"By Whose Authority Do You Teach These Things?"
By Isaac Aluochier
YAH'SHUAH'S TEACHING STYLE WAS AUTHORITATIVE
THOSE WITH FAITH RECOGNISE YAH'SHUAH'S AUTHORITY
YAH'SHUAH HAD AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS AND HEAL THE SICK
YAH'SHUAH'S AUTHORITY OVER UNCLEAN SPIRITS AND OVER ALL HUMAN BEINGS
FATHER YAHWEH HAS AUTHORITY OVER YAH'SHUAH
BY WHOSE AUTHORITY WAS YAHCHANAN'S BAPTISM?
YAH'SHUAH HAS BEEN GIVEN ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH
"WHAT IS THIS? A NEW TEACHING?"
HASATAN HAS AUTHORITY OVER MEN
THE SOURCE OF YAH'SHUAH'S AUTHORITY
YAHCHANAN THE BAPTIZER REVISITED
ONLY THOSE THE FATHER DRAWS GO TO YAH'SHUAH
YAH'SHUAH'S TEACHING BELONGED TO THE FATHER
THE YAHUDIM DID NOT KNOW FROM WHENCE YAH'SHUAH CAME
YAH'SHUAH'S SHEEP KNOW AND LISTEN TO HIS VOICE
THE COUNSELLOR WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS
THE WORK OF THE COUNSELLOR, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH
YAH'SHUAH'S SERVANTS KNEW THE SOURCE OF YAH'SHUAH'S AUTHORITY
YAH'SHUAH'S TEACHING STYLE WAS AUTHORITATIVE
THOSE WITH FAITH RECOGNISE YAH'SHUAH'S AUTHORITY
The centurion recognised that Yah'shuah had great authority - authority to heal from even a great distance away from the sick. He recognised Yah'shuah. Yah'shuah equated the centurion's recognition of Yah'shuah's great authority as great faith on the centurion's part, the faith that facilitates one sitting down with Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov in the kingdom of heaven. We should likewise recognise Yah'shuah, recognising the great authority he possesses.
YAH'SHUAH HAD AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS AND HEAL THE SICK
The multitudes, in contrast to the Sofrim (Scribes), recognised that the Mighty One had indeed given Yah'shuah great authority.
YAH'SHUAH'S AUTHORITY OVER UNCLEAN SPIRITS AND OVER ALL HUMAN BEINGS
Yah'shuah Gave His Disciples Authority
Yah'shuah gave his disciples some of the authority he had. He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out. He gave them authority to heal every disease and every sickness. That he gave his disciples some of the authority he had shows that he did indeed have authority over his disciples.
He commanded his disciples to preach, saying that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The Fate of Those Who Reject Yah'shuah's Servants
Those who do not receive Yah'shuah's disciples whom he has sent with his message will receive less tolerance in the day of judgement than the tolerance that the land of Sedom and Amorah will receive in that day. This implies that Yah'shuah has authority over all human beings, including commanding them to receive his message to them that his disciples preach to them.
Those who receive Yah'shuah's servants whom he has sent receive Yah'shuah, for Yah'shuah's servants act on Yah'shuah's authority. Those who receive Yah'shuah, who was sent by Yahweh, receive Yahweh, for Yah'shuah acted on Yahweh's authority. Therefore those who receive Yah'shuah's servants in their service to Yah'shuah receive Yahweh, for Yah'shuah's servants are operating on the ultimate authority of Yahweh. Likewise, those who reject Yah'shuah's servants in their service to Yah'shuah reject Yah'shuah, and thereby reject Yahweh.
Yah'shuah's disciples preached that people should repent.
FATHER YAHWEH HAS AUTHORITY OVER YAH'SHUAH
Authority Yah'shuah Did Not Have
Yah'shuah informed the sons of Zavdai that he did not have authority to determine who would sit on his right hand or on his left in his kingdom. These and such positions are for those individuals the Father has prepared such positions for. In other words, it is the Father who determines which position each individual he has called to his kingdom will occupy in it, for he is the one who has prepared such positions for these individuals.
Attitude of Yah'shuah's Servants
The role of Yah'shuah's servants is therefore that of accepting whatever position or role they are given, for that is what the Father has prepared for them. And no one should question the Father with respect to what he does with his own property and creation. Yah'shuah's servants should therefore recognise that matters of the kingdom of Yahweh are by grace. For if we have no right to be in Yahweh's kingdom in the first place, but will be there by Yahweh's grace, how can we have a right to apportion ourselves positions in it? As we have no right to be in Yahweh's kingdom in the first place, we definitely have no right to determine how matters are governed in Yahweh's kingdom. Our role is simply to do what we are told to do, understanding what we are to do.
BY WHOSE AUTHORITY WAS YAHCHANAN'S BAPTISM?
The chief Kohanim and the Zakenim of the people asked Yah'shuah by what authority he did the various things that he did, asking him who gave him the authority for doing the various things that he did.
Yah'shuah chose not to give them their answer immediately, but made his response to their question conditional on their first answering whether the baptism of Yahchanan was derived from man's authority or from heaven's authority.
The Kohanim and Zakenim Were Not After the Truth
It is evident from the reasoning amongst the chief Kohanim and the Zakenim of the people that they were really not after the truth, but had other motives. For it did indeed seem plausible to them that Yahchanan's baptismal authority came from heaven. Nevertheless, as they had rejected Yahchanan teachings, in that they did not believe Yahchanan, they did not want to condemn their previous conduct by affirming now that Yahchanan's baptismal authority came from heaven. In other words, they preferred to continue in their sin of unbelief of heaven's words, rather than repent of their past error, and acknowledge Yahchanan as having had heavenly authority. In their pride they chose to continue in error rather than publicly acknowledge that they had been wrong to disbelieve Yahchanan.
The Kohanim and Zakenim Did Not Have Yahweh As Their Mighty One
The chief Kohanim and the Zakenim of the people also showed that Yahweh was not indeed their mighty one. For if Yahweh was indeed their mighty one they would fear him and him alone in their service to him, without fearing another entity. Nevertheless, they feared the people, and did not want to publicly portray themselves to have differed with the people on their opinion of the source of Yahchanan's authority for teaching and baptising. For if they did indeed think that Yahchanan's authority did not come from heaven they should have publicly said so, and shown the people so from Yahweh's word. But even if they thought this they were not courageous enough to speak out what they thought was Yahweh's word, without fear of the people they would speak that word to. They therefore showed themselves a cowardly and spineless lot, unworthy of the positions they occupied over the people.
The Kohanim and Zakenim Condemned Themselves
In their answering Yah'shuah that they did not know from whence Yahchanan's authority came, they also condemned themselves. For the Kohanim and the Zakenim of the people should be competent enough to assess whether those purportedly preaching Yahweh's word are doing so with Yahweh's authority or not. For Yahweh's word does indeed give guidelines for the assessment of those purporting to preach Yahweh's word, such that from Yahweh's word it can be verified whether these preach whatever they do by Yahweh's authority or not. Therefore, by the Kohanim and the Zakenim acknowledging that they did not know from whence Yahchanan obtained the authority he had for doing the works he did, they condemned themselves in their failure to properly perform their duties of properly and correctly teaching the people out of Yahweh's word.
As the chief Kohanim and the Zakenim of the people failed to fulfil Yah'shuah's condition for answering their question to him, he refused to answer their question to him, of who gave him the authority to do the various things he did.
The Source of Yahchanan's Authority
Yah'shuah then proceeded to tell them a parable which witnessed against them, and in the process of so doing also revealed to them the source of Yahchanan's authority for undertaking the works that he did. For Yah'shuah stated that Yahchanan came to them IN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. In other words, Yah'shuah thereby implied that the source of Yahchanan's authority was heaven, and not men, for it is from heaven, Yahweh's throne, that righteousness comes forth, and not from men.
How to Assess Whether One Has Authority From Yahweh
Yah'shuah hereby also taught us how to assess whether one who purports to preach Yahweh's words does so with Yahweh's authority or with human authority. For those who do indeed preach Yahweh's words and do Yahweh's works come in the way of righteousness. While those who do not come in the way of righteousness evidently do not have Yahweh's authority for undertaking the works that they do, the works of iniquity, but do so with human authority.
The Kohanim and Zakenim Did Not Repent
Yah'shuah also stated that the chief Kohanim and the Zakenim of the people, despite initially rejecting Yahchanan by their unbelief, later realised that Yahchanan indeed had come in the way of righteousness. Nevertheless, they did not repent of their first sin of unbelief, that they may subsequently have believed Yahchanan's words. They therefore consciously rejected a servant of Yahweh whom they knew to have been a servant of Yahweh. Yah'shuah therefore told them that the tax collectors and prostitutes, who believed Yahchanan's teaching, were entering the kingdom of the Mighty One before the chief Kohanim and the Zakenim of the people who consciously rejected believing Yahchanan's teaching. Yahchanan's authority therefore came from Yahweh the Mighty One, for those who accepted his teaching were entering the kingdom of Yahweh the Mighty One, while those who rejected his teaching were not entering in.
YAH'SHUAH HAS BEEN GIVEN ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH
Using the authority he has Yah'shuah has commanded his servants to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all things that he has commanded them.
"WHAT IS THIS? A NEW TEACHING?"
Yah'shuah's teaching style portrayed his possession of authority, quite in contrast to the teaching style of the Sofrim.
