Most Often Asked
Q
Does it really matter whether we use the Hebrew Yasha or the English "Jesus"? Doesnt He know what is in our heart?A
In the first place Yasha is the English of the Hebrew characters (#y, [reading from right to left] and second, the name "Jesus" is Latin and is a transliteration [bringing a word from one language to another, sound for sound] of the Hellenist word "Iesous" which isnt a translation from any Greek word meaning save, Savior, or salvation, but is a substitution. [See our study "Blotting out His Name".]He does know that you are referring to Him when you pray in the name of "Jesus" and He has "winked at your ignorance, but NOW commands all to repent" [Acts 17:30]. He spoke through David and asked us these questions: "If we have forgotten the name of our Ruler, or stretched out our hands to a strange mighty one; {21} Shall not the Ruler search this out? For he knows the secrets of the heart." Psalm 44:20, 21.
What is really in the heart?
"...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34.
"For this peoples heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." Matthew 13:15.
"This people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." Matthew 15:8.
"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." Matthew 15:18.
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34.
"Then He said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken." Luke 24:25.
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9.
"This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, Which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, will even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing." Jeremiah 13:10.
Do we really know our own heart? Are you absolutely sure that the "god" you worship is the Creator of all things? It made a difference on Mount Carmel [1 Kings 18], and it makes a difference especially today. [Revelation 14:1-12.]
Q
When the Savior says "It is Written" doesnt He mean we are to take the whole Bible, Old and New Testaments, just as it reads?A
He did not say "It is translated" but "It is Written." He was referring to the Old Testament Scriptures, since the New Testament hadnt been written at that time. When we are counseled to take a "Thus says the Scriptures" we must refer to "The Law, and the Testimony." Isaiah 8:20.The New Testament that we have today has been Hellenized just as Antiochus Epiphanes did in "the year one hundred and forty five" [B.C.E.]. He erected the horrible abomination...", [1 Maccabees 1:54.] and instructed his whole kingdom that all should be one people, each abandoning his particular custom" 1 Maccabees 1:41, 42. [One world government]. We do not use the Maccabees as inspired writers, for we do not believe they were inspired, but as a historical record of the 400 years between Malachi and Matthew.
"Not long after this the king sent an Athenian senator to force the Jews to abandon the customs of their ancestors and live no longer by the laws of God; also to profane the temple in Jerusalem and dedicate it to Olympian Zeus, and that on Mount Gerizim to Zeus the Hospitable, as the inhabitants of the place requested." 2 Maccabees 6:1, 2. [See also verses 6-11, it is amazing how it appears to be talking about the last days and the death decree.]
In translating the New Testament to reflect the Hebrew authors inspired thoughts, we must use the standard "To the Law, and the Testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20. No where in the Old Testament will you find the name "Jesus Christ", that name did not originate there, but in Rome along with the "Society of Jesus Christ", better know as the "Jesuits".
The Scriptures tell us that the scribes [translators] will write it wrong. [Jeremiah 8:8, 9.] Do you see why it is so important for us to search for the truth hidden under the "rubbish of error"? The Old Testament Scriptures are the key to unlock the truths in the New Testament, and restore the truths written by the Inspired writers.
Q
Is it really important for our salvation that we pronounce a certain name?A
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. This Scripture tells us that there is only one name by which we can be saved! Is it important to know that ONE name? We think so!"If any man worship the beast and his image and receive his mark in his forehead or his hand, the same will drink of the wine of the wrath of Yah, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation..." for those "who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name." Revelation 14:9, 10, 11.
"The great decision now to be made by everyone is, whether he receives the mark of the beast and his image, or the seal of the living and true God." SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, page 977.
"Each Sabbath institution, both true and false, bears the name of its author, an ineffaceable mark that shows the authority of each." SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, page 977. [See also page 981.]
"And consecrate My Sabbath; and they will be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am Yah your Ruler." Ezekiel 20:20, name restored. [See Psalm 68:4, and Exodus 3:14, for His true name.]
What is the Sabbath a sign of? "That you may know that I am Yah your Ruler." That we may know Yah! Saturday is not a sign of the true Creator. Saturday is not anything. A man who keeps Saturday can do so without knowing Yah just as he can keep Sunday without knowing Yah; but he cant truly keep the Sabbath, the 7th day of the week, without knowing Yah. There are 3 classes of observes of a day in the world: there are Sunday-keepers, Saturday-keepers, and Sabbath-keepers. What Yah, the Creator, wants is Sabbath-keepers. But there has been too many Saturday-keepers pretending to be Sabbath-keepers; that is one of the falsehoods of these last days.
