C Á P
S U L
A S
1 4 9
Por: J.N.Robles Olarte
El glorioso reino davídico.
El glorioso Reino Davídico será el mismo Reino Mesiánico de David que nuestro ETERNO CREADOR ha de establecer en el Maravilloso
Mundo de Mañana próximo a
establecerse en éste mundo. Será un mundo increíblemente distinto al que ahora
estamos viviendo, donde la paz universal, la felicidad, los logros físicos y
espirituales, que toda la humanidad tanto han anhelado, infructuosamente hasta
ahora, serán una realidad cierta y duradera, para siempre. Es allí en ese
“nuevo mundo” donde nuestro Mashiach, el rey David, de regreso a la vida
eterna, será el Rey, bajo la mirada y dirección amorosas de nuestro CREADOR.
El libro de Isaías nos cuenta de esa época, “1 Saldrá un vástago del tronco de Jesé (David) , y un retoño de sus raíces (del
sepulcro donde se encuentra David)
brotará. 2 Reposará sobre él
(sobre David) el espíritu del ETERNO
CREADOR: espíritu de sabiduría e inteligencia, espíritu de consejo y fortaleza, espíritu de ciencia y temor hacia
el CREADOR. 3 Y le inspirará en el temor
hacia el ETERNO CTREADOR. No juzgará
(DAVID) por las apariencias, ni sentenciará de oídas. 4 Juzgará con justicia a
los débiles, y sentenciará con rectitud a los pobres de la tierra. Herirá al hombre cruel con la vara de su
boca, y con el soplo de sus labios matará al malvado.” (Isaías 11:1, 2, 3, 4).
Si hacemos un análisis de las palabras hebreas que se
encuentran en éstos versos veremos con mayor claridad lo que allí se quiere
expresar. Veamos: “Saldrá
( yatsa=germinar, brotar, salir,
H-331 Strong) un
vástago (choter= primera
raíz, brote de un tronco, H-2415 Strong) del tronco ( netser=una
rama o brote verde, H-5342 de Strong) de Jessé, y un retoño de sus raíces (sheres= raíz,
una ametáfaaora tomada de las plantas y aplicada a los seres humanos, H-8328 de
Strong))
brotará (parah=fructificar,
algo de sale de dentro, H-6509), Resumiendo tenemos,
“Saldrá un vástago del tronco de Jessé, y un retoño de sus raíces
brotará”. Ese no es otro que el
Rey David, quien será traído de su sepulcro a la vida eterna por el mismo
Eterno Creador, su Padre y Soberano!
Leamos ahora esos
versos, y otros más, en la Tanaj, “ 1 Pero una rama
saldrá del tronco de Yishai (Jesssé), un retoño nacerá de sus raíces. 2 El
Espíritu del ETERNO reposará
sobre El, el Espíritu de sabiduría y de entendimiento, el Espíritu de consejo y
de poder, y el Espíritu de conocimiento y de temor al CREADOR – 3 Él (David) será inspirado por temer al ETERNO YHWH. no juzgará por lo que sus ojos
ven ni decidirá por lo que sus oídos oigan, 4 sino juzgará con justicia al
empobrecido; decidirá con equidad en favor del humilde de la tierra. Él (David)
golpeará la tierra con el cetro de su boca y matará al perverso con el aliento
de sus labios. 5 Justicia será la faja alrededor de su cintura, fidelidad, el
ceñidor de sus caderas. 6 El lobo habitará con el cordero; el leopardo se
acostará con el cabrito; el becerro, el león joven y la oveja engordada
estarán juntos, y un niño pequeño los
guiará. 7 La vaca y el oso pacerán juntos, sus crías se echarán juntas, y el
león comerá paja como el buey. 8 Y un niño jugará sobre el hueco de la
cobra, y el infante jugará en el nido de la víbora. 9 No harán mal ni
destruirán en ningún lugar de Mi Monte
Kadosh (SANTO), porque la tierra estará tan llena del conocimiento del
ETERNO YHWH como el agua
que cubre el mar.” (Isaías 11:1 al
9).
Esta es la vívida descripción del próximo y ya cercano
Maravilloso
Mundo de Mañana ¿Imposible?
¿Increíble? Para nuestro ETERNO CREADOR no hay nada IMPOSIBLE! Él es el ÚNICO CREADOR Y
SOBERANO DE TODO EL COSMOS Y SUS UNIVERSOS! No existe, y no ha existido,
otro diferente Mashiach!
Cuán reconfortante es saber lo que Él ha prometido
¡ Aún así, de ellas hay “buenas nuevas” y “malas nuevas”.
Entre las “buenas nuevas” tenemos la
de saber que el Rey David será levantado de su sepulcro y sacar de la
cautividad, en la que se encontrarán, todos aquéllos que serán tomados cautivos a
los países donde serán transportados en aquél “Día de Prueba de Jacob”. Y entre las “malas nuevas” tenemos la de saber que ISRAEL -el pueblo Hebreo- será vencidos, derrotados, y llevados a
cautividad.. Y entre las “nuevas horribles” la de saber que muchos de nuestros seres más
queridos tendrán que sufrir y morir!
Cabe preguntar, en base a lo anterior, ¿qué va hacer
usted, como persona, acerca de todo esta información y conocimiento acerca de
los planes de nuestro Creador? ¿acaso pondrá usted un interés a las PALABRAS de
advertencia amorosa de nuestro Creador, el Justo de Israel, y probarlo todo por
usted mismo? ¿acaso se unirá al grupo de personas que se encargará de advertir
a Israel para que se arrepienta de sus pecados y errores?
La decisión final es suya, y tiene dos alternativas:
1) Ayudar a la salvación del pueblo hebreo, o
2) Rechazar y burlarse de todo ello, y formar parte del
problema.
¡Que el ETERNO CREADOR le bendiga y le inspire a ver
la verdad, Su Verdad¡
LA VERDAD ACERCA DE LOS DOS
TESTIGOS
PARTE I
Son muchos los grupos religiosos de este mundo que han
especulado con respecto a los “Dos testigos” a los que hacen referencia varias
profecías de las Sagradas Escrituras Hebreas.
Y muchas han sido las preguntas las que se han tejido con respecto a
quienes son, que papel juegan, cuando habrán de aparecer y si son seres
espirituales o seres humanos común y corrientes. Es indispensable, para ese
entendimiento, tener claro la identidad
del HAMASHIACH ( El Ungido ) que, en realidad viene a ser
una “bala de plata” que llega al corazón mismo de las tres religiones
principales de nuestro mundo occidental.
