The Testing of the Virgins:
The Wise Virgins’ Checklist for Entering With the Bridegroom

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The Testing of the Virgins is now in progress, and is almost complete!

Want to pass the first Entrance Exam?

Scriptures show a Test ‘Checklist’ for the Virgins!!

The Virgins are now being separated into their respective groups of Wise and Foolish, based on Father’s testing of the Virgins, as stated in Scriptures presented in this article.

The Scriptures show:
1. Father’s plan to test the Virgins;
2. The test details in the Scriptures;
3. The answers to the test;
4. The results of the test: Who will be found Wise, and who found Foolish;
5. How to be found among the Wise.

The Testing of the Virgins

The Testing of the Virgins is now in progress, and is almost complete! But what is the testing that the Virgins must undergo? As an overview, let us see what Father has told us about this testing:

Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove(‘test’) them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. (Exodus 16:4)

Father first brought His people out of Egypt by the Blood of the Lamb. He baptised them in the cloud and in the sea, and then led them into the wilderness, to test them as to their obedience, as we see in the above passage, and in others below.

Today Father continues to do the same with His people. He redeems us, and brings us out of captivity by His blood. We are then baptised in the Holy Spirit and in water, then led into the wilderness of this lifetime to be tested, as to our obedience to His Word.

Near the end of the Israelites’ forty years in the wilderness, we then see the following summary:

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. 2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove (‘test’) thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:1-3)

Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove (‘test’) thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; (Deuteronomy 8:16)

Father states clearly that the wilderness testing is for the good of His people at the latter end, or latter time. We then see some of the result of His early testing, how it is to ‘do good’ at the time of the latter end:

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write…Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation(‘testing’), which shall come upon all the world, to try (‘test’) them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelation 3:7a, 10)

The ‘Philadelphia’ group of Believers were told they would be kept safe (‘preserved’) from the time or season of testing that will come upon all the world to test them.

But why would the Philadelphia Believers be excluded from the testing that would come upon all the world? It appears that by keeping Father’s word, they passed the earlier first test, and so would be kept safe from the second, more rigourous test!

What did the Philadelphia Believers know, that we should know? What did they do, that exempted them from the time of trouble that would test all those who dwell on the earth?  Let us look at a check-list that the Virgins might use to insure they are among the Wise Virgins, seen as the Philadelphia Believers in the book of Revelation.

But why would we need a check-list? It is because perhaps 99% of the professing Believers today fall into the category of the Foolish Believers, for only one reason, which we will see below!

Thus, by illuminating the Scriptures in certain areas, as on a check-list, the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of all who yearn to draw near to the Bridegroom.

The Virgins’ Scripture Checklist

The above Scriptures show a progression, and contain in seed form all the items of the checklist. Let’s examine these Scriptures, and discuss the resulting Checklist items.

1. Walk in Father’s Law (Torah).

Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove(‘test’) them, whether they will walk in my law (‘Torah’), or no. (Exodus 16:4)

Let’s notice that Father had earlier tested Abraham, and then tested His people at the waters of Marah. Now He will test His people, to see whether they will ‘walk in’ (obey) His Law (‘Torah’) or not.

Reading a few verses down, we see that some failed the test, and disobeyed by gathering manna on the Sabbath day. But notice that the Ten Commandments had not yet been given! So, in which Torah was Father testing His people, in Exodus 16:4?

From the Beginning, Yahuweh had instructed His people that He Himself had sanctified the Sabbath day. This is a part of His instruction, His Torah, for His people. Genesis 2:2-3 is part of Father’s Word, and He is looking for those who desire to walk in all His Word.

2. Keep all Father’s Commandments.

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may… go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.(Deuteronomy 8:1)

Here Father tells us that to do all His commandments is a pre-requisite for going in (‘entering’) to possess (‘inherit’) the land (the promised land, prophetic of the Kingdom inheritance). It is the Wise Virgins who see all of Father’s Word as remaining in effect, and they keep it.

The Foolish virgins, on the other hand, have been ‘duped’ by their spiritual leaders. They were taught that some of Father’s Word is no longer in effect; and they did not read it for themselves, to see whether this claim is true. Had they read for themselves, they might have seen that it was the dogma–the decrees, the commandments and doctrines of men–that were nailed to the cross, and blotted out, and nullified–and not the eternal Words of the Creator (Luke 2:1; Acts 16:4, 17:7; Eph 2:15; Col 2:14, 20-22).

3. Keep every word spoken by Father.

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

This Scripture passage is so important to the Bride that Yahushua repeated it in (Mat 4:4) and (Luke 4:4):

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.   (Matthew 4:4)

And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.   (Luke 4:4)

Here, we see that we shall live by every word spoken by Father. The Doctrine of Balaam, on the other hand, teaches many today that Father’s later word has nullified His earlier word; and that Father’s earlier word is no longer valid today. Now notice the result of the Doctrine of Balaam:

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Revelation 2:14)

Here we see Yahushua warns the Believers of the Doctrine of Balaam, and how this leads to idolatry and fornication. We recall that both Peter and Jude warns the Believers about the way of Balaam and the error of Balaam. (Links are given below for further information on this vital subject.)

4. Cease working Iniquity.

As we search the Scriptures, we begin to realise that there is a mysterious killer among us. It is silent, and it is hidden. It is not widely known, nor widely discussed, for it is a mystery.

Its practice can prevent us from meeting the Covenant provisions of knowing Yahushua, and can destroy our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

It will be the sole reason for which many will be rejected by the Bridegroom–and it is known in Scripture as the mystery of iniquity:

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity<458>. (Matthew 7:23)

In the above passage, we see that to work (‘make, produce’) iniquity appears to be related to not knowing the Master. Let’s see what iniquity really is. John tells us the following:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth<458> also the law: for sin is the transgression<458> of the law. (1John 3:4)

In Matthew 7:23 we see that iniquity is <458>; and in 1John 3:4 we are told that <458> is sin, which is transgression of the Law. We must find out more, so let us look further, to see what this iniquity is.

First, we notice it is the Greek word ‘anomia,’ Strong’s number <458>. The Thayer’s Greek Dictionary gives the following definition:

Notice this word <458> originates from the Greek word anomos, Strong’s number <459>. The Greek Dictionary gives this definition:

So according to the Greek dictionary, iniquity is a condition of violation of the Mosaic Law, for any one of several reasons.

Again, it is for this reason of iniquity that the Master will say to many, “I never knew you….”