Does it make a difference? That is what the Great Controversy is all about. Who do you worship?
Q
If I use the name "Jesus Christ", am I breaking any of the Commandments, will I be saved?A
The 3rd Commandment tells us not to take His name in vain [or falsely, forsake, desolate, to rush over, idolatry, uselessness or destroy]. The name "Jesus Christ" is not the name the angel gave to Joseph before the birth of the Savior. [Matthew 1:21.] The name "Jesus Christ" is only 500 years old. So to use this name when calling on the Savior is to violate the first 4 Commandments. We are told that if we break one of the Commandments we have broken them all. [James 2:10]."Those who dishonor God by transgressing His law may talk sanctification, but it is of that value, and just acceptable, as was the offering of Cain. Obedience to all the Commandments of God is the only true sign of sanctification. Disobedience is the sign of disloyalty and apostasy." SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, page 908.
The Savior said He came not to destroy the law but to fulfill its requirements. He said not one "yod" "y" [the 10th letter in the Hebrew alphabet and represents our "Y" sound] would pass from the Law until all is completed. There is a "Yod" in the Saviors name, Yasha, and the Fathers name, Yah.
The issue at the end of time will be between the 10 Commandments of Yah and the commandments of men. The kingdom of heaven; or the kingdom of men. Who will you serve? You can not serve two masters!
"Blessed are they that obey His Commandments, that they may have right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Revelation 22:14.
Q
Some claim that because our Savior cried out to His Father while on the cross, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthami, that is to say, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:46, that therefore it is proper to use the English translated title "God" in reference to our Father in heaven today. Do you agree?A
"God" is not a translation, but a substitution. However, the Savior did not say "Eli, Eli..." This is a good example of how the translators wrote it wrong. [Jeremiah 8:8,9]What our Savior actually said was "My Yil Yah, My Yil Yah..." How do we know this? Verse 47 says, "And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "This man is calling Elijah." That is what the people heard Him say. Yil means Ruler, Mighty One - Powerful One, or Strength. "God" is not a proper English translation or transliteration [sound for sound] from Yil! Yah is His Fathers name. We all know He wasnt calling on Elijah, the prophet, therefore He was calling on His Yil Yah! This is just one of many examples of the Scriptures interpreting Scripture.
Q
Why isnt the sacred Name found in our Bibles? If it were that important, you would think that it would be there.A
The Fathers name is in the Old Testament under Psalm 68:4, and under LORD in capital letters in the Old Testament. Also under I AM in Exodus 3:14. We have been warned that the "scribes would write it wrong." Jeremiah 8:8, 9. As far as the Saviors name, you will find it in the Old Testament under Savior, and salvation. [See Isaiah 62:11, Obadiah 21, and Zechariah 9:9] However, we wont find His name in the New Testament because He was accused of blasphemy, [Matthew 26:63-66; Luke 22:67-71] which is punishable by death, and His name was to be blotted out of Israel. [Leviticus 24:16; Deuteronomy 29:20]The Sanhedrin forbid the disciples to speak, or preach in the Saviors name. [See our study "Blotting out His Name".]
The Greeks substituted their savior god "Zeus" for our Saviors name, since His name couldnt be written. An example of this is in the original 1611 KJV under Luke 4:27. "And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elizeus the Prophet: and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian."
Do you really believe our Savior would mistakenly call one of His prophets "Elizeus" rather than his name "Elisha"? Never!
We must dig for the hidden treasure!
Paul tells us "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other glad tidings to you than that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. {9} As we said before, so I say now again, If any man preach any other glad tidings to you than that you have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8, 9.
The glad tidings that Paul gave to the world could not have possibly used the name "Jesus Christ" because that name didnt exist until the 1600s, the time of the Jesuits. We are under a curse and the only way we will know all truth is to pray for the Spirit to lead us through the Scriptures, and dig for the hidden treasure.