Those in the synagogue were amazed that Yah'shuah had commanded an unclean spirit and that it had obeyed him. They were amazed at the authority he displayed, and wondered whether this was a new teaching, for they had not seen before what they had just witnessed!
Yahchanan upheld the law, and preached its applicability on those to whom he preached. He did not fear man and shirk from reproving man out of Yahweh's law. Not even the king did he fear, for he did indeed reprove King Herod out of the law, informing him that his action in taking his brother's wife as his own was against the law.
King Herod recognised that Yahchanan was a righteous and holy man, and occasionally gave him audience. Because he knew that Yahchanan was righteous and holy he feared to bring harm to him.
Yahchanan Recognised as Being Righteous and Holy
That Herod recognised that Yahchanan was a righteous and holy man clearly suggests that the chief Kohanim and the Zakenim of the people also knew that Yahchanan was a righteous and holy man. In this acknowledgement Herod is seen to have been better than the chief Kohanim and the Zakenim of the people, for he, at least, recognised that Yahchanan was a righteous and holy man. To have made that assessment clearly suggests that he did indeed know the law, at least sufficiently to distinguish between what was righteous and what was not, what was holy and what was not. His undoing, in common with the chief Kohanim and the Zakenim of the people, was that he did not repent of his own unrighteousness at the preaching of Yahchanan.
HASATAN HAS AUTHORITY OVER MEN
Hasatan stated that he had authority over all the kingdoms of the inhabited world, including their glory, for this had been delivered to him. He also stated that he gives this authority and glory to whomever he wants, especially those who worship before him.
Hasatan Not Greatest in Authority
That Hasatan stated that the authority over all the kingdoms of the inhabited world, including their glory, had been delivered to him, acknowledged that there was an entity superior to Hasatan, the entity that delivered all this authority and glory to him. It is this superior entity, Yahweh the Mighty One, who alone should be worshipped and served.
Nevertheless, Hasatan does indeed have his servants, who both worship him and serve him. These he gives some of his authority and glory.
If one acknowledges that Yahweh the Mighty One is greater than Hasatan, and that Hasatan cannot give us something that is superior to that which Yahweh has to give us, seeing that whatever authority and glory Hasatan has is what has been delivered to him by Yahweh, why should someone waste time and energy worshipping and serving Hasatan for his very limited authority and glory? Should not one serve he who is greater than Hasatan, who owns even what Hasatan can deliver to one for only a temporary period? Should not one choose eternal life and glory under Yahweh, rather than the temporary sustenance of this physical life and eventual everlasting death under Hasatan?
Yahchanan Sent by the Mighty One
Verses 6 to 8 confirm that Yahchanan was sent by the Mighty One as a witness, to testify about the light, that all might believe through the light. Yahchanan was not the light, but was a witness to testify about the light.
In verse 15 Yahchanan identified the Word, the only Son of the Father, as the one of whom he testified.
Yahchanan Knew His Scriptural Role
When the Perushim Yahudim sent Kohanim and Levites to Yahchanan to enquire about his identity in the context of the scriptures, as shown in verses 19 to 24, Yahchanan responded in a manner showing that he knew what his scriptural role was - the voice of one crying in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of Yahweh", as Yeshayahu the prophet wrote.
The Perushim Questioned Yahchanan's Baptismal Authority
The Perushim then asked Yahchanan, in verse 25, why he baptised, if he was not the Messiah, nor Eliyah, nor the Prophet. In other words, if he was not one of these three figures whom Scripture had prophesied about, where did the authority for his baptism come from? For they could not find in Scripture where such baptismal authority came for one who was neither the Messiah, nor Eliyah, nor the Prophet.
Yahchanan's Answer to the Perushim
The answer Yahchanan gave them, as recorded in verse 26, did not really answer their question. It simply gave them additional information on the relationship between him and the one of whom he testified, that the one of whom he testified was worthier than him.
Yahchanan Identified Yah'shuah as the Lamb of the Mighty One
In verses 29 to 31, on the day following the questioning from the Perushim, Yahchanan saw Yah'shuah and identified him as the Lamb of the Mighty One, who takes away the sins of the world. Yahchanan also revealed the reason why he was baptising with water. It was for the revelation to Yisrael of the one he testified about. In verses 32 to 34 Yahchanan again testified, even as he had testified in verse 31, that he did not know who the Lamb of the Mighty One was. Nevertheless, he also revealed that he had been sent to baptise in water, and had not been so baptising out of his own authority. And the one who sent Yahchanan to so baptise in water, for the purpose of the revelation of the Lamb of the Mighty One to Yisrael, was none other than the Mighty One. Yahchanan's baptism therefore came from the Mighty One in heaven, and not from human sources.
Yahchanan Revealed the Source of His Baptismal Authority
Yahchanan also testified that he who sent him to baptise in water told him that on the person he would see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, he was the one who baptises in the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when he saw the Spirit descending out of heaven in the form of a dove, and remaining on Yah'shuah, he recognised Yah'shuah and testified that Yah'shuah was the Son of the Mighty One. And thus, by this testimony, he revealed to Yisrael that Yah'shuah was the Son of the Mighty One, the Lamb of the Mighty One, who takes away the sins of the world and baptises in the Holy Spirit.
Yahchanan's Baptismal Authority Not Recorded in the Scriptures Then Existing
It therefore appears that Yahchanan's baptismal authority came directly from Yahweh via his Spirit. For it is not recorded in the scriptures existing at the time of Yahchanan that the one whose voice would cry in the wilderness "Make straight the way of Yahweh" would also baptise in water. Nevertheless, the lack of scriptural authority for Yahchanan's baptism did not negate his authority from Yahweh for so baptising in water. For Yahweh does not need another witness to confirm his word or actions. He is the ultimate authority, and his word and actions prevail.
Must Yahweh Confirm His Words By His Spirit With Scriptural Words?
It should also be noted that it does not really make sense to insist that Yahweh confirm his words by his Spirit with scriptural words. For what really are scriptural words? Are they not Yahweh's words by his Spirit that have been recorded? And who is to say that Yahweh's words in Scripture are greater than Yahweh's words not recorded in Scripture? It should be noted that Yahweh's words are Yahweh's words, whether or not they are recorded in the scriptures. The important thing is to note that the words are Yahweh's. And once noted one should accord them due validity, whether they are in the scriptures or not.
How Was Yahchanan's Baptismal Authority to be Assessed Without Scriptural Authority?
Now, with respect to the existence of this lack of scriptural authority for the baptism of Yahchanan, how were the people to assess whether his baptism was of Yahweh or was of man?
It appears to me that as this was a matter they could not independently prove, seeing that it was not spoken of in the scriptures, neither had another prophet been raised to confirm that Yahchanan's baptism did indeed come from Yahweh, the people had to make their assessment based on the result of Yahchanan's baptism and his other fruits.
Yahchanan's other fruits were evidently of Yahweh, for he came in righteousness and preached against iniquity, preaching repentance from dead works. The balance was therefore in his favour with respect to his baptism, seeing also that his baptism did not draw anyone away from Yahweh, but was intertwined with his message of righteousness.
THE SOURCE OF YAH'SHUAH'S AUTHORITY
The Yahudim Thought That Yah'shuah Was Blaspheming
Verse 18 states that the Yahudim sought to kill Yah'shuah because he not only broke stipulations concerned with the Shabbat but also called the Mighty One his Father, thereby making himself equal in status with the Mighty One, being the progeny of the Mighty One. The Yahudim thought that Yah'shuah was blaspheming in calling the Mighty One his Father.
The Son Did Nothing on His Own Authority
Yah'shuah explained, in his answer to the Yahudim, that the Son could do nothing of own, but simply emulated what he saw the Father doing. The Father is the initiator. The Son is the emulator. Therefore the things that the Son did were those that the Father had already done, and those that he had seen the Father do.
The Father Shows the Son All That He Does
Verse 20 shows that the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. Therefore, as the Father shows the Son all things that he does, the Son is in a position to emulate all things the Father does, for none of the things the Father does is not shown to the Son. It can also be implied that part of the Father's love for the Son involves showing the Son all things that he himself does.
The Father Has Delegated All Judgement to the Son
Verse 22 shows that the Father has delegated all judgement to the Son, that all may honour the Son. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father. In other words, if one purports to honour the Father, yet does not honour the Son, the one dishonours the Father. For it is the Father who has so set the Son in the position the Son occupies that all may honour the Son. But if one refuses to honour the Son, despite the Father having so set him to be honoured by all, the one so refusing to honour the Son dishonours the Father, for he does not respect the order of things laid down by the Father.
The Son's Words Originate From the Father
It is evident from verse 24 and earlier verses that the words of the Son really do not originate with the Son, for he does nothing of himself. Rather the Son's words are those he hears the Father speaking, and he simply replicates what he hears from the Father. Therefore the Son's words are indeed the Father's words. Therefore, by one believing the Son's words, one indeed believes the Father's words, and thereby possesses eternal life, passing directly out of death into life, avoiding the intermediate stage of judgement! In other words, belief in the Father's words has power to impart eternal life unto one, thereby enabling one to pass directly from death into life, without coming into judgement.
The Father Has Given to the Son Power to Have Life in Himself
Verse 26 shows that the Father, who has life in himself, has given also to the Son the power to have life in himself. All of these things come from the Father, who is greater than the Son.
In verse 30 Yah'shuah again repeated that of his own he could do nothing. Even in his judgement he does not rely on himself. For as he hears, from the Father it is taken, noting what Yah'shuah had said earlier on, he judges. And he adopts this form of judgement for he does not seek his own will, but seeks the will of him who sent him, the Father's will. Therefore, because his judgement is simply that of the Father's, his judgement is righteous!
