What does the Bible say about smoking cigarettes?

     What does the Bible say about smoking cigarettes? Some say it’s okay and others say that the Bible condemns it. What’s the truth?

 

     While cigarettes are not specifically mentioned in the Bible, it is quite clear that as believers we should avoid them since we are not to pollute our bodies. This was the reason why Yahweh gave the dietary food laws in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Eating swine and other unclean meats that the Bible prohibits is a health concern, which science is now validating. The same would also be true for smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control, smoking causes more deaths than from HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, and firearm-related incidents combined. There are also many side effects with smoking, including premature aging, psoriasis, thinner hair, scarring, tooth loss, cataracts, and skin cancer.

Beyond the obvious health concerns, there is also a spiritual aspect to this. Paul in 1Corinthians 3:16-17 states, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of Yahweh, and that the Spirit of Elohim dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of Yahweh, him shall Elohim destroy; for the temple of Yahweh is holy, which temple ye are.” As believers in the Messiah we represent Yahweh’s temple. For those who would destroy this temple, Paul states here that Yahweh will destroy them. We believe that smoking would fall under this category of destruction.

In the Old Testament Yahweh prohibited all “strange fire” with His worship. In one example of defiance, the two sons of Aaron lost their lives. “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before Yahweh, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from Yahweh, and devoured them, and they died before Yahweh,” Numbers 10:1-2.

Since we represent Yahweh’s temple today and are commanded to keep it free from pollutants, there is a spiritual parallel between the actions of Nadab and Abihu and smoking. When a person smokes, they run the risk of offering “strange fire” in their temple and offending Yahweh as the two sons of Aaron did in the Old Testament.

For these reasons, it’s YRM’s policy not to allow smoking on or within our facilities or to baptize those into Yahshua’s Name who are currently smoking.  If you are smoking, we encourage you to seek help and overcome this addictive and harmful habit. And as with many other things, prayer can be a great ally in conquering this enemy.

We hope this Q&A What does the Bible say about smoking cigarettes? Please check out our other Q&A’s!

Paul says we are grafted in, but are we supposed to become Christians or Israelites?

      Paul says we are grafted in, but are we supposed to become Christians or Israelites? Also, what do you believe John the Baptist meant in Matthew 3:9?

 

      The Bible speaks about us being grafted into the same promise given to Israel of Old. For example, Paul in Romans 11 states, “For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if Elohim spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of Elohim: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off,” verses 16-22.

The olive tree here represents the Hebraic promise that was given to Abraham and the patriarchs of the Old Testament. This olive tree contains both natural and wild branches. The natural branches symbolize natural-born Israelites and the wild branches represent the gentiles who are grafted in. It’s important to realize that the same root, which represents the promise given to Abraham, bears both the natural-born Israelites and gentiles. Paul also warns here not to boast. There are many more passages confirming that we must be grafted into the Hebraic promise to be part of Messiah.

Regarding the word “Christian,” there are questions whether this word was ever used by early believers. It comes from the Greek christianos and means, “…a Christian, i.e. follower of Christ,” Strong’s. It’s first used in Acts 11:26, where it may have been applied to early believers by the local pagans. We also see Agrippa using it sarcastically in Acts 26:28 in reference to himself. Peter also uses the term in 1Peter 4:16. Since there is strong evidence that much of the New Testament was originally written in Hebrew, we choose not to use this term. Also, this term conveys a Greco-Roman religion, instead of the Hebraic faith, which is another reason we abstain from its use. No Hebrews would call themselves a Greek term.

While we don’t believe becoming a “Christian” is important, baptism into Yahshua’s Name is. Paul speaks about this in the sixth chapter of Romans. Baptism is significant for many reasons. Through baptism we find remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38. Also, those immersed into Yahshua’s Name will also share in the likeness of His resurrection, Romans 6:5. In essence, baptism is what seals us as believers in the Messiah.

Regarding Matthew 3:9, the Jews there were responding to John the Baptist and claiming that they were the children of Abraham. From their perspective, this gave them a preeminence as a people. In response, John states that if Yahweh so chose, He could make the rocks cry out. John here is simply confirming that Yahweh is not limited by man and that salvation is based on more than ethnicity, as is also seen in Romans 11.

In the third chapter of Galatians, Paul ties together baptism, the acceptance of all nationalities, and the promise to Abraham: “For ye are all the children of Yahweh by faith in Messiah Yahshua. For as many of you as have been baptized into Messiah have put on Messiah. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Messiah Yahshua. And if ye be Messiah’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise,” verses 26-29.

Paul confirms here several critical points. One, baptism represents a type of adoption as sons of Yahweh. Strictly speaking, we will be sons of Yahweh at the resurrection, when we are changed from heavenly beings. Two, for those immersed in Messiah, there is no separation or distinction in gender or ethnicity. And three, those baptized into Yahshua’s Name are heirs of Abraham, showing the Hebraic tie in the New Testament.

Please explain the phrase, “…and the Word was G-d.” Also, based on Psalm 82:6, are human beings also divine?

     Please explain the phrase, “…and the Word was G-d.” Also, based on Psalm 82:6, are human beings also divine?

 

     The phrase “…and the Word was God,” as found in John 1:1 of the KJV is simply stating that Yahshua was divine or a Mighty One with His Father. The word “God” comes from the Greek theos. Strong’s defines this word as, “…a deity, especially (with NT:3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.”

While many believe that the word “God” applies to only the Heavenly Father or a single divine essence, the fact is, theos is very broad and can refer to any exalted position, including those belonging to mankind. Therefore, the use of theos in John 1:1 does not imply that the Father and Son are consubstational, i.e., belonging to the same divine essence. Instead, it confirms that the Son too is considered divine or a mighty one.

We note the following in the Restoration Study Bible: “The Word refers to the preexistent Messiah. John confirms, ‘In the beginning was the “Messiah,” and the “Messiah” was with “Yahweh,” and the “Messiah” was “a Mighty One.”’ The Greek Diaglott clarifies by saying a mighty one was the Word. The Complete Bible, an American Translation, reads, ‘In the beginning the Word existed. The Word was with (Elohim) and the Word was divine.’ Elohim is generic for mighty ones. In the OT this word applied to Yahweh, false deities, angels, and to man. In the context of this passage, Elohim refers to both the Father and Son. For additional evidence of Yahshua’s preexistence and role in creation, see Genesis 1:1, 26; Proverbs 8:22-30; 30:4; Matthew 22:44; John 3:13; 4:34; 6:38, 62; 8:23, 58; 17:5; Colossians 1:13-16; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Revelation 3:14.”

Psalm 82:6 is a condemnation of those who held positions of power or authority. From the context, they were abusing their authority. As a result, Yahweh testifies that even though they were in positions of power, they would die as ordinary men, v. 7.

That being said, those who are found faithful and granted eternal life at Yahshua’s Second Coming will be divine, i.e., mighty one. Yahshua in Luke 20:36 states that they will be as the angels of heaven and will be called “the children of Elohim” and “children of the resurrection.”

Also, Paul in 1Corinthians 15 confirms that those in the first resurrection will be changed from carnal to spirit beings: “As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of Yahweh; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory,” verses 48-54.

As one last note, while the saints at Yahshua’s Second Coming will receive heavenly bodies that are immortal and incorruptible and be considered sons of Elohim, they will not be equal to Yahweh or Yahshua. As Scripture confirms, the Father is superior to the Son, 1Corinthians 11:3, and the Son will rule over the saints in the coming Kingdom, Revelation 20:6.

Who is our Savior, the Father (Yahweh) or Son (Yahshua the Messiah)? The Bible seems to indicate both.

     Who is our Savior, the Father (Yahweh) or Son (Yahshua the Messiah)? The Bible seems to indicate both.

 

     From their own unique perspectives, the Father and Son can both be considered a savior. Yahweh the Father serves as a “savior” through His redemption of His people, including the gift of His only Son, Yahshua the Messiah.

Consider the following examples:

“The Elohim of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence,” 2Samuel 22:3.

“For I am Yahweh thy Elohim, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee…. I, even I, am Yahweh; and beside me there is no savior,” Isaiah 43:3, 11.

“Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I Yahweh? and there is no Elohim else beside me; a just El and a Saviour; there is none beside me,” Isaiah 45:21.

Regarding chapters 43 and 45 of Isaiah, it’s important to note while Yahweh and Yahshua are both considered a “savior,” there is not a higher or greater savior than Yahweh the Father, including Yahshua, His Son. Yahshua in the New Testament confirmed that His Father was greater and superior to Him, e.g. John 10:29; 14:28. Paul also notes this in 1Corinthians 11:3. Since Yahweh is the initiator or originator of all things, all glory ultimately returns to the Father, including the glory of the Son.

“But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of Elohim our Saviour,” Titus 1:3.

Scripture also confirms that Yahshua is a savior. Through His death and atonement, He paid the penalty and redeemed us from our sins.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Messiah the Sovereign,” Luke 2:11.

“And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Messiah, the Saviour of the world,” John 4:42.

“Him hath Yahweh exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins,” Acts 5:31.

“And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world,” 1John 4:14.

It is clear from Scripture that both the Father and Son are referred to as a “savior.” Yahweh the Father serves as a savior through His redemptive power, while the Son serves as a savior through His sacrifice and atonement. It’s important to remember that these facts do not infer that the Father and Son are the same being or serve the same roles. The Father is the originator of all things, including Yahshua’s own existence.

Some people say that biblically we cannot keep the feasts without being in Israel and without a priest. Is this true?

     Some people say that biblically we cannot keep the feasts without being in Israel and without a priest. Is this true?

 

    The biblical Feast days are not dependent upon physical Israel or Levitical priests. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were observed by Israel prior to the Levitical priesthood, Exodus 12. The Feasts were also observed in the New Testament by more than Israel. This also included the Sabbath. Consider the following examples:

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place,” Acts 2:1.

In this above example, it’s important to realize that many nations were present. Verses 9-11 mentions Parthians, Medes, Elamites, dwellers in Mesopotamia, Judaea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya, Cyrene, strangers of Rome, Jews, proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians.  These were not all Israelites or Jews. Many were gentiles. This confirms that more than Israel observed the Feasts in the New Testament.

Acts 18:4 also shows that Paul preached to both Jews and gentiles on the Sabbath: “And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” If the Sabbath and Feasts were only for Israel, why then were Greeks or gentiles present in the synagogue on the Sabbath?

In addition to these examples, there are other New Testament passages confirming Feast observance, e.g. Matthew 26, Mark 14; John 7; Acts 20:6, 20; 1Corinthians 5:7-8.

Another consideration is that Scripture confirms that Sabbath and Feasts will be observed in the millennial Kingdom:

“And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith Yahweh,” Isaiah 66:23.

“In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten…. In the seventh month, in the fifteenth day of the month, shall he do the like in the feast of the seven days, according to the sin offering, according to the burnt offering, and according to the meat offering, and according to the oil,” Ezekiel 45:21, 25.

“Thus saith my Sovereign Yahweh; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened,” Ezekiel 46:1.

“And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith Yahweh will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles,” Zechariah 14:16-19.

Isaiah confirms that all of mankind will observe the weekly Sabbath in the future Kingdom. Also, Zechariah prophesies that all nations will keep the Feast of Tabernacles, along with the other Feasts, in the Kingdom. Those who refuse will receive the plague of no rain. Therefore, the Sabbath and Feasts will be a requirement for all in the Kingdom. Knowing that the Sabbath and Feasts were observed in the Old and New testaments and will be kept in the coming millennial Kingdom, it doesn’t make sense to say they are not valid today.

Today’s refusal to observe these days is not scriptural, but is based on 2,000 years of Church tradition. As most Christian scholars acknowledge, the roots of the Church grew out of Judaism. However, as the Church grew so did the pagan and Hellenistic influence within it. As this happened, the Church departed from its Hebraic foundation to a more Greco-Roman philosophy. This change included a departure from the Feasts and Sabbath. Again, the Sabbath and Feast days are not dependent upon Israel or the Levitical system, but are days established by Yahweh for all those who will accept His covenant.

Restoration Times September – October 2017


In this issue of The Restoration Times we cover:

• Keeping Feasts in the New Testament

• Halloween

• Elijah’s Mt. Carmel Victory

• Following the biblical Blueprint

• Q&A

• Answers from the RSB

• Letters

Read on Issuu.com

Download as PDF

Why is it that some people cannot accept the Truth of Scripture?

     Why is it that some cannot accept the Truth? Also, please help me understand what laws are required/not required. Also, do you have any articles defending the Sabbath and the use of Yahweh’s Name?

     Why people don’t accept the truth is a great question, but one not easy to answer. There are many reasons for this. Probably the biggest reason is tradition. It’s really hard to accept that what you and your family believe is not true. Another related reason is pride. It takes a person of humility to admit the possibility of being wrong and the ability to unbiasedly reconsider their belief system. Another reason is peer-pressure, as you have already experienced. The closer you get to the truth, the further you get from the world. The feeling of isolation and being alone is more than many can take.