Now notice what Paul states in his letter to Titus:

(Yahushua Messiah) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14)

Here we see that Messiah has not only forgiven us for our past sins (Rom 3:25), He has also redeemed us from bondage to sin–from practicing iniquity–from breaking the Law, which is defined as sin according to 1John 3:4.

After we have been redeemed by His blood, we are set free, and are no longer are slaves to breaking the Law–and so we now have the freedom to choose who our new master will be, and whose instructions we will keep.

After we have been redeemed and justified by His blood, only then do we enter the lifelong process, whereby we cease to work iniquity. To do this, we must choose to allow Messiah to purify (purge) us: 1) by His blood (Heb 9:14; 1Jo 1:7); 2) by His word (John 15:3; Eph 5:26); and 3) by our obedience to His word (1Pet 1:22). This process is all by His Grace–that is, by His ability imparted to us, as He lives within us–for without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

The Wise Virgins, and the Bride, will consist of those whose desire is to be like the Bridegroom, and who choose to undergo the required transfiguration (Rom 12:1-2). Now Let’s notice one quality of the Bridegroom:

Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity<458>; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (Hebrews 1:9)

If Yahushua hates breaking the Law, then we too should hate to break the Law. If Yahushua loves Righteousness (the righteous works of keeping the Law), then we too should do so. If He lives within us, let us do as He desires to do.

For if we do not believe (are not a “DO-er” of) Moses’ words, it is impossible to believe (be a “DO-er of) Yahushua’s words (John 5:47)–for it was Yahushua who gave the words to Moses (1Co 10:4).

Characteristics of the Foolish Virgins

Who today will be found among the Foolish Virgins? Most would consider themselves Born-Again, or born spiritually. Many are Believers who deeply love the Master, who yearn for His return, and who read the Scriptures daily. Many are fully evangelical in their Doctrines, and among the conservative, Bible-oriented congregations. Most have an active prayer-life, and see many answers to prayer.

Many also are to be found among the ‘Holy-Spirit-filled’ Believers, considering themselves to be tongue-talking, miracle-working, Holy-Ghost-Anointed, full-of-Faith, casting-out-demons, Gospel-preaching, followers of Jesus.

But they all have this one thing in common: they have been taught a paradigm of (a way of seeing) the Scriptures, and of understanding the new Covenant; and they have not been as the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures to see whether these things are so.

These are the Believers who have been taught by their spiritual Leaders, that the words of the ‘Old Testament Law’ had been nullified, replaced by words of ‘New Testament Grace’ or some variation of this notion.

And so they have not hearkened to the Prophets, who call them back to the faithfulness and Truth of the Scriptures (Isaiah 8:20), nor taken heed to the warnings spoken by Yahushua Messiah!

It is here–for this reason of ‘practicing iniquity’–that 99% of Believers will be found among the Foolish Virgins, unless they repent.

And it is here, that we see the root cause of idolatry, fornication, and multitudes of other sins that result from practicing iniquity. It is because men hold to the ‘Doctrine of Balaam,’ that they practice disobedience to Torah, to the Law–which disobedience is iniquity.

Yahushua has clearly revealed to us this root cause in (Matthew 7:23) and (Revelation 2:14).

Let us now look at one last, necessary item on the Wise Virgins’ Checklist.

5. Watch and Pray

The Wise Virgins will be among those who watch and pray, and so will pass the first test, and escape having to take the second test:

And take heed to yourselves, lest… that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Luke 21:34-36)

Notice that those who will be found worthy are not those who pray…but those who watch and pray! But what is the meaning of the word watch? Let’s dig for some gold nuggets:

Blessed is the man that heareth<08085> me, watching<08245> daily at my gates, waiting<08104> at the posts of my doors. (Proverbs 8:34)

Here we see that the word shama <08085> means “Hear and obey,” and we are told this is done by two activities: 1) ‘watching<08245> daily at my gates,’ and 2) ‘waiting<08104> at the posts of my doors.’

1) To ‘watch’ <08245> daily at (His) gates occurs in this way:

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond(shaqed-”almond”)<08247> tree. 12 Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten(shaqad-”watch over”)<08245> my word to perform it. (Jeremiah 1:11-12)

Here Yahuweh makes a play on words, where the Hebrew word for almond(shaqed) is near in sound to the Hebrew word for hasten(shaqad). But then Yah tells us what shaqad means:that He will perform His Word! So the word for ‘watch’ is to allow Him (living within us) to perform His Word. This means we are to be a “DO-er” of His Word. (It is likely that the almond branch was placed in the ark with the tablets for this reason–to show that the doing of His Word will be by His Grace–that He will perform His Word, as He writes it on the tables of our heart.)

2) To wait <08104> at the posts of (His) doors occurs in this way:

“…waiting<08104> at the posts of my doors…”

The Hebrew word for wait (shamar) means “to keep, observe, heed; observe, celebrate, as sabbath, covenant, or commands.”

The ‘posts of His doors’ is where the blood was sprinkled at Passover (Ex 12:7), where a bondservant volunteers His life to serve His Master forever (Ex 21:6), and where the Words of Yahuweh are to be placed (Deut 11:20).

Thus ‘to watch’ is to voluntarily become one of His bondservants (‘talmidim’ or Disciples), and to keep, observe, heed, celebrate His sabbaths, His covenant, and His commands. Taken together, watching and waiting become the ‘hearkening’ or shama <08085>, which means “Hear and obey,” with emphasis on all of His Word!

This last item of ‘watch and pray always’ tells us the same as the previous Checklist items: those who will be found among the Wise Virgins are those who hear and obey all of His Word.

Summary

We summarise by listing the Wise Virgins’ Checklist again. Let us observe these closely:

1. Walk in Father’s Law (Torah).
2. Keep all Father’s Commandments.
3. Keep every word spoken by Father.
4. Cease working Iniquity.
5. Watch and Pray.

Notice these all say essentially the same thing–and together they are in agreement with Father’s statements on testing, as seen above in Exodus 16:4 and Deuteronomy 8:1-3, 16.

All the Virgins will be tested against the above items. Those who pass the first test will join the prophetic Philadelphia Congregation of Believers, and will be spared the further testing.

Those who do not repent, and so fail the first test, will have opportunity to join those of the prophetic Thyatira Congregation, who, unless they repent, will be cast into Great Tribulation (Rev 2:18, 22).

