Monday, November 1, 2010

SATAN'S EVE HALLOWED BY THE WORLD???

Hallowmas?? “Trick?” or “Treat?”--Unmasking Halloween: Americans spend $2.5 billion on Halloween each year. It is the second largest holiday, after Christmas. What is the true origin of Halloween? Is it harmless fun—or something much different? How did it become a common practice? Should you observe Halloween?

Trick or treat! When said by children, these three words bring back a flood of childhood memories to most adults. Memories of masquerading as vampires, ghosts, witches, ghouls, monsters and fairies. Memories of canvassing the neighborhood, going door to door, shouting those three little words, and watching their bags fill up with all sorts of candies, apples, nuts and other goodies. Memories of parades, parties and playing “tricks,” like soaping the neighbors’ windows, “decorating” their trees with toilet tissue, or playing “baseball” with their roadside mailboxes.

Yes, hearing the words “trick or treat” from little children can cause adults to wish they were kids again.

“After all,” one might reason, “what’s so wrong with Halloween?” Most believe that it is just another harmless childhood indulgence—much the way they view Christmas and other days 'traditions' steeped in 'pagan' orgin. Many wonder, “What’s so wrong with having a little fun?”[the devil gets us 'hooked' to traditions as children "when we think like a child" and then when we have children we again "think like a child" so easily]



Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and WITH THEIR CHILDREN FOREVER! (Exodus 20:6 NKJ)


You shall not eat it, THAT IT MAY GO WELL WITH YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AFTER YOU, WHEN YOU DO WHAT IS RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD. (Deuteronomy 12:25 NKJ)


You shall TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY TO YOUR CHILDREN, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 6:7 NKJ)

YOU SHALL TEACH THEM TO YOUR CHILDREN, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 11:19 NKJ)


KILLING MY CHILDREN, handing them over and setting them apart for [these idols]? (Ezekiel 16:21 CJB)

They have dealt treacherously with the Lord, FOR THEY HAVE BEGOTTEN PAGAN CHILDREN. Now a New Moon shall devour them and their heritage. (Hosea 5:7 NKJ)

"I will stretch out My hand against Judah, And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I WILL CUT OFF EVERY TRACE OF BAAL FROM THIS PLACE, THE NAMES OF THE IDOLATROUS PRIESTS WITH THE PAGAN PRIESTS--(Zephaniah 1:4 NKJ)

We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.
(Psalms 78:4 NKJ)
Besides teaching children that it is alright to beg for something instead of earning it through work, and also turning them into extortionists (“trick or treat” essentially means “give me a treat or I’ll play a trick on you”), Halloween—its spooky costumes, scary jack-o-lanterns, juvenile tricks and colorful parades—may look like clean, innocent fun. But its traditions, customs and practices are rooted in a past far darker, far more sinister and far more demonic than you may realize.

Where did Halloween actually come from? How did it originate? How did it get to be so widely observed, especially in the United States? And what does God think about it? Does He view Halloween as clean innocent fun?

To find the answers, we must look into the history of Halloween. We will see that it is filled with pagan customs, masquerading as Christian traditions!

Halloween’s Pre-history

Let’s begin with the ancient Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, in what is now Ireland, Great Britain and Northern France. The Celts were pagan nature worshippers who had many gods, including the sun, which they believed commanded their work and rest times. They believed the sun maintained the earth and kept it beautiful, and caused their crops to grow.

The Celts observed their new year on November 1, which marked the end of the harvest and summer (“the season of the sun”), as well as the beginning of the cold, dark winter ahead (“the season of darkness and cold”).

From October 31 to November 2, the Celts celebrated a 48-hour festival, the Vigil of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). They believed that Samhain, the pagan lord of the dead, assembled the souls of those who had died during the previous year and decided what form they would take for the next year. The souls would either pass on to human bodies or would be condemned to live within animals (the most evil of the bad souls or spirits would take the form of cats). Hoping to coax Samhain into giving lighter sentences, the Celtic worshippers tried to bribe him with gifts and prayers.

The Encyclopedia Britannica says the following: “Samhain (Celtic: ‘End of Summer’), one of the most important and sinister calendar festivals of the Celtic year. At Samhain, held on November 1, the world of the gods was believed to be made visible to mankind, and the gods played many tricks on their mortal worshippers; it was a time fraught with danger, charged with fear, and full of supernatural episodes. Sacrifices and propitiations of every kind were thought to be vital, for without them the Celts believed they could not prevail over the perils of the season or counteract the activities of the deities. Samhain was an important precursor to Halloween.”

On the night of October 31, the eve of the new year, the Celts, after harvesting their crops and storing them for the coming winter, began their festival. First, they extinguished the cooking fires in their homes. Then the Druids (Celtic priests) met on hilltops in the dark oak forests (they viewed oak trees as sacred), and built huge sacred bonfires to frighten away evil spirits and to honor the sun god. Next, the people would burn crop and animal sacrifices to their gods, dancing around the fires as the “season of the sun” passed and the “season of darkness” began. The Celts wore costumes of animal heads and skins, and told each other their fortunes. The next morning, they re-lit their cooking fires from the sacred bonfires, in order to free them from evil spirits—as well as to help protect them during the coming winter season.

