What About...John 5:18?

"On this account, indeed, the Jews began seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath but he was also calling God his own Father, making himself equal to God."-John 5:18

To many, this verse is telling them exactly what they want to hear: Jesus Christ was making himself equal to God. Is that verse really valid proof in support of the Trinity? Let us see.

First, we must understand, who was saying that Jesus Christ was equal to God? Was it Christ himself? No. The unbelieving Jews were saying that. Let us follow the same steps that we always follow. First, the context.

"After these things Jesus found him in the temple and said to him: 'See, you have become sound in health. Do not sin anymore, in order that something worse does not happen to you.' The man went away and told the Jews it was Jesus that made him sound in health. So on this account the Jews went persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things during Sabbath. But he answered them: 'My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.' On this account, indeed, the Jews began seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath but he was also calling God his own Father, making himself equal to God.

"Therefore, in answer, Jesus went on to say to them: 'Most truly I say to you, the Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he beholds the Father doing. For whatever things that One does, these things the Son also does in like manner. For the Father has affection for the Son and shows him all the things he himself does, and he will show him works greater than these, in order that you may marvel.'"-John 5:14-20

When we examine this closely, where in the verse does it say that Jesus was making himself equal to God? Nowhere! The words that Jesus really said were, "My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working." There is not one statement by Jesus in that verse where he is making himself equal to his Father.

Look at the verse again, though. Jesus did say "the Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he beholds that Father doing." That is not the statement that someone makes if they are truly equal to someone else. The Jews began to reason wrongly on this. Why?

Obviously, the statement made by Jesus angered the Jews but there was nothing in that statement that was warranting death. Perhaps the Jews were only exaggerating the statement so they could have a reason to kill him. Unfortunately, that reasoning is based off a "what if" and so we have to really delve deep into the Bible. Remember that, though. The Jews were notorious for exaggerating things.

At the beginning, when Jehovah God brought the Jews out of Egypt, He instituted the Sabbath Day. During this day He said that no work was to be done neither was anyone to buy or sell. This was a day of rest and worship.

By the time of Jesus, the religious leaders had made the Sabbath a pain to follow. They said that no work whatsoever was to be done. For example, if a man fell and broke his arm on the Sabbath, a doctor was not allowed to mend it until the day after the Sabbath. Even killing a fly or flea was forbidden as hunting! [1] Jesus knew that this was severe exaggeration of the Sabbath Law. This account shows the unreasonableness of the religious leaders demands.

"After departing from that place he went into their synagogue; and, look! a man with a withered hand! So they asked him, 'Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?' that they might get an accusation against him. He said to them: 'Who will be the man among you that has one sheep and, if this falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not get hold of it and lift it out? All considered, of how much more worth is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do a fine thing on the sabbath.' Then he said to the man: 'Stretch out your hand.' And he stretched it out, and it was restored sound like the other hand."-Matthew 12:9-13

When the Pharisees saw this, what was there reaction. "But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him that they might destroy him." (Matthew 12:14) The Pharisees wanted to stone Jesus because he healed a mans hand on the Sabbath! Notice, too, he didn't say even touch the man, he only spoke to him. The Jews even had a saying, "The sins of everyone who strictly observes every law of the Sabbath, though he be an idol worshiper, are forgiven." [1] This was contrary to Jehovah's Law. He specifically said that anyone who broke the Sabbath was to die! So, the Jews were certainly capable of exaggeration. That is another false conclusion in John 5:18. The Jews also thought that Jesus was breaking the Sabbath. So, in one verse, John draws out two false conclusions the Jews came to. This should present a problem. If the Jews were right in believing that Jesus was claiming equality with God then they must have also been right in claiming that Jesus broke the Sabbath. However, they were not.

The last thing that we will look at is whether or not Jesus Christ claimed to be equal to God. When we make a thorough search, we cannot find one such account. John 10:30 doesn't work. However, a few Scriptures are adequate proof that Jesus never claimed to be God.

The first Scripture was spoken by Jesus himself. He said, "You heard that I said to you, I am going away and I am coming back to you. If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going my way to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am." (John 14:28) Some people argue that the Father Jehovah is greater then Jesus because Jesus was limited by his human form. Does this line of reasoning work? No.

The Trinity teaching says that the Father is fully God, the Son is fully God, and the holy spirit is fully God. In fact, many people can be heard to say that Jesus was "fully God/fully man" while on earth. In effect, these people contradict themselves.