There is a power working in our world that "thinks to change times and laws." Daniel 7:25. This has been done and it is up to each individual to search the Scriptures for himself so he will know all truth, and not be deceived. [Matthew 24:4]
Q
The Sacred Name doctrine creates a division between those who accept their Saviors Name as "Jesus" and also consider the titles "God" and "Lord" acceptable, and those who do not. Should you be causing such division?A
The titles "God" and "Lord" may be acceptable to man, but not to the Creator. "But He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but the Almighty knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of the Almighty." Luke 16:15.We are not causing the division, the division is caused by opposition to the truth. "...if hearts are teachable, there will be no divisions among us." [Testimonies to Ministers 30.] The Savior caused division by speaking truth. He said, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace on the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a mans foes will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who does not take his cross and follows Me is not worthy of Me." Matthew 10:34-38.
Are we tied to this world by even a thread? Do we love our families, churches, cherished ideas more than the Savior? He must be our first love.
Baal is translated "Lord". In Elijahs time the people were calling upon Baal to bring the literal rain, today the people are calling upon the "Lord" for the Latter rain. What does Scripture say about this? "Are there any among the fallen idols of the nations that can make rain? Or can the heavens give copious showers? Who but You alone, O Yah our Ruler? We wait for You, to help us." Jeremiah 14:22. [Name restored]
"Are we worshipers of Jehovah, or of Baal? of the Living God, or of idols? No outward shrines may be visible; there may be no image for the eye to rest upon; yet we may be practicing idolatry. It is as easy to make an idol of cherished ideas or objects as to fashion gods of wood or stone. Thousands have a false conception of God and His attributes. They are as verily serving a false god as were the servants of Baal." 1 SDA Bible Commentary page 1105.
Why did the Creator have the priests of Baal [the Lord] killed right then?
"The priests of Baal witness with consternation the wonderful revelation of Gods power. Yet even in their discomfiture and in the presence of Infinite majesty, they refuse to repent of their evil doing. They would still remain the prophets of Baal [the Lord]. Thus they showed themselves ripe for destruction. That repentant Israel may be protected from the allurements of those who have taught them to worship Baal, Elijah is directed by God to destroy these false teachers." Prophets and Kings, pages 153, 154.
His Word tells us that it is idol worship to speak the name of another god, [Exodus 23:13] and His Word tells us not to call Him "Lord" any more and so does the Spirit of Prophecy. [Hosea 2:16; Testimonies Vol., page 409].
"Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has the Messiah with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of Yah with idols? For you are the temple of the living Mighty One; as Yah has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their Mighty One, and they will be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and touch not the unclean; and I will receive you, and will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says Yah, the Almighty Ruler." 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, name and titles restored.
To be His people, we must call those who are in Babylon to be separate and come out from darkness into His marvelous light. This means not just Babylon the Great and her daughters, but we must also separate from the wine of Babylon, her false doctrines, for they are doctrines of devils. [Revelation 18:2]
Q
You often quote John 5:43, "I am come in My Fathers name..." arent you aware that this means He came in His Fathers authority, and character?A
"The worlds Redeemer was equal with God. His authority was as the authority of God. He declared that He had no existence separate from the Father. The authority by which He spoke, and wrought miracles, was expressly His own, yet He assures us that He and the Father are one [united]." SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, page 1142.In John 5:27 the word "authority" is an entirely different word then that used in 5:43 for "name". In this text "name" means "name", when we take the Bible just as it reads.
"The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed. These men are false teachers. It was to such a class that [the Savior] declared: "Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God." Mark 12:24. The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed." Great Controversy pg. 599.
"All that [the Savior] asks of you is to accept the truth of the glad tidings just as it reads. Its requirements are plain and right to the point. All God requires of you is to believe His Word, to accept a "Thus says [Yah]." Gods requirements are His communications to His human family. He speaks to them as intelligent, reasoning agencies, who are responsible to render to Him the fruit of righteousness." The Upward Look, page 144.
Q
But what about all those other names for the Heavenly Father that we read of in the Bible? Cant we also call Him these as well?A
"...Thus you will say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you...this is My name for ever, and this is MY MEMORIAL TO ALL NATIONS." Exodus 3:14, 15.His name is a memorial just as the Sabbath is a memorial. You cant remember one without the other. They go together.
The translators translated His name to its meaning instead of transliterating it sound for sound. What He actually said was "I am Yah". David has told us also that His name is Yah and that we are to praise Him by that name. Psalm 68:4.
When the Savior came to this earth as Immanuel He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6.
Special titles are given to show the power and scope of His being and character. They define Him but dont name Him. Just as we might call our spouse honey or sweetheart to show the relationship between us, so the Almighty has allowed Himself to be called other appellatives as well. But His Name is still Yah. His Son is the Savior, Salvation, Deliverer He has sent to this earth - Yasha.
