commandments – Flip Flop Fellowship

Are the 7 Noahide Laws the Only Commands Gentiles Should Obey?

Both Judaism and Christianity typically teach that G!d’s 613 commands are exclusively for Jews to obey while Gentiles are only obligated to obey general moral laws such as the “Seven Noahide Laws”. For those unfamiliar with the 7 Noahide Laws, they are as follows:

1) Don’t worship any other god, but the One True Living G!d (no idols);

2) Don’t curse G!d;

3) Don’t commit murder/bloodshed;

4) Don’t steal;

5) Don’t commit sexual immorality;

6) Establish a judicial system;

7) Don’t eat the limb/flesh of a living animal.

Some of these principles are established by Noah as instructions to his sons after the family and animals exited the ark upon being the sole survivors of the great flood in Genesis 9 while other alleged laws are assumed. In this chapter of the Bible thought to be the basis for the Noahide Laws, Noah urges his sons and their wives to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 9:1,7) as did G!d to Adam and Eve; Noah also informed his sons that the animals, the birds, and fish would be fearful of man, but man has dominion over them all (vs. 2); they can’t eat meat rare (with blood in it – vs. 3); and, lastly, they can’t murder or cause blood to be shed (vs. 5-6). If we were to go strictly by Genesis 9 alone, then, technically, these four commands would be the Noahide Laws. The Jewish sages expanded on them some to establish the seven, and various sects of Christianity have their own set of laws as well.

It is my position that while these Noahide laws are a great place to start, there appear to be hints of other laws Gentiles could obey and Gentiles of the future will obey. Moreover, whether Jew or Gentile, one ought to obey G!d’s commands, not suggestions, to the best of their ability and understanding out of their love for G!d. If one devotes their time finding excuses or develops arguments against obeying G!d’s commands, therein reveals much, namely one’s heart and alleged reverence for G!d and His authority in their life.

In the Summer of 2020, my Gentile husband and I visited the Ark replication in Kentucky.

With that said, let us look at a few examples of Gentiles obeying what many would consider exclusive Jewish laws or laws not listed in the Seven Noahide Laws.

Sacrifices

First, consider neither Adam, Eve, their sons, nor even Noah were Jewish for the tribes of Israel and therefore, the tribe of Judah, had not existed at this point in the Genesis story, and yet, G!d evidently commanded or, at the very least, welcomed the first family to offer sacrifices to Him. Hence, the first case of domestic violence and homicide, sadly, as Cain was jealous of Abel’s sacrifice (Genesis 4). Second, notice Noah understood the importance of sacrifices as he too offered sacrifices as soon as the flood was over (Genesis 8:20-22). Noah also made sure there were clean and unclean animals on the ark presumably for the purpose of making sacrifices and food (Genesis 7:2,8), instructions not yet documented until much later (Leviticus 1-7, 11). Likewise, many years post-flood, Abraham, who also was not technically Jewish, fashioned an altar to worship G!d (Genesis 12:7; 13:4,18); although the text does not specifically say he also offered sacrifices, it is inferred. Later, when Abraham’s son, Isaac, was older, G!d tested Abraham’s devotion to G!d by instructing him to, you could say, lay his idol down as Abraham set out to sacrifice his son as a burnt offering on an altar. Abraham trusted G!d would provide a better alternative while demonstrating he loved G!d even more than his miracle-baby. Consequently, G!d indeed had a better plan and provided a clean animal instead of Isaac (see Genesis 22). Again, all of this took place well before Jews and Judaism existed or G!d’s commands were documented by Moses.

As another example of Gentiles making sacrifices, in the future, after God physically rescues, regathers, and resurrects the scattered tribes of Israel and reigns on Earth (Zechariah 9-14), the surviving Gentile nations will be required to participate in making sacrifices for the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot in Hebrew, according to Zechariah 14:16-21. Did you catch that? It will be required of Gentiles by G!d Himself to sacrifice in the future – for Sukkot / Feast of Tabernacles for certain! In that same time period, a temple will exist, according to the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 37-47 so evidently, Gentiles that survive the Battle of Gog & Magog will be bringing sacrifices to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, or Feast of Booths or Feast of Ingathering.

It should be noted that Noah offered sacrifices of praise upon his literal, physical salvation (Genesis 8:20-22) just as the future surviving Gentiles will do upon their literal, physical salvation (Zechariah 14). Likewise, Noah and the other family that survived the flood repopulated the renewed Earth just as the future surviving Gentiles will do.

