Free from and free to..

{Daily Selah}

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. - Galatians 5:1 ESV


Have you ever watched a hot air balloon rise? It's a slow, steady progression as it lifts up and away from the earth, then glides, seemingly effortlessly across the expanse of the sky.

A hot air balloon ride just seems to be the most freeing form of air travel.  It's on my bucket list. Some day, I will experience that freedom for myself. At the moment, however, it is snowing at my house. A balloon ride might be rather chilly today. 

I'm very thankful that I don't have to wait to experience the freedom that was purchased for my by the blood of Jesus Christ. 

There are 2 very important outcomes of this freedom He has given us, both outlined for us in Romans 6:17-19.

We have been set free from sin and given freedom to serve the Most High God. The apostle Paul said he was "an ambassador in chains" (Ephesians 6:20). 

Think about that statement for a moment. Paul was set free from sin when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. When he wrote this letter to his friends in Ephesus, he was physically in chains for preaching the gospel, yet he had spiritual freedom in Christ to continue to be an ambassador for Him. Paul knew and lived in the freedom he had been given. 

Do we know and live in the freedom we have been given? We have been freed from sin and given freedom to serve. 

Freedom from and freedom to...

Father, thank You so much for the freedom you have given us through your Son. Help us to know and live in the freedom we have - the freedom from sin and the freedom to serve you, for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, amen. 



{Daily Selah} is a min-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live. 

The Significance of Yom Kippur

You might be thinking, 

"Huh? Yom Kippur? Isn't that a Jewish holiday? I'm a Christian. What significance does it have for me?" 

Actually, it has a lot of significance for every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. 


First of all, it is significant because God Himself established this holy observance. 


And, take a look at what God says about His Word in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

God included His instruction and purpose for Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) in His Word for a reason. There is no longer a tabernacle or temple, but we serve an unchanging God Whose Word stands forever and there very important things He wants us to know about this Day of Atonement.


Bible scholars often speak of people, places and events of the Old Testament as "types" and "shadows" of what was to come in the New Covenant. In other words, "types" and "shadows" are, quite simply, prophecy in action. 


The Day of Atonement, an event involving people and a special place, points directly to the Messiah of Israel and the world, the Lord Jesus Christ. 


So, let's take a look at His unchanging Word and discover the significance of The Day of Atonement.



In Leviticus 13 & 16, God gives Moses all the details of His requirements for this day, including the preparation, the sacrifice and the results of obeying His command to observe Yom Kippur.

1. The Preparation for Yom Kippur 

The Day of Atonement was the only day a human being was allowed go into the holy of holies in the tabernacle and later, in the temple. Only the high priest was allowed to enter and only after completing the steps of purification required by God.

And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the Lord, and died; And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. (Leviticus 16:1-2)

God cannot allow any unclean thing in His holy presence. Anyone entering into the holy of holies where His presence dwelled  would be killed instantly if not made righteous in God's sight prior to entering. Before entering, Aaron had to completely fulfill every detail of God's prescribed preparation.

 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on. (Leviticus 16:4)

Aaron (and every high priest who would come after him) was required to wash himself thoroughly and to put on the "holy garments." What's significant for us about that?


Let's  look at Isaiah 61:10 and Revelation 19:7-9 together:

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness...

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Are you beginning to see the significance of Yom Kippur for every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ? 


After the significant preparation, the significant sacrifice is made unto the LORD. 

2. The Sacrifice on Yom Kippur

On the Day of Atonement, there were four animals chosen for the sacrifice to the LORD -  a bullock for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, as well as  2 goats. 

It is important to note that the cleansing from sin associated with the Day of Atonement was not exclusively for the Jewish people.  The forgiveness God offered on that one day each year applied to all people, "whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you" (Leviticus 16:29-30). 

The ram was to be a burnt offering unto the LORD (v. 5). The bullock was offered for Aaron's own sins and for those of his family, to make him presentable before the Holy One of Israel (v. 6).  

