posted 01-22-1999 01:41 PM         

There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen: The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it. (Job 28:7, 8)

In the old covenant, Eloheem (God) gave His law to the Jews and commanded them to be holy as He is holy (Lev. 11:44). But, being unquickened as to the inward man, the majority of the Jews did not perform true righteousness that was acceptable to Yahveh (the LORD). There was a veil over their hearts, keeping them from seeing Mashiach (Christ) in spirit; which same revelation of Mashiach is always accompanied with power and grace to obey what Eloheem requires. Mashiach is full of grace and truth. As He reveals Himself to souls in a real way, He teaches them the truth and gives them grace to obey.

Jn. 1:17 - For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Yeshua ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).

In the old covenant, Eloheem promised that Mashiach would come to offer Himself as a sacrifice which would serve to remove the veil over people's hearts, abolish sin and bring in everlasting righteousness. (See Dan. 9:24). He prophesied of a new covenant wherein He would write His law in people's hearts and cause them to walk in His ways. (See Jer. 31:31-34). In the old covenant, Yahveh promised He would keep His covenant with the Jews and bless them only if they obeyed Him. (See Deut. 28:1-14). In the new covenant He promises to bless souls (by freeing them from sin and making them righteous) who are faithful to obey His law - which goes forth from the mouth of King Mashiach; whom dwells in their midst as their abiding Head. That is, the Spirit of Mashiach enters the inward man, raises up the tabernacle of David which was fallen (Amos 9:11), and gives forth His law in spirit - as well as grace to obey His law. Obedience to His voice and guidance is what truly frees us, by degrees, from the nature of sin.

In the new covenant, man is taught of Eloheem to fear Eloheem and to remain humble - not trusting in ones own obedience; but doing all Eloheem says as an unprofitable servant (see Lk. 17:10), firmly trusting in Yeshua and glorifying Him. Yeshua’s guidance - the law and word written on the fleshly tables of the heart - becomes the light, guide and law to all who humble themselves to obey the convictions of Yeshua’s Spirit.

Ps. 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

For this to become a possibility in one's life, there is a need, in the first place, to turn to Eloheem.

Ezk. 18: 31, 32 - Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith Yahveh Eloheem: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

In ourselves, we can't even repent or sorrow for our sins in a true sense. Even repentance is given to us by Eloheem. He touches us by His grace and gives us a sense of our sin and danger.

Zech. 12:10 - And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

When He awakens us by His grace, He waits for us to respond to His call for a change. We can either resist His call or humble ourselves and yield to Him. True repentance is mingled with obedience to Yeshua’s words.

Jn. 14:23 - Yeshua answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

The point in all this, is that the only way to approach Eloheem and to be pleasing to Him is through being touched by His grace and then looking to Yeshua in faith for healing. Since the whole worship of the gospel is in the Spirit, there is a necessity of receiving the Spirit in the first place.

Lk. 11:13 - If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

When the Spirit is received, the soul learns to wait for His breathings and movings - and yields to the power of obedience that comes from the same Spirit. The inward man feeds on the Word - the law of the Spirit of life, the spiritual flesh and blood of Mashiach - through which we are cleansed and fulfill the righteousness of the law. It is here, deep in spirit (where the Spirit of Mashiach makes His abode), where we must learn to commune with Yeshua, partake of the heavenly manna and reach out to Eloheem - and receive His strength and grace to be holy.

Ps. 119:9 - Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

The way of holiness is the way of a life in the Spirit, wherein we retire deep within ourselves, through prayer, in godly sorrow and humility - humbly awaiting Mashiach's guidance as well as His grace to obey. When we obey Mashiach's living law written in the heart, we are set free from the law of sin and death and the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us.

Rom. 8:2-4 - For the law of the Spirit of life in Mashiach Yeshua hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Eloheem sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

When we hear Mashiach in spirit, with circumcised ears (with the ears of the inward man); He teaches us to put off our old man and to put on the new man.