Those who are wise, on the other hand, will look in the mirror of Scripture, before the Bridegroom returns. They will search all the Scriptures on their Check-List, to insure they are indeed ready!

New Series:

The Mystery of Passover

As we draw closer to the time of the return of the Bridegroom, we are beginning to see more clearly some of the prophetic pictures for the Bride’s preparation. Perhaps one of the most significant of these pictures is the Mystery of Passover. In this short series, we will present three aspects of The Mystery of Passover that are highly relevant to the Bride, as they are a vital part of her preparation. This series includes the following segments:

And so in order to see when the Passover Supper is to occur, we will look first at Yahushua’s words, and then look at His example of keeping Passover.

Passover: According to the Apostle Paul

Paul gives us further insight into Passover:

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1Corinthians 5:7-8)

At the Feast of Passover, as detailed in Exodus 12:8, 13, we are to eat the Lamb, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, as a ‘memorial,’ and that the blood of the Lamb ‘saves’ our household .

In the above passage, the apostle Paul refers to Messiah as “our Passover (Lamb) (who) is sacrificed for us,” and so for this reason, Paul says, “Let us keep the Feast.”

Here Paul is telling us that we too are to keep the Feast of Passover, and the Feast of Unleavened beginning the next day.

A few chapters later Paul makes further reference to Yahushua’s Passover meal with His Disciples:

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. (1Corinthians 11:23-26)

As often … you show (“announce, declare, make known, proclaim”) the Master’s Death until He comes (arrives, appears). When we observe the Passover meal in remembrance of Yahushua as the Passover Lamb, we proclaim Yahushua’s sacrificial death.

The Ultimate Witness of Torah

There are many today who observe Passover, but who do not yet know Messiah. When Yahushua’s Disciples keep Passover on the prescribed day and time, they are proclaiming — and bearing witness  — that it was Yahushua Messiah who was sent to become the Sacrificial Lamb that takes away the sin of the world!

This is the ultimate witness of Torah — when our obedience to Torah reveals the living Messiah!

In the next segment, we will see some further details of Passover in Torah, and will note some of the unique features of the Feast ordained for the 14th day of the first month, and compare these to the feast of the 15th day.

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Next:
Passover: Which Day-Truth or Tradition? Part 5

New Series:

The Mystery of Passover

As we draw closer to the time of the return of the Bridegroom, we are beginning to see more clearly some of the prophetic pictures for the Bride’s preparation. Perhaps one of the most significant of these pictures is the Mystery of Passover. In this short series, we will present three aspects of The Mystery of Passover that are highly relevant to the Bride, as they are a vital part of her preparation. This series includes the following segments:

In this section, we will see the the ‘Key’ to the understanding of this mystery: we are to become as ‘little children.’

Though the timing of Passover is concealed, and hidden from view in the Scriptures, we can see and understand the correct timing for eating the Passsover meal, by following Yahushua’s words and examples.  But we also saw in Scripture that only those who ‘believe’ in Yahushua, can see and understand His Words.

We then saw in Scripture in the previous section, that the will of the Father is that we ‘Believe’ in Messiah, to the extent that we become “DO-ers” of Torah — that is, we allow Messiah (who is living within us) to obey Torah, to the same extent He did when He walked on the earth in His own body. It is for this reason that we look to Messiah as our example today, in all things.

With this understanding, we are well on our way to solving the ‘mystery’ of Passover. Let us now see what is required of us in order that we become as little children — as we observe the process of separation we must undergo.

Response to Yahushua’s Words Brings Separation

When confronted with Yahushua’s Words, how do we respond?

Yahushua’s Disciples, when confronted with a ‘hard saying,’ were immediately divided into two camps, depending on their response:

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. (John 6:53-58)

In the above passage, Yahushua tells them a ‘mystery’ Truth of the Kingdom, regarding Passover. Now let’s see how the hearers responded:

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? (John 6:60)

When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. (John 6:61-64)

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (John 6:66)

In the above passages, we first see that ‘many’ of Yahushua’s disciples questioned His words, His sayings as ‘hard’ (harsh, offensive, difficult).

And because they did not understand His Words, they murmered at His words, and became offended at Him, and ‘believed not’ — and they went back, and walked no more with him.

First notice that those who ‘believed not’ are those who ‘went back, and walked no more with him.’ Here we see confirmation that ‘believing’ is simply walking along with Him (in the same path), and is simply a matter of doing what Yahushua does.

But notice that it was ‘from that time’ that many went back, referring to the time they did not understand His Words, but became offended at them. Let’s see why the ‘many’ responded in this manner.

When Yahushua’s words collide with the idols of “man’s own understanding,” each must then decide which ‘lord’ (master) they will follow — whether to Believe Yahusua’s Words, or to Believe the idol of ones own understanding and tradition.

When we follow our own reasoning as a substitute for Yahushua’s plain and clear words, we are in idolatry — for any substitute for Yahuweh, or of the practice of His Word, is an idol in its most basic definition.

In the same way that many of Yahushua’s Disciples went back, and walked no more with him, we too are to be separated, according to whether we choose to follow Yahushua’s Words and example, or whether we choose not to follow them.

Let’s notice the response of the remaining Disciples:

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6:67-69)

Here we see the Disciples affirming there is no one greater to whom they should go, indicating they held Him, and His Words, as superior to that of all others; then we see them further affirming that He is the Messiah.

Let’s look at how we are to become as little children.

Entering the Kingdom: Becoming as Little Children

The necessary openness we are to have — our willingness to receive His Word as a little child — is expressed by Yahushua:

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)

The word ‘converted’ means “turn around, and go in another direction, or metaphorically, to change one’s course of conduct.” And so we too shall not enter the Kingdom, unless we become as little children — by immediately turning around, and going another direction when told to do so by the words of Yahushua in Scripture.

Therefore, if we would be as little children, we will turn ourselves around, and go in the Way of Yahushua. We do this by:

1. Becoming “Do-ers” of all of Messiah’s Word, including the Words Messiah gave to Moses;
2. Holding Messiah’s Word as supreme over our own understanding, just as children who receive instruction from a loving Father.

Let us therefore come as ‘Little Children’ to hear Yahushua’s Words, and to see His example, in order that we might find the Biblical timing for Passover.