God's command for the goats is unexpected. If you have ever wondered where the term "scapegoat" came from, you're about to find out.

And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness. (v. 7-10)

Again, we have more "types" and "shadows." 

Getting interesting, isn't it? Take a look: 

And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: 

And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not: 

And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times. 

Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat: 

And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. (v. 12-16)

Now look at the fulfillment of that prophecy in action:

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Hebrews 9:23-16)

In the next few verses, God reveals His plans for the goats. One was sacrificed and the other was set apart for a very special purpose. 

And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: 

And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: 

And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness. (v. 20-22)

Look with me at Matthew Henry's interpretation of this passage:

"And as Christ is the High Priest, so he is the Sacrifice with which atonement is made; for he is all in all in our reconciliation to God. Thus he was figured by the two goats. The slain goat was a type of Christ dying for our sins; the scape-goat a type of Christ rising again for our justification. The atonement is said to be completed by putting the sins of Israel upon the head of the goat, which was sent away into a wilderness, a land not inhabited; and the sending away of the goat represented the free and full remission of their sins."

Matthew Henry provided us with a sneak peak at some of the results of Yom Kippur. Let's take a look at some more.  

3. The Results of Yom Kippur

The Hebrew words "Yom Kippur" in Leviticus have traditionally been translated "Day of Atonement" but the root word behind "kippur" carries the idea of a covering. On this day, God provided the people a way to cover their sin - not cover it up, but cover. 

Psalm 32:21 says, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."


The blessing for those whose sin is covered is freedom from guilt, freedom from shame and freedom from a guilty conscience. And even more blessed is the fact that there is no longer a barrier between us and our holy God. We are free to fellowship with Him, free to worship Him and free to serve Him when we are assured that our sin has been forgiven and covered. 

And, just as Yom Kippur applied to all people who were willing to repent, salvation in Christ is also applied to all people who are willing to repent. 


For the children of Israel, this day was not like the other special days God commanded them to set aside for Him. The other days were times of rejoicing and festivity; this was a solemn occasion, set aside for mourning and repentance of sin. 

Interestingly, Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), a joyous celebration, is observed just 5 days after Yom Kippur. 

Take a look at Acts 3:19 for a moment.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement, is a time for repentance.

Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, is a time of rejoicing. 

Acts 3:19 indicates that after we repent, we can enjoy the presence of the Lord. 

Take a good look at John 1:14 with me.

And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. (AMP)

Those who have repented of sin and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation (that was your personal day of atonement) have the blessed privilege of enjoying His presence as He tabernacles within us.  

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Yom Kippur provided only a temporary covering for sin with the blood of animals. The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled that prophecy in action.

When the blood of Christ poured out on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn in two. You and I now have access to God's presence. His blood provides for an eternal covering for sin, eternal salvation and eternal relationship with Him. 

I have to ask. 

Do you now see the significance of Yom Kippur for you?




If you want to know more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, in which you can enjoy forgiveness of sin and His presence with you, please visit peacewithgod.net

Have victory today!

{Daily Selah}

Everybody has an issue with something, whether the issue is sin or the issues that come along with living life. Nobody has it perfectly together and no one does life perfectly. 

The only One who ever lived a sinless live was the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, His life wan't perfect in the sense that He didn't have it easy. He was loved by some and attacked by many others. He was homeless during His ministry, and traveled the same dirty, dusty streets as everyone else. 

Hebrews 4:15 says Jesus has faced every problem we will ever face and dealt with every temptation we will ever deal with. 

Right now, in this moment, He wants you to have His victory in your life. Are you dealing with some sin you just can't seem to get past? A family problem? A health problem? Financial problem? 

In 1 John 5:4, we are given a precious promise.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. 

And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

In Christ, the victory is already ours. We just have to claim it and walk in it.  He has already overcome and He wants us to do the same. 

Believe His promises. Stand on the unchanging truth of His Word. 

