It’s a complex balance of faith, obedience, and understanding the Biblical Hebraic roots of our faith. Here’s an expanded reflection, with supporting references:
Understanding Salvation: Faith and the Role of the Law
Salvation Through Faith
Paul’s teaching in Romans 10:9-10 clarifies that salvation is based on faith: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Y’shu’ah is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that Elohim raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” This passage emphasizes that righteousness comes through belief and faith in Elohim’s redemptive work through Y’shu’ah HaMashiach, not through adherence to the law.
Righteousness Through Faith, Not Law-Keeping
In Galatians 2:16, Paul reiterates, “A person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Y’shu’ah HaMashiach.” This highlights that our justification before Elohim is grounded in faith rather than strict adherence to the Torah (the Law). The purpose of the Law, as explained in Galatians 3:24, was to lead us to Y’shu’ah HaMashiach, revealing our need for a Savior and the insufficiency of our own efforts to attain righteousness.
Confidence in Salvation
The Apostle John assures us in 1 John 5:13, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of Elohim so that you may know that you have eternal life.” This confidence in salvation is not based on our ability to perfectly keep the law or follow rituals but on faith in Elohim’s promise through Y’shu’ah. It reminds believers that salvation is assured to those who believe, offering a deep peace that does not hinge on human actions alone.
The Law, Feasts, and Their Significance in the Life of the Believer
Understanding the Law as a Guide, Not as a Means of Salvation
Romans 3:31 clarifies the believer’s relationship with the Law: “Do we then nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” Observance of the feasts and dietary laws can be expressions of devotion and alignment with Elohim’s original instructions. They were designed to set His people apart and to symbolize aspects of His character and plan. In this sense, keeping the feasts and commandments can deepen one’s understanding of Elohim’s ways, but they are not the foundation of salvation.
Feasts and Sacrifices During the Millennial Reign
The prophets foresaw a future time when certain observances would continue. For instance, Zechariah 14:16-19 speaks of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) being observed during the reign of the Messiah, with all nations required to come to Jerusalem to honor Elohim. Additionally, Ezekiel’s vision of the Temple (Ezekiel 40–48) describes a restored worship system, including sacrifices, not for atonement (which was fulfilled in Y’shu’ah) but as memorials and worshipful offerings. These prophetic passages indicate that these observances retain significance, pointing us to a fuller understanding of Elohim’s redemptive plan and our eternal relationship with Him.
Sacrifices as Memorials, Not Atonement
Hebrews 10:1-4 explains that the sacrificial system was a shadow of the good things to come in Y’shu’ah. The sacrifices during the millennial reign should be understood as symbolic memorials, reminding us of Y’shu’ah’s ultimate sacrifice rather than acting as a means of salvation or atonement. The writer of Hebrews explains that Y’shu’ah’s one sacrifice is sufficient for all time, saying, “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Y’shu’ah HaMashiach once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).
Knowing Elohim Through His Word and Commands
Faith and Obedience Hand-in-Hand
The believer’s obedience to Elohim’s commands and participation in the feasts are not attempts to “earn” salvation but rather to walk in alignment with His will. Y’shu’ah himself said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Observing the commandments and feasts expresses love and reverence for Elohim, allowing believers to connect with the rich heritage of the faith and to proclaim their devotion.
Warnings Against Lawlessness
Matthew 7:21-23 records Y’shu’ah’s stark warning against lawlessness, as He speaks of those who called Him “Lord” but did not obey Elohim’s commands. The Greek term anomia here translates as “lawlessness,” emphasizing the importance of honoring Elohim’s instructions. Those who are truly in Messiah are expected to live in a way that reflects their salvation through lives of holiness and obedience, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a natural outflow of faith.
Summary: Assurance of Salvation in Y’shu’ah
Faith is the foundation of our salvation, but it is not meant to replace obedience. Salvation through faith establishes our relationship with Elohim, while obedience is the fruit of that relationship, demonstrating our love for Him.
Observing the feasts and commandments can enrich our walk with Elohim, keeping us connected to His historical and prophetic timeline. Yet, these practices should not be seen as “checking boxes” for salvation but rather as expressions of reverence, love, and a desire to walk in His ways.
Y’shu’ah’s fulfillment of the Law means that our salvation rests securely in Him. The continued observance of feasts and sacrifices during the millennial reign reflects Elohim’s ongoing purpose and plan, honoring Y’shu’ah’s ultimate work of redemption and offering a prophetic picture of His Kingdom to come.
The Hebraic perspective reminds us that salvation is a gift through faith in Y’shu’ah, while the Law and the feasts are gifts that draw us closer to Him, providing a framework to live in harmony with Elohim’s will and preparing us for His eternal Kingdom.
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