Si llegamos aceptar esa verdad, será una que nos llevará al conocimiento de saaber quien es, realmente, ese Mashiach,
y no podremos, así, ser confundidos por aquéllos que tratan de engañarnos con
tristes y mal fabricadas razones que han llevado al mundo aceptar a uno que es falso, el Hombre de
Galilea!
Un lugar de las Sagradas Escrituras Hebreas en donde
se hace referencia a los DOS TESTIGOS, es el libro de
Zacarías donde se hace referencia de ellos como los DOS UNGIDOS:
“1 Volvió el ángel que
hablaba conmigo y me despertó como a un hombre que es despertado de su
sueño. 2 Y me dijo: «¿Qué ves?» Dije:
«Veo un candelabro todo de oro, con una ampolla en su vértice: tiene
siete lámparas y siete boquillas para las siete lámparas que lleva
encima. 3 Hay también dos olivos junto a
él, uno a su derecha y el otro a su izquierda.»
4 Proseguí y dije al ángel que hablaba conmigo: «¿Qué es esto, señor
mío?» 5 Me respondió el ángel que
hablaba conmigo y me dijo: «¿No sabes qué es esto?» Dije: «No, mi señor.» 6 Prosiguió él y me habló así: Esta es la
palabra del ETERNO CREADOR a Zorobabel. No por el valor ni por la fuerza, sino
sólo por Mi Espíritu – dice el ETERNO Sebaot -.
7 ¿Quién eres tú, gran monte? Ante Zorobabel serás una explanada, y él
extraerá la piedra de remate, a los gritos de «¡Bravo, bravo por ella!». 8 Me fue dirigida la palabra del ETERNO Yhvh
en estos términos: 9 Las manos de
Zorobabel han hechado el cimiento a esta Casa y sus manos la acabarán; (sabréis
así que el ETERNO Sebaot me ha enviado a vosotros). 10 ¿Quién menospreció el
día de los modestos comienzos? ¡Se alegrará al ver la plomada en la mano de
Zorobabel! « Esos siete son los ojos del ETERNO CREADOR: ellos recorren toda la
tierra.» 11 Entonces tomé la palabra y
le dije: «¿Qué son esos dos olivos a derecha e izquierda del
candelabro?» 12 (Añadí de nuevo y le
dije: «¿Qué son las dos ramas de olivo que por los dos tubos de oro
vierten de sí aceite dorado?») 13 Él me
habló y dijo: «¿No sabes qué es esto?» Dije: «No, mi señor.» 14 Y él me dijo: «Estos son los dos
Ungidos que están en pie junto al SOBERANO de toda la tierra.» (Zacarías 14.1 al 14, Biblia de Jerusalén,
Versión Católica). Observemos que el
verdadero candelabro de oro tiene siete lámparas y siete boquillas; no nueve
como se lo dibuja en diferentes estampas.
LA VERDAD ACERCA DE LOS DOS
TESTIGOS
PARTE Ii
Las “dos ramas de olivo” de que habla Zacarías representan a las dos
“ramas o brotes” del Gobierno de nuestro
Creador aquí en la Tierra, que se habrá de establecer en “aquellos días”
profetizados! El Gobierno Civil será
precedido por un rey, y el Gobierno del Templo será presidido por un sacerdote
y profeta de la línea de Leví. Los
estudios anteriores nos han demostrado que las Sagradas escrituras Hebreas
están repletas de citas que hacen referencia a que el Rey David será levantado
de su sepulcro donde hoy mora para que ejerza la posición del Mashiach,
prometido por nuestro Creador, para que ejerza el Reinado Mesiánico! Hasta aquí todo va bien, pero ¿quién será el
que habrá de ejercer el s papel de Profeta y sacerdocio? El mismo libro de Zacarias nos da esa
respuesta, anotando también que poseerá un “trono” igual al del Rey David!
“12 y le hablas de
esta manera: Así dice el ETERNO Sebaot: He aquí un hombre cuyo nombre es Germen
(Davíd): debajo de él (de su sepulcro) habrá germinación (y él edificará el
Templo del ETERNO). 13 Él (Davíd)
edificará el Templo del Creador; él llevará las insignias reales, se sentará y
dominará en su trono; habrá además un sacerdote a su derecha, y consejo
de paz habrá entre ellos dos.” (Zacarías 6:12, 13) En éstas escrituras vemos la descripción de
dos seres, la de un Rey, y la de un Sacerdote, y no la de un ser sólo
que ejerza los dos cargos, Cuan claras y específicas son las cosas de nuestro
Creador! Cabe ahora preguntar, ¿quien es ese SACERDOTE? El primero que se cita en las Sagradas Escrituras
como Rey de Salem (Jerusalém) y
como primer sacerdote del Altísimo es MELQUISEDEK. Esto sucede antes que a Abram le sea cambiado su n0ombre por el de Abraham, y regresa a casa después de haber liberado a su primo Lot
de manas de los reyes de la región que lo habían secuestrado. Al hacer Abram
tal viaje, pasa por Salem (Jerusalém), y se reúne allí con el Rey
de Salem y Sacerdote del Altísimo de Israel quien los esperaba de
regreso. “8 Salieron entonces el rey
de Sodoma, el rey de Gomorra, el rey
de Admá , el rey de Seboyim y el rey de Belá (esto es, de Soar) y en
el valle de Siddim les presentaron batalla:
9 a Kedorlaomer, rey de Elam, a Tidal, rey de Goyim,
a Amrafel, rey de Senaar, y a Aryok, rey de Ellasar: cuatro reyes
contra cinco.
10 El valle de Siddim estaba lleno
de pozos de betún, y como huyesen los reyes de Sodoma y Gomorra, cayeron allí.
Los demás huyeron a la montaña.
11 Los vencedores tomaron toda la
hacienda de Sodoma y Gomorra con todos sus víveres y se fueron. 12 Apresaron también a Lot, el sobrino
de Abram, y su hacienda, pues él habitaba en Sodoma, y se fueron. 13 Un evadido vino a avisar a Abram el
hebreo, que habitaba junto a la encina de Mambré el amorreo, hermano de
Eskol y de Aner, aliados a su vez de Abram.
14 Al oír Abram que su hermano había sido hecho cautivo, movilizó la
tropa de gente nacida en su casa, en número de 318, y persiguió a aquéllos
hasta Dan.
