Tag: obedience

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

Both Judaism and Christianity typically teach that God’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 God (no idols);

2) Don’t curse God;

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 (Genesis 9:1,7) as did God 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 God’s commands, not suggestions, to the best of their ability and understanding out of their love for God. If one devotes their time looking for excuses or develops arguments against obeying God’s commands, therein reveals much, namely one’s heart and alleged reverence for God and His authority in their life.

In the Summer of 2020, I visited the Ark replication in Kentucky. That’s not a fake backdrop – it’s a huge real ark!

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, God 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 that 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, although the first Hebrew, fashioned an altar to worship God (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, God tested Abraham’s devotion to God 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 God would provide a better alternative while demonstrating he loved God even more than his miracle-baby. Consequently, God 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 God’s commands were documented by Moses.

As another example of Gentiles making sacrifices, in the future, after God somehow 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 God 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 of 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 God 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 God’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), God’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 God’s Holy Days found in Leviticus 23, and all about repentance. Apparently, God appreciates the Gentile who 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 God to send a prophet announcing God’s disapproval of their behavior and their need to repent to be spared from God’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. God 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 God gave Moses such instructions inferring the knowledge of what God defines as food predated the covenant given at Mt Sinai.

Clearly, God reveals throughout various Scriptures, albeit after carefully studying, that the Seven Noahide Laws may be a great place for Gentiles to start obeying God, 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 God 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.

“For this applies to all mankind..”
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Always Have Been Saved By Grace

As one who has traversed Christian circles, “Saved by Grace” is a common phrase indicating one is saved by believing Jesus died for one’s sins and consequently, gets to experience God’s grace or forgiveness. In fact, I used to wear a hat proudly stating this very expression. After discerning more and more of God’s word, and upon realizing the fallacy in the Christian message of Jesus had to die for one’s sins in order to receive God’s grace, I discovered that we always have been saved by God’s grace if only we seek Him and His ways.

At Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Wearing my “saved by grace” hat when I bought the boat in Texas.
On a friend’s boat in Kemah, Texas.

In 2020, when I sought to prove Jesus is the Messiah using only the Hebrew Bible, I discovered the Hebrew or Jewish definition of salvation is different than the Christian version of being saved. You can read more about those details here in an article I penned called “What Is Salvation According to the Hebrew and Christian Bibles”. Moreover, I realized upon digging through the Tanakh (or what Christians refer to as the “Old” Testament), that God has always offered His love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy to those who genuinely seek Him and strive to obey Him. Inevitably, we will make mistakes, but all we have to do is authentically repent and try again. Look at King David’s sin of committing adultery and murdering the woman’s husband. Christians have been told only a blood sacrifice can atone for sins, but what did God say to David through the Prophet Samuel in 2 Samuel 12:13-14? God said He forgives David’s sins though there still will be consequences just as any good father would say to his disobedient child. Was there a blood sacrifice David had to make? Did he have to believe in a future Messiah? No. How about when the Prophet Jonah went to the Ninevites or Gentiles to warn them of God’s pending judgment should they not repent and turn to God. Where was their blood sacrifice for God’s grace and forgiveness?

Notice God was demonstrating grace way back when the Prophet Isaiah lived (circa 8 BCE – 7 BCE).

God’s Holy Scriptures never once say anyone needs to “believe” in a Messiah to be saved, much less that one will be coming to die for the world’s sins, which would be a hugely critical prophecy to reveal, don’t you think? If God does nothing without revealing it to His prophets first, according to Amos 3:7, then we can deduce, that the Christian doctrine of Jesus being the Messiah who just had to die for our sins also is nothing except a replica of various pagan concepts. If you are Christian just learning of this, I know your blood is probably boiling right about now as was mine. First, you are angry at the one who enlightens you on said truth, then you become angry towards Christianity for propagating such gross and offensive errors and mourn your deception. Soon afterward though, you encounter a wave of peace and the lifting of a huge burden of guilt and manipulation you had been unknowingly carrying for years believing your sin caused some innocent god-man to die for you. Eventually, you will be so grateful to God for opening your eyes and rescuing you from the popular idolatry of the church. As God’s Spirit whispered to me one day early in 2020, “You can mourn over the lies you once believed or you can rejoice you have finally been set free from them.“

