This response was prompted by a Post on Facebook from a Page called "Unlearn," regarding the misconception of the use of the Word "Church," or "Ekklesia" as to mean something Other Than "Israel." In the process of studying around the concept, I stumbled over what I believe to be, the answer to "An Age Old Mystery." Here is what I wrote:
I work at an Airport. From time to time, when I look up at the Radar Tower, I notice that the Radar Antenna is spinning in the opposite direction than what it is supposed to. I now know, that the Radar Antenna does not ACTUALLY change directions, but rather this is an Optical Illusion created by the angle in which I am looking at the Tower. My mind KNOWS the direction that it spins, but for some reason, from time to time, I see it in a completely different way. Knowing this, allows me to correct the way that I am seeing it, and suddenly the Illusion goes away, and I realize that the Antenna is, in fact, spinning in the same direction that it always has.
I share this, because this is an example of the purpose behind "Unlearn." In order for us to understand The Scriptures, we have to Return ("Repent") back to its (His) original meaning. Over the Years (Millennia), we have continually superimposed our "Christian Theology" over the Scriptures, then we say - "You see! It says so."
The question is, "Does it?" If we are looking from a particular angle, we see the antenna spinning in a different direction, but is it really, or is this simply an Optical Illusion?
For some reason, "The Church" sees itself as an entity unto itself... Separate from Israel. When the term "Church" or "Ekklesia" is merely a translation of the same concept as the Hebrew - "Kehielot." It simply means the same thing - "Congregation" - "Community" - or "Assembly."
Now, let's return the concept of Scripture, back to its original context, the way that we KNOW the antenna is spinning, regardless of what we THINK we see.
As I was discussing the term "Do not Forsake the Assembly," with my Father the other day, I began to think in Hebrew, as I spoke in English. In "Christian" terms, we are taught that this means, that we should "Go to Church on Sunday." It's wrong to forsake the "Assembly." However, in Hebrew Thought, "Assembly" doesn't mean "Church on Sunday," it is a reference to "The Mo'edim" (The Feasts of The LORD).
It was a Revelation that hit me, as I spoke the words. This provoked me to revisit the "Context" in which this verse appeared.
I found my way back to Hebrews 10.
As I began to read this chapter, I realized that The LORD was revealing an Ancient Mystery to me.
A few years ago, I was rebuked, by a visiting member to our Messianic Congregation, because I had made reference to the "Return to Blood Sacrifice," as described in Ezekiel's Temple Prophesy.
"Christ died once and for All!" she proclaimed in protest.
I rebutted, "I'm just the Messenger." The Word of God declares this. I don't understand Why, but we have to account for this Scripture, even if it contradicts "OUR" Theology.
If I recall, my answer was not suffice, and I believed she left, toting her Theology out with her.
As The LORD has solved many Mysteries for me, I proceeded in Faith, Trusting that ONE DAY, He would "Open that door, unto me."
As The LORD has solved many Mysteries for me, I proceeded in Faith, Trusting that ONE DAY, He would "Open that door, unto me."
This discussion on the word "Church" and the concept of "Assembly," and my resent revisit to Hebrews 10, has helped me to have (what I believe) solved this Mystery.
Hebrews 10:
1 "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship."
Therefore, we have no need of them (The Sacrifices), because they have no actual value, right? Is that what it is saying? Clue = "Things to Come" (Soon, but not yet - Ref to Jeremiah 31:31).
Hebrews 10:2
2 "Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins."
"Stopped?" What is the Writer talking about? The Temple had not been destroyed yet, and they (The Sacrifices) had not been "Stopped?" (Yet), or is he saying that there would be no need to Sacrifice more than once?
Therefore we have to ask, "What is he referring to?" He is talking about something that Daniel mentions, and "Jesus" makes reference to in Matthew 24 - "The Abomination of Desolation." Which according to Daniel, is "The stopping of Sacrifice." If the Stopping of Sacrifice is called "The Abomination of Desolation," then why would God want this to happen?
In order to understand this paradox, we must go back to "The Gospel of Isaiah."
Isaiah Chapter 1:
11 "The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?” says the Lord.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
what are they to me?” says the Lord.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
Question: Is God telling Israel to stop Following His Law right here, right now, before "The New Testament?"
3 "But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins." - "ARE an annual reminder of sins." This is written AFTER what is considered within "Christian Theology," as the beginning of "The New Testament." We KNOW that these Sacrifices continued until 70 AD, and 1st Century "Christians" continued to do this... Why, if Christ died, "Once and for all?"
Why?
Verse 3 just explained "Why." A "Reminder" of Sins. This WAS, and IS, and WILL BE (Ezekiel's Temple) the REASON Why we perform the Sacrifices, so that we "Remember" our Need for Messiah's Death, until He returns. (AND Fulfills The New Testament: Jeremiah 31:31)
Hebrews 10
4 "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." NOW? Since the New Testament is in Play?
Let's go back to Isaiah 1:11
“The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?” says the Lord.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
what are they to me?” says the Lord.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
This has nothing to do with "The Old" and "The New Testament."
Hebrews 10:4 says "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." There is no, "NOW, it is impossible..." It NEVER was!
When we superimpose this "Theology" into our Faith, and we say that "That was The Old Testament, and NOW we live in the New," we miss the Whole Point of Hebrews 10. Hebrews 10 is saying nothing different than Isaiah 1.
Therefore, when it comes down to it, God stopped the Sacrifices, (The Destruction of the Temple) not because He wanted it to end, but because we would not "Repent," and do it for the right reasons. (Isaiah 1)
There was nothing wrong with Blood Sacrifice, before or AFTER Yeshua's Death and Resurrection. The process was NEVER meant to be what Messiah's Sacrifice was to be. They were meant to work together.
One did not replace the other. They both had a purpose.
There was nothing wrong with Blood Sacrifice, before or AFTER Yeshua's Death and Resurrection. The process was NEVER meant to be what Messiah's Sacrifice was to be. They were meant to work together.
One did not replace the other. They both had a purpose.
Hebrews 10:3 - Explains WHAT that purpose IS.
Hebrews 10:4 - Explains WHAT that purpose was NOT.
This takes me back to my final point, and back to the whole Revelation created by this post.
"Do not forsake the Assembly," which is interpreted as "Go to Church."
The misconception that we have superimposed upon the term "Church," has lead us in a completely different (Opposite) direction of what this verse, in context, is stating. In Hebrew Thought, he is saying "Do not Forsake the Mo'edim ("Assemblies") - "God's Appointed Times." The Opposite of what "The Church" teaches.
It's just that, when we take this in context and reference to Isaiah 1, which the Writer himself refers to, we come to the understanding, "If you are going to Observe the Mo'edim, do it for the right purpose."
"Zakar" - "Remember" our NEED for Messiah's Sacrifice to Complete it.
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Matthew 5:17 (They are meant to work together - Not replace one another). The 1st could NEVER do it on its own. It was never meant to. The Sin Sacrifice was always about Messiah. This is NOT a "New Testament" Theology. It's a Scriptural Fact.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. Psalm 51:16-19
"THEN shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar."
"THEN shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar."
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:23-24
Sometimes, it only appears that the Radar Antenna is spinning in the other direction, but it's just an "Obstacle Illusion."
Blessings.
Blessings.