Is there any indication that Jesus was inferior to the Father before his descending from heaven? Yes. We read in the Old Testament: "He himself calls out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God and the Rock of my salvation.’" (Psalm 89:26) These words were spoken by Jesus before his human birth. Further words by Jesus reveal that he was created by the Father, thus proving his inferiority before his birth.-Proverbs 8:22-26

Perhaps the most revealing verse as to the inferiority of Christ before and after he was a human is told us by the Apostle Paul. He says:

"Have this mind in you, which was also in Mashiyach Yahshua [or, Messiah Jesus]: who, existing in the form of Yahweh, counted not the being on an equality with Yahweh a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the stake. Wherefore also Elohim highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Yahshua every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth."-Philippians 2:5-10, Zikarown Say'fer Bible

Before Jesus (or, Yahshua as this translation has it) was born as a human he was inferior. In clear words Paul said that "although [Jesus] existed in the form of God, [he] did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped." {New American Standard Bible) Jesus did not even try to grasp something that he did not have. Other translations mistranslate that word "grasped" to things like "cling", "grasped or retained", as if there are two alternate renderings, and "be used for His own advantage." (The Message, The Amplified Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible) These three translations mistranslated the original Greek word used by Paul here. They are trying to read something into the text that is just not there. It is okay, though. Paul clear this up later.

Regarding Jesus after he ascended to heaven the Bible says, "But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man; in turn the head of the Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3) As I always ask after reading this verse, "How is it that God is the head of Christ in the same way that Christ is the head of man if Christ is God? If Christ is God and yet God is his head, then we are Christ because he is our head!" I have never had a Trinitarian come up with an answer, normally they only bring my attention to another Scripture. This verse presents a real problem for them.

The last Scripture that has a bearing on this subject says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3) So, even after Jesus is resurrected, the Bible clearly states that he is inferior to the Father.

Scriptures such as John 5:18 can superficially seem to present a problem but upon further examination they really do not. In the eyes of the Jews, Jesus was making himself equal to God by calling God his own father. However, the Jews were known to exaggerate little things and make them very big things. They did it more then once on the night of Jesus' death.

The conclusions drawn by apostate Jews is not an adequate basis for making any statement. If we did then Jesus was a blasphemer and a law-breaker. What should really guide our understanding is what the Bible says. May we all endeavor to do that.

Is there Life After Death?

*This is not a real Watchtower article and the question and answer format should not be taken seriously. Please do not get offended. This is just me trying to make it a little more fun.*

"Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul."-Genesis 2:7

Very few religions do not believe that there is no life after death. It is certainly plausible, since no scientific machine can measure or detect something like that. It has to be taken by faith. And surely, Jehovah God can make a soul--if we actually have one--continue to live after death. He says, "Look! All the souls--to me they belong. As the soul of the father so likewise the soul of the son--to me they belong." (Ezekiel 18:4) If all the souls belong to Jehovah, then it is undoubtedly true that He can cause anything to happen.

2 However, we must first ask some questions: What is the soul? Are the soul and spirit the same? Does the Bible teach that a person lives on after death? What is the final end? These question are very important if we want to answer the first, Is there life after death?

What Is the Soul?
3 Many teach that the soul is an immaterial life that lives inside our body with us. It is completely identical to us--because it is us--and it retains all of our memories, personality traits, and emotions that we possessed during our real life. Most people believe that when we die, our soul goes to heaven to live with God.

4 Of course, we want to see what the Bible says on this matter. According to the Bible, what is the soul? Well, the Hebrew word rendered soul is Ne'phesh and the Greek word rendered soul is Psykhe'. Both of these words carry the exact same thought. As used in the Scriptures, they both show the word soul to be a person, animal, or the life that a creature lives. Furthermore, the way that English term is used today refers to something immaterial, invisible, and immortal. In contrast, the original language words always refer to that which is material, visible, and mortal.

5 With these type of definitions applied to these words, it may surprise many to learn the truth about the soul. This is the truth: You, as a living, breathing person, are a soul. The Bible says of the first man, Adam, "Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul." (Genesis 2:7) It was not until the man received the breath of live that he became a soul, not received a soul. The Bible in other places says that the soul eats and has blood.-Leviticus 7:18; Jeremiah 2:34

6 In regard to animals the Bible says, "Let the waters swarm forth a swarm of living souls and let flying creatures fly over the earth upon the face of the expanse of the heavens...let the earth put forth living souls according to their kinds, domestic animal and moving animal and wild beast of the earth according to its kind." (Genesis 1:20, 24) Yes, we see that even animals are living souls. The same word is used at Genesis 1:20, 24, ne'phesh, for animals as that used in regard as humans. The soul of the human and the soul of the animal are no different.

Are the Soul and Spirit the Same?
7 While the Hebrew and Greek words for soul are ne'phesh and psykhe', the words for spirit in Hebrew and Greek are different. The word for spirit in Hebrew is ru'ach and the Greek word is pneu'ma. Basically, both these words mean breath, wind, or spirit.

8 What the Bible teaches about the word "spirit" is essential to consider when answering the above question. For example, Psalm 104:29 says, "If you take away their spirit, they expire, and back to their dust they go." Jesus' half brother, James, says, "As the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." (James 2:26) So the spirit is essential to life. Without it, we would not be alive.