Abraham gave Him the appellation "Yah Yireh, Genesis 22:14. Moses gave Him the appellation YAH Nissi, Exodus 17:15, and Gideon gave Him the appellation YAH Shalom, Judges 6:24. Men gave Him the titles, but He gave us His name, YAH [ hy].
Q
Shouldnt we listen to the scholars at the Bible Research Center? They have spent years in research, wouldnt they know if His name was important for us today?A
"But the angels, with the glad tidings of the birth of the Savior, are sent to the humble shepherds, and not to the learned Jews, [Pharisees] who profess to be the expounders of prophecy; for they have no heart to receive it." Spirit of Prophecy #2, pg. 17."One reason why many theologians have no clearer understanding of Gods Word is, they close their eyes to truths which they do not wish to practice. An understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness." Great Controversy, pg. 599.
"Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in the place of God. He leads the people to look to bishops, to pastors, to professors of theology, as their guides, instead of searching the Scriptures to learn their duty for themselves. Then, by controlling the minds of these leaders, he can influence the multitudes according to his will." GC, pg. 595.
"The chief of the priesthood and the leading men of the nation were determined to condemn and repudiate His teachings...These opponents of [the Savior] were men whom the people had been taught from infancy to reverence, to whose authority they had been accustomed implicitly to bow. "How is it," they asked, "that our rulers and learned scribes do not believe on [the Savior]? Would not these pious men receive Him if He were the Messiah? It was the influence of such teachers that led the Hebrew nation to reject their Redeemer.
"The spirit which actuated those priests and rulers is still manifested by many who make a high profession of piety. They refuse to examine the testimony of the Scriptures concerning the special truths for this time. They pointed to their own numbers, wealth, and popularity, and look with contempt upon the advocates of truth as few, poor, and unpopular, having a faith that separates them from the world.
"The Messiah foresaw that the undue assumption of authority indulged by the scribes and Pharisees would not cease with the dispersion of the Jews. He had a prophetic view of the work of exalting human authority to rule the conscience, which has been so terrible a curse to the church in all ages. And His fearful denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees, and His warnings to the people not to follow these blind leaders, were placed on record as an admonition to future generations." Great Controversy pg. 595, 596.
"The angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this Life." We see here that the men in authority are not always to be obeyed, even though they may profess to be teachers of Bible doctrine." Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers pg. 69
"But we see that the God of heaven sometimes commissions men to teach that which is regarded as contrary to the established doctrines. Because those who were once the depositaries of truth became unfaithful to their sacred trust, the Lord chose others who would receive the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and would advocate truths that were not in accordance with the ideas of the religious leaders. And then these leaders, in the blindness of their minds, give full sway to what is supposed to be righteous indignation against the ones who have set aside cherished fables. They act like men who have lost their reason. They do not consider the possibility that they themselves have not rightly understood the word. They will not open their eyes to discern the fact that they have misinterpreted and misapplied the Scriptures, and have built up false theories, CALLING THEM FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH." Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers pg. 69, 70. [Emphasis ours]
We must search the Scriptures for ourselves. Our eternal life depends upon it.
Q
I dont have a good memory. I cant remember where the texts are that I want to share with someone. How can I remember better?A
The Savior promised His disciples: "The Comforter, which is the Eternal Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you." John 14:26. However, the teachings of the Savior must previously have been stored in the mind in order for His Spirit to bring them to our remembrance in the time of peril. "Your word have I hid in my heart," said David, "that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11.When you have read His Word and stored it in your memory, He has promised that His Spirit would bring it to your remembrance just when it is needed. Halleluyah!
Q
Why are there so many contradictions in the Bible? Such as the LORD said "the house called by My name". Where do we have a house, or temple, called by His name?A
There is no house called by His name, and here is why. "Constantly extolled by men of the world, he [Solomon] was at length unable to withstand the flattery offered him. The wisdom entrusted to him that he might magnify the Giver, filled him with pride. He finally permitted men to speak of him as the one most worthy of praise for the matchless splendor of the building planned and erected for the honor of "the name of the LORD God of Israel.""Thus it was that the temple of Jehovah came to be known throughout the nations as "Solomons temple." The human agent had taken to himself the glory [honor] that belonged to the One "higher than the highest." Ecclesiastes 5:8. Even to this day the temple of which Solomon declared, "This house which I have built is called by Thy name" (2 Chronicles 6:33), is oftenest spoken of, not as the temple of Jehovah, but as "Solomons temple." Prophets and Kings, page 68.
