As Believers in Yahushua Messiah, we are called to understand, and to walk in, the basics of The Faith.

The current condition of the Body of Messiah, however, is that most Believers, even those having walked with Yahushua for many years, still do not understand the basics of The Faith.

These ‘basics’ of The Faith are called the ‘first [primary] principles’ of the Oracles of Yahuweh (Hebrews 6:1), and are the first things the new Believer should learn.

Notice what we are told in the Book of Hebrews:

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14)

Therefore leaving the (first) principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. (Hebrews 6:1-3)

Here we see that all Believers are called to go beyond the basics, beyond the foundational principles of The Faith. According to Hebrews 6:3 above, we will not be allowed to go on unto perfection, proceed to completion, unless Yahuweh permits. That is, unless we grasp these basic, foundational teachings, and walk in them, we will not be allowed to build beyond this foundation.

With such an important issue as our spiritual progress at stake, we will look at each of these basics of The Faith, each in a separate writing. In this writing we will examine the last of the foundation-stones of The Faith seen in the first two verses of Hebrews chapter 6 — the issue of eternal judgment.

Eternal Judgment

What is judgment? What is eternal judgment?

A few of the faithful teachers today are teaching the Scriptures that promise judgment as punishment for wrongdoing. Many others tell us that the day of judgment is some time in the distant future. Still others teach that we should not judge. Each of these concepts has its rightful place in the Believer’s understanding, but these familiar teachings are only a small part of eternal judgment as seen in the Scriptures.

In our modern language we do not attribute correct meaning to some of the Bible words, but instead use ‘popular’ meanings borne out of tradition. One example of this misuse of definitions is the Bible word judgment.

As we study the Scriptures, we discover that the word translated judgment in the vast majority of uses in the Bible does not mean ‘punishment’ from Elohim. Although violation of Elohim’s judgments will bring punishment to Messiah’s disobedient children, these judgments are not in themselves the punishment (See Psalms 89:27,30-32).

Instead, the word translated in most cases as judgment is the Hebrew word mishpatim, denoting the eternal ‘Rules of the House’ by which His people are to live. In order to understand these judgments we must look to the Scriptures.

Let’s begin by looking at some familiar passages, as a few pieces of a great puzzle. We will then proceed to examine some rarely-noticed puzzle pieces in Scripture, in order to see the bigger picture.

Many Believers have seen these passages:

Judge <2919> not, that ye be not judged <2919>. 2 For with what judgment <2917> ye judge <2919>, ye shall be judged <2919>: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Matthew 7:1-2)

Judge <2919> not, and ye shall not be judged <2919>: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (Luke 6:37)

Here, we see perhaps the most familiar of truths: we are not to judge others. Now let’s look at the next level of judgment, and notice something Yahushua tells us:

Judge <2919> not according to the appearance, but judge <2919> righteous judgment <2920>. (John 7:24)

Here, Yahushua tells us we are to judge, but with ‘righteous judgment.’ The apostle Paul then brings us some details:

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge <2919> the world? and if the world shall be judged <2919> by you, are ye unworthy to judge <2922> the smallest matters? (1Corinthians 6:2)

In the above passage, we see that in the future, the Believers will be involved in judging others. We are thus called to become worthy to judge others in the future, by learning to judge now, in the small matters.

Let’s see how we are to learn to judge in these small matters:

For if we would judge <1252> ourselves, we should not be judged <2919>. 32 But when we are judged <2919>, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (1Corinthians 11:31-32)

In this passage above, the apostle Paul reveals that we are to judge ourselves now, in every regard, so that we would not be judged later. But what is the standard by which we are to judge ourselves? We must search the Scriptures to find this standard.

Before we discover what Scripture reveals about this standard, we must digress momentarily, to see a vitally important, fundamental Truth of the New Covenant revealed in Scripture!

