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Last Updated on : November 23, 2014

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Are There Any "Wonderful Shades of Gray" In The Word of Yahweh?
By Julio B. Scaramastro
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The answer to this question is categorically, absolutely, and unconditionally NO! The view that there are many wonderful shades of gray in the understanding of the Word of Yahweh is quite common amongst those in Central and in other fellowships. However, a proper understanding of the Word says that this is both wrong and consequently unacceptable for anyone who is a follower or fellowshipper of the Lord Yahoshua Messiah. We can easily prove this from looking at the following two passages:

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17, KJV).

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:5-7, KJV).

The following characteristics are described in the above two passages:

1. Father of lights with whom is NO variableness (in other words, no degree of light other than full and perfect light) NEITHER shadow of turning (no degree of darkness whatsoever -- shadow equals gray areas)

2. God is light and in Him is NO darkness AT ALL (What can be readily noticed in all of these passages is the constant use of superlatives such as "every," "no," "neither," "as He is in the light," "all sin," and "at all".)

3. Everyone who walks in darkness are liars if they claim to be in fellowship with Him. Such a person is one that does not the Truth.

4. It is then emphasized that if we walk in the light as He is in the light (There is no degree of light less than the perfection manifested by the Father. In other words, no shadow or gray areas.) we have fellowship with one another as well as with Yahweh and His Son.

5. It is only possible to obtain forgiveness if we are walking in the light, even the same amount of light (or, "as He is in the light"), with no shadows or darkness. It does not take a genius to realize that walking in any other degree of light (gray areas) then that which comes from the "Father of lights" or "God of light", means that He absolutely does not have any forgiveness of his sins and hence, a guarantee of punishment and eternal death at the judgment seat. See "The Camp of the Flesh vs. The Camp of The Spirit."

In the very clear demonstration above, it is important to realize that:

Yahweh is unchanging and what He says is never a "probably" dependent on the moment. We can find such positive statements as the following:

For I am the LORD [Yahweh], I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Mal. 3:6).

My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. (Psa. 89:34).

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17).

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. (Num. 23:19-20).

They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. (Psa. 102:26-27).

And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. (Heb. 1:12).

We are also told that Christ does not change:

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Heb. 13:8).

Furthermore, we are commanded not to meddle with those who change:

My son, fear thou the LORD [Yahweh] and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? (Prov. 24:21-22).

Quoted From: Does Bro. Roberts Give Sound Advice On The Headcovering Question in 1 Cor. 11?

From this quotation, it is obvious that at no point has Yahweh ever changed what is contained in the Scriptures. Thus, all quotes about "changing with the times" or "the Bible is old and outdated", are untrue. What He has said once, He has said for all times. He is not a God of whim or fancy. When He has stated something, we can count on what He has said that it won't be any other way but that. This correct understanding of how He feels about His word is revealed in the various judgments that are provided as examples for His attitude. Let us consider a few of these items:

1. Adam and Eve were punished, and, consequently all of their posterity as well, by the law of sin and death. This occurence which we are all under and which proves how positive Yahweh's judgments are, and how unchangeable His word is was as a result of simply eating of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. How simple this event seems to be. It is hard to imagine why Yahweh would impose such a harsh judgment upon them and, consequently, upon all of their descendants for simply eating. But what is important to realize is that though the action was a mere eating, it was in violation of His clear commandment against it. He is a God of Amen and all His words are Yeah. There is absolutely no changing how He feels about what He says. He is a jealous Ail and a consuming fire and consequently Adam and Eve experienced the carrying into effect of His word. (Genesis 2-3)

2. In the Exodus wanderings and after giving the Ten Commandments and accompanying laws, we see a young man picking some sticks up on the Sabbath day. Here we are impressed with how simple the act was. He didn't pick up a load of wood; he picked up just a few sticks. Of course, this was considered a violation of Yahweh's law and the people wanted to know what should be done about him. After all, it did not appear to be any more than a small infringement of the Sabbath law. It wasn't a huge infraction thereof. But Yahweh's commandment came forth to take him out and stone him. The flesh would stand back looking amazed at such a harsh, destructive judgment for such a very simple infraction. It would never give such a young man a second chance. How could anyone believe that such a simple infraction would bring about a person's death? But Yahweh's laws are clear and His actions are in harmony therewith. This young man (note: not an old man) had violated Yahweh's Words. To this Yahweh could give no excuse. After all, Yahweh is a God of justice, as well as, a jealous Ail and a consuming fire. And since He had no darkness in Him, and "no variableness, neither shadow of turning," there was no whim or fancy manifested in the way that He acted. Simply put, the flesh must understand that when it takes things upon itself in violation of Yahweh's commands, it will be destroyed. This point we have pressed home in our article entitled, "The Camp of the Flesh vs. the Camp of the Spirit." The whole of the Bible must be understood from beginning to end on this principle. It is a principle that is carried all the way through, for the end result will be the total destruction of the flesh. After all, flesh and blood can not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 15:50). (Number 15)

