Will Sinners Burn In Hell Forever?

Like unto the theory of saints frolicking in heaven after death; it is also believed that sinners, after death, will be tormented in a place called hell. The Scriptures seem to be very clear on the fact that there is in fact a place called hell. There are several scriptures that speak about it. In order for anyone to deny the existence of hell, such a person would have to deny the infallibility of the Bible altogether. The Bible does in fact speak about a place called hell; but is it really a place of brimstone and fire as many believe? Will sinners burn in this hell forever and ever?

What Is Hell?

A very interesting use of the word hell is seen in Psalm 16:10 KJV. David, in this Psalm, confidently expressed a holy person going to hell, then being rescued from hell by Yahweh. How can this be true if hell is a place where sinners will burn forever? If that is not confusing enough, Luke, in Acts 2:27,29,30 KJV, later revealed that this "holy person" was Yahshua the Messiah. The very Son of Yahweh was in hell!!! The holy Messiah was in this place call hell. In addition to all that, Jonah, a well-known prophet, also confessed to being in hell in Jonah 2:2 KJV. The fact that all these righteous people could have gone to hell, some even returning from hell and none mentioning anything about burning, shows evidently that hell is not a place where sinners will burn forever and ever. What then is this place call hell?

The word hell was used some 54 times in the Bible (31 in Hebrew manuscripts, and 23 in the Greek). A total of four words in the Bible has been translated into what is now seen as "hell". From the Hebrew manuscripts is the word sheol which refers to the grave, and from the Greek manuscripts are: hades, Gehenna and tartaroo. Hades is the Greek equivalent to sheol which means the grave. Gehenna means "valley of Hinnom", and it is a physical place in Jerusalem (a garbage dump). Tartaroo is translated "deepest abyss of Hades", and it speaks to a form of incarceration. None of these words mean a place of fire and brimstone, hence hell is NOT a place of fire and brimstone. Observe how the Bible uses each of the words translated in "hell":

• Sheol - Isaiah 14:15 KJV. In this scripture the words hell and pit are used synonymously depicting the grave.
•  Hades - Revelation 20:13 KJV. Note that death and hell gave up the DEAD that was in them, that is, the dead bodies. This again, is a depiction of the grave.
• Gehenna - Matthew 18:9 KJV. This is the only word that associates hell with fire, and it is because Gehenna is a garbage dump, hence there is alway fire in this hell.
• Tartaroo - 2 Peter 2:4 KJV. Note that in Revelation 12:9 KJV it stated that the devil was cast to the EARTH. Peter used the word hell or tartaroo to describe their state of incarceration, not their place of dwelling. The devil and his legion dwells here on earth Revelation 12:12.

Hell generally means the grave. It is often used in reference to a pit, or even a hole, but it generally speaks to the literal grave in the ground. In any event, the word hell is used to describe a physical place and not a spiritual inhabitant. When David said Yahweh will not leave "his" soul in hell in Psalm 16:10 KJV, he was talking about the grave. David knew that after the Messiah had died and was buried, he will three days after, be resurrected, hence David said he will not stay in hell - that is, the Messiah will not stay in the grave (Acts 2:29-30). Yahshua the Messiah was not burning in hell for three days and three nights, but rather he was laying in a tomb. This was the only "hell" he went to - the grave! Jonah was in the belly of a fish Jonah 2:1 KJV, yet he said he was in hell Jonah 2:2 KJV. Jonah was in what he felt was a dark pit, hence the use of the word hell. Should one dig a hole to build a well or a tunnel, then that hole can also be rendered as hell.

The Ever-Burning Hell

Admittedly the English version of the Bible does paint the picture of an ever burning hell if it is not read in context. Unlike other languages where various words are used to express the various meanings; in the English language, only the word hell is used. Therefore whether a garbage dump, a grave or a form of incarceration is being spoken of, the only word used in English is "hell". This was what gave birth to the misunderstanding of what hell really is.

Yahshua gave the idea of an ever-burning hell in Mark 9:43,45 and 47. He warned the people of Jerusalem about being cast into hell fire. Each time he spoke of this "hell fire" however, he recited this jingle "where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched" Mark 9:44 KJV, Mark 9:46 KJV and Mark 9:48 KJV. Some Bible translations, not recognizing the importance of this jingle, omits the repetition. This jingle is found in Isaiah 66:24, and it explains what the Messiah was saying. Yahshua combined two things to make his point. Firstly Gehenna (hell), a place they were all familiar with; and then the Scriptures, something they did not quite understand. Every Jew in Jerusalem knew what and where Gehenna was. It was not a pleasant place. From the constant supply of garbage disposals and dead bodies, Gehenna seems to always be on fire. The Jews understood this concept, thus Yahshua used it to demonstrate what his return would be like as seen in Isaiah 66:15-24. Gehenna was used to explain the Lake of Fire.

