MRabbi Hillel. © 2013 by Nehr HaOlam Publications. "If there was ever an obstruction to making disciples that follow the teachings of Messiah Yeshua (reference Matthew 28:19), that would be the anathema - a contender to biblical truth that was inspired by the Holy Spirit."
What is an anathema? An anathema (ἀνάθεμα) is a term used in the Greek version of the New Testament that identifies a specific kind of person, a contender to the Bible's guidance. Etymologically, the Greek term anathema is a compound noun that consists of the Greek prefix "ana," meaning “against,” and the Greek root word “thema,” meaning "topic" or "theme." It is from the etymology of this Greek term that an anathema is justly identified as any given person who contends with biblical information that Yeshua's disciples may render regardless of the content, appropriateness, or substantial amount of evidence modern day disciples of Yeshua may present. Even though we, the children of Israel, make every effort to fulfill Messiah's instruction of making disciples of the gentile nations, there are a number of instances when we do encounter those who oppose us in our preaching efforts; so, this study also discusses what our attitude should be likened to when we encounter an anathema.
In our current biblical research, we've discovered that The Strong’s Concordance of the Bible does not truly define for us an anathema. So, we reason that an anathema is not just some ordinary person that is readily disliked. We understand that different people have different qualities about them that makes them individuals. In like manner, we all have different likes and dislikes alongside our own personal unique features concerning ourselves that make us a valued member within the body of Messiah. Henceforth, disliking someone is not reason enough to identify any given person as an anathema. Instead, The Strong's Concordance of the Bible provides us with the understanding that an anathema's expected end result as being “a thing devoted to Elohim without hope of being redeemed […]; a person or thing doomed to destruction” (SCB 2013). Furthermore, the Strong's Concordance of the Bible says that an anathema is accursed devoted to the direst of woes (SCB 2013).
In our current biblical research, we've discovered that The Strong’s Concordance of the Bible does not truly define for us an anathema. So, we reason that an anathema is not just some ordinary person that is readily disliked. We understand that different people have different qualities about them that makes them individuals. In like manner, we all have different likes and dislikes alongside our own personal unique features concerning ourselves that make us a valued member within the body of Messiah. Henceforth, disliking someone is not reason enough to identify any given person as an anathema. Instead, The Strong's Concordance of the Bible provides us with the understanding that an anathema's expected end result as being “a thing devoted to Elohim without hope of being redeemed […]; a person or thing doomed to destruction” (SCB 2013). Furthermore, the Strong's Concordance of the Bible says that an anathema is accursed devoted to the direst of woes (SCB 2013).
Before going any further into the topic at hand, allow us first to explain the four basic principles that we as a society operate under.
Firstly, we believe that "All Scripture is inspired by Elohim and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. Scriptures correct us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right" (2 Timothy 3:16).
Next, the Word let's us know that "This is good and pleases Elohim our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one Elohim and one Mediator who can reconcile Elohim and humanity—the man Messiah Yeshua. 6 Yeshua gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message Elohim gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And we, the body of Messiah, have been chosen [...] to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. We're not exaggerating—just telling the truth." (1 Timothy 2:3-7). Yes, we believe that Messiah died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. We neither live for ourselves nor die for ourselves. If we live, it is to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:7-9).
Lastly, we believe that if mankind repents of their sins and turn to Elohim, mankind's sins may be wiped away. Then, times of refreshment will come from Elohim's presence, and Elohim will again send us Yeshua, our appointed Messiah, because the Scriptures say, "For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as Elohim promised long ago through his holy prophets" (reference Acts 3:19-21). Hence, we pray to Elohim that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction (reference 2 Corinthians 3:7), for it is the Scriptures that correct us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
Firstly, we believe that "All Scripture is inspired by Elohim and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. Scriptures correct us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right" (2 Timothy 3:16).
Next, the Word let's us know that "This is good and pleases Elohim our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one Elohim and one Mediator who can reconcile Elohim and humanity—the man Messiah Yeshua. 6 Yeshua gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message Elohim gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And we, the body of Messiah, have been chosen [...] to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. We're not exaggerating—just telling the truth." (1 Timothy 2:3-7). Yes, we believe that Messiah died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. We neither live for ourselves nor die for ourselves. If we live, it is to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:7-9).
