The Day of Atonement and
The Bimah Seat Judgment of King Messiah Yeshua
By
Rabbi Robert. O. Miller
“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Messiah YahShua the righteous. And He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. (1 John 2:1-3)”
The Bimah
In the center front of Sanctuary you will find a pedestal called the Bimah. Bimah literally means the raised seating of a judge or a king (Matthew 27:19; John 19:13). In a synagogue, the Bimah is the elevated area from which the liturgy is chanted, the Torah is read, sermon is exhorted and our discussion is led. The Torah scrolls are placed on the Bimah when they are read. The Bimah is also used as a podium for leading services and to dispense justice in the community.
For example, the throne of a King is usually stepped seating. In other words, seating which is raised above the level of the surrounding area. Much the same as our courts today established for judgments. One must approach the raised judgment area called the bench. Likewise, the Bimah seat is simply the raised seating of someone who is to judge. Both Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:9 speak of the “judgment seat” or Bimah.
“[Rebbe YahShua] went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up…to read (at the Bimah). And there was delivered unto him the Scroll of the prophet Isaiah. And …He…opened the Scroll (Luke 4:16, 17)”
One of the ministries that Messiah YahShua is doing for us in the Heavenlies is vindicating the saints against the accusations of the haSatan, which means the prosecutor, the “the accuser of the brethren … which accused them before Yahweh day and night. (Revelation 12:10)” He is the great enemy of our souls, and as such is determined that none of the Believers have their rightful place in the Commonwealth of Israel. The ministry of intercession of Messiah on man’s behalf before the Bimah in the Heavenly Sanctuary is as essential to the Plan of Salvation as was his death upon the tree. “…He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to Yahweh through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens (Hebrews 7:24-26).”
The cases of the righteous must be settled before the Messiah comes and the resurrection of the just, that it may be known who are worthy of the first resurrection. However, let it be said, the Bimah is not to inform Yahweh, because He knows, He is infinite and omniscient; but men and angels do not know because they are finite. The reason for the Bimah, then is that finite beings may not only believe that Yahweh is just, but that they may know both the perfection of His justice and the depth of His mercy. The Righteous have nothing to fear from the Bimah because we know it is Messiah’s ministry to get people into the Kingdom not keep people out. If you miss the Kingdom you had to work hard at it.
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of Yahweh …What then shall we say to these things? If Yahweh is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against Yahweh’s elect? It is Yahweh who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Messiah who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of Yahweh, who also makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:16, 31-34)”
Since “Yahweh is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward His name” (Hebrews 6:10), He has appointed a time that “we must all appear before the Bimah of Messiah; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad [worthless]” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Before the triumphant coming of our King and Messiah, YahShua, our Great High Priest and Intercessor, there must be a time of vindication of the saints before the Bimah of Yahweh.
“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the King comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from Yahweh. (1 Corinthians 4:5)” Since we are commanded not to judge anything “before the time” there must be a “time” of investigation now because once King Messiah comes He will expose everything “to light” to include “the counsels of the hearts” then its too late.
“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. (Revelation 22:12)” The Bimah Seat of Messiah refers specifically to the investigation, the separation of the goats from the sheep and ultimate rewarding of the Saints, while the White Throne Judgment refers to the Bimah of Yahweh for punishment of all sinners. Between these two events all mankind will be judged, then we will be rewarded or punished accordingly. (2Corinthians 5:10 & Revelation 20:11-12)
“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwritten charges that were brought against us, which we were guilty of. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the gallows. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:13-15)”
We’re told “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more’”, (Hebrews 10:17). Unfortunately many draw the conclusion since all our sins have been forgiven, that means our sins cannot possibly be considered at the judgment known as the Bimah Seat of Messiah. According to 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” However, forgiveness doesn’t exclude accountability!