A Fundamental Truth of the New Covenant

Perhaps the most important fundamental truth about the Bible, is that everything we see in the New Testament writings have their foundation and basis in the Old Testament writings. This is why we see throughout the Old and New Testaments, the phrase, “it is written.” Variations of this phrase can be seen more than 80 times in the New Testament alone. In each instance, the phrase refers the reader back to the Old Testament, as the original authority for the teaching given in the New Testament.

We can not go into the detail in this writing, but can only state as a basic, ‘rule-of-thumb’ truth, we must understand that all of the Scriptures, both Old and New Testament writings, are to be seen as one cohesive unit. Together they represent the New Covenant, also called in Scripture the Everlasting Covenant.

For further understanding of how the Old and New Testaments relate to each other according to Scripture, see links to articles at the bottom of this page.

We rightly conclude, that in order to correctly understand and walk in (‘rightly divide’) any New Testament truth, we must simply find the original basis for that truth in the Torah, Prophets, and Writings — also called the Old Testament, or Torah (‘instruction’) for short.

We have stated that the original basis for understanding all of the New Covenant is found in Torah. However, in order for us to properly understand and walk in (rightly divide) the Torah, we must first have the key (the New Covenant) with which to unlock the understanding and ‘food value’ of the Torah (the Old Covenant)!

This concept is given to us explicitly in Leviticus 26:10, is seen implicitly in Song of Solomon, and is confirmed to us plainly by Yahushua in Matthew 13:52:

For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you. 10 And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new. (Leviticus 26:9-10)

The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates<06607>[‘door’] are all manner of pleasant fruits [precious things], new and old, which I have laid up [hidden] for thee, O my beloved. (Song of Songs 7:13)

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. (Matthew 13:52)

First, we see in the above passage in Leviticus, that the establishing of Yahuweh’s Covenant with each individual will result in feeding on the Old, which is brought forth ‘because of’ the New. Thus we see that living in the ‘New’ is what enables the ‘Old’ to be brought forth.

Second, we see in the Song of Songs passage above, that these precious things, both new and old, have been laid up at the gates <06607> [also means ‘doors’], and hidden for the Bride to find. It is at Father’s gates, and at the posts of His doors that we are to wait, in order to hear His still, small voice (Prov 8:34). In like manner, it was at the doorposts that the Blood of the Passover Lamb was applied (Exodus 12:7), and where His Word is to be written (Deut 11:18-20); and it was at that same doorposts that we became bond-slaves, to serve our Master forever (Exodus 21:5-6).

Third, we see in the above passage in Matthew, that the treasures of the Scribe consists of writings of Scripture, both New and Old. If we are to be instructed unto the kingdom of heaven, we too must treasure the Scriptures, both New and Old. The life of Messiah-in-us consists of our becoming “DO-ers” of every Word of Father, lest we become deceived (Matt 4:4; Luke 4:4; James 1:22).

With these basic thoughts in mind, we will now look in the Torah, to find the meaning of ‘eternal judgment’ mentioned in the Book of Hebrews.

Judging with Righteous Judgment

We recall that our goal is to discover the Scripture standard by which we are to learn to judge in small matters, by learning to judge ourselves. In order to rightly judge ourselves, we must become a “DO-er” of that standard of judgment.

Let’s notice what that standard of judgment is called. Let’s look again at John 7:24, to see what Yahushua calls this standard:

Judge <2919> not according to the appearance, but judge <2919> righteous judgment <2920>. (John 7:24)

We are to begin learning how to judge ourselves, according to a standard Yahushua calls ‘Righteous Judgment.’ Most of the details of this standard are found in Torah:

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment <04941> : thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge <08199> thy neighbour. (Leviticus 19:15)

And I charged your judges <08199> at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge <08199> righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. (Deuteronomy 1:16)

Open thy mouth, judge <08199> righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:9)

In the above Scriptures we have two clues showing us the details of the standard by which we are to judge ourselves. First, we are to judge (Heb ‘shaphat,’ a verb — Strong’s number <08199>). Second, we are to judge in a righteous manner of judgment (Heb ‘mishpat,’ a noun — Strong’s number <04941>).