Lastly, we believe that if mankind repents of their sins and turn to Elohim, mankind's sins may be wiped away. Then, times of refreshment will come from Elohim's presence, and Elohim will again send us Yeshua, our appointed Messiah, because the Scriptures say, "For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as Elohim promised long ago through his holy prophets" (reference Acts 3:19-21). Hence, we pray to Elohim that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction (reference 2 Corinthians 3:7), for it is the Scriptures that correct us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
Yeshua is Lord, a royal heir to King David's throne. After sharing four basic principles that we believe in, it becomes necessary for us as members of the body of Messiah to resort to Scriptures in order to understand fully the two primary hallmarks of an anathema.
The hallmarks of an anathema include, but are not limited to, the failure to recognize Yeshua's lordship and the desire to fulfill their carnal desires.
First and foremost, an anathema fails to love Yeshua’s lordship as Israel's promised Messiah (reference 1 Corinthians 16:22). Why do they fail to love his lordship? How is it possible for an anathema to do such a detestable thing? They fail to love his lordship because, though the anathema may claim to believe in Yeshua, their message contradicts the biblical concept that Yeshua is Lord, a royal descendant of the household of King David (reference Matthew 1:1-16).
The Bible is clear to identify Yeshua as the Son of David approximately 100 times throughout the entire New Testament! Still, the anathema excludes Yeshua from both his royal disposition and his inherited right as such which results in their failure to love Yeshua as Lord (reference 1 Corinthians 12:3). Their failure in recognizing Yeshua's royal disposition as Lord results in them providing a message contrary to what the Bible says, "This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with Elohim through Messiah Yeshua, who is Lord of all" (Acts 10:36, compare with Acts 2:36). As members of Messiah's body, we understand that an anathema preaches something other than what is already contained within the literary context of the Word (reference Galatians 1:8-9), a message that may seem biblical but is completely taken out of the original context of the Word (reference 2 Peter 3:15-8). As a result, the Bible leads us to understand that an anathema wrestles with both Scriptures and those who were called to interpret the oracles of Elohim.
For example, the anathema may reason that the children of Israel are excluded far from being a people saved by Elohim for whatever reasons they may invent. The anathema fails to realize that Israel is a people saved by Elohim (Deuteronomy 33:29). The anathema also fails to realize the prophetic event that all of mankind will one day witness: "In that day the people will proclaim, 'This is our Elohim! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is Hashem in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!'" (Isaiah 25:9) Even though the Scriptures are clear to mention that all the house of Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26-7), the anathema excludes Israel from such a wonderful gift that Elohim has. In essence, the anathema even refuses to take notice the very message that was once bore on the cross (Matthew 27:37, Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38, and John 19:19) and presents another message, a message that demonstrates his hatred towards Israel and her King. Instead, they worship either a wooden beam or a reflection of the events that transpired as opposed to the actual Creator. In like manner, they refuse to understand the reason why Yeshua is Lord and believe that their verbal encantations will preserve them for the wrath that were reserved for such as these.
The hallmarks of an anathema include, but are not limited to, the failure to recognize Yeshua's lordship and the desire to fulfill their carnal desires.
First and foremost, an anathema fails to love Yeshua’s lordship as Israel's promised Messiah (reference 1 Corinthians 16:22). Why do they fail to love his lordship? How is it possible for an anathema to do such a detestable thing? They fail to love his lordship because, though the anathema may claim to believe in Yeshua, their message contradicts the biblical concept that Yeshua is Lord, a royal descendant of the household of King David (reference Matthew 1:1-16).
The Bible is clear to identify Yeshua as the Son of David approximately 100 times throughout the entire New Testament! Still, the anathema excludes Yeshua from both his royal disposition and his inherited right as such which results in their failure to love Yeshua as Lord (reference 1 Corinthians 12:3). Their failure in recognizing Yeshua's royal disposition as Lord results in them providing a message contrary to what the Bible says, "This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with Elohim through Messiah Yeshua, who is Lord of all" (Acts 10:36, compare with Acts 2:36). As members of Messiah's body, we understand that an anathema preaches something other than what is already contained within the literary context of the Word (reference Galatians 1:8-9), a message that may seem biblical but is completely taken out of the original context of the Word (reference 2 Peter 3:15-8). As a result, the Bible leads us to understand that an anathema wrestles with both Scriptures and those who were called to interpret the oracles of Elohim.