“In ancient Britain and Ireland, the Celtic festival of Samhain eve was observed on October 31, at the end of summer. (It) was the occasion for one of the ancient fire festivals when huge bonfires were set on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits…The souls of the dead were thought to revisit their homes on this day, and the autumnal festival acquired sinister significance, with ghosts, witches, hobgoblins, black cats, fairies, and demons of all kinds said to be roaming about. In addition, Halloween was thought to be the most favorable time for divinations concerning marriage, luck, health, and death” (Encyclopedia Britannica).

Who Is the “Lord of the Dead”?

Now what about Samhain, the so-called lord of the dead? God tells us about “…him who had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14). Satan the devil was lord, or master, of the dead! The ancient Celts, who thought they were serving God, were deceived into worshipping the god of this world, who is the father of lies and religious deception. We will see that this same being stands behind the modern-day festival of Samhain (Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9; II Cor. 4:4; John 8:44).

We have established that Satan once had the power over death—but he does not anymore. So who is the lord of the dead today? At this point, we need to briefly consider several scriptures.

Notice Matthew 22:31-32, where Jesus answers the Sadducees concerning the resurrection. “But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read that which was spoken to you by God, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’ God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” Since the patriarchs are dead and God is only the God of the living—the dead do not serve God (Psa. 6:5, 115:17)—then there must be a resurrection from the dead so that they might live and serve Him.

But in order to make the resurrection possible, “Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living” (Rom. 14:9). Christ became the Lord and Master of the dead through His resurrection, and gained the keys of the grave and death (Rev. 1:18). Jesus Christ will resurrect the dead back to life so that they will serve Him and God the Father in the soon-coming world tomorrow.

As the Encyclopedia Britannica states, “[The festival of] Samhain was an important precursor to Halloween.” So far, Halloween’s origins do not seem so innocent.
And Then Came the Romans

During the first century, the Roman Empire invaded Ireland and the British Isles, conquering most of Celtic territory. The Romans ruled over them for hundreds of years, influencing Celtic and Anglo-Saxon customs and traditions. During this time period, two Roman festivals mixed in with the Celts’ festival of Samhain—Feralia and Pomona Day. Several American cities bear the pagan name Pomona, thereby unwittingly endorsing “Pomona Day.”

Feralia, which was held on February 21, was a Roman holiday designed to honor the dead, but essentially amounted to mass drunkenness and orgies, not unlike the other Roman holidays.

Pomona Day, celebrated on November 1, was a festival held in honor of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit, trees and fertility. Her sacred symbol was the apple.

Over the next three centuries, the customs of the festival of Samhain mixed with the practices of Feralia and Pomona Day. That is, until they were “white-washed” and “cleansed” by another religious power.

Next Came the Catholic Church

During the first, second and third centuries, all professing Christians—both true and false—suffered periodic persecution from the Roman Empire, which viewed any form of Christianity as an illegal religion. But in A.aaaaaaaaD. 313, that changed for some. The Roman Catholic Church—which began with the sorcerer Simon Magus, who is mentioned in chapter eight of the Book of Acts—found favor in the eyes of Emperor Constantine.

For the first time in the history of the Roman Empire, the pope, now backed by Roman civil authority, had free reign to determine what was “Christian”—and what was not.

Throughout the early years of the Catholic Church, worshippers observed special anniversaries for martyrs who had been executed for their beliefs. Soon there weren’t enough days in the calendar year to dedicate a specific day for each individual martyr, so the Catholics observed one feast day for all martyrs.

“In the fourth century, neighboring dioceses began to interchange feasts, to transfer relics, to divide them, and to join in a common feast; as is shown by the invitation of St. Basil of Caesarea (A.D. 397) to the bishops of the province of Pontus. Frequently groups of martyrs suffered on the same day, which naturally led to a joint commemoration…[T]he number of martyrs became so great that a separate day could not be assigned to each. But the Church, feeling that every martyr should be venerated, appointed a common day for all” (Catholic Encyclopedia).

So the Catholic Church, with the backing of the government, decided to “white-wash” a Roman holiday. Tired of admonishing the Romans for engaging in drunken revelries as an excuse to honor the dead (and desiring more converts), Pope Boniface IV, in A.D. 609, declared Feralia to be Christian. Instead of honoring all of the dead, they were now just to honor dead “saints.” Instead of drunken revelries, it would be a day of prayer and meditation. Instead of calling it Feralia, he changed it to All Saints’ Day. And he moved the date of its observance from February 21 to May 13. “Boniface IV, [on] 13 May, 609, or 610, consecrated the Pantheon in Rome to the Blessed Virgin and all the martyrs, ordering an anniversary” (Ibid.).

