IMMERSION / CIRCUMCISION /
IMMERSION / CIRCUMCISION / IMMERSION /
CIRCUMCISION
ABOUT IMMERSION (BAPTISM)
Our immersion into Yahushua’s Name brings us into a Covenant relationship with Him, and it’s Yahushua’s “job” to put on our heart (circumcise) a love for His 10 Commandments (the Covenant). This is the Covenant that was once written in stone, but He writes a love for it upon our hearts, and in our minds.
At our immersion, we will speak of our love, belief, and obedience; no one else. Others have told us what we needed to hear in order for us to desire to be immersed. Acts chapter 2 allows us to see that the 3000 Israelites that were immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins fulfilled what the prophet YahEl (Joel) said, as Kepha/Peter quoted from this prophet.
Each called upon the Name of Yahuah in order to be saved - and that’s what “Yahushua” means, Yah-is our-salvation.We can perform this act of obedience alone if we must, or others may be present as witnesses; it’s only between the person being immersed and Yahushua. If you were alone on a deserted island and found the Scriptures, you can certainly learn how to live in a way that pleases your maker!
No approval of men is required. No memberships in human organizations, only the Covenant can make you an Israelite. You become a fellow citizen of Israel, not Christianity or any other body (see Eph. 2:8-10).
Our immersion is a birth; a person is being born spiritually. When we are born in the flesh, we are dead spiritually.
Yahushua brings us His life, and there will be no second death for us.
There’s a saying, (author unknown):
“born once, die twice.”
This is because unless we are born of the Spirit, we will die once when our physical body perishes. Then, we will be resurrected, and without Yahushua’s life we will be caste alive into the lake of fire, to die twice!
There is another saying,
“born twice, die once.” - Anyone we can help to be born a second time is a being rescued from oblivion through Yahushua’s redemption, and they will not receive judgment.
The early Natsarim are on record as practicing circumcision, and rightly so; FOR THEIR INFANT MALE CHILDREN. This is completely correct, and I wouldn't have it any other way. There is not a record of the early Natsarim circumcising ADULTS. Look at Galatians 2:3,4:
"But not even Titus who was with me, though a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. But as for the false brothers, sneakingly brought in, who sneaked in to spy out our freedom which we have in Mashiach Yahushua, in order to enslave us, to these we did not yield in subjection, not even for an hour, so that the truth of the Good News remains with you." The book of Galatians is all about circumcision!
The point Shaul is making here clearly holds up Titus as a prime example on this topic, and we will see later that he refers to the discussion over circumcision (in flesh) as discussed with the "pillars" in Yerushaliyim (recalling Acts 15).
Gal 5:2-6: "Mark my words! I, Shaul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Messiah will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Messiah; you have fallen away from favour. But by belief we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Messiah Yahushua neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value."
ESPECIALLY FOR GENTILES: Acts 15 should be read entirely, but notice this part: "Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your lives, to whom we gave no command -- it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabah and Sha'ul, men who have given up their lives for the Name of our Master Yahushua Messiah. We have therefore sent Yahudah and Sila, who are also confirming this by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Set-apart Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessities: that you abstain from what is offered to idols, and blood, and what is strangled, and whoring. If you keep yourselves from these, you shall do well. Be strong!" Acts 15:24-29. Men were trying to make adult males get circumcised.