9 Go back to the first man, Adam, again. The original Greek word for spirit, ru'ach, is used in regard to him. Remember, the Bible says, "God proceeded to...blow into his nostrils the breath [ru'ach] of life." What was the effect? Adam "came to be a living soul." (Genesis 2:7) The man did not receive the soul of life but the spirit of life. Without the spirit going into him, the soul, the life, the man, would not have existed. The man needs that spirit of life to live--to be a soul. That is why the Bible says, "Do not put your trust...in the son[s] of earthling man...his spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish." (Psalm 146:3-4) Spirit leaves the man and the soul, or man, dies--he goes back to the dust.

Does the Bible Teach That A Person Lives On After Death
10 So, if the spirit goes out, does that mean that the man lives on after death? The Bible does say: "Then the dust returns to the earth just as it happened to be and the spirit itself returns to the true God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7) If the soul does not return to heaven, does that mean that the spirit does?

11 First, we need to reason on this. When Jehovah blew into Adam the 'spirit of life' and he became a living soul, did God breath into Adam a particular spirit made specifically for that man, a spirit that contained his personality traits? Because if the spirit that goes back to God is an individual with all the memories, personality traits, and emotional responses that the living soul had, then God would have to give each person an individual spirit that contained a predisposed makeup.

12 Second, look back at Psalm 146:3-4. When the living soul dies and the spirit returns to God the verse says that "his thoughts do perish." The spirit has no thoughts--it is only a force that keeps our heart beating, our brain working, and our body responding. So when Ecclesiastes 12:7 says that the spirit returns to the God who gave it, it means that God remembers us.

13 What may surprise many is what the Bible teaches about the eventuality of man. Wise King Solomon was inspired by Jehovah to write something. He said, "There is an eventuality as respects the sons of mankind and an eventuality as respects the beast, and they have the same eventuality. As the one dies, so the other dies; and they all have but one spirit, so that there is no superiority of the man over the beast, for everything is vanity. All are going to one place. They have all come to be from the dust, and they are all returning to the dust."-Ecclesiastes 3:19-20

14 The spirit of man suffers the same fate as the spirit of the beast. They each just go away. The man, in this respect, is no different then the animal. We all know what happens to an animal when it dies. It no longer exist. Think about this. If a dog tried to battle a lion, the lion would win out. The lion is better then a dog. However, if the lion was dead, the dog is better off. (Ecclesiastes 9:4) Humans are no different then that dog. Even though a lion would win in battle against a human, a dead lion is not better then a live human. In the same way, a dead human is no better off then a live dog--or a dead dog. They are both equally dead.

15 The Bible also teaches this truth: the soul dies. To the prophet Ezekiel Jehovah said, "The soul that is sinning--it itself will die." (Ezekiel 18:4, 20) To reiterate that point, when we look back to the first man and his eventual fate, we see this point clearly. After Adam sinned he was told, "In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19) Jehovah did not tell Adam that he would go to Heaven or Hell when he died but that he would go back to the same state that he was in before. He would die and turn back to dust.

16 The real clincher of the matter is this extremely clear Scripture. Ecclesiastes 9:5 says, "For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all." So neither the soul nor the spirit continue after death. We, as a soul, cease to exist and the spirit, or life force, goes out, causing our thoughts to perish. We are not immortal. That is why the Bible says that Jesus Christ is "the one alone"--in relation to humans--"having immortality." (1 Timothy 6:16) That is why we need to feel the same way as the Psalmist David: "Into your hand I entrust my spirit."-Psalm 31:5

What Is the Final End
17 When asked about the resurrection by people who did not believe in it, Jesus said, "As regards the resurrection of the dead, did you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob’? He is the God, not of the dead, but of the living.'" (Matthew 22:31-32) Some might point to this verse and say, "See! Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are not dead! They must be in heaven with God! All of your arguments are useless!" But the Gospel writer Luke sheds light on that. He continued Jesus' words: "He is a God, not of the dead, but of the living, for they are all living to him." (Luke 20:38) That brings us to our concluding point.

18 Death is going to be done away with. Paul, after quoting Isaiah 25:8 saying "The saying will take place that is written: 'Death is swallowed up forever', then turns and quotes Hosea 13:14, taunting death because it cannot hurt man anymore. (1 Corinthians 15:54-55; Revelation 21:3-4) Yes, one day death will be done away with! Yet, there is more! Those who have died will return to life. Jesus taught this. He said, "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." (John 5:28-29) Paul and John also both taught a resurrection.

19 Paul wrote, "I have hope toward God, which hope these men themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15) John said, "And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened...and the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Hades gave up those dead in them." (Revelation 20:12-13) Yes, millions and perhaps billions of people who have lived and died will return from the grave and have a hope of living forever on a paradise earth.-Psalm 37:11, 29

20 We can thank Jehovah for his wonderful provision. He does not torment people in hell for eternity and he doesn't rip us from the people we love forever. He also doesn't keep us in the dark on this subject. When we say, "Jehovah, into your hands we entrust our spirits" we can be confident that He knows exactly what to do with them. If you would like to learn what the Bible says further on this subject and many other subjects, write to the appropriate address or send a request by electronic correspondence. Any Jehovah's Witness in your area would be happy to help you!

