Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrew Roots

Hebrew Roots FAQ's and Myths

Scriptures

Myth. The New Testament was originally written in Hebrew/Aramaic, not Greek because it is from pagan influences and/or filled with translation errors, which they must eliminate or "correct".

Myth.  Most of the Scriptures were originally written in the Hebrew and Aramaic languages

A. The Old Testament was written primarily from source manuscripts of Hebrew and Aramaic. The New Testament was written from manuscripts in Greek, the occasional Aramaic, and the occasional Hebrew.

Hebrew is a language that evolved historically from proto Canaanite (1400 bce) into Phoenician (1050 bce) then into paleo, middle, and late Hebrew, which finally ended up becoming the Biblical Hebrew (with vowels) that we find today in the Masoretic text upon which the Old Testament is based. From there modern words were added, and then once again it evolved into the modern Hebrew that is spoken in Israel today.

There are parts of various books in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) that are written partially in Aramaic (Daniel, Ezra, Jeremiah, Genesis). Aramaic is a language that came out of Canaan, where the people worshipped idols, and was also spoken in pagan Babylon during the captivity. There are loan words which are transliterated from Greek to Aramaic in the book of Daniel (3:5,7,10,15). And of course, whether accepted or not, the LXX was written in Greek.

There are NO original Hebrew manuscripts for the New Testament. We do have 5,656 manuscripts in Greek, and we know that there are a few Aramaic words and specifically noted Hebrew words and Chaldee words in those [John 5:2; John 9:7, John 1:42, Acts 9:36, Heb 7:1-2] Jesus chose to speak Aramaic in Mark 15:34. It is written in Scripture, that when He addressed the Father from the Cross, He cried out “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani” which is clearly in the Aramaic language.

The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the most valuable discoveries of our day. They have given us a look into the writings of the time before, during, and after Christ. There are literally thousands of scroll fragments. The number of different writings represented is quite large, and they are written in three different languages: Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek. There were none written in Latin. It is also important to note, that the Gospels in the New Testament portion of the Latin Bible are translated from the Koine Greek manuscripts.

The Greek Texts were and are translated into other languages so that "...the Gospel is published in all nations". It is absurd to think that God would be incapable of inspiring the translation of His Word into other languages. It is also unthinkable that He would be unable to protect the needed messages in those languages. 

The Scriptures were written in Greek because it was the common language, of Jews and Gentiles. It was the language of commerce. It is not a language that defiles someone or makes them pagan. It is what is in them spiritually.

Matthew 15:16-20 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? 17. Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18. But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20. These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

For more on the Hebrew and Greek Language issues please see:  Myth. None of the apostles (or Jesus) spoke any Greek, because it was a pagan language. No Jew would ever speak Greek. >http://www.SeekGod.ca/hr/hrfaqs8.htm#gre 

Myth. Hebrew will be the Holy language of heaven or Hebrew is the Holy language of heaven or the divine language of Heaven. People can learn it now, from special Hebrew Roots scholars. > http://www.SeekGod.ca/hr/hrfaqs8.htm#holy

Myth: Khaboris Codex Aramaic Peshitta New Testament Manuscript (Khabouris Codex) has come under harsh attack by Greek primacists because they are fearful that the authority of the Greek Scriptures may be undermined. The Khabouris Manuscript proves Aramaic primacy of the NT manuscripts.

A. The Khaburis Codex was from the 12th century or slightly earlier. So it is foolish at best to be suggested to "prove" Aramaic primacy of the NT. It was supposedly based on a claimed second century text which is not in existence. Therefore un-provable.

In 2007 the Khabouris Codex was put up for auction at Sotheby's in London. It was apparently withdrawn as no record exists of it's sale. In that listing, which is no longer available it stated:

Lot Details
Sotheby's - London - 2007 ...

Lot 30 : The Khabouris Codex, the New Testament in Syriac, manuscript on vellum...
"Title:
The Khabouris Codex, the New Testament in Syriac, manuscript on vellum

Description:
[Assyria, (probably Nineveh), eleventh or twelfth century] ....written ...single column, 29 lines in dark brown ink mainly in an accomplished Estrangelâ script, with pp...in East Adiabene script on leaves added later, diacritical marks in darker brown ink, beginnings of books and rubrics in red, some paragraphs touched in red, some wear and parchment cockled through water damage, some folios at each end difficult to read, and parts of the colophons very damaged, in thick olive-wood boards (front detached, back partially detached and split with old repair)

Provenance:
provenance(1) According to the most popular interpretation of the difficult colophon, this manuscript was copied in Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire, from a now-lost manuscript which may have dated to the second century AD, and bears the authenticating seal and signature of the bishop of Nineveh as a true and accurate copy. Carbon-dating has now shown that this copy was made in the eleventh or twelfth century.(2) Acquired by Norman Malik Yonan of Richmond, Virginia, and sold before his death in 1970 to D. McDougald, and by descent to the present owner.