In the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses
In verse 31 Yah'shuah stated that if he had testified of himself his witness would not have been valid. This implies that anyone purporting to preach Yahweh's word under Yahweh's authority cannot testify of himself. Such a one must have at least another witness to validate such testimony, for in the mouth of two or three witnesses is a matter established.
Yah'shuah Identified Yahchanan as a True Witness
Yah'shuah then identified Yahchanan as a true witness of Yah'shuah. Nevertheless, Yah'shuah's testimony, which he received, was not of man, such that it should be subject to the normal rule on valid testimony, meaning having at least two true human witnesses to validate the testimony. As his testimony was received from the Father himself he needed only the single witness of the Father, without any confirmation from a human witness. Nevertheless, for the sake of the humans that he was testifying to, he did indeed have a true human witness to testify on his behalf.
Yah'shuah's Works Were a Witness
Verse 36 shows that Yah'shuah had another witness, the very works that he did, the works the Father gave him to do. His performance of those works confirmed that the Father had indeed sent him, and therefore those works were a witness.
How Did Yah'shuah's Works Testify About Him?
One might ask, how did these works confirm that the Father sent Yah'shuah? Had the Father previously stated that he would send one to accomplish the works that Yah'shuah accomplished, such that by Yah'shuah accomplishing those works it became evident to those who were familiar with the Father's words that he, the Father, had indeed sent Yah'shuah to accomplish those works? It is submitted that this is so, for in the scriptures the Father did indeed prophesy of the works to be performed by his prophet or servant whom he would send to so perform those works, even as confirmed by verse 39.
Having the Father's Word Abiding in One
In verse 38 Yah'shuah stated that those who do not believe him, him whom the Father sent, do not have the Father's word abiding in them. For the scriptures, which contain the Father's word, testified of Yah'shuah and commanded that he be believed and listened to. But if one does not believe Yah'shuah, if one does not go to Yah'shuah that he may have eternal life, if one does not listen to Yah'shuah, he surely does not have the Father's word abiding in him, for he rejects and disobeys the Father's word contained in the scriptures. Yah'shuah therefore implied that the manner one may have life is by going to him and believing him. If one does not believe him, if one does not listen to him, if one does not go to him, one may not have life. For such a one has disobeyed the Father's word, even as contained in the scriptures.
Yah'shuah Did Not Seek Glory From Men
In verse 41 Yah'shuah stated that he did not receive glory from men. He did not seek glory from men. He also knows those who do not have the Mighty One's love in themselves. For these who do not have the Mighty One's love in themselves are those who do not receive him, yet he has come in his Father's name. These are they who have rejected the Father's words in the scriptures, for they have not accepted the Father's words concerning his Son Yah'shuah and the works his Son Yah'shuah was to do. Nevertheless, these who reject Yah'shuah who came in his Father's name readily receive those who come in their own name. Rather than seek the glory that comes from the only Mighty One these unbelievers sought and received the glory that comes from their own fellow human beings!
Unbelieving Scriptural Students
It should also be noted that these whom Yah'shuah termed unbelievers were not those who professed themselves to be unbelievers. No! They were those, as verse 39 shows, who searched the scriptures because they thought that in the scriptures they had eternal life. In other words, unbelievers include also those who search the scriptures. It therefore appears that the test of whether one is or is not a believer is whether or not one believes the scriptures! It is not enough to search the scriptures, even with the motive of seeking eternal life therein. One must also believe those scriptures, and show that belief by doing the things that need to be done as stated in those scriptures!
Moshe to Accuse His Unbelieving Disciples
Yah'shuah therefore concluded, in verses 45 to 47, that he would not be the one to accuse the unbelieving Yahudim to the Father. The one who would indeed accuse them to the Father is the one on whom they had set their hope, even Moshe. For had they believed Moshe they would have believed Yah'shuah, for Moshe wrote of Yah'shuah. But if they do not believe the writings of Moshe how would they believe the Yah'shuah's words?
Not All Who Profess to be Yah'shuah's Disciples Are Believers
Likewise, it is not all who profess to believe Yah'shuah and search the scriptures that actually do indeed believe Yah'shuah. For Yah'shuah does indeed have his servants whom he has sent out to do the works he has given them. If one truly believes Yah'shuah's words, even as contained in the scriptures, one will indeed believe the words Yah'shuah's servants speak, words given to them by Yah'shuah via the Spirit of Yahweh and Yah'shuah. But if one does not really believe Yah'shuah, who spoke of his servants whom he would send, how will one believe these servants of Yah'shuah when they speak the words that Yah'shuah has given them?
Another clue for properly making this assessment, of works confirming the source of one's authority, is given in Yahchanan (John) 3: 22-26, where there was some questioning between some Yahudim and Yahchanan's disciples concerning purification.
The Mighty One appeared to Yaakov and instructed him to go to Beit-El, to live there, and to make an altar to him. In response, Yaakov instructed his household, and those accompanying him, to put away all the foreign mighty ones that were among them, to purify themselves, and to change their garments. As they were to enter in to Yahweh's service, they were not to combine service to him with service to foreign mighty ones. They therefore had to be cleansed or purified physically, as symbolism for their spiritual cleansing or purification, in their removing from themselves all foreign mighty ones, and dedicating themselves to serving only Yahweh the Mighty One. Physical purification therefore appears to symbolise spiritual purification.
The Yisraelites Wash Their Garments
Yahweh commanded the Yisraelites, before he entered into covenant with them, whereby he would be Mighty One to them, and they would be his people, that they wash their garments and be ready for his appointment with them.
Aharon and his Sons Washed With Water
Before they commenced the duties of Kohanim, Aharon and his sons were washed with water, as part of their cleansing prior to their consecration for Yahweh's service. It therefore appears to be an attribute of Yahweh's way that those to enter into service to him be cleansed or purified prior to commencing their service to him.
The Levites Cleansed With Water
The Levites, before the commencement of their service to Yahweh at the tent of meeting, were first cleansed. Verse 6 shows that they were cleansed by: the water of expiation being sprinkled on them, a razor passing over all their flesh, washing of their clothes, and cleansing of themselves. As in the cases of the households of Yaakov and Aharon, it appears to be an attribute of Yahweh's way that prior to service to him one be cleansed or purified.
YAHCHANAN THE BAPTIZER REVISITED
In the light shed above in the cases of Yaakov, Yisrael, Aharon and the Levites, it appears to be an attribute of Yahweh's way that prior to people entering into service to him they must indeed be purified or cleansed. While the detailed mode of cleansing in each of these examined cases was different, it appears that a common element was cleansing with water, especially of the garments.
Yahchanan's Baptism Founded on Yahweh's Way
In this light the baptism of Yahchanan is clearly seen to have been founded on Yahweh's way. For Yahchanan was preaching that the people depart from their sins, repent of their sins and iniquity, and commence doing righteousness, in preparation for being a chaste bride for Yah'shuah the bridegroom, the Lamb of the Mighty One. Therefore their cleansing with water, in their baptism, was preparatory to their service to Yahweh in living righteous lives devoid of sin.
It is therefore seen that even though there was not a specific scriptural reference speaking about the baptism of Yahchanan the Baptizer, his baptism of the people nevertheless fitted into Yahweh's dealings as recorded in Scripture. For those who were about to enter into Yahweh's service were indeed cleansed or purified with water. And as the people Yahchanan was preaching to, people who were repenting of their sins, were entering into service to Yahweh by living righteously and believing in Yah'shuah the Messiah, it was indeed appropriate that they be baptised with water signifying their cleansing or purification. Thus it is seen from the scriptural record that one could determine that Yahchanan's baptism was by heavenly authority rather than by human authority.
Yahweh Sometimes Institutes Practices Without the Existence of Scriptural Authority
It should also be noted that a practice can indeed be instituted by heavenly authority even though a specific mention of it is not contained in the scriptures available at the time of the institution of the practice. In Yahchanan's case the institution of his baptism was by Yahweh through his Spirit communicating directly with Yahchanan. And so it can be in the case of other servants of Yahweh. Just because the scripture might not have recorded a specific practice in it does not exclude the institution of such a practice by a servant of Yahweh acting on heavenly authority.
Nevertheless, it should also be noted that whatever specific practice is instituted by heavenly authority will not contradict a practice that is clearly mentioned in the scriptures, for Yahweh does not contradict himself. Any newly instituted practice will therefore be seen to be in harmony with the existing scriptures, without contradicting them.
ONLY THOSE THE FATHER DRAWS GO TO YAH'SHUAH
In verse 28 the multitude that was seeking after Yah'shuah asked him what they must do to work the works of the Mighty One. Yah'shuah responded to them that the work of the Mighty One was believing in him whom the Mighty One had sent, meaning believing in Yah'shuah.
Their response to Yah'shuah, in verse 30, showed that they did not at that time work the works of the Mighty One, for they did not believe in Yah'shuah. They therefore asked a sign of him, to determine to them whether or not they would believe in him. They asked him what work he worked.
The True Bread That Comes Out of Heaven
Yah'shuah then informed them about the true bread that comes out of heaven, and gives life to the world. The multitude responded by requesting that they always be given this bread.
Yah'shuah then identified himself as the bread of life. He stated that those who went to him would not be hungry and those who believed in him would never be thirsty. Nevertheless he also recognised that the multitude did not believe. And by their failure to so believe in him they had not really gone to him, and would therefore continue being hungry and continue being thirsty.