3. Again in continuation of events in the Exodus wanderings, we come across Aaron's two sons, Nadab and Abihu . We are involved in the dedication of the Tabernacle and all that is associated therewith. Yahweh's fire hits the sacrifices on the altar and ignites it. In amazement and probably drunkenness, Nadab and Abihu offer Yahweh praise through man-made fire which Yahweh calls "strange fire". Instantly the God-given fire, which had ignited the sacrifices, shoots forth and burns these two men alive. The flesh stands back in amazement. How could that which was praise unto Yahweh be considered unacceptable? Isn't any effort made to praise Yahweh acceptable? But Yahweh's Word thunders forth and says "it is not." I have told you what I have commanded and I do not change. And with me there is no darkness, "no variableness, neither shadow of turning", and I will not accept less than what I have commanded. Any man-made inventions are unacceptable and will not be received as a form of worship to Me. You can only worship Me and praise Me by the methods that I have commanded. When the flesh attempts to do otherwise, it will be destroyed. What was true then, is true now. However, its fulfilment might have to wait until the judgment seat of Christ. (Leviticus 9-10)

4. The Kingdom of Saul was removed from him and given to David for simply offering a sacrifice unto Yahweh when the situation seemed eventful and Samuel wasn't present. But again, though it seemed simple, it was a clear violation of Yahweh's appointments. For only a priest could do what he had done, and thus he suffered the removal of his kingship in death. It is important to realize that though David was not named at this point, he was described as a man after Yahweh's own heart, which demonstrated that Saul was not. (1 Samuel 13)

5. Saul was quite happy about how he carried into effect Yahweh's Word in destroying the Amalekites. Upon greeting Samuel, he indicated just as much when he said that all of the people and their possessions (animals) had been destroyed, but that he had kept the best for sacrifices upon Yahweh's altar. Samuel then, unexpectedly to Saul, completely reprimanded Saul on Yahweh's behalf and sentenced him once again to the end of his kingdom. Samuel felt so strongly upon this issue that he killed Agag and never saw Saul again until he died. What was so wrong about what Saul and the people had done? Weren't the animals going to be killed anyway? After all, being sacrificed on the altar unto Yahweh they would be just as dead as otherwise. But Yahweh did not want any of the possessions of the Amalekites being offered on His altar. He did not want to glorify anything associated with the Amalekites in this manner. Nothing that the Amalekites possessed could ever praise Yahweh. How could it be a sweet savour unto Him? The only thing that could have brought praise to Yahweh was carrying out His commandment exactly. Nothing less than this was acceptable to Yahweh. Hence, we can understand how Yahweh feels about His Word. Again we see "no variableness, neither shadow of turning". There is no degree of light than that which is the "Father of lights" or the "God of light". He required carrying out his commandment 100 percent. In other words, everything will be based upon the principle of, "even as He is in the light".

6. In the reign of David we come to that point where David wants to bring the ark to Jerusalem. There is no thought given to how this must be done. But characteristic of the flesh, the wisdom of the Philistines

(For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. -- 1 Cor. 3:19-20).