I encourage you, dear reader, to dig into the following Scriptures and ask yourself why would God need to send His son, Jesus, to die for one’s sins for forgiveness when these Scriptures clearly indicate God has been forgiving people well before (and still after) Jesus? Why would God instruct His child to be a human sacrifice when He instructed the Israelites to never sacrifice their children like the pagans do (see Leviticus 18:21, 20:3; Deuteronomy 12:29-32; 18:10; 2 Kings 3:27, 16:3, 17:17; 2 Chronicles 28:3, 33:6; Jeremiah 7:31; Psalm 106:35-38; Ezekiel 16:20-21 as some examples)? Why would God cause Jesus to die for another person’s sins when God specifically forbids such things in the law and prophets (see Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:1-32; 33:12-20; Jeremiah 31:29-30; Psalm 49:7)? Also, why does the famous “New Covenant” chapter state everyone will still be dying for their own sins in the new covenant (see Jeremiah 31:30)? Shouldn’t that be an opportune time to state no one will need to die for their sins because a Messiah will do so for them?

Below is a list of some passages that reveal many over the course of history always have been saved by God’s grace.

Please study the following passages and read my other articles:

  • Genesis 4:8-16 (God forgave and even protected Cain)
  • Exodus 30:15-16 (money not blood sacrifice)
  • Exodus 34:6-7
  • Leviticus 5:11-13 (flour used not blood sacrifice)
  • Numbers 16:46-47 (incense)
  • Numbers 31:48-52 (jewelery)
  • Deuteronomy 4:29-31
  • 1 Kings 8 & 2 Chronicles 6 (notice both Jews and Gentiles are forgiven even without a temple/sacrifices)
  • 2 Samuel 12 (God forgave King David w/o blood sacrifices)
  • Book of Jonah – Jonah 3:8-10 (How is it the Gentiles could get forgiveness without a blood sacrifice?)
  • Isaiah 1:11-17 (sacrifices & other forms of obedience are phony without true repentance – doing good & just is what God wants)
  • Isaiah 27:9 (removal of idols atones)
  • Isaiah 42:6; 43:23-25; 44:22; 45:22,25 ; 49:10; 55:6-7
  • Isaiah 56: Notice even Gentiles/Foreigners who align themselves with God’s Covenant (i.e. keep Sabbath) are brought to Mount Zion one day and honored even more so than natural-born Jews for doing so.
  • Jeremiah 29:11-14; 31:3; 33:3,6-8,19-26; 50:4-5,20
  • Ezekiel 16:60-63; 18:19-32; 33:12-20; Chps 36-37
  • Micah 7:18-20
  • Hosea 14:2/3 (depending on Hebrew or Christian Bible you are using)
  • Daniel 4:24/27 (depending on Hebrew or Christian Bible you are using)
  • Lamentations 3:22-23
  • Psalms 24:3-6; 25:6-11; 30:5; 32:1,5; 34:22; 36:5,10; 51:1-4, 7-9 (really all of Psalm 51); 103; 119:132,155-156; 141:2; 145:17-20; 147:11
  • Proverbs 16:6; 21:3
  • Job 22:23
  • Why Jesus Didn’t Die For Your Sins
  • Why the New Testament Is Not the Inerrant Word of G!d

To download this list of Scriptures for your own studies.

god-forgives-1Download

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Why Jesus Didn’t Die For Your Sins

Christianity teaches that Jesus, the perfect sinless lamb-of-God had to die for people’s sins so they can be forgiven and make it to heaven. Christianity also touts that it is only through a blood sacrifice a person can receive atonement for any sin, whether intentional, unintentional, past or future sin. It is propagated to congregants that all of us, whether Jew or Gentile, are eternally doomed unless we believe Jesus is the Messiah who died and overcame sin and death through the resurrection. Guilt, condemnation, and fear are the key ingredients while dangling promises of heaven and eternal life to motivate people to believe. These beliefs come from various places throughout the New Testament, which just by cleverly labeling it the “New” Testament sends the message anything before it is old news, invalid, and irrelevant. Out with the old, in with God’s new and improved way of doing things. And yet, Malachi 3:6 and 1 Samuel 15:29 clearly state God is neither a human nor does God change. We do. With that said, let us explore what the “Old” Testament, or Hebrew Bible, has to say about sin, sacrifices, forgiveness, believing in the Messiah to be saved, etc.

These verses of 1 Samuel 15:29 are from Christian versions.