Yah'shuah Came to do the Father's Will
For Yah'shuah came down from heaven not to do his own will, but the will of his Father who sent him. And his Father's will was that he loses none of all his Father gave him, but that he should raise each of these at the last day. The Father's will is that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life.
The Yahudim Disbelieved Yah'shuah
The Yahudim did not believe in Yah'shuah for they thought they knew his origins, thinking that he came from the earth, rather than from heaven. This case goes to show that sometimes what one thinks is true knowledge is not actually true knowledge. One should therefore carefully verify matters to ascertain the veracity of them, before jumping to conclusions which could be erroneous.
No One Goes to Yah'shuah Unless Drawn by the Father
Yah'shuah then informed them that no one could go to him unless the Father drew that one to Yah'shuah.
How the Father Draws to Yah'shuah
Yah'shuah then quoted from Yeshayahu (Isaiah) wherein it is written, "they shall all be taught by Yahweh". He proceeded to state that everyone who hears from the Father, and has learned from what one has heard from the Father, goes to him. But he then stated that he did not mean by his comments that some had seen the Father, and heard from him by virtue of having seen him. For only he who had come from heaven had seen the Father. He therefore implied that it was possible to hear from the Father without having seen the Father. How therefore can one hear from the Father yet not see him? Through the scriptural word? Through the Father communicating with such a one directly through his Spirit?
Yah'shuah then stated that he was the bread of life, which came out of heaven, and that anyone who believed in him had eternal life. He stated that if one ate of this bread one would not die, but would live forever. He added that the bread that he would give for the life of the world was his flesh.
The question resultant from Yah'shuah's comments therefore was how would one eat of this living bread that came down out of heaven and live forever. Was belief in him sufficient for purposes of partaking of this bread, for Yah'shuah said that one who believed in him had eternal life, and also said that one who ate of this living bread would live forever? And how would he give his flesh, the living bread, for the life of the world?
Was Yah'shuah Asking His Audience to be Cannibals?
Yah'shuah's carefully worded phrases suggested to the Yahudim that he was asking them to be cannibalistic! This must have seemed revolting to the Yahudim, for not only was it against their law to eat human flesh, it just seemed abhorrent to do so! But was Yah'shuah asking them to be cannibals in order to attain to eternal life?
To clarify his comments Yah'shuah stated in verses 53 to 54 that to live eternally one had to eat his flesh and drink his blood, stating that his flesh was food indeed and his blood drink indeed! He therefore appeared to be urging cannibalism! Nevertheless, was he talking literally or metaphorically, seeing that earlier on he had already equated eating of this living bread with believing in him?
If Yah'shuah was talking literally then it would appear that he was urging his audience to breach Yahweh's law as given by Moshe, for he appeared to be urging his audience to breach Yahweh's holy dietary laws. This would have been a contradiction of Yahweh's word, and would have rendered Yah'shuah a false prophet. Nevertheless, as he had already equated eating of this living bread with believing in him clearly suggested that he was speaking metaphorically. And if speaking metaphorically he might not have been in breach of Yahweh's word. The challenge therefore was to understand what he meant by his words, before hastily jumping to a conclusion that inevitably would have been erroneous.
Yah'shuah also stated that his living or life was based on the Father. Likewise, those who would eat of his flesh would live or have their lives based on him.
Many of Yah'shuah's disciples, upon hearing all these words, found them hard to accept.
Yah'shuah then proceeded to explain his words. He stated, in verse 63, that it is the spirit that gives life, for the flesh profits nothing. He added that the words that he speaks are spirit, and are life. He therefore implied that the words that he spoke are the ones one should believe and do. For it is by so believing his words and doing them that one has eternal life.
Nevertheless, he also acknowledged that some still did not believe his words. He therefore repeated to them his earlier comments that no one could go to him except drawn by the Father. For only those drawn by the Father, who have heard from the Father and learned from him, will believe Yah'shuah's words. Implying that those who do not believe Yah'shuah's words have not been drawn by the Father to go to Yah'shuah, for they have not learned from the Father.
Many of Yah'shuah's Disciples Withdrew From Him
Therefore, as a result of these difficult sayings, many of his disciples withdrew from him and no longer accompanied him.
Yah'shuah then challenged the twelve, to ascertain from them whether they too would withdraw from him. But Shimon Kefa's answer revealed that they were believers, believing in Yah'shuah as the Messiah, the Son of the living Mighty One, and also believing Yah'shuah's words of eternal life.
Nevertheless, even among the twelve, Yah'shuah responded, there was one who was not truly a believer! Yah'shuah therefore knows those who truly are his. Even when believers are grouped together with unbelievers, with all purporting to be believers, Yah'shuah distinguishes between those who truly are his and those who are not. Human beings cannot fool Yah'shuah.
YAH'SHUAH'S TEACHING BELONGED TO THE FATHER
Yah'shuah's teaching belongs to his Father who sent him. Those who desire to do the Father's will know of Yah'shuah's teaching, whether it is from the Mighty One or from Yah'shuah himself devoid of the Mighty One's authority. And how would these who desire to do the Father's will know?
It appears to me, based on Yah'shuah's words in Yahchanan (John) 6, that these who desire to do the Father's will would indeed hear from the Father and learn from him. In other words, it is the Father himself, by communicating to these who desire to do his will, who informs these that Yah'shuah's words did indeed originate with him the Father. For the ones whom the Father draws to Yah'shuah are those who have heard from the Father and have learned from the Father.
Yah'shuah also stated that he who speaks from himself, that is by his own authority, seeks his own glory. But he who seeks the glory of him who sent him, meaning Yah'shuah who sought the glory of Yahweh his Father who sent him, is true and no unrighteousness is in him. Likewise, learning from Yah'shuah, we should seek the glory of Yah'shuah who sends us, that we may be true and devoid of unrighteousness.
THE YAHUDIM DID NOT KNOW FROM WHENCE YAH'SHUAH CAME
That the Yahudim were at a loss to understand Yah'shuah's clear words that he was to return to him who sent him showed evidently that they did not know who Yah'shuah was or from whence he came. They even speculated that he came from the Yevanim (Greeks)? For they thought that was where he might be going. They did not know from whence Yah'shuah came.
That the Yahudim did not know from whence Yah'shuah came shows that they did not sincerely desire to do Yahweh's will. For those who sought to do Yahweh's will the Father would indeed reveal to them that Yah'shuah's words originated with him the Father, and that Yah'shuah had been sent by the Father. That the Yahudim did not know these things shows that they did not desire to do Yahweh's will, and were therefore not drawn by the Father to Yah'shuah. They were unbelievers.
Yah'shuah Testified About Himself
In verse 12 Yah'shuah stated of himself that he was the light of the world. And that anyone who followed him would not walk in darkness, but would have the light of life.
The Perushim therefore responded that his witness was not valid, as he testified of himself.
Why Yah'shuah's Testimony About Himself Was Valid
Yah'shuah responded in verse 14 by stating that even though he testified of himself his witness was still true. For he knew where he came from and where he was going. But the Perushim did not know where Yah'shuah came from; neither did they know where he was going.
Yah'shuah's comments therefore show that if one testifies of oneself one's witness is not automatically rendered invalid. Therefore one should not be disqualified as a valid witness for simply testifying about oneself.
Nevertheless, can one's own testimony about oneself be acceptable to others?
Can One's Own Testimony About Oneself Be Acceptable to Others?
In verse 15 Yah'shuah told the Perushim that the manner they were judging was according to the flesh. He, on the other hand, judged no one. Nevertheless, even if he judges, his judgement is true, for he is not alone in his judgement, but he is with his Father, who sent him.
Yah'shuah here gives us a key to true judgement. True judgement is that which one enters into with the Father. For the Father's judgement is true. Also, Yah'shuah had in a previous discourse said that he does nothing of his own authority, but only replicates what he sees his Father doing and saying. Therefore, in his judgement, he only replicates the Father's judgement. That is why his judgement is true, for it is the Father's judgement, and the Father's judgement is true. Therefore, if we are to judge truly on a matter, we must seek out the Father's judgement on that matter and simply replicate his judgement. This is learning from Yah'shuah how we should judge matters.
In verse 17 Yah'shuah made reference to the provision of the law whereby the testimony of two truthful witnesses is considered valid. He then proceeded to inform the Perushim that there were indeed two witnesses who testified about him. One witness was himself. The other witness was his Father, who sent him.
Therefore if a man professes to come in Yahweh's name, thereby testifying about himself, and does not have another human witness to readily testify about him, his testimony about himself is not automatically rendered invalid. As he has professed to come in Yahweh's name, those seeking to assess the veracity of his testimony should simply go to Yahweh and seek Yahweh's testimony about such a man. For Yahweh's testimony is the ultimate testimony, and he does indeed testify about those who are sent by him.
Some might object to this statement, on the ground that Yahweh does not readily communicate with human beings, and therefore it is impractical to seek from him his testimony about a particular man who professes to come in his name.
Does Objection Have Grounding in Truth?
It is clearly seen that such an objection has no grounding in the truth. For Yah'shuah himself said in an earlier discourse that no one goes to him unless the Father draws that individual. And those who sincerely desire to do the Father's will hear from the Father, and learn from him. They do not hear from him face to face, mouth to ear, such as when two human beings in close proximity communicate with one another. But the Father does indeed ensure that they nevertheless hear from him. These who hear from the Father and learn from him know those whom he has sent, for he reveals to them those whom he has sent. In this manner he revealed to those who sincerely sought to do his will, those whom he drew to Yah'shuah, that he had sent Yah'shuah.
