109 What does returning to YHVH entail

What does returning to YHVH entail?

YHVH desires that each one of us whom He calls out of the false religions of the world, get to know Him better and to become mindful of how and when He expects His followers to serve Him. As soon as YHVH called ancient Israel out of Egypt, He gave them His instruction manual as His marriage contract or covenant, specifying how He wants them to worship Him, and how they should treat fellow Israelites and other people, with whom they come into contact. The benefits of meeting their part of the agreement with YHVH, was that He would lead them into the Promised Land, provide and protect them and come and dwell amongst them. However, like in the Garden of Eden, the people did not care too much about Elohim’s instructions.

It is the same today, less than twenty percent of the house of Judah and a very small number of believers from the house of Israel, whom YHVH called out of the world are actually following His way, whilst most who claim to follow either J*e*s*u*s* or God could not care less what He requires of them. This is why Yahshua taught in Matthew 7: 20 – 23, saying: “So then, you will know them by their fruits. (21) Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. (22) Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ (23) And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’” We need to bear in mind that ours is a covenant relationship with YHVH our Elohim in which He describes exactly how and when to serve Him, in return for providing and protecting us like a husband would his wife. It is comparable to any contract we enter into to serve the organization where we are employed; we are required to perform the functions specified in our job descriptions, else, we could get fired, or forfeit our salary. When we, from the house of Israel return to YHVH, we are required to repent from disobeying His Torah teachings in the past, be immersed in Yahshua’s saving name for the forgiveness of our past lawlessness and then start obeying Him more and more, as we grow in grace and knowledge. When we answer (YHVH)’s call to follow Him; if we are truly His servants, we will do what He requires of us in our Job Description or the Instruction Manual He gave us, or Yahshua our Master and savior will at His return, declare that He does not know us; resulting in us losing out on salvation and our reward of ruling with Him for a thousand years.

Because of deception, some in Churchianity realize they have to repent at times and according to their belief go to confession where a priest listens to them, and then tells them, to recite the “Our Father” a number of times, followed by the “Hail Mary” a number of times, followed by “glory Be” a number of times, after which they might be required to pay an amount and he forgives them their sins. How naïve were some of us in the past to believe that another human being can forgive us our sins. We need to understand that when YHVH calls us out of the churches of the world, He wants us to start learning Torah from a teacher who has gone through the same discipleship program that Yahshua’s original disciples went through, so that we may discover what we have been doing wrong, and return to Him by obeying what we learnt from His instruction manual. The problem is; even if some answer the call to follow Elohim’s way of life, they do not know what to do next, because they and their forefathers have been deceived for so long that they do not know where and how to start following the way of Elohim. In addition Satan the master counterfeiter is always ready with yet another counterfeit to deceive the naïve amongst us, and thereby keeping people from following YHVH in Spirit and in truth. Take for example those of us who started following a group who preached the true gospel; taught the kosher rules specified in Leviticus 11 and the observance of Elohim’s Feast Days as per Leviticus 23: Even though they did not obey all of Torah, some of their followers arrogantly assumed that they are totally on the right tract, believing theirs to be the only true congregation. The point is; even if those whom YHVH calls are real Gentiles, we need to be mindful of Elohim’s words in Numbers 15:15; that the entire Torah is applicable to all who joins the congregation of called-out believers, and that we do not have a smorgasbord religion where we may pick and choose which Torah commands we keep and which not.

Newly called-out believers need to realize that they are only at the beginning of following Elohim’s way of life, and are therefore far from being the only true congregation. Even though in the beginning some of the groups called-out by Elohim rightly only ate meat from kosher animals, they did not immediately understand that such meat had to be slaughtered correctly, else it remained unfit for human consumption. We read accordingly from Ezekiel 33: 25 & 26, “Therefore, say to them, ‘Thus says YHVH Elohim, “You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols as you shed blood. Should you then possess the land? (YHVH is asking whether we think we will inherit the Promised Land in His coming Kingdom, if we continue to disregard His Torah.) (26) You rely on your sword, you commit abominations, and each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?” Some modern day Israelites know so little about Elohim’s promises to Israel, because they believe that they are Gentiles, and will say arrogantly to this warning from Ezekiel, ‘Really, why should we care about possessing the land?’ Such people say such things, because they have no idea of what YHVH promised our fathers in the faith and what He required of them, but also of us after we returned to His will and ways. They do not ever study the Scriptures to truly get to know what YHVH requires of His followers. Instead they listen to what the deceived teachers of Churchianity teach and become even more deceived. An example is the idea that Xmas is a time for families to get together to celebrate the birth of their savior. But, whose idea was it that families should get together during these pagan celebrations and revelry? Think about it – Satan is not happy with the fact that all human beings have the potential to become children of Elohim; something which he lost when he rebelled against Elohim. It is during these pagan celebrations of the so-called birth of our Savior, that more people die in accidents and violence caused by the overindulgence of alcoholic beverages during their excessive partying and revelry, than any other time of the year. Satan has and is succeeding to kill more humans during and after these pagan celebrations, than any other time of the year. Yes, YHVH also has Set-apart convocations during which time He wants us to get together and celebrate His Feast Days. However, we need to be mindful that its purpose is for us to learn to fear Him, and to get to know His plan of salvation for all mankind, not to party until we cannot recall what we were doing.