The last generation will understand all things. When they dig for the truths as inspired by the prophets of Yah, they will see that the translators have written them wrong. [Jeremiah 8:8, 9]. However, with the aid of Yahs Spirit, you will be brought into all truth.
It is true there are many contradictions in the translations we have today, but when you test any truth by "the Law, and the Testimony" you will see perfect harmony in His word.
Q
Arent the Jews Gods people? They say the Saviors name is "Yeshua". Why dont you believe them?A
The Hebrews, or children of Israel, were His chosen people to bring truth to the world and honor their Creator. However, they failed to listen to His voice and walk in His ways and therefore His promises no longer just apply to them. They were cast out as a nation, cut off from the vine, but individually they have a right to His promises only when they are converted. The name "Yeshua" [which means saving, salvation and deliverance] is in the Hebrew Scriptures, but always as a verb, from the prime root "Yasha". But the texts which show Salvation coming with His rewards, [Isaiah 62:11], and our Salvation riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, [Zechariah 9:9], and our Savior coming to Mount Zion to give the kingdom to the LORD, [Obadiah 21], is YASHA. Scripture is our guide, not man. The "Hebrew" word "Yeshua" is the same as the word "Jesus" and "Jesuit"."They [those of Judah] claimed to be the descendants of Abraham, and looked upon every promise made to Israel as theirs. But the Israel of God are those who are converted, not those who are the lineal descendants of Abraham. "What advantage then has the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that to them were committed the oracles of God" [Romans 3:1, 2]. "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 God." [chap. 2:28, 29]. The Upward Look, pg. 80.
"The Jewish religion as it is today traces its descent, without a break, through all the centuries, from the Pharisees. Their leading ideas and methods found expression in a literature of enormous extent, of which a very great deal is still in existence. The TALMUD is the largest and most important single piece of that literature . . .and the study of it is essential for any real understanding of Pharisaism." Universal Jewish Encyclopedia (1943) [See Matthew 23].
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in the [Messiah]. And if you are the Messiahs, then you are Abrahams ancestors, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:28, 29.
There are 4 ways the word "Israel" is used in the Scriptures.
1. Jacobs name was changed because he "persevered with the Almighty and won."
2. The 12 sons of Jacob, were referred to as Israel.
3. The 10 tribes that split off were called the 10 tribes of Israel.
4. Those who are the remnant - overcomers, are spiritual Israel.
Those who call themselves "Jews" today, may only comprise the tribe of "Judah", but the rest of us could be from the lost tribes. The saved of all nations will go into the New Jerusalem through one of the gates bearing the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. However, the City is an apostolic city for the foundation is named for the 12 Apostles.
Q
Just about every church believes they are the truth church. Doesnt the Savior have one church that is following Him all the way?A
Yes, "God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" [Matthew 18:20]. Where [the Messiah] is even among the humble few, this is [the Messiahs] church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute a church." The Upward Look, pg. 315.Q
Is there really anything wrong in having a picture of the Savior in your home?A
In the Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible #4 page 956, under "Zeus" it says, "In the representations of sculpture, he sits enthroned in majesty, grave but kindly this form is subsequently adapted in Christian art for the representation of Christ enthroned and of God the Father. Always the greatest of the Greek gods, the undisputed master of Olympus Zeus he becomes in later Greek religion a symbol of divinity itself."Those pictures you call the Savior, are nothing but a representation of Zeus, and is a violation of the 2nd Commandment. No one living today knows what the Savior looks like. "...Would not the mind have clearer, more perfect idea of angels, of [the Messiah], of all spiritual things, if no pictures were made to represent heavenly things? Many of the pictures made are grossly false as far as truth is concerned. Do not pictures so far removed from the truth give voice to falsehoods?..." Counsel to Writers page 171.
"The Jews, after their long captivity, would not make any image. The image on the Roman ensign or banner, they called an abomination, especially when these emblems were placed in a prominent place for them to respect. Such respect they regarded as a violation of the second commandment. When the Roman ensign was set up in the holy place in the temple, they looked upon it as an abomination.
"To make an image of God dishonors Him. No one should bring into serve the power of imagination to worship that which belittles God in the mind and associates Him with common things. Those who worship God must worship Him in spirit and in truth. They must exercise living faith. Their worship will then be controlled not by the imagination, but by genuine faith." 4 Bible Commentary page 1145.