Next:
Passover: Which Day-Truth or Tradition? Part 4

New Series:

The Mystery of Passover

As we draw closer to the time of the return of the Bridegroom, we are beginning to see more clearly some of the prophetic pictures for the Bride’s preparation. Perhaps one of the most significant of these pictures is the Mystery of Passover. In this short series, we will present three aspects of The Mystery of Passover that are highly relevant to the Bride, as they are a vital part of her preparation. This series includes the following segments:

Passover: Which Day-Truth or Tradition? Part 3

New Series:

The Mystery of Passover

As we draw closer to the time of the return of the Bridegroom, we are beginning to see more clearly some of the prophetic pictures for the Bride’s preparation. Perhaps one of the most significant of these pictures is the Mystery of Passover. In this short series, we will present three aspects of The Mystery of Passover that are highly relevant to the Bride, as they are a vital part of her preparation. This series includes the following segments:

Among the Bride-Candidates, there are some who have been ‘making ready’ for this Marriage Feast — for they have been celebrating the Feasts of the Bridegroom!

Each year, more and more of the Bride Candidates are beginning to make themselves ‘ready’ by attending the Bridegroom’s Supper, the Passover meal eaten on the 14th Biblical night of each month, and by attending the other Feasts given by the Bridegroom throughout the year.

The Bride-Candidates are learning that Yahuweh’s Feasts are as ‘Rehearsals’ for the real thing. As in the natural world, those who attend the rehearsals, will have a part in the Wedding.

The Bride-Candidates are learning from the warnings given by the Bridegroom, regarding those invited to the Marriage Supper:

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:13-14)

And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. (Luke 14:17-18)

Notice in the above Matthew passage, ‘many’ have been invited to the Marriage Supper, but as we saw earlier in this series, for various reasons ‘few’ have chosen to attend. Let’s look to see the reason for this.

Few Attend the Bridegroom’s Feasts

Many have been invited to the Marriage Supper, but even today, few choose to attend the ‘rehearsals’ for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, on the very day prescribed by the Bridegroom Himself!

Why is this? The Scripture passage above tells us ‘with one consent’ (‘as one’) they began to ‘make excuse’ (‘refuse, avoid’). Let’s look at the source of today’s ‘one consent,’ in order to see why many have departed from The Faith of the Scriptures, and refuse to attend the Bridegroom’s feasts.

Today, there are some Believers who have been taught that these Marriage Supper ‘rehearsals’ are only for our Jewish brethren; others have been taught that a supposed ‘Age of Grace’ has swallowed up a supposed ‘Age of Law,’ and for them these rehearsals have somehow disappeared.

And because they have not read the Scriptures for themselves, to see whether these things are true, they have become deceived. When spiritually blind people follow spiritually blind leaders, they both fall into the ditch.

Others have not been deceived in this manner, but are sitting at the feet of the Bridegroom, learning of Him. They are beginning to attend the Feasts of Yahuweh, and learning how to keep the Bridegroom’s Sabbath Days (‘shabbats’).

But even of these, many have planned to attend the great Feast on a different day, a day based on their own tradition, as perhaps some did in the above Luke 14:17-18 passage.

And though they are careful to keep the Feasts, a great many continue to look to Leaders who, like those in Luke 14:18, with one consent offer their people many varied ‘excuses’ for not attending the Feasts on the day specified by the Bridegroom. From this evidence, it appears that even the timing of the Passover meal is among the mysteries of the Kingdom!

Lest that day catch us unawares, we will look at the Scriptures that tell us exactly when the Feast of Passover occurs, and when the Feast of Unleaven occurs. We will look first at Yahushua’s Words, and His example, and then use these as a kind of ‘template’ through which to gain further understanding.

Only in this way may we identify what is Tradition, and what is Truth. Let’s see how we might find the Truth.

Truth Requires Commitment

We must recall, that if Passover issues are among the mysteries of the Kingdom, their Truths may be initially hidden from our view:

Bind up the testimony, seal the law<08451>(“Torah”) among my disciples. (Isaiah 8:16)

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. (Luke 8:9-10)

In the Isaiah 8:16 passage above, we see that the testimony of the Torah is closed up, and ‘sealed’ as to its prophetic meaning, to all except Messiah’s Disciples.

In the second passage above, in Luke 8:9-10, we see that when dealing with any of the ‘mysteries’ of the Kingdom, we must first confirm our priorities: Are we among Yahushua’s Disciples — or are we among the others?

So in order to ‘know’ these mysteries  — that is, in order to understand Yahushua’s Words — our first priority must be to insure that we are among His Disciples, His ‘talmidim.’ But who are His Disciples?

John 8:31 tells us that His Disciples are those who continue (‘remain’ in, and are “DO-ers” of) His Word; who follow Him, and who walk in His footsteps.

For only by walking in Yahushua’s footsteps, can we have understanding of His Words, and have Grace to live by His example.

Again, in order that we might understand His Words regarding the timing of Passover, we will look next at the importance of following Yahushua’s example, and of walking in His footsteps.

Many today have looked to Yahushua for their redemption by His Blood, and for their eternal salvation. As a result, these have been ‘Born-Again’ (born of the Spirit), and Yahushua dwells within them; and because Yahushua has been ‘birthed’ within them, they are now Bride-Candidates.

But not all of the Bride-Candidates follow Messiah. Some have not yet learned how to follow Him; others have been taught that once they are saved, it is not important to follow Him.

Still others have believed for a time, but for various reasons have fallen away, as Yahushua taught His Disciples in the parable of the Sower (Luke 8:13). In this writing, however, we will address only those who truly desire to followMessiah. Let’s see what this entails.

Those who truly ‘follow’ Messiah, follow in His footsteps. That is, they endeavour to follow His words, and His examples, in all things pertaining to daily life. They are not perfect, for they are mere mortal men; but they follow Messiah’s example. Let us therefore see how Messiah is to be our example:

Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. (Psalms 85:13)

In the above passage, we see it is because of Messiah’s Righteousness, that we can be set or established in the Way of His footsteps.

I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: (Proverbs 8:20)

In the above passage, we see that those who desire to walk in the way of Righteousness, and in the paths of His ‘mishpatim’ (His judgments as seen in Heb 6:2, Psalms 119:160), are those who follow His example — by walking in the Way of Righteousness, just as as He did.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)

In the above passage, we see that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness, in ignorance of spiritual matters.

We might even say from this passage, that those who truly follow Messiah Yahushua, will not be in ignorance of spiritual matters — but those still in darkness do not yet truly follow Messiah. Let us see this contrast illustrated in Scripture.