As a follower of Yahshua do you ever check the Word of Elohim for yourself to determine what He wants from those who claim to follow Him; what He requires them to do and not do? For example where in the Scriptures do we find information about the prohibition not to consume meat with blood in it? Let’s turn to the specific command in Leviticus 19: 26 (KJV), in this way: ‘Ye shall not eat anything with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.’ This is very specific language, telling returning Israelites that we should not eat anything with the blood in it; in addition it tells us not to use enchantment, nor to observe times. It was unpardonable for the ancient Israelites who were committed to the oracles of Elohim given at Mount Sinai, to ask counsel of the devil. And yet worse in believers, to whom YHVH came manifested in the flesh, to have their nativities cast, or their fortunes told, or to use charms for the cure of diseases, as it is an intolerable affront to our Father in heaven. The prohibition not to observe times; has to do with observing times such as Easter and Xmas introduced to Churchianity by pagans. Rav Shaul warned about the same things in Galatians 4: 10, saying: ‘You observe days and months and seasons and years.’ This is not talking about keeping Elohim’s Sabbaths, commanded by Him to set us apart as His people. We are all aware of Elohim’s command not to worship Him according to pagan customs in Leviticus 18: 3, saying: ‘You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you; you shall not walk in their statutes.’ In fact this is repeated to the house of Israel by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 10: 1 – 5, in this way: ‘Hear the word which YHVH speaks to you, O house of Israel. (2) Thus says YHVH, “Do not learn the way of the nations, and do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens although the nations are terrified by them; (3) For the customs of the peoples are delusion; because it is wood cut from the forest, the work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. (4) They decorate it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers so that it will not totter. (5) Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, and they cannot speak; they must be carried, because they cannot walk! Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, nor can they do any good.”’

The precepts listed in Leviticus 19: 1 - 37 are also binding on believers in Messiah, since He stipulated in Matthew 5: 20, saying, that unless we obey Torah better than the scribes and the Pharisees do, we will not enter the kingdom of Elohim. It is required that Israel be a holy people, because the Elohim of Israel is holy as He told us through Moses in verse 2 of Leviticus 19. We are required to teach indisputable separation from worldly desires and a total commitment to Elohim. However, we may enjoy good food, drinks and life in general, as long as we do it within the limits that Elohim specified for our good. Those believers in Elohim who are returning to Him and His covenant through Yahshua, need to understand that since Yahshua is YHVH in the flesh (as per John 1: 1 – 14), these are His commandments. We see from verse 3 of Leviticus 19, that children should be obedient to their parents. The fear required here, includes inward regard and honor, outward respect and obedience, and care to please parents. Verse 4 specifies that Elohim only is to be worshipped, and that we should not turn from the only true Elohim to worship false gods. Continuing in verse 9 we see that we should not turn our eyes to them, much less our hearts; and as Israelites we should leave the gleanings of our harvest and vintage for the poor. Good works should be accompanied by charity, according to our ability. We must not be covetous or greedy of everything we can lay claim to, nor insist upon our right in all things. We are to be honest and true in all our dealings (verse 11). Whatever we have in the world, we must see that we get it honestly. We should also honor and show respect for the name of Elohim (verse 12). We must not keep things that belong to our neighbor, particularly the wages of a hireling (verse 13). We must be merciful and care for those who cannot help themselves (verse 14). Do no hurt your neighbor, especially those who are unwilling or unable to defend themselves. We ought to take heed of doing anything which may cause our weaker brothers and sisters to fall. The fear of Elohim should keep us from doing wrong things, though such fear will not always protect us from men's anger. Judges, and all in authority, are commanded to give judgment without partiality (verse 15). To be a tale-bearer, and to sow discord among neighbors, is forbidden. We are to rebuke our neighbor in love (verse 17). Rather rebuke him/her than hate him/her; we incur guilt by not reproving, since not doing so is tantamount to hating him/her. We should say: I will do him the kindness to tell him of his faults. We are to put off all malice, and to put on brotherly love (verse 18). We often wrong ourselves, but we soon forgive ourselves those wrongs and they do not at all lessen our love to ourselves; in like manner we should love our neighbor. We must in many cases deny ourselves for the good of our neighbor (Verse 31). Believers should not have their fortunes told, or use spells and charms as it is totally forbidden and is an insult to Elohim. In verse 32 we read the charge to young people to show respect to the aged. A charge was given to the Israelites to be very caring of strangers (verses 33), since they were once strangers in Egypt - strangers, widows and the fatherless, are Elohim’s particular care; It is at our peril, if we do them any wrong. Justice in weights and measures is commanded in verse 35. We must be aware of Elohim’s precepts and obey them conscientiously. We are not to pick and choose our duty, but must aim at standing complete in all the will of Elohim. The nearer our lives and tempers are to the precepts of Elohim's law, the happier shall we be, and the happier shall we make others all around us, and build Elohim’s character in us, required for the Kingdom of Elohim.

