It's Time To "Lay Down the Law" - Part 21

The Scroll of Hebrews is written to the "Jews" of Sha'uls day. Paul is teaching on the supremacy of the Messiah, Yeshua, and the "change" which has occurred in the "Law" When Hebrews is read in context we know that Torah has not been altered or modified, but that certain elements within it have been suspended, not because Torah was itself flawed, but because Man's implementation of it was. Remember, Yehovah's Torah is perfect and comes directly from Him (Psalm 19). It is man who has the problem!

In chapter 7 Sha'ul is speaking of the suspension of the Aaronic priesthood:

Heb_7:5 And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest's office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham.

[Note: It has always puzzled me that Pastors will denounce Torah, except for the giving of tithes! Here, Paul is saying that those of us who are descended from Abraham (yes, spiritually that includes you Christians, if you want to be part of the Kingdom) were required to give a tenth of everything! But now? The Aaronic priesthood has changed (been suspended) - read further.]

Heb_7:11 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?
Heb_7:12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.
...
Heb_7:16 who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.
Heb 7:17 For it is attested of Him, "YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK."
Heb 7:18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness
Heb_7:19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

[Note: Why do I keep saying that the Law has not been changed when the text clearly says it has (see verse 12)? This is because the words; "changed, change" in verse 12 are wrong! Yep! Wrongly translated! The base Greek word used is, "metathesis", which means transferred. There has been a transfer of authority from the Aaronic priesthood back to the Melchizedek priesthood. Same Law, different Administration. Why do I say "back to"? Because the Melchizedek priesthood has existed through all time (yet another study!). Now, it also makes sense that I use the word suspended. Why? Because the Aaronic priesthood will return one day! (see Ezekiel 40 - 48 and Isaiah 24,25) Most Christians confuse something very important here concerning what is being said in Ezekiel. For the Antichrist to stop the daily sacrifices as described in Daniel only a Tabernacle is needed, not a complete temple as described in Ezekiel. Ezekiel is referring to the Millennial Reign. All this talk of a new or third Temple before the Second Coming is an error, IMO. Will a third Temple ever be built? Yes! In the Millennial Reign! What about verse 18? Has Torah been set aside? No, the Aaronic priesthood's administration has been set aside (for now). But, mankind will need the Aaronic priesthood again in the millennium.

One more point, please. Does following Torah make one perfect? (Verse 19) Does your Salvation come from following Torah? Are you Saved by keeping Torah? The answer has ALWAYS been NO! One follows Torah because he IS Saved! The entire context of the New Testament says this and the Church misses the point entirely.

And no, we are NOT required to give a tenth of everything to Pastors and Priests nowadays!]

Heb_7:28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.
... 
Heb_8:4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law;
...
Heb_9:19 For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,
... 
Heb_9:22 And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
...
Heb_10:1 For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.
... 
Heb_10:8 After saying above, "SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS AND WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, NOR HAVE YOU TAKEN PLEASURE in them" (which are offered according to the Law),
...
Heb_10:28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

[Note: Much is said concerning Ch.10, verse 1. Is the Law "only" a shadow of the good things to come? Firstly, the word "only" has been added by translators. What this is saying is that the Heavenly is higher than the Earthly. The earthly is a reflection of the true image of the heavenly, so therefore our earthly enactment of Torah is but a shadow of the true Torah, Yeshua. But trying to emulate Yeshua by living Torah is something we must do, if we love Him!

(See, Ex. 25:40, Heb. 8:5, Rev. 11:19)]

For additional clarity, please see the following video from 119 Ministries:

The Observer