Therefore those who object that the Father does not readily communicate with human beings, and that it is impractical to seek from him his testimony about a particular man who professes to come in his name, are simply witnesses against themselves. For in this they testify that the Father does not indeed communicate with them, and that they do not hear from the Father. Thereby showing that they do not sincerely desire to do the Father's will! It is therefore no surprise that the Father does not indeed communicate with such. If such desire to hear from the Father they must first sincerely desire to do the Father's will. Then they will both hear from him and learn from him. For he will reveal to them what is needful for them.
Matters Revealed by the Perushim's Question
That the Perushim asked Yah'shuah, in verse 19, where his Father was, evidently showed many things. It showed that they did not hear from the Father. It showed that the Father had not drawn them to Yah'shuah, and therefore they did not really know who Yah'shuah was, or from whence he came. It showed that they did not sincerely desire to do the Father's will, for those who sincerely seek to do the Father's will hear from the Father. As Yah'shuah said, they knew neither him nor his Father.
In verse 25 the Yahudim asked Yah'shuah who he was.
Yah'shuah responded by saying that he was one who had many things to speak and judge concerning them. He was one who testified that he who sent him was true. He was one who testified that the things that he spoke to the world were those he had heard from him who sent him. That was who he was, one sent to speak the things he had heard.
Yah'shuah Spoke as the Father Taught Him
In verse 28 Yah'shuah stated that he said the various things he said as the Father had taught him. He also added that the Father who sent him was with him and had not left him alone, for he always did the things that are pleasing to him. Many of the Yahudim believed in him as he spoke these things. Yah'shuah then addressed those of the Yahudim who were believers, exhorting them to remain in his word, and truly be his disciples. And by so doing they would know the truth, and the truth would make them free.
To Ensure the Father Remains With You
Learning from Yah'shuah we see that to ensure that the Father remains with us and does not leave us alone we must always do the things that are pleasing to him. We should therefore become aware of those things that are pleasing to the Father, and always do them.
It is also noted that those of the Yahudim who believed in Yah'shuah were those who were drawn to him by the Father. For these had heard from the Father and the Father had revealed to these that Yah'shuah was sent by him, and was his Son.
Learning from Yah'shuah we see that we who are believers should remain in his word, for by so doing we truly become and remain his disciples. And by so doing we know the truth, and the truth makes us free. Thereby implying that the manner we acquire truth is by remaining in Yah'shuah's word. Thereby implying that Yah'shuah's word is truth. Remembering also that Yah'shuah's word does not originate with him, but is a repetition of the Father's word, we therefore know that the Father's word is truth. Therefore it is from Yah'shuah that we hear the Father's word, which is truth. And it is this word from the Father, truth, which makes us free.
Free from what?
Freedom From the Clutches of Sin
Yah'shuah responded in verse 34 by stating that everyone who commits sin is a bondservant of sin. Therefore, by remaining in his word, which is the Father's word, which is truth, we will become free from the clutches of sin. And the manner we will become free from the clutches of sin is by ceasing to commit sin. Therefore, remaining in Yah'shuah's word is synonymous with ceasing to commit sin, and doing righteousness. It should therefore be clear that those who remain in Yah'shuah's word cease to commit sin.
It should also be clear that the life the Father has drawn us to live, by drawing us to Yah'shuah, is a righteous life, a life whereby we do not commit sin. For it is by not committing sin that we become free from the clutches of sin. And to avoid committing sin we must do Yah'shuah's words, which are the Father's words, for Yah'shuah's words are simply words the Father taught him, words he heard from the Father.
Speaking to the unbelieving Yahudim Yah'shuah said, in verse 38, that just as he did the things that he had seen with his Father, the unbelieving Yahudim also did the things that they had seen with their father. He negated, in verse 39, their assertion that they were Avraham's children. For had they indeed been Avraham's children they would have done the works Avraham did. But seeing that they sought to kill him, for telling them the truth that he had heard from the Mighty One, their actions were evidently not those of Avraham. For Avraham did not seek to kill those who told him truth from the Mighty One. The unbelieving Yahudim were therefore doing the works of their father, who seeks to kill those who speak truth from Yahweh.
Countering their contention that the Mighty One was their Father, Yah'shuah told the unbelieving Yahudim in verse 42 that if the Mighty One was indeed their Father they would love Yah'shuah. For Yah'shuah came forth from the Mighty One. And in this he did not come of his own initiative, but was sent by the Mighty One. The reason why they could not understand his speech or receive his word was because they belonged to their father, the devil. And it was also their desire to do the lusts of their father, the devil.
For the works of the devil are evident. He was a murderer from the beginning. He does not stand in the truth, for there is no truth in him. Implying that he does not have Yahweh's words in him, having rejected Yahweh's word. When the devil speaks a lie, it is simply his nature. For he is a liar, and the father of lies.
Because Yah'shuah spoke the truth the unbelieving Yahudim, who belonged to their father the devil, did not believe him. For just as the devil has rejected Yahweh's words, and the words Yah'shuah was speaking were Yahweh's words, so also the children of the devil reject Yahweh's words, in harmony with the works of their father the devil. Those who belong to the Mighty One hear and receive the Mighty One's words. But those who do not receive the Mighty One's words do not belong to the Mighty One, but belong to their father the devil, who likewise does not receive the words of the Mighty One.
Verse 14 states that it was a Shabbat when Yah'shuah had healed the man born blind. Verse 16 shows that some Perushim concluded that Yah'shuah was not from the Mighty One, for, in their opinion, Yah'shuah did not keep the Shabbat. In their minds Yah'shuah was a sinner, and therefore not from the Mighty One. Others of the Perushim disputed this conclusion, taking the view that one who was a sinner could not perform the signs that Yah'shuah was performing. By contending with their fellow Perushim these latter ones were also professing a conflicting understanding of what constituted keeping or breaking the Shabbat. For if, to them, Yah'shuah was not a sinner, then he had not broken the Shabbat. And if he had not broken the Shabbat then their understanding of what constitutes breaking the Shabbat was different from that of the former Perushim who concluded differently on this matter. Who, between these two contending Perushim groups, was right?
The Father and Yah'shuah Work on the Shabbat
In Yahchanan (John) 5: 1-18 Yah'shuah had healed a man on a Shabbat. In verse 17 Yah'shuah responded to those Yahudim who persecuted him for healing on the Shabbat by telling them that his Father is still working, and that he also was working. The implication one can derive from Yah'shuah's comments was that his Father was working on the Shabbat, and he, emulating his Father in his actions, was also working on the Shabbat. If this implication is correct, what works were Yah'shuah and his Father working on the Shabbat?
The Works the Father and Yah'shuah Do on the Shabbat
It is seen that Yah'shuah healed on the Shabbat. Healing is an act of mercy or compassion. It therefore appears that working acts of mercy or compassion on the Shabbat is within the law of the Shabbat, and is not a violation of the Shabbat law. On this basis, the latter Perushim group, who did not think that Yah'shuah was a sinner for having healed someone on the Shabbat, appears to have been correct.
Even the Yahudim Work on the Shabbat
In Yahchanan (John) 7: 21-24 Yah'shuah answered the multitudes who contended with him. He reminded them how they too worked on the Shabbat, for they circumcised on the Shabbat in order to be compliant with the law of Moshe which confirmed the circumcision practice passed on down from the fathers. They were therefore unjustified in being angry with him for also working on the Shabbat, showing a man compassion on the Shabbat by healing him. He therefore counselled them to avoid judging according to appearance, but with righteous judgement.
Why Some Works Done on the Shabbat
In other words, as it was within the law of Shabbat to be compliant with another law of Yahweh that inevitably required work on the Shabbat in order to facilitate its compliance, so also it was within the law of the Shabbat to work works of mercy and compassion on the Shabbat, for mercy and compassion are attributes of Yahweh. And it is also Yahweh's command that we be merciful, even as he is merciful.
True Judgement on Working on the Shabbat
Judgement based on appearance would have suggested that Yah'shuah was breaking the Shabbat, for he appeared to be working on the Shabbat. But analysis of the works that he worked on the Shabbat evidently showed that he was not working his own works. He was working the works of the Father who sent him. And the Shabbat command prohibited people working their own works. But if one works the Father's works, and not one's own works, then one is not breaking the Shabbat.
It was therefore imperative that those who were assessing whether Yah'shuah was a sinner or not, in that he worked works on the Shabbat, had to assess whether the works he worked were his or belonged to the Father. Those who recognised that Yah'shuah's works were indeed not his own, but the Father's, deemed him righteous and not a sinner. For Yahweh had revealed to these that Yah'shuah was sent by him, and that Yah'shuah simply did what the Father had taught him, what he had seen the Father do. But those who failed to recognise that Yah'shuah's works were the Father's works, but thought that he acted out of his own authority, ended up with erroneous judgement. For they judged that Yah'shuah broke the Shabbat when in fact he had not.
How can one therefore avoid entering into erroneous judgement?
The counsel Yah'shuah gave for judging righteously was to replicate Yahweh's judgement on a matter. For that was how he Yah'shuah judged. And that was why his judgement was true. For it was not his own judgement, but that of the Father, whose word is truth. Therefore, if we are to judge correctly on a matter, we should seek Yahweh's judgement on that matter, and then adopt it. In this manner our judgements will be correct and not erroneous.
