Lawlessness

Shalom Fellow Israelite,

That we are living in one of the most potentially perilous times in history can’t be overstated; this being so not only in the physical or natural sense, but also spiritually. One major example of such lurking danger is the ecumenical movement, which took a mighty leap forward with the advent of the Charismatic movement (circa 1967), and has been relentless ever since.  In fact, in our day strong affiliations are being cemented and have become quite the ‘norm’ in various “Christian” circles. 

Yeshua warned us that in the latter days, “many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:11-12).  Paul adds to this one of the most sobering statements: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Mashiach. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness…” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).  The above usage of “Mashiach” is in reference to the anointing of the Holy Spirit, or the Spirit of the Messiah.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).   One of those doctrines is “universal unity” or “catholicism”.  In accordance with this creed, mankind must unite under the banner of humanism and its varying ideals. In order to succeed in achieving this end, liberal acceptance in the name of ‘love’ must be embraced for the sake of ‘good works’, which can actually lead to pride and self-righteousness. What is the purpose of these so called good works?  They are the mortar which is to hold together the structure of the one world religious order.  These efforts issue from the spirit of Nimrod who gathered together all the members of the family of man in order to build another kingdom with a hierarchal “tower”.  This spirit’s proponent was true to his name, as Nimrod means “we will rebel”.  Against whom was this rebellion directed?  Obviously it was against YHVH’s kingdom

Yeshua really hit the nail on the head, when He said to the religious leaders:  "Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:28).  What is lawlessness? “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.  Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him” (1 John 3:4-6). Disregard of the Creator’s statutes, laws, and ordinances are a direct affront to Him.   

All efforts to unite the world religions means compromise with lawlessness, including the most recent one which lauds the “Holy Spirit” as the common unifying factor. Such efforts were also undertaken by Constantine, who created the ‘universal church’ through incorporating pagan practices.

Many governments today are passing laws, backed up by penalties including imprisonment, which are directly contrary to YHVH’s Laws.  Approval (even if tacit) of such lawlessness will bring on YHVH’s judgments of “death”.   Not only are the “kings” granting approval to such diabolical behavior, but also the “priesthood/religious leaders”.  Thus for the sake of unity in the Christian religious world (and outside of it) lawlessness and a flagrant compromise of holiness are being accepted and put to practice.

At the end of Romans chapter 1, Paul describes the acts of lawlessness.  At the conclusion of his list he issues a warning, elaborating on what brings on YHVH’s judgments: “…knowing the righteous judgment of Elohim, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them”  (Romans 1:32).

How true is the prophet’s statement: "Woe to the rebellious children," says YHVH, "who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin”! (Isaiah 30:1).

Shabbat Shalom,

Ephraim