Sabbath and Other Holy Days

In the previous segment about sacrifices, we briefly explored the Feasts of Tabernacles, a Feast of the LORD, and how it will be celebrated in the World-To-Come, or upon G!d creating the New Heavens and New Earth, in the New Covenant not yet activated. In Isaiah 66:22-24, we also see the seventh-day Sabbath and the monthly new moon celebrations (Rosh Chodesh) will be observed by “all flesh”, meaning all mankind. The Prophet Ezekiel also predicts during that era G!d’s Sabbaths and Feasts are obeyed as well as sacrifices by the reunited and resurrected twelve tribes of Israel (see Ezekiel 43-44). It would appear in the future because all of the once scattered Israelites will be fully restored in the Promised Land of Canaan (Israel), G!d’s laws will also be fully restored while Gentiles obey some additional laws such as the Sabbath and celebrate Sukkot.

Notice the passage says “all flesh”, not just Jews.

Fasting

Fasting is another command not found in the Seven Noahide Laws and yet the Prophet Jonah instructs the Gentiles of Nineveh to fast as a means to demonstrate their repentance. Fasting is a central part of Judaism, particularly on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), one of G!d’s Holy Days found in Leviticus 23, and all about repentance. Apparently, G!d appreciates the Gentile that fasts as a sign of repentance as well.

Lying

Technically, lying is not one of the Seven Noahide Laws either, but according to Nahum 3:1, the Ninevites (see Nahum 1:1), the ones who fasted and repented as mentioned above, were sinning by lying. In other words, lying was one of the offenses that caused G!d to send a prophet announcing G!d’s disapproval of their behavior and their need to repent to be spared from G!d’s wrath.

Sorcery

Likewise, sorcery was another command the Ninevites evidently violated, according to Nahum 3:4, and yet, is not listed in the Seven-To-Heaven list, or list that deems a Gentile righteous if obeyed according to the traditions of Judaism. Sorcery isn’t even in the 10 Commandments and yet clearly, a no-no, for both Jew and Gentile (Micah 5:11-14).

Unclean Food: No Bacon For You!

The vague translations of Genesis 9 make it sound like Noah’s sons can eat anything, but just the fact that Noah brings both unclean and clean animals on board the ark indicates otherwise. G!d specifically informed Moses much later what is food and not food in both Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 for Israelites, but it is interesting Noah understood what animals are clean and unclean before G!d gave Moses such instructions inferring the knowledge of what G!d defines as food predated the covenant given at Mt Sinai.

Clearly, G!d reveals throughout various Scriptures, albeit after carefully studying, that the Seven Noahide Laws may be a great place for Gentiles to start obeying G!d, but Gentiles should at the very least expect some more in the future (ie. Sukkot sacrifices & Sabbath). Moreover, consider the simple fact that Jews are “chosen” to be the light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6) designed to teach the light, being Torah or God’s commands, and all its wisdom and glory to the deceived world (Proverbs 6:23; Psalm 119:18,105-106; Ezekiel 44:23-24; Jeremiah 16:19; Zechariah 8). We also can learn throughout the passages of the prophetic books in the Hebrew Bible, in the future, everyone will know who G!d is and what He expects (Jeremiah 31) – it will be a time when the whole world, will “learn righteousness” (Isaiah 26:8-10) meaning Torah, God’s definition of light, His instructions on how to be the light, life, and love. Torah will be taught to the nations and consequently, there will be world peace (see Isaiah 2 and Micah 4).

Moreover, whether Jew or Gentile, everyone has specific responsibilities and purpose then, now, and in the future.

In conclusion, in addition to the benefits of learning Torah, it is apparent to me if certain commands were observed by Gentiles before the tribes of Israel were even established and some of the said commands will be observed by the world after all the tribes of Israel are reunited and re-established in the future, then obviously, they are neither done away with, as Christianity teaches, nor only 7 laws for Gentiles as traditional Judaism teaches. Therefore, I do not believe the 7 Noahide Laws are the only commands Gentiles should obey, but rather, it could be a good place to start.

November 3, 2020April 19, 2022 by Carrie Categories: Bible StuffTags: Bible, Christianity, commandments, faith, God, Judaism, law, Noahide, Noahide Laws, obedience, religion, sacrifices, Torah 2 Comments

Fear God, Not Ghosts

The craze to dress up like ghosts, goblins, or some other ghoulish costume continues to haunt Americans, including God-fearing Christians and Jews alike. The lucrative 9 Million Dollar American industry tempts even the religious to celebrate the most evil time of the year. What’s more frightening is many, if not most Americans, are unaware the origins of this spooky holiday, much less what the Hebrew and Christian Bibles say about ghosts or more specifically talking to ghosts.