Eph. 4:20-24 - … if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Yeshua: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after Eloheem is created in righteousness and true holiness.

If so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Yeshua. We must keep humble and little in our own sight, preserving our eyes open to Yeshua deep in spirit, so we can continue to receive His life-giving Word and not be cut of from the Fountain of life. The truth is in Yeshua. As we abide in Him (feel after Him deep in spirit, through prayer and watchfulness, and commune with Him) we hear Him and He teaches us His truth by His Spirit and empowers us to obey.

1 Jn. 2:27 - But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

The ears of the inner man are kept opened as we remain little in our own sight, daily waiting for the bubbling forth of the living water. But the gospel (the law of the Spirit of life, written on the fleshly tables of the heart) is hid from some because they have chosen to be hardened by sin – either obvious sin or more subtle forms of sin such as self-righteousness.

2 Cor. 4:3-4 - But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Mashiach, who is the image of Eloheem, should shine unto them.

Jn. 12:40 - He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

2 Cor. 3:14-16 - But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Mashiach. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to Adonai (the Lord), the vail shall be taken away.

As sin is exposed by the light of the Spirit, and forsaken, and the heart turns to Eloheem in true repentance - the veil begins to be removed little by little, the ears begin to be unclogged, and the light of the glorious gospel shines through and reaches the inward man (who naturally exercises true faith in Yeshua), and true healing takes place. Only when the heart turns to Eloheem in true repentance, brokenness, and humility is the veil removed, the inner man raised and Mashiach revealed.

2 Cor. 4:5-6 - For we preach not ourselves, but Mashiach Yeshua Adonai; and ourselves your servants for Yeshua’s sake. For Eloheem, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the glory of Eloheem in the face of Yeshua ha Mashiach.

As souls receive a true sight of their sins and lay aside their sins, humbling themselves to the drawings and convictions of the Spirit, they are in a place to receive with meekness the engrafted Word which is able to save their soul.

James 1:21 - Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Continue in the faith…We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of Eloheem. (See Acts 14:22)

After we yield to the Spirit and are quickened in measure, and move on to obey the Spirit, we are tempted and tried in the wilderness, so to speak; and as we overcome temptation, we are prepared to receive more and more of the Spirit. This time of trial is akin to Israel's travels in the wilderness. After leaving Egypt, we are tried in the wilderness in the sense of being presented with circumstances and situations that tempt us to sin in thoughts, words, or deeds. Mashiach is to be formed in the soul, there is a growth to take place, obstacles to overcome. Much corruption is yet in the heart when faith is first born. There is a warfare - because some of our old ways may still tug; on us and we will end up giving up and yielding to sin if we don't remain humble and have a prayer life and maintain faith in Yeshua.

But as we persevere and submit to the death of Mashiach (by suffering ourselves not to yield to temptation) He, by degrees, takes away the law of sin and death in our members - and raises the new man, filling Him with His Spirit more and more.

The law of the Spirit of life (Rom. 8:2-4), in the inward man, becomes the guiding rule of the new creature. We perceive the law of the Spirit (Yeshua's interior guidance) in a more distinct way as we remain faithful, yielding to the convictions of the Spirit, whether in big or little things. By obeying this law we are progressively converted.

Ps. 19:7 - The law of Yahveh is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of Yahveh is sure, making wise the simple.

The revelation of this law in spirit is akin to the revelation of the law at Sinai, but with the difference that, the law of the Spirit of life gives us power and ability (grace) to obey what Eloheem requires in an more intimate way - unlike the written law revealed at Sinai.

Yeshua was revealed to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn. 3:8), and to place His Spirit and law in us - so as to raise our spirit from its bondage under the Egyptian carnal nature - that we may be free to serve and worship Eloheem in spirit and in truth. Yeshua brought life and immortality to light by exposing the sin, that separated us from the most holy place in spirit - where the law of the Spirit is placed. Within the most holy place is the heavenly manna. This manna is the living bread, or the Word of the living Eloheem, which will free our soul and enable us to mount up with wings as eagles - to the degree that we respond in faith and obedience to His interior guidance. Our spirit is fed, nurtured, and made strong as we take the time to "be still" and enter Yeshua's Presence - by faith, humbly feeding on His interior guidance. It is through humility, watchfulness and prayer (remaining pure in our thoughts, words, and actions towards others) that we receive grace to carry out what Yeshua requires of us.