Leviticus 19 is also talking to us the modern day Israelites called out of the world by YHVH at this time. The problem is that many in Churches today believe that the so-called ‘Old Testament’ was written for the Jews, and the so-called ‘New Testament’ was written for ‘them’. They usually quote Acts 15, to substantiate their belief that not all Scriptures apply to the modern day believers in Messiah. Such believers reject what YHVH spoke through Moses and therefore interpret the Scriptures as two separate books. In order to have the correct understanding of Acts 15, we need to consider the Scriptures from a Hebraic perspective and understand how the Torah and the Prophets relate to what is written in the Renewed Covenant. We read Yahshua’s own words in this regard in John 5: 43 – 47, as follows: “I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another shall come in his own name, you will receive him[1]. (44) How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only Elohim? (here Yahshua who is Immanuel, meaning Elohim in the flesh confirms that there is only one Elohim) (45) Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. (46) For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote of Me. (47) But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” Most people who read these verses believe that it is aimed at our Jewish brothers; however, verse 47 makes it clear, we cannot believe Yahshua’s words, if we do not believe the writings of Moses.

Even though the dispute in Acts 15 is about circumcision, it entails more, as it involves the initial requirements new believers in Messiah have to fulfill, after their immersion. The decision by the elders and the apostles in Jerusalem regarding the dispute about circumcision in Acts 15, was because repentance is a process and new believers need to be taught to abstain from the pollutions of idols, from fornication, from what is strangled, and from blood, before they are taught about the other requirements of Torah, such as the Sabbath, the Feast Days of Elohim, clean and unclean foods, the wearing of Tzitzit, and eventually circumcision. We see from Acts 15: 21 that Rav Yaa’cov authenticated the synagogue as the place new believers in Messiah had to go for Sabbath services and consequently, where they will learn these additional requirements during such services and teachings. This is very similar to our father Abraham; it was only after he came to believe in YHVH (as is recorded in Genesis 15: 6) that he was circumcised, as we read in Genesis 17: 24, as follows: ‘Now Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.’ A new believer in Messiah becomes an heir of the promise that was made with Abraham (as per Galatians 3: 29). Whilst new believers are not circumcised, they are not joined to the covenant made with Abraham, and are therefore not members of the family of Abraham, or of the Commonwealth of Israel. In other words once a Gentile or Israelite who thinks he is a Gentile is returning to faith in YHVH, by having his heart circumcised (having himself immersed), forsaking idols, abstaining from fornication, blood and things strangled (meaning he is beginning to obey Torah), he will learn to follow the rest of the Torah commandments, as he attends services on the Sabbath, or study our teachings via the internet. The ruling of Rav Yaa’cov in Acts 15 is in agreement with the rulings of the Pharisaic Rabbis followed by Orthodox Jews of today. New believers should eventually follow all the requirements of the Torah, but is only required to follow the essential four listed in Acts 15: 20 at the beginning of their walk with Elohim. If we understand the ruling of Acts 15 from a Hebraic perspective, we will know that it does not contradict what Yahshua taught in Matthew 5: 19, saying: ‘Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and so teaches others, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.’ We are aware that circumcision is not a requirement for salvation. However, if we as male heirs of Abraham through Yahshua our Messiah want to inherit the Land of Israel promised to Abraham, and if we want to be part of the priesthood that will serve in the Temple during Messiah’s millennial rule (as per Ezekiel 44: 7 – 9), we will have to be circumcised in the flesh to comply with the covenant YHVH made with Abraham.