Most people confuse hell with the Lake of Fire, others believe that the Lake of Fire is somewhere in hell. None of  these can be true as hell itself will be cast into the Lake of Fire as seen in Revelation 20:14 KJV. The Lake of Fire is a physical structure that will be ignited on earth when Yahshua returns. In this Lake will be the destruction of evil (people and spirits alike). The punishment for sin is destruction or death as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 6:23. The gift of Yahweh is eternal life (this means to be alive forever), and the  punishment of sin is death (this means to be dead forever). It is either man will be alive forever or dead forever; not alive in heaven or alive in hell. If that were the case, then everybody would have had eternal life. This, of course, would make the scriptures invalid as the scriptures teach that the gift of Yahweh is eternal life, and ONLY those who are saved will inherit this. The idea of sinners being DEAD as punishment is supported by Revelation 20:14 which shows that the Lake of Fire is the second DEATH. One cannot be dead and burning forever at the same time - that is preposterous! It is either the soul is dead or burning forever. The Scripture says it will be dead! (Ezekiel 18:4, Malachi 4:1) 

The fact that scriptures say sinners will burn forever and ever does not convey an eternity of burning, but rather, burning that cannot be quenched by intervention. This fire is one that will burn until everything is fully consumed by its blaze - regardless of  how long that may be. This is supported by Malachi 4:1 - nothing will be left of sinners! Once the fire has consumed everything in its path, then it will self-extinguish. A perfect example of this is seen in Jeremiah 17:27. Yahweh warned the Israelites that if they did not listen and keep the Sabbath, then He will kindle an unquenchable fire at the gates. The Israelites did not listen, and the prophesy was fulfilled in Jeremiah 52:13. Although Yahweh said the fire would be unquenchable - which it really was - it did not last for eternity. Once the fire has consumed all that was to be destroyed, it self-extinguished. This is the same for the Lake of Fire. The purpose of the Lake of Fire is to utterly destroy evil. This purpose would become futile if sinners will exist for all eternity. The choice which Yahweh has given to man is to either live or die (Deut.30:19); not to live in heaven or to live in hell. Yahweh does not take pleasure in the destruction or torment of man, hence whosoever will not obey Him, he will simply get rid of.

In Revelation 21:1, it is seen where Yahweh created a new heaven and a new earth. If sinners were to burn forever, where in this brand new world of perfection would hell or the Lake of Fire be? Revelation 21:4 shows evidently that hell has no part in this new world. Hell and the Lake of Fire will be filled with death and crying. These are the very things that John said will exist no more. Evidently therefore hell and the Lake of Fire will cease to exist at this point in time. It is impossible to have peace and tranquility in a world where people are constantly burning and crying out in pain and torment. The Bible can never contradict itself, so evidently this idea of an ever-burning hell is not true, and certainly not of Yahweh.

Hell, therefore is NOT a place of fire and brimstone - the Lake of Fire is. This Lake of Fire is NOT eternal, but will eventually cease to exist (once its purpose is fulfilled). Sinners will not burn in hell for all eternity, but will be utterly destroyed in the Lake of Fire. They will be destroyed because they refused yo live righteously, hence they cannot be a part of a righteous world. Should Yahweh allow people who cannot obey his law into the new world, then there will be another Lucifer story all over again. For this reason, every disobedient, law-resenting soul will be utterly destroyed and remembered no more. This was what Yahweh promised in Ezekiel 18:4. Note that Yahweh did not say these souls will not be tormented forever, but rather, that they will DIE!!! The wages of sin is DEATH - sinners will not be tormented forever, but will be utterly DESTROYED.

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken ... He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches

Does Easter Reflect The True Messiah?

by: Damani Wade

Have you ever wondered whether or not the Messiah really died on Good Friday? How about the fact that his death’s anniversary always falls on a Friday? Well the answers to these and many more, are what you are about to discover.

We at the Church of God International (CGI) are strictly Bible based. We operate solemnly on Yahweh’s command and not what has been handed down to us through tradition. Members of the CGI are encouraged to spend quality time in the word, and not rely on what man has to say. Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let us now delve this “Easter” issue.

Easter is a Christian festival and holiday, celebrating the resurrection of who they refer to as “Jesus Christ” on the third day after his crucifixion at Calvary as described in the New Testament. Easter is the culmination of the Passion of Christ, preceded by Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. The last week of Lent is called “Holy Week”. It contains the days of the Easter Triduum; including Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy Thursday) which commemorates the Last Supper and its preceding foot washing, as well as Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Yahshua.
The word “Easter” is seen only once in the 1611 edition of the King James Version in Acts 12:4 KJV. Based on careful analysis, it has been discovered that “Easter” was erroneously inserted for the Greek word “pascha” which really means ‘Passover’. Nonetheless, wording is not the issue at hand. In Leviticus 23 Yahweh gave seven feasts (excluding the 7^th day Sabbath –v.3) that should be observed FOR ALL GENERATIONS. The feast of Passover is the first among the seven feasts (Lev 23:5). Now some brilliant individual decided to modify Yahweh’s instructions, hence, Easter was created. Easter is what I’d like to call the “knock off” version of the feast of Passover.