However, there are many traps, that will either keep us from finding this most holy place in spirit, or, if we have found it, will cut us off from our communion with Eloheem - if we don't continually watch and pray, abiding in the secret place. We live by every word proceeding out of the mouth of Eloheem - but without seeking and finding the law of the Spirit of life, and yielding our members to obey, we wither spiritually.

But when we seek and find Eloheem's grace, we progressively desire to obey Eloheem - as from a clean interior desire to do what is good and pleasing in His sight, regardless of reward or punishment. He teaches us in spirit by means of His law and grace - which fills our spirit more and more after we receive the Holy Spirit and faithfully obey His leadings a step at a time. When we walk in the Spirit, we are no longer under the law but under grace - feeding on the heavenly manna or interior Word of Eloheem, which gives us true life and animation.

Through obeying His interior instruction, we live the life of a true child of Eloheem. All our needs are met without toil or sweat. Having entered the realm of grace, we can walk the world over; trusting that Eloheem will meet our needs.

Side note.

This has been mentioned elsewhere but it is repeated here for emphasis. Those who truly abide in the Vine (communing with Yeshua in spirit) don’t worry about where their necessities will come from (Lk. 12:22-30). They live in total dependence of Yeshua and have forsaken their selfishness and independence. They have chosen to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Eloheem. They have chosen to align themselves with His inherent order and divine law; which He intended for them to live by from the beginning. They live according to Eloheem’s eternal law in a natural way and their needs are met without effort and frustration. They just abide in the Vine, in intimate communion with Yeshua, and humbly carry out His will a step at a time. They completely yield to Yeshua in simplicity, like a little child (Matt. 18:3, 4), completely dying to their own will daily - spontaneously doing Yeshua’s will for the love and glory of Yeshua. Nor are they conscious of their virtues. Their left hand does not even know what their right hand is doing ( Matt. 6:3). They dwell in a low place, without even being conscious of their humility. They naturally desire to serve others instead of lord over them ( Matt. 20:25-28). They totally lack a spirit of competition and envy. They prefer to remain unknown. Like Yeshua, they make themselves of no reputation (Phil. 2:7), and they seek the honor that comes from Eloheem only (Jn. 5:44).
End of side note.

As souls abide in the sense and leading of the Spirit, walking in the Spirit each day, the end result is that death is abolished and life and immortality come to light.

2 Tim. 1:9-10 - Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Mashiach Yeshua before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Yeshua ha Mashiach, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

When we repent, and make an effort to live a clean life out of love for Yeshua, we are showing Yeshua that we desire Him to come within us by His Spirit and grace to cleanse us of the nature of sin. Those who respond to Mashiach's drawings, corrections and reproofs begin to desire to do what is right because their spiritual health is being restored. Therefore, today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart. Respond in faith and obedience to the inner call to come out of Egypt - out of your old ways. It's faint at first, but it gets louder and more clear as you obey and pass through the wilderness of temptation - keeping your hand in Yeshua's hand by faith, remaining faithful to not swerve to the left or to the right.

Someone once wrote:

“O, how safe, how quiet, is that state where the soul stands in pure obedience to the voice of Mashiach, humbly waiting for the heavenly Counselor, and a watchful care is maintained not to follow the voice of the stranger! Here Mashiach is felt to be our Shepherd, and under His leading people, young and old, are brought to a stability; and where He does not lead forward, we are bound in the bonds of pure love to stand still and wait upon Him.