The song below by Mandisa is a great reminder of the fact that, in Christ, YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER!

Have victory today! 

{Daily Selah} is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live. 

I've got your back...

I'll be honest here. I do have strong opinions about things that are important but when it comes to confrontation, I turn into a big chicken. Can you hear me clucking?

When someone says, "I've got your back," it can be a huge confidence boost. It gives us courage and boldness to do what needs to be done and relieves our anxieties over the situation.

The apostle Paul had some major confrontations and difficulties in his life. Do you know what he wanted most from his brothers and sisters in Christ?

Done any fishing lately?

Done any fishing lately?  Fishing is one of those activities that takes a great deal of patience and concentration. If you set your rod down for a moment and turn away, you're likely to lose it as some fish claims his prize of your bait and your pole you weren't paying attention to.  How do I know? Personal experience. 

2 men were out fishing one day when, suddenly, stranger approached them. They had never seen Him before and as yet, knew nothing about Him. He walked right up to them and said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

It's interesting that neither one said, "Uh... who are you?" or, "What do you mean we're gonna fish for men?"

Danger in Denying Deity

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." -Jesus (Matthew 7:15)


Jesus also warned that in the last days, which is the time we live in now, many false prophets will rise and deceive many (Matthew 24:11).  False prophets in our day tend to arise under the guise of the church (wolves in sheep's clothing). 

In recent weeks, I've noticed a disturbing sign of deception taking place from among people who claim to be evangelical. I've read a number of articles from people in Christian circles who claim to be born again yet question the deity of Christ. 

There is a danger in denying deity, which we will explore but first, let's take a look at some Biblical evidence that proves Jesus is indeed God.

On Resting from Labor

Labor Day.

For most of us here in the United States, this day signals the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year, as well as a day off work. It is often celebrated with parades and picnics, but many don't realize how this day came to be a federal holiday.

The US Department of Labor says Labor Day "is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

Labor Day sounds pretty innocuous until you do some further investigation into the origins of this holiday, which includes union-led riots and bloodshed (check it out at HISTORY.com, the official website of the History Channel).

Though I understand that the "labor" in Labor Day is a reference to both workers and organized labor (i.e. unions), the name of this holiday has always seemed to me to be somewhat of a misnomer.

Labor Day is day off from labor, not a day to labor; in other words, a day of rest.


The writer to the Hebrews spoke of another kind of rest, a rest far better than an extra day off work, a rest made possible by sacrifice.

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 

For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. -Hebrews 4:1-3

What is this rest God has promised to those who believe?

The following is a selection from Matthew Henry's commentary on Hebrew 4 (emphasis mine).

"The privileges we have under the gospel, are greater than any had under the law of Moses, though the same gospel for substance was preached under both Testaments. 

There have been in all ages many unprofitable hearers; and unbelief is at the root of all unfruitfulness under the word. Faith in the hearer is the life of the word. But it is a painful consequence of partial neglect, and of a loose and wavering profession, that they often cause men to seem to come short. 

Let us then give diligence, that we may have a clear entrance into the kingdom of God. As God finished his work, and then rested from it, so he will cause those who believe, to finish their work, and then to enjoy their rest.

It is evident, that there is a more spiritual and excellent sabbath remaining for the people of God, than that of the seventh day, or that into which Joshua led the Jews. 

This rest is, a rest of grace, and comfort, and holiness, in the gospel state. And a rest in glory, where the people of God shall enjoy the end of their faith, and the object of all their desires.

The rest, or sabbatism, which is the subject of the apostle's reasoning, and as to which he concludes that it remains to be enjoyed, is undoubtedly the heavenly rest, which remains to the people of God, and is opposed to a state of labour and trouble in this world. 

It is the rest they shall obtain when the Lord Jesus shall appear from heaven. But those who do not believe, shall never enter into this spiritual rest, either of grace here or glory hereafter. 

God has always declared man's rest to be in him, and his love to be the only real happiness of the soul; and faith in his promises, through his Son, to be the only way of entering that rest."  