Then, Pope Gregory III, who reigned 731-741, “consecrated a chapel in the Basilica of St. Peter to all the saints and fixed the anniversary for 1 November” (Catholic Encyclopedia). He broadened “the festival [of All Saints’ Day] to include all saints as well as all martyrs” (Encyclopedia Britannica).

Meanwhile, the Celts were still observing the festival of Samhain in one form or another. The Catholic Church took note and Pope Gregory IV (827-844) attempted to replace it by moving All Saints’ Day from May 13 to November 1—the same day as Samhain—officially extending the festival to the entire church. All Saints’ Day became known as All Hallows Day, while October 31 became All Hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween.

More Festival Changes

But the white-washing process was not finished. In A.D. 988, the Catholic Church instituted another day—All Souls’ Day—to commemorate “all the faithful departed, those baptized Christians who are believed to be in purgatory because they have died with guilt of lesser sins on their souls. It is celebrated on November 2. Roman Catholic doctrine holds that the prayers of the faithful on earth will help cleanse these souls in order to fit them for the vision of God in heaven…The date, which became practically universal before the end of the 13th century, was chosen to follow All Saints’ Day. Having celebrated the feast (All Saints’ Day) of all the members of the church who are believed to be in heaven, the church on earth turns, on the next day, to commemorate those souls believed to be suffering in purgatory” (Encyclopedia Britannica).

Now all of the souls of the dead had their own day of worship—saints, martyrs, and even lowly believers who were not worthy to be declared either saints or martyrs.

As with the festival of Samhain, the Catholic believers celebrated with huge bonfires, parades and costumes, masquerading as dead saints, angels and demons. Altogether, All Saints’ Eve (October 31), All Saints’ Day (November 1), and All Souls’ Day (November 2) combined into Hallowmas—mirroring the Celtic Vigil of Samhain! What was proclaimed Christian and clean and wholesome originated from drunken revelries, pagan superstitions and false doctrines dating back to the Garden of Eden.

The Hallowmas festival—and especially Halloween—was so popular that, in 1517, Martin Luther chose Halloween night to post his ninety-five theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany (which effectively started the Protestant Reformation). He picked this night because he understood that large crowds of people would be moving through the streets that evening!

Pagan Customs Come to America

As European immigrants began settling in the United States, while it was still in its infancy, they brought customs, traditions, superstitions and religious practices, including Halloween, from their homelands.

The biggest Halloween influence in America came with the millions of Irish settlers who immigrated to the U.S., after fleeing Ireland’s potato famine of 1846. Soon, Halloween, like Christmas, became a secular holiday for all. The day’s festivities included parades, parties, costumes, treats and mischief.

And so today’s Halloween customs (black cats, parades, dressing up as ghouls and witches, parties, bonfires, tricks and mischievous pranks)—which most people take for granted—point directly back to the Vigil of Samhain, the false lord of the dead, pagan Roman holidays filled with immoral revelries, and the Catholic Church’s Hallowmas.

In light of its historical pagan origin, can we honestly view Halloween as merely an innocent childhood indulgence? Is this the kind of tradition we want to pass on to our children?

Human nature will always argue, “Hold on, I don’t worship the sun or pray to some pagan ‘lord of the dead.’ I like Halloween because it’s fun. What’s wrong with that?”

What does God think? How does He view Halloween?
 

Engulfed in False Doctrines

Let’s review. We have established that Halloween originated with the Celts, who worshipped nature—the creation—rather than the one true God, who created nature and everything in it.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the [creation] rather than the Creator” (Rom. 1:21-25, NKJV throughout).

They had trusted the sun, as their god, to provide them with enough harvest crops to get them through the winter, rejecting God as their Provider. “‘…do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?…do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or…“What shall we wear?” For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’” (Matt. 6:25-33).

They had put their trust in “sacred bonfires” to protect them from evil spirits, instead of trusting God as their Protector. “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies…For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?…It is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples under me; He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man” (Psa. 18:2-3, 29-31, 47-48).

The Celts believed in the immortality of the soul, a false doctrine Satan had taught man in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1-5)—and has used to deceive the whole world ever since that time (Rev. 12:9).

God says that when you die, you die. Period. No going to heaven (John 3:13; Acts 2:29, 34). No roaming the earth and haunting houses. No spending eternity in Purgatory, or some other humanly-devised place: “For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward” (Ecc. 9:5). “Behold, all souls are Mine…the soul who sins shall die” (Ezek. 18:4). Sin is the breaking of God’s Law (I John 3:4). “For the wages [what you earn] of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23), not eternal life, as most professing Christians falsely believe. HALLOWEEN SPRANG FROM DIRECT OPPOSITION TO GOD’S TRUTH. [any 'lie'...anything that goes against God's truth is from Satan, for he first rebelled against the will (Spirit) of God--leading "man" to do the same and Scripture tells us that he is the father of 'all' lies].


