriptures:
Matthew 15: 3
“Why do ye also transgress the commandments of Yahweh by your traditions?”
Mark 7: 7
“In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
Messiah saw the future as he addressed the Pharisees and scribes. They were teaching their oral traditions which were later written as the Talmud, Mishnah and other works. These traditions were heavily influenced by the Babylonian customs they encountered while in exile.
The Rabbinical Judaism of today is descended from the Pharisees who lived at the time of Messiah. The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia, 1943, states the following:
“The Jewish religion as it is today traces its descent, without a break, through the centuries, from the Pharisees.”
The saints today are battling the same forces that existed at the time of Messiah. He foresaw the future and left his words of warning for us. Paul and John further instruct the saints in Hebrews 6:1-2 and in 2 John 9-10. The doctrine of Messiah provides significant instructions for the saints. The world is very distracted by the pagan beliefs of Babylon, but we are called to separate ourselves. Revelation 18:4 further warns us: “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying ‘Come out of her, my people [the saints], that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues.’”
My study of Yom Teruah has led me to a better understanding of how the rabbinical teaching about Rosh Hashanah has obscured the true meaning of this first feast of the seventh month. The Babylonian customs have redirected this date to become known as a new year for the Jewish religion. As you review the resources I am providing you, you will learn that the Babylonian Akitu festival has greatly facilitated this transformation. A good reference for insight into the significance of the Babylonian influence is found on Nehemia’s Wall, in the article titled, How Yom Teruah Became Rosh Hashanah.
http://www.nehemiaswall.com/yom-truah-day-shouting-became-rosh-hashanah
The author of this article clearly says, “The transformation of Yom Teruah (day of shouting) into Rosh Hashanah is the result of the pagan Babylonian influence upon the Jewish nation.” It began with the adoption of the Babylonian names for the months and then worked its way deeper. The true meaning of Yom Teruah is masked by this Babylonian influence, which infects Yom Kippurim and Sukkot as well. Yom Teruah has significance for the saints, while Yom Kippurim and Sukkot have another purpose that does not involve the saints. This lack of relevance to the saints allows for their surgical removal from the new covenant.
Michael Hoffman, a scholar who has exposed the evil behind the Talmud, addresses the negative Babylonian influence on Yom Teruah and Sukkot in his book, Judaism Discovered, page 940. He reveals a Babylonian superstition called tashlikh that has become connected to the myth of Rosh Hashanah. He further reveals a Babylonian influence on Sukkot called Hoshanah Rabbah, which he calls, “a sort of rabbinic Groundhog Day.”
The first day of the seventh month, a new moon, celebrates the return of Messiah. The rabbinical Jews have no interest in this understanding. They see themselves as the Messiah and soon-to-be rulers of the world.
The last great day, or eighth day of the feast of booths, celebrates the white throne judgment when the rest of mankind is resurrected and then judged by the saints. Rabbinical Jews also obscure the correct meaning of this day.
The two fall feasts in the doctrine of Messiah pertain only to the activities of the saints. The other two do not and are therefore easily not observed by the saints of the new covenant.
By following the doctrine of Messiah, the saints are able to avoid promoting the Babylonian Talmud and giving credence to its lies. We are in the business of truth. I believe that observing Yom Kippurim and Sukkot, in opposition to the guidance from the doctrine of Messiah, is a deadly mistake for saints striving to overcome. We easily don’t promote Christmas, Easter, New Year’s Day and Halloween, but the two old covenant feasts have been quietly accepted. If we love Messiah, we will keep his Commandments. (John 14:15)
The Internet has some very good information about the Babylonian influence.
Please visit these for more information:
Babylonian Rosh Hashanah by Dr. Uri Gabbay
http://thetorah.com
YomHaKiffuriym
Day of Atonements
http://www.lebtahor.com/observe/origins/origins%20of%20yom%20hakippurim%20day%20of%20atronement.htm
Traditions beware—Rosh Hashanah
http://www.new2torah.com/2012/09/traditions-beware-rosh-hashanah/
Calendar Babylon
http://www.livius.org/articles/concept/calender-babylonian/?#nissanu
The Babylonian Talmud, edited by Rabbi Dr. Isodore Epstein
Jewish Religion: Its Influence Today by Elizabeth Dilling
Revelation 14:1 indicates that only 144,000 saints will be resurrected when Messiah returns. That is very small number out of billions. How do you become a saint? Only the Father will call you. (John 6:44) The Messiah will choose you. (John 15:16) The rest of mankind will be resurrected after the 1000-year reign of Messiah. The saints will be judging the rest of mankind during this period.
We at the Light of YahwehShua are not looking for members. The Father sends those whom He is calling. We are trying to be an assembly point for those Yahweh Is calling at this time. How do you know if you’re being called? Pray to Yahweh for truth, study, and contact one of our elders for guidance.
If it is determined that you are being called to be a saint, what is next? You should read all the articles on this website and allow an elder to help you learn more. The goal is to prepare you for baptism. You must be baptized in the name of YahwehShua. Following immersion, an elder will lay his hands on you and at that time, the Spirit of the Father is freely given to you. (Acts 8: 17-18) During the rest of your life, the Spirit of the Son will be forming within you. (Galatians 4:19)
Your obedience to the commandments of Messiah YahwehShua nourishes the growth of His Spirit. It is only the presence of the Son’s Spirit within you that allows your resurrection when Messiah returns. (Romans 8:11)
Remember that many are called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:16) This is a unique opportunity. Following baptism and growth of the Spirit within, you will discover your mind is more open to spiritual truth. This is a very exciting discovery.
Obedience to the commandments of Messiah is fundamental. This is why the topic of this article is so important. You must strive to overcome everyday.
(1 John 5:4-5; Revelation, chapters 2 and 3 and 21:7)
Being baptized and receiving the Spirit is only the beginning. At any time you can be deceived. (Matthew 24:24) You must be open to learning, and growing in grace and knowledge on a daily basis. We are available to pray for you, study with you and assemble with you. We are a resource to assist you in your journey to the better resurrection. (Hebrews 11:35)
Messiah is the mediator of a better covenant (new covenant) and better promises. (Inheritance of the firstborn or a double portion, Hebrews 8:6) There is so much to learn and achieve. Remember, you can do all things through Messiah that strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13) Once you are chosen, Messiah will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
The world is being deceived. The religious organizations are also being deceived. The truth is only available to those called and chosen to be saints. Pray about this opportunity. Be open to doing whatever it takes to walk in the footsteps of Messiah.
Let us know if you would like our help. If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.