-Matthew Henry, Complete Commentary, Published 1706. 

I plan to enjoy my day off work this Labor day holiday, but I'm looking forward so much more that day of rest God has promised me and all who believe in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. "It is the rest they shall obtain when the Lord Jesus shall appear from heaven."

Jesus said,  

"Surely I come quickly."

The believer's response: 

"Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

(Revelation 22:20)

A Message for You

From hand carried letters to horseback, to mail trucks to email, to texting to video chat and instagram, the art of messaging has changed a lot over the years. 

God has used many ways to share His message with us too.

He came into the garden to chat with Adam and Eve. Later, He spoke with Moses from a burning bush and in thunderings and lightnings on the mountain, giving His instructions for right living. Then, He gave His prophetic words through the mouths and pens of the prophets. 

From Moses to Malachi, God's messages pointed to the same promise. The gospels revealed the promise and continued the message in the form of a baby born in a stable. The message became more clear as the Promised One grew and preached the message of the kingdom with signs and wonders to proclaim who He is, then gave His life so we could partake of that kingdom with Him. 

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds -Hebrews 1:1-2

All of the different forms of messaging God used from the beginning carried the same theme. The Messiah was coming to redeem His people. When the Messiah came, God spoke to us through Him.  God still speaks today to those who will listen.

His message today is still the same as He proclaimed through His Son:

 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

All of the messages before, and all of the Bible point to this one great truth that God loves us so much He sent His only Son to die for us so that we could be forgiven of sin and have eternal life.

God has a message for you. How will you reply?

Want to know more about God's message to you?

Watch the video below.

Get Some Meat!

Daily Selah is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live.

If you've ever been anaemic, you know that the best sources of iron are found in red meat and green, leafy vegetables. For me, you can forget the liver but a nice, well-done steak... mmm... 

Meat (or another source of protein) is an essential part of our diet if we want to stay healthy. 

Believers in Christ also need to feed on the "meat" of the Word if we want to stay spiritually healthy.

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul had some interesting things to say about this spiritual meat. He said, "...all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ" (v1-4).

What was the "spiritual meat" enjoyed by the Israelites under Moses? It was God's Word!

They didn't have much scripture in written form yet, but they did have the Word of God that was relayed to them through Moses.

Did you notice the progression in that passage?

They fed on spiritual meat (the Word of God), and they drank a spiritual drink (which could only be Living Water) from the spiritual Rock, who is Jesus Christ.

The written Word of God is the best way to get to know the LIving Word of God (Jesus).

If you haven't had any meat lately, get some!


Father, thank you for giving us Your Word. Make us hungry for the meat of it, I pray, and use it to draw us closer to You and make us more like Jesus. In His wonderful Name, Amen. 

Very Soon

I have never been a "prophet of doom" type of Christian. Nor am I becoming one now.

But I do think it is vital for believers to be aware and be alert to what's going on in the world around us and to be prepared for Christ's return.

Many people have told me they rarely read the Book of Revelation and would prefer not to think about it.

Considering the times in which we live, that's probably not the wisest course of action.

Think about all that's going on in the world right now.

Jesus is coming soon. He said no one knows the day or the hour of His return (Matthew 24:36), but He did give us signs to watch for (Matthew 24:3-13).

This, the 21st century, is unique among all those times that have gone before.

The advances in science, computers and communications we have witnessed have helped to set the stage for the one world government we're told of in Revelation.

Why do I say that? Now, for the first time in all of human history the technology is in place for global control.

No matter where they are in the world, the leaders of this coming government will have the ability to instantly quell any rebellion or eliminate anyone, such as Christians, who will oppose them with just a push of a few buttons. Drones are the latest in instant hands-off attack. They can be precisely targeted down to a meter or less of accuracy.

I'm not sharing this information to scare anyone, but to let you know we are living in troubled times. I encourage you to read all of Matthew 24. Jesus gives a detailed outline of what we can expect to come.