In the love of money and in the wisdom of this world, business is proposed, then the urgency of affairs push forward, and the mind cannot in this state discern the good and perfect will of Eloheem. The love of Eloheem is manifested in graciously calling us to come out of that which stands in confusion; but if we bow not in the name of Yeshua, if we give not up those prospects of gain which in the wisdom of this world are open before us, but say in our hearts, "I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused…, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused…, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come." (See Lk. 14:17-21), the mind remains entangled and the shining of the light of life into the soul is obstructed. But in an entire subjection of our wills Adonai graciously opens a way for His people, where all their wants are bounded by His wisdom; and here we experience purification from sin.

Adonai, in His infinite love, is calling to His visited children, so to give up all outward possessions and means of getting treasures, that His Holy Spirit may have free course in their hearts and direct them in all their proceedings through the wilderness to the promised land. As death comes on our own wills, and a new life is formed in us, the heart is purified and prepared to understand clearly, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see Eloheem." (Matt. 5:8).

“The retiring beyond all thoughts and reasonings, to the sense of the inward man, to feel somewhat springing from the Spirit of Yeshua, is the work of the soul. Beneath the darkness there is somewhat to stay the mind of the soul until the clear leading and enablement of the Spirit is manifest. The soul is to continue to live in the inward sense of His direction. Our work is to lead souls to Mashiach in the inward man, and to center there, waiting on Yahveh, to lead us in the way wherein we should go. The leading must be obeyed daily and all hasty foreign desires resisted steadfast in the faith, going where Yeshua bids go and waiting where He bids wait. Here is travail, here is labor, here is a strait and narrow way, and much tribulation through which Mashiach is formed in the soul.”

The old man is put off and the new man is put on as we abide in Mashiach, remaining sensitive to His motions and leadings. Though our flesh may be stubborn at times, nevertheless Eloheem has His ways of keeping us humble and little in our own sight, so the power of Mashiach may rest upon us.

2 Cor. 12:9-10 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Mashiach may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Mashiach's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Cor. 4:16, 17 - For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

As we humble ourselves to obey Yeshua, though the flesh may suffer, His light and truth will nevertheless lead us to the holy hill - heavenly Jerusalem.

Ps. 43:3 - O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

This is the way of holiness, the path the vulture’s eye has not seen, where the humble and childlike shall not err.

Isa. 35:8 - And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

The revelation of Eloheem’s Word and His gift of grace is found only by those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. It is found by those who, in true humility and godly sorrow, forsake their own selfish will and resist sin - crying out to Yeshua with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength until they touch Him and His Spirit and overcoming power flows into them. The sabbath rest is entered (See Heb. 4) when the old man is fully put off and the new man put on by the power of grace. Then we cease from our own works and we no longer live, but Mashiach lives in us. His love and power spontaneously flows through us reaching out to others, to heal and deliver all who desire deliverance - all glory to Yeshua.

Gal. 2:20 - I am crucified with Mashiach: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Mashiach liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of Eloheem, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Sin hides Eloheem’s face and causes people not to hear or recognize Yeshua with the eyes of faith in the inward man. Self-righteousness is an example of something that can hide Eloheem’s face from us. Paul was exceeding self-righteous at one time but Yeshua had mercy on him and aroused him to see his danger.

Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Adonai? And Adonai said, I am Yeshua whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Gal. 1:11-16 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Yeshua ha Mashiach. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of Eloheem, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased Eloheem, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.

Paul humbled himself and yielded to Yeshua. After Paul mentioned his zeal in the Jews religion he went on to say that it pleased Eloheem to separate him from his mother’s womb and to reveal Yeshua in him. He may be implying that it pleased Eloheem to separate him from the Jews religion, his mother, and to bring him to worship Eloheem in Spirit. He had to count all his own righteousness as nothing in order to be found in Yeshua not having his own righteousness.

Philippians 3:3-9 For we are the circumcision, which worship Eloheem in the spirit, and rejoice in Mashiach Yeshua, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Mashiach. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Mashiach Yeshua my Adonai: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Mashiach, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Mashiach, the righteousness which is of Eloheem by faith.