According to numerous credible internet sources, Halloween essentially originated and still is considered a pagan holiday known as the most ideal day to speak to the dead and as a bonus, the dead may even predict the future for you. Even more fascinating is the Torah, the first five books of both the Hebrew and Christian Bibles, specifically warn against speaking to the dead either on one’s own or through a medium, particularly to learn of the future (Exodus 22:17, Leviticus 19:30-31, 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:11). The prophet Isaiah also warns not to do so in Isaiah 8:19-20 and 29:4. Just the fact that God states not to converse with the dead indicates it IS possible to do; otherwise, a command stating not to do so would not be needed. It also infers pagans have been communicating with the dead for thousands of years.

In this painting, King Saul falls prostrate upon seeing the ghost of the Prophet Samuel.

In fact, did you know there is a fascinating story found in 1 Samuel 28:7-25 where King Saul seeks out a witch or medium to contact the deceased Prophet Samuel to get advice about what to do about a pending battle? In this story, not only does King Saul break both God’s and his own law banishing mediums or any other form of witchcraft and sorcery, but the medium is successful in summoning the peacefully rested Samuel. The medium is shocked to see the ghost of Samuel for it is then she realizes King Saul is in costume and deceived her in who he is (since he banished such practices) so the medium is worried he will have her killed (see 1 Sam. 28:8 -12). Meanwhile, the ghost of the Prophet Samuel is irate he was disturbed from his soul-sleep, if you will (vs 15).

As if all that wasn’t remarkable enough, the Prophet Samuel can STILL prophesize to King Saul WHILE DEAD (vs 19)! Prophet Samuel predicts King Saul will be joining him in death the next day along with King Saul’s descendants.

What we can learn from this Biblical account are a few things:

Whether you a righteous person or a wicked person, it appears, when you are dead, you are dead (Ecclesiastes 9:5) as if asleep blissfully unaware of your surroundings as you await the resurrection (Job 14:10-14; Daniel 12:1-3; Ezekiel 36-37; Jeremiah 29-31) and not instantly ushered to “heaven” or “hell” – even the New Testament makes such claims (see John 3:13; Acts 2:29), rather God’s breath in you goes back to God (Ecclesiastes 12:7) but I realize, Christianity is an easy sell when you make people believe they are going to hell – Moreover, what is the point of a resurrection or God reigning on earth one day if you are instantly with God upon death?;
The dead’s spirit or ghost can be disturbed and communicated with (though not advised!);
Some mediums do indeed have a gift or craft for summoning the dead, though it is against God’s instructions to do so;
The dead’s spirit or ghost can inform you of things you’d shouldn’t know about or ask about (i.e. like when you are going to die or what tomorrow holds);
And evidently, prophets can still prophesize even when dead (funny, not funny)!

Being I have seen a ghost and even have regrettably communicated with a ghost once (before knowing it was against Torah many, many years ago now), as well as been on ghost tours through historic cities, and so forth, I have come to believe ghosts indeed exists, but have pondered the mystery as to why one may not speak to ghosts – what’s the harm? And what’s the harm in dressing up like ghosts as is the custom in Halloween? I have come to the conclusion that though it is certainly possible to contact the dead for whatever reason, perhaps for advice or longing for relationship or just to know you are indeed sensing something paranormal in your home and not crazy (such as was my case years ago), The One True Living God wants us to seek Him instead for said matters, not the dead. Furthermore, it would seem once you open that door, it is difficult to tightly close. It’s like the stray alley cat you feed, they are likely to tell the other cats, there is a crazy cat lady who will feed and entertain you. Likewise, it’s been my observation, if you are willing to communicate with one ghost, others also attempt to communicate perhaps longing to resolve issues left undone. Moreover, if there is a Holy Ghost or Spirit of Holiness, however, you want to label God’s Spirit, then that would indicate there also are unholy ghosts or evil spirits. Otherwise, the adjective of “holy” would not be needed to distinguish that Spirit from other spirits. Perhaps just like there are righteous and evil people, there too are good ghosts and bad ghosts, angels, and demons. The problem is both angels and demons are allegedly all around as are possibly the dead, so who do we know for certain we are talking to when consulting the dead or when a medium is communicating with them on our behalf? How do you know you are talking to Aunt Betty or some struggling ghost needing closure and not a demon in disguise? How do you know you or your kid’s costume doesn’t attract some deceptive or confused spirit and your kid isn’t bringing home more than just candy? Again, The Living God implores us not to take such harmful risks, but rather instructs the living to seek the Living God for guidance. He has kindly ensured everything we need to know has been documented for us. Also, know that He still speaks to our minds and still answers prayers. All we need to do is seek Him and verify it is Him through His documented Voice found in the Bible.

Most importantly, fear God, keep His instructions for life, and do not fear, talk to, or emulate ghosts. Halloween glorifies and invites death, breaking God’s commands such as murder or casting spells, while propagating unholy fear, and communicating with the dead. What do you want to teach your kids and grandkids: Fearing God or fearing ghosts? We don’t need to fear ghosts, just God.