While it is true that all of man sins eventually as the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:23 and it is true sin has consequences as he further explains in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death,” it is not necessarily death or blood of an animal or blood of a human in Jesus’ case that can make it right or to put in Biblical terms, make atonement. It can be confusing, however, when a Christian cherry-picks verses, as they (formerly we) seem to specialize in doing in order to propagate a doctrine. Christian missionaries and ministers often point to Leviticus 17:11 which in part states, “For it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” That is their AH-HA GOTCHA moment. And yet, when studying sacrifices and other passages found in the Hebrew Bible, we see God provides a variety of methods to teach His people a tangible lesson about sin and forgiveness; moreover, He provides grace and mercy well before Jesus and still today regardless of Jesus.

First, understand, that there are many different types of sacrifices, most of which are a form of praise and worship and have nothing to do with sin such as the burnt offering, meal offering, the daily morning and evening offerings, various offerings during the feasts of the LORD, etc. In fact, the sin and trespass offerings, also known as the purification and guilt offerings, are only for unintentional sin, meaning you, your household, the congregation, or the nation accidentally violated God’s law without realizing He had a law against such a thing.

Second, please study and know there is no sacrifice for intentional sin only unintentional sin. Understanding this concept is critical. I encourage you to get a Strong’s Concordance or Google the terms unintentional and intentional in the Bible. You will not find any sacrifice for intentional sin for if you knowingly and purposely sinned, you went through God’s judicial process and would have been eventually stoned or cut off (same thing) should the account of two or three witnesses manifest. The sin or purification offering is for if a sin was unintentionally committed against the LORD whereas the trespass or guilt offering was if a person unintentionally sinned against another person and by default the LORD as well. You will notice Leviticus chapters 4-6 states that those who unintentionally sinned against their brother, neighbor, or another person had to make restitution to the person they accidentally sinned against. Hence, love God, love others concept taught in both the Hebrew and Christian Bibles. While reading about the trespass also known as the guilt offering, notice in Leviticus 5:6-13, that the Torah teaches if a person cannot afford to bring a lamb, goat, turtledoves, or a pigeon, they can instead simply bring flour for forgiveness. Flour for forgiveness?! And yet, there is no blood in flour so based on Christian theology, how could that person be forgiven? Nevertheless, Scripture reveals that a person shall be forgiven indeed (see vs. 13). The overall message, God is teaching His people is, yes, sin has consequences, and He uses the concept of sacrifices whether it be ideally a costly sacrifice of an animal or even flour to reveal even unintentional sin is not to be taken lightly (pun intended) and yet certainly forgivable upon repentance. Now learn your lesson and don’t let it happen again.

The Book of Hebrews, along with other New Testament books, replaced words from various Scriptures found in the Hebrew Bible. Consequently, Christians are led to believe God required a human sacrifice to put an end to animal sacrifices. Compare Hebrews 10:5-8 to the Psalm the author cited in Psalm 40:6-8. We can see in this example the anonymous author of Hebrews significantly revised the Psalm, making it seem like a human sacrifice was required.

Rather, the sin sacrifice of animals is simply a tangible physical means God uses to reveal the concept of consequences and accountability for ourselves and one another. God recognizes humans need physical, tangible memorials to help us remember Him and His instructions for living – see Numbers 15:37-41 as another tangible physical reminder. God commanded the Israelites to wear tzittzits, strings from the hem of their garments to remind them to obey God’s commands.

Similar to the lesson of the sin sacrifices, as a parent, at times you take away your kid’s electronics or TV time when they sin. Upon doing so, it’s not because you need their electronics, rather you are insisting they sacrifice something with the hopes of teaching them what they did is not permissible in your eyes and they ought not to do it again. You, like our Heavenly Parent, hopefully, are fair and just upon deciding what they must sacrifice on an age-appropriate and offense-appropriate level or affordability level. Flour.

Third, understand sacrifices cannot be made in your backyard or just anywhere you please, but rather can only be made in the place the LORD chooses being in the Temple in Jerusalem (see Exodus 20:24; Leviticus 17:3-6; Deuteronomy 12:13-14, 16:5-6), which at this point in time does not exist. This is the only reason sacrifices are not currently happening. Nevertheless, notice what King Solomon proclaims in a prophetic prayer as he dedicates the first temple. In 1 Kings 8:22-53, but especially highlight verses 44-50 for it is there we see Solomon describes a variety of scenarios for both Jew and Gentile to receive forgiveness including when Jews are dispersed in various lands, taken captive, etc. with no capability of accessing the Temple, all they must do is repent and God will forgive them! Lamentations 3:22-26 as does Psalm 50-51, Psalm 103, Isaiah 1:16-20, and numerous other passages throughout the Hebrew Bible clearly state all one must do is pray to God and repent for their sin and He will gladly forgive them! I implore you to search this out for yourself. Explore terms like sin, forgiveness, salvation, etc. in the Hebrew Bible – an enlightening picture will unfold.