The Man Previously Blind Testifies About Yah'shuah
In Yahchanan (John) 9: 17 the Perushim asked the man who previously had been blind about his opinion of Yah'shuah. Without a doubt he stated that Yah'shuah was a prophet.
How could he have been so sure, seeing that he had interacted little with Yah'shuah?
It appears that the Father had revealed to him that Yah'shuah was a prophet, for the Father reveals such things to those who sincerely seek to do his will. It also appears that this man sincerely sought to do the will of the Father.
The Unbelieving Perushim Asserted They Were Moshe's Disciples
In verse 28 the unbelieving Perushim asserted that they were disciples of Moshe, and not disciples of Yah'shuah. They justified their position by stating that they knew that the Mighty One had spoken to Moshe, but did not know where Yah'shuah comes from, meaning they did not know whether the Mighty One had spoken to Yah'shuah. And as they did not know whether the Mighty One had spoken to Yah'shuah they could not become Yah'shuah's disciples, for they become disciples of only those they know the Mighty One has spoken to.
Why the Unbelieving Perushim Did Not Know Where Yah'shuah Came From
It is evident that the unbelieving Perushim did not know where Yah'shuah came from because they did not sincerely seek to do the Mighty One's will. For those who sincerely seek to do the Mighty One's will indeed hear from the Mighty One, and learn from him. For the Mighty One does indeed reveal appropriate knowledge to those who sincerely seek to do his will. That the Perushim were not in a position to ascertain from where Yah'shuah came, even as they were not in a position to ascertain from where Yahchanan the Baptizer came, evidently shows that they were not sincerely seeking to do the will of the Mighty One.
For the Mighty One did indeed speak to Moshe, and Moshe recorded this in the scriptures, that Yahweh would indeed raise up a prophet like Moshe from among the Yisraelites. Yahweh also required all to listen to the words that prophet like Moshe would speak in Yahweh's name. And if anyone would not listen to Yahweh's words that that prophet would speak in his name, Yahweh himself would require it of that obstinate individual. That the Perushim evidently rejected Yah'shuah's words, thereby rejecting Yah'shuah, shows that they rejected Yahweh's words which he spoke by Yah'shuah. It also shows that they rejected Moshe, for they rejected Moshe's words that they listen to the words of this prophet like Moshe. They were therefore, notwithstanding their comments, NOT disciples of Moshe.
Yah'shuah's Works Testified About Him
Verse 30 shows that the man who had been blind was astonished that the unbelieving Perushim did not know where Yah'shuah had come from. For the fact that Yah'shuah had opened his eyes was sufficient to inform one where Yah'shuah had come from. For never before had they heard that one born blind was given sight. And they also knew that the Mighty One does not listen to sinners, but only to those who worship him and do his will. As Yah'shuah was doing all these works it was inevitable that he came from the Mighty One.
The man who had been blind correctly understood from where Yah'shuah came. For he examined the works that Yah'shuah did. And these works testified that Yah'shuah indeed came from the Mighty One. Even as Yah'shuah himself testified that his works, the works that he did, testified that he came from the Father, for they were the works he saw the Father do, which the Father had taught him.
How the Father Speaks to Those Who Strive to do His Will
The man who had been blind also understood that there was a category of people that the Mighty One does not listen to - sinners. This suggests that he was familiar with the words of the Mighty One as contained in the scriptures. It should therefore be clear that the Mighty One does indeed speak to those who worship him, and do his will, through the scriptures. For it is in this manner that this man who had been blind appeared to have heard from the Mighty One. And it is through the scriptures that the Mighty One revealed his will to this man. We should therefore heed whatever the Mighty One tells us as recorded in the scriptures.
When the man who had been blind next had an encounter with Yah'shuah, as shown in verses 35 to 38, he did not hesitate to believe in Yah'shuah as the Son of the Mighty One. For the Mighty One had already revealed to him the standing of Yah'shuah. Therefore, when he met Yah'shuah he readily believed.
Were the Perushim Unbelievers Blind?
When the Perushim unbelievers asked Yah'shuah in verse 40 whether they were blind, Yah'shuah responded in the affirmative. For he stated that those who are blind and acknowledge it have no sin. But those who profess to be guides, thereby professing to have vision, yet fail to see what they should, are guilty, with their sin of unbelief remaining on their own heads.
We should therefore strive to believe Yahweh's words, including those he speaks to us through his prophets. We should also worship Yahweh, striving to do his will. For by so doing he communicates to us his words, and reveals to us appropriate knowledge, including knowledge of those servants of his that he has sent. So that we listen to his words by these servants of his whom he has sent.
But those who reject Yahweh's servants whom he has sent, rejecting Yahweh's words that he has given these servants of his to speak, reject Yahweh. It is therefore imperative that one worship Yahweh and strive to do Yahweh's will, such that Yahweh communicates with such a one, revealing to such a one the identity of his servants, such that such a one listens to his words which these servants of his speak in his name. For then such a one will not reject Yahweh's words, including those spoken by his servants whom he has sent.
It should also be noted that the Perushim and the Sofrim took themselves to be knowledgeable in the scriptures, and therefore in Yahweh's will. Nevertheless, when it came to ascertaining who were truly the servants of Yahweh, their knowledge was found to be wanting. For just as they failed to ascertain that Yahchanan was from the Mighty One, so also they failed to ascertain that Yah'shuah was from the Mighty One. And even when it became evident that these were indeed servants of Yahweh sent by Yahweh, they still refused to listen to them, rejecting the words these servants of Yahweh spoke in Yahweh's name. By so doing they rejected Yahweh's words.
It is noted that the reason why they rejected Yahweh's words, both those spoken by Yahweh's servants sent to them and also those contained in the scriptures, is that they did not sincerely seek to do Yahweh's will. They were not true worshippers of Yahweh. And as Yahweh knows the hearts of all men, and those who sincerely desire to worship him, he knew that these Perushim and Sofrim did not sincerely desire to do his will, and therefore did not sincerely worship him. He therefore did not communicate his words to them, and thereby did not reveal to them appropriate knowledge. As the desire of these unbelieving Perushim and Sofrim was to do the will of their father the devil, which is not compatible with Yahweh's will, Yahweh left them to their own hearts desires.
The lesson for us, therefore, is to strive to do Yahweh's will, worshipping him faithfully.
YAH'SHUAH'S SHEEP KNOW AND LISTEN TO HIS VOICE
The Yahudim Challenged Yah'shuah to Confirm He Was the Messiah
Verse 24 shows that the Yahudim challenged Yah'shuah to tell them plainly whether he was the Messiah. Yah'shuah responded that he had already told them, but that they had refused to believe his words. The works that he did in his Father's name testified about him. But the Yahudim did not believe even the testimony of the works Yah'shuah did in his Father's name. This was because they were not of Yah'shuah's sheep, even as he had told them. For Yah'shuah's sheep hear Yah'shuah's voice and follow him, and Yah'shuah knows his sheep.
In verse 33 the Yahudim told Yah'shuah that they were stoning him for blasphemy, for he, being a man, made himself the Mighty One, for Yah'shuah had said in verse 29 that he and the Father are one.
Yah'shuah referred them to the law wherein it is written, "I say, 'You are mighty ones'". If those to whom the word of the Mighty One had come were called "mighty ones", then it definitely was not inappropriate for Yah'shuah to refer to himself as the Son of the Mighty One, for scripture cannot be broken. Yah'shuah was therefore not blaspheming by referring to himself as the Son of the Mighty One.
The Yahudim's Judgement Based on Appearances
It is again noted that in the times the Yahudim accused Yah'shuah of wrongdoing they were judging based on appearances, rather than with right judgement. For it appeared to them that Yah'shuah had blasphemed. Yet, on closer analysis of what Yah'shuah had said, and comparing his words with the scriptures, it was seen that his words tallied with the scriptures. Therefore, correct judgement would not have erroneously condemned Yah'shuah, but would have affirmed his words.
We should therefore be hesitant to condemn a person purporting to be a servant of Yahweh before we have judged the matter at hand with right judgement. For if we judge based on appearance we might very well come to an erroneous judgement, just as the unbelieving Yahudim did. Therefore, to avoid so coming to erroneous judgement we should judge righteously. This entails worshipping Yahweh and striving to do his will, such that he communicates to us his words and reveals to us knowledge that is appropriate for us. Such knowledge includes whether a person purporting to be a servant of his has actually been sent by him. For Yahweh does indeed reveal such knowledge to those who worship him and strive to do his will.
In verse 37 Yah'shuah clearly asserted that if he did not do the works of the Father the Yahudim should not believe him. But if he did the Father's works they should believe the works that he did. For by so believing the works that he did, the Father's works, they would eventually know that the Father was in him and he in the Father.
It is therefore imperative that we believe the works of the Father, and also those who perform the Father's works which he has given them to perform. For by so believing the works of the Father we come to grow in our understanding of the Father's ways, including his relationships with his servants. Also, by believing the Father's works that his servants do, even though we may initially not believe his servants, we will eventually come to believe his words that his servants speak in his name. For the Father's works do indeed testify about his servants who do his works.
Yah'shuah's Works Confirmed Yahchanan's Testimony
Verses 41 and 42 show that the works Yah'shuah did, his Father's works, did indeed confirm the testimony about him by Yahchanan. And as a result of this confirmation of Yahchanan's testimony by the works Yah'shuah did, many believed in him.