The Feasts were instituted at creation (Gen 1:14). We also see that they all were kept right throughout the bible, both old and new testaments. They were never abolished or annulled!! Passover is commemorative of Israel’s freedom from captivity, (Ex 12:1-13) and also Yahshua’ death (Luke 22:19, 20). Please look carefully at Leviticus 23 and take note of how specific Yahweh was in giving these feasts. He gave dates and months. Now, take for example your birthday, I was born on a Friday morning and my birthday anniversary hardly ever falls on a Friday. Now, how does their alleged Christ’s death always falls on a Friday? Their argument is that the date is not important but keeping it is - that is just garbage! Yahweh specifically and strategically gave dates and months for celebrating His feasts and if you do otherwise then you’re worshipping someone else and not the almighty Yahweh. Total obedience is what matters.

Another discrepancy with Easter is the three days and three nights issue. Yahshua, being the son of God, specifically stated that he will be resurrected three days and three nights after his death (Matt 12:40). Let us match this three days and three nights concept with Easter, because based on what they teach, the following Sunday (their Easter Sunday) is when he was resurrected. Count from Friday evening to early Sunday morning and see if you get three days and three nights (72 hours). Impossible!!! Again Easter is proven to be an inaccurate pagan holiday. Think carefully and you will see that MAN altered Yahweh’s command to convene himself and as a result, misled millions of people into falsehood. Lent is a forty day period leading up to Easter. Easter begins immediately after Lent ends. This forty day period is believed by some Easter keepers to represent the forty day fast Yahshua had. Note that this fast happened over three years before his death, thus having no connection whatsoever. Either way Lent is garbage. Not only did Yahweh gave details about the date the feasts should be kept on, but also details about HOW it should be kept and what should be done before and during the feasts. Read once more Leviticus 23 and see that there is no mention of Lent or any forty day period.

Yahshua died on the eve of a Sabbath (Mark 15:42) and rose on a Sunday (Matt 28:1). Yahshua died on a Wednesday. Follow me carefully now: He had Passover with his disciples on the eve of his death (John 13:1-10). Immediately after Passover comes the feast of Unleavened Bread (Lev 23:6). The first day of Unleavened Bread is a Sabbath. Please remember that a day begins in the evening according to Yahweh (Gen 1:5). Now Yahshua had the Passover the Tuesday evening and was crucified Wednesday. He was taken from the stake Wednesday evening because the Unleavened Bread Sabbath was about to begin. He died Wednesday, now let us count three days and three nights from Wednesday evening. Wednesday night would be night #1, Thursday - day #1, Thursday night - night #2, Friday - day #2, Friday night- night #3 and Saturday- day #3. Now this makes sense as opposes to him dying the Friday and raising the Sunday. As stated before, on the Jews calendar, the day begins at sunset (Gen.1:5). If Yahshua rose on Saturday evening, then it would have been the dawn of Sunday as stated in Luke 24:1. Note also that there were back-to-back Sabbaths because the first day of Unleavened Bread was the Thursday, just before the weekly Sabbath (Luke 23:54-56).

The whole concept of Easter was strategically instituted to convene its inventors and their objectives and it has absolutely nothing to do with Yahshua or Yahweh. Yahshua was not crucified on Good Friday and he certainly was not resurrected on Easter Sunday. The facts simply do not add up.


I am just stating the facts and not clouding my judgment by personal bias or traditions. Only outlining what the bible says. Remember what Yahshua said in Luke 14:26. You decide whether or not you will let traditions and customs or friends and families prevent you from gaining eternal life.

Is The Soul Immortal?

The soul is said to be the only part of the human being that continues to live even after death. The soul, as is taught, is what will survive throughout eternity; whether in a place of rest which is often rendered to be heaven, or a place of torment, rendered as hell. For some, when a person dies the soul continues to roam the earth as a spiritual being known as a ghost. Many people (even such as myself), can share experiences of past relatives and/or friends visiting from the dead. The concept of an immortal soul is seemingly supported by biblical and extra-biblical proofs alike; thus making it inconceivable for anyone to even consider otherwise. The notions are strong. The soul does in fact seem immortal, but what does the Bible really teaches about the soul?

What Is The Soul?