The Apostle Rabbi Sha’ul drew courage and was motivated by the fact of rewards at the return of King Messiah YahShua: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our King YahShua when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)”
“I beheld,” says the prophet Daniel, “till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool; His throne was like the fiery flame, and His wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him; thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him; the Judgment was set, and the books were opened.” “And, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve Him; His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away.” (Daniel 7:9,10,13,14)
Rabbi Kepha warnedthe men of Israel: “Repent therefore and be converted (turn around – teshivah), that your sins may be blotted out, so that Times of Refreshing may come from the presence of Yahweh, and that He may send Messiah YahShua, who was preached to you before,whom heaven must receive until the Times of Restoration of all things, which Yahweh has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” (Acts 3:19-21)
Rebbe YahShua Himself explained: “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” (Revelation 3:5) Again He said to His disciples: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10: 32, 33).
And the Heavenly Father says: “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. (Isaiah 44:22)”
Right now, the lives of all who are in covenant pass in solemn review before the Bimah of Yahweh. HaSatan, the prosecutor, is bringing charges on us. Our Advocate examines the cases of each person and defends them before the Heavenly Father.
Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names are rejected. From age to age, all who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Yahweh’s Lamb as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon written against their names in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and in the closing work of Judgment their sins are blotted out, and they themselves are accounted worthy of eternal life.
The Tares & Wheat
“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, “Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?” He said to them, “An enemy has done this.” The servants said to him, “Do you want us then to go and gather them up?” But he said, “No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”
…Then Rebbe YahShua sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.’
He answered and said to them: ‘He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)”
Dragnet
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:47-50)”
Tested By Fire
This investigative judgment is a testing by fire. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Messiah Yahshua. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). Whatever can withstand, fiery judgment of the Bimah Seat will be rewarded.
The Story of Job
This is the whole reason we have the Book of Job in the Tanach (Old Testament). It is one of the oldest books in Scripture. So, right away Yahweh wanted you to understand the inner workings of the judicial system of Heaven.
“Now there was a day when the Sons of Elohim came to present themselves before Yahweh, and haSatanalso came among them. And Yahweh said to haSatan, ‘From where do you come?’
So haSatan answered Yahweh and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.’
Then Yahweh said to haSatan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’
So haSatan answered Yahweh and said, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’
And Yahweh said to haSatan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.’
So haSatan went out from the presence of Yahweh. (Job 1:6-12)”
Job, or Jovav, a descendent of Esau, a king of Edom mentioned in Genesis 36:33, lived in the land of “Uz”, and was a righteous man. He possessed great riches in cattle and servants, which at that time constituted the principal wealth even of princes in Arabia and Edom. He had seven sons and three daughters and had a great reputation among all people, on both sides of the Euphrates.
Yahweh permits haSatan to put Job to the test, by first giving him power over his property, but forbidding him to touch his person. HaSatan began by taking away his oxen: a company of Sabeans slew his husbandmen and drove off all the beasts; one servant only escaping to bring the news. While he was reporting this misfortune, a second came, and informed Job that fire from heaven had consumed his sheep, and those who kept them; and that he alone had escaped. A third messenger arrived, who said “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!(Job 1:17)”
He had scarcely concluded, when another came, and said, “While your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking in their eldest brother’s house, an impetuous wind suddenly overthrew it, and they were all crushed to death under the ruins; I alone am escaped to bring you this news.”
Job rent his clothes and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground saying, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away; Blessed be the name of Yahweh.’(Job 1:20-22)”
As Job endured each of these trials never did his Faith in Yahweh wane, haSatan asked permission to afflict Job’s body as well, and Yahweh said, “Behold he is in your hand, but don’t touch his life.” HaSatan, therefore, gave him a dreadful disease, probably leprosy, and Job, seated in ashes, scraped off the corruption with a piece of pottery. His wife told him to “curse Elohim, and die” but Job answered “Shall we receive good at the hand of Elohim, and shall we not receive evil?”
In meantime, only three of his friends, having been informed of his troubles, came to visit him – Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. A fourth was Elihu the Buzite.
They continued seven days sitting on the ground by him, without speaking, but at last Job broke silence, and complained of his misery.
Three of Job’s believe he is being punished for disobeying Yahweh’s law. The fourth believes Job doesn’t have enough faith or else he would be healed. Job is convinced that this is not the reason for his tribulation. He believes Yahweh is doing this to him, he just doesn’t understand why. So he inquires of Yahweh and most of the book is his conversation with the Heavenly Father.
All the while, Job believes he has an advocate in Heaven defending him:I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. (Job 19:25)”
In the end Yahweh condemns Job’s friends for their insistence on speaking wrongly of His motives and methods, commands them to make extensive animal sacrifices and instructs Job to pray for their forgiveness. Immediately Yahweh restores Job to health, giving him double the riches he had before (including 10 new children). His daughters were the most beautiful in the land, and were given inheritance while they were still alive. Job is found vindicated in the Heavenly Court and is the crowned with a holy life and with a happy death.
The Door Is Still Open
While YahShua, our High Priest is pleading for the Believer, haSatan accuses us before Yahweh as Torah offenders. HaSatan points to the defects in our character, to our failures which dishonors our Redeemer, to all the sins which he has tempted us to commit, and because of these he lays charges against us hoping to damn our souls.
At the same time his agents are working on the Believer to lead them into skepticism, to cause them to lose confidence in Yahweh, to separate them from His love, and to break His law or deny it all together through vain religion.
This is the reason why the Apostle Rabbi Yochannan wrote his Second Epistle to the “elect lady (Israel) and her children” He is zealous for the defense of the testimony of YahShua against the lies of deceivers and antichrists, who attempt to rob the Saints of their rewards. “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Messiah YahShua is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward” (2 John 7-8).
“A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. (Daniel 7:10)”
“I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. (Revelation 20:12)”
In the investigative judgment of the saints, we will not be physically present there, we will be represented by our great High Priest and Advocate, Messiah YahShua the righteous (Zechariah 3:1-4).
Just think, great and small, high and low, rich and poor, are to be judged “out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Day after day, everything is being recorded for the books of Heaven. Words once spoken, deeds once done, can never be undone. Angels of Yahweh have registered both the good and the evil. The “seven eyes, which are the seven spiritsof Yahweh sent out into all the earth (Revelation 5:6)” report to Yahweh and its all written down in the books of Heaven. The mightiest conqueror or most regal king upon the earth cannot call back the record of even a single day. Our acts, our words, and our motives even our most secret thoughts, all have their weight in deciding our destiny for Heaven or Hell. Though they may be forgotten by us, they will bear their testimony to justify or condemn. They go before us into the investigation of our lives.
“Seek Yahweh while he may be found; call on Him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him, and to our Elohim, for he will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:6, 7)”
The Ten Virgins
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
…while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’
But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ (Matthew 25:1-12)”
“When they go with their flocks and herds to seek Yahweh, they will not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them. (Hosea 5:6)”
The Day of At–One–Ment
In the 16th chapter of Leviticus, we see the High Priest washing himself in the Mikveh of the Lavar, putting on the holy garments of white, entering upon his most holy ministry, the cleansing of the Sanctuary. All year long, the Israelite, convicted of sin, brought a sin-offering – a lamb – to the Tabernacle, laid his hands on its head, confessed his sins, and then cut the lamb’s throat, and the priest took some of the blood with his finger, put it on the horns of the Altar of Burnt Offering, and pour all the remaining blood at the base of the altar (Leviticus 4:29-30). When the congregation sinned corporately, the assembly offered a young bull for the sin, and brought it before the Tabernacle of Meeting. And the elders of the congregation laid their hands on the head of the bull before Yahweh. Then the bull was killed before Yahweh. The anointed priest brought some of the bull’s blood into the Tabernacle of Meeting carrying it into the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and sprinkled it on the Golden Incense Altar before the veil, which divided the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (Leviticus 4:13-17). By this means the guilt of the confessed sins were transferred to the Sanctuary. Now, the time for the daily sin-offerings has ceased, and the High Priest, on this day, atones for or blots out the sins of whole Commonwealth of Israel, and removes them from the Sanctuary, where they have been imputed or laid during the year, through the blood of the sacrificial offerings. On Yom Kippur, all his actions are for the corporate atonement of Israel and the cleansing the Sanctuary, the High Priest passes into the Most Holy Place, bearing on the breast-plate of judgment the names of all the Tribes of Israel symbolizing all that have applied for a remission of sins, through the blood of the Lamb of Yahweh; and THE DOOR of Holy Place IS SHUT. “And there shall be NO MAN in the Tabernacle of the Congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel. (Leviticus 16:17)” Taking some of the blood of the Lord’s Kid, the High Priest carried it into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled it before the Mercy Seat under which was the two solid cubes of sapphire – the law of Yahweh – which Israel had been guilty of breaking. The High Priest then gathered up the guilt that had been applied to the Tabernacle by the blood, carried them out, placing it on the head of the scapegoat, which bore the guilt of the faithful repentant sinners, into the wilderness, and thus the Sanctuary and the whole Commonwealth were cleansed. On Yom Kippur, he is a High Priest for those only whose names are inscribed on the breast-plate of judgment. “Behold, the Lamb of Yahweh, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)” Now just as the A’aronic priesthood was a type of the Zaddokite priesthood of Messiah being the Melchizedek, then the Tabernacle, with its apartments and courts, were figures of the True Tabernacle in Heaven; and the services and ordinances of the earthly Tabernacle were shadows of Messiah’s ministry in the Heavenlies. As the guilt of the sins of the people were anciently transferred in type, to the earthly Sanctuary by the blood of the sin offering, so our guilt is, in fact, transferred to the Heavenly Sanctuary by the blood of Messiah. “Messiah came as High Priest of the good things to come,with the greater and more perfect Tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Holy of Holies once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:10-12)” This is a perfect view of what Messiah’s ministry is now, (before he puts on the kingly robes, and girds his sword upon his thigh, and comes to execute judgment,) that he will cease to be a priest in the Holy Place of the True Tabernacle for the sins of the whole world, and put on the holy garments, and, with the Commonwealth of Israel inscribed on HIS breast-plate of judgment, go in with them before the Mercy-Seat, where Rabbi Yochannan saw one having a golden censor offering the prayers of all saints (wise virgins) before the throne; and be a merciful High Priest over the Household of Faith, cleanse the Sanctuary and place all the guilt of the sins of Israel upon the scapegoat, which is the haSatan. Then, he will take off the priestly garments, and clothe himself with the garments of wrath, and come to gather his elect from the four winds, under heaven, and destroy the wicked, and set up the Kingdom.
Goats & Sheep
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats (the distinction being made in the investigative judgment). He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’ (Matthew 25:31-34)”
Justified By Faith Alone
The Holy Scriptures are clear that the Believer is justified by faith alone, apart from any good works we do (Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5). Yet as Believers we are judged and rewarded according to our good works (Matthew 16:27; John 5:28,29: 2 Corinthians 5:10).
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)”
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in Yahweh should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. (Titus 3:8)”
“Let me renew covenant with you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35)”
It is not by our words that we give evidence of this but by our works. As Messiah YahShua said, “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matthew 7:16-20).
The Talents
The use made of every talent will be investigated. “For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’
But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 25:14-30)”
Right Representation
“He who acts as his own attorney has a fool for a client.” And He who thinks he can represent himself before the Throne of Yahweh is a damned fool!
“He that covers up his sins, shall not prosper; but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) Those who hide and excuse their faults will be found guilty of obstruction of justice. If we confess now we will not be found guilty later: “if we would judge ourselves (investigative judgment), we should not be judged (Great White Throne Judgment)” (1Corinthians 11:31) Messiah YahShua pleads with us to allow him to represent us. “…if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Messiah YahShua the righteous…” He is an Advocate that is righteous in good standing before the Heavenly Court. No one wants a lawyer that is in trouble with the law himself. Messiah YahShuareminds us of His wounded hands, His bruised body (Isaiah 53); reminds us that he understands us having been tempted to do wrong himself but was victorious (Hebrews 4:15) and He declares to all who would accept his representation, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. (John 5:24)”
“But this man [Rebbe YahShua], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of Yahweh; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:12-14)”
“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Messiah. (Romans 14:10)” Since a believer has already passed from condemnation to justification to sanctification, the question is often asked why believers have to stand before the judgment seat of Messiah. The answer is because, as in all court cases, there is an accuser.
“But now a righteousness from Yahweh, beside from Torah, has been made known, to which the Torah and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from Yahweh comes through faith in Messiah YahShua to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of Yahweh, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Messiah YahShua. Yahweh presented him as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in YahShua. (Romans 3:21-26)”
Kavanna– What is Your Motivation – Love or Legalism
Because we tend to be legalistic as humans, we must constantly remind ourselves that we are justified, or declared righteous, before Yahweh by faith alone in Messiah YahShua. Law-keeping does not save us but is the evidence of our salvation. Messiah YahShua said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (1 John 5:1-3).
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy Commandments. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee” (Psalm 119:9-11).
The Apostle Rav Yakkov, the brother of YahShua said, “You see that [Abraham’s] faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. (James 2:22)” Abraham’s works proved that his faith was genuine. In the same way, our works of faith will be used by Messiah YahShua, our Advocate, to prove in the investigative judgment that our faith is true.
“…know that a man is not justified by legalistically observing the Torah, but by faith in Messiah YahShua. So we, too, have put our faith in Messiah YahShua that we may be justified by faith in Messiah and not by legalistically observing the Torah, because by legalistically observing the Torah no one will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)” We must not confuse “works of faith” with legalism. Legalism is doing good works or keeping the Torah in order to earn salvation. In contrast, “works of faith” are the fruit of the Spirit. While these fruits do not contribute toward our salvation, they do give evidence of it. That is why they will be brought up in the judgment, to prove our justification by faith.
“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These things do not offend the Torah. (Galatians 5:21-23)”
The Verdict
Messiah YahShua doesn’t excuse our sin, rather he claims His shed blood as a “kippur” a covering for sin blotting out the offense. He lifts His wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying, “I know them by name. ‘I know my sheep and my sheep know me.’ (John 10:14) I have graven them on the palms of My hands. ‘The sacrifices of Elohim are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O Elohim, thou wilt not despise.'” (Psalms 51:17) And to the accuser of His people He declares, “Yahweh rebuke thee, O haSatan; even Yahweh that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee. Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” (Zechariah 3:2)
That’s where we were headed – hell fire. The “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of Yahweh is eternal life inMessiah YahShua our King. (Romans 6:23)” So, since “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of Yahweh (Romans 3:23)” if we got justice we would be sentenced to death “thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death. (Revelation 20:14 )” This is what YahShua, our Advocate has “plucked” us out of.
Messiah then presents us to His Father “a glorious assembly, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.” (Ephesians 5:27) Our names stand enrolled in the bank of life, and concerning them it is written, “They shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.” (Revelation 3:4) The verdict in the investigative judgment will be in favor of the saints. It is only after Messiah has vindicated us that He will come to take back the Commonwealth of Israel from the Nations. This is the blessed hope for which we are all waiting.
As with the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26-32),all who would have their names inscribed in the Lamb’s Book of life, should now, in the few remaining days of this present age, afflict their souls before Yahweh by sorrow for sin, and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful introspection of heart. The worldly, frivolous spirit indulged by Mystery Babylon must be put away. There is earnest spiritual warfare before all who would be victorious over the evil inclination called the Flesh that strives to enslave us.
“[Messiah] …gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:14)”
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12).
“Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back” (Isaiah 38:17).
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Messiah YahShua, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)”
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:9)”
What Are The Rewards For The Saints?
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an Incorruptible crown” (1Corinthians 9:25).
“For what is our hope, or joy, or Crown of Rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our King Messiah YahShua at His Coming?” (1Thessalonians 2:19).
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the King, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life” (Revelation 2:10).
“And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1Peter 5:4).
Originally written by Rabbi Robert O. Miller on Sept. 24th 2009
(Robert Owen Miller 1957-2021)
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