All of the believers in Yahushua are instructed to undergo an immersion, called now a “baptism”, which is the beginning or birth of our obedience, evidence of our turning away from sin (repentance), after we have been convicted of our lawless life without Torah. The Torah has shown us what a "sin" is, and now we are ready to wash them away, through belief in the shed blood of Yahushua of Natsarith. Any body of water can be used; the Hebrew term is “MIKVA”. A pool, bathtub, stream, ocean, river, or jacuzzi are all fine. You can't clean up for it either - you go in as a sinner, believing Yahushua raised from the dead. Traditionally, a mikva is a place to wash away “uncleanness”, as a woman would bath after her monthly cycle before having contact with her husband. Likewise, our “Husband” doesn’t wish contact with us until we have washed away our past sins (ignoring Torah). Our immersion is an outward sign of our commitment to obey from that point on, and the New Covenant promises the Spirit (our “helper”) which writes the Torah (Covenant, marriage vows to obey) on our hearts. This pledge identifies us with His Name, His burial, and His resurrection from the dead. At 1Peter 3:18-22, Cephas (Peter) states that the 8 persons on the ark were also saved through water,and that water symbolizes our immersion that now saves us. Those who came through the water fleeing Pharaoh came through the sea, along with “foreigners”. This engrafts us into ISRAEL, and we are "covenanting" (marrying) the Elohim of Israel, YHWH. All were saved through water. Immersion is our outward sign of a good conscience toward YHWH, and our "dipping" (baptein, tivila) represents our “circumcision”, carefully notice Col. 2:11,12:
“In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men, but with the circumcision done by Mashiach, having been buried with Him in (baptism) and raised with Him through your faith in the power of YHWH Who raised Him from the dead.”
If we should ever depart from obeying the Covenant, then like Israel of old, we become "cut off", and
Feeling comforted by the presence of any others may be
Obviously, not comprehending these things at the time of one’s immersion, a person will need to do it properly (even if alone). We should probably also consider calling on the correct Name! An infant cannot possibly be considered capable of knowing what is happening. Immersion is an act of your own personal will; You covenant with Rabbi Yahushua, and it is your heart (inner spirit, the seat of your will) that He "circumcises" with a love for His Torah. Our immersion is the moment we personally enter into the renewed Covenant with Yahushua, our Maker, when He writes His Torah on our hearts, explained at Jer. 31:31-33, and quoted at Hebrews chapters 8 & 10. It's operation is explained in Romans chapters 6,7, & 8. I'm still teaching to be circumcised; but that performed by Yahushua on us! We must submit to it, or we are doomed. The "fleshly" circumcision points to the REAL circumcision, that of our heart. Many liberal preachers misunderstand Shaul's comments regarding homosexuality (i.e., Romans 1:26,27, 1 Co. 6:9), so it is not surprising that people also misunderstand him concerning circumcision.
CIRCUMCISION and IMMERSION
Question to Lew from Australia: "I have a question for you, and hope you can help. Some of the new believers here are wondering about circumcision. I know that you say that it is of the heart and I agree with you. [One of the books that Strawberry Islands distributes teaches that circumcision] is for today. So, there is a little bit of confusion in my mind about this subject. If it is for today how does a man go about it, as surely it cannot be done just surgically; there would have to be some sort of ceremony. I know this is a difficult subject; sorry to dump this one on you."
As you know, it is my view that the council of believers and elders at Acts 15 reviewed this issue concerning the Gentiles turning to Elohim. The ones who want to boast in one's flesh see the 4 "beginning" elements for Gentiles to observe at Acts 15, and assume they will hear Mosheh read in the synagogues and then have themselves circumcised eventually - in their flesh. Circumcision is still, I believe, to be done for our infant males; but our adult circumcision is now done by Yahushua, and is pictured in our immersion; "not with a circumcision done by the hands of men". We see in the texts surrounding Acts 21:21 that Shaul's teaching concerning infant male children and Gentile adult males were carefully being examined by the believing elders at Yerushalyim, and that there was some distinction made between the requirements for newborn male children and believing Gentile adult males.