The Pharisee, in the parable (see Lk. 18:9-12), boasted that he fasted, didn’t commit adultery, wasn’t an extortioner, gave alms etc. When we trust in our own righteousness and congratulate ourselves every time we seem to be doing well, even apparently outwardly conforming to every commandment of Yeshua, it may not be obvious to us that we are exceeding proud and self-righteous. We have a name to be living but are dead (Revelation 3:1). We may not see that our strivings are propelled by strong pride and will-power rather than being energized by grace. There is a difference.

Side note.

Someone who is self-righteous is often given over to loose condemnation of others. They feel they have “righteous anger” against anyone who offends them. But such anger is motivated by pride and self-centeredness. Though Yeshua appeared to get angry at times it was not a selfish anger but an anger that was related to being grieved with the blindness and hardness of heart in some souls. Selfish anger wants to see calamity happen to those who offend self, (see Lk. 9:51-55). Such anger delights to hear about something bad happening to someone who has offended self but they shall not go unpunished (Prv. 17:5; Job 31:29.) But righteous anger is coupled with love and weeping when it considers the lot of those who harden themselves against Eloheem and persecute His people. Though Yeshua appeared angry at times such as when He cast out them that sold in the temple, nevertheless, He was motivated by zeal for Eloheem and He loved the people. Just before He did that it is said that He wept over Jerusalem because of their blindness. He also forgave those who were bringing Him to be crucified (Lk. 19:41-46;23:34). Stephen, a true believer in Yeshua, also manifested his zeal for Eloheem by calling the Jews stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart. But as they were stoning him he asked Yeshua to not lay that sin to their charge (Acts 7:51-60). Yeshua also taught us to not take revenge, to not sue anyone, to love our enemies and pray for them. But when we are proud and self-righteous we hate those who persecute and offend us and take delight in hearing about negative things happening to them.

End of side note.

When we are walking in pride we are conscious of every seeming virtue we express. We get proud when we are of few words. We congratulate ourselves if we resist an evil thought or show kindness to someone else. We take pleasure in ourselves when we act humble or meek. We compare ourselves with others and feel elated when they don’t appear as holy as we think we are. But if we are truly walking in holiness and humility we won’t even be conscious of our righteousness. Our eyes will be off ourselves and on Yeshua. We will spontaneously obey Him without even having to think about it. As soon as we think we are sober, charitable, humble, meek, and kind – we quench the Spirit and are given over to blindness. Old faults may begin to resurface.

It is one thing to be born after the will of the flesh i.e. to keep the law with will-power alone without humble trust in Yahveh. It is another thing to obey the law as from the inward man after we are born of Eloheem and continually cry out to Yeshua for grace, strength, power, and zeal to loath sin and to overcome it.

Jn.1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of Eloheem, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of Eloheem.

There are those, born after the will of the flesh, that walk in the light of their own fire, that are motivated by strong pride and self-will, that muster themselves up to fear Eloheem, to obey Him, to be zealous etc., rather than being energized by Yeshua’s grace to love Eloheem, to fear and obey Him. Our strivings prove to be profitless when pride enters and says: “I am doing good thanks to my strivings. I am better than others.” With the mouth we may thank Eloheem for helping us but in heart we may subtly give self the glory.

When we are self-righteous in heart we may think we are very humble and close to Eloheem. We will seek honor from others instead of the honor that comes from Eloheem only (Jn. 5:44). We will compete for positions of honor and authority (see Mt. 20:25, 28) even if it means we have to “act” humble to get in those positions. Those who are the strongest in pride and self-will can fool many by their outward show and zeal. They are exceeding crafty. If they perceive anyone given a small responsibility and they themselves are left out, they will fall apart in their heart and will all the more act humble to receive the honor that comes from men.

When we are self-righteous we will subtly envy anyone who appears to be doing better than us (though we will not recognize we are envious). In heart the proud soul thinks to himself “Look at that other soul, they appear to be doing good for a season but their time to slip and fall will come. As from me, I will endure to the end. I will stand by and observe how others fall away after they make a fair show for a season. But I will hold out.”