15 Y cayendo él y sus siervos sobre
ellos por la noche, los derrotó, y los persiguió hasta Jobá, que está al norte
de Damasco; 16 recuperó toda la
hacienda, y también a su hermano Lot con su hacienda así como a las mujeres y a
la gente. 17 A su regreso después de
batir a Kedorlaomer y a los reyes que con él estaban, le salió al encuentro el
rey de Sodoma en el valle de Savé (o sea, el valle del Rey). 18 Entonces Melquisedec, rey de Salem,
presentó pan y vino, pues era sacerdote del Eterno y Altísimo, 19 y le bendijo diciendo: «¡Bendito sea Abram
del Eterno y Altísimo, creador de cielos y tierra, 20 y bendito sea el Eterno y Altísimo, que
entregó a tus enemigos en tus manos!» Y diole Abram el diezmo de todo.” (Génesis 14:8
al 20, Versión Judía de la Biblia de Jerusalen). Claramente vemos que este
Melquizedek no es, ni fue, un “ser
espiritual” sino un hombre común y corriente, un Sacerdote del Altísimo de
Israel. Transcribimos, para tal efecto, las palabras consignadas en la obra “Chronology
of the Bible” (“Cronología de la
Biblia” de Frank R. Klassen, pág.13),
“Melquizedek fue el nombre sacerdotal que se le otorgo al Patriarca Shem
(Sem)…uno de los hijos de Noé, fue antediluviano cuya justicia le permitió
sobrevivir dos grandes juicios, y vivir 503
años después del Diluvio universal (Génesis 11.10, 11); nacido 98 años
antes que se sucediera el Diluvio, y vivir 52 años después de la destrucción de
Sodoma y Gomorra, y 150 años en la vida terrenal de Abraham. En aquél tiempo
cuando Abraham paga y entrega los diezmos a Melquizedek éste, SHEM o SEM, era el hombre más viejo de su época y fungía como sacerdote
del Altísimo de Israel, del Eterno Creador (Génesis 14:18).
Considere por un momento, cuan grande fue este Melquizedek a quien nuestro
patriarca Abraham le hizo entrega de los diezmos del botín tomado de los reyes
vencidos por él ¡ Shem volvió a
rebautizar a Salem con su propio nombre, SHEM -Jerusalem. (Génesis 14:18 y
Salmos 76:2). El significado del nombre
de SHEM es que es un apelativo, nombre identificador o título que nos indica
una señal, marca o memorial de alguien
que, por implicación, tiene un gran honor, poder, autoridad y carácter. (ver
las palabras H-8035 y H-8034 en la Concordancia de Strong)
Esta acción dentro de sus funciones como Sacerdocio dxel Altísimo no fue uno que se
efectuó, como muchos afirman, en los días de los “PANES SIN LEVADURA”, actuando
como si fuese la Eucaristía Cristiana, con el uso del “pan y el vino”, no,
simplemente estaba sirviéndole alimentos y vino a sus invitados, y entre
quienes estaban el mismo Rey de Sodoma, Abraham y Lot, que Abraham había traído
de regreso a la tierra donde m9raban, Sodoma!
De esta forma es muy aparente el hecho que,
cuando leemos las escrituras en su verdadero contexto, lo que realmente sucedió
fue que Melquizedek, un hombre cuyo nombre real fue el de SHEM, no fue un “ser
espiritual” como mal se le describe dentro de las religiones del mundo, sino un
ser humano de carne y hueso. Tanto
Melquizedek (Shem) y Abraham, adoraron al Único y Verdadero Creador de todo, al
Altísimo de Israel. Más aún, Abraham
reconoció en Shem su papel de Melquizedek como sacerdote del Altísimo de
Israel! Salmos 110:4 hace referencia a
aquél uno que fungirá como “Sacerdote para siempre” según el orden o categoría
de Melkquizedek. Y ese UNO no será otro
que David Rey, traído a la vida de nuevo por el Creador mismo; el Mashiach de
la futura nación constituida por el Pueblo Hebreo, ISRAEL LA GRANDE! (Salmos
110: 1 al 7)
S A L M O S 1 1
0
Parte i
Uno de los Salmos más bellos y proféticos de las
Escrituras Hebreas es el 110 porque
es allí donde se hace una descripción acerca de nuestro Eterno Creador y Sus dos colaboradores
o ayudantes conocidos por el mundo
como los DOS TESTIGOS o DOS UNGIDOS que han de fungir, como el MASHIACH y el SACERDOTE en el Gobierno
Mileneal en el Maravilloso Mundo de Mañana.
Estos mismos versos han sido tergiversados por las religiones
establecidas en éste mundo occidental nuestro, y por ello el conocimiento
verdadero ha estado lejos de las mentes de la mayoría de las personas.
La serie de versos escriturales que a
continuación se han de exponer nos muestran una conversación existente entre
dos persones o seres. Uno de ellos es
nuestro Creador, y el otro es el “Sacerdote” quien va a ser instalado en su
oficio como tal. En primer
término tenemos que decir que quien habla en éstos primeros tres versos es el
Sacerdote, refiriéndose al Mashiach elegido, David : “1 Oráculo del Señor (H-3068) a mi señor (H-3068 de Strong): Siéntate a Mi
diestra, hasta que Yo haga de tus enemigos el estrado de tus pies. 2 El cetro de tu poder lo extenderá el
CREADOR (Seeñor) desde Sión: ¡para que domines en medio de tus enemigos! 3 Para ti el principado (Génesis 49:8) desde
el día de tu nacimiento, en esplendor sagrado desde el seno, desde la aurora de
tu juventud.” y
“4 Lo ha
jurado el CREADOR (Señor) y no ha de
retractarse: «Tú, Elijah (Elías) eres por siempre sacerdote, según el orden de
Melquisedec.» 5 Y a tu diestra, señor (David),
quebrantarás a los reyes el día de tu cólera;
6 sentenciarás a las naciones, amontonarás cadáveres, cabezas
quebrantarás sobre la ancha tierra. 7 En
el camino beberás del torrente, por eso es que levantas la cabeza.”.