Fourth, did you know that Torah, God’s teachings, will be taught to the entire world from Jerusalem? Several passages such as Isaiah 2; Micah 4; and Ezekiel 44 reveal Torah will be taught. Moreover, the nations must also comply with Torah, God’s voice, His law one day INCLUDING worshipping God on the Jewish Sabbath according to Isaiah 66:22-24 AND bring sacrifices, according to Zechariah 14:16-21.

Fifth, please study the future prophecies found in Ezekiel 36-48, which include the resurrection, regathering, and restoration of all twelve tribes of Israel to the land of Israel. Within those incredible chapters notice the prophet Ezekiel shares that not only will God’s Torah be willingly obeyed by the House of Judah and the House of Israel, but that sacrifices will once again resume. What’s fascinating is these sacrifices are being led by the prince, presumably what some refer to as the Messiah, or an anointed ruler (see Ezekiel 44-46). Notice in Ezekiel 45:15-25, that the “prince” makes sin or purification offerings as well as all the other offerings on behalf of himself and the people, but only for unintentional sins as discussed previously. If Jesus is the one and only Messiah or “prince,” the perfect sinless lamb of God who made a sacrifice once and for all as the anonymous author of Hebrews proclaims, why does the Hebrew Bible prove otherwise?

Also, you will find there is no sinless Messiah described in the Hebrew Bible for it clearly states there is no one without sin according to 1 Kings 8:46 and Ecclesiastes 7:20.

Lastly, in Jeremiah 31, the chapter that predicts the new covenant, notice verse 30 says, “But everyone shall die for his own iniquity.” That’s strange don’t you think? Why doesn’t it say that Jesus will be the final sacrifice as he will die for everyone’s iniquity and the world will live happily or heavenly ever after? Why doesn’t it say this here in Jeremiah 31 particularly when it is discussing the New Covenant? The entire chapter of Jeremiah 31 is revealing the future full regathering and restoration of Israel one fine day in the New Covenant and yet, is still speaking of people dying for their own sin – being responsible for their own sin not trusting in Jesus to do it for them.

The law and prophets clearly speak to this several times as if giving plenty of advance warning of a future religion that will teach such concepts – most likely because this concept of human sacrifices has been a pagan practice since before ancient Israel even existed! Please review Deuteronomy 24:16; 2 Kings 14:6; Psalm 49:7; Ezekiel 18 and 33, all of which speak to the fact that a human cannot die for another human’s sins. Everyone is accountable to God for themselves. So why do we think Jesus, a human, can die for our sins?

Also, now knowing the law and prophets speak nothing towards such concepts of a Messiah dying for our sins, nor do we need to believe in a Messiah to be saved, and we now understand human sacrifice for the atonement of sin is forbidden, plus forgiveness is granted simply by repenting when a temple is not in place, and when it is in place, flour can be used as a substitute for blood, and if God does nothing without revealing it to His prophets first as Amos 3:7 states, why would we suddenly think God changed not only His pure language (see Zephaniah 3:9) from Hebrew to Greek, did away with His instructions found in Torah, and yet didn’t reveal it to His prophets of such dramatic changes or that a person must believe in His one and only son, the Messiah, in order to be forgiven and saved?

Ironically, I discovered this and so much more when I attempted to write an article proving Jesus is the Messiah using only the Old Testament. Needless to say, upon doing so, over many astonishing and grievous months, God “flip-flopped” my faith as His word clearly declares Jesus did not die for my sins, your sins, or anyone’s sins but his own!

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Beyond Heaven and Hell: A Jewish View of Salvation

One of the most significant differences between Christianity and Judaism concerns the definition of salvation.

In many Christian traditions, salvation is primarily understood as being rescued from the consequences of sin through faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. Depending upon the denomination, salvation may also involve baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, participation in the sacraments, good works, or some combination of these elements (John 3:16; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38–39). Although Christians differ on the details, most agree that faith in Jesus occupies a central role in one’s salvation.

When I began examining the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) apart from later theological interpretations, I was struck by how differently the Scriptures describe salvation. The question naturally arose: if belief in a future Messiah is the central requirement for salvation, where do the Torah, Prophets, and Writings explicitly teach this doctrine?