The soul is often rendered as the supernatural or spiritual aspect of the human being. It is often illustrated as a floating, glowing body, or sometimes simply as a speck of light. The Bible however, seem to have a different perspective on what the soul is. The creation of the soul is seen in Genesis 2:7 KJV. Note that the scripture said "man BECAME a living soul", and not that man was given a soul. In addition, the English Standard Version (ESV), replaces the word "soul" with "creatures" as seen in Gen.2:7. This is because a soul really is just a creature or a living thing. Man does not have a soul therefore, man IS a soul! Every living creature on the face of the earth is a soul. This is seen in Genesis 12:5 KJV. Certainly Abraham did not have a bunch of dead people or spirits walking around with, thus these "souls" which he had gotten had to be his servants and cattle. The Hebrew word for soul is "Nephesh" (Strong's #05315), and it means "living thing", "creature" or "person". In a metaphoric context it speaks to the mind, appetite, desire or even emotion. All these expressions of the word are clearly seen in scriptures: Genesis 34:3 KJV (emotion), Genesis 46:18 KJV (person), Leviticus 16:31 KJV (appetite), 2 Samuel 13:39 KJV (desire), and 1 Chronicles 22:19 KJV (mind). The soul therefore encompasses the emotional, psychological and physical aspects of all living things. In essence, the soul is the life. This does not mean that the soul is a living organism inside a person or a thing, but rather the soul is what makes the person or thing alive.

A less complex definition of the soul is that is is a composition of two elements: body and spirit (breath). Like unto water being a composition of hydrogen and oxygen, the soul is a strategic composition of body and spirit. As it is that water is neither present in hydrogen nor oxygen, but is born into existence when these molecular structures combine; so is the soul neither present in the body nor in the spirit, but is born into existence when these elements are combined. This was what was depicted in Genesis 2:7 KJV. A more vivid description is seen in Ezekiel 37:6 NIV. The term "soul" therefore, refers to a living creature, that is, a body with the spirit or breath inside it.

The Soul Is Mortal

As it is that the soul comes into existence when there is a combination of body and spirit (breath), the soul would no longer exist if the combination is destroyed. In other words, there can be no soul if the body does not have spirit, or if the spirit does not have a body. Like unto the fact that water would no longer exist if the molecules are separated, the soul cannot exist if the elements are separated. Having established that fact, it now goes without saying that the soul cannot be immortal. Joshua killed several souls in Joshua 11:11 KJV. When a person dies, the body and the spirit are separated. The body is decayed back into the earth where it came from, and the spirit returns to its giver (Ecclesiastes12:7 KJV). The soul, at this point in time no longer exist. Based on the definition of the Hebrew "nephesh", the soul encompasses the emotional and psychological capabilities of the human being. When the soul is absent therefore, the thoughts and all consciousness perishes with it. This explain scriptures such as Psalm 146: 4 KJV and Ecclesiastes 9:5. From this perspective it can be understood that the soul does not continue to roam the earth after death. After death (i.e. the separation of body and spirit) the soul no longer exist. Admittedly, this is not the end of the soul. Whilst it does not continue to linger somewhere, it can be brought back into existence by simply recombining the elements. Once the body and the spirit are recombined, the soul will once more exist. This explains Yahshua's warning in Matthew 10:28. The soul therefore is very much capable of being destroyed. Whether it be temporarily by man separating the body from breath, or permanently by Yahweh utterly destroying the body and the breath. Once the body and the breath are separated, the soul no longer exist. The soul is not immortal. Immortality is a gift from Yahweh for those who endure (Rom.6:23). In addition, immortality is a transformation of the body, not the soul (1Cor.15:53). The soul therefore, is NOT immortal. Nowhere in scriptures teaches the immortality of the soul.

THOUGHT: If the soul is not immortal, how can ghost exist??? ... See article: Deception of the Devil ... coming soon...

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken ... He that has an ear, let him hear what the spirit say to the churches

Will Christians Spend Eternity In Heaven?

"I wanna go to heaven and rest ... I am tired of staying down here ... I am tired of the struggles and trials ... oh I wanna go to heaven and rest!!!". This popular Jamaican refrain reflects the innermost desire of many Christians all over the world today. Christians who are longing for the day when they will be raptured into this glorious city: walking on streets of gold in a land flowing with milk and honey. Embedded in the minds of virtually every Christian, is the idea that when they die their souls will be taken up into heaven where they will spend all eternity. Though no one knows for sure what they will be doing in heaven, by faith they accept that it will be worth dying for. Admittedly such faith deserves to be lauded with distinct recognition; but is this really what the Bible teaches? Was heaven promised as reward for the saints?