The signs of His return include persecution, war and famine. Will it really happen here?


Persecution. If you've paid attention to the news lately, you will be aware that right now, as I write this, Iraqi Christians are being raped, tortured, beaten, shot and beheaded because they refuse to denounce Christ.

Those of us in America have a tendency to be lulled by a false sense of security within our own borders. As we have seen very recently, those borders are no longer secure. We're not talking about just a handful of illegals sneaking across our border anymore, but MILLIONS.

Many of those coming across are not Mexican nationals. From all over the world, drug smugglers, violent criminals and terrorists are taking advantage of our porous borders and lack of security.

This isn't just some conspiracy theory. As I said above, I have never been a "prophet of doom." This stuff is really happening right now. It's time to pay attention.


Wars and rumors of wars. Remember 9-11? Terrorists hijacked planes and slammed them into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. We never thought that would happen here.

The persecution suffered by Christians in every Muslim country across the globe, you think that won't happen here?

Terrorism is no longer confined to the Middle East. Remember the U.S. policy that said, "If we fight them over there, we won't have to fight them here"?

That policy failed because we never finished the job - in Iraq or Afghanistan.


Famine. According to Action Against Hunger, more than 40 countries are facing severe famine right now, including many African nations, India, Syria, Lebanon, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Most of us in America have never faced real hunger, living on the brink of death by starvation.

Iraqi Christians who fled to the mountains are suffering as I type because they have no food supplies or water to sustain them, in over 110 degree heat.


Will it really happen here? Many Christians tend to say, "Well, I don't have to worry. I'm gonna be raptured out of it all."

The rapture is going to take place very soon, I believe. But we don't know when and we don't know how much suffering we will have to endure before it begins.

Anti-Christian sentiment is very much on the rise in America and all around the world. With the number of extremists already here and the number that keep coming, combined with anti-Christian government leaders, how long do you think it will be before those who follow Christ will be faced with a life or death choice regarding our faith?

Again, my point here is not to scare you. Remember, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27 ESV).

Beginning right now, today, we need to think seriously about what we will do, WHEN (not if) persecution comes.

Someday, and possibly soon, we may be faced with an awful choice: a choice to renounce Christ or die.

Will we take a stand for the Lord Jesus Christ who gave His life for us, even if it means giving ours for Him?

Although we may think we live in trying times, it will get worse. Again, that's not doom and gloom. The Bible says it will happen and I believe the Word of the Author. I also believe the Author who tells me He has already overcome the world and that is a great source of peace.

Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV).

Jesus is coming very soon.

It is time to wake up, be aware, be at peace with God and be ready to stand.

Christianity: Completed Judaism? - Conclusion

Christianity: Completed Judaism? - Conclusion

We began the exploration of this question in part one by examining the testimony of the first believers and how they continued to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the same place Jews had gathered before the LORD for hundreds of years, temple in Jerusalem.


In part two, we looked at the testimony of some prominent Jewish men who had come under the blessings of the New Covenant in Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ) and saw how they view the New Testament and Christianity. 

Part three was an examination of the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. We saw the authority of Jesus, the fact that the Gospel was, is and will be given first to the Jew then to the Gentile and the awesome truth that Jesus' substitutionary death made a way for us to draw near to God. 

You may recall that in part two, Benjamin Disraeli's words were cited twice. Let's look his comments regarding Judaism and Christianity one more time.


Mr Disraeli presented 2 very different ideas. First, he says, Christianity is completed Judaism, or it is nothing. Then he goes on to say, Christianity is incomprehensible without Judaism, as Judaism is incomplete without Christianity.


Using both statements as a guide, let's try to reach a conclusion as to whether or not Christianity is, indeed, completed Judaism.


First we'll look at a brief overview of Judaism, then the idea of Completion.




A. Judaism

It is unfortunate that, although I made it clear this discussion was not yet complete, the title of this writing has caused some to accuse me of Judaizing. For the sake of clarity, and also because it ties in with the conclusions that will be drawn herein, let me tell you what I believe in relation to this subject...

I believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

I believe in the God who introduced Himself and His commandments to Moses with thunderings, lightnings, and the noise of a trumpet (Exodus 20:8).

I believe in the LORD God of Israel who told of a New Covenant in which He promised, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people (Jeremiah 31:33), which was fulfilled by the atoning sacrifice made by Jesus Christ and by the sending of the Holy Spirit to indwell each believer. 

I believe in the God who spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets and Who has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son (Hebrew1:1). 

I believe in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ Who when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:4). 

I believe Jesus is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (Ephesians 2:14). 

I believe in the God who says the law was only a shadow of good things to come and Who taketh away the first, that he may establish the second (Hebrews 10:1,9). 

I believe in the God who has granted unto all – Jew and Gentile alike - boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil (Hebrews 10:10:19-20).

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary provides an interesting definition of Judaism...

1. a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions 

2. conformity to Jewish rites, ceremonies, and practices 

3. the cultural, social, and religious beliefs and practices of the Jews 

4. the whole body of Jews:the Jewish people

Merriam-Webster states that Judaism is defined by faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions.


It is those rabbinic traditions that have turned the very real faith of Abraham, Moses and the prophets into something far from what God intended. The apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul the Pharisee, was very well acquainted with and practiced rabbinical traditions. He knew the Scriptures well and did his utmost to abide by God's commands and also followed the traditions of the Pharisees. Listen to Paul's conclusion on the matter. Paul desired to be..

...found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Philippians 3:9-10)

The rabbinic traditions practiced in modern Judaism have strayed even further from the original intent of the Law-Giver than in Paul's day. Rabbinic commentaries, such as the Talmud and Midrash, are elevated and esteemed on a level with the Scriptures and, in some cases, the thoughts of the rabbis have replaced the clear teaching of God's Word.






B. Completion


As we have seen, Judaism is no longer an accurate representation of faith in the One, True God and for that reason, I must humbly disagree with Mr Benjamin Disraeli's conclusion that Christianity is completed Judaism, or it is nothing.


However, I do believe the true faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is completed by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone for salvation.


The honorable Mr Disraeli said, Christianity is incomprehensible without Judaism. In my opinion, Christianity would become confused by the incorporation of Judaism as it is practiced in all its forms today.


I would however assert that Christianity is incomprehensible without the witness of all who went before us on this path of true faith in the Most High God, such as Moses and all the prophets.


Without the witness of the patriarchs and God's revelation of who He is in His dealings with Israel and the nations, we would never fully comprehend the depths of His grace, the fullness of His love, or the magnitude of His holiness.


The idea of a completed Jew, however, is entirely different.


The label, Judaism, describing faith in the One, True God of Abraham, is a fairly recent phenomenon. According to Online Etymology Dictionary, this word came into existence some time during the 14^th century.


It is interesting to note that God never put such a label on those who worshiped Him. He called them My people, daughters of Zion, children of Israel, Abraham's seed, and so on, but such faith in God was not actually labeled until after the advent of the Messiah.


I am aware that some of my brothers and sisters in the Lord tend to avoid and/or dislike the term Christian. Think about the words meanings for a moment.


---The Messiah is the Anointed One. Christ also means Anointed One.


---A Messianic is a follower of the Messiah. A Christian is a follower of Christ.


The only difference is the fact that Messiah is an English derivative of the Hebrew word Mashiach and Christ is an Anglicized form of The Greek word Christos.


The words are one in meaning and purpose, just as God has made Jew and Gentile one in meaning and purpose in Christ. Messianic believers and Christians are made one in Yeshua Ha Mashiach, Jesus the Christ.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (Ephesians 2:14-17)

The disciples, the very first believers in the Messiah, considered their faith to be complete in their Savior, as we saw in the first part of this discussion.