But, let’s have a look at the four initial prohibitions to be taught to new believers, according to Rav Yaa’cov. The question is why the requirement ‘that they abstain from things contaminated by idols.’? The ten tribe nation of Israel were taken captive because of idolatry, as we read from 2 Kings 17: 22 & 23: ‘And the sons of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them, (23) until YHVH removed Israel from His sight, as He spoke through all His servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away into exile from their own land to Assyria until this day.’ We see further from 1 Kings 12: 28 – 32 how Jeroboam lead Israel into worshipping idols, as follows: ‘So the king consulted, and made two golden calves, and he said to them, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt.” (29) And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. (30) Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. (31) And he made houses on high places, and made priests from among all the people who were not of the sons of Levi. (32) And Jeroboam instituted a feast in the eighth month on the fifteenth day of the month, like the feast which is in Judah, and he went up to the altar; thus he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves which he had made. And he stationed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made.’ We read accordingly from Hosea 8: 3 & 4, ‘Israel has rejected the good; the enemy will pursue him. (4) They have set up kings, but not by Me; they have appointed princes, but I did not know it. With their silver and gold they have made idols for themselves, that they might be cut off.’ Note that things offered to idols are not only restricted to meat, but may include such items as Easter eggs, hot cross buns, Xmas cake, etc. But the point to remember is, that the idolatry that caused Israel’s captivity resulting in them becoming like Gentiles, had to do with keeping Feast Days at different times to what the Scriptures ordain, specifically those that are a month later than the Feast Days kept in Judah, but also the feast days of pagan religions, such as Xmas and Easter.

We also see that Hosea prophesied near the end of his prophesy in Hosea 14: 8 & 9 that some in Ephraim will eventually cease to follow idols, saying: ‘O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like a luxuriant cypress; from Me comes your fruit. (9) Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of YHVH are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them.’ This prophecy tells us that those who understand that Ephraim have worshipped idols and will repent from doing so are those who are wise. What does this mean? We read the answer from Deuteronomy 4: 5 & 6, as follows: “See, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as YHVH my Elohim commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it. (6) So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ So we see that those who know and practice Torah are considered to be wise; and therefore only when you practice Torah, will you fully understand Acts 15.

Continuing in Acts 15: 29, we read: ‘that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.’ The words abstain ‘from blood’; refer to all those things in Torah that deal with various blood issues, such as not to eat meat with any residue blood in it, but also the Laws of niddah, where married couples keep away from one another during the seven days of the woman’s monthly period of menstruation (Leviticus 15: 18). However, we are only dealing with the issue that we should not eat meat with any blood in it, in this study. So not only should we eat meat specified in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, we should also make sure that we do not consume any blood. Blood must be removed as much as possible (as per Leviticus 3: 17 and Leviticus 17: 10) by soaking the meat in brine during the koshering process. The specification ‘from things strangled’ has to do with the way the animal is slaughtered. Believers may only eat clean meat that is slaughtered by a trained individual, as described in Deuteronomy 12: 23 - 25, “Only be sure not to eat the blood, for the blood is the life, and you shall not eat the life with the flesh. (24) You shall not eat it; you shall pour it out on the ground like water. (25) You shall not eat it, in order that it may be well with you and your sons after you, for you will be doing what is right in the sight of YHVH.” We see that YHVH repeats the prohibition ‘not to eat it ‘three times, to emphasize the absolute importance of this command. Animals which die naturally or are torn by beasts are also not fit for human consumption (as per Leviticus 17: 15). In addition we are commanded not to eat a limb removed from a living beast as per Deuteronomy 12: 23. How many believers are sure that the meat that they buy conforms to these requirements?