The condition of one's flesh is not going to count for anything, and it is not through human effort that we are called, chosen, and delivered. Our immersion into water is the "outward sign" of the circumcision of our heart, by Mashiach. The Covenants have "signs" associated with them, and immersion is the identifying sign or mark of the Brit Chadasha, Re-newed Covenant. Romans 2:25-29 are verses so important to notice, since we can see that it is really the heart where our real decision must come from:
"For circumcision indeed profits if you practice the Torah, but if you are a transgressor of the Torah, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. So, if an uncircumcised one watches over the righteousnesses of the Torah, shall not his uncircumcision be reckoned as circumcision? And the uncircumcised by nature (physically), who perfects the Torah, shall judge you, who notwithstanding letter and circumcision, are a transgressor of the Torah! For he is not a Yahudi who is so outwardly, neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh (see that?). But a Yahudi is he who is so inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in Spirit, not literally, whose praise is not from men, but from Elohim." (Explanation continues into Romans 3). 1 Cor. 7:19 and Col. 2:11 should give anyone pause who seeks to have their flesh circumcised, thinking YHWH will count our flesh as anything. Gal. 5:12 says, "O that those who disturb you would even cut themselves off!" Shaul was really hot about this adult male circumcision issue; like a scalded dog it sounds like. The whole book of Galatians is about this "law", addressed to the Gentiles there who being misguided to put their hope in the wrong understanding of the New Covenant. Romans 4:11,12 show clearly that our faith is our justification, and even this is not of ourselves.
"Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. The circumcision (of the flesh) is naught, and the uncircumcision (of the flesh) is naught, but the guarding of the Commands of Elohim. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called." 1Cor. 7:18-20 - What matters is the guarding of YHWH's Commands.
Col. 2:11-13: "In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision NOT MADE WITH HANDS, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, by THE CIRCUMCISION OF MESSIAH, having been buried with Him in IMMERSION, in which you also were raised with Him through the belief in the working of Elohim, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses." This act of immersion is clearly what represents our circumcision as the outward sign or act of our faith now, indicating the circumcision of Messiah. Men boasting in one anothers' flesh are missing the whole spiritual point. If we have received Yahushua's Spirit, we are His, and He has circumcised our hearts with our love for the Truth, a love for His Torah. If you have been circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, you're done. Nothing you can do can improve on what Yahushua has done.
This question of circumcising adult males is addressed at Acts 15: "And certain men came down from Yahudah and were teaching the brothers. 'Unless you are circumcised, according to the practice of Mosheh, you are unable to be saved.'" This was debated thoroughly, and if you read the 15th chapter of Acts you will quickly learn the truth concerning this matter. Fully grown Gentile men need not be physically circumcised; however engrafting into Israel, they should obey by having their male children circumcised 8 days after birth. This is good to do; however in the light of all the evidence, even if this is not done there is hardly any way to claim it will ever threaten one's salvation. On the other hand, if a Messianic adult male is circumcised, that is also no major deal; the only purpose it could serve is to satisfy flesh-boasting men (see Acts 16, and the circumstances of Timothy's circumcision). When Kepha (Peter) went into the home of Cornelius (Acts 10), he was criticized later (Acts 11) for having gone into the presence of "uncircumcised men" and eaten with them. Notice that Kepha recommended that the household of Cornelius be immersed (the outward sign of the circumcision of the heart), rather than circumcising their flesh. Kepha commanded that they be immersed, not circumcised, because our immersion is the outward sign that our hearts have been circumcised. Col. 2:11,12: “In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men, but with the circumcision done by Mashiach, having been buried with Him in (baptism) and raised with Him through your faith in the power of YHWH Who raised Him from the dead.”
I was physically circumcised in my flesh as a baby, and my boys were also, and this is right; the early Natsarim also practiced circumcision. This did not change our heart condition at all. Fleshly circumcision has health benefits too, but I still feel it is right to obey the physical command for our new-born males as we are believers. What the Torah teaches should not be ignored. But, if an uncircumcised adult repents and turns to Torah, I would never recommend them to be physically obliged to do this, when the writings clearly express it is nothing, and our immersion takes care of it as our outward covenant sign of circumcision of the heart. Shaul declared that he would have those who disturbed the new Gentile believers with circumcision of the flesh should emasculate themselves, completely cut off everything (Gal. 5:12). Biting and devouring one another over these things is very wrong, so I don't involve myself in these disputes, knowing the end will be controversy and division (which YHWH hates). Those of the other opinion are working through these matters, and still have much to learn -- as do we all. As Ya'aqob says, we all stumble in many matters.