When we look at these two Hebrew words for judgment seen in Scripture, we discover another treasure-trove of truth. We find that Yahuweh has given a special name to His standard of Righteous judgment: He calls them “My Judgments,” as we shall see in the Scripture passages below.

Let’s now look at Yahuweh’s Judgments, as seen throughout Scripture.

Yahuweh’s Judgments Are His Family Guidelines

The word for judgment used the most throughout Scripture turns out to be the Hebrew word ‘mishpat,’ Strongs number <04941>, that we saw as a clue in the above passage. This word is used 421 times, and derives from the Hebrew root ‘shaphat,’ Strongs number <08199>, seen as the other clue above.

The word ‘mishpat’ is especially revealing, for it includes among its many meanings the judging or ruling of ones family. We see this meaning in the very first mention in the Scriptures of doing judgment, Gen 18:19, in which we are told that Abraham will “command his house” to keep the Way of Yahuweh, to do righteousness and judgment, with the result that the blessing already spoken might come upon Abraham.

So we see that in a general sense, the mishpatim, or judgments of Yahuweh, are the guidelines set down by the Father, for the expected manner of family life the Father wants to see in His Family. Our heavenly Father therefore has given to us His judgments, so that all of His people might live as one unified Family, according to Father’s prescribed manner of life — according to His ‘Rules of the House.’

When we have the mishpatim, or judgments of Yahuweh as our standard, we are then able to learn to judge ourselves with righteous judgment, simply by walking in, and becoming a “DO-er” of Yahuweh’s judgments.

Let’s look now at a few of these judgments in Scripture, to see what Father expects of all those who are grafted-in to His Family.

Some Characteristics of Keeping Yahuweh’s Judgments

Below is a list of some of Father’s judgments, with Scripture text and references, along with relevant comments for us to consider:

We see in the above passages that the mishpatim, the judgments of Yahuweh, include all the Torah (instruction), as well as statutes and ordinances, by which all of Yahuweh’s people are to live in Father’s presence.

Let us remember that the judgments seen above are only a small part of the many Scriptures revealing the judgments of Yahuweh, all of which form the basis for all New Covenant Life in Messiah!

These judgments were practiced by Yahushua, by the apostle Paul, and by all the other disciples. These judgments of Yahuweh are referred to, either directly or indirectly, throughout the New Testament writings, and they illustrate both the personal life of the Believers, and the corporate life of the congregations. It is instructive for us to see that these judgments, practiced by the Creator of the New Covenant Himself, and by all His New Covenant followers — are all found in, and have their basis in, the Torah!

As we can see in the list of verses above, the judgments of Yahuweh include keeping of all Yahuweh’s Sabbaths, Festivals, and appointed times. They include keeping of Passover with the recognition of Yahushua as the Passover Lamb, and the recognition of the Passover bread as His flesh, and the Passover cup of wine, as Yahushua’s blood that was shed for us, as seen in Luke 22:11-20 and in John 6:53-56.

We may now ask the question, “Why are the mishpatim, the judgments of Yahuweh, spoken of as ‘eternal’ judgment?” Let’s look now at the eternal nature of His judgments.

His Judgments are Eternal

First, let us notice from Scripture that Yahuweh’s judgments are eternal:

Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments <04941> endureth for ever <05769>. (Psalms 119:160)

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment <04941> and with justice from henceforth even for ever <05769>. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:7)

In the above verses, we see His judgments are ‘owlam’ <05769> — they are eternal, perpetual, and forever. This reminds us that His Word is eternal. Let’s look at this.

His Word is Eternal

Most Believers today already understand that Yahweh’s Word is ‘owlam’ <05769> — eternal, perpetual, and forever:

For ever <05769>, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psalms 119:89)

As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever <05769>. (Isaiah 59:21)

We see here that Yahuweh’s Word will not cease, but will be forever. We saw also that His judgments are forever. Thus we might say that the need to judge ourselves according to His word, and according to His judgments, will be forever.