is followed. During the transporting of the ark, by way of the flesh's method, the oxen stumble and the ark is shaken. The consequences are that Uzzah puts his hand out to try to stablize the ark. Again, he uses the method of the flesh to bring this about. As a result, Yahweh strikes him dead instantly. There is no time for Uzzah to think about what might be right or wrong. (This is why we must continually study the Word, so that it might dominate our thinking reflexes and the way we act.) There appears to be only time to react, and hence, Yahweh reacted just as quickly for the infringement on His Word. It was such a simple action. It seemed so commendable for Uzzah to try to stop anything from happening to the ark, but characteristically Yahweh did not approve of the false or wrong method of conducting the ark and then He did not approve of the wrong touching of the ark. It was His seal of disapproval for the whole thing, and Uzzah reaped the consequences. David, perturbed by this situation, left the ark alone not bringing it to Jerusalem at this time. He would not do so again until he reviewed what Yahweh required and then he did it precisely and it met with success. Again, we meet with the carrying out of the principles of the camp of the flesh vs. the camp of the spirit. Yahweh has no gray areas when it comes to His word. We might act in ignorance of His word, but His word is capable of being understood. What is black is black, and what is white is white, and there is nothing in between. There is no darkness, "no variableness, neither shadow of turning". When Yahweh speaks, there is light and only light, and it dispels all darkness. (2 Samuel 6)

7. Another very interesting example is provided during the reign of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Because of Jeroboam's disobedience or wickness, a prophet who is unnamed is sent to him to tell him what was going to happen to him for his conduct. The prophet was told not to eat with anyone in that place, nor go back home the same way he came, but return a different way. He carried out the part which directly related to Jeroboam and was preceeding to go home in another direction, even though Jeroboam invited him to his place. Before he gets very far, an old man -- a prophet -- that lived there, lied to him and got him to return to his house. He stated that Yahweh had directed him through His angel that he should return with him. This seemed so convincing because the old man claimed to be a prophet. Therefore, he had thought his directions had changed. It all seemed so logical and sensible because he was so hungry, and so tired, and his flesh felt that Yahweh had changed His mind. But what we have learned is, Yahweh does not change His mind. When He says something He expects it to be done. A commandment would not be a commandment if you could do as you please. Yahweh's word could not be respected if He could change his mind. How could anything be believed if Yahweh could say today it is like this, and tomorrow is like another. If this was true, the Bible would have no value whatsoever, for we wouldn't know if what we have read here might become something else at a later date. There would be no basis for faith. Yahweh could not be trusted. But none of these things are true and the consequences were that the prophet was killed on the way home. To the flesh it would seem so worthless. Why would you kill the man you had just sent on a mission? Who had just carried out what appears to be the main part of that mission. It wasn't his fault the old prophet lied to him. But death was his end and it was recorded in the Scriptures for us to learn from.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Rom. 15:4).

We can have comfort and hope for we can clearly see the way of life and the way of death. There is no reason for anyone to make such mistakes for this is our example. (1 Kings 13)

8. Lastly, let us look at two half-hearted followers of Christ Jesus, namely Annias and Sapphira . Here we see two people who willingly gave part of their field's selling price unto Yahweh. It is just that they didn't want to give all unto Yahweh. Consequently, they agree that all they had was what they had given. The consequences of this simple lie was immediate death. There was no hesitation in the executing of them. Again, this is another example of the justice of Yahweh. It was the example of His righteousness and His characteristics that we have been looking at all through this discussion. But the flesh has a problem. Weren't they worshipping Yahweh and His Son? Weren't they willingly giving part of their possessions freely to the ecclesia and unto Yahweh? Weren't they only telling a "little" lie as regards to the rest of their possessions? Whatever excuses the flesh might make for what they had done, the answer of Yahweh comes thundering home. A lie is a lie, no matter how simple it may appear. They not only lied about that which Yahweh had given, which they were giving some back, but they were willing to accept the praise of others for being so generous. Thus, they not only lied to all of the ecclesia, and thus provided a very false example, but they had lied to Yahweh. It was something that appeared so simple, but nonetheless it proved their undoing. It is always this way with Yahweh, as we have seen, He never changes. One cannot flagrantly violate His commandments. They will be held responsible for such activities. Again, what has appeared so simple has ended in the same kind of result that all the others have. (Acts 5)

 


The things that all of these examples testify to is that Yahweh never changes. What he says is consistent. The result is always the same when you violate His word, no matter how simple it seems. From these examples we should learn that Yahweh is very serious about everything that He says. There is never any gray matters, no matter how light of a shade of gray there may be; there is never any darkness; there is never any variableness; there is never any shadow of turning in His dealings with mankind. If we try to conduct our lives and our worship in this fashion, then the end that has been testifed to us will also be ours. This is a warning that we should never overlook or forget. Our future is completely dependent thereupon.

In Conclusion:

What will you do when the thought arises or is stated by someone else, "it's only a wonderful shade of gray," "it's just a simple matter, not very important, and consequently doesn't matter"?

 

 

 

 

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