It should also be noted that verse 41 states that Yahchanan did no signs. Nevertheless, he was a servant of Yahweh sent by Yahweh. Therefore it is evident that the performance of signs is not a definitive test in assessing whether or not an individual is a servant of Yahweh and has been sent by Yahweh. For Yahchanan indeed was a servant of Yahweh sent by Yahweh. What is noted is that Yahchanan came in righteousness and preached the words of Yahweh as given to him to preach. He also did the works of Yahweh as given to do, such as his baptism. The test of servants of Yahweh is therefore whether or not they do the Father's works, the works that the Father has given them to do. If one purporting to be a servant of Yahweh does the Father's works given to him to do, then such a one is indeed a servant of Yahweh. But if such a one does the works of the other father, Hasatan the devil, then such a one is not a servant of Yahweh, but simply masquerades as one.
Do Not Be Ashamed of Yah'shuah
When we believe in Yah'shuah we should not be ashamed to confess publicly our belief in him. For we should not fear men, who can only kill the body. We should rather fear him who can destroy both body and soul in Gehinnom, that is Yahweh. Also, we should not love men's approval more than the Mighty One's approval. For if we receive men's approval and not that of the Mighty One, the receipt of men's approval will be our only reward. We should rather seek for rewards from the Mighty One, which are not temporal, but are permanent lasting.
Yah'shuah stated in verse 44 that whoever believes in him does not believe in him per se, but believes in the one who sent him, that is in the Father. In verse 47 he said that he would not judge those who do not believe his sayings. These who reject Yah'shuah, and do not receive his sayings, have a judge who will judge them. And that judge is the word that he spoke, his sayings that unbelievers do not believe. For Yah'shuah spoke not from his own authority. But he spoke as the Father had given him commandment, speaking the things the Father had commanded him to speak. And these words of the Father do indeed have eternal life.
It should therefore not be lost on us that we reject not those who speak Yahweh's words that he has sent them to speak. For these words are they that will judge those to be judged, being the Father's words.
THE COUNSELLOR WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS
Yah'shuah stated that the person who loves him keeps his words, and the person who does not love him does not keep his words. He reiterated that the word which we heard from him was not his, but the Father's, who sent him. Therefore those who kept his words, which are the Father's words, love both him and the Father.
In verse 26 Yah'shuah stated that the Father would send, in Yah'shuah's name, the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, who would teach his servants ALL THINGS, and bring to their memory all that he had said to them. An implication to be derived from this comment is that Yah'shuah did not teach his servants "all things". He taught them some things, but not "all things". For if he had taught them "all things" the Counsellor would not need to teach them so, but would only need to bring to their memory all that he had said to them. But that the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, was indeed to teach Yah'shuah's servants "all things" clearly implies that Yah'shuah did not teach his servants "all things".
The Authority by Which the Holy Spirit Works
It should also be noted that the things the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, was to teach, was by Yah'shuah's authority, which emanates from the Father. Therefore, whatever the Holy Spirit teaches, including those things that Yah'shuah did not teach, MUST BE ABIDED BY! For the Holy Spirit teaches by Yah'shuah's authority, and the things taught are the Father's words, for it is the Father who sends the Holy Spirit. Also, Yah'shuah's words, which ratify what the Holy Spirit teaches, for the Holy Spirit is sent in Yah'shuah's name, do not originate with Yah'shuah, but with the Father. Therefore the Holy Spirit was simply to teach the Father's words, those portions of the Father's words that Yah'shuah did not teach. The Holy Spirit was also to bring to the remembrance of Yah'shuah's servants those portions of Yahweh's words that Yah'shuah taught them. It is therefore imperative that all that the Holy Spirit teaches is abided by, for the Holy Spirit teaches the Father's words.
Avoid the Error of Unbelievers
In this context we need to be on the alert, and avoid making the error made by the unbelieving Perushim, Sofrim and Yahudim. For these professed to be Moshe's disciples, professing to believe Moshe's words, for Moshe's words originated with Yahweh. Nevertheless, on closer inspection, it is found that these unbelieving Yahudim did not believe Moshe's words, but rejected Moshe's words. For Moshe wrote that Yahweh would indeed raise a prophet like him from among the Yisraelites, and that Yahweh would indeed put Yahweh's words in the mouth of this prophet. All were therefore to listen to Yahweh's words that this prophet was to speak. Nevertheless, the unbelieving Yahudim both rejected this prophet and rejected Yahweh's words by this prophet, Yah'shuah. The unbelieving Yahudim were therefore not really Moshe's disciples. They really belonged to their father the devil, whose evil desires they sought to do.
Likewise we should not say that we are Yah'shuah's disciples, professing to believe Yah'shuah's words, while in reality rejecting Yah'shuah's words. For Yah'shuah himself stated that he did not teach his servants all things. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit would indeed teach them all things. The Holy Spirit would also bring to their remembrance those things that he taught them. Therefore, when the Holy Spirit teaches all things, including those things that Yah'shuah did not teach, we should not reject the teaching of the Holy Spirit. For this teaching does not originate with the Holy Spirit, but originates with the Father, and is ratified by Yah'shuah's authority, the authority the Father has given to him. Therefore if we reject the teaching of the Holy Spirit we will be found to have rejected both Yah'shuah and his Father Yahweh, for the teaching of the Holy Spirit is from Yahweh and is ratified by Yah'shuah's authority.
How Did Believers Receive the True Servants of Yahweh?
It is also helpful to note how some believed in those servants whom Yahweh had sent, such as Yahchanan and Yah'shuah, while others, such as the unbelieving Yahudim, rejected these servants of Yahweh whom he sent. Those who believed accepted the revelation they received from the Father, for they heard from the Father, and learned from him. While those who did not believe did not receive this revelation from the Father. For they did not sincerely worship the Father, nor strive to do his will, but followed in the works of their father the devil. Therefore, those who received revelation from the Father, revelation that testified about the veracity of his servants whom he sent, such as Yahchanan and Yah'shuah, were those who sincerely worshipped the Father and sought to his will. They therefore heard from the Father, and learned from him. The Father therefore revealed both his servants and his will to them, that they may continue to grow in their worship of the Father by doing those things which he has sent his servants to speak to them.
So also will those who sincerely worship the Father, and sincerely desire and strive to do his will, hear from the Father and learn from him. The Father will and does reveal to them the teaching of the Holy Spirit. The Father will and does reveal to them his servants, whom he has sent. Therefore, when the Father has revealed to them both his servants whom he has sent, and the teaching of the Holy Spirit, they will both believe this teaching of the Holy Spirit, and also acknowledge that the servants whom Yahweh has sent have indeed been sent by him. They will believe the words originating from the Father and will do them.
But those who reject the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and also reject the servants of Yahweh, whom Yah'shuah has sent, will bear their own sin. These unbelievers, even though they profess to believe in Yah'shuah, do not belong to Yah'shuah, for they do not believe Yah'shuah's words. For Yah'shuah said that the Father would send the Holy Spirit in Yah'shuah's name to teach his servants all things, including those things that he did not teach them. Therefore, if one rejects the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and those servants of Yahweh who deliver this teaching, such a one rejects not only these servants of Yahweh who deliver this teaching, but rejects also the Holy Spirit, and rejects Yah'shuah, and rejects the Father. Such do not belong to Yahweh the Father and to Yah'shuah his Son, but belong to another father, the devil, in whom Yahweh's word does not reside.
Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
It should also be remembered that Yah'shuah stated, as recorded in Mattityahu (Matthew) 12: 31-32, that those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, such as by rejecting or speaking against the Holy Spirit, will have no forgiveness, not in this age, nor in the age to come. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unpardonable sin, for it is a complete rejection of Yahweh and all pertaining to Yahweh.
It is therefore imperative that all who profess to believe in Yah'shuah believe the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and also acknowledge the servants of Yahweh who deliver this teaching.
THE WORK OF THE COUNSELLOR, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH
Yah'shuah is Greater Than the Holy Spirit
In verse 7 Yah'shuah stated that he would send the Counsellor. That he would send the Counsellor shows that Yah'shuah is greater than the Counsellor, for Yah'shuah said in Yahchanan (John) 13: 16 that one who is sent is not greater than he who sent the one. Therefore, as Yah'shuah was to send the Counsellor, Yah'shuah is greater than the Counsellor. But the Father is greater than all, for the Father did indeed send Yah'shuah. Therefore, concerning the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Father is the greatest, then next to him the Son, and then next to him the Holy Spirit.
The Convictions of the Holy Spirit
Verse 8 shows that the Holy Spirit was to convict the world in respect of sin, righteousness and judgement. Of sin, because the world did not believe in Yah'shuah. Of righteousness, because Yah'shuah was going to his Father, and his servants would see him no more. Of judgement, because the prince of the world had been judged.
The Holy Spirit Would Guide Yah'shuah's Servants Into All Truth
In verse 12 Yah'shuah confirmed that he had yet many things to tell his servants, but they could not bear those things at that time. However, when the Spirit of Truth had come, he would guide them into all the truth. For he would not speak of himself, but would, like Yah'shuah, simply replicate what he had heard from the Father. He would therefore be speaking the Father's words, which are truth. The Counsellor was also to declare to Yah'shuah's servants the things that were to come. In other words, the Holy Spirit would prophesy about the future. This shows that not all prophecies from Yahweh had been issued at the time Yah'shuah was speaking. It also shows that not all truth had been taught to Yah'shuah's servants at the time of Yah'shuah. There was more of Yahweh's word, words previously not revealed, which were to follow after the time of Yah'shuah on earth. Yah'shuah, therefore, did not reveal all that Yahweh intended his servants to know at the time he was here on earth. More revelations from Yahweh were to come subsequent to the time of Yah'shuah on earth.