The answer may surprise many readers. Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, there is no passage stating that one must believe in a future Messiah in order to receive God’s forgiveness or be saved. Rather, the overwhelming emphasis is that God Himself is Israel’s Savior, Redeemer, and Deliverer.

Consider just a sample of the many declarations found throughout the prophets:

  • Isaiah 43:11: “I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior.”
  • Isaiah 44:6: “I am the first and I am the last; besides Me there is no God.”
  • Isaiah 45:21–22: “There is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.”
  • Hosea 13:4: “You shall know no God but Me; for there is no savior besides Me.”

These passages repeatedly direct humanity toward God Himself as the source of redemption. The emphasis is not on faith in an intermediary, but on trusting, worshiping, and returning to the God of Israel.

Repentance and Forgiveness in the Hebrew Scriptures

Another striking theme throughout the Tanakh is the connection between repentance and forgiveness.

Psalm 51 records King David’s prayer after his sin with Bathsheba. David does not appeal to a future sacrifice or mediator. Instead, he cries directly to God for mercy, confessing his sin and asking for a clean heart and renewed spirit.

Likewise, Psalm 51:16–17 declares:

“For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.”

Psalm 103 similarly emphasizes God’s mercy toward those who fear Him and seek to walk in His ways.

The prophets repeatedly echo this message:

  • Isaiah 1:16–18 calls Israel to wash themselves, cease doing evil, and learn to do good.
  • Ezekiel 18 teaches that a wicked person who repents and turns from sin will live.
  • Hosea 14 calls Israel to return to God and receive forgiveness.
  • Joel 2:12–13 urges repentance because God is gracious and merciful.

From a Jewish perspective, these passages demonstrate that God’s forgiveness has always been available through sincere repentance, prayer, and a return to His ways.

Individual Responsibility

Another important theme concerns personal accountability.

The Torah teaches:

“Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; each shall be put to death for his own sin.” (Deuteronomy 24:16)

Ezekiel expands this principle in chapter 18:

“The soul who sins shall die.”

The prophet repeatedly emphasizes that each person is responsible for his or her own conduct before God.

For this reason, Judaism has traditionally understood atonement and forgiveness through the framework of repentance, restitution, prayer, and divine mercy rather than through the death of another individual on one’s behalf. While Christians and Jews interpret these texts differently, the principle of individual responsibility remains a foundational element of Jewish theology.

Salvation in the Tanakh: Physical and National Redemption

Another significant difference concerns what salvation often means in the Hebrew Bible.

Many modern readers immediately associate salvation with the afterlife. In the Tanakh, however, salvation frequently refers to deliverance from physical danger, oppression, exile, persecution, or national distress.

Consider the language of:

  • Psalm 53:6
  • Psalm 80
  • Psalm 91
  • Isaiah 51–52
  • Jeremiah 30–31
  • Ezekiel 34–39
  • Zephaniah 3

Again and again, God promises to rescue His people, gather the exiles of Israel, restore Jerusalem, establish peace, and bring justice to the world.

The prophets envision a future in which the nations stream to Jerusalem to learn God’s ways (Isaiah 2:1–4; Micah 4:1–4), the earth is filled with the knowledge of God (Isaiah 11:9), and God’s presence dwells among His people.

In this sense, biblical salvation is often portrayed not as escaping the earth for heaven, but as participating in God’s redemption of the world itself.

The Future Redemption of Israel

The prophets also describe a future restoration in which Israel is regathered, spiritually renewed, and brought into a deeper covenant relationship with God.

Ezekiel writes:

“I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean… I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:24–27)

Jeremiah 31 likewise speaks of God writing His Torah upon the hearts of His people.

These passages describe a future age in which God transforms His people, forgives their sins, and renews their relationship with Him. Significantly, the emphasis remains upon God’s direct action, His covenant with Israel, and the restoration of obedience to His Torah.

Two Different Understandings of Salvation

Christianity and Judaism ultimately approach salvation from different starting points.

Christianity generally understands salvation through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the means by which sins are forgiven and eternal life is secured.

Judaism, drawing from the Hebrew Scriptures, understands salvation primarily as God’s ongoing work of redemption through repentance, forgiveness, covenant faithfulness, and the future restoration of Israel and the world. The focus remains upon turning directly to God, walking in His ways, and trusting in His mercy.