It may surprise you to learn that not all Jews follow Judaism. My paternal grandparents were raised as orthodox Jews but later claimed to to be atheistic. My father, a Jew, is a retired Baptist pastor and church-planter.


A Jew who has taken themselves out from under the covenants God made with their forefathers (whether by the practice of rabbinic-imposed ritual or by secularism), who then returns to the LORD God of Israel and places their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation, may well consider themselves to be a completed Jew, since the faith of their ancestors is completed and fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we saw in part 3 of this discussion (the testimony of the first believers), this is how they viewed their faith in Messiah, as a completion and fulfillment of the faith of their fathers. Many of them heard Jesus Himself affirm this idea of completion and fulfillment of faith when He gave what we know today as the Sermon on the Mount. 

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)

Some final thoughts

I have mentioned before elsewhere that although my ancestry is Jewish, I grew up with very little exposure to the Jewish lifestyle or the traditions of Judaism.

My faith rests in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who sent His own Son to pay the penalty for my sin and raised Him up to life and caused me to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).

I am simply a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ who happens to have a Jewish heritage and an interest in the foundations of my faith in The LORD GOD JEHOVAH, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, my God.

The apostle Paul once said, But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:10).

 If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, God's grace has not been bestowed upon you in vain. Jew or Gentile, and no matter what you've done, it makes no difference in the body of Christ. In Christ, you are forgiven and loved. God has a purpose and plan for your life. No other believer is better than you are for any reason and certainly not because of ethnicity or heritage. 

Remember, he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (Ephesians 2:14).

Christianity: Completed Judaism? Part Three - Testimony of Jesus Christ

Jesus was not just another popular Jewish teacher or prophet. He was and is God. He is the Source of the written revelation of His works, His character, His power, and His love.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Jesus, the Living Word of God, must have preeminence in all things, including matters of faith and how we live out that faith. For this reason, His testimony is of greater importance and greater veracity than all others we have discussed previously.

Many Jews recognized the power in Jesus' words and the authority by which He spoke them.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:28-29)

One day, a Roman centurion came to Jesus, asking Him to heal a sick servant and, as He recognized Jesus' power and authority, Jesus recognized His faith.

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 8:10-11)

First, Jesus recognizes a present faith, then speaks of future faith. The present faith Jesus spoke of was that of a man who was not a Jew. He was a Roman, a man from the west. Think for a moment about Jesus' words here. According to Jesus, this Gentile, a man outside the covenants of God, had greater faith than all the Jews living in Israel at that time.

The future faith Jesus spoke of is a reminder to us today (who have the blessing of access to the full volume of Scripture) of the vision of John in Revelation 7. (The full title of that book, by the way, is 'The Revelation of Jesus Christ'. See Revelation 1:1.)

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-10)

This gathering of people from the east and the west; believers who will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in heaven; from every people and language group of the earth, was not really a new concept to those listening when Jesus spoke that day the centurion came. They were familiar with the writings of Isaiah, who recorded a very special promise of God.

It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6)

Perhaps this won't come as a new revelation to you, but I noticed something pretty amazing while comparing the events of Matthew 8 with those of Revelation 7 in light of God's promise in Isaiah 49. (Keep reading if you would like to know what it is.)

Follow the train of thought here with me, if you will, please...

Israel was chosen by God to be a light to the Gentiles. The Gospel was presented first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.(Romans 1:16)

The peoples from every corner of the earth in Revelation 7 don't praise the Lamb around the throne until after another momentous event takes place. The 4 angels stand at each of the 4 corners of the earth, holding back the winds of destruction.

And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (Revelation 7:2-4)

In Isaiah 49, God promised to restore the preserved of Israel, which, in the context of the future of Israel as recorded in that chapter, I believe may very well be a reference to the sealing of the 144,000 Jews in the tribulation period (Revelation 7:1-8).

12,000 from each of the 12 tribes are chosen, then, and only then, does a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages cry out, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Here comes the amazing thing to me:

After being chosen and sealed, those 144,00 Jews then go out to evangelize the whole earth. 

