Did Yeshua Teach a New Law? A Look at Torah and the Messiah Let’s start with a simple but profound statement from Yeshua: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) At first glance, this seems straightforward—love for Yeshua is demonstrated through obedience. But obedience to what? Some claim Yeshua brought a brand-new law, something separate from the Torah given at Sinai. But if we listen carefully to His own words, we find that’s not the case. “Do not think that I came to abolish the Torah or the Prophets! I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17, TLV) The Greek word here for “fulfill” (πληρόω, plēroō ) doesn’t mean “to end” but rather to bring to full expression, to uphold, or to properly teach. In other words, Yeshua wasn’t dismantling the Torah—He was clarifying its true intent. He rebuked those who nullified God’s commandments with their traditions (Mark 7:6-9) and made it clear that the Torah still stands: “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least o...

Are they “Nailed to the Cross” or are they Necessary for Salvation? Actions have consequences. That’s just how life works. And when it comes to the Ten Commandments, they aren’t just some ancient list of rules—they’re the foundation for every good and desirable outcome in life. But here’s the problem: the world has been tricked into thinking that God’s Law is restrictive, outdated, even harsh. Yet Scripture says otherwise: "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous." (1 John 5:3) Not only are the Ten Commandments still in effect, but they are central to God’s plan for His people. So why do so many dismiss them? And more importantly—why should you take them seriously? A Universe of Law Look around. From the smallest atom to the vast expanse of the cosmos, everything operates according to precise laws. Gravity doesn’t take a day off. The speed of light doesn’t change based on how we feel about it. The laws of physics hold...

  Does God Care About Our Choices? A Scholarly and Scriptural Perspective Introduction A common question arises in theological discussions: If God created the vast universe, why would He care about our individual choices? This query often challenges believers to reconcile the grandeur of creation with the intimate details of moral conduct. By exploring biblical, Torah, and Book of Mormon teachings, we uncover a profound answer rooted in love, agency, and divine purpose. Key Aspects of the Argument God's Love and Guidance As the responder in the discussion aptly stated, God provides a "map and set of rules" for us to return to Him. This reflects His deep care for humanity. In the Torah, the mitzvot (commandments) are seen as a divine gift, guiding Israel toward holiness (Leviticus 19:2). Similarly, the Book of Mormon emphasizes God's desire for His children to "choose liberty and eternal life" through His teachings (2 Nephi 2:27). The Nature of Divine Rules T...

I’ll be honest – for most of my life, I skimmed through the early chapters of the Book of Genesis – the stories about talking snakes and the “sons of gods” who saw beautiful women and took them as wives. These stories are so strange and describe a world so unlike our own that they appear more like Greek myths than classic biblical stories meant to guide and instruct us. But the truth is, these strange stories have far more to teach us than I ever realized. Beneath the strangeness lie profound truths as relevant today as they were at the very creation of the world. וְהַנָּחָשׁ הָיָה עָרוּם מִכֹּל חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהִים וַ יֹּאמֶר אֶל־הָאִשָּׁה אַף כִּי־אָמַר אֱלֹהִים לֹא תֹאכְלוּ מִכֹּל עֵץ הַגָּן׃ Now the serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild beasts that Hashem had made. He said to the woman, “Did Hashem really say: You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?” - Genesis 3:1 We are told almost nothing about the serpent whose evil shrewdness changed the enti...

Have you ever pondered on the parallels between the teachings of Yeshua HaMaschiah, commonly known as Jesus Christ, and the profound wisdom enshrined in the Torah? Through a careful examination of their teachings, this article will shed light on the interconnectedness and disparities in their messages, as depicted in the revered King James Version of the Bible. Unlocking the Teachings Yeshua HaMaschiah's teachings are often viewed as an extension or fulfillment of the principles laid out in the Torah. His profound messages often mirror the ethical and spiritual standards inscribed in the ancient scriptures. Let's delve into some key teachings exemplifying this connection. Love Your Neighbor Yeshua's emphasis on love transcends mere words and is deeply rooted in actions towards one's neighbors. In the book of Matthew 22:39 , he states, "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." This teaching resonates with the Torah's emphas...