Study Questions
1, 2. (A) Why is it plausible that something could live on after death? (B) What questions will be considered in this article?

3. What is the basic teaching about the soul?

4. (A) What are the original language words that are translated into soul? (B) What does the English translation of these words bring to mind, but what connotation do they actually carry?

5. What is the truth about the soul and what Bible Scriptures point this out?

6. Is the original language word translated "soul" in regard to animals the same as the word translated "soul" for humans? Explain.

7. What are the original language words for "spirit" and what basic meanings could they have?

8. Why is spirit essential for life?

9. (A) How do the circumstances surrounding Adam help defend the notion of the spirit being the life-force? (B) How is Psalm 146:3-4 help to clear things up?

10. What question does Ecclesiastes 12:7 raise?

11. What question does the idea of a conscious spirit bring up and how can this be reasoned upon?

12. What further way does Psalm 146:3-4 help us to see that neither the soul nor the spirit is conscious?

13, 14. (A) What eventuality befalls both man and animal and what happens to each when this occurs? (B) What illustration from the Bible can be used to clarify and strengthen this point?

15. (A) Does the soul die? Explain. (B) What did Jehovah promise would happen to Adam after he sinned and where is Adam now?

16. Does the Bible say that we are immortal? Is anyone immortal?

17. (A) What did Jesus claim about Jehovah in regard to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? (B) How does Luke clarify what Jesus actually meant?

18, 19. (A) What will one day happen to death, 'the last enemy'? (B) What words of Jesus, Paul, and John show that death is not the end?

20. Why can we be thankful to Jehovah and what can we be confident of?

Prophecies Regarding Our Lord Jesus

*And it must occur in that day that there will be the root of Jesse that will be standing up as a signal for the peoples. To him even the nations will turn inquiringly, and his resting-place must become glorious.-Isaiah 11:10*

Prophecy-Descendant of Abraham:
Utterance-Genesis 17:6, 19
Fulfillment-Matthew 1:2-16; Luke 3:23-34

Prophecy-Descendant of Isaac:
Utterance-Genesis 17:19; 21:12
Fulfillment-Matthew 1:2-16; Luke 3:23-34

Prophecy-Descendant of Jacob:
Utterance-Genesis 28:10, 14
Fulfillment-Matthew 1:2-16; Luke 3:23-34

Prophecy-Descendant of Judah:
Utterance-Genesis 49:10
Fulfillment-Matthew 1:2-16; Luke 3:23-34

Prophecy-Descendant of David:
Utterance-Isaiah 11:1
Fulfillment-Matthew 1:2-16; Luke 3:23-34

Prophecy-Come 69x7 (483 Years) After Temple Rebuilt:
Utterance-Daniel 9:24-26
Fulfillment-Luke 3:15

Prophecy-Born of a Virgin:
Utterance-Isaiah 7:14
Fulfillment-Matthew 1:20-23

Prophecy-Born in Bethlehem Ephrathah:
Utterance-Micah 5:2
Fulfillment-Matthew 2:4-7

Prophecy-Anointed with holy spirit:
Utterance-Isaiah 61:1-2
Fulfillment-Luke 4:18-21

Prophecy-Prophet like Moses:
Utterance-Deuteronomy 18:15, 18
Fulfillment-Acts 3:20-22

Prophecy-Naphtali; Zebulun see Light:
Isaiah 9:1-2
Fulfillment-Matthew 4:13-16

Prophecy-Herod kills children:
Utterance-Jeremiah 31:15
Fulfillment-Matthew 2:16-18

Prophecy-Called out of Egypt:
Utterance-Hosea 11:1
Fulfillment-Matthew 2:13-15

Prophecy-Speak only parables:
Utterance-Psalm 78:2
Fulfillment-Matthew 13:13, 34-35

Prophecy-No sin:
Utterance-Isaiah 53:9
Fulfillment-2 Peter 2:22

Prophecy-Priest forever:
Utterance-Psalm 110:4
Fulfillment-Hebrews 5:6

Prophecy-Enter Jerusalem on donkey:
Utterance-Zechariah 9:9
Fulfillment-Matthew 21:1-11

Prophecy-Enter temple with authority:
Utterance-Malachi 3:1
Fulfillment-Matthew 21:12

Prophecy-Betrayed by friend:
Utterance-Psalm 41:9
Fulfillment-Matthew 26:21, 47-49

Prophecy-Betrayed for 30 silver pieces then used to buy field:
Utterance-Zechariah 11:12-13
Fulfillment-Matthew 26:15; 27:3-7

Prophecy-Disciples Scattered:
Utterance-Zechariah 13:7
Fulfillment-Matthew 26:31, 56

Prophecy-False witnesses used at trial:
Utterance-Psalm 27:12
Fulfillment-Matthew 26:59-60