I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. (1 John 2:21 NKJ )

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ( John 1:6 NKJ)
But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. (James 3:14 NKJ )
who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:25 NKJ)
You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44 NKJ )

Yet, despite God’s warnings, Israel would not listen. Even after God had sent them servant after servant, throughout their turbulent history, they still would not repent and whole-heartedly turn to Him. “And the Lord  God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets” (II Chron. 36:15-16). Because of their spiritual adultery and affinity for pagan practices, calling them holy when God calls them profane (Ezek. 22:26), God had no choice but to punish Israel. And, unfortunately, the modern-day descendants of Israel—the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, Israel, and others—will very soon be severely punished for failing to discern what is holy from what is profane (Jer. 30:4-7; Ezek. 24:13-14).

The one true God—the Creator, Teacher, Lawgiver and Judge—does not take pagan practices lightly!

Satan Blinds the World

Most people do not believe that Satan the Devil exists—and that best suits his game plan. His goal is to keep the people of his world, his society, blind to his lies and deceits (II Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:9). He even uses false ministers, who seem to be ministers of light, but are in reality Satan’s ministers of darkness.

Paul wrote, “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” (II Cor. 11:14-15). Satan wants us to be so wrapped up in the customs and practices of this world—his world—that when presented with the plain truth about Halloween, we will shrug our shoulders and say, “I’m just celebrating it to have fun—what’s the big deal?”

Throughout mankind’s turbulent history, Satan has always managed to find a way to separate man from God (Isa. 59:1-3) by tempting him into various sins and false ideas that may seem right—that may seem innocent and harmless—but are in direct opposition to God! Jeremiah said, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (10:23), and “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (17:9). Even when the Roman Catholic Church attempted to gloss over strange pagan practices of the Celts and Romans, it introduced its own false, Satanic doctrines, passing them off as Christian. Halloween is riddled with deceit and falsehoods.

Yet, even after all the historical evidence and biblical insights are brought to light, there will still be those who continue to view Halloween as just another harmless childhood practice. Nothing will convince them otherwise. Like a gleaming, white-washed tomb (Matt. 23:27), Halloween may sparkle on the surface, but in God’s eyes, it is filled with every spiritually unclean and filthy thing imaginable, a foul stench to His nostrils (Isa. 65:5).

No man or religious organization has the power to “white-wash” Halloween and declare it to be Christian. God unmasks Halloween and sees it for exactly what it is!

Will you?

ORIGINS OF HALLOWEEN CUSTOMS

Below is a list of widely-held customs and their ancient roots:

Mischief-making, playing tricks: Celts believed that the ghosts of the dead who returned to earth on the night of Oct. 31 caused trouble and damaged crops; they also believed that their gods played tricks on them.

Black cats: Celts believed that bad spirits would take the form of cats and other animals on the night of Oct. 31.

Costumes: Celts (and other Europeans) wore masks when they left their homes after dark to avoid being recognized by ghosts who might mistake them for fellow spirits. “Guisers” dressed up to impersonate the returning dead, singing and dancing to keep evil spirits away. Catholics dressed up as saints, angels and devils during Hallowmas.

“Trick or treat”: Prior to the Protestant Reformation, women and girls went “souling,” visiting houses and begging for “soul cakes.” Seventeenth-century Irish peasants went door to door asking for donations for a feast to honor St. Columba (whom they believed had replaced the Lord of the Dead). Up until the early 1900s, the Irish went about asking for contributions in the name of “Muck Olla,” a legendary, gigantic boar.

Bonfires: Druids built sacred bonfires to frighten off evil spirits on Oct. 31, eve of the new year. Worshippers used them to burn animal and crop offerings to their sun god; they also rekindled their cooking fires to protect their homes from evil spirits. The Scots built bonfires, called Samhnagan, not for Samhain, but for Halloween merry-making and as a defiant welcome to the coming winter. The Catholic Church continued with the bonfire tradition on All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2.

Fruits, nuts and other goodies: Handing out fruits and nuts may have originated from Pomona Day, named for the Roman goddess of fruits, trees, gardens, harvests and fertility. Later used for divination games.

Apple-bobbing, apple-ducking: May have come from Pomona Day; the Romans viewed the apple as a sacred symbol of their goddess Pomona. Apple-ducking was a divination game used to predict future love and marriage; for example, if a girl peeled an apple in front of a mirror in a room lighted by a candle, an apparition of her future husband would appear behind her in a mirror. Also, apple-ducking represented soul symbols (apples) in the Cauldron of Regeneration (the water), similar to the lord of the dead gathering dead souls to regenerate those who had been condemned to inhabit animals for the past year.

Parades, parties: The Scots, Celts and Welsh built bonfires for parading, dancing and merry-making; the Celts did so, wearing costumes made from animal skins and heads. The Scots assembled marriage-minded young people for divination games. Europeans who migrated to America brought with them “play parties” and public events to celebrate the harvest, as well as telling ghost stories and pulling pranks.