Es de aclarar aquí que los versos 1, 2 y 4 se han
traducido de su original Hebreo יהוה YHWH (H-3068 en la Concordancia de Strong) y que, como
tal, su pronunciación se ha perdido en el tiempo porque, en el hebreo antiguo,
no se anotaban las vocales. Pero su significado es, sencillamente, el de “auto
existente” o “eterno”. Se refiere, sin duda alguna,
al CREADOR o SOBERANO, es decir el Altísimo
de Israel! La palabra “Señor” del verso 5 se ha traducido de
la hebrea אדון , ADONAY, (H-136 de la Concordancia de Strong) y se refiere
absolutamente al Rey David. Para poder entender con más claridad estas
descripciones imaginémonos que nos encontramos al frente de tres tronos: UNO,
al fondo, y DOS un poco más hacia adelante, ubicados a derecha e izquierda del primer trono, el Trono
del Eterno Creador. En el costado o mano derecha del Trono del Eterno, y un poco más abajo, se
encuentran el Trono del Rey David, y a Su izquierda el Trono del Sacerdote.
Nos
preguntamos ¿quién es ese “sacerdote”? la respuesta correcta la encontramos en
los siguientes versos, “19 Pues he aquí que viene “aquél
Día”, abrasador como un horno; todos los arrogantes y los que cometen
impiedad serán como paja; y los consumirá “aquél Día” que viene, dice el ETERNO
Sebaot, hasta no dejarles raíz ni rama.
20 Pero para vosotros, los que teméis mi Nombre, brillará el sol
de justicia con la salud en sus rayos, y saldréis brincando como becerros bien
cebados fuera del establo. 21 Y
pisotearéis a los impíos, porque serán ellos ceniza bajo la planta de vuestros
pies, el día que yo preparo, diceel ETERNO Sebaot. 22 Acordaos de la Ley de Moisés, mi siervo, a
quien yo prescribí en el Horeb preceptos y normas para todo Israel. 23 He aquí que Yo os envío al profeta
Elías (vuelto a la vida eterna al igual que el Rey David) antes que llegue el Día del ETERNO, grande y
terrible. 24 Él hará volver el corazón
de los padres a los hijos, y el corazón de los hijos a los padres; no sea que
venga yo a herir la tierra con anatema.” (Malaquías 4:1 al 6, o
Malaquías 3:19 al 24, en otras versiones).
Todo éstos habrá de suceder en “aquéllos días”, los días de la Prueba
de Jacob, del pueblo Hebreo, de Israel la Grande! Resumiendo: El Profeta es Elías,
y el Mashiach es el Rey David! Juntos, los
dos, son los DOS TESTIGOS que harán
volver a Israel de su cautividad donde se encontrarán y harán que se arrepienta,
allí en el Valle de Jezreel!.
S A L M O S 1 1
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Parte iI
Ahora veamos otros versos, en el
libro de Ezequiel, “15 Se reservará una oveja por cada rebaño de
doscientas de las praderas de Israel, para la oblación, el holocausto y el
sacrificio de comunión, como expiación por ellos, oráculo del Eterno
Creador. 16 Todo el pueblo de la tierra contribuirá a esta ofrenda reservada
para el príncipe de Israel. 17 El príncipe se encargará de los holocaustos,
de la oblación y de la libación en las fiestas, novilunios y sábados, en todas
las solemnidades de la Casa de Israel.
Él proveerá lo necesario para el sacrificio por el pecado, para la
oblación, el holocausto y los sacrificios de comunión, para la expiación de la
Casa de Israel. 18 Así dice el ETERNO CREADOR: el primero mes, el día uno del
mes, tomarás un novillo sin defecto,
para quitar el pecado del santuario 19 El sacerdote tomará la sangre de la víctima
por el pecado y la pondrá en las jambas del pórtico de la Casa, en los cuatro
ángulos del zócalo del altar, y en las jambas de los pórticos del atrio
interior. 20 Lo mismo harás el día siete
del mes, en favor de todo aquel que haya pecado por inadvertencia o
irreflexión. Así haréis la expiación de la Casa. 21 El día catorce del primer mes será para
vosotros la fiesta de la Pascua. Durante siete días se comerá el pan sin
levadura. 22 Aquel día, el príncipe
ofrecerá por sí mismo y por todo el pueblo de la tierra un novillo en
sacrificio por el pecado. 23 Durante los
siete días de la fiesta, ofrecerá en holocausto al ETERNO CREADOR siete
novillos y siete carneros sin defecto, cada uno de los siete días, y en
sacrificio por el pecado, un macho cabrío cada día en favor de sí mismo y del
pueblo,” (Ezequiel
45:15 al 22)
En estas palabras vemos que una vez establecido
el orden en el Gobierno de nuestro Eterno Creador se re establecerán las
oblaciones, sacrificios, holocaustos y libaciones en el Templo que habrá de
construir el mismo Rey David. Todo ello gracias
a que David fue un “hombre conforme al
mismo corazón del Eterno” (1 Samuel 13:14). Y de esta forma vemos el por
qué el Rey David fue escogido para que fuese el Mashiach prometido.
Con respecto al por qué el Profeta Elías fue
escogido como Profeta, bien podemos leer las razones en los versos que siguen, “17 Después de estas cosas, el hijo de la dueña de la casa cayó enfermo,
y la enfermedad fue tan recia que se quedó sin aliento. 18 Entonces ella dijo a Elías: «¿Qué hay
entre tú y yo, hombre de Dios? ¿Es que has venido a mí para recordar mis faltas
y hacer morir a mi hijo?» 19 Elías respondió: «Dame tu hijo.» El lo tomó de su
regazo y subió a la habitación de arriba donde él vivía, y lo acostó en su
lecho; 20 después clamó al ETERNO
diciendo: «ETERNO, Creador mío, ¿es que también vas a hacer mal a la viuda en
cuya casa me hospedo, haciendo morir a su hijo?» 21 Se tendió tres veces sobre el niño, invocó
al ETERNO y dijo: «ETERNO, Creador mío, que vuelva, por favor, el alma de este
niño dentro de él.» 22 El Eterno Creador
escucho la voz de Elías, y el alma del niño volvió a él y revivió. 23 Tomó Elías al niño, lo bajó de la
habitación de arriba de la casa y se lo dio a su madre. Dijo Elías: «Mira, tu
hijo vive.» 24 La mujer dijo a Elías: «Ahora
sí que he conocido bien que eres un hombre deL
Creador, y que es verdad en tu boca la palabra del ETERNO YHWH.»
Este profeta, Elías, del siglo 9 Antes de la Era
Común (AEC), de la población conocida como TISBIT de Gilead, en el Reino del
Norte, fue unos de los más grandes en carácter y romanticismo que toda Israel
haya podido producir, se distinguió por varios hechos; entre ellos los
siguientes, a) actúa en el primer milagro asociado con su profecía dada al rey
Ahab, haciendo que no lloviese por tres año; b) hace volver a la vida al hijo
de la viuda (1 Reyes17:1), c) su actuación en el gran milagro donde mueren, al
final 400 sacerdotes de Ba-l, y 4oo de la Ashera, quienes fueron destruidos por
el fuego solicitado por él, y que provino de los cielos.
