We are often asked, “Should Christians keep the law?” Are Gentile believers bound to keeping the Commandments and the laws of the Old Testament?” Should Christians keep Torah?
The answer hinges on understanding what “the law” actually is – and what scripture actually teaches.
First, let it be understood that the term “the law” is very general. It doesn’t distinguish between the Ten Commandments and the Levitical law which was added because of the failure of Israel while Moses was on Mount Horeb for forty days.
And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us Yehovahs, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Exodus 32:1
Yehovah created it because of Israel’s transgressions and was to remain in effect until the Messiah came.
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Galatians 3:19
“The law” as it is spoken of most often in the New Testament refers to the sin offerings of the Old Testament which require bloodshed to atone for sin. When Messiah gave Himself as the sacrificial lamb, His blood was shed to atone for the sins of all future generations, thus ending the requirement for sin offerings. At that point, it was only necessary to repent and ask for forgiveness for sins to be forgiven.
If we do not distinguish between the two, the Ten Commandments and the Levitical law, our understanding will become confused.
The Ten Commandments, which Yehovah wrote with His own finger (Exodus 31:18), were kept inside the Ark of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 10:1-5).
The book of Leviticus and all other Mosaic books were kept outside the Ark of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 31:26).
Yeshuah and the Commandments
Yeshua kept the commandments, the “law.” Further, he deepened them. He said that He did not come to destroy or end the law, but that is what many Christians claim. They refuse to look at the words He actually spoke, preferring to create their own reality that makes them not subject to any law or rules.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Matthew 5:17 – 19
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
The reality of it is, if there is no law then there is no sin. And we know for a fact that sin is still a part of our earthly equation. We are tempted to sin every day. But if we did not have the law to tell us what is right, there would be no wrong, no sin.
And we know that sin exists.
Just a note here, death, hell, and the grave are within the authority of the kingdom. In my opinion, anyone who believes that the use of the word “least” indicates they are still “saved,” is sadly mistaken.
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before Yehovah, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Romans 2:12-16
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, (Ten Commandments) do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
In the day when Yehovah shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
The law gives us the parameters for living a holy life. When Yehovah writes His words on our heart, the law is contained therein. It becomes a part of us, our nature.
We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. If we live out the commandments we will demonstrate the love of Yehovah flowing through us.
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Matthew 22:37 – 40
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
If I truly love my neighbor I will demonstrate the will of God by living out the commandments and the moedim before them.
Christianity is a shallow representation of the love of God because it fails to honor the Sabbath and the moedim, all of which are prophetic pictures of events the Christian world will be utterly unprepared for. Is that love? Is it love to allow people to go on in ignorance?
No. It is not.
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, (ten commandments) do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Romans 2:14
The Apostle is speaking of those who have been born again but have not been “schooled” in the Synagogue. But because of the indwelling of the Spirit, they begin to show the Torah written on their heart.
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:5
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 2:1 – 4
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Gentiles who have had no or little training in Torah begin to demonstrate those things written in the Torah (“the law” or the Ten Commandments) once they receive the baptism of the Spirit.
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Romans 2:15
Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
It was always the intent of Yehovah to redeem a considerable portion of the Gentile world. There is no separate plan or program. It is all based on FAITH – Faith being defined as “hearing and obeying the Word of God.”
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
Romans 2:26 – 29
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Yehovah.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Levitical)
Romans 3:28 – 31
Is he the Yehovah of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Seeing it is one Yehovah, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Do we then make void the law through faith? Yehovah forbid: yea, we establish the law. (Ten Commandments)
The change in the nature of an individual who has been (born of the spirit) is a continual process of growth in the person to become more like Messiah.
This does not mean that we automatically have a knowledge or understanding of the Sabbaths and the Moedim.
Those things must be taught. Moses had to be taught along with all of Israel.
Why don’t Christians recognize the feast days? The Moedim?
For the first three hundred years all believers in Jesus kept seventh day Saturday Sabbath and the feasts of Leviticus 23.
It was not until the rise of the Roman institution that Sunday became the weekly day of observance.
This was done by law and enforced upon penalty of death. The Roman institution killed tens of millions of Sabbath keeping Jew and Gentiles in order to insure it dominance.