Jack-o’-lantern: The name may have come from a night watchman. In the British Isles, turnips and rutabagas were commonly used; pumpkins are the American tradition. In Britain, people hollowed out turnips and placed candles inside them to make food offerings to the dead; later on, they were posted just outside homes to keep away evil spirits.


NO MAN CAN MAKE ANYTHING HOLY, GOD, THE HOLY ONE, MAKES "IT" HOLY AND COMMANDS THAT WE KEEP IT HOLY!! WE ARE TO BE HOLY FOR OUR GOD IS HOLY!




"Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: 'You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. (Leviticus 19:2 NKJ)

For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth. (Leviticus 11:44 NKJ)

For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. (Leviticus 11:45 NKJ)

and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God. (Numbers 15:40 NKJ)

'Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. (Deuteronomy 5:12 NKJ)

"For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6 NKJ; Deuteronomy 14:2 NKJ)

The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways.
(Deuteronomy 28:9 NKJ)

"No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2 NKJ)

      Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (Colossians 3:12 NKJ)

    
      Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:8 NKJ)


            Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5 NKJ)
 

            I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1 NKJ)


            for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ( Romans 14:17 NKJ)

           
            Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NKJ)
 
     
      If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (1 Corinthians 3:17 NKJ)
   
     
      Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19 NKJ)      
     
      Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28 NKJ)
      
                
            But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, And God who is holy shall be hallowed in righteousness. (Isaiah 5:16 NKJ)
          
           
            But when he sees his children, The work of My hands, in his midst, They will hallow My name, And hallow the Holy One of Jacob, And fear the God of Israel. (Isaiah 29:23 NKJ)
            
           
            Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. (Isaiah 48:17 NKJ)
            
           
            For your Maker is your husband, The Lord of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth. (Isaiah 54:5 NKJ)
            
           
            hallow My Sabbaths, and they will be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.' (Ezekiel 20:20 NKJ)
            
           
            In controversy they shall stand as judges, and judge it according to My judgments. They shall keep My laws and My statutes in all My appointed meetings, and they shall hallow My Sabbaths. (Ezekiel 44:24 NKJ)
            
           
            For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. (Exodus 20:11 NKJ)
            
                 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:17 NKJ)
          
 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. (Matthew 6:9 NKJ)
               
                 
                  So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. (Luke 11:2 NKJ)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

WHAT ABOUT ROMANS 8:38-39?

Nothing can separate us?

  Certainly, one of the most commonly misunderstood passages in the Bible is Rom. 8:38-39, as commonly presented by the eternal security teachers of our day. These two often-mentioned verses say:

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the LOVE OF GOD that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In quoting this passage, the eternal security adherents argue that it proves that once we are saved we are always saved; and even though "sin" isn't mentioned in Paul's list, it is understood to be included, hence no sin committed after initial salvation will condemn a person!

The first thing that needs to be stressed is there is a definite DIFFERENCE between the "LOVE" of God as mentioned in Rom. 8:38-39 and the "LIFE" of God, according to Scripture! This is easily proven by noting that UNSAVED people are LOVED by God, even though they are devoid of His LIFE! A clear case in point is the rich, young ruler who was certainly UNSAVED, yet LOVED by Jesus (Mk. 10:21)!

It must be further noted that this same unsaved man, like all unsaved people, are "separated from the LIFE of God," (Eph. 4:18) but, again, not separated from His LOVE! Since one only has salvation when he has the LIFE of God, Rom. 8:38,39 does NOT assure an unconditional salvation on the basis of God's infinite love!

"Your Iniquities Have SEPARATED You From Your God"

Finally, those who read the word "sin" into the list cited by Paul in Rom. 8:38-39 contradict the clear and the plain truth for Isa. 59:2 states, "But your iniquities have SEPARATED you from your God"! Don't let anyone convince you otherwise, even a fluent-speaking, popular TV and/or radio teacher or author! The Apostle Paul wrote,
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10).
To try to limit this listing to only those that never tasted salvation, as some do, is to deny the basic meaning of these words, according to the dictionary! By this I mean an "adulterer" is a person, ANY person, who commits adultery. This is factual even if the person was saved BEFORE his act of adultery, as David clearly was! Hence, the people cited in 1 Cor. 6:9-10, though numerous in our country, will ALL go to the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8), the only other place to go if one misses the kingdom of God, that is, unless they repent! One can only wonder how many people described in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 and Rev. 21:8 have no fear of going to Hell because they were DECEIVED by eternal security teachers!

WHAT IS SIN, NOT ACCORDING TO THE WORLD (BUT ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD).....THE SCRIPTURES!! 