Hosea is very concise, direct and specific in detailing the house of Israel’s national attitude at this time. Today the people of the house of Israel identify themselves as Gentiles. They think that the Jews and only the Jews are Israel. But very soon now, they will know their true identity. Yes, millions will get to know their identity when Yahshua the true Messiah returns. In Hosea 2, Elohim says, in regard to our now having possessed the unprecedented wealth of the birthright promised to Abraham as in verses 8 & 9, ‘For she does not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the new wine, and the oil, and lavished on her silver and gold, which they used for Baal. (9) Therefore, I will take back My grain at harvest time and My new wine in its season. I will also take away My wool and My flax given to cover her nakedness (her sin).’ At this time most are too stiff-necked and rebellious to realize that YHVH is actually punishing us for our sins, but finally, when the correction becomes intense enough, some of our peoples will acknowledge their sins and seek Elohim. We read accordingly from verse 16, “And it will come about in that day,” declares YHVH, “That you will call Me Ishi (meaning my Husband) and will no longer call Me Baali (meaning my Lord). The second chapter of Hosea ends in verse 23, in this way: “And I will sow her for Myself in the land (the Promised Land). I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, and I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people! And they will say, ‘Thou art my Elohim!’” Yes, at that time we will not refer to YHVH as our Lord and God any longer, but will refer to Him as YHVH our Husband and Elohim. Elohim’s message to our modern day Israelite people begins in Hosea 4: 1 - 3, where the Prophet admonish us, saying: “Listen to the word of YHVH, O sons of Israel (the people of the British Commonwealth and the United States of America), for YHVH has a case against the inhabitants of the land, because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of Elohim in the land. (2) There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing, and adultery. They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed. (3) Therefore the land mourns, and everyone who lives in it languishes (suffers and wastes away) along with the beasts of the field and the birds of the sky; and also the fish of the sea disappear.’ YHVH says to the religious leaders in Israel in verses 6 & 7, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your Elohim, I will also forget your children. (7) The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame.” Talking about the coming manifold intensity of corrective punishment, soon to be unleashed on our nations, Elohim says in Hosea 5: 15, “I will go away and return to My place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.”

Elohim also said through the prophet Amos in Amos 3: 7, ‘Surely YHVH Elohim does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets.’ In the verse just before this, we read: “If a trumpet is blown in a city will not the people tremble? If a calamity occurs in a city has not YHVH done it?” Elohim promises in the Scriptures that He would get the warning to His people Ephraim. He foretold in Hosea 5: 9, saying: “Ephraim will become a desolation in the day of rebuke; among the tribes of Israel I declare what is sure.” The problem is; even if Elohim causes floods in England and troubles with the laborers in South Africa, the people do not understand that He is punishing us through other people and the weather, because He wants us to return to Him. But instead, we continue with our non-Scriptural celebrations in honor of a false messiah; and do not even understand what the Scriptures have to say about it all. We read a further warning by Hosea in Chapter 7: 8 – 13, as follows: “Ephraim mixes himself with the nations; Ephraim has become a cake not turned. (9) Strangers devour his strength, yet he does not know it; gray hairs also are sprinkled on him, yet he does not know it. (10) Though the pride of Israel testifies against him, yet they have neither returned to YHVH their Elohim, nor have they sought Him, for all this. (11) So Ephraim has become like a silly dove, without sense; they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria. (12) When they go, I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like the birds of the sky. I will chastise them in accordance with the proclamation to their assembly. (13) Woe to them, for they have strayed from Me! Destruction is theirs, for they have rebelled against Me! I would redeem them, but they speak lies against Me.” Elohim says of Ephraimite Churchianity in Hosea 4: 17 – 19, “Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone. (18) Their liquor gone, they play the harlot continually; their rulers dearly love shame. (19) The wind wraps them in its wings, and they will be ashamed because of their sacrifices.” In fact the entire book of Hosea carries a blistering message and warning to the latter day house of Israel. Elohim warns us and tells us that the day of reckoning is at our doorstep!

Even though we are Elohim’s called out or chosen people, YHVH wants us to be mindful of what it means. We are chosen, not for favors while we defy Elohim, but chosen for services we have all failed to perform. We should shout for joy at the discovery of our true identity, but then we should also repent and return to full Torah observance, the way YHVH requires that we serve Him. The nations of Israel are in for tremendous punishment over the next few years. Elohim for many years now, have warned us before He will unleash this horrendous chastening of His people. If those of us, whom He called to come out of the false religious systems of the world, repent and return to keeping His commandments, then none of the plagues shall come near us, but we will be counted worthy to escape these frightful things and stand before Messiah, at His return, as witnessed in Revelation 3: 10 in this way: “Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth.” Think about it!

[1] Some accept traditions and teachings of men far more easily than believing what Yahshua the word of Elohim, has to say about things; an example being the authority that Judah has regarding the Feast Days of Elohim.