Both traditions speak of redemption and hope, yet they define those concepts through very different theological lenses.

For those seeking to understand the Jewish perspective, the most important step is to examine how the Torah, Prophets, and Writings themselves define salvation and to allow God’s revealed Word to shape one’s understanding of redemption.

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What Is the Torah Portion & Haftarah About?

Did you know when Jesus / Yeshua read Isaiah 61 in the synagogue on Shabbat (Sabbath/Saturday), which we can read about in Luke 4:16-30), He was reading from that specific week’s “Haftarah” portion? For thousands of years, those of the Judaism faith have read from the Torah and Haftarah. A major part of the Jewish worship service since the days of escaping Babylonian captivity (see books of Ezra & Nehemiah), is the public reading of the Torah.For the Jewish people learned the hard way while under Babylonian captivity to forsake God’s instructions will inevitably lead to physical and spiritual bondage. The Torah is the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Law, or God’s instructions for life. Each week, in today’s congregations of Judaism, Messianic Judaism, and many Hebrew Roots’ congregations read a certain portion of the Torah in their services. So the whole world (of those groups) is studying the same portions in unity. However, many years ago, circa 175 BC, when Antiochus Epiphanes conquered the temple, he outlawed the public reading of the Torah, replaced the holy artifacts with pagan gods within the temple, slaughtered pig, an unclean and abomination according to Leviticus 11, Deut 14, and Isaiah 65-66, as a means to mock God’s ordained sacrificial system, and even tormented and killed Jews for holding to their belief in the one true God and their desire to adhere to His laws. All of this was an “abomination of desolation”, which will happen again according to prophecies found in the Books of Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation. Consequently, the rabbis of those days researched and prescribed related passages of the Torah found in the Prophets to be read each week instead of the Torah during that tumultuous time. This became known as “Haftarah”, which means “conclude”. After that horrific time, the practice of reading from the Prophets stuck so today, passages called portions from the Torah and the Haftarah, which are related are read. In Messianic Judaism (and possibly Hebrew Roots too), related portions from the Brit Chadesha (Renewed/New Covenant) are read as well. This photo captures this week’s. The Torah portion’s title is selected from the first few words of the passage. You will notice all of these passages have to do with sending out (i.e. spies & apostles). I hope you had a peacful, wholesome #Shabbat!

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The Ravens Will Feed You

Blue Heron – Not a raven, but close enough!

As we continue to sojourn this peculiar and adventurous way following God’s ruach (spirit), we have discovered proverbial ravens provide for us just as they did for the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 17. We marvel, smile, laugh and glorify God, whom I call “Abba,” which means father in Hebrew, whenever a “raven” walks up to us and freely gives us an item we had just said we needed. It’s not even something we necessarily asked Abba for, but just spoke the need out loud to each other when lo and behold, a “raven” will walk up to us either that same day or shortly thereafter and deliver to us the very item we just discussed! For example, while on a cleaning job on Wednesday, my husband said to me, we really need to get a two-step step ladder to more effectively reach and detail these higher spaces. All of which I agreed. On Friday, a fellow boater we’ve recently met, not knowing our request, walked up to us and handed us a two-step step ladder. Jerry and I just looked at each other, smiled and laughed while thanking God and this man. That is just one example. There have been many more just like that where Abba has provided us with various marine items for free like a nautical chart of this area, sailing books, a flare gun, an expensive anchor chain, along with cleaning products, essential oils, clothing, food, plastic bins, a mixing bowl, cast iron skillet and even a free Walker Bay dinghy ($$) and floating dinghy dock! If you’ve followed along our YouTube vlogs, then you’ll recall we have come to these foreign lands with little to nothing, not knowing a soul, nor what it all will look like. Nevertheless, it is amazing how we speak the need and it almost instantly manifests. Meanwhile, we have noticed Abba provides cleaning jobs for us shortly before specific bills are due allowing us the opportunity to not only responsibly pay those required expenses, but to trust and know Abba will indeed provide us daily manna (Exodus 16). It would seem these are critical lessons to remember as we follow the proverbial cloud through this interesting, unknown territory. He will command the ravens, the widows, and whomever else to serve your needs as you continue to serve Him and others by simply doing what He said to do. Complete opposite as to what the hoarding world preaches!

What a YAHsome journey this has been! May our documented experiences in this faith journey foster, facilitate, and free you to follow His guiding cloud and fire as well for we can testify: If God calls you to it, surely He will provide for you through it!

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