Fuera de todo lo anterior es muy importante
enfatizar cinco puntos a su favor:
1)
Elías
creía totalmente en el monoteísmo – la adoración de UN solo Creador y Soberano,
2)
Luchó
toda su vida en contra del baalismo
3)
El
baalismo es politeísta, es decir adora varios dioses; y entre ellos se
encuentra la figura de “Padre, Hijo y Espíritu santo”, que no tiene nada que
ver con las enseñanzas del Creador,
4)
El
ÚNICO Y CREADOR absoluto es el ETERNO, el SOBERANO o ALTÍSIMO DE ISRAEL, y
5)
Su
trabajo siempre lo puso en contra de las prácticas y creencias de la mayoría de
su propia nación.
Terminemos diciendo que el tema sobre Elías
Profeta es uno que se discute extensamente entre muchos de los grupos
eclesiales del mundo moderno, pero que nunca ha llegado a decir la verdad. No
es así; Elías es uno de los miembros de los dos TESTIGOS UNGIDOS!
Does Israel's CREATOR Require
Blood to Atone for Sin?
Blood to Atone for Sin?
By
Timothy S. Williams, Part I
"...without
the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."(Hebrews 9:22)
The
central theme of Christianity and the New Testament (NT) is
the sacrificial offering of the blood of 'Jesus Christ' as atonement for the
sins of the entire world. "The blood of 'Jesus' was shed in our stead and
is the only means of atonement for sin." Is this claim truly
consistent with The Holy Scriptures (OT)?
Christians
claim that the absolute need for blood is rooted in the Law of Moses (the
Torah). Traditionally they will often cite the book of Leviticus as
proof:
"And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among you, who consumes any blood, I will set My face against that person who consumes blood, and will cut him off from among his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul. Therefore, I say to the children of Israel, 'No one among you shall consume blood, nor shall any stranger who sojourns among you consume blood.'" (Leviticus 17:11)
"And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among you, who consumes any blood, I will set My face against that person who consumes blood, and will cut him off from among his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul. Therefore, I say to the children of Israel, 'No one among you shall consume blood, nor shall any stranger who sojourns among you consume blood.'" (Leviticus 17:11)
What
should immediately be apparent is that this passage is concerned first and
foremost with the prohibition against consuming blood. The subject of
atonement here is secondary. We are told that the reason for this prohibition
is that the blood contains the life or vitality of the animal 1
Another reason is
that consuming blood 2 was a very important part
of the idolatrous religious practices of the people and nations surrounding
Israel. Israel was clearly instructed by The Holy One of Israel through Moses
not to imitate this abhorrent pagan practice in any manner 3
Since
this passage is predominately concerned with the prohibition against consuming
blood, we must look elsewhere in the Bible for instructions concerning
atonement for sins. This passage in Leviticus will become clearer later on. The
passage does say that since blood symbolizes the life of the animal, it can be
used as a means of atoning for o ur sins. It does not say,
however, that blood is the only means of atoning for sins.
Indeed, The Holy Scripturestell us of several other things that can
be used instead of the blood of a sacrificial ram or bullock.
Other
Means of Atonement
"And Moses said
unto Aaron, 'Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense,
and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from [YHWH]; the
plague is begun.' And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of
the congregation; and, behold, the p lague was begun among the people: and
he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people." (Numbers 16:46-47)
Here, incense
can be used to atone for sins in the same manner as the blood
sacrifices of animals. Notice what else could be used in place of
blood:
"The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto [YHWH], to make an atonement for your souls. And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unt o the children of Israel before [YHWH], to make an atonement for your souls." (Exodus 30:15-16)
"The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto [YHWH], to make an atonement for your souls. And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unt o the children of Israel before [YHWH], to make an atonement for your souls." (Exodus 30:15-16)
The
phrase "to make atonement for your souls" in these verses is the same
expression as in Leviticus 17:11:
"We have therefore brought an oblation 4 for [YHWH], what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before [YHWH]." Numbers 31:50)
"We have therefore brought an oblation 4 for [YHWH], what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before [YHWH]." Numbers 31:50)
In
these passages, money could be used to make atonement for the children of
Israel. The principle here is not that atonement can be bought [this
was the practice of the great universal church whose priests routinely sold
forgiveness]. Rather, this is about doing charitable things with money. In this
case, the money was to be used for th e physical maintenance of the temple
building.
Does
Blood Cover All Sins
According to the
Bible, blood sacrifices held only limited atonement capabilities. Foremost
among it's limitations was that blood sacrifices were only brought for unintentional sins. If a person committed some sin out of ignorance,
such as doing work on the Sabbath when perhaps they mistakenly thought it was
Sunday, then atonement could be made through a sacrificial sin offering.
Sacrifices did not help to atone for sins that were done intentionally. Notice
the instructions to the priests concerning this:
"And [YHWH] spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of [YHWH] concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto [YHWH] for a sin offering. And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before [YHWH]; and shall lay his hand upon the bullock's head, and kill the bullock before [YHWH]. And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock's blood, and bri ng it to the tabernacle of the congregation: And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before [YHWH], before the veil of the sanctuary. And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before [YHWH], which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and sha ll pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation"Leviticus 4:1-7)
"And [YHWH] spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of [YHWH] concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto [YHWH] for a sin offering. And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before [YHWH]; and shall lay his hand upon the bullock's head, and kill the bullock before [YHWH]. And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock's blood, and bri ng it to the tabernacle of the congregation: And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before [YHWH], before the veil of the sanctuary. And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before [YHWH], which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and sha ll pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation"Leviticus 4:1-7)
This
claim that only blood could atone for sins raises many questions. What happens
if someone could not afford to purchase a ram or bullock for his sin offering?
Is it possible that a loving CREATOR would institute a system of atonement that
could only be used by the wealthy?
"And
if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which
he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto
[YHWH]; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering."
Leviticus 5:7)
Here,
if a person could not afford the sacrificial ram or bullock for a sin offering,
certain types of small birds could be used instead. However, what if someone
was so destitute, that he couldn't afford even these small birds?