In John 14:2, Yahshua the Messiah promised to prepare a place for his disciples. The fact that Yahshua made mention of his "Father's House", many people interpret this phrase to be heaven. If this was the case, then this scripture would have been the first and only scripture in the entire Bible to describe heaven as the "Father's House". Apart from the usage in John 14:2, Yahshua used the term "Father's House" at least two other times in the New Testament (Luke 2:49 and John 2:16). Of these times, none was in reference to heaven. The Father's house therefore, as depicted by 1 Kings 9:3, is NOT in heaven. It is a physical place right here on earth. For the Jews, it was the temple. Acts 1:9 is often used to support the heaven theory. It is believed that since heaven is where Yahshua ascended to, then this must be where he is preparing the dwelling place. Admittedly this argument has some level of rationality to it. In fact, it may even seem more rational than the idea of Yahshua making reference to the temple when he said "my Father's house". A closer examination however reveals far more than what is usually seen. Scriptures such as Mark 16:19, Romans 8:34, 1 John 2:1 and Hebrews 7:25 all provide glimpses of Yahshua in heaven. None of these scriptures however, made mention of him preparing a dwelling place for the saints. Consequently the idea of Yahshua preparing a place in heaven is merely a thought and cannot be biblically supported. The scriptures only show him making intercession on the behalf of the saints. In fact, according to Psalm 110:1, it appears as though Yahshua is waiting for something to happen. Scriptures prove that he is in heaven waiting and interceding, but nothing supports him preparing a dwelling place. The idea of the temple on the other hand, is not as farfetched as one would believe when examined from a Jewish perspective. To the Jews, the temple was the holiest place in Jerusalem (and by extension the world). Those who held offices in the temple were the government of the land, and the highest authority. Yahshua was speaking about a form of government therefore, when he said "In my Father's house are many rooms [offices]".

Between his resurrection and his ascension, Yahshua spent his final days on earth preaching about the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Again, it is widely believed that this Kingdom is in heaven. Note what the disciples asked in Acts 1:6. Why would the disciples be asking about an earthly kingdom at this time and not heaven? Yahshua died ... he rose from the dead ... he is preaching about the Kingdom, and the disciples are asking about Israel??? How could this possibly make sense if the reward is in heaven? Should not the disciples have banished their earthly wishes and be "heaven-bound" like unto many Christians today? More importantly, why did Yahshua not rebuke that question? Instead, he said this Acts 1:7. It now appears as though this Kingdom, (or the reward) is not in heaven after all. This proves that the disciples understood Yahshua's statement in John 14:2 to be in reference to some form of government and not a paradise in heaven. Observe the reassuring promise made in Acts 1:11 after Yahshua ascended into heaven. The angels did not reassure the disciples that they will one day be with Yahshua in heaven, instead, they said Yahshua will one day return to the earth. This is in perfect accordance with what he said in John 14:3. All Christians believe that Yahshua will one day return to this earth, however some believe he is coming for the saints to take them back into heaven. One could therefore ask, "When Yahshua returns to this earth, will he leave again and return to heaven???" ... What do the scriptures say?

What Will Happen When Yahshua Returns?

There are absolutely no scriptures in the Bible to support the theory that Yahshua will come to earth and collect the saints for a one-way trip to heaven. Contrarily, there are more than enough scriptural proof of what will happen at his return. The prophet Daniel had a vision of the return of the Messiah in Daniel 7:13. John's vision in Revelation 1:7 validates what Daniel saw, and proves that the Son of man really is Yahshua who was crucified. Neither Daniel nor John saw a rapture taking place, or Christians departing the earth. Instead, both bore witness to a Kingdom being established ON THE EARTH (Daniel 7:14, Revelation 1:6). A very profound statement is seen in Revelation 11:15. John saw the Kingdoms of the world becoming the Kingdom of Yahshua. Why would Yahshua establish a Kingdom here on earth, and then take the saints to heaven? What then would be the purpose of his Kingdom on earth? Yahshua is coming to earth, not to collect the saints, but to claim what is rightfully his - the world. He is coming to destroy evil (Rev.19:20), bound the devil (Rev.20:2), overthrow existing kingdoms (Zech.14:2-3) and set up his own (Zech.14:9). Yahshua is coming to make this earth his home! The earth is Yahshua's inheritance. Before Yahshua was born, Yahweh promised his mother that he would rule on David's throne, and he will rule over the house of Jacob (Luke 1:32-33). David does not have a throne in heaven, neither is the house of Jacob in heaven. The house of Jacob is ISRAEL. Yahshua's inheritance therefore is to rule Israel. This explains Psalm 110:1. Scriptures such as John 14:30 and 2 Corinthians 4:4 hints the idea that the devil is currently the "god of this world". Yahshua, not yet having a throne of his own, is patiently seated at his Father's throne waiting for the day when he will establish his own. The disciples understood that his kingdom would have been on earth. They knew definitely that it would have been in Israel, thus the only question they asked, was 'when will it be' in Acts 1:6. No one at any time asked Yahshua about being taken to heaven.

What Is The Reward For The Saints?

