Before I begin, I want to say that this is a very tricky subject, which I am debating myself at this time...
The e-mail contained arguments that Paul's letters contradicted Yeshua's teachings. I will try to respond to each point made.
I. Yeshua described God as loving, while Paul described Him as a God of wrath. Really, this is not a contradiction, as the Old Testament describes him as both in multiple places.
II. Yeshua summed up the Law in two commandments (Love God and love our neighbor), while Paul summed it up in one (love your neighbor). This is a very good point, especially considering the the second is useless without the first.
III. Can we be righteous or not under the Law? This is a very good point as well. Paul is known for saying that no man is righteous. Yeshua said that there were righteous men. Could this be simply because of interpretation of righteousness?
IV. Yeshua taught that it was necessary to obey the law to be saved (Matthew 19:16-19). Paul taught that it was not(Romans 3:28).
V. Free will vs. Predestination. Oy, back to this argument again. I personally see it as somewhere in the middle, which I call free choice. But truly, is there a satisfactory answer on this Earth?
VI. Effort required, or effort is futile? Luke 13:24, Romans 9:16 Effort alone will not save us, but we need to make that effort.
VII. About Children. Matthew 18:3, 19:14 ; 1 Corinthians 14:20 Honestly, I am quite confused by this... Help?
VIII. Not to exercise authority over others, or have elders? Luke 22:24-27. Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5 Now, this wouldn't be such a contradiction, especially taking into account Luke 22:28-30. I see Yeshua advocating that any leaders were to be the servants of those they led, as He is. BUT, there is an apparent contradiction, as the task Paul gave the elders was not to serve, but to teach. (Titus 1:10-16)
IX. What are the marks of true discipleship? John 13:35, 8:31, 15:8 ; Matthew 7:22-23 ; 2 Corinthians 12:12 A very good point is made here... The two teachings on this seem very much at odds...
X. Treatment of women. This is an area where I simply can't seem to reconcile Paul's view with God's. Luke 10:38-40, 7:36-50, 8:1-3, 8:44-47 ; John 11:21-25, 4:7-27 ; Matthew 5:28 ; 1 Corinthians 14:33-35
Okay, I think that I am done for now. If you have any insights that will make this subject any clearer, please post them. I look forward to some illuminating discussion.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The Nine Commandments?
Are the Ten Commandments still the Ten Commandments? Or have they become the Nine Commandments since Yeshua walked among us? The main argument used to say that it is now the Nine Commandments is when Yeshua said the two great commandments were to love God and love your neighbor. I don't understand how this is used, as the Sabbath is obviously to reflect and honor God.
Is it a day to do good and what the Father tells us to? It is, as is every day of our life. So what makes the Sabbath different? First, that it was set aside by the Lord himself as a day of rest. Second, in our rest, we should look back at that which has been provided for us by our Creator. In reflecting over our blessings, we bring another type of honor to God. The Law of the Sabbath has not changed.
Another argument used is from multiple verses... Matthew 12:1-8, and John 5:16-18. I belive for that last portion, we should use John 5:8-18. In both instances, Yeshua was doing good work, for the benefit of others. From my studies, this fits with the Jewish view. There are the 613 mitzvot, and most of them can be broken to help others. This also fits with that which Yeshua taught. It is not about keeping the letter of the Law, but the spirit of the Law. Most of the Law is for our benefit, while the rest is to give honor and glory to God.
Now, taking into account John 5:8-18. Yeshua told the man to take up his bed and walk. The Pharisees were upset by this, because it was against what they taught of the Sabbath. It was "unlawful" to carry furniture on the Sabbath. But this law was not God's Law, but an addition made by man. Yeshua in no way told the man to go against God's law. He told the man to go against the Pharisees' tradition.
Another point, if you had been lame for a long period of time, and were healed and made able to walk, would you consider it work or a burden? Or would you consider it a joy, and an opportunity to praise God.
Is it a day to do good and what the Father tells us to? It is, as is every day of our life. So what makes the Sabbath different? First, that it was set aside by the Lord himself as a day of rest. Second, in our rest, we should look back at that which has been provided for us by our Creator. In reflecting over our blessings, we bring another type of honor to God. The Law of the Sabbath has not changed.
Another argument used is from multiple verses... Matthew 12:1-8, and John 5:16-18. I belive for that last portion, we should use John 5:8-18. In both instances, Yeshua was doing good work, for the benefit of others. From my studies, this fits with the Jewish view. There are the 613 mitzvot, and most of them can be broken to help others. This also fits with that which Yeshua taught. It is not about keeping the letter of the Law, but the spirit of the Law. Most of the Law is for our benefit, while the rest is to give honor and glory to God.
Now, taking into account John 5:8-18. Yeshua told the man to take up his bed and walk. The Pharisees were upset by this, because it was against what they taught of the Sabbath. It was "unlawful" to carry furniture on the Sabbath. But this law was not God's Law, but an addition made by man. Yeshua in no way told the man to go against God's law. He told the man to go against the Pharisees' tradition.
Another point, if you had been lame for a long period of time, and were healed and made able to walk, would you consider it work or a burden? Or would you consider it a joy, and an opportunity to praise God.
Ecclesiastes vs Yeshua?
I'm probably going to keep this fairly short, as I am posting from my phone.
Anyways, I read an e-mail yesterday that made an arguement that Ecclesiastes was at odds with the teachings of Yeshua. It had three major arguements for this...
I. Ecclesiastes 11:8
(quoted as 11:10 in the e-mail, btw)
"All to come is futile." The author said that this took a negative view of Messiah. Let's look at the verse in full. "For if a person lives many years, let him take joy in them all; yet remembering that there will be many days of darkness, that all to come is futile." (CJB) In context, does it sound lile it was talking about the Messiah? I say thee nay! It is obviously talking about our time here on Earth. It seems to me to be saying that fearing over the future is useless. We don't know what God has in store for our future.
II. Ecclesiastes 10:19
"Money is the answer for everything."
The verse in full states, "Parties are made for having a good time, wine adds cheer to life, and money has an answer for everything." (CJB) Another version states, "You can't have either without money." Now the CJB says that money has AN answer for everything. It doesn't say that it IS the answer or even has the right answer. This has a lot to do with which is closer to the original text. I lean toward the CJB translation. Would someone learned in biblical Hebrew help to enlighten us?
My NKJV Study Bible had this to say, "Rather than being cynical or critical about wealth or the rich, this comment is to be taken in the context of the dissolute nobles (v.16) and banqueters(v.17). Wealth for them is only pleasure and a means of having fun."
III. Ecclesiastes 3:19-21
I say that verse 22 should be included in this as well. I'm going to let you, my readers answer this one. Is it contradictory? Why or why not? I believe that it is not myself, but look forward to reading you responses...
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