"But
if his means are insufficient for two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then
for his offering for that which he has sinned, he shall bring the tenth of an
ephah 5 of fine flourfor
a sin offering; he shall not put oil on it or place incense on it, for it is a
sin offering." (Leviticus 5:11)
This
is very interesting, but seriously damaging to the Christian doctrine. If birds
could not be afforded, some simple flour could be used instead
and would be just as effectivein the eyes of Israel's CREATOR. The
scriptures are quite clear on this. Since flour could
be used for a sin offering, it is evident that blood was not the sole
means of atonement. The Christian position that only the shed
blood of 'Jesus' could atone for sins is falling by the wayside in light of the
Holy Scriptures. Actually, considering the beating and torture which 'Jesus' is
said to have suffered at The hands of the Romans, you have to
wonder why he didn't just bring a sack of flour to the Romans and let them
whip, beat, mock and crucify it instead!!!
What
if there was no Temple or Aaronic Priesthood
While the Temple
stood, sacrifices without question served as part of the atonement process.
What, though, was to be the fate of the people who did not have access to the
Temple? What were the Israelite people supposed to do after 586 BCE when the
first Temple was destroyed and they were exiled to Babylon? What did the Jewish
people do in the times of the Maccabees when the Syrian-Greeks were in control
of the Temple and did not allow sacrifices?
After
king Solomon completed the spectacular temple building in Jerusalem, he
dedicated it with a very moving speech. This lengthy and very beautiful speech
can be read in the books of 1 Kings 8 and II Chronicles 6. Notice, however,
that Solomon doesn't speak about sacrifices at all! If sacrifices were
the focal point of the temple, thi s omission would be very curious. Rather,
the focus of the Temple was shown to be the Ark, containing the Laws which our
CREATOR wanted us to live by. The Temple was first and foremost a symbol of
the Shekinah, or presence of The Holy One of Israel.
"I
have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide
in for ever. (I Kings 8:13)
"And
let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8).
Toward
the end of the speech, Solomon addresses the subject of the Israelite people
being denied access to the temple:
"If they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who have taken them captive, and pray to You toward their land which You have given to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and the house which I have built for Your name; then hear their prayer and their supplication in heaven Your dwelling place, and maintain their cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all their transgressions which they have transgressed against You..." (I Kings 8:46-50)
"If they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who have taken them captive, and pray to You toward their land which You have given to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and the house which I have built for Your name; then hear their prayer and their supplication in heaven Your dwelling place, and maintain their cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all their transgressions which they have transgressed against You..." (I Kings 8:46-50)
This
passage helps us understand Leviticus 17:11 properly. The Bible clearly teaches
that blood sacrifices were not necessary in order to atone for sins. Prayer
and repentance are shown to be the effective means of atonement.
Certainly, when the Temple stood, and if one
could afford an animal, a sacrifice was brough t as part of the atonement
process for unintentional sins. What Leviticus 17:11 teaches us is
that when we bring such an animal as a sacrifice, we are not allowed to
consume its blood, because as the life force, it is the part of the animal
that affects our atonement. In addition, we were not to consume the blood
because this was th e practice of the pagan people who worshipped the sun-god
'baal.'
Does Israel's CREATOR Require
Blood to Atone for Sin?
Blood to Atone for Sin?
By
Timothy S. Williams, Part I I
Was
'Jesus' an Acceptable Sacrifice?
Another focal point
of the NT is the Christian claim that the crucifixion of 'Jesus' served as the final atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. However, if the sacrificial instructions set forth
by the Law of Moses are examined closely, and you see the guidelines set forth
for how sacrifices are to be brought, it will be clear that ' Jesus' could never serve as an atoning sacrifice. Clearly, not just any blood shed in any
manner would satisfy the
biblical requirements for atonement. Notice the instructions set forth in the
Torah concerning sacrifices:
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls..." (Lev. 17:11)
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls..." (Lev. 17:11)
Notice
that the blood of the acceptable sacrifice was to be shed upon the holy
alter of the temple, and not on the pagan phallic symbol of the cross.
Clearly, not any spilled blood is acceptable as a sacrifice. CREATOR of Israel
set forth very meticulous rules and laws governing acceptable sacrifices
brought to Him. "Jesus'" crucifixion m ay qualify as an atonement
according to the Greek Testament of Mithraisum but since his blood was not
offered on the altar, it is not in compliance with what The Holy
Scriptures of Israel's CREATOR requires.
There
are many other factors that would render the crucifixion of
'Jesus' an unacceptable sacrifice according to scriptural guidelines. According
to the Biblical rules in Leviticus, all sacrifices had to be offered by
a Levite Priest, a descendant of Aaron. According to the
"gospel" accounts, 'Jesus' was killed by pagan, gentile Ro man
soldiers.
Biblical
law also prohibited any sacrifice that was blemished or maimed:
"Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats. But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you. And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto [YHWH] to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeve s or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein. Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen [cyst], or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto [YHWH], nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto [YHWH]. (Leviticus 22:19-21).
"Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats. But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you. And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto [YHWH] to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeve s or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein. Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen [cyst], or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto [YHWH], nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto [YHWH]. (Leviticus 22:19-21).
Now we have a
problem. The "gospels" of the NT clearly teach that 'Jesus' was
beaten and whipped, which would have made him blemished and maimed and
therefore an unfit sacrifice. 6 Frequently, Christians react to
this line of reasoning by protesting that it is improper to be so literal, and
that "Jesus'" death was more of a symbolic or spiritual sacrifice.
Christians will insist, indeed the NT itself makes the claim, that 'Jesus'
was literally our Passover sacrifice. Remember in the book of John,
when the Roman soldiers pierced 'Jesus' [after he was already dead, mind you]?
Here we are told that they did not break his legs 7 because
this would violate the rules of the proper Passover sacrifice:
"But
coming to 'Jesus,' when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break
his legs...in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled: Not a
bone of him shall be broken." (John 19:33-36)
The
gospel of John portrays 'Jesus' as the Passover lamb which was not supposed to
have any of its bones broken (cf. Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12). If Christians
insist that 'Jesus' was the literal Passover sacrifice, and
his blood atoned for our sins, then 'Jesus,' as that sacrifice, was subject to
the literal guidelines set by the La w of Moses given by
CREATOR of Israel governing an acceptable sacrifice. Christians always seem to
want to have it both ways. The NT itself proposes that 'Jesus' was a literal
sacrifice. When confronted with the clear Biblical instructions on how
acceptable sacrifices were to be offered, however, they will complain that this
is just legalistic nit picking.