Following Messiah

There is a great contrast in Scripture, between those who do not follow Messiah, and those who do. In the passages below, notice the actions of those whom Yahushua does not know, compared to the actions of those He knows:

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? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity<458>. (Matthew 7:22-23)

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 11 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. (Matthew 25:11-12)

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (Luke 13:26-27)

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27)

In the first three passages above, we see that ‘many’ will be doing those things that identify them as true Believers. They even call Yahushua ‘Lord,’ and so they are considered ‘virgins’ in a spiritual sense — yet Yahushua does not know them.

He even tells them the reason He does not know them, for they are workers of [Strong's number <458>] — so that their actions are contrary to His actions — revealing that they truly do not follow Him!

Yahushua’s sheep, on the other hand, cultivate their ears to hear, and to hearken (‘obey’) in order to listen for His direction. The result is Yahushua ‘knows’ them, for they follow Him — that is, they walk in His footsteps, literally to ‘join or accompany in the same path.’

To Follow Yahushua is to Obey Him

Let us now see one important aspect of following Yahushua. Here we will see the importance of His obedience as our example:

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being (“having been”) made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Hebrews 5:8-9)

In the above passage, we see that Yahushua learned obedience to His Father by the things which He suffered; so that Yahushua became the author or initiator of salvation unto all those who obey Him, by following His example of obedience. Peter tells us more:

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1Peter 2:21)

In the above passage, we see that Yahushua suffered for us, leaving us an example; that is, He suffered for our benefit, as seen in the Hebrews 5:8-9 passage, so that we, too, might know that ‘suffering’ is the cost of learning obedience, and of doing Father’s will.

We then see in the above passage, that the purpose of His example for us is so that we might follow in His footsteps — that we might follow in His example of obedience, and of doing Father’s will!

It is not the purpose of this writing to coax anyone to become His Disciple, but simply to warn those who already think of themselves as ‘Disciples.’ Many claim to follow Him, but in reality they do not yet follow Him, because of the cost of changing their priorities:

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? …33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26-33)

When we come to a place where we are willing to give up all that ‘we’ have, and all that ‘we’ have built-up as to our own understanding — and are committed to walk in the simplicity of Yahushua’s Words, and His example for us — only then are we ready to see, and to understand His Words.

Our goal is to know and understand Yahushua’s words, and His example, regarding the timing of Passover, so that we might follow in His footsteps. And so we must digress momentarily, to see what further requirements must be met, in order for us to ‘see’ and ‘know’ these secrets of the Kingdom, regarding the timing of the Passover Feast.

Next:
Passover: Which Day-Truth or Tradition? Part 2

New Series:

The Mystery of Passover

As we draw closer to the time of the Bridegroom’s return, we are beginning to see more clearly some of the prophetic pictures for the Bride’s preparation. Of these prophetic pictures now coming into view, perhaps one of the most significant is the Mystery of Passover. In this short series, we will present three aspects of The Mystery of Passover that are highly relevant to the Bride, as they are a vital part of her preparation. This series includes the following segments:

These instructions given by Moses form the basis of the Passover today, and reveal many vital New Covenant truths for Yahuweh’s people. With this in mind, let’s look at some details of the Passover Supper.

Yahuweh told Moses to instruct the Israelites to take a lamb for each house, and to kill the lamb on the fourteenth day of the first month. They were then to apply the blood of the lamb to the doorpost of each house, with the result that the destroyer would ‘pass over’ those houses having blood over the door; those in that household would be saved, and not die.

The Israelites were then instructed to roast the lamb and eat it that night, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. This day would become an everlasting, eternal memorial, in which the Children of Israel are to remember that Yahuweh smote the ancient land of Egypt, and executed judgment against their gods; He then saved His people from death by the Blood of the Lamb, and set them free from their bondage of slavery in Egypt.

Yahuweh gave the Feast of Passover to Israel as a part of the Everlasting Covenant between Yahuweh and His people, and they were told to allow no foreigners to eat of it — except that ‘Strangers’ (Gentiles) in Covenant with Yahuweh were allowed to eat thereof (Ex 12:45-48). To understand how the Passover relates to those Gentiles under the New Covenant, let’s begin with Yahushua, for He kept the Passover.

Messiah Ate the Passover Supper

The night before Yahushua died on the stake, He kept the Passover with His Disciples, and in doing so, revealed some new information about Passover:

And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover… 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:18-19; 26-28)

In the above passage, we see that as they were eating the Passover meal, Yahushua revealed to His Disciples the true meaning of the familiar Passover Feast that Israel had been keeping for centuries.

Here Yahushua reveals that the Bread of Passover speaks of His Body that was broken, as a sacrifice for His people; and that the cup of wine of Passover speaks of His Blood that was shed for them. We are also told that this Blood is the Blood of the New Covenant, which is also called the Everlasting Covenant:

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

In the above passage, we are told that the Blood of Yahushua is the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant. But in Matthew 26:28 above, we see that the Blood of Yahushua is the Blood of the New Covenant. We then understand that this is not a contradiction, but we are seeing two different ‘labels’ describing the same eternal Covenant between Yahuweh and His people, as seen throughout the Scriptures. One describes its eternal or ‘everlasting’ feature, the other describes the ‘newness’ and uniqueness of its nature. Let’s now look closely at the Passover cup.

The Passover Cup: An Offer of Betrothal

In the ancient Jewish Marriage Betrothal, it is customary for the Bridegroom to read the Marriage Contract or ‘Covenant’ to the Bride, and then offer a cup of wine to the Bride, as an offer of betrothal. Her acceptance of the Bridegroom’s Covenant is seen in her drinking from His cup. The drinking of the wine from the Betrothal cup symbolizes the sealing of the Marriage Covenant by blood.

What is the Betrothal Cup of Messiah?

To find the answer to this question, let’s notice in the above passage in Matthew 22, what Messiah did at the end of the Passover meal. After Supper, Messiah offered unleavened bread, and a cup of wine, as an offer to enter into a Covenant with His Bride, as an offer of Betrothal.

Notice also that those present at this Passover “Betrothal Supper” may respond to Messiah’s offer of Betrothal, which is His invitation to drink of the cup of wine of the Marriage Covenant.

Those present may accept, by drinking of this cup; those not present, miss out on the opportunity to respond to the offer of Betrothal.

It would be well to note at this point, that the Bride is identified by her presence at the Passover Supper. We might say that it is her attendance at the Passover Supper, that reveals the identity of the Bride.