We may then conclude, and seek confirmation in Scripture, that Yahuweh’s judgments are His Word. Let’s see if we find this confirmation.

His Judgments Are His Word

There are two passages, both easy to understand, that show Yahushua as the prophetic Son of David, and as the Firstborn of the Father; and show the Believers of today as His flock, His subjects, and His sons, or children:

And David my servant [Messiah-Son of David] shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. (Ezekiel 37:24)

Also I will make him [Messiah-Son of David] my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. 28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. 29 His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven. 30 If his children forsake my law <08451> [Torah], and walk not in my judgments; 31 If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; 32 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. 33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. (Psalms 89:27-33)

Notice both passages above describe the last-days, New Covenant Kingdom rule of Messiah. In both passages it is clear that Yahushua expects His sons, His children (this describes Born-Again, Spirit-filled Believers today!!), to walk in His judgments, and observe His statutes, and keep His commandments — His Torah, and His statutes — or else He will apply the rod of correction to us, His children, if we transgress.

Let’s next notice how we are to keep the Ways of Yahuweh:

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. 22 For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. (Psalms 18:21-22)

In the above Scripture passage, notice that we keep the Ways of Yahuweh, and do not depart from Yahuweh, when we keep His judgments, and His statutes.

Now notice another feature of His Word and His judgments:

He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. (Psalms 147:19)

Notice above how His Word is a broad and general reference, and His statutes and judgments are the detailed items within His Word. We then find confirmation that His judgments are His Word.

Conclusion

We may now conclude that the standard by which we are to judge ourselves is His Word in a general sense, and His judgments in a detailed, or particular sense.

We have seen that when we are walking in His judgments, we are continually judging ourselves against the standard of Yahuweh’s Word. It is His judgments that are the details of that Standard, and by walking in His judgments we are learning to judge in the small matters, by judging ourselves.

We have seen that we may judge ourselves by Yahuweh’s judgments now, in order to avoid being judged by His judgments later.

One Final Thought

There is one final passage for us to see regarding the eternal judgments of Scripture:

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth <2919> him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge <2919> him in the last day. (John 12:48)

Here Yahushua tells us those who reject the Words He has spoken to us (including those He spoke through Moses), the same shall judge them in the last day.

In this verse, Yahushua reminds us that if we truly believe that He is the Word of Yahuweh who wrote and gave the tablets to Moses, we will live in a manner that demonstrates that we believe He is who He says He is. Those who do not believe Yahushua is truly who He says He is, however, will reject the Words He has spoken to us through Moses. Yahushua reminds us, “If ye love Me, Keep ‘MY’ Commandments” (John 14:15).

Those who choose not to judge themselves today according to His standard, by walking in His judgments He gave to Moses, will have the same words to judge them later.

Let us therefore repent. Let us adjust our lives today, and by His Grace, let us walk according to His judgments, precepts, statutes, commandments, and ordinances — and indeed, according to all the Words Yahushua gave to Moses.

Let us choose to walk in His eternal judgments today — lest we be judged by them in the Last Day!

Related Articles:

• Seven Biblical Guidelines for Studying the Bible: Using Scripture to Interpret the Scriptures  New! – What is the source of our current understanding of the Bible? The pure Truths of Scripture are of highest importance — how we understand the Scriptures will affect our eternal condition! To avoid being deceived by man-made doctrines, we must not rely on Preachers, Teachers, Bible notes or commentaries. Instead we must study and understand the Bible for ourselves — not looking through the lenses of tradition or man-made Bible study methods — but relying only on what the Bible actually says about how to study and understand the Scriptures! Here are 7 Biblical Guidelines that show us the way!

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• True Grace – by David M Hargis – A Biblically accurate overview of New Covenant Grace as used in the context of the majority of the apostle Paul’s writings