Why
was 'Jesus' patterned after the Passover Sacrifice
It really does not
make sense to type 'Jesus' as the Passover sacrifice anyway. We know from
Exodus 12 that the Passover sacrifice did not serve as atonement for sins, it merely commemorates the exodus from Egypt. Even
when the lamb was slaughtered in Egypt and its' blood smeared on the
door-posts, the blood did not serve to atone for the sins of anyone. It was a
sign for the angel of death to pass over Israelite homes during the plague of
the first born. The only people in danger were first-born males. The blood
wasn't a help to other people in the family, and didn't serve as an atonement
for the first born.
It
would have made much more sense to type 'Jesus' after the Yom Kippur (Day of
Atonement) sacrifice, which actually was an atonement for the sins of all the
people. The problem here was that according to Leviticus 16:10, 21-22, the
animal that atoned for the sins of the nation was not killed, but sent
live out into the desert. Now the fol lowers of 'Jesus' had another
problem. According to the prophecies of ancient Israel, the Messiah was not
supposed to die before completing His mission. The followers of 'Jesus,' who
claimed that he was Israel's Messiah, now had to deal with 'Jesus''
embarrassing death at the hands of the Romans. So they correlated him with the
slain Passover s acrifice. This tap dance around the scriptures to try and
legitimize 'Jesus' as the Messiah cannot negate the clear lesson from Leviticus
and the Day of Atonement that the shedding of blood is not a pre-requisite for
atonement.
Can
'Jesus,' or any Other Man, Atone For Your Sins
Where did this idea
originate that one man, or that anyone for that matter, could atone and pay for
the sins of one or more people? It should be perfectly clear by now that such
notions stem from the Babylonian mystery religion of ancient Mesopotamia. What
is certain is that the idea that an innocent person can be killed instead of
those who are guilty is not consistent with what the Bible teaches. After the
sin of the Golden Calf, CREATOR of Israel was so outraged that His intentions
were to totally annihilate and destroy the Israelite people. Moses offers to
die in their place. Notice the response to Moses suggestion:
"Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin...; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And [YHWH] said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." (Exodus 32:32-33)
"Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin...; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And [YHWH] said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." (Exodus 32:32-33)
Throughout
the Bible, Israel's CREATOR says that one person cannot die for the
sins of another:
"Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor shall sons be put to death for their fathers; everyone shall be put to death for his own sin" (Deuteronomy 24:16)
"Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor shall sons be put to death for their fathers; everyone shall be put to death for his own sin" (Deuteronomy 24:16)
"But everyone
will die for his own sin; each man who eats sour grapes, his teeth will be
set on edge" (Jeremiah 31:30)
"The
person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father's
iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the
righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness
of the wicked will be upon himself" (Ezekiel 18:20)
"He
who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them are
an abomination to the Lord" (Proverbs 17:15).
"No man ['Jesus'
included] can by any means redeem his brother, or give to 'God' a ransom for
him" (Psalms 49:7)
Unlike
the Greek Testament, The Holy Scripturesof the One True CREATOR of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob clearly teach that we are responsible for our own
actions and sins. We alone must account and pay the price. No virgin born
savior deity from Babylonian mythology can contradict the clear instructions of
CREATOR of Israel. Now the reader is faced with the question of why two
theologies are evident when the Old Testament is compared with the NT?
The
Big Question
Here is a question
that Christian ministers have danced around for two thousand years, but have
never truthfully answered. If indeed 'Jesus' came as the final sacrifice to
atone for the sins of the world, why do The
Holy Scripturesproclaim that the
Third Temple will be built and sacrifices resumed during the Messianic era? The vast majority of average Christians are
completely ignorant of these prophecies, as they have been cleverly hidden by
their ministers. Notice the
clear teachings of The Holy
Scripturesregarding this:
"Even those I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples." (Isaiah 56:7)
"Even those I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples." (Isaiah 56:7)
"From
beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My worshipers, My dispersed ones will bring My
offerings." (Zephaniah 3:10)
"All
the flocks of Kedar will be gathered together to you, the rams of Nebaioth will
minister to you; they will go up with acceptance on My altar, and I shall
glorify My glorious house." (Isaiah 60:7)
"And
I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant
with them. And I will place them and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary in their midst forever." (Ezekiel 37:26)
"And
He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of
Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to
[YHWH] offerings in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and
Jerusalem will be pleasant to [YHWH], as in the days of old and as in
former years." (Malachi 3:3-4)
Here
is the clincher:
(Ezekiel 45:17) "And it shall be the princes part to provide the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the libations...to make the atonement for the house of Israel."
(Ezekiel 45:17) "And it shall be the princes part to provide the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the libations...to make the atonement for the house of Israel."
Apparently,
dear reader, 'Jesus' sacrifice did not make atonement for the sins of
all the world. If the death of 'Jesus' had atoned for all sins for all
time, why will atonement need to be made during the messianic era? How
do you answer the true words of Israel's CREATOR, Mr. Christian minister?
Does Israel's CREATOR Require
Blood to Atone for Sin?
Blood to Atone for Sin?
By
Timothy S. Williams, Part I I I
The
Holy One of Israel and Mercy
The Christian claim
that only through bloodshed can atonement be made show that Christians are
unfamiliar with how compassionate and merciful the Holy One of Israel really
is. Sometimes, He forgives us simply because He is kind, loving, compassionate
and merciful. Even when we don't seek our CREATOR appropriately, He has the
ability to reach out to us with love and forgive us:
"Who is a [Elohiym] like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy." (Micah 7:18)
"Who is a [Elohiym] like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy." (Micah 7:18)
"Their
heart was not steadfast toward Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant. But
He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity...remembering that they
were but flesh." (Psalms 78:36-39)
"You
have not brought Me the sheep of your burnt offerings...or the fat of your
sacrifices, but you have burdened Me with your sins...Nevertheless, I
will wipe out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not
remember your sins." (Isaiah 43:23-25)
Truly,
truly the Holy one of Israel is a just and merciful CREATOR.
Let's
Ask the Prophets
If the Christian
claim that one must be covered by the shed blood of the Messiah in order to
make atonement for his sins is valid, why can this claim not be validated by
the writings of the prophets? Time and time again, the writings of the prophets
emphasize prayer and repentance as the method to atone for sins. I challenge any Christian to produce a scripture
from The Holy Scriptures (OT) that teaches us that we must believe in the atoning
blood of a Messiah in order to obtain salvation. What the prophets teach us is that our own obedience
to the laws of Israel's CREATOR combined with sincere repentance and prayer for
forgiveness will atone for sin if done with the prope r attitude of humility.