Notes:
...text Syriac is a dialect, or group of dialects, of Middle Aramaic, a direct descendant of the language spoken by Christ and his immediate audience. It was an important literary language throughout the Middle East from the second to the eighth century AD, ...

...In recent generations the present manuscript has acquired fame as a cultural icon ... Its provenance closely associates it with the more well-known Yonan Codex, which was lauded as "Christendom's most precious document", offered to the Library of Congress in the mid-1950s for $1,500,000, and driven around all 48 states in a custom-built glass-domed bus named "the Spirit of Galilee" (it was eventually sold in our rooms 24 June 1986, lot 129, and bought by the Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Mi., where it remains today).

That manuscript was named after Mr. Norman Malik Yonan, a Washington based businessman who was of Iranian descent. He was convinced that this codex dated to the third or fourth century AD (since dated by various scholars to the seventh, ninth and even twelfth century) ... the Yonan Codex is missing considerable portions of the text, and so Mr. Yonan and an associate, Mr. D. MacDougald, committed their energies to the pursuit of a complete version. According to their own reports (which may be exaggerated or even fabricated) they discovered the present manuscript in a small Assyrian monastery on the River Khabor, a tributary of the River Euphrates, and hence gave their discovery the name the Khabouris Codex. They claimed to have enlisted the support and aid of the abbot in deciphering some of the text, and purchased the codex from the monastery and brought it to America. Mr. Yonan interpreted the worn and damaged colophon of the manuscript and a subsequent inscription to date it between 195 AD and 410 AD; .... doubt was raised by a number of scholars after Yonan's death in 1970. Correspondence from 1986 shows that the British Library experts had dated it paleolographically to about the twelfth century, and this has now been confirmed by a research team assembled in America in 1995, as well as by carbon dating by the University of Arizona in 1999 (giving the date range 1000-1190 AD). ...debate has persisted ...

The codex has been used by a number of modern-day Christians for religious-healing or holistic purposes, and soon after 1970 MacDougald himself transcribed from the present manuscript the text of the Beatitudes in Christ's Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5.3-12), and used these to develop a course of contemplative study named "Emotional Maturity Instruction", which claimed to significantly improve the mental health of those who contemplated and recited aloud transcriptions of the present manuscript. The course met with some approval and was even used by magistrates in Atlanta in an attempt to quell anti-social prisoners (see B. Metzger, ?The Saga of the Yonan Codex?, B.M. Metzger, 1997, Reminiscences of an Octogenarian, p. 115 for fuller discussion). A revived form of this course is still taught annually by Dr M. Ryce at Heartland, a teaching centre in the Ozark Mountains of Southern Missouri..." 1

The purpose for searching for the codex, was to finding the hidden meaning in the Aramaic of Jesus' words in order to drive out demons and cure people. In other words, it was believed the words of the text carried special power in Aramaic and could be used not unlike an incantation.

"...In the early 1960's two Americans, Drs. Norman Malik Yonan and Dan MacDougald, Jr., set out to locate an intact Aramaic New Testament. Their hope was to uncover the meaning behind Y’Shua’s Aramaic words, by which he was able to "drive out demons" and cure mental illness. Because the Yonan (Family) Codex (c. 400-700 CE) was amended and incomplete, they were interested to see if finding a more intact version of the New Testament could be enlightening...

...they ended up actually purchasing the manuscript and bringing it back to America, where, for some years, a team of Aramaic-speaking scholars from the Yonan Codex Foundation labored to decipher and translate from the ancient script. ...due to the newly revealed concepts from the original Aramaic. The Teachings of Y'Shua came fully alive, with new meaning and importance. As His Teachings became clearer, Dr. Dan MacDougald, Jr., an attorney in Georgia, developed a course of study, Emotional Maturity Instruction, based on the elemental Teachings of Y'Shua found in Aramaic. Over a period of years, this course proved to make significant improvements in the mental health of those who took it, including many in the penal and mental health systems. An updated version of this course, now called Laws of Living, was co-authored by Dr. MacDougald and dr. michael ryce. This course continues to be taught, annually, by dr. ryce at Heartland, his teaching center in the Ozark Mountains of Southern Missouri.