For example, the anathema may reason that the children of Israel are excluded far from being a people saved by Elohim for whatever reasons they may invent. The anathema fails to realize that Israel is a people saved by Elohim (Deuteronomy 33:29). The anathema also fails to realize the prophetic event that all of mankind will one day witness: "In that day the people will proclaim, 'This is our Elohim! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is Hashem in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!'" (Isaiah 25:9) Even though the Scriptures are clear to mention that all the house of Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26-7), the anathema excludes Israel from such a wonderful gift that Elohim has. In essence, the anathema even refuses to take notice the very message that was once bore on the cross (Matthew 27:37, Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38, and John 19:19) and presents another message, a message that demonstrates his hatred towards Israel and her King. Instead, they worship either a wooden beam or a reflection of the events that transpired as opposed to the actual Creator. In like manner, they refuse to understand the reason why Yeshua is Lord and believe that their verbal encantations will preserve them for the wrath that were reserved for such as these.
The anathema distort the Scriptures for personal gain. Secondly, the anathema focuses his attention in carnal desires. Instead of presenting what the Scriptures say and letting his audience embrace the Word, the anathema engages in biblical debates and useless conversations about their own personal experiences, visions, dreams or belief of what they think is right and prevents others from drawing their own conclusions. The anathema tends to reject the written Word, because they reason that their personal experiences supercedes anything that the Word says. The few that do use the Bible, they completely disregard everything that it says and uses only small collected portions to help support their hate filled messages against Elohim and His chosen people, Israel. Hence, the anathema tends to disturb the peace and make faithful ones feel bad for their obedience to the commandments of Elohim as prescribed in Torah. Yes, the anathema will bully, harrass, insult, and discourage an accurate understanding of the Heavenly Father's written instruction.
Unlike the anathema's efforts, the Scriptures inform us of three points of interest that we as members of Messiah's body attempt to focus on when sharing the Gospel message at its appropriate. Firstly, we attempt to allow for our love to grow within the assembly more and more so that we may keep growing both in knowledge and understanding. We also try to understand what really matters, so that we may live pure and blameless lives until the day Messiah come. We also try to be filled with the fruit of salvation, the righteous character produced in our life as we imitate Messiah Yeshua, for this brings much glory and praise to Elohim (reference Philippians 1:9-11).
Secondly, if anyone tries to be contentious with us, we understand that we do not have such a custom within our sacred assemblies and holy convocations as instructed by the written Word (reference 1 Corinthians 11:16). On the contrary, the Bible forewarns us that those who act with such disregard towards fellow brothers and sisters in Messiah: 6 Elohim will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that Elohim offers. 8 Elohim will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. 9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil […]” (Romans 2:6-9).
Lastly, we are ever so mindful of what Messiah wants us to do in order for us to demonstrate our love for the fellowship towards one another (reference John 14:15-24, John 15:10-1). Yes, we know that arrogant people smear us with lies, but we choose to live in truth and obey the Heavenly Father's commandments, the very ones that Messiah himself taught, with all of our hearts. How significant is it to obey the Heavenly Father's instructions? The Bible says that "We know we love Elohim’s children if we love Elohim and obey His commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:2-3).
Unlike the anathema's efforts, the Scriptures inform us of three points of interest that we as members of Messiah's body attempt to focus on when sharing the Gospel message at its appropriate. Firstly, we attempt to allow for our love to grow within the assembly more and more so that we may keep growing both in knowledge and understanding. We also try to understand what really matters, so that we may live pure and blameless lives until the day Messiah come. We also try to be filled with the fruit of salvation, the righteous character produced in our life as we imitate Messiah Yeshua, for this brings much glory and praise to Elohim (reference Philippians 1:9-11).
Secondly, if anyone tries to be contentious with us, we understand that we do not have such a custom within our sacred assemblies and holy convocations as instructed by the written Word (reference 1 Corinthians 11:16). On the contrary, the Bible forewarns us that those who act with such disregard towards fellow brothers and sisters in Messiah: 6 Elohim will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that Elohim offers. 8 Elohim will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. 9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil […]” (Romans 2:6-9).
Lastly, we are ever so mindful of what Messiah wants us to do in order for us to demonstrate our love for the fellowship towards one another (reference John 14:15-24, John 15:10-1). Yes, we know that arrogant people smear us with lies, but we choose to live in truth and obey the Heavenly Father's commandments, the very ones that Messiah himself taught, with all of our hearts. How significant is it to obey the Heavenly Father's instructions? The Bible says that "We know we love Elohim’s children if we love Elohim and obey His commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:2-3).
The anathema opposes the Word for manmade doctrines. It's quite understandable that some may object to our obedience to Elohim's righteous standard and may even grind their teeth upon hearing these biblical passages. The fact is that as faithful followers of Yeshua's teachings, we believe that "All Scripture is inspired by Elohim and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. Scriptures correct us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right" (2 Timothy 3:16). In that it says, "All Scripture […]" (2 Timothy 3:16), we cannot entertain the idea that one part of the Bible was divinely inspired and the other part wasn't like the anathema pretends it to be. Instead, we simply say, "No, these prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from Elohim" whatever needed to be said and wrote whatever needed to be written under the very same influence (2 Peter 1:21b).
As per whom they live for, understand or know, Scriptures already teaches us that they're simply not following the biblical Messiah (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22). Instead, we're reminded what Yeshua said about the matter: "You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers" (Matthew 24:9). Regardless of all the hatred and persecution that we may confront, we have an eager expectation: "[…] the one who endures to the end will be saved" (reference Matthew 24:9-13).
After sharing and identifying the meaning and actions of the anathema, we end this study with a few words of consolation.
Regardless of all the evil that the anathema may do to prevent us from our preaching efforts, we - the members of Messiah's body and his modern day disciples - endevor to speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Messiah who is the head of his body. "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth;" not partial truths, says the Bible (reference John 16:13-5). Yes, you too will know the truth, and the truth that can only come from the Word will set you free (reference John 8:32). It is this truth that will set you free from all manners of evil, cruel oppression and all other carnal desires to the accurate knowledge of the Word.
Yes, "all praise to Elohim, the Father of our Lord Messiah Yeshua. Elohim is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort Elohim has given us. For the more we suffer for Messiah, the more Elohim will shower us with his comfort through Messiah" (1 Corinthians 2:3-5). Thus, we pray may Elohim our Father and the Lord Messiah Yeshua give you grace and peace.
As per whom they live for, understand or know, Scriptures already teaches us that they're simply not following the biblical Messiah (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22). Instead, we're reminded what Yeshua said about the matter: "You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers" (Matthew 24:9). Regardless of all the hatred and persecution that we may confront, we have an eager expectation: "[…] the one who endures to the end will be saved" (reference Matthew 24:9-13).
After sharing and identifying the meaning and actions of the anathema, we end this study with a few words of consolation.
Regardless of all the evil that the anathema may do to prevent us from our preaching efforts, we - the members of Messiah's body and his modern day disciples - endevor to speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Messiah who is the head of his body. "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth;" not partial truths, says the Bible (reference John 16:13-5). Yes, you too will know the truth, and the truth that can only come from the Word will set you free (reference John 8:32). It is this truth that will set you free from all manners of evil, cruel oppression and all other carnal desires to the accurate knowledge of the Word.
Yes, "all praise to Elohim, the Father of our Lord Messiah Yeshua. Elohim is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort Elohim has given us. For the more we suffer for Messiah, the more Elohim will shower us with his comfort through Messiah" (1 Corinthians 2:3-5). Thus, we pray may Elohim our Father and the Lord Messiah Yeshua give you grace and peace.
© 2013 Nehr HaOlam Publications
Winslow, New Jersey, USA
All Rights Reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures were taken from the New Living Translation of the Bible.
For more information, contact [email protected].
Winslow, New Jersey, USA
All Rights Reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures were taken from the New Living Translation of the Bible.
For more information, contact [email protected].
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