In eating of the Passover bread, one is making commitment to eat of the “Bread of Life” of Messiah, to eat every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahuweh. This is the Marriage Contract.

In drinking of the Passover Cup, one is making commitment to receive the Life of Messiah, which life is in the blood (Lev 17:11; John 6:53). Drinking the Passover cup also shows an acceptance of the offer of Covenant with Messiah, saying “I Do,” as it were, just as in a marriage covenant, where the two are to become “one.”

So we see that eating the Passover meal, and drinking from the cup after the Passover meal, signify acceptance of Messiah’s Betrothal Cup.

Let’s look further at the Passover Cup and its meaning.

The Passover Cup: The Blood of the New Covenant

The Passover cup is the Covenant in Yahushua’s Blood (Mt 26:28; Mk 14:24; Luke 22:20). This Blood of the Covenant is to be sprinkled upon both the Words, and upon the people. This is the Scriptural requirement for ratifying, or confirming of Yahuweh’s Covenant with His people (Heb 9:19-20; Exodus 24:8).

This sprinkling of Blood is also seen as a means of ‘marking’ those people who accept the terms of Yahuweh’s New Covenant, just as the Israelites’ houses were marked during the Passover in Egypt (Exodus 24:7-8; Heb 9:19-20).

Anyone who drinks from the Passover Cup of Redemption in Messiah’s Blood, thus sprinkles both the Words of the Covenant, and the People of the Covenant (one’s own person) concurrently.

We must not only see the importance of the Passover Cup, but we must also identify the Marriage Contract or Covenant. Let’s now identify the Words of the Covenant.

The Marriage Contract: The Words of the New Covenant

Most today would speak of only the New Testament writings as the Words of the New Covenant. But let’s see what the Scriptures tell us.

Yahushua tells us that the ‘foolish’ virgins are those who are slow of heart, for they do not believe (are not “DO-ers of) all that the Prophets have spoken (Luke 24:25). Let’s then look at what the Prophets have spoken about the New Covenant writings.

First, Jeremiah tells us that the Words of the New Covenant are the Words of Yahuweh’s Torah — His Instructions for His people — put within, and written on the heart of the Believer (Jer 31:31-33).

The sprinkling of the Blood of the covenant, thus ratifies or confirms each parties’ agreement with, and participation in, the Words of the Covenant; those who are thus sprinkled are bound to its terms and conditions, and to its performance.

As we will see below, those who choose to become bound or yoked to Messiah by His Blood Covenant, will also receive of His Grace to perform their part of the Covenant. But let us first understand the importance of confirming whether we are partakers of Messiah Yahushua, and His Covenant, or whether we have become partakers of the false Messiah, and the popular but counterfeit ‘new covenant,’ which is characteristic of Babylon.

The Passover Cup:Confirming the Covenant

Thus it is, that those who accept this Covenant in Messiah’s Blood must not do so lightly. When one drinks from the Passover Cup, he is actually ratifying, or confirming that He will be a partaker of Yahuweh’s New Covenant — also called the Everlasting Covenant — and he is now bound to keep the terms and provisions of this Everlasting Covenant (Luke 22:20; Heb 13:20).

But what are the terms of the Everlasting Covenant? We mentioned above that many today think that the New Testament is the sole container of the terms and provisions of the Everlasting Covenant. In order to see the complete terms and provisions of this Covenant, we must know where to look. Let’s look in Scripture at the ‘Book of the Covenant.’

The Book of the Covenant

The Book of the Covenant was found in the House of Yahuweh:

And the king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the passover unto the LORD your God, as it is written in the book of this covenant. (2Kings 23:21)

Note in the above passage that the keeping of Passover is written in the “Book of the Covenant.” It is noteworthy that the same Book of the Covenant is identified in (2Kings 22:11) as the “Book of the Torah,” and is the same “Book of the Covenant” written by Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24:3-4; 24:6-8).

Thus we see not only Jeremiah calling the Torah written on the heart the New Covenant, but now we see further confirmation that the keeping of Passover is a part of Yah’s ‘Book of the Covenant’ with His people.

Let’s now look at some specific terms and provisions of the Everlasting (New) Covenant, to see how Yahuweh expects His people to participate with Him in His Covenant.

The Everlasting Covenant:Some of its Terms

Notice a few of the terms and provisions of this Everlasting Covenant, also called the ‘New’ Covenant:

And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. 13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. 14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever<05769> [eternal, everlasting]. (Exodus 12:11-14)

Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. 22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. 23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. 24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever<05769> [eternal, everlasting]. (Exodus 12:21-24)

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. 14 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. 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. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual<05769> [eternal, everlasting] covenant. (Exodus 31:13-16)

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; 5 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<05769> [eternal, everlasting] name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the sons of the stranger[Gentiles], 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; 7 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. (Isaiah 56:4-7)

And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. 21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever<05769> [eternal, everlasting]. (Isaiah 59:20-21)

Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them [Lit. "that they might know 'I AM' who sanctifies them"]. 13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them. (Ezekiel 20:12-13)

I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; 20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God [Lit. "that they might know 'I AM' who is your 'Mighty One'"]. 21 Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness. (Ezekiel 20:19-21)

Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season. 3 In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it. (Numbers 9:2-3)

At this point, some would say that the above provisions are for only our Jewish Brethren to keep, and that Gentiles are somehow exempted. So let’s shine some further light on the New Covenant — to review, and to be reminded of, what the New Covenant is, and with whom it is made.

Gentiles Grafted In: Now Part of Israel

Let’s recall that the Everlasting (New) Covenant is to be made only with the house of Israel, and the house of Judah, but includes all (Gentiles) who are grafted-in to the ‘tree’ of Israel, by faith in Messiah (Jeremiah 31:31-33). The apostle Paul goes on to explain this ‘word to the Gentiles’ who follow Messiah:

 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 God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:12-13)

For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? (Romans 11:16-24)

Here Paul reminds us, that before we were ‘in’ Messiah, we were “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise….” Then Paul goes on to say, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Paul is saying that in Messiah, we are no longer far away from, but a part of, the commonwealth of Israel, and the Covenants of promise — but are invited to have a part in its promises, and its provisions!

Now let’s look at two of the ‘Covenants of Promise’ to which Paul refers in Ephesians, as revealed by the Prophet Jeremiah:

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law<08451>["Torah"] in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jeremiah 31:31-33)

In the above passage in Jer 31:33 we are given the promise of the New Covenant — and we are told the New Covenant consists of the placement of the Torah within the Believer, and the writing of the Torah in their hearts. But the Torah is the embodiment of all the individual Covenants and promises made to Yahuweh’s people, with the ultimate promise being Messiah Himself, living within His people.