We are the
workmanship of Yahushua, as we see at Ephesians 2:8-12, and this text explains that those "formerly Gentile" (they are no longer Gentile) called the "uncircumcision" by the "circumcision" are brought near through the blood of Mashiach: "Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh, who are CALLED 'the uncircumcision' by what is CALLED 'the circumcision' made in the flesh by hands, that at that time you were without Messiah, excluded from the citizenship of Yisra'el and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no expectation and without Elohim in the world. But now in Messiah Yahushua you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah." Eph. 2:11-13There are many other texts that show that "works" by our hands cannot save - so even here Sha'ul is once again being misunderstood concerning obedience. He's referring to the circumcision made by the hands of men when he is talking about "works" not saving us.
Col. 2:16 needs to be looked at in various translations; the easiest one to read the "added" words is the KJV, since they italicize the words they have added. The "Body of Mashiach" is all it should say, not "the Body (is) of Christ". Anyway, Shaul (Paul) is referring to the food, drink, festivals (appointed High Sabbaths for instance), new moons, and Sabbaths as things which are "a shadow of things to come". He is not saying they are annulled as the NIV footnotes will claim they are. For example, if you consider the book Luke wrote we call "Acts", the word "Sabbath" is used often; and this record to Theophilis was written in 28 chapters, 31 years after the resurrection and ascension of Yahushua. You'll see situations describing "Gentiles" in the synagogues "on the Sabbath day", hearing the Torah and prophets read aloud, because the vast majority of attendees were in fact Gentiles who were converts, and were learning.
The use of the word "shadow" implies that these things will become clearer realities in our understanding of them one day. The reality or substance that the "shadow" they are casting now involves must be of extremely great importance, so it would be very unwise to dismiss them as "mere shadows" -- and Shaul even said they represented shadows of "what is to come". They are here to teach us something, they are not here for us to cast them aside.
Galatians -- a book
often referred to as "proof" that we are not obliged to obey the
Commandments! Gal 5:6-12:
"For in Mashiach Yahushua neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. You were running a good race.
Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
'A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.' I am confident in the
Master that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.
Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?
In that case the offense of the stake has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!"
Shaul WAS still preaching circumcision, but that
circumcision done by Mashiach, not by the hands of men. Translations of Shaul can be confusing, but basically the book of
Galatians is speaking about one thing: circumcision
of the flesh. Shaul opens and closes with it (2:3, 2:7, 2:8,
2:9, 2:12, 5:3, 5:6, 5:11, 6:12, 6:13, 6:15). Shaul is still
preaching circumcision, but it is the circumcision of Mashiach, "not
with a circumcision done by the hands of men" (Col. 2:11). This is so misunderstood --
"the law" of circumcision (of the flesh) is what Shaul is talking
about; he is not in any way referring to the Covenant, the moral laws which
define sin. We are circumcised by the Spirit of Yahushua in our hearts,
and you should read more on this to explain it thoroughly by examining Romans
2:28, 29, 1 Cor. 7:19, Col. 2:11-13. Our "circumcision" is of
and by the Spirit of Yahushua, not made with hands; the
outward act of obedience representing our circumcision is our immersion
(baptism). But, our
circumcision is done to us by Yahushua, in our heart, when He writes His
Commandments on our heart. This is the Re-newed Covenant. Our obedience to
His Commandments is an outward sign that we love Him,
but it also proves that we are being saved by Him -- it's evidence of our
salvation, and His work in us. When we realize He's is IN us, we can love
His Commandments and obey them out of love. When we
love Him enough to obey Him, He will write them on our hearts.
Those who will not obey Him will not receive His Spirit (Acts 5:32). "He
who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, even his prayer is an
abomination." Proverbs 28:9.
"Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, a people in whose heart is My Torah; do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their revilings." Is. 51:7.
A brother recently asked a very good question:
Shalom, I just read most of the teaching on circumcision & then I eventually skimmed through it searching for the verse regarding where Shaul had Timotheous circumcised because of the Jews (Yahudim) that were in that town. What is the understanding on that verse?
Lew's answer:"I went in response to a revelation and set before them the (good message) that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.
Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. [This matter arose] because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in (Mashiach Yahushua) and to make us slaves."
From myjewishlearning.com we get a glimpse of the "tradition" vs. the Torah on circumcision:
"Actually, there is no explicit commandment in the Torah requiring circumcision (or immersion) for proselytes [although this requirement is certainly implied in the text, for example, in the story of Dina and Shechem in Genesis 34]. The Talmud--the Oral Law--is where the laws and debates about initiation rites are found." Perhaps Yahushua, knowing this initiation needed to shift a bit from the Oral Law's method, simply made it simple for the adult proselytes. His yoke is truly much lighter than the weights expected by the "traditions of the fathers", the Talmud, or Oral Law. Isn't Yahushua kind!
The unbelieving Yahudim (those who do not have a faith in Yahushua of Natsarith) have long-standing traditions concerning conversion. From Ohr Somayach Institute in Jerusalem, Israel, Conversion is discussed at "Ask The Rabbi", quoted here: What does the conversion process involve? It requires that the non-Jew go through a re-enactment of the revelation at Mt. Sinai. As Maimonides writes: "The Israelites entered into the covenant with three things; circumcision, immersion, and sacrifices. Circumcision was performed in Egypt, as it is written 'and all uncircumcised (males) shall not eat of it (the paschal lamb).' Immersion (purification) was performed in the desert before the giving of the Torah, as it is written 'and you shall sanctify yourselves today and tomorrow.' And at this time sacrifices were also brought...So too for all generations, a gentile who wishes to enter into the covenant, to find shelter under the wings of the Shechina (Divine Presence) and to accept upon himself the yoke of Torah, requires circumcision, immersion and acceptance of a sacrifice (at the time of the Temple)."
"There are three basic components to the contemporary conversion process: Circumcision (for males), immersion in a mikveh and as Maimonides mentions, the acceptance of the 'yoke of Torah.'" http://ohr.edu/ask/ask205.htm All we must do now is follow what was decided as recorded at ACTS 15. Read carefully this entire chapter, and then chapter 21 (also, Acts 10 & 11 are vital to notice how Peter dealt with spirit-filled Gentiles). Isn't it interesting that that word "yoke" is used by our Jewish brethren above, in relation to the conversion of proselytes? Yahushua makes that "yoke" light, because He writes it upon our hearts so that we love His Commandments. Yahushua is our circumcisor (in our heart), and we declare our belief in His sacrifice for our sins at our immersion - so all three "requirements" are present at our immersion. And the most wondrous thing -- WE become the Temple of YHWH as His children who believe and have Yahushua in them. Next, let's talk about that "Temple", and the text surrounding it at Yehezqel 44:9
The passage at Yehezqel 44:9 is part of a body of laws relating only to one thing:
the "House of Yahuah". Note Yehezqel 44:5 as this text relates to the House of Yahuah. 1 Kings 8:16-18 shows that Yahuah did not ask anyone to build a Temple for His Name; Da'ud (David) had it in HIS heart to do so. It was not allowed by Yahuah for David to do this, and Solomon was the one who gave the orders to build the structure. Yahuah chose Solomon for the work of building, but the idea of building it was entirely of human origin. The Temple is now gone forever. We are the Temple of Yahuah, built by Him, without human hands. No hands can possibly improve on it. There won't be a Temple in the New Yerushalyim either:"I did not see a temple in the city, because Yahuah El Shaddai and the Lamb are its temple." Rev 21:22-23
The priesthood and the House of Yahuah have both passed (Hebrews 8), and what remains
is solely the workmanship of Mashiach (Ephesians 2). The first and second Temples were both made with the "hands of men", and circumcision of the flesh is also done by the "hands of men". To trust in the circumcision of the flesh would now be trampling underfoot both the blood of Yahushua and His work in changing our hearts. Our male children must be circumcised because that is the Torah, however new adult male converts do not trust in their salvation by the "old brith" (old cutting). This issue is dealt with in detail at Acts 15 for all to know. Our immersion act is our "brith" now, and our hearts are circumcised by Yahushua. There will be no "flesh" inheriting the Kingdom of Yahuah, so the sign of the land covenant, circumcision, is seen in our hearts now; Yahushua changed us, not a knife.IMMERSION, ALONE OR WITH OTHERS PRESENT