During the tribulation period, once again the Gospel message is given first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Israel is the vehicle by which God has, and does and will transport His message of love, forgiveness and salvation to the nations.

The wheels on this train of thought are still turning...

God used Israel to make Himself and the coming Messiah known to the world. His covenants, His mercy, His holiness, His glory, His wrath and His love were all revealed in His dealings with Israel and through His mouth-pieces, the prophets.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: (Hebrews 1:1-4)

Through the mouths of the prophets, He told Israel of the coming Redeemer who was for the salvation of not just Israel but the whole world. And, now, Messiah has come; God manifested in flesh.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

That verse, John 3:16, sums up the New Covenant God has freely offered to all who will partake. The blood of Christ was shed, not just for those who were already partakers of God's promises, but also for those on the outside.

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:12-13)

That passage says that those who were not descendants of Abraham, alienated form the covenants of God, have now been brought close by the blood of Christ. As a result, those who have repented and placed their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation can say:

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. (Ephesians 2:14)

What was that middle wall of partition?

When Jesus breathed His final breath on the cross, immediately the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51 CEV).

That middle wall of partition, the curtain in the temple, was designed to prevent anything or anyone unclean entering the Holy of Holies, where God's glory came down in the temple. This meant that no Gentile could ever enter and draw close to God. It also meant that the average Jew could not enter or meet with God in a personal way.

Only the high priest could go to the other side of the curtain and then only on certain days and only after certain cleansing rituals and putting on the proper garments. All of that may or may not have protected him from the holiness of God, because God sees the heart. (There is a story of tying a rope to the high priest’s ankle so he could be dragged out if he fell dead in the presence of the glory of God.)

The tearing of the curtain from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death illustrated a great and wondrous truth. We no longer need to go through a priest to meet with God. Jesus' sacrifice atoned for all of our sins and granted us direct access to the Father through the Son!

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (Ephesians 2:14-17)

What is the “enmity” referenced in that passage? The rendering in the Amplified Bible may help us gain some insight.

For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us, By abolishing in His [own crucified] flesh the enmity [caused by] the Law with its decrees and ordinances (Ephesians 2:14-15 AMP)

The enmity here is two-fold - enmity between Jew and Gentile, between those under the covenants of God and those outside of the covenants of God and also enmity between all people and God. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men (Romans 1:18).


Notice that Romans 1:18 makes no differentiation between Jew and Gentile. God's wrath is revealed against ALL that is an affront to His holy character, no matter the source. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

The Law, the ordinances given by God to reveal His holiness and show us how to live, also revealed the sinfulness in the heart of mankind and our utter helplessness to please God or save ourselves.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:23-24)

The Law showed us our desperate need of a Savior, One Who would fulfill all the Law demanded on our behalf. When His blood poured out on Calvary, Jesus accomplished this and, oh, so much more. (Read Ephesians 1&2 for the so much more.) That curtain, the dividing wall between us and God has been destroyed forever.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil... (Hebrews 10:19-20)

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Jew or Gentile makes no difference; all those who have accepted Jesus as their personal Messiah, Savior and Lord are fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.

ALL believers are built on the same foundation; the foundation laid by God in His revelations, first to the prophets, then to the apostles and then in these last days He has spoken unto us by his Son (Hebrews 1:2), Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone (Ephesians 2:20), In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:21-22)

Lets take a fresh look at those last few verses of Ephesians 2.

He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home. (Ephesians 2:21-22 MSG)

Notice, it doesn't matter how we got here. Whether we are descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob or “strangers and foreigners,” we are all equal partakers of the New Covenant, and equal parts of the building, each fitting in because Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone, made us fit and holds us all together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

No matter where we came from, no matter our ancestry, no matter what we've done, through the blood of Christ, we have this amazing revelation of the grace of God, that He would choose to dwell in us!


Next, The Conclusion