In Revelation 22:12, Yahshua stated that the reward for the saints is with him. In light of the fact that Yahshua will not be going back to heaven when he returns, what then will be the reward for the saints? The apostle Paul in Romans 8:17 described the saints as fellow heirs with the Messiah (most translations say 'joint-heirs'). This would imply that the reward for the saints is the same reward that Yahshua received. If Yahshua and the saints are joint-heirs, then they share the same reward or inheritance. Yahshua's reward is rulership over the earth, thus the saints will rule the earth with him. This is clearly seen in Daniel 7:18 and 27, Revelation 2:26-27, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 5:10, Revelation 20:4 among many other scriptures. The Bible is clear on the fact that saints will remain on the earth as rulers. The idea of being made a ruler in an everlasting Kingdom is far more rewarding than frolicking in a fantasy paradise. Additionally, it is far more logical to imagine Paul and the other apostles making such intense sacrifices for a Kingdom, rather than a room in heaven. Heaven, as is described by the many, is a paradise of joy, peace, tranquility, milk, honey and gold. All these and more can be attained in Hawaii, Bahamas or even California. Simply put, the heaven theory offers nothing new. It is not worth the sacrifices required. The Kingdom on the other hand, cannot be measured with all the wealth of this world. Having dominion over everything in and beyond the earth, even over the very angels is definitely something to push towards. Being equal with Yahshua the Messiah and having no other superior but Yahweh Himself - now that is worth dying for. This is definitely worth the sacrifices, in fact, with a reward such as this the sacrifices now seem insufficient. This was what the apostle Paul expressed in Romans 8:18. This is the reward for the saints: to be rulers with Yahshua in the Kingdom of God. This kingdom will be here on earth and NOT in heaven. If Christians were really to go to heaven, then Matthew 5:5 would never come to pass, and Yahshua would have lied, thus making Christianity invalid.

Where will you be spending eternity?

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken ... He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches

Saturday or Sunday ... Does The Day Of Worship Really Matter?

There are many reasons why individual Christians choose to worship on a particular day. Some believe in the Sabbath (Saturday), but the majority will worship on a Sunday instead. This issue has given birth to a mountain of controversies, transforming Christianity into what can be termed as a political debate. Both parties have found ways to justify and defend their beliefs against the other. One thing that is truly sad however, is that in the midst of this preferential battle, no one had bothered to ask "What does Yahweh have to say on the matter?". The views of both entities have been clearly established over the years. Now it is time to examine the views of Yahweh. Given the fact that He is the one being worshiped and that He is in charge, should not He be the one to decide? Which day did Yahweh say is the day of worship?

Christians who observe the Sabbath as the day of worship will quickly use Leviticus 23:3 to prove that Yahweh had given the Sabbath as the day of worship. Those who worship on a Sunday however, will establish profoundly that the law was nailed to the cross, quoting Colossians 2:14. Scriptures such as Romans 6:14, Romans 14:5, Galatians 4:10-11 and Colossians 2:16-17 are all used to rationalize worship being done on a Sunday instead of the original Sabbath day. From this standpoint, there seem to be far more scriptures in support of Sunday rather than the Sabbath; but is this really the case? Unlike Leviticus 23:3 that shows plainly that the seventh day Sabbath is the actual day of worship, none of the scriptures used to rationalize Sunday worship even hinted Sunday as an acceptable day of worship. In fact, "Sunday" was not even mentioned in any of them at all. The above quoted scriptures from Galatians, Romans and Colossians are scriptures that seem to vaguely speak against the Sabbath through the misinterpretation that the law was nailed to the cross. None of them however, supported or even promoted Sunday as an acceptable day of worship. Even if these scriptures were to be widely interpreted, they would still lack sufficient evidence to support Sunday as a biblically acceptable day of worship. Christians who have come to this realization admit that the Bible does not support Sunday as the day of worship, but profess that they now have the freedom of choosing any day of the week for worship since the law was nailed to the cross. Ironically, out of the seven days of the week; those who embrace this freedom, all involuntarily chose Sunday. It would therefore imply that Sunday is not necessarily a chosen day of worship, but one that was already stipulated. The question is, however, Who Stipulated Sunday As The Day Of Worship?

Was The Law Really Nailed To The Cross?

Christians who worship on a Sunday claim to do so not because they were commanded to, but because they have the authority to decide what day to worship on. The day, they say, is no longer of any great significance because it was a part of the old law which was nailed to the cross at the death of Yahshua (Yahshua is the actual name of the messiah in oppose to the mistranslated "Jesus Christ"). This belief can be anything but truthful as Yahshua himself publicly denied ever coming to abolish the law in Matthew 5:17-18. In fact, Yahshua himself kept the Sabbath as the day of worship. According to Luke 4:16, this was his only practice ever since he was a boy. Nowhere in the scriptures has it ever been seen that Yahshua neglected the Sabbath, or worshiped on any other day. 1 Peter 2:21 shows that the life of Yahshua is an example for Christians to follow. If then Yahshua kept the Sabbath and Christians ought to follow Yahshua's example, should not Christians keep the Sabbath as well? Many may argue to say that Yahshua was a Jew so he had to keep the Jewish customs. This, again, is NOT true. Yahshua rejected Jewish customs. He only kept Yahweh's laws Mark 7:5-6,9.