The sad fact is that all of this can be verified through search engines or a trip to your local library.
And when a stranger ( gentile ) shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
Exodus 12:48 – 49
One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
Christians are fond of saying that “the law” is only for the Jews or it was only for the Israelites. They may even say that “the law was nailed to the cross.”
Not one of these is biblical.
Yeshua kept the law. Scripture says that it is for both the Jew and the gentile (stranger).
The only “law” that was no longer necessary after Yeshua’s death and resurrection was the requirement for sin offerings. There was no longer a need for bloodshed to atone for sin because He shed His.
There is One Plan of Salvation for All Humanity
All we need to do is join ourselves to Yehovah through Israel by obeying those things Israel was commanded to do.
And when a stranger ( gentile ) shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
Exodus 12:48 – 49
One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger (Gentile) that sojourneth among you.
From the beginning, there has only been one plan for all of humanity. The nation of Israel was meant to be a priestly body that would lead all nations to Yehovah. Although Israel failed in this mission, the plan for all humanity remains the same.
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. (Jesus / Yeshua speaking)
John 4:22
LIke the woman at the well, whom Yeshua is addressing, the overwhelming majority of the “Christian” world does not know who it is they worship, or how that worship is to be carried out biblically.
Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
Isaiah 56:1 – 8
Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.
For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; ( gentiles )
Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
The Lord YEHOVAH which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
The Invitation is Open to Whomever Will, Jew or Gentile.
The truth is, “the law” is for everyone – everyone who wants to be holy as Yehovah is holy. It is for people who want to be saved.
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1 John 2:6
You can’t walk as Yeshua walked if you aren’t keeping the law.
And “the law” is most definitely as much for the Gentile as it is for the Jew.
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, (gentiles) and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 8:11
As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. ( gentiles )
Genesis 17:4 – 5
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
Yehovah is promising salvation to those who are the direct, genetic descendants of Abraham as well as those of the Gentile nations. They will be ONE people with ONE law and ONE culture.
In Isaiah, we see this pointed to prophetically. The verses in Isaiah 66 point to a time after the second coming, commonly referred to as the “Millennial Kingdom” in which Messiah will rule on earth for a thousand years.
Isaiah 66:23 begins at the Second Coming and spans a period of at least one thousand years after the Second Coming. Nowhere in this do we see a description or a provision for two separate plans.
All people must join themselves to Yehovah, through Yeshua and the Commandments (non-Levitical).
For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.
Isaiah 66:22 – 23
And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
We are reading from the Old Testament. Yehovah is promising to save individuals out of the gentile nations. There is no separate plan. There are not two salvation plans.
All Nations Shall Worship Through the Moedim (High Sabbaths)
Zechariah 14 is speaking of the Millennial Kingdom. While these things were written before the birth of Yeshua, they describe a time that will not begin until after the Second Coming.
If Yeshua returns tomorrow, this will be the global environment for the next thousand years. Individual nations will have the ability to reject the counsel of Yehovah (the Torah). But there will be negative consequences for that attitude and position.
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
Zechariah 14:16 – 18
And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
The New Testament Does NOT Teach Two Separate Plans or Programs
There is ONE plan, ONE house, ONE law, ONE savior.
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10:11 – 12
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Galatians also teaches ONE plan, ONE house, ONE savior for ALL people.
For ye are all the children of Yehovah by faith in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26 – 29
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
These verses are not teaching that Israelites need to become Christian. They are teaching that gentiles may be joined unto Yehovah through a Jewish Messiah. This is NOT a Rabbinic Messiah but the Messiah promised by Moses.
Neither Rabbinic Judaism or Christianity are the Faith of the Scriptures.
It is important to stick to what is scriptural as opposed to various social movements such as Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity, neither of which are truly biblical.
Rabbinic Judaism has its roots in the Pharisaic beliefs which Yeshua repeatedly challenged throughout His ministry.
The term “Rabbinic Judaism” refers to practices and beliefs by certain Jewish sects that are the rabbinic (sages) interpretations of the Torah. This includes the oral traditions of the Talmud.
These are interpretations and traditions created by man, not Yehovah. Rabbinic Judaism is a perversion of scripture.
So is Christianity.
While many, if not most, Christians do claim (and perhaps even believe) that they follow scripture, they in fact do not.