LAYING ON OF THE HANDS
You can immerse yourself, but it is my advice to find another believer to attend; if only to discuss what it is that you are doing. An elder is not required to be present, and anyone can and should assist others with their immersion. We are ALL to assist others in their immersion, but this is more importantly to teach them about it, rather than any necessity of being present when the act occurs. Marriages have been conducted with only the two people present, calling Heaven and Earth as witnesses. And, your immersion IS A MARRIAGE EVENT - you are covenanting with Yahushua, AND JOINING ISRAEL, THE OLIVE TREE. It is a "BRITH" to be more accurate. (Brith is Hebrew for covenant, and is the same term used for a circumcision event). After immersion, you should seek to have an elder’s hands laid upon your head, reciting the priestly blessing which places the Name of YHWH on you (Num. 6:22-27). At this point, you may bring others to the water, after they have repented and wish to die to sin, and live a Torah-loving life. The students (disciples) of Rabbi Yahushua did this, but He immersed no one ~ it is our duty to make converts and immerse them into His Name. At the time of the laying on of hands, you will receive a greater “measure” of Yahushua’s Spirit, or gifts; not that the man touching your head has any “power” of his own, but rather by your obedience, our Beloved Yahushua witnesses your actions; and brings you an increase in His power. Do you feel driven to the water now? This knowledge is free, and the “Kingdom” of YHWH is not a thing to “go” to, because it is in our hearts, unseen. We are the set-apart (qodesh) “Temple”, not a building dedicated to the financial plundering of the lost. I was immersed in a creek here in Louisville, with only my 8-year-old son present, when I was 39 years old. The person I was before died that day, and I was born. I had been immersed as a baby, and by a Christian minister a couple of years before, but I called on Yahushua when he said “Jesus”. He looked pretty shocked when I said it. But, I did it again myself in the creek, because I felt disturbed over the other situation. The Blood of the Lamb covers our sins, but we inherit eternal life by the resurrection of Yahushua ~ which is what our immersion pictures. Although my son and I were the only people present at the creek, I felt the presence of YHWH, and other beings in His presence who witnessed my immersion. You will also, when you obey, and undertake this “circumcision”. You only need the approval of Yahushua, not me or anyone else. Romans chaps. 7 & 8 are a must-read! Read the whole context without a “lawless mind”. The secret is unlocked for you. Shaul explains the whole struggle with “sin”, and how we, with the Spirit, delight in YHWH ’s Torah in our inner being. The “law” is spiritual; but while we remain in an unspiritual condition, it produces death. The “law” was created to produce LIFE, but can only do so if we become spirit-minded by having Mashiach in us, destroying our sinful, lawless nature. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to YHWH. IT DOES NOT SUBMIT TO YHWH’s TORAH, NOR CAN IT DO SO. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please YHWH. You, however, are controlled NOT by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit, IF THE SPIRIT OF YHWH LIVES IN YOU. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Mashiach, he does not belong to Mashiach.” Rom. 8:5-9.
Notice how men have waffled on things over the centuries:
Anabaptist A member of one of the radical movements of the Reformation that insisted that only adult baptism was valid and held that the Christians should not bear arms, use force, or hold government office. Name means “one who is re-baptized”. Greek, ana = again + baptein = to dip.
Mennonite A member of a Protestant Christian sect opposed to baptism, taking oaths, holding public office, or performing military service. German Mennoit, after Menno Simons (1492-1559), religious reformer.
Amish An orthodox US Anabaptist sect that separated from the Mennonites in the late 17th century. German, amisch, after Jacob Amman, 17th century Swiss Mennonite bishop.