Q
The Savior prayed for unity with His people, but the message of His Name has caused nothing but division. Where is that unity the Savior prayed for?A
"[The Messiah] calls for unity. But He does not call for us to unify on wrong practices. The God of heaven draws a sharp contrast between pure, elevating, ennobling truth and false, misleading doctrines. He calls sin and impenitence by the right name. He does not gloss over wrongdoing with a coat of untempered mortar. I urge our brethren to unify upon a true, Scriptural basis." 1 Selected Messages pg. 175."Every plant, which My heavenly Father has not planted, shall be rooted up." Matthew 15:13. The customs and traditions so highly valued by the rabbis were of this world, not from heaven. However great their authority with the people, they could not endure the testing of God. Every human invention that has been substituted for the Commandments of God will be found worthless in that day when "God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Eccl. 12:14. Desire of Ages pg. 398.
"The substitution of the precepts of men for the Commandments of God has not ceased. Even among "Christians" are found institutions and usages that have no better foundation than the traditions of the fathers. Such institutions, resting upon mere human authority, have supplanted those of divine appointment. Men cling to their traditions, and revere their customs, and cherish hatred against those who seek to show them their error." Desire of Ages pg. 398.
"...In place of the authority of the so-called fathers of the church, God bids us accept the word of the eternal Father, the Lord of heaven and earth. Here alone is truth unmixed with error. David said, "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, [elders] because I keep Thy precepts." Psalm 119:99, 100. Let all who accept human authority, the customs of the church, or the traditions of the fathers, take heed to the warning conveyed in the words of [the Messiah], "In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9.
"After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an absolute necessity if they would obey the word of God. They dared not tolerate errors fatal to their own souls, and set an example which would imperil the faith of their children and childrens children. To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would be to dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war." Great Controversy pg. 45.
"There are many today who feel indignant and aggrieved that any voice should be raised presenting ideas that differ from their own in regard to points of religious belief. Have they not long advocated their ideas as truth? So the priests and rabbis reasoned in apostolic days: What mean these men who are unlearned, some of them mere fishermen, who are presenting ideas contrary to the doctrines which the learned priests and rulers are teaching the people? They have no right to meddle with the fundamental principles of our faith." Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers page 69.
"But the Holy spirit will, from time to time, reveal the truth through its own chosen agencies; and no man, not even a priest or ruler, has a right to say, You shall not give publicity to your opinions, because I do not believe them. That wonderful "I" may attempt to put down the Holy Spirits teaching. Men may for a time attempt to smother it and kill it; but that will not make error truth, or truth error. The inventive minds of men have advanced speculative opinions in various lines, and when the Holy Spirit lets light shine into human minds, it does not respect every point of mans application of the word. God impressed His servants to speak the truth irrespective of what men had taken for granted as truth. Even Seventh-day Adventists are in danger of closing their eyes to truth as it is in [the Savior], because it contradicts something which they have taken for granted as truth but which the Holy Spirit teaches is not truth." Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers pages 70, 71.
Q What was it the 5 wise virgins had that the 5 foolish virgins were lacking? [Matthew 25:1-13]
A
The oil represents the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit has been promised to His people who are serving Him totally. The Parable of the virgins represents His professed people in the very last part of time. The wise virgins have listened to the Spirit and have extra strength and power to take them through to the end. This is the out pouring of the Latter Rain that the sincere will receive, but that the unwise will say isnt important, but at the last moment they realize there is something to what the wise have been trying to tell them, but it is too late. The Spirit was poured out on all people, but it was up to each individual to accept or reject the Spirits teachings.We believe one of the present precious truths is His Name to be restored by those, who like Elijah, have the spirit and power to give the 3 angels messages to the world. [Revelation 14:6-12]
asked a question in Proverbs 30:4. "...what is His name and what is His Sons name, if you can tell?" Solomon also said, "Because of the savor of thy good ointments Thy Name is as oil poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee." Song of Songs, 1:3.Q
What is the Latter Rain?A
"Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of My mouth. {2} My doctrine will drop as the rain, My speech will distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: {3} Because I will PUBLISH THE NAME OF THE LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. {4} He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a god of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." Deuteronomy 32:1-4.His rain is His doctrines and those who receive it will "publish the name of Yah"! This is the message we must understand. Otherwise how will you be sealed, if you dont know Who it is that is sealing you, through His Spirit for eternity?