Christianity is a perversion of the New Testament. It denies and even rejects the Torah and all portions of the Old Testament. Many also have their own extrabiblical texts similar to the Talmud – and they consider them to be holy. But they are not.
The degree of truth varies widely. Some denominations believe in religious fables such as the trinity, the rapture, and that people go to heaven when they die.
Not one of these things is biblical.
Some denominations are a little closer to truth, believing in one God, baptism in the name of Yeshua, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking other tongues.
But that still isn’t enough.
If we were to put a label on full biblical truth as it is understood today, which includes keeping the Sabbath and Feast days, along with Acts 2:38 salvation, it would be something like “Covenant Apostolic” or “First Century Believer.”
But rabbinic Jew or Christian, are most definitely not.
One in Messiah
We are all called to be one in Yeshua, our Messiah. But there is an order. We do not raise ourselves to the head but instead, follow His lead.
1 John 2:6 tells us that if we abide in Him then we are to walk as He walked. We are to do as He did, meaning keep HIS ways. He kept the Sabbath and Feast Days.
He taught from the Torah! It was His foundation.
We should be teaching from the Torah as well.
Ephesians Chapter 2 does not describe a separate, Gentile (Christian) body of believers in Messiah. It describes Gentiles brought out of paganism into the faith of Moses and Yeshua.
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Ephesians 2:11 – 15
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without Yehovah in the world:
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
These laws had to do with Israel remaining, spiritually and culturally separate from the gentile world. A gentile could join Israel but an Israelite that joined himself to a gentile would be separated from Isreal.
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
Acts 10:14 – 15
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What Yehovah hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
At the end of Acts 10:15 the mindset of the average Israelite or “Jew” was that there would never be a salvation plan for the Gentile world. This is absolutely contradictory to the will of God demonstrated in the promises given to Abraham, mentioned earlier.
“Religious tradition” is a terrible thing.
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but Yehovah hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Acts 10:28
Here we see the mindset of Jewish believers toward the Gentile world. They had been falsely taught that there would be no inclusion of the Gentile world into Israel.
It Has Always Been the Intent of Yehovah to Have ONE People, Governed by ONE Law, United Under a Single Messiah
There has never been a provision for a dual system of faith. All believers in Jesus/Yeshua must come to God through Torah (NOT the Levitical sacrifices).
And that he might reconcile both unto Yehovah in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Ephesians 2:16 – 22
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of Yehovah;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of Yehovah through the Spirit.
Israel was never meant to join the gentile world. The gentile world was meant to join Israel through Yeshua.
I do not understand how anyone reading these verses can conclude anything other than the fact that joining oneself to God through the instructions given to Israel is the only path to salvation.
Please understand, I’m speaking of the Israel of the spirit, the Israel that is faithful to all Yehovah has commanded.
Please go back to the scriptures and examine the doctrine you have been taught in the light of God’s word.
I know it can be difficult to make these changes. You will be challenged by your former spiritual leader. You will be challenged by your family.
The fact of the matter is, these are salvation issues and you are the best chance these people have of seeing the truth.
Keeping the Law is a Salvation Issue
There are serious consequences for those who reject Yehovah’s law (Torah). These are very serious considerations, not to be taken lightly.
Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
Exodus 31:14 – 15
Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.
Exodus 35:2
Surely Yehovah doesn’t mean he will really put a person to death for not worshiping on Saturday!
Surely He most certainly does.
He gave us His law, the Torah and He said that if we love Him we will obey Him.
If we love Him we will be law-keepers.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21-23
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Let’s take a moment and break down that word, “iniquity.” It carries a tremendous amount of weight.
In the Greek we see it is ἀνομία anomia (g0458); from 459; illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness: — iniquity, x transgress(-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.
We are called to be law-keepers.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. The sin of Matthew seven twenty one is that these people had not kept the Torah ( law )
1 John 3:4
Given that most of the Christian world agrees that nine of the ten commandments are legitimate we must conclude that these people refused to keep the Sabbath and the feast days.
In the days of Moses a person could be stoned to death for neglecting the instructions, Torah.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 21:8
So, we return to the original question, “Should Christians keep ‘the Law’ (Torah)?
The answer?
A resounding YES!
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