A lot has happened over the course of the past few weeks. And many people are claiming that the gospel is now being preached more readily and openly, even in the political realm. We hear key terms like “Jesus” and “savior.” We see crosses and other memorabilia being waved around at stadiums. People are talking about the Messiah dying for our sins. Politicians and public figures are telling people to go to church.
Although some of these things may seem good, it is like a cake half baked. Many are mixing the political and the sacred. But even worse, most are presenting a “half gospel” to the nation.
“Ephrayim mixes himself among the peoples, Ephrayim has become a cake unturned.” – Hosea 7:8
The adversary knows how to deceive. Deception is his primary weapon. And in these last days, he is deceiving many into thinking they have the gospel message. But something is missing: the obedience and responsibility that comes with it.
“Be sober, watch, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
“For such are false emissaries, deceptive workers, masquerading as emissaries of Messiah. And no wonder! For Satan himself masquerades as a messenger of light!” – 2 Corinthians 11:13-14
As much as any time in history, it is important to be sober and stand watch. It’s not hard for someone to simply say “Jesus” or to wear a shirt with that name on it and think they are talking about the true faith. But is this the gospel? Can we just talk about the Messiah without action? Can someone simply say “Jesus died for my sins,” and claim to be a believer? This is only part of the gospel. And because of the failure of the mainstream church, many people will claim to know the Messiah only to find out that there is individual action involved with the gospel message.
“Believe on the Master Yahusha Messiah, and you shall be saved, you and your household.” – Acts 16:31
See…all you must do is believe. No action required. No change. No repentance. Just intellectual thought. Right??
The word “believe” is translated from the Greek word, “pisteuo” (Strongs 4100). It means to place one’s trust in. It contains a much deeper meaning than confessing His name or recognizing His work. It implies an act of becoming established in the belief THROUGH OBEDIENCE (Colossians 2:6-7)!
There is a fear in the modern church that action is a form of “works.” I’ve heard the term, “Jesus-plus” from several preachers but it’s a term that I feel gives off the wrong message. Teachers often talk about what the Messiah did… but fail to mention what you must do.
“For by favour you have been saved, through belief, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of Elohim.” – Ephesians 2:8
Salvation is the work of the Messiah. He will save us on the last day when the dead are raised in Him, and those who remain alive are joined as well. We cannot do that. Only Yahusha. But let’s read what Paul says two verses later:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Yahusha unto good works, which Elohim prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
There is a personal responsibility for someone who claims to be a believer. It is not a “work” that brings salvation. But rather FRUIT that a true believer bears. And it requires action. In fact, repentance alone requires action. When we truly repent, we are turning away from unrighteous behavior and turning towards Yahuah’s eternal Torah (instructions).
“Bear, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance.” – Matthew 3:8
When the Father calls us, it is our responsibility to repent and to do the works of righteousness that Yahuah has prepared for us. This is what we call obedience. And it involves keeping Yahuah’s commandments. What do the Scriptures say about this topic?
Yahusha says… “If you love Me, you shall guard My commands.” – John 14:15
Paul says… “For not the hearers of the Torah are righteous in the sight of Elohim, but the doers of the Torah shall be declared right.” – Romans 2:13
John says… “And by this we know that we know Him, if we guard His commands.” – 1 John 2:1
Peter tells us… “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work…” – 1 Peter 1:17
David reminds us… “And loving commitment is Yours, O Yahuah; For You reward each one according to his work.” – Psalms 62:12
You can find many more examples of obedience to the instructions of Yahuah throughout the Scriptures. Just remember that belief equals obedience. And that means the keeping of Yahuah’s instructions (Torah). It is not difficult (1 John 5:3), but it is necessary.
The blood of Yahusha does indeed bring about salvation on the last day. He is our High Priest. But that is not a reason to disregard the commandments of the Most High. Denying the Son and disregarding His commandments is NOT believing on His Name! Paul says it best when speaking of the relationship between Torah (the Father’s instructions) and belief:
“Do we then nullify the Torah through the belief? Let it not be! On the contrary, we establish the Torah.” – Romans 3:31
Belief in the Messiah should establish our walk. It should lead us to Torah observance. And since sin is the breaking of the Torah (1 John 3:4), it is imperative that we understand that concept.
So do you believe in the full gospel? It is a gospel that saves through the blood of Yahusha. But it is a gospel that creates in us a righteousness from obedience to His commandments. Learn the instructions of the Most High. Value His teaching. And guard His Torah.
“Teach me, O Yahuah, the way of Your laws, And I observe it to the end. Make me understand, that I might observe Your Torah, And guard it with all my heart.” – Psalms 119:33-34
FAITH IN MOTION 