Prophecy-Hated without cause:
Utterance-Psalm 69:4
Fulfillment-Matthew 26:59-60

Prophecy-Spit upon and struck:
Utterance-Isaiah 50:6; Micah 5:1
Fulfillment-Matthew 26:67-68

Prophecy-Gamble for garments:
Utterance-Psalm 22:18
Fulfillment-Matthew 27:35; John 19:33-34

Prophecy-Thirsty and given vinegar to drink:
Utterance-Psalm 22:15; 69:21
Fulfillment-John 19:28; Matthew 27:34

Prophecy-No bones broken:
Utterance-Psalm 34:20
Fulfillment-John 19:33, 36

Prophecy-Resurrected:
Utterance-Psalm 16:10
Fulfillment-Matthew 28:5-6; Acts 2:24, 27

Prophecy-Sit at God's right hand:
Utterance-Psalm 110:1
Fulfillment-Acts 7:55; Hebrews 1:3

Isaiah 53:1-12
53:1-Not believed in-John 12:37-38
53:2-Undesired-Mark 6:3; Luke 9:58
53:3-Rejected-John 1:11; 7:5
53:4-Carried our sicknesses-Matthew 8:16-17
53:5-Death atone for all sins-Matthew 20:28; John 1:29
53:6-Sheep without shepherds; Errors on him-1 Peter 2:24-25; 3:18
53:7-Silent before accusers-Matthew 27:12-14; Mark 14:61
53:8­-Tried and condemned-John 19:12-16
53:9-Buried with rich-Matthew 27:57-60; John 19:38-42
53:10-Resurrected by God-Acts 2:24; 3:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6
53:11­-Bear sins of others-1 John 2:2
53:12-Die sacrificial death-Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews

Did Adam and Eve Repent of Their Sin?

I was speaking to two local Mormon missionaries recently who told me that after the Fall of Adam and Eve, they repented, were forgiven, baptized, and Adam became a priest. When I asked for a Biblical reference for this they said that it wasn't in the Bible. However, they pointed to their Scripture The Pearl of Great Price, book of Moses 5:5-12; 6:55-65.

Does the Bible support this?

After doing research, I realized that first, if an event this important had actually occurred, the Bible would have definitely spoken of it. Second, if Adam had been forgiven the Bible would not continually speak of him negatively. Third, the Bible record actually disproves this! How?

At Genesis 5:21-24 the Bible says, "And Enoch lived on for sixty-five years. Then he became father to Methuselah. And after his fathering Methuselah Enoch went on walking with the true God three hundred years

. Meanwhile he became father to sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch amounted to three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch kept walking with the true God. Then he was no more, for God took him."

How does this disprove this particular belief? First, no one else is said to walk with the true God until Noah. Second, this was such an important thing that the Bible mentions it twice in the same area! Third, Adam was alive when Enoch was alive! Just consider.

Adam died at 930 years of age. (Genesis 5:5) He had Seth at 130 years. Seth had his son, Enosh, at 105. This would make Adam 235 years old. Enosh had his son, Kenan, at 90. Adam would be 325. Kenan had Mahalalel at 70. Adam would be 395. Mahalalel had Jared at 65. Adam would be 460. Finally, Jared had Enoch 162. Adam would 622. Enoch died at the age of 325. This would put Adam at 947, if he had not died 17 years earlier. In fact, Adam was still alive when Noah's father was Lamech was still alive. Obviously, Lamech was not serving God. (Genesis 4:23-24; 5:6-27) The only person that was said to worship the true God in all that period was Enoch.

Some may object and say that Genesis 4:26 proves that people were worshiping the true God. This verse says, "And to Seth also there was born a son and he proceeded to call his name Enosh. At that time a start was made of calling on the name of Jehovah."

"Obviously," some may object, "Either Seth or Enosh started to worship the true God, and that goes together perfectly with what the Pearl of Great Price says of Enosh in Moses 6:13." That seems like a valid objection. But when you do extra research, you find that it really isn't. In fact, it shows that the author of the book of Moses read the Bible, misinterpreted that Scripture in the exact manner in which I just explained it (I can't really judge, until I did the research a couple of months ago, I was under the same impression). How is this a misinterpretation?

This verse does not mean what it appears to mean. Leading scholars of Biblical Hebrew show us that the original words in that verse carry a bad connotation. When it says that a "start was made of calling on the name of Jehovah" the Hebrew says that they called on this Name profanely. In fact, translators should really translate it "began profanely calling on the name of Jehovah" or "then profanation began in calling on the name of Jehovah." In fact, the Jewish Targum says of this verse that they began making idols and called the idols Jehovah. The Insight on the Scriptures says that they may have even started claiming that they were Jehovah or that they called other men Jehovah and approached those to worship Him. They also could have used His name on their idols.

Even if this verse did not indicate a beginning of false worship and did mean that people began to worship Jehovah it still contradicts the fifth and sixth chapters of the book of Moses. These chapters say that Adam and Eve repented before the days of Seth and Enosh and continued to worship Jehovah for the rest of their lives. However, Genesis 4:26 says that it wasn't until the days of Enosh that a start was made of calling on the Name of Jehovah. Either way it is presented, we can see that Adam and Eve did not repent, or if they tried, Jehovah did not accept that. If they had of and their repentance had been accepted, the Bible would surely indicate that.

Are Christians Under the Mosaic Law?

Many religions today teach that Christians must obey the Mosaic Law in its entirety except the animal sacrifices. They point to Hebrews 9 to back that up.

"When Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come to pass, through the greater and more perfect tent not made with hands, that is, not of this creation, he entered, no, not with the blood of goats and of young bulls, but with his own blood, once for all time into the holy place and obtained an everlasting deliverance for us. For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who have been defiled sanctifies to the extent of cleanness of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of the Christ, who through an everlasting spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works that we may render sacred service to the living God?"-Hebrews 9:11-14

In the Mosaic Law, the Israelites were commanded to observe the Passover. On the day that the Passover was instituted to memorialize, the Israelites were to take an unblemished, young lamb and slaughter it. Then they were to put some of its blood on their doorposts. This would make the angel of death pass over their houses as he went through the city, slaughtering the firstborn.-Exodus 12:21-23, 43-49

Furthermore, Jehovah laid down a specific set of sacrifices that the Israelites were to perform. (Leviticus 4:1-6:14) If at any time the Israelites failed to do this, they were guilty of their sins. They could only find relief in the repetition of these sacrifices.

All of this changed when Jesus Christ came. Speaking prophetically of the Messiah, the prophet Daniel tells us, "And he must keep the covenant in force for the many for one week; and at the half of the week he will cause sacrifice and gift offering to cease." (Daniel 9:27) In clear, crystal language, Daniel lets us know that the Messiah is going to end the need for sacrifices. Was this something that New Testament writers knew?

Paul knew it. "Indeed, Christ our passover has been sacrificed." (1 Corinthians 5:7) Christ was the last passover sacrifice that needed to be offered. And even more then that he performed the ultimate sacrifice, making the need for all other sacrifices to stop. This is explained at Hebrews 9:11-12. Read that again.

However, did the coming of Jesus only make the requirement of animal sacrifices cease or did he make the entire Mosaic Law invalid? Let us start out with one major point of the Mosaic Law that many people point to: The Sabbath Day.

Is Celebrating the Sabbath Necessary?
Many Christian denominations still celebrate the Sabbath Day. Among these are Mormons, Seventh-Day Adventists, Messianic-Christian groups, and various Restored-Name groups. A smattering of individual churches throughout Christendoms denominations celebrate the Sabbath, too. So we must ask, is it necessary?

The NT writers didn't think so. One of them, Paul, said, "Therefore let no man judge you in eating and drinking or in respect of a festival or of an observance of the new moon or of a sabbath; for those things are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to the Christ." (Colossians 2:16-17) Paul gave us a major indicator that the Sabbath was not mandatory. True, Paul said that these things were a conscious matter, it was up to each individual to decide if he wanted to continue to observe the Sabbath. He did warn, though, that undue emphasize on the celebrating of the Sabbath was detrimental.

"But now that you have come to know God, or rather now that you have come to be known by God, how is it that you are turning back again to the weak and beggarly elementary things and want to slave for them over again? You are scrupulously observing days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that somehow I have toiled to no purpose respecting you." (Galatians 4:9-11) This was a reproof. The celebrating of the Sabbath was called "weak" and is an indication that a Christian has started to regress, or 'turn back', to this form of slavery under the Mosaic Law.

One other reasoning point to mention to these people who continue to believe that the Sabbath is binding is this: Why do they make such an effort to celebrate the Sabbath day but completely neglect the Sabbath year as mentioned at Leviticus 25:3-4? If they refuse to work, buy, or sell on Friday (Muslims), Saturday (Seventh-Day Adventist), or Sunday (Mormons), depending on which day they believe the Sabbath originally fell on, then why do they not quit their jobs every seven years as required? Are they scared that God will not completely provide? Why not mention that next time someone says that the Sabbath is necessary? The Scriptures show that it isn't.

Are Christians Required to Observe the Mosaic Law?
There is one Scripture that people who believe in following the Mosaic Law point to. It is Romans 3:31, which says in the International Standard Version, "Do we, then, abolish the law by this faith? Of course not! Instead, we uphold the law." Other translations, instead of saying "uphold" say things like "establish" (NASB, NWT, KJV), "support" (God's Word Translation), and "make it clear that the law is important" (Bible in Basic English). All of these, besides the ISV, leave it open for interpretation. The ISV is the only translation that supports this belief.

Since normal religious people can interpret this verse to say anything they want, we should really look to the authorities. What do they say?