OTHER FOUNDATIONS
“I fed you with milk and not with solid food, for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is envy, and strife, and divisions among you, are you not fleshly and walking according to man? For when one says, “I am of Sha’ul,” and another “I am of Apollos,” are you not fleshly? What then is Apollos, and what is Sha’ul, but servants through whom you believed, as the Master assigned to each? I planted, Apollos watered, but Elohim was giving growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is any at all, but Elohim who gives the increase. And he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are fellow workers of Elohim, you are the field of Elohim, the building of Elohim.
According to the favor of Elohim which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But each one should look how he builds on it.
For no one is able to lay any other foundation except that which is laid, which is Yahushua Mashiach.
And if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work shall be revealed, for the day shall show it up, because it is revealed by fire. And the fire shall prove the work of each one, what sort it is. And if anyone’s work remains, which he has built on, he shall receive a reward.
If anyone’s work is burned, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved, but so as through fire.”
1 Cor. 3:2-15We need to pray daily for all the saints, and especially for the elders and teachers.
Let’s mature and not put each other into boxes, dividing up the Body. Denominations are not the work of Yahushua - they bear the fleshly work of men because they take the NOMEN (name) of men, and define divisions within the Body, based on men’s rules. We should not be divided into classifications, but be built upon Yahushua, not the whims of men before us.
Some declare, “We don’t have to obey those laws / teachings, because we’re not Jewish. We’re under the New Covenant, as believers in Messiah, who obeyed the Law for us.” Wow. It sure sounds logical, and seems to be great rationalization. But, can we find a Scripture on it, telling us that because a Gentile believer wasn’t raised correctly, they can ignore things like the Sabbath Day, or that they can eat blood (blood pudding), fat, bats, pigs, skunks, squirrels, rabbits, monkeys, dogs, clams, oysters, crabs, spiders, lobsters, turtles, and octopus? Why would a Gentile want to live against the Torah after coming to faith in Yahushua, then claim his birthright as a Gentile who can go on living as if he’s dumber than a box of hammers? When you are fully converted, you become native ISRAEL, YHWH's wife/bride. You're either His people, or you're not. Live like you are His wife, and obey Him; but it is out of LOVE that we obey, and because He has put His Torah (teachings) into our hearts. Sow the Good Seed (Torah), not the tares (weeds, lawlessness).
We have
to be very careful not to lay any stumbling block before our adult male
brothers as they learn from us, and this could make many turn away.
If I were responsible for causing someone to turn away over something as
unimportant as adult male circumcision, I would be trembling in fear for
when I have to stand before Yahushua. Sure, I could debate it
with Him, and explain that the way I understood things at the time fleshly
circumcision was vital to being saved. But He might then remind me
that I had been told, and went on my merry way anyway. I
would rather that He find me guilty of NOT telling adult male converts to
be circumcised, than to have made the blunder of loosing a single person for
the opposite reason.
Gal 5:2-6: "Mark my words! I, Shaul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Messiah will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Messiah; you have fallen away from favour. But by belief we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Messiah Yahushua neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value."
"Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping (Elohim's) commands is what counts. Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when (Elohim) called him."
The term "sons of Elohim" implies "children of Elohim", so our gender is unimportant.
You can't "clean-up" for your immersion, it's what we go through to get cleaned-up! At the moment we come up from the water, Yahushua's precious blood through His perfect offering has cleansed us, and we are brand-new in His sight. Then, go and sin no more; obey and teach others to obey all that He commanded us to obey; including immersion. It's not just the job of "elders" to help people gain enough understanding for their immersion. By helping them, you will have them to bring with you to show Yahushua how you invested the "minas" He entrusted to your care. We certainly don't need the permission or approval of any man, group, organized theological apparatus, or human council. By what authority do you do these things? That's a good question; and those who are called by Yahushua know the answer.
(Review
Hebrews chapters 8 &
10, which quote YermeYahu
(Jer.) 31, concerning the
renewed Covenant).
"Go,
for he is a chosen vessel of
Mine to bear My Name before
nations, sovereigns, and the
children of Yisrael"
- Acts 9:15.
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit ,
says YHWH tsabuoth."
Zech 4:6