Now notice another of the promises of His Covenant:

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.   (Ezekiel 36:25-28)

In the above passage in Eze 36:25-28, we see the promise of a new heart, the Spirit of Messiah (the Holy Spirit) put within the Believer. But notice also that one stated purpose of the Holy Spirit is to ’cause’ His people to walk in His Statutes, with the result that His people will keep His judgments (keep His mishpatim, all His Word, from Genesis through Malachi), and do them.

Folks, this means those who are ‘His people’ are being led by the Holy Spirit to keep Passover — just as Messiah did , for our example — and to keep all Yahuweh’s other Feasts and Sabbaths.

But how can we Keep all His Sabbaths, and His judgments? Let’s look.

The New Covenant: Only By Grace

We are reminded that Messiah must be the one who keeps both sides of His Everlasting (New) Covenant agreement with us, just as He did with Abraham:

And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. 18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: (Genesis 15:17-18)

In the above passage in Gen 15:17-18, we see an early-on Scripture illustration of the Grace of Yahushua, who will fulfill the Everlasting Covenant on our behalf.

As a ‘Smoking Furnace’ He fulfills His half of the Covenant provisions by His promise.

Then as a ‘Burning Lamp’ He fulfills our half of the Covenant provisions by His Grace — by giving us His Holy Ghost enablement — His ability, that we might walk in obedience to His Word.

As with Abraham, Messiah keeps both sides of His Everlasting Covenant agreement with us. He fulfills His provisions by His promise — and our provisions by His Grace — the Holy Ghost ability to walk in obedience.

However, in order for Him to fulfill our part of the Covenant, we must lay down our stubbornness and rebellion, and  begin to allow Him (living within us) to walk in obedience to His Everlasting Covenant.

We must lay down “our own understanding” — which is the ‘idol’ many follow, for they have substituted man’s understanding, and doctrines and commandments of men, for Father’s clear and simple Word. Any substitute for Yah’s Word is an idol, and is idolatry. We must say as Yahushua did, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

We must then begin to allow Yahushua Messiah (living within us) to walk in obedience to His Everlasting Covenant. We must choose whether we will be among the Wise Virgins, or the Foolish, at the arrival of the Bridegroom. We must therefore choose wisely.

Choosing Wisely

As part of our choosing wisely, let us be reminded that many have been called — commanded, invited, and called by name — to attend the great Wedding Feast of the King’s Son. But let’s notice the responses of some of those invited. We will look at two parallel passages:

Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper<1173> ["Feast"], and bade[called, invited] many: 17 And sent his servant at supper<1173> ["Feast"] time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper<1173> ["Feast"]. (Luke 14:16-24)

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,   3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.   Matthew 22:2-14 (Matthew 22:3-4)

First, notice in Matthew 22:9, that the command was given to “Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage<1062>, which includes a Marriage Feast or Marriage Supper.  Then we are told in Matthew 22:14, that “many are called, but few are chosen.”

Notice in this passage that the wording hints of the meaning that “many have been called, but few (have) chosen” — that is, few have made the choice to attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The few sought it out (in Scripture), the many did not.

The few made the effort to attend the Bridegroom’s Feasts, and stumbled into attending the Marriage Supper, almost by accident. Of the many, perhaps some had planned to attend on a different day — and so would not be bothered by the trouble of following the Bridegroom’s example, of walking in His footsteps.

Therefore, Dear Reader you too must choose, whether to be among the wise Virgins, or the Foolish.

Choose Wisely, Dear Reader.

Choose to participate in the Passover: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Choose to confirm your participation in Messiah’s New Covenant! ~

New Series:

The Mystery of Passover

As we draw closer to the time of the Bridegroom’s return, we are beginning to see more clearly some of the prophetic pictures for the Bride’s preparation. Of these pictures now coming into view, perhaps one of the most significant is the Mystery of Passover. In this short series, we will present three aspects of The Mystery of Passover that are highly relevant to the Bride, as they are a vital part of her preparation. This series includes the following segments:

Today we are beginning to see many Scripture passages which, when taken together, reveal the Marriage Supper of the Lamb as perhaps being among us today, even giving us many clues as to its identity. So let’s look at the Scriptures, and notice a few relevant truths of the Kingdom, and of Passover, and see how these might shed light on the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

The Kingdom is Within You

Let’s first look at an important feature of the Kingdom of Yahuweh, seen in the following passage:

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:20-21)

In the above passage, let’s look at the statement,

“…behold, the kingdom of God is<2076>[present tense]…”

As we have stated before, wherever we see the word, “Lo” or “Behold,” we understand all that follows is a prophetic revelation given to us for our greater understanding.

Notice first that the above passage tells us that the kingdom ‘is.’ The Greek verb esti is in the present tense, indicative mood, telling us there is a certain aspect of the Kingdom already present with us.

This one aspect of truth of the Kingdom already present is confirmed in other passages, all using a verb in either the present tense or the Greek aorist tense (similar to the English past tense). A few of these are:

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come [aorist(past) tense] unto you. (Matthew 12:28

But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come[aorist(past) tense] upon you. (Luke 11:20)

The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth[present tense] into it. (Luke 16:16)

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is [present tense] within you. (Luke 17:21)

For the kingdom of God is [present tense] not meat and drink; but (is) [present tense] righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17)

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [aorist(past) tense] us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:13)

Let’s focus now on one passage, and notice the wording,

“…behold, the kingdom of God is<2076>[present tense] within<1787> you…”

First, we see from the verb tense that the kingdom is already present;

Then we see that the kingdom is ‘within’ you. Here the word ‘within’ is the Greek word ‘entos,’ Strong’s number <2076>, which comes from Strong’s number <1722>, meaning “in, with, within, among.”

We now see the wording can be read as, “…Behold, the Kingdom of God is[already present][with or among] you.” (Luke 17:21a)

We may conclude from these Scriptures that certain aspects of the Kingdom are already active and present with us, and among us now.

Now if the Kingdom of Yahuweh is already present, with us or among us now — could the “Marriage Supper of the Lamb” be present also, with us or among us now, perhaps as a supper or Feast with which we are already familiar?