The work of the original Yonan Codex Foundation ended prior to the completion of translation..." 2

Dr Ryce has several websites in which he promotes the Khaboris codex. In one website is an advertisement for Dr Ryce.

"Authorized Wizard Training> Bee-ing Attraction> What Love Has to do with Business and Marketing > The Healing Power of Forgiveness."

"dr. michael ryce is the founder and director of  HeartLand, His book,
Why is This Happening to me AGAIN?!  is an international best seller."

"dr. michael ryce is the founder and director of HeartLand, www.whyagain.com a self-healing center in the Ozark mountains. He is a world renowned lecturer and teacher on health and healing, with doctorates in Naturopathic Medicine and in Holistic Philosophy."

 

"The focus of his studies has combined bodymind principles, physics and ancient Aramaic studies into a unique body of pioneering work in the fields of self-healing, healing through relationships, anger and grief resolution, world peace and the inner process of Forgiveness."

"In 2001 dr. ryce was appointed director of the Khaburis Manuscript foundation and is currently editing translation work from the Manuscript and writing a new book based on the Khaburis, The End Of Suffering, Ressurecting The Original Aramaic Jesus. The Khaburis Manuscript is the oldest known copy of the New Testament in its native, written language, Aramaic."3

Ryce's Heartland website, is called whyagain.com, with information on his activities, seminars and information on the Khabouris codex. He stated,

"The Khabouris Manuscript was removed from QCC (without our prior knowledge) and was taken to London for auction by Sotheby's back in June 2007. The sale was not completed at that time; however, we have lost track of where the actual Manuscript is now located. " 4

One more quote concerning the Khaboris Codex:

"The Khaburis Codex ( alternate spelling Khaboris , Khabouris) is a late and unremarkable Syriac manuscript of the New Testament. The Khaburis Codex is the complete Peshitta New Testament containing 22 books, in comparison to the Western New Testament Canon which contains 27 books. The missing books are II Peter, II John, III John, Jude and Revelation. It has been carbon-dated to the twelfth century, which is confirmed by palaeography" 5 

An example of the Kharboris codex--John 1:1-5

Chapter 1

1:1 IN the beginning was the Word,* and the Word himself was with Aloha, and Aloha was the Word himself.

1:2 This was in the beginning with Aloha.

1:3 Every thing by his hand was made; and without him also was not one thing made that was made.

1:4 In him was life, and the life is the light of the sons of man;

1:5 and the Light himself in the darkness shineth, and the darkness perceived him not.

Chapter 2

V. 2:1 AND on the third day there was a feast in Kotna, a city of Galila; and the mother of Jeshu was there:

2:2 and Jeshu and his disciples were called to the feast.

2:3 And the wine failed, and his mother saith to him, to Jeshu, They have no wine.

2:4 Jeshu saith to her, What (is it) to me and to thee, woman? Not yet hath come mine hour.

2:5 His mother saith to the servitors, Whatever he telleth you, do.

2:6 Now there were six waterpots of stone set there, unto the purification of the Jihudoyee, which contained each two quarantals * or three.

2:7 Jeshu saith to them, Fill these water-pots with waters; and they filled them to the top.

2:8-a He saith …..

2:8 He saith to them, Draw now, and carry to the chief of the guests. And they carried.  6

It should be noted that James Trimm of HRV fame along with the Don Hargis accessed the Khaboris as a resource although it is unclear what use it would have been to him since he is not fluent in the original languages. His HRV is discussed in the Scripture section as well.

Endnotes:

1.http://www.peshitta.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1533

2. http://www.aramaicpeshitta.com/AramaicNTtools/Khabouris/intro.htm

3 http://www.perfectcustomers.com/Public/AlansAlley/PowerofForgiveness/index.cfm

4. http://www.whyagain.com/khabouris.php

5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaboris_Codex

6 John Wesley Etheridge http://www.aramaicpeshitta.com/AramaicNTtools/khabouris.htm

Myth.  Jesus and the apostles quoted exclusively from the Old Testament, and the New Testament writings were just meant to be letters, and were never to be considered Scripture. Therefore our doctrine must first come from the Law of Moses. The New Testament is merely discussing the Old Testament and is not Scripture inspired by God like the OT.

A. Are all of the writings that make up the sixty six books of the Bible to be considered scripture? Many in the "Hebrew Roots " movement say no, using the reasoning that the apostles quoted exclusively from the Old Testament, and that the New Testament writings were just meant to be letters, and were never considered scripture. Aside from Jesus specifically stating that that He brought in new commandments (ex. You have heard it said, but I say unto you.) Let's see what the scriptures say:

2 Timothy 3: [written by Paul approx 60 ce.]

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Peter 3: [written by Peter approx 64 ce.]
1.This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2. That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

2 Peter 3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16. As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Notice that Peter says in ALL of his [Paul's] epistles [letters] meaning plural. Then Peter goes on to state "as they do also the other Scriptures". Also notice that Peter's account was written after Paul's directive in 2 Timothy.

Let's examine what Jesus said about this:

Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Are His Words not the very Word of God?

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

In the scripture above, Jesus establishes that the writings of His disciples are inspired and authoritative. If this were not true, then how could future generations believe on Jesus unless it was through the apostles written word? Keep in mind that Jesus is the beginning and the end, therefore when He says every, that is what He means.

The apostles were specifically chosen by God as His witnesses...to recount all that they had seen and all they were inspired to speak and write are part of that witness.

John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

John 21:24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Act 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the
kingdom of God: ... 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Act 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned. ... Mar 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Hebrews 2:3-4 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that
heard him; 4. God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

1 John 1:1-7 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled,
of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7. 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.

Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly
contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Heb 13:22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

Revelation 1:18-19 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19. Write the things which
thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Here is another example which shows that the New Testament writings were considered scripture by the apostles. This occurs when Paul quotes two separate verses, as being [one] scripture: one part from the Old Testament [Deuteronomy], one from the New Testament [ Gospel of Luke -authored by Luke 56-58 ce]

This is Paul quoting Deuteronomy 25:4 [first part] and Luke 10:7 [second part]

1 Timothy 5 [authored by Paul – approx 61-64 ce]

18. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. [misthos G3408]

Here are the two complete scriptures that make up Paul's singular quote:

Deuteronomy 25:4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.

Luke 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire [misthos G3408]. Go not from house to house.

Paul considered the Gospel of Luke [it has been stated that he was a Greek physician], which is written in Greek to be "scripture", the same as Deuteronomy, which was written in Hebrew, and is thought to be authored by Moses.

Here are other examples of the writings of the apostles being used to convey the New Covenant and all it meant:

1Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Acts 15:19-20 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20. But that we write unto them, that they
abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood...
Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely,
Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and
Syria and Cilicia:..27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth...30 So when they were dismissed, they
came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

1Corinthians 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

2 Corinthians 2:8-9 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. 9. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you,
whether ye be obedient in all things.

2 Corinthians 10:8-13 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should
not be ashamed: 9. That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak,
and his speech contemptible. 11. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are
present. 12. For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

2 Corinthians 1:12-13 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of
God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 13. For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge;
and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

2 Corinthians 13:1-4 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2. I told you before, and
foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not
spare: 3. Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet
he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you....10 Therefore I write these things
being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

Ephesians 3:2-5 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3. How that by revelation he made known unto me the
mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4. Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5. Which in other ages was not made
known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive
him;

Colossians 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. 16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

1 Thessalonians 5:27-28 27. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
<The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.>

2 Thessalonians 3:17-18 17. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. 18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you all. Amen. <The second epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.>

1 Timothy 3:14-15 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave
thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Many in the "roots" movement have been trying to twist the scriptures, and have questioned and even denied the authority of Paul's writings in an attempt to prove their theology. The scriptures tell us that Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus. Let's look at what else the scriptures say:

Acts 9:10-18 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12. And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Acts 22:12-15 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13. Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

Let's look at how God feels about His written word:

Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Isaiah 40:7-8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. 8. The grass withereth, the flower
fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

1Peter 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

And the Law of Moses, which those in Hebrew Roots claim to abide, says this:

Deuteronomy 18:18-19 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all
that I shall command him. 19. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

John 12:48-50 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
49. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50. And I know that
his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

 

John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of
Joseph.

Acts 3:19-26 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20.
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21. Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath
spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you
of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that
prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 24. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise
foretold of these days. 25. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all
the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his
iniquities.

Now is the time to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. "Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation."  2Corinthians 6:2

If you read only one article on this website,
please let it be:

God's Simple Plan of Salvation.
It concerns the most important decision
you will ever make in your life!
Don't let this opportunity to be saved pass you by.

If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and would like some help understanding His gift of eternal salvation, please contact us. Saying a prayer won't save you. Prayer is merely expressing to God how you feel. Believing and repenting are just the beginning of walking with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.