"'We establish the law'--Both the authority, purity, and the end of it; by defending that which the law attests; by pointing out Christ, the end of it; and by showing how it may be fulfilled in its purity."
-Wesley's Notes

"The sinner establishes the law in its right use and honour by confessing his guilt, and acknowledging that by it he is justly condemned. Christ, on the sinner's behalf, establishes the law by enduring its penalty, death."
-Scofield Reference Notes

"Believers are not left to be lawless; faith is a law...The law is still of use to convince us of what is past, and to direct us for the future. Though we cannot be saved by it as a covenant, yet we own and submit to it, as a rule in the hand of the Mediator."
-Matthew Henry's Commentary

All of the above Scholar notes show that Romans 3:31 is not a good basis for saying that we are still under the Law of Moses. However, in the end, scholars are not as authoritative as God's Word. Despite Romans 3:31, does the Bible teach that Christians are still under the Mosaic Law?

Paul answers that question by saying, "For Christ is the end of the Law, so that everyone exercising faith may have righteousness." (Romans 10:4) When the Law Covenant was in effect, the way to be declared righteous was by following the commands in the Law. Now that it is abolished we are declared righteous by our faith.

Paul expressed this in even clearer language to the congregation in Ephesus when he said, "By means of his flesh [Christ] abolished the enmity, the Law of commandments consisting in decrees, that he might create the two peoples in union with himself into one new man and make peace; and that he might fully reconcile both peoples in one body to God through the torture stake, because he had killed off the enmity by means of himself." (Ephesians 2:15-16) The Law did not reconcile us to God, only the death of our Lord Jesus was able to accomplish that. That is probably what Paul had in mind when he said that it was by undeserved kindness that we were saved and not works.-Ephesians 2:8-9

In the end, the abolition of the Law was necessary. Why? "A man is declared righteous, not due to works of law, but only through faith toward Christ Jesus...because due to works of law no flesh will be declared righteous." (Romans 2:16) The Mosaic Law was necessary for its time. It was full of regulations that showed what was wrong and what was right in the eyes of Jehovah. However, when someone did not follow the Law perfectly they sinned, plain and simple, and the works of the Law were not enough to pass over that. This was a weakness of the Law.

In the book of Hebrews, Paul spoke plainly about the weaknesses of the Law. Since many of the laws were prophetic of the Messiah, they were not able to fulfill the way the Messiah did. In fact, "the Law has a shadow of the good things to come, but not the very substance of the things." (Hebrews 10:1) The weakness of the Law was due to the fact that it was only prophetic, a shadow of the things to come but not the things themselves. Due to this, "there occurs a setting aside of the preceding commandment on account of its weakness and ineffectiveness. For the Law made nothing perfect."-Hebrews 7:18-19

The view that many took was that since the Law was gone the sins that were forbidden in the Law were now alright to practice. For this reason, Paul wrote to the Romans, "For sin must not be master over you, seeing that you are not under law but under undeserved kindness. What follows? Shall we commit a sin because we are not under law but under undeserved kindness? Never may that happen!" (Romans 6:14-15) No, the idea that it is alright to sin because the Law was forbidden is wrong. If we sin because of that we are letting sin get the mastery of us. The main thing that we must remember is even though we are not under the old Law, we are under a new law. The Law of the Christ, a much more superior law then the one given to Moses.-Galatians 6:2

Knowing all of this should not make us more prone to sin or make us think that the Law is not important. Our concluding Scripture should make us have respect for that Law and show us that we should still abide by the principles therein. "I would not have come to know sin if it had not been for the Law; and, for example, I would not have known covetousness if the Law had not said: 'You must not covet.'" (Romans 7:7) The fact that there are so many wonderful principles embodied in the Mosaic Law should make us want to learn what it says and how we, people who abide by the Law of the Christ, can apply it in our lives.

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Other Scriptures Showing Christians Are Not Under The Law
Romans 7:6
Galatians 3:19
Galatians 3:23-25
Galatians 5:18

Other Scriptures Showing Weakness Of Mosaic Law
Galatians 2:16
Galatians 3:11-13

This Was Funny, So I Took It

When God's Parents Lost Him
Trinitarians insist that whenever we see the word "Jesus" in the Bible, we can be sure the Bible writers were referring to God the Son. They claim this was God walking in the land of Israel. So if Jesus is God .....

Now the parents of God went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when God was twelve years old, they went up according to custom and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, God stayed behind in Jerusalem. The parents of God did not know it, but supposing God to be in their company they went a day's journey, and they sought God among their kinsfolk and acquaintances and when they did not find God, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking God. After three days they found God in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions and all who heard God were amazed at the understanding of God and His answers. And when they saw God they were astonished and the mother of God said to him, "God, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And God said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in the house of my Father?" And they did not understand the saying which God spoke to them. And God went down with them and came to Nazareth and God was obedient to them and the mother of God kept all these things in her heart. And God increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.-Luke 2:40-52


Holy Spirit Absurdities
If the Holy Spirit is the 3rd person of the Trinity then:

Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. "I have filled him with [the third person of the Trinity] in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge-Exodus 31:1-3

Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your [third person of the Trinity] from me.-Psalm 51:11

Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My [third person of the Trinity] upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.-Isaiah 42:1