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Let’s look now at the Marriage Supper of the lamb, and observe some of its features. Note the following passage:

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage<1062> supper<1173> of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:9)

From the respective Strong’s number definitions of <1173> and <1062> seen in the above passage, we see that the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is a particular Feast, a formal one usually held at night-time; but this is a ‘marriage’ supper, which we would call a Wedding Feast. With this introduction, let’s notice some further features of this Feast-supper in the following passage:

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come<2064>, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (Revelation 19:7-8)

In the above passage we see the marriage of the Lamb “is come.” The word for “is come” is the Greek word ‘erchomai,’ Strong’s number <2064>, meaning “to come; to arrive; to appear; to become known.”

Thus we see in this passage that the marriage of the Lamb (which includes the Feast-supper) “is come” — perhaps telling us that the time has arrived, or perhaps its identity has “appeared, or become known.”

In light of the arrival, appearance or awareness of the identity of the Marriage Supper, we are then told in the above passage that His wife (the Bride) has made herself ready.

But what is the Marriage Supper? Has it become known to us already? Can we find it in Scripture? And how does the Lamb’s wife (the Bride) make herself ready?

We are not told explicitly what it is, but we have many clues given to us. Let’s look further.

Let us look more closely at the following passage:

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage<1062> supper<1173> of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:9)

In the above passage, the word for Marriage Supper is ‘deipnon’, Strong’s number <1173>, meaning “supper or Feast,” and has the same meaning as Strong’s <1160> ‘dapane’ meaning “cost or expense,” telling us this is not an ordinary supper, but one of great cost, such as a Feast.

We then see in verse 9, that this is the Marriage Supper “of the Lamb” (Messiah). The phrase “of the Lamb” expresses His ownership, telling us that the Marriage Supper or Feast is ‘His’ Feast. We are thus reminded that Yahuweh’s Feasts are called His Feasts:

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. 3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. 4 These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. 5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover. (Leviticus 23:2-5)

So we have our first clue that the Marriage Supper of the Lamb may appear among “My Feasts” listed in Torah.

Let’s look for further clues. Let’s look at some of Yahushua’s words in the Gospels.

The Marriage of the King’s Son

In Matthew 22 Yahushua speaks to us in a parable, wherein we are told that the Kingdom of heaven is likened to King who appointed a marriage or wedding for His Son:

And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage<1062> for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding<1062>: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: (therefore) come unto the marriage<1062>. (Matthew 22:1-4)

Our first clue here is that we are told that this is a parable of the Kingdom. As we saw earlier, there are certain aspects of the Kingdom that are active now, and present, with us and among us now.

The second clue is that the ‘dinner’ seen in this passage is a Marriage or Wedding Feast, and the tenor of this passage is “Behold, all things are ready, therefore come unto the marriage (feast)…,” or in other words, “Step #1 is done, therefore let us go to step #2, and celebrate the Feast.”

This same tenor can be seen in the apostle Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians:

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1Corinthians 5:7-8)

Here Paul reminds them that because Messiah our Passover Lamb (the sacrificial Lamb) has been sacrificed for us, therefore we are not only willing, but able, to keep the Feast. That is, because of Messiah’s Sacrifice, we are ‘without leaven,’ and are thus qualified to keep the Feast — to which is implied here as the Feast of Passover!

Again, we are referred to the apostle Paul’s exhortation for proper order during the Passover meal, which Paul calls the Lord’s Supper:

When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:20-24)

Here Paul reminds us that what He refers to in verse 20 as the Lord’s supper — is the Passover supper mentioned in verse 23-24. Paul is here telling us that this is the Lord’s supper — it is His Feast; and that without proper order, it is not truly His Feast!

So again we see ‘His’ Feast appearing not only among “My Feasts” listed in Torah, but in the Gospels, and again in the writings of Paul, we see reference to the Passover Feast.

Continuing in the parable in Matthew 22, let us notice some further details of the Marriage or Wedding Feast:

But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding<1062> is ready, but they which were bidden were not<3756> worthy<514>. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage<1062>. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding<1062> was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding<1062> garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding<1062> garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:5-14)

Here we are told that those first invited to the Wedding Feast were not worthy, therefore others were called to the Feast. The phrase “not worthy” reminds us of Paul’s exhortation in (1Co 11:23-31), where Believers are cautioned not to eat of the Passover Supper unworthily:

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily<<1><514>, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily<<1><514>, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (1 Corinthians 11:23-31)

This Greek word for unworthily stems from the same Greek adjective as that used in Matthew 22:8, where we are told those who were bidden were not worthy; and so again we see a connection between the Marriage supper and the Passover Supper.

With the parable of Matthew 22 in mind, let’s look at another clue from an almost parallel passage in Luke.

My Supper

There is a parallel passage in Luke 14:16-24, with many parallels to that of Matthew 22 seen above.

Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. (Luke 14:16-24)

First, let’s notice this passage is similar, almost a parallel to the passage in Matthew 22. It has many features in common with the Matthew 22 passage, but is distinctly different in one respect. The Matthew 22 passage is a parable of the Kingdom. The above passage in Luke 14, however, is not a parable.

Where we are told, “A certain man made a great supper…,” we are being given a statement of fact, an explanation of a scenario in the here and now. Together, the two passages tell us that the parable of the Kingdom in Matthew 22 is a parallel to the here and now scenario seen here in Luke 14.

Next we notice that “My Supper” in Luke 14:24 refers to the “Lord’s” Supper in the passage. We have already seen from Paul’s writings that the “Lord’s Supper” is referring to the well-known “Passover Supper.”

Putting all these clues together, we see even further evidence that the Marriage Supper could be the Passover supper or Feast. The Passover Supper fits the description, for the Passover meal has all the elements of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb:

• Passover has Messiah as the King’s Son, as the central figure, who is betrothed to marry a Bride;
• Passover has Messiah as the sacrificial Lamb;
• Passover has Lamb as the main course to be eaten;
• Passover has the features of a Wedding Betrothal ceremony;
• Passover has the features of a supper, for it is eaten after sunset;
• Passover has the features of a Feast, for it is among “My Feasts” in Scripture;
• Passover has the features of a Marriage Covenant;
• Passover is the only current Feast having all the features of a Marriage, a Supper, and a Lamb;
• Passover is celebrated as a memorial, currently by Messiah’s Disciples;
• Passover will be celebrated as a memorial, forever, into eternity, by all of Yahuweh’s people.

With these clues in hand, we are now ready to look at some of the features of the Passover Supper, and how it Confirms the New Covenant.~