Many Christians are of the belief that the law was in effect until the day Yahshua died. This, they say, explains why he kept the Sabbath day as his day of worship. After he died however, the Sabbath was no longer necessary, thus the epistles of Paul spoke against the Sabbath. If it is that Paul really taught against the Sabbath, then he would have been a hypocrite and surely not inspired by Yahweh as Paul himself kept the Sabbath Acts 13:13-16, 42-44, Acts 17:2. Note carefully that all these events took place AFTER Yahshua died, and the Sabbath was being kept by both Jews and Gentiles. Evidently therefore the law was NOT nailed to the cross!

What Was Paul Saying In His Epistles?

Admittedly, Paul's writings do seem to speak against the Sabbath day if not analyzed carefully. Interpreting Paul's writings has always been a challenge, even to the very apostles at times 2 Peter 3:15-16. The fact that Paul kept the Sabbath and even preached in the synagogues on the Sabbaths shows evidently that he could not have instructed otherwise.

Romans 6:14 is quoted ever so often to show that  Christians are no more under the law but under grace. Paul's message was not that the law is replaced with grace, as the functions of law and grace are distinctly different. The law is a set of instructions and prohibitions whereas grace is really mercy or forgiveness. How can instructions be replaced with forgiveness? Paul's message therefore is that man is no more under the PENALTY of the law, but under grace. In other words, instead of man being punished for his sins according to the law, he is forgiven and saved from this gruesome fate. This also explains what Paul was saying in Ephesians 2:8-9.

In Romans 14:5-6 Paul told the Roman Congregation that any day can be observed unto Yahweh, and that no member should judge the other. Christians today interpret this scripture to say one can worship on whatsoever one pleases. This interpretation was done without rational reasoning. Paul stated that "each should be fully convinced in his own mind". This shows that this was a personal matter, and not a matter of the assembly. Imagine one member being fully convinced in his own mind that he should go to church on a Sunday, but the pastor was fully convinced in his own mind that he should go on a Monday, and the choir was fully convinced in their own minds that they should go on a Tuesday, and so on and so forth. The church would have been entirely out of order, filled with chaos and would have become irrelevant as there really would not be an assembly. Father Yahweh is a god of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). He sets the order and man follows (Psalm 115:3). It is not man who makes the decision and Yahweh conforms or accept.  Paul was not referring to the day of general assembly in his letter to the Romans. He was making reference to fasting. Some of the saints in Rome believed that fasting was only to be done on special days, but Paul reassured them that whichever day they chose to fast on, Yahweh will accept. This is simply because Yahweh never gave special days for fasting. He did, however, give a special day for general worship.

Galatians 4:10-11 is one of great controversy. Paul in this letter seemed infuriated at the idea of the Galatians observing religious festivals. A question to be asked is, 'Were these Yahweh's festivals?'. One cannot quickly assume that because Paul spoke about religious observances that he was referring to those of Yahweh. According to Galatians 4:8-9, Paul was NOT speaking in reference to Yahweh's festivals, but rather those of other idols. Paul said the Galatians were enslaved by those who by nature are not gods BEFORE they knew Yahweh; and that they were turning back to these miserable elements by observing these festivals. These religious festivals that Paul spoke of therefore were NOT those of Yahweh.

One who does not drink cannot be judged in his "drinking". Neither can a virgin be judged in her "sexual relationship". In the very same light, one who does not observe the Sabbath cannot be judged in his "observance of the Sabbath". Paul's statement in Colossians 2:16 therefore, more than it does anything else, promotes Sabbath observance. The majority interprets this passage to say that the Sabbath is not to be observed because of what they believe Paul meant in Colossians 2:17. Like unto the typology of Yahshua and the lamb, man had to continue in animal sacrifice UNTIL the real sacrifice came. The lamb was a shadow of the Messiah to come. Yahshua came and animal sacrifice ceased. In the very same light, Paul said in his letter to Colossians that the Sabbath is a shadow of things TO come. This shows that the fulfillment of the Sabbath, unlike animal sacrifice, has not yet come to pass. Man is therefore required to keep the Sabbath.

Colosse was a Gentile environment. The Sabbath then was seen as a "Jewish" practice. Whenever a Colossian was converted to Christianity, he would have to dissuade his former practices and adapt to the "Jewish" customs. Admittedly such an individual would come under harsh criticism from his contemporaries. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians encouraged their spirits by firstly reminding them of what Yahshua did for them in Colossians 2:14. From this many claim the law was nailed to the cross, but what was really nailed to the cross was the barriers in the law that stood between Jews and Gentiles. Initially only the physical descendants of Abraham were a part of the covenant with Yahweh (Genesis 17:9,John 4:22). Non-Israelites had to go through a process of ritualistic circumcision  in order to be accepted into the covenant (Genesis 17:12-14). This was the old covenant until Yahshua came. Yahshua came and provided a way to the covenant through faith and not ritualistic circumcision (often referred to as works of the law) (Galatians 3:14). This was what was nailed to the cross; the requirement of circumcision to be accepted into the covenant of Yahweh (Galatians 5:2). This, therefore, is the new covenant - a system whereas anyone can become heir of the promise through faith instead of rituals. The promise of the covenant did not change, and neither did the conditions. Father Yahweh only further extended his gift to all humanity.