Another reason for this, it’s not meant for all to hear and understand the truth now. This was the reason Yahshua said He spoke in parables: “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s 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 13:11-15.

Regarding what is required today, while we cannot provide an all-encompassing list of commandments, we believe that the Ten Commandments, all moral laws, and all laws of worship, including the Sabbaths and Feast days, are required today. Regarding laws that would not be required for believers, this would include certain civil laws, judicial laws, and sacrificial laws. For example, the Bible commands that we place a railing around our roof. Since Israel used their roofs as an extension of their living space, this made sense. However, this would not be practical for most modern homes.

If you have not already, I might suggest reviewing the below booklets. These would equip you with many answers to some of today’s arguments with the Sabbath and Name.

https://yrm.org/sabbath-observers-not-neglect-third-commandment
https://yrm.org/challenges-sacred-name-answered
https://yrm.org/sabbath-keeping-answering-arguments

I was curious as to your view of the building of the Third Temple in Jerusalem?

     I was curious as to your view of the building of the Third Temple in Jerusalem? Is it prophecy? Should it be rebuilt and should we support it?

     We believe that a third temple will be rebuilt. Below are a few passages confirming this fact:

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate,” Daniel 9:27.

Daniel confirms here that the Man of Sin (aka, the Son of Perdition, Antimessiah) will establish a covenant for one week, i.e., seven years, with many nations. In the middle of that covenant, he will cut off the sacrifices and replace them with the abomination of desolation. The mention here to sacrifices is one indicator that a temple will be rebuilt before the Tribulation.

Yahshua also speaks about a temple in Matthew 24:15: “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:).”

Yahshua the Messiah refers here to the prophecy in Daniel and states that the abomination of desolation will be placed in the holy place. The phrase “holy place” is likely a reference to the Temple. The word “holy” comes from the Greek hagios and means, “…sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated).”

The Apostle Paul in 2Thessalonians 2:3-4 also refers to a temple: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called Elohim, or that is worshipped; so that he as Elohim sitteth in the temple of Elohim, shewing himself that he is Elohim.”

Paul states here that the Man of Sin will sit in the temple of Elohim. The Greek word for temple is naos and refers to a temple or religious shrine. Considering this, there’s no doubt that a third temple will be rebuilt and that the Man of Sin will sit within this temple.

In addition to Paul, John of Patmos in Revelation 11:1-2 also speaks of a temple: “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of Elohim, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.”

John of Patmos prophesies here that a temple will be rebuilt during the Tribulation and that it will be given over to the gentiles for 42 months or three-and-a-half-years (this time marks the latter half of the Tribulation).

We believe that this temple will be rebuilt to usher in the Tribulation period, which will commence with the Man of Sin making a peace treaty with many nations and a possible return to a Hebraic form of worship, as indicated by the sacrifices that will be offered during the first three-and-a-half-years of the Tribulation. After this, the sacrifices will be removed and the Man of Sin will desecrate the temple with the abomination of desolation.

Regarding whether we should support the rebuilding of the temple, we do not believe we should support this effort. The temple will likely mean a return to the sacrificial system and the beginning of the Tribulation. According to the Prophet Amos, this day will be one of darkness and one we should not desire, Amos 5:18.

Critical New Moon, Projected 9/21

The critical new moon of the seventh biblical month is scheduled to be seen Thursday evening, September 21. Please report all new moon sightings to our New Moon Network. Below is additional information (based on mid-Missouri):
  • Sunset: 7:07 pm
  • Moonset: 8:15 pm
  • Moon age: 42.36 hours
  • Moon elevation: 12.1 degrees
  • Degrees from sun: 17.1 degrees
  • Illumination: 2.9%

Experience the Feast of Tabernacles with Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry

Feast of Tabernacles with Yahweh's Restoration Ministry Join YRM for the Feast of Tabernacles in Holts Summit, Missouri, from the evening of October 5-14. Registration is available at yrm.org/feast-tabernacles-registration. This Feast promises to be a blessing for all in attendance. We will have daily worship services along with several studies throughout the Feast. In addition to worship services, we have several activities planned for the young and young-at-heart. We have one RV site with full hookups along with several electric and primitive camp sites available. There is also a hotel, America’s Best Value Inn, less than five minutes from the assembly. For more information, visit yrm.org/feast-of-tabernacles.