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW. (1 John 3:4 KJV)


But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, IS THEREFORE CHRIST THE MINISTER OF SIN? GOD FORBID . (Galatians 2:17 KJV)

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that THE PROMISE BY FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST might be given to them that believe . (Galatians 3:22 KJV)

So Christ was once OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28 KJV)

but if you show partiality, YOU COMMIT SIN, AND ARE CONVICTED BY THE LAW AS TRANSGRESSORS.  (James 2:9 NKJ)


Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to BE DEAD INDEED UNTO SIN, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:11 KJV)

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then WITH THE MIND I MYSELF SERVE THE LAW OF GOD; but WITH THE FLESH THE LAW OF SIN. (Romans 7:25 KJV)


Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by THE LAW IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF SIN.  (Romans 3:20 KJV)


WHAT THEN? SHALL WE SIN , because we are not under the law, but under grace? GOD FORBID. (Romans 6:15 KJV)


What shall we say then? IS THE LAW SIN? CERTAINLY NOT! On the contrary, I WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN SIN EXCEPT THROUGH THE LAW. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."  (Romans 7:7 NKJ)

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. (Romans 8:2 KJV)


But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded , saying , The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, BUT EVERY MAN SHALL DIE FOR HIS OWN SIN. (2 Chronicles 25:4 KJV)


And if Christ be in you, THE BODY IS DEAD BECAUSE OF SIN; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Romans 8:10 KJV)


"THE LORD REWARDED ME ACCORDING TO MY RIGHTEOUSNESS; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. (2 Samuel 22:21 NKJ)


Therefore THE LORD HAS RECOMPENSED ME ACCORDING TO MY RIGHTEOUSNESS, According to my cleanness in His eyes. (2 Samuel 22:25 NKJ)


THE LORD SHALL JUDGE THE PEOPLES; Judge me, O Lord, ACCORDING TO MY RIGHTEOUSNESS, And according to my integrity within me. (Psalms 7:8 NKJ)


THE LORD REWARDED ME ACCORDING TO MY RIGHTEOUSNESS; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. (Psalms 18:20 NKJ)


THEREFORE THE LORD HAS RECOMPENSED ME ACCORDING TO MY RIGHTEOUSNESS, According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight. (Psalms 18:24 NKJ)


And forgive thy people that have SINNED AGAINST THEE, and all their transgressions wherein they have TRANSGRESSED AGAINST THEE, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive , that they may have compassion on them:          (1 Kings 8:50 KJV)


And I WILL CLEANSE THEM FROM ALL THEIR INIQUITY, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned , and whereby they have transgressed against me. (Jeremiah 33:8 KJV)


Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, NOR WITH ANY OF THEIR TRANSGRESSIONS: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned , and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God (Ezekiel 37:23 KJV)


Yea, ALL ISRAEL HAVE TRANSGRESSED THY LAW, even by departing , that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we HAVE SINNED AGAINST HIM. (Daniel 9:11 KJV)


FOR ALL HAVE SINNED , AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD; (Romans 3:23 KJV)


Wherefore , as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that ALL HAVE SINNED :(Romans 5:12 KJV)

For THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23 KJV)

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to THE LAW OF SIN WHICH IS IN MY MEMBERS. (Romans 7:23 KJV)


Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh HATH CEASED FROM SIN; (1 Peter 4:1 KJV)


But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another , and THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN. (1 John 1:7 KJV)


My little children, these things write I unto you, THAT YE SIN NOT. And if any man sin,we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1 KJV)


And IT SHALL BE OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, IF WE OBSERVE TO DO ALL THESE COMMANDMENTS BEFORE THE LORD OUR GOD, as he hath commanded us. (Deuteronomy 6:25 KJV)


My tongue shall speak of thy word: for ALL THY COMMANDMENTS ARE RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Psalms 119:172 KJV)


O that thou hadst HEARKENED TO MY COMMANDMENTS! then had thy peace been as a river, and THY RIGHTEOUSNESS as the waves of the sea: (Isaiah 48:18 KJV)


Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, And those who dwell in it will die in like manner; But MY SALVATION WILL BE FOREVER, AND MY RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL NOT BE ABOLISHED. (Isaiah 51:6 NKJ)


For the moth will eat them up like a garment, And the worm will eat them like wool; But MY RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL BE FOREVER, AND MY SALVATION FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION." (Isaiah 51:8 NKJ)


"LISTEN TO ME, YOU WHO KNOW RIGHTEOUSNESS, YOU PEOPLE IN WHOSE HEART IS MY LAW: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults. (Isaiah 51:7 NKJ)


Thus says the Lord: "KEEP JUSTICE, AND DO RIGHTEOUSNESS, For My salvation is about to come, And My righteousness to be revealed. (Isaiah 56:1 NKJ)


you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to OFFER UP SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5 NKJ)

Above when he said , Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and OFFERING FOR SIN thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; (Hebrews 10:8 KJV)

to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to THE BLOOD OF SPRINKLING that speaks better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:24 NKJ)


elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and SPRINKLING OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST: Grace to you and peace be multiplied (1 Peter 1:2 NKJ)


And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, AN OFFERING AND A SACRIFICE TO GOD FOR A SWEET-SMELLING AROMA. (Ephesians 5:2 NKJ)