Q
Dont you believe the New Testament prophets wrote in the Greek language and therefore the Greek "Jesus" is acceptable?A
First, let us make one thing clear. The word "Greek" is a Latin word. Here is a quote from the SDA Bible Dictionary page 422. "Grecians. See Greek (s); Hellenist." "Greece [Heb. Yawan (should be Yavan); Gr. Helas. The names Greek and Greece have come to us from Latin Graecus and Graecis...]"The correct word is "Hellenist". Now! Do we believe the New Testament was originally written in the Hellenist language? Absolutely not!
Second, the name "Jesus" is not Greek but Latin, and was taken from the Hellenist "Iesous" which means "the son of Zeus".
When the apostles were forbidden to preach or write in the Saviors true name because He had been accused of blasphemy, and after the apostles death, the gentile believers took the writings of the apostles and translated them into the Hellenist language and substituted their savior god "Zeus" for the true Savior, Yasha.
We know this was a substitution instead of a translation because;
Would our Savior really call the prophet Elisha, "Elizeus"? Never! Please dont get us wrong. The New Testament has the truth in it, but it has been changed to reflect the "idols" of those who believed that their savior god was the same savior, but with just a different name.
"The priesthood in Jerusalem had long resisted the Greek attitude that their God was the same Zeus worshiped by the Greeks..." Great People of the Bible and How They Lived, published by Readers Digest, page 283.
This was also done in the past, before the Savior came the first time and it has happened again. The ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, will take place when Satan comes in the name of "Jesus Christ" and claims to be the Messiah and sets up his kingdom in the once holy place in Jerusalem and the human Temple of mans heart, just as he did through Antiochus Epiphanes as recorded in the history of 1 Maccabees 1:41-63, and 2 Maccabees 6:1-11.
"In the Holy City of Jerusalem, Jewish priests offered sacrifices to the Lord of Israel, while at Sebaste, only 30 miles away, pagan priests held rites in honor of the Roman god Jupiter. Only half of Palestines population was now Jewish." Great People of the Bible and How They Lived, Published by Readers Digest, pg. 308.
The Roman "Jupiter" is the same as the Greek god "Zeus". "On the Greek coin is the hated Secleucid king Antiochus IV, whose persecution of the Jews led to the Maccabean revolt. This chauvinistic Syrian, claimed divine status, often had his portrait used for that of the Greek god Zeus." Ibid page 288.
"Most of the boys learned the ancient Hebrew language in the synagogue classroom, because at home and among themselves most of them spoke Aramaic, a language related to Hebrew that had come into use since the Exile. Each region in Palestine had developed its own particular dialect of Aramaic, and a man from Judea could easily identify a Galilean by his distinct accent." Ibid page 309.
This is why when Peter denied the Savior, they could tell he was from Galilee. [See Luke 22:59].
But for those of you who believe in the Spirit of Prophecy, listen to what was said about the disciples learning Greek.
"What is higher education? No education can be called higher education unless it bears the similitude of heaven, unless it leads young men and young women to be [like the Messiah], and fits them to stand at the head of their families in the place of God. If, during his school life, a young man has failed to gain a knowledge of Greek and Latin and the sentiments contained in the works of infidel authors, he has not sustained much loss. If [the Savior] had deemed this kind of education essential, would He not have given it to His disciples, whom He was educating to do the greatest work ever committed to mortals, to represent Him in the world? But, instead, He placed sacred truth in their hands, to be given to the world in its simplicity." Fundamentals of Education pages 467, 468.
"There are times when Greek and Latin scholars are needed. Some must study these languages. This is well. But not all, and not many should study them. Those who think that a knowledge of Greek and Latin is essential to a higher education, cannot see afar off. Neither is a knowledge of the mysteries of that which the men of the world call science necessary for entrance into the kingdom of God. It is Satan who fills the mind with sophistry and tradition, which exclude the true higher education, and which will perish with the learner." Fundamentals of Education pages 468.
The "Greeks" dont have the "H" or "SH" sound in their language. This is why we have Sabbath instead of Shabat; Solomon instead of Shalomoh; Seth instead of Shet. They have taken the H off of Halleluyah and this is why in Revelation 19:1, 3, 4 and 6 we have Alleluia. And Eve instead of Havah.