Of course someone who is given to such pride may not even notice it. They will not notice that they are kissing their own hand, taking pride in all their seeming righteous works and spiritual wealth and that they are puffed up against others. In reality they are denying Eloheem (though they think they are close to Him). If they don’t repent they will be judged and punished.

Job 31:25-28 – If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much; If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness; And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judged: for I should have denied the Eloheem that is above.

Self-righteousness is very subtle and greatly blinds the mind and defiles the heart. It takes Yeshua’s mercy and Spirit to awaken souls out of self-righteousness. If we don’t stop walking in the light of our own fire and repent of self-righteousness and return to our first love, (Rev. 2:4) we will end up lying down in sorrow.

Isa. 50:11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

We cannot enter heaven by our own righteousness even though our outward behavior may appear very outwardly correct like the Pharisee in the parable (Lk. 18:9-12), and like the rich man who kept all the commandments from His youth (Lk. 18:18-25). All our strivings profit nothing when we take pride in our strivings and compare ourselves with others instead of with Yeshua. In such a case we are making a god of our righteousness, which is a form of godliness without power (2 Tim. 3:5), a idol without breath. Anyone who attempts to climb into heaven by their own righteousness, done outside the direct freshness and leading of the Yeshua’s Spirit, is a thief and robber and has sought to be made perfect by the flesh.

Yeshua is the only door through which we can obtain true righteousness and enter heaven.

Jn. 10:7-9 – Then said Yeshua unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture.

Souls must be brought to learn of Yeshua, and stay at His feet hearing and obeying Him in childlike simplicity and trust, if they desire salvation. We must begin in the Spirit and obey the leadings of the Spirit written on the fleshly tables of the heart, going no further until the Spirit leads. Only by following and obeying the Spirit of Yeshua are we clothed with the wedding garment (Mt. 22:11) of Yeshua's righteousness and all our works are propelled by the zeal, power, love and grace of Yeshua instead of by fleshly pride and will-power.

But those who make proselytes (Mt. 23:15), without teaching them to have faith in Yeshua, and to feel after Him deep in spirit, to receive His love, zeal, and grace, are a strangers voice who seek to devour the sheep by bringing them to trust in their own strivings rather than teaching them to be led into the truth by the true Shepherd. The true sheep flee from wolves in sheep’s clothing. The Galatians were an example of some who began in the Spirit but were nevertheless bewitched and were being drawn back into trusting in the flesh.

Gal. 3:1-3 - O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Yeshua ha Mashiach hath been evidently set froth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

In the epistle to the Galatians Paul strives to gather the believers into the Spirit again, and bids them walk in the Spirit and so they should not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. True life and power enters our strivings when we are touched by grace and humbly stand before Yeshua in spirit asking Him to help us to do what is right. In such a humble condition we receive more grace and glorify Yeshua (keeping a sense of our unworthiness as an unprofitable servant only doing our duty) when we do something right. If we fail to keep our eye always single towards Yeshua, taking captive every thought, asking Him to destroy evil thoughts of lust, pride, anger etc., at their inception, we won’t experience true deliverance from sin. On the contrary, after congratulating ourselves in our heart for temporarily resisting a sinful thought or from refraining from a sinful action, we will have a fall for not giving Yeshua the glory.

Self-righteousness is an example of something that can quench the Spirit and cast a veil over our heart if we are not watchful and don’t maintain humble childlike trust in Yeshua. Let us therefore humble ourselves and cleave to Yeshua, obeying Him in all things. As we repent and press into Yeshua’s presence trusting and obeying His guidance, our prayers will have divine anointing which will serve to fight against the clouds of darkness and ignorance hovering over the minds of souls. As souls see their sins and repent then, by degrees, the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Yahveh as the waters cover the sea.

See also:

* Abiding In Mashiach

* Be Still

* Meditations On The Scriptures {Laying A Good Foundation}

* Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem