TENETS OF OUR FAITH
This document summarizes the beliefs of Yahweh's Assembly in Rabbi Yahshua Messiah. Yahweh commands that we prove all things ordained in His Word, thus we encourage all who may read this to prove from the Bible everything written here, 1Thessalonians 5:21.
Foundation in the Old Testament
We in Yahwehâs Assembly in Rabbi Yahshua Messiah affirm that the Old Testament is the basis for the New Testament. From many references made by Yahshua and His apostles (their Evangels) to the Old Testament Laws, Psalms, and Prophets, the authority of the Old Testament is easily seen, Luke 24:44; Acts 24:14.
Basis for the New Testament (Writings of the Apostles and Disciples)
We affirm that both the Old (Tanakh) and New Testaments (B'rit Chadasha) are inspired, and that they are to be used for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, Matthew 4:4; 2Timothy 3:16. We are not to delete from either text, Revelation 22:18, and neither Old nor New Testament is open to private interpretation, 2Peter 1:21. We must not take from or add to Scripture, Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32.
The Father
We affirm that the Heavenly Fatherâs Name is Yahweh, Psalm 68:4; Isaiah 42:8; Jeremiah 16:21. Yahweh is His Name forever, and is the verb of existence, Exodus 3:14-15; Isaiah 63:12. He is our Abba we cry out for which Elohim sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts because we are sons (children who received adoption), Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6 . He is the Supreme Ruler over everything. Worship is to be directed toward Him and He is to be venerated above all, Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy, 6:4, 13; 2Kings 17:36; Psalm 99:9; Matthew 4:10. We are commanded to use and revere Yahwehâs Name, Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 28:58; Psalm 105:1; Isaiah 52:6; Matthew 6:9; John 17:26.
The Son
We affirm that the true Name for the Messiah is Yahshua. Yahshua literally means, âYahweh savesâ or âYahweh is salvation.â His Name is a contraction of YAHweh and hoSHUA. He literally came in His Fatherâs Name, John 5:43. Yahshua is the only name under Heaven that offers salvation to all those that would call upon it, Acts 4:12. He pre-existed before His earthly birth, introduced as the Word who was with Elohim, who became flesh or manifested in the flesh, John 1:1-3, 14-18; 1 Timothy 3:16 and was the spokesman for the Father in the Old Testament, Genesis 1:26; 19:24; Proverbs 8:25; Micah 5:2; John 1:1-3; 8:58; 13:3; 16:28-30; 1Corinthians 10:4; Colossians 1:15-17. He is the answer to the questions utterly inspired by Agur to Ithiel, Proverbs 30:4. We believe that He came in human form, and was born of a virgin by Yahwehâs own power, became a servant, obedient unto death and resurrection; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; John 17:5; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:14. Yahshua lived a completely sinless life, Isaiah 53:9; 1 Peter 2:22, and died upon the torture stake through which we have atonement for our sins, Isaiah 53; Hebrews 9. On the third day He rose from the tomb to be the mediator between mankind and Yahweh, Matthew 12:40; John 14:6; 1Corinthians 15:1-8; Hebrews 3:1; 4:14.
The Set-apart Spirit
We affirm that the Set-apart Spirit is an invisible force proceeding from the Heavenly Father. It is in essence the mind and power of Yahweh, which is also bestowed upon the Son, Luke 24:49; John 15:26. The Set-apart Spirit is placed within those who are baptized into the saving Name of Yahshua the Messiah through the laying on hands of the presbytery, Acts 2:38; 5:32; 8:17; 19:6; 1Timothy 4:14; 2Timothy 1:6. Through this power a person receives Yahwehâs strength to overcome sin and live a repentant life. The Set-apart Spirit is the acting agent by which Yahweh and His Son accomplish their will. The Set-apart Spirit proceeds or emanates from the Father and the Son, John 14:25-26; 16:13-15; Philippians 1:19. The Set-apart Spirit is the Counselor or Comforter (Helper), the spirit of truth that will teach and testify about the Son sent by the Father, John 15:26.
Obedience to Law
We affirm that the Bible commands the observance of all Yahwehâs laws, statutes, and judgments in both Old and New Testaments (except the sacrifices mentioned in Hebrews 9 and ritual circumcision), Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 7:6-11; Matthew 4:4; 5:17-20; Revelation 12:17; 14:12; 22:14. Through obeying His commandments we demonstrate our love for Yahweh, John 14:15, 21; 15:12. Faith does not annul His law, Romans 3:31; James 2:14-17.
Baptism
We affirm that upon true repentance a person is to be baptized into the saving Name of Yahshua the Messiah (meeting the scriptural age of accountability, which is 20), Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 2:38; 4:12; 8:16; 10:43; 19:5; Romans 6:3. Baptism is by complete submersion, once, backward in water. Through baptism we become a new man (new creation), free of our old carnal nature, Romans 6:3-6; 7:6; Colossians 2:12; 1Peter 3:21. There is only one true and correct baptism, Ephesians 4:5, uniting all under the Messiah. Yahshua baptizes with Set-apart Spirit and with fire, giving us his presence (power) and spiritual cleansing (a figure of purification of sin), Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16; Acts 1:4,5,8.
Sabbath
We teach that the Sabbath day (Yom Shabbat) is the seventh day of the week and commemorates creation through Yahwehâs mighty hand, Genesis 2:2-3. The weekly Sabbath is a sign between Him and His people, setting them apart from the common world, Exodus 31:13-17. The Sabbath restricts any servile work, including cooking, Exodus 16:23; 20:8-11. We are not to buy or sell on Yahwehâs day of rest, or bring any burden into our dwellings, Nehemiah 10:31; 13:15-21; Jeremiah 17:21-22, 24-27. The Sabbath is made for man (humankind), Mark 2:27-28. The Sabbath is a day to pray and meditate on Yahwehâs will, forsaking our own wants and desires, Isaiah 58:13-14; Acts 16:13. It is a day to come together and worship Yahweh in spirit and truth, Leviticus 23:2-3; Hebrews 10:25.Yahshua is the Master or Ruler of Sabbath and he is our Sabbath (Matthew 12:8; Hebrews 4:9-11).
Passover
We affirm that the Passover (Pesach) memorial begins at dusk at the start of the fourteenth of Abib (month of green ears of barley), Exodus 12:6; Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 28:16; Deuteronomy 16:1. The Passover represents two significant eventsâthe death of the firstborn of Egypt and the passing of the death angel, and the impalement of our Savior on the torture stake, Exodus 12; John 18-19. The Passover is a memorial, not a High Sabbath. Work may be done on this day, Matthew 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:14. Yahshua partook of the Passover at twilight on the fourteenth day of Abib with His Apostles, Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:12-25, thus fulfilling the law. We no longer sacrifice a lamb at Passover, but partake of the prescribed emblems, which represent Yahshuaâs body (unleavened bread, matzoth) and blood (unfermented grape juice, the pure blood of the grape, Deut. 32:14), Luke 22:12-23; 1Corinthians 11:23-26.
Feast of Unleavened Bread
We believe that the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Ha'Matzoth) begins on the 15th day of the month of Abib and extends through the 21st day of that same month, Exodus 12:15-18; Leviticus 23:6; Numbers 28:17. The first and last days of the seven-day observance are observed as High Days, Exodus 12:16; Leviticus 23:7-8; Numbers 28:18, 25. During this time we are to worship Yahweh and examine ourselves, removing any pride, sin, falsity or false doctrine from our lives, Exodus 5:1; 1Corinthians 5:8. We are to remove all leaven products from our property and eat unleavened bread with our meals for all seven days of the Feast, Exodus 12:15, 18; Leviticus 23:6.
Feast of Weeks
We affirm that the Feast of Weeks (Heb. Shavuoth) or Pentecost (50th) is the third of the seven annual observances. This Feast is to be calculated from within the Feast of Unleavened Bread. We are to start the count from the day after the weekly Sabbath that falls within the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and count seven complete weeks, Leviticus 23:15-16. On this day the New Testament Assembly received the outpouring of the Set-apart Spirit, Acts 2.
Feast of Trumpets
We affirm that the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah) is a High Sabbath, a memorial of blowing trumpets, that falls on the first day of the seventh biblical month, Leviticus 23:23-25, Numbers 29:1-6.
Day of Atonement
We affirm that the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) comes on the 10th day of the seventh biblical month. On this day no manner of work is to be done; it is a strict Sabbath to Yahweh. On this High Sabbath we are to afflict ourselves by abstaining from food and drink, Leviticus 16; 23:26-32; Numbers 29:7-11.
Feast of Tabernacles
We affirm that the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Ingathering (Sukkot) starts on the 15th day of the seventh biblical month and advances through the 21st day of the biblical month. The Feast of Tabernacles is a seven-day Feast, which has a High Day on the 15th day of Tishri, Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Leviticus 23:33-36, 39-43; Numbers 29:12-34; Deuteronomy 16:13-15. Yahshua set the example for all mankind by observing the Feast in the New Testament. Further, we are told that all people in the Millennium will observe the Feast of Tabernacles, Zechariah 14:16-19; John 7:2, 37.
Last Great Day
We affirm that the Last Great Day (Shemini Atzeret) immediately follows the Feast of Tabernacles and comes on the 22nd day of the seventh biblical month as a High Sabbath. On this day no manner of work is to be done. This special day commemorates the closing of the yearly feast cycle, Leviticus 23:36; Numbers 29:35-38.
New Moon
We affirm that the first visible crescent marks the new month. The start of the year is determined by the green ears of barley and the new moon that immediately follows their confirmation, Exodus 12:1. The new moon is a day to gather and observe the crescent (not its total darkness or conjunction), 1Chronicles 23:31; 2Chronicles 2:4; 8:13; 31:3; Isaiah 66:23; Ezekiel 45:17; 46:3.
Sin
We affirm that sin is the transgression of Yahwehâs Law, 1John 3:4. Without Law sin does not exist, Romans 3:20; 7:7-12, and the penalty of sin is death, Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27. We realize that all have sinned and come short of the glory of Yahweh, Romans 3:23.
Marriage
We affirm that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:18-24; Matthew 19:5) and that remarriage is allowed only upon the death of a spouse, Matthew 19; Romans 7:2-3; 1Corinthians 7:11). Since marriage was established only between one man and one woman, we reject homosexual or polygamous marriages and/or unions, especially when the same sex both lie (went in or sleep) to each other, it is an abomination in the sight of Yahweh Elohim, Leviticus 18:22; 20:13. In Romans 1:26-27, Paul condemns people swapping out their usual partner for one of the same gender and definitely the Scripture does not support this acts.
Head Coverings (Veil)
We affirm that all women in the assembly are to have their heads covered (heb. tithâkaseh; gk. katakalyptestho) with a type of covering during worship, and that all men are to leave their heads uncovered (heb. paru`a; gk. akatakalypto), 1Corinthians 11:4-10.
Speaking in the Congregation
We affirm that only men are permitted to speak before the assembly, and that Paul admonishes women (all married women in context of 1Corinthians 14:35) to remain silent in the assembly during formal worship services or be submissive (gk. hypotassesthÅsan) as it is written in the law mentioned by Paul, 1Corinthians 14:34-35; 1Timothy 2:11-12, Genesis 3:16. In 1Corinthians 14:33, Paul statement that Elohim is not an Elohim of disorder but of peace as in all the congregations of Yahweh's people.
Responsibility of Men and Women (Married and Unmarried Statuses)
We affirm that the status of men and women who are not married is in the view of the goodness of singleness, 1Corinthians 7:24-40. Being married is a gift, but it comes with certain anxieties like caring for your spouse and children. The singleness of a Believer offers the benefit of being âundivided: and devoted to Yahweh and to the Master as Paul have, 1Corinthians 7:9-17; 9:35.
Tithing
We affirm that tithing is a biblical practice that all of Yahwehâs people are commanded to perform, Leviticus 27:30-33; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 23:23. A tithe is defined as 10 percent of a personâs income (increase). Yahweh also commands a second tithe to be set aside to insure sufficient means to attend His Feasts, Deuteronomy 14:22-26.
Clean Food Laws
We affirm that Yahwehâs dietary food laws were not annulled in the New Testament, but remain for His New Covenant believers, Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14; Isaiah 65:4; 66:17; Acts 10:14; 2Corinthians 6:17.
The Adversary
We affirm that Satan is a spirit being who was cast out of heaven because of his pride, Isaiah 14:12-20; Ezekiel 28:13-19; Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:7-9. Satan will eventually be destroyed, Ezekiel 28:16; Romans 16:20 (âbruiseâ = crush in pieces); Hebrews 2:14. Through the help of Yahweh we can overcome the wiles of the Adversary, James 4:7.
Lake of Fire (Gehenna)
We affirm that the Bible does not support an ever-burning hellfire, but that the wicked who are placed in the lake of fire (Gehenna) will be destroyed quickly and completely, and will not burn forever, 2Thessalonians 1:7-10; Malachi 4:1-3; Psalm 37:20-22; Jude 7. âHellâ is the Hebrew sheol in the Old Testament, which means, âgrave or pitâ; the New Testament counterpart is the Greek hades, which also means, âgrave.â
Salvation and Immortality
We affirm that the dead are unconscious in their graves until they are resurrected, Job 14:12-14; Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; 1Corinthians 15:51-56; 1Thessalonians 4:13-17; Hebrews 11:13, 39. We humans do not have immortal souls, Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Matthew 10:28, but receive immortality as a reward at the resurrection, John 17:2-3; 2Timothy 1:10.
Love
We affirm that love is a critical aspect of the true believerâs life. Yahweh requires that we all demonstrate love for Him and our fellow man. The two greatest commandments are: loving Yahweh with all our hearts, and loving our neighbors as ourselves, Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Matthew 19:19; 22:34-40; James 2:8. Love is showing an unselfish and outgoing desire for Yahweh and our fellow man. Without love we have no hope of eternal life, 1Corinthians 13. Yahshua's new commandment that we love one another as he have loved us, John 13:34-35.
Discrimination
We reject all forms of discrimination as it relates to natural-born gender, nationality, or ethnicity. The Bible confirms that those immersed into Yahshuaâs Name are spiritual heirs of Abraham, Galatians 3:27-29. The Apostle Paul also verifies that we are grafted into the same Hebraic promise given to Israel of the Old Testament, Romans 9 and 11. As such, it is wrong to place artificial barriers because of natural-born gender or ethnicity, but this does not include transgender or homosexual offenders. People can be changed and they should not be tossed out the window; they must be coaxed down the stairs a step at a time, exercising and teaching to refrain from immorality or worldly desires and deny unrighteousness deeds, Titus 2:11-14.
Body of Messiah
We affirm that the Body of Messiah governs all of Yahwehâs people and assemblies. In the Body of Messiah Yahweh blesses certain people with different gifts to further the work, equips people for work of service, building up one another until reaching the unity in the faith and in the knowledge of Yahweh's Son and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Messiah, Romans 12:4-8; 1Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:4-9; 12; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:3-8; 12-13.
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