בס”ד

Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15

Once again we have a double Torah portion this week. The second parashah is Kedoshim or saints. It reminds the reader that G-d’s people are commanded to be different than those who have not experienced redemption. In chapter 19 of Leviticus, there is a list of things which one should do and should not do. The chapter concludes with the words,

“And you shall keep all My laws and all My judgments and do them, I AM HaShem.”

 Leviticus 20:37

It is very significant that the verse prior to this one deals with the Exodus from Egypt. Many times I have written that the Exodus is understood in Judaism as the first redemption, while the final redemption is the outcome of Messiah’s work. The point I want to emphasize is that redemption ought to bring about obedience in one’s life to the instructions (commandments) of G-d.

The Apostle Paul taught that a salvation experience is the outcome of Yeshua’s work of redemption. One of the primary reasons that one turns and embraces Yeshua in faith and the grace He offers is because one wants to turn away from sin. I love what Paul says in his letter to the Romans,

“But after being made free from sin you were made to serve righteousness.”

 Romans 6:18

Please notice that the two verbs are in the passive mood. This means that it was G-d (See Romans 6:17) Who caused these two things to be achieved in the believer’s life. What are these two things? They are being made free from sin and being made to serve righteousness. Both of these verbs (the first is actually a participle) are in the Greek Aorist tense. This relates to a “fullness” or a “completeness”. In other words, Yeshua has made me fully and completely free from sin and I am now called to fully and completely serve righteousness. This is the identity and behavior of a saint.

Although in the new body the believer will perfectly reflect this, now in the flesh it is a constant battle. The believer has the means to walk in obedience. This means is in the Person of the Holy Spirit Who dwells in each believer; however if one chooses to listen and submit to the flesh, then the outcome is uncleanness and iniquity. Thanks be to G-d that through Yeshua the believer can choose; whereas prior to salvation and justification by faith, one was in bondage to sin.

Shabbat Shalom