We have been told by our Savior to go by an "It is Written." He was referring to the Old Testament "Law and Testimonies". Any writings, including the New Testament must be compared to this standard, and if they are not in harmony, it is because they have been translated wrong. [Jeremiah 8:8, 9.]
The Hellenist New Testament is not in harmony with "The Law and the Testimony", it is a wrong translation, but the original New Testament is in total harmony with the writings of the ancient prophets. When His truth is restored to its proper place, the truth will unmask Satan and his hoax to deceive the whole world.
"Your people will rebuild what has long been in ruins, you will raise up the foundations of many generations; you will be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in." Isaiah 58:12.
"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 3.
"Faith in a lie will not have a sanctifying influence upon the life or character. No error is truth, or can be made truth by repetition, or by faith in it. Sincerity will never save a soul from the consequences of believing an error. Without sincerity there is no true religion, but sincerity in a false religion will never save a man. I may be perfectly sincere in following a wrong road, but that will not make it the right road, or bring me to the place I wished to reach. The Lord does not want us to have a blind credulity*, and call that the faith that sanctifies. The truth is the principle that sanctifies, and therefore it becomes us to know what is truth. We must compare spiritual things with spiritual. We must prove all things, but hold fast only that which is good, that which bears the divine credentials, which lays before us the true motives and principles which should prompt us to action." 2 Selected Messages page 56. [* credulity=gullible, ready to believe without proof.]
There are 3 teachings that our Creator and Savior has Commanded us to remember. Do you know what they are?
1. Exodus 3:15. His Name.
2. Exodus 20:8-11. His Sabbath.
3. 1 Corinthians 11:24-26. His death.
"Study to show yourself approved unto Yah, a workman that needs not to be ashamed!"
The Final Scenario
The whole world sits waiting for the Second Coming of their Savior. They watch for the signs spoken of by the prophets, everyone with perhaps a slightly different interpretation of the events. Then suddenly Satan comes claiming to be "Jesus Christ". [John 5:43] He appears in the very image of the one hanging on the walls of millions of homes. He calls fire down out of heaven, performing all manner of wonderful miracles. The people marvel at this man of sin as they bow down and worship him.
But wait! A small group warns the multitude that this is not the Messiah they have been waiting for, this one calling himself "Jesus" is the anti Messiah. They point to the prophecies, to no avail. The crowd attacks them calling out "Blasphemy" in Satans defense.
Satan stands to defend himself, pointing to Scripture he says, "You have mis-interpreted my words, let me give you the interpretation of these prophecies." Then with his near perfect knowledge of the Scriptures, he convinces all that listen, that his interpretation of prophecy is flawless and that he truly is the savior they have all been waiting for. Christians, Jews, Moslems, Mystics and Atheists alike can find no fault with his explanations.
But there is still that small number who have not been caught up in this hoax. Why? It is not because they were aware of coming events, nor is it because they have kept the Sabbath. The only reason they are not deceived by this master of deception is because they were not waiting for the return of one calling himself "Jesus Christ". In their diligent study of Scripture they had uncovered the key to the "Greatest Hoax Ever Perpetrated on Mankind". They have seen that Satan would supplant his own name and his image in the human temple, in minds of believers, where it ought not to be. This is the Abomination of Desolation spoken of by Daniel. The Elect see and understand the warnings given by the Savior and the prophets concerning the names, both true and false, and are not deceived by the compelling evidence to the contrary. They know in whom they worship.
There are three steps in Satans Hoax that make it possible.
First, Satan set the stage by supplanting his name and his image in the human temple.
Second, He comes claiming to be the promised Messiah "Jesus Christ" and convinces all who listen that he truly is the promised Savior.
Third, He claims that he has come to set up his kingdom, his one world government, as prophesied and proceeds to perform many miracles as evidence of his power.
This event fulfills his own desire and the claim he made in the very beginning and which John the Revelator says will comes true. [Revelation 13:4]
"I will ascend to heaven;
I
will raise my throne above the Prince of Yah;I
will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:I
will ascend above the angels;I
will make myself like the Most High.[Isaiah 14:13, 14 revised].
There have been many warnings in the Scriptures and prophecies throughout the ages concerning this Hoax, but surface readers will always fail to uncover it, you must dig for the hidden treasure. Show yourself approved unto Yah.
Following are 4 reasons why you should want to search it out.
Our prayer is that you will consider these last 3 points as you pray for the guidance of His Infinite Spirit in this matter.