The Holy Spirit Would Glorify Yah'shuah
Verse 14 shows that the Holy Spirit was to glorify Yah'shuah, for he would take what was Yah'shuah's and declare it to Yah'shuah's servants, specifically all truth. And these are the things that Yahweh shares with Yah'shuah, for all that Yahweh has he shares with Yah'shuah. Therefore, when truth is declared, Yah'shuah is glorified, for truth belongs to both Yahweh and Yah'shuah. Praise Yahweh!
YAH'SHUAH'S SERVANTS KNEW THE SOURCE OF YAH'SHUAH'S AUTHORITY
Why Yah'shuah Was Given Authority Over All Flesh
In verse 2 Yah'shuah reveals the reason why the Father gave him authority over all flesh. It was for the purpose of Yah'shuah giving eternal life to all whom the Father gave him. And Yah'shuah does indeed have eternal life in himself to give to those whom the Father has given him, for the Father gave him power to have eternal life in himself, even as the Father has eternal life in himself.
Verse 3 states that for one to have eternal life one must know the Father, the only true Mighty One, and also the one the Father sent, Yah'shuah the Messiah. Without knowledge of the Father, and of Yah'shuah the Messiah, the one the Father sent, there is no guarantee that one will possess eternal life.
Yah'shuah Accomplished His Work
In verse 4 Yah'shuah stated that he had accomplished the work which the Father had given him to do, including glorifying the Father on earth. For Yah'shuah did nothing except replicate what he had seen the Father do. Therefore part of what the Father does is to glorify himself on earth.
Verse 6 shows that another of Yah'shuah's works was to reveal to those whom the Father had given to him the name of the Father. It is therefore important that those who belong to Yah'shuah become aware of the Father's name, for it is indeed the Father's will that they so become aware.
Yah'shuah's Servants Know the Source of Yah'shuah's Possessions
Verse 7 shows that Yah'shuah's servants know with certainty that all that Yah'shuah has comes from the Father, for this is one of the words the Father gave to Yah'shuah to teach those he gave to Yah'shuah. Yah'shuah's servants receive this word, and know with certainty that it was the Father who sent Yah'shuah, and that Yah'shuah came from the Father.
The Father and Yah'shuah Share All They Have
In verse 10 Yah'shuah reveals that he shares all that he has with the Father, just as the Father shares all that he has with him. And all these things have come from the Father.
Yah'shuah Preserves His Servants From Perdition
In verse 12 Yah'shuah revealed that he kept or preserved those whom the Father had given him, keeping or preserving them from perdition. The only one who was lost was the son of perdition, for the fulfilment of Scripture. Yah'shuah also revealed the manner he preserved from perdition those whom the Father had given him. He did this by keeping them in the Father's name! As we know that Yah'shuah did nothing but replicate what he saw his Father doing, the manner the Father preserves from perdition those who belong to him is by keeping them in his holy name. Believers should therefore be preserved in the Father's name to ensure that they do not become lost.
Yah'shuah Has Sent His Servants Out Into the World
Verse 18 shows that Yah'shuah, replicating his Father's example, sent those whom the Father had given to him out into the world, even as his Father had sent him out into the world. He also prayed that the Father sanctify in truth, which is the Father's word, these whom he had sent.
Verse 21 reveals that it is the Father's will that the world may believe that he did indeed send Yah'shuah into the world. To facilitate the world so believing, all believers in Yah'shuah must be one, even as the Father is in Yah'shuah, and Yah'shuah in the Father, and the believers also should be in both the Father and Yah'shuah. And to facilitate believers having this oneness, Yah'shuah has given them the glory his Father gave him. What glory is this? The Spirit of Yahweh the Father?
In verse 21 we see that Yah'shuah stated that just as the Father sent him, so also he sent his servants. Yah'shuah then informed his servants that they would receive the Holy Spirit, and also imparted to them the power and authority to both forgive sins and to retain sins!
What amazing power and authority Yah'shuah gave to his servants!
How would they use this power? Were they sufficiently wise to properly use this power and authority he gave them?
How to Use the Power to Forgive and to Retain Sins
It appears to me that those servants of Yah'shuah who have learned from him are indeed sufficiently wise to use this power and authority he gave them. For Yah'shuah did not work his own works, but worked the works of his Father who sent him. He also did not speak his own words, but spoke the words of his Father who sent him. Likewise, his servants who have learned from him do the same. They do not do their own works, but do the works of Yah'shuah who sent them. And they do not speak their own words, but speak the words of Yah'shuah who sent them.
And which works and words are these that Yah'shuah's servants do and speak?
Before his death and resurrection Yah'shuah had informed his servants about the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom he would send, and who would teach them all things, and also glorify Yah'shuah, by taking what is Yah'shuah's and declaring it to Yah'shuah's servants. The things the Spirit of Truth would take and declare to Yah'shuah's servants do not originate with Yah'shuah, but originate with Yahweh the Father. Nevertheless, as all that Yahweh has he shares with Yah'shuah, these also belong to Yah'shuah. Therefore the Holy Spirit would take Yahweh's words and declare them to Yah'shuah's servants.
Concerning judgement, especially with respect to forgiving and retaining sins, it should be remembered that one of the works of the Spirit of Truth concerns judgement. As both Yah'shuah and the Holy Spirit do not judge with judgement originating from themselves, but judge righteously, with words originating from Yahweh, their judgement is righteous. Therefore those servants of Yahweh who have learned from Yah'shuah will likewise avoid judging with judgement originating from themselves, but will judge with words originating from Yahweh. These are the words that the Spirit of Truth will take from Yahweh and declare to Yah'shuah's servants. And by so using Yahweh's words in judgement, Yahweh's words that have been declared to them by the Spirit of Truth, Yah'shuah's servants will judge righteously.
It is in this manner that they will be able to properly and righteously forgive sins and retain sins. For it is not a judgement that will originate with them, but one originating with Yahweh, for they will ensure that it is Yahweh's words that will determine a matter. Therefore their judgement in forgiving sins and retaining sins will be righteous, for they will use the Father's words to determine a matter, the Father's words that the Holy Spirit declares to them.
In this light one can understand what Yah'shuah meant by stating that he would not leave his servants as orphans, even as recorded in Yahchanan (John) 14: 16-18. For he sent them a Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to guide them into all truth and to teach them all things.
The ultimate in authority in the universe is Father Yahweh. Under him is Yah'shuah the Messiah. Under him is the Holy Spirit.
All valid authority in the universe stems from the Father's authority. Save himself, the Father has put all under the authority of his Son Yah'shuah the Messiah. Therefore, to submit to the authority of the Father, one must submit to the authority of the Son.
The Holy Spirit has been sent to Yah'shuah's servants in Yah'shuah's name. He, the Holy Spirit, teaches Yah'shuah's servants all things. He takes truth from the Father and imparts it to Yah'shuah's servants. He teaches Yah'shuah's servants even those things that Yah'shuah himself did not teach his servants while he was on earth, for Yah'shuah did not teach his servants all things. He informs Yah'shuah's servants of even things yet to take place in the future.
Whatever the Holy Spirit teaches must be accepted. For whoever blasphemes the Holy Spirit, speaking against or rejecting the Holy Spirit, has no forgiveness, either in this age, or in the age to come.
Yah'shuah has also sent his human servants into the world. He has commanded them to make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching these disciples to observe all that he has commanded his human servants. Yah'shuah's disciples must therefore accept the teaching of the Holy Spirit, which Yah'shuah's servants deliver to them. Yah'shuah's disciples must accept not only what Yah'shuah taught, which the Holy Spirit brings to their awareness, but also new teaching that Yah'shuah did not teach when he came as a human being. For the teaching of the Holy Spirit is the teaching of Father Yahweh, for the Holy Spirit takes truth from Father Yahweh and declares it to Yah'shuah's servants.
Those who worship Yahweh, and strive to do his will, know those who are truly Yah'shuah's servants bearing the teaching of the Holy Spirit. For these who strive to do the Father's will hear from the Father, and learn from the Father, and the Father reveals to them those who are his servants, and therefore are Yah'shuah's servants. But those who do not sincerely worship the Father, and do not strive to do the Father's will, despite professing to be servants and disciples of Yah'shuah, do not know who Yah'shuah's true servants are, those who bear the teaching of the Holy Spirit. For the Father does not reveal to them who truly are the servants of Yahweh and Yah'shuah. Therefore, to ascertain whether a person purporting to be a servant of Yahweh and Yah'shuah is truly so, one simply needs to truly worship the Father and strive to do the Father's will. For then the one will indeed hear from the Father, and learn from the Father, and the Father will reveal to the one those who truly are his servants, whom Yah'shuah has sent with the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
It is therefore not impossible to ascertain the true servants of Yahweh, who are sent by Yah'shuah. It is also therefore not impossible to ascertain the teaching of the Holy Spirit, including those new things that he was to teach, which Yah'shuah did not teach when he came as a human being.
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© 1998, Isaac Aluochier, All rights reserved. Published by Servants of Yahweh, P O Box 22855, London, NW9 8ZF, United Kingdom. E-mail: servantsofyahweh@serveyahweh.org. Permission is hereby GRANTED to reproduce this and other publications in the Servants of Yahweh web site, http://www.serveyahweh.org, unless otherwise stated.
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