ON THE LAST DAY, THAT GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST, JESUS STOOD AND CRIED OUT, SAYING, "IF ANYONE THIRSTS, LET HIM COME TO ME AND DRINK. (John 7:37 NKJ)


Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, HAVING LOVED HIS OWN WHO WERE IN THE WORLD, HE LOVED THEM TO THE END. (John 13:1 NKJ)

Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENS THE WHOLE LUMP?  Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER, WAS SACRIFICED FOR US.  Therefore LET US KEEP THE FEAST, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:6-8 NKJ)

LEAVEN IS SIN...."SYMBOLICALLY, SPIRITUALLY"...we are to "purge" it and keep purging it, we remember this after Passover when we keep the Days of Unleavened Bread for 7 days--with a holy 'sacred' assembly--'church'--is commanded in the beginning (the 1st day of the Feast) and the end (the 7th day of the Feast).

WHAT ABOUT 2 PETER 3:18?

II Peter 3:18—and the Great Misunderstanding!

The apostasy should have taught all of us that there were dozens of methods that the apostates used to seduce the Church into hundreds of false doctrines.

By far the most effective—has been the gross misuse of II Peter 3:18: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

This passage is often referred to in short with the phrase “We must grow in knowledge.” And those invoking this scripture almost always have doctrine in mind.

This verse is NOT talking about doctrine, but rather knowledge—and this is the Greek word used! A simple review reveals this. The word used here for “knowledge” is gnosis, meaning “(the act of) knowing, i.e. (by implication) knowledge.” This is not a hard word to understand. Almost everyone learns some kind of knowledge (gnosis) every day of his life. Of course, it is “the knowledge of Jesus Christ” that is the most important knowledge to learn. But make no mistake—this verse is talking about “knowledge,” not “doctrine.”

On the other hand, the Greek word for “doctrine,” found dozens of times throughout the New Testament (as is “knowledge”), is didache. This word means “instruction (the act or the matter), doctrine (what has already been taught).” Take special note of the phrase “already been taught.”

Once again, the Greek word for “doctrine” (didache) is totally different than the one for “knowledge” (gnosis). I cannot state this strongly enough. There is a very clear difference between knowledge and doctrine.

Please, for your own sake—get this straight!


General Epistle

The background and purpose of Peter’s epistles is critical to appreciate. Each of his letters is what is known as a “general epistle.” In effect, they were open letters to all brethren in the Church throughout the ages. Imagine God inspiring Peter to tell individual Christians and leaders, everywhere—for all time—to grow in doctrine through what would have to be, presumably, their own Bible research.

This is an absolutely ludicrous idea, and would be the surest way to have complete, absolute chaos and confusion—not to mention horrific division—throughout the Church, and in every era! Yet, this is the very premise upon which so many unqualified teachers are justifying departure from truth-- straight into error—directly away from “what has already been taught”! Routinely introducing outright heresies in the name of “growing in knowledge.”

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

WFTD, WORD FOR THE DAY 10-12-2010

WFTD....(for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified
;(Romans 2:13 NKJ)....But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.(James 1:22 NKJ)

Sunday, October 10, 2010

WHAT ABOUT ROMANS 14:5-6?

ESTEEMING SPECIAL DAYS

Now let's consider Romans 14:5-6 (NKJ)

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day (alike). Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. {6} He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

This chapter is introduced as pertaining to doubtful things and is predominantly about food matters. (Food matters are expressly mentioned in nine verses out of twenty three.) There is no direct reference to the Sabbath here. In fact a discussion of a matter as important as the Sabbath in vv 5 & 6a would seem somewhat out of place in this chapter as a change in the observance of the day of worship would hardly be an individual matter. It would be an issue seriously affecting the whole church.

The discussion of the significance of certain days can be understood as part of the discussion of food matters rather than as a digression. The observance of "days" would best fit the immediate context if the particular days being discussed concerned fasting. It is conceivable that the problem being addressed was a dispute over the appropriate days for fasting.

There was a tradition among the Pharisees that they should fast twice a week, on Monday and Thursday. This tradition was followed by the early Christian Church.

As the fasting mentioned here is a voluntary practice, Paul's exhortation, "Let each be fully convinced in his own mind" is an appropriate response to the situation.

If Paul was referring to the Sabbath it is strange that he didn't just write, "He who observes the Sabbath etc". The fact that Paul did not specify an actual day could suggest that Paul was referring to a number of different days that had significance for Jews but not for Gentiles [OUTSIDE OF THE WEEKLY AND ANNUAL SABBATHS OF THE LORD GIVEN AS AN EVERLASTING STANDARD]

GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS....NOT ABOLISHED BUT ENDURES FOREVER (BIBLE SCRIPTURES)

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Col 2:8)

Let no man beguile you of your reward: (Col 2:18)

Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? (Col 2:22)

OH, THAT YOU HAD HEEDED MY COMMANDMENTS! THEN YOUR PEACE WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE A RIVER, AND YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS LIKE THE WAVES OF THE SEA. (ISAIAH 48:18 NKJ)