"That
every man will turn from his evil way, then I will forgive their iniquity and
their sin." (Jeremiah 36:3)
"Let
the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him
return to [YHWH], and He will have compassion on him; and to our [Elohiym]. for
He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:7)
"And
if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My
face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will
forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14).
"But
if the wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed and observes
all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall surely live;
he shall not die. All his transgressions which he has committed will not be
remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has practiced he
shall live...When a wicked man turns away from his wickedness which he has
committed and practices justice and righteousness, he will save his
life...Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may
not become a stumbling block to you (Ezekiel 18:21- 22,27,30).
"By
loving kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for..." (Proverbs 16:6).
"If
you return to [Elohiym] you will be restored; if you remove unrighteousness far
from your tent...then you will delight in [Elohiym]..." (Job 22:23-27).
Clearly,
the central teaching of The Holy Scripturesis that we must break
away from our sinful past and sincerely repent. This is the only way to restore
our relationship with the Holy One of Israel. If one strays from the path set
forth by the laws of our CREATOR, one must repent and return to the path. This
is how forgiveness is obtai ned. Even when sacrifices were offered, they in and
of themselves did not effect atonement. The sacrifice was part of the process;
it helped bring them to the core of atonement, which is achieved by repentance.
What is repentance? Returning to ETERNAL by forsaking our evil ways and praying
for forgiveness. The prophets were constantly correctin g the Israelite people
for relying on blood sacrifices as the essential element of atonement instead
of repentance and obedience to ETERNAL's laws:
"What
are your multiplied sacrifices to Me? says [YHWH]. I have had enough of burnt
offerings of rams, and the fat of fed cattle. And I take no pleasure in the
blood of bulls, lambs, or goats...Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, learn to do
good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless , defend the orphan, plead for the
widow. Come let us reason together says [YHWH], 'Though your sins are as
scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they will
be like wool, if you consent and obey..."(Isaiah 1:11-18).
"The
sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord." (Proverbs 15:8).
"To
do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to [YHWH] than sacrifice."
(Proverbs 21:3)
"For
I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of [Elohiym]
rather than burnt offerings." (Hosea 6:6).
"Has
[YHWH] as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the
voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
more than the fat of rams." (I Samuel 15:22)
"With
what shall I come to [YHWH], and bow myself before the [Elohiym] on high? Shall
I come to Him with burnt offerings, with yearling calves? Does [YHWH] take
delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my
firstborn for my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does [YHWH] require of you but
to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah
6:6-8)
Do
you now begin to see what the very wise king Solomon was trying to explain in 1
Kings 8, when he said that even though the Israelite people may not always have
access to the sacrifices and the Priesthood, they would always have access to
the Holy One of Israel. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived by gift of
CREATOR of Israel, understood tha t repentance and not blood is
the Scriptural form of atonement.
Remember
the story of Jonah? He was sent to the evil city of Nineveh to warn them of
their impending destruction. Jonah does not come into the city and tell the
people that unless they begin offering sacrifices they are doomed. He does not
tell them that unless they accept on faith that the shed blood of Israel's
Messiah will atone for their sin s they are lost. No! He warns them to repent.
Their response to his warnings is: they fast, pray, and turn from their
evil. What is our CREATOR's response to their repentance?
"When
[Elohiym] saw their deeds that they turned from their wicked way, then
[Elohiym] relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring
upon them,and He did not do it." (Jonah 3:10).
How
did Daniel advise king Nebuchadnezzar to atone for his sins?
"Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: Redeem your sins by doing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor." (Daniel 4:27).The True Power of Prayer After the ten northern tribes split away from Judah, a civil war prevented most of Israel from Temple worship. The prophet Hosea addressed this situation and instructed the people accordingly:
"Return, O Israel, to [YHWH] your God, For you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take words with you and return to [YHWH]. Say to Him, 'Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously, for we will render as bullocks the offerings of our lips'." (Hosea 14:1-2)
"Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: Redeem your sins by doing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor." (Daniel 4:27).The True Power of Prayer After the ten northern tribes split away from Judah, a civil war prevented most of Israel from Temple worship. The prophet Hosea addressed this situation and instructed the people accordingly:
"Return, O Israel, to [YHWH] your God, For you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take words with you and return to [YHWH]. Say to Him, 'Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously, for we will render as bullocks the offerings of our lips'." (Hosea 14:1-2)
We
are able to approach our CREATOR directly with prayer, which is possible at all
times and regardless of the size of our bank accounts; and He assures us that
sincere prayer can achieve forgiveness for our sins:
"Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O [YHWH], the [Elohiym] of my salvation. And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O [YHWH], open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not delight in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of [Elohiym] are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. These, O [Elohiym], You will no t despise." (Psalms 51:14-17)"
"Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O [YHWH], the [Elohiym] of my salvation. And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O [YHWH], open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not delight in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of [Elohiym] are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. These, O [Elohiym], You will no t despise." (Psalms 51:14-17)"
"I
will praise the name of [Elohiym] with a song, and will magnify Him with
thanksgiving. This shall please [YHWH] better than an ox or bullock that has
horns and hoofs." (Psalm 69:30-31)
"For
You, [YHWH], are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in loving kindness to
all who call upon You. Give ear, O [YHWH] to my prayer, and give heed to the
voice of my supplications." (Psalm 86:5-6)
"And
listen to the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when
they pray toward this place; hear from heaven Your dwelling place, hear and
forgive." (II Chronicles 6:21)
The Holy Scripturesof Israel are very clear.
Prayer, a humble attitude, and above all, sincere heartfelt repentance is what
the Holy One of Israel requires of His people in order to atone for sins. No
doubt He knew thousands of years in advance that there would come a time when
some would wrongly rely on the blood of a deified human sacri fice to
vicariously replace obedience to His laws. It is evident to anyone with eyes to
see that a comparison between The Holy Scriptures of Israel
and the Greek NT to 'Baal' will reveal two entirely different religions. One is
dedicated to the One True ETERNAL of Israel; the other is dedicated to just
another of many mythological savior g ods of the Babylonian mysteries. The time
will come when Israel's true messiah will usher in an era of peace when all
nations will believe in and seek to worship the one true Holy One of Israel of
our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At that time, the proponents of
Christianity will deeply repent of the day when they taught the beloved nat ion
of Israel and the descendants of Abraham to break the first commandment and
worship another besides the Holy One