The only difference between the old and the new covenant is that the old covenant was limited to the Israelites, whereas the new covenant is extended to the entire world through Yahshua. This was all Paul was saying to the Colossians and all the other Gentile congregations who were not Israelites. Paul never spoke against the Sabbath nor promote the abolition of the law.

The Sabbath Day

The Sabbath is by far the most special day of the week. This is not because of anything man has done, but rather Father Yahweh Himself made it holy in Genesis 2:3. What Yahweh did to the Sabbath day He did to no other day in the week. From Isaiah's account in Isaiah 40:28 it is clearly understood that Yahweh does not get tired. His resting on the Sabbath therefore was not for Him, but as an example for us. This is further supported by Mark 2:27. In the ten commandments given, the command of the Sabbath was the ONLY command that Father Yahweh explained in great details. This shows that this day holds great significance in the eyes of Yahweh.

There are many speculations in regards to the Sabbath. Most of these are not even biblical. The Sabbath today is portrayed as a nuisance to humanity. To some, it is simply too burdensome. The Bible only gave to commands to govern the Sabbath day: (1) Abstain from work (Ex.20:8-11), and (2) Assembly for worship (Lev.23:3). That is all man is commanded to do on the Sabbath day, nothing else! This was why Yahshua was able to heal on the Sabbath and eat corn without breaking the law. None of these were ever prohibited -at least not by Yahweh. The Sabbath is a personal thing. Each individual spends the Sabbath in a way that is comfortable to him. The Sabbath is by far NOT a burden. Man is therefore without excuse if he chooses not to keep the Sabbath.

What About Sunday ... Is It Wrong?

 The origin of Sunday worship and the symbolism of it is something to take into consideration when worshiping Yahweh. The earliest sign of Sunday worship can be dated as far back as Rome in the third century. During the time when the gospel was being preached all over the world by devoted men of God, the devil also had his workers trying to thwart the spreading of the gospel. They began from the first century by persecuting the very apostles. When persecuting the apostles achieved very little, Roman Emperor Nero redirected his persecution to Christians. From the first to the third century, Christians lived in fear, and worshiped in secrecy. It was a time of great joy for many Christians when a Roman Emperor, St. Constantine, became a Christian. Being torn between two beliefs, St. Constantine decreed  in 321 AD that "On the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed" (Codex Justinianus lib. 3, tit. 12, 3; trans. in Philip Schaff,History of the Christian Church, Vol. 3, p. 380, note 1). This would allow Christians to worship their God, and the Romans their Sun gods and goddesses in one accord. The Sabbath was changed to Sunday by a man to compromise with other pagan gods. The Catholics later admitted in 1894 that "The church...took the pagan Sunday and made it the Christian Sunday.... The Sun was a foremost god with heathendom.... And thus the pagan Sunday, dedicated to Balder, became the Christian Sunday" (Dr. William L. Glidea, The Catholic World, March 1894). Again, the Catholics admitted that "The authority of the church could therefore not be bound to the authority of the Scriptures, because the Church had changed the Sabbath into Sunday, not by command of Christ, but by its own authority" (Canon and Tradition. pg. 263).

It is primarily wrong to try and compromise with other gods. Yahweh is supreme and His command forbids His people from worshiping Him in the manner pagans worship their gods (Deuteronomy 12:31). By observing Sunday instead of Saturday, Christians violate Yahweh's law and ignorantly show homage to Roman Sun gods. This very thing is something Yahweh greatly detest (Ezekiel 8:16-17). In addition to all that, no man has the power to change Yahweh's law (Revelation 22:18-19). Father Yahweh wants His people to do whatsoever He commands; nothing more, nothing less and certainly not what man think is best (Deuteronomy 12:32). Cain offered grains when he was commanded to offer a lamb and his offering was rejected. His reasoning was probably rational as he did not own a lamb, but  Father Yahweh is not interested in rationality or what man has to offer when it comes own to His command. This thought may even come as a surprise to many, but this is who Yahweh truly is. More than He values anything else, Father Yahweh values obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). Saul, in 1 Samuel 15 was instructed to kill and he spared lives. Indeed it is a good thing to spear lives, but Yahweh requires obedience, so Saul was rejected as king because he did not obey Yahweh command (1 Samuel 15:26). In the very same light Yahweh does not accept any worship today which is not done according to His command (Mark 7:7-8).

Many Christians believe that having a relationship with Yahweh is about doing what is right, but there is no righteousness outside of obedience (Proverbs 14:12). All Yahweh wants is for man to obey His commands. That is all He has ever required (John 14:15). Yahweh has given man the Sabbath. It is, and will always be the only acceptable day of worship (Exodus 20:8).

"He Who Says He Loves Me And Does Not Keep My Command Is A Lair And The Truth Is Not In Him"

For additional information about the transition from Saturday to Sunday, click here