"LISTEN TO ME, YOU WHO KNOW RIGHTEOUSNESS, YOU PEOPLE IN WHOSE HEART IS MY LAW: DO NOT FEAR THE REPROACH OF MEN, NOR BE AFRAID OF THEIR INSULTS. (ISAIAH 51:7 NKJ)


They worship Me every day, CLAIMING that they are eager to know MY WAYS and obey MY LAWS. They say they want Me to give them just laws and that they take pleasure in worshiping Me." (Isaiah 58:2 GNT)

"Oh yes, they seek me day after day and [claim to] delight in knowing my ways. As if they were an upright nation that had not ABANDONED THE RULINGS OF THEIR GOD, they ask me for just rulings and [claim] to take pleasure in closeness to God, (Isaiah 58:2 CJB)

I WILL BRING THEM BACK, AND THEY SHALL DWELL IN THE MIDST OF JERUSALEM. THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, IN TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS.' (ZECHARIAH 8:8 NKJ)

THUS SAYS THE LORD: "KEEP JUSTICE, AND DO RIGHTEOUSNESS, FOR MY SALVATION IS ABOUT TO COME, AND MY RIGHTEOUSNESS TO BE REVEALED. (ISAIAH 56:1 NKJ)

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, And those who dwell in it will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever, And My righteousness will not be abolished. (Isaiah 51:6 NKJ)

"Do you think this is right? Do you say, 'My righteousness is more than God's'? (Job 35:2 NKJ)

For the moth will eat them up like a garment, And the worm will eat them like wool; But My righteousness will be forever, And My salvation from generation to generation." (Isaiah 51:8 NKJ)

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20 (NIV)

a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, (Titus 1:2 NIV)


God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. (Hebrews 6:18 NIV)


If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. (1 John 1:6 NIV)


I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. (1 John 2:21 NIV)


No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless. (Revelation 14:5 NIV)


The idols speak deceit, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. (Zechariah 10:2 NIV)


They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. (Romans 1:25 NIV)


Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices (Colossians 3:9 NIV)


Men of rank, how long will you shame my honor, love what is vain, chase after lies? (Selah) (Psalms 4:2 CJB)


You love evil more than good, lies rather than speaking uprightly. (Selah) (Psalms 52:3 CJB)


The prophets prophesy lies, the cohanim obey the prophets, and my people love it that way. But what will you do at the end of it all? (Jeremiah 5:31 CJB)


You dishonor me before my people for a few handfuls of barley and crumbs of bread, killing people who should not die and sparing those who should not live, by your lying to my people, who love hearing lies.' (Ezekiel 13:19 CJB)


But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. (Revelation 21:27 NKJ)


And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15 NKJ)

 

MAN CAN NOT ABOLISH GOD'S LAW, OR LIE AND SAY THAT GOD'S LAW, HIS RULE, HIS REIGN, HIS AUTHORITY IS DONE AWAY. AND THEY TRY TO SAY THAT HIS SON (THE ONLY ONE THAT PLEASED HIM AT ALL TIMES TOOK AWAY HIS AUTHORITY AND LOVE FROM HIS PEOPLE AND THE EARTH)...FOR THAT IS WHAT GOD'S LAW IS..THAT IS BUT A LIE OF THE DEVIL (GOD'S LAW STANDS) AND THOSE OF THE DEVIL LOVE HIS LIES.

CHRIST WAS CLEAR THAT HE DID NOT COME TO ABOLISH THE LAW.

GOD WAS CLEAR THAT HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS WOULD NOT BE ABOLISHED.


Saturday, October 9, 2010

WHAT ABOUT GALATIANS 4:9-10?


Some opponents of the Holy Days cite this scripture to prove that the Holy Days were condemned by Paul. Here is what he wrote to the Galatians: “But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days, and months, and times, and years.”

Does this passage really condemn keeping the Holy Days and the Sabbath? Many deceived ministers teach that the Galatians were returning to Holy Day and Sabbath observance.

This is impossible!

The Galatians were Gentiles and had never kept any of God’s days, or even heard of the true God before their calling. They could not return to what they had never known or practiced in the first place!

Also, read Leviticus 19:26 and Deuteronomy 18:9-10 to see that God strongly condemned keeping days, times, etc! These were humanly devised “sabbaths” and “holy days.” In Leviticus 23 and Ezekiel 20, God speaks of “My Sabbaths” and “My Feasts.” At the same time, throughout the Old Testament, He consistently condemns Israel for rebellion and for observing “your days,” “your sabbaths” and “your feasts” instead (Isa. 1:13-14; Hos. 2:11; Amos 8:10, etc.).

Nowhere does God command the observance of months. Colossians 2:8 and 20-22 show that the “weak and beggarly elements” (also referenced there) are philosophical forms of will-worship and self-denial commonly found in certain parts of the world. The word “rudiments” (Col. 2:8) is the same word translated “elements” here in Galatians, and has nothing to do with God’s Sabbath or Holy Days.