I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I will have poured out My [third person of the Trinity] on the house of Israel," declares the Lord GOD.-Ezekiel 39:29

It will come about after this that I will pour out My [third person of the Trinity] on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.-Joel 2:28

"As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with [the third person of the Trinity] and fire-Matthew 3:11

Jesus, full of [the third person of the Trinity], returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness-Luke 4:1

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give [the third person of the Trinity to those who ask Him?-Luke 11:13

For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives [the third person of the Trinity] without measure.-John 3:34

Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of [the third person of the Trinity], Jesus has poured forth this which you both see and hear.-Acts 2:33

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive [the third person of the Trinity] for [the third person of the Trinity] had not yet fallen on any of them... Then they laid their hands on them and they received [the third person of the Trinity]... Now when Simon saw that [the third person of the Trinity] was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money.-Acts 8:14-15

While Peter was still saying this, [the third person of the Trinity] fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of [the third person of the Trinity] had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, Can any one forbid water for baptizing these people who have received [the third person of the Trinity] just as we have?"-Acts 10:43-47

But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have [the third person of the Trinity].-1 Corinthians 7:40

Did you receive [the third person of the Trinity] by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in [the third person of the Trinity], are you now being perfected by the flesh?-Galatians 3:2-3

By this you know [the third person of the Trinity]: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.-1 John 4:2

On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit.-Revelation 1:10 (It originally had the alternate rendering but my conscience will not let me post the alternate rendering due to the fact that it is from the book of Revelation and I do not want to be guilty of breaking the commandment at Revelation 22:18-19.

Complete Randomness (Because I Can)

Due to the nature of my posts, my true personality does not come through properly. I will tell you about myself. First and foremost, my life revolves around Jehovah God and His precepts. "And I shall show a fondness for your commandments that I have loved. And I shall raise my palms to your commandments that I have loved, and I will concern myself with your regulations...How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern." (Psalm 119:47-48, 97) However, there is much more to life then that. We are counseled to be balanced.

Jehovah God has given each of us a gift. (1 Corinthians 12:4, 7-8) With me, I have a way with words. Perhaps I am not able to form thoughts as well on this blog but I am very imaginative. At the moment, I am working on a novel that I am trying to get published as well as a compilation of some short stories that I have written. These are all science fiction, my favorite genre of books. I love to read. I have books by Isaac Asimov, Ben Bova, David Brin, Orson Scott Card, Arthur C. Clarke, Michael Chrichton, Philip Jose Farmer, Peter F. Hamilton, Frank Herbert, L. Ron Hubbard, Fredrick Pohl, Kim Stanley Robinson, Dan Simmons, Robert Charles Wilson, and more.

I have a subscription to GQ, National Geographic, Time, and Wired magazines. I know how to dress myself in the winter but can't put two pieces together in the summer. Too bad summer only lasted two weeks this year in the south! Oh well. I stole the idea for my desk arrangement from the Bible Teach book on page 22, computer included.

I love maps and that is the main reason I keep my NG subscription, for the maps. I love movies! Really, really love movies. I collect Bibles, paperback books, CD's and magazines. I am currently trying to read all of the Society paperback publications that they print. I'm reading Questions Young People Ask: Answers That Work.

I love to talk about the Bible to people. I am constantly studying and rarely forget any information that I've read once and put my mind to remembering. I have brothers and sisters come to me for answers, many before they go to their CD-Rom! When I learn something new, I want to tell people in service but no one wants to listen to me. That is why I made this blog, to get all of this stuff off my chest! Thanks for reading. Recently, my wife and I have started watching the Golden Girls which is hilarious! I love it. I can't believe I'd turn it as a child everytime I saw those "four stupid old women".

I love to talk and laugh. When in school, I had no self-esteem because I have a speech impediment and was always being picked on. Once out of school I got over that real quick. Now I love getting assignments for the TMS, studying the information and preparing it in a very unique way. When I perfect the #4 that I'm giving this Tuesday, I will post a script of my talk. I'll have to write it down because I normally just keep a very brief outline.

I was never rebellious growing up. I was afraid to smoke, drink, or otherwise partake in any illegal activities. I hated myself for my fear because I felt that it inhibited my from "really living" but now that I have learned the Truth, I am happy to say that I resisted the temptations of the world.



Well, that's all for today folks! However, I thought that maybe all my Witness readers would like this.

Another weird thing is that I am moved by the weirdest little things. These two pictures really did it for me.


I don't know what it is about these two pictures, but the smallest things make me happy. I'm weird but that's okay. I've learned to love myself. I can joke around and make witty comments out of nowhere. I realize now that that is a sign that I have more self-respect, confidence, and love for myself. I was never quick or witty. I have matured greatly.

I have two sisters. My older sister has two children, boys, and my younger sister has one son. My wife and I are talking about it but just want to wait until we've settled down financially. Life has been hectic these last two years and has just started settling down.

I am right-handed, have brown eyes and my phone number is...