Just the Bible
F a l s e t e a c h i n g s e x p o s e d
Judaism
1 Circumcision
2 The Mosaic Law
3 Feast Days (Sabbath)
4 Dietary Laws
5 The New Covenant
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1 Circumcision
Galatians 3,28
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Acts 10,34 f.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that GOD is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.
Peter explains that GOD is fundamentally well-pleased with all people who live godly lives. This has been true from the beginning and forever. In the Old Covenant, however, there was a strict separation between Jews and non-Jews. While GOD had chosen Israel from all nations to share in His promises, the Gentiles at that time were excluded. To be accepted into the community of Israel as a Gentile, it was necessary to convert to Judaism. This included having all male family members circumcised and observing the Mosaic Law, just as GOD expected of the Jews. On the other hand, the New Testament teaches that the differences between Jews and non-Jews no longer have any meaning in the New Covenant, and that both Jews and non-Jews are one in Christ. Now the standard is no longer the Mosaic Law, but Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5,2-6
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
The New Testament teaches that a person is saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. Paul explains that it is of no use to be circumcised and to try to be justified by the law (without Jesus). This means that a person is obligated to keep the Mosaic Law completely and without transgression. For every transgression of the law brings death. However, no human being has ever done this except Jesus. For this reason, Jesus died on the cross to atone for the transgressions of humanity. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and change our lives, we receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Even if a believer sins once, Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice remains effective on their behalf.
Romans 2,28 f.
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of GOD.
Colossians 2,11
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.
The New Testament teaches that physical circumcision was an outward sign with a symbolic meaning behind it—namely, circumcision of the heart. It was about purifying oneself from everything GOD considered sin and instead living a godly life. To convey these spiritual truths to his people, GOD used various images in the Old Covenant. The same applies to all the Old Testament's sacrificial, dietary, and purity laws.
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2 The Mosaic Law
Galatians 5,14
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Galatians 6,15 f.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of GOD.
The New Testament teaches that the most important commandment for Christians is the commandment to love one's neighbor. This is at the core of the Mosaic Law. All ceremonial rites found in the Old Testament, however, had a purely symbolic meaning. Furthermore, they were valid exclusively for Israel and only for a limited period of time. This also applies to the commandment to circumcise all male Jewish descendants, which dates back to the time of Abraham. Those who believe in Jesus are a new creation. The ritual regulations of the Old Covenant no longer apply to them.
Acts 21,20-26
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. 23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; 24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. 25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
Acts 16,1-3
1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
1st Corinthians 9,19-22
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, being not without law to GOD, but under the law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Acts 15,1 + 22-29
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. (...) 22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
The New Testament clearly teaches that a Christian is not obligated to be circumcised and to observe the Mosaic Law. Nevertheless, we read how Paul adapted to Jewish traditions in certain situations, for example, by undergoing the ritual purification prescribed in the Law or by having his companion Timothy circumcised for the sake of the Jews. Paul's goal was to win the Jews to Christ and the Gospel and to promote unity between Jews and Gentiles in Christ. Furthermore, Paul wanted to show the Jews that he was not teaching contrary to Jewish Law, as some had accused him of, and thus remove unnecessary obstacles. Even after the Apostles, there were isolated Christian communities in which Jewish Christians adhered to their Old Testament traditions, such as observing certain feast days. This is still the case today among so-called Messianic Jews. James, who advises Paul to adhere to the Law, also emphasizes that the provisions of the Law do not apply to Gentiles; with the exception of three rules (1. no eating blood / 2. no eating carrion / 3. no fornication). This was what the apostles had decided at their joint council and had proclaimed to all Christians converted from paganism.
Matthew 5,17 f.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Romans 10,4
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Hebrews 10,8 f.
8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin Thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do Thy will, O GOD. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
Jesus explains that he came to fulfill the law. Paul adds that Christ is the end, or goal, of the law. This means that Jesus Christ is the true standard of GOD's righteousness, not the Mosaic Law. Jesus fulfilled the law not according to the letter, but according to its spiritual meaning. Jesus did not offer animal sacrifices, as required by the Law of Moses, but offered himself as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity. Furthermore, Jesus explained that the ritual washings and dietary regulations of the Mosaic Law served to clarify the difference between good and evil. All the festivals prescribed for Jews, including the Sabbath, also had a symbolic meaning closely linked to the Messiah. In this sense, Jesus revealed the true purpose of the law and fulfilled it with his death on the cross. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, the new covenant came into effect, while the old covenant, including all sacrificial and dietary regulations, purification rites, feast days, Sabbath commandments, etc., ceased to exist.
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3 Feast Days (Sabbath)
Exodus 20,8-11
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy GOD: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Deuteronomy 5,12-15
12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy GOD hath commanded thee. 13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: 14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. 15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy GOD brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy GOD commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
All of the ceremonial commandments of the Mosaic Law were given exclusively to the people of Israel. These included, among other things, various dietary regulations and rules for celebrating certain festivals. This also includes the Sabbath commandment. This stipulated that no work was to be done on the seventh day of the week. The Sabbath was considered the central symbol of the Old Covenant. Along with circumcision, it was an important identifying mark for GOD's people Israel, distinguishing them from the other Gentile nations. The Sabbath was intended to point out that GOD is the Creator of all things and therefore the one true GOD. It was also intended to commemorate Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. The commandment to rest on the Sabbath applied to both Jews and foreigners staying in Israel. The Sabbath was so important to GOD that any violation was punishable by death. On the other hand, GOD linked His blessing to the observance of the Sabbath, for both Jews and non-Jews. The fact that the Sabbath commandment was part of the Ten Commandments underlines its Old Testament significance; nothing more and nothing less.
Mark 2,27 f.
27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Jesus explains that the Old Testament Sabbath commandment was intended to be beneficial to people. Contrary to the Pharisees' prohibitions, it was perfectly permissible to do good deeds or pluck ears of grain in the field on the Sabbath. In this sense, Jesus—just like every other human being—was "Lord of the Sabbath" (rather than "Servant of the Sabbath"). Jesus neither meant that the Sabbath commandment originated with him, nor did he confirm the eternal validity of the commandment, as is often claimed. The true purpose of the Sabbath commandment was to give people the opportunity to dedicate an entire day to their Creator, without being distracted by work or other things. Since GOD himself completed his work of creation on the sixth day in order to then have fellowship with people, he chose the seventh day. Furthermore, it was intended to allow people to rest from the daily toil of work.
Those who love GOD will want to spend as much time as possible in fellowship with Him. Such a person is not limited to a specific day of the week. Rather, every day a person lives to the glory of the Heavenly Father is blessed by GOD. Therefore, resting on Saturday or Sunday for purely ritual reasons has no spiritual benefit for a Christian.
Luke 22,20
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
1st Corinthians 5,7
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
Colossians 2,16 f.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
While all the moral commandments of the Decalogue (= Ten Commandments) are repeated in the New Testament, the commandment to keep the Sabbath or other feast days of the Old Covenant is nowhere to be found. Paul explains unequivocally that all those statutes had only a symbolic meaning and were fulfilled in Christ, which is why they are no longer valid for believers in the New Covenant. The sign of the New Covenant is neither the Sabbath nor circumcision, but the blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross. For this reason, Christians need not let anyone make them feel guilty if they disregard the above-mentioned regulations of the Old Covenant. Those who wish to rest on the seventh day may do so without requiring others to do the same.
Luke 4,16
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Acts 17,1 f.
1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures (...).
Acts 2,46
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart (...).
At the time of Jesus and the Apostles, it was customary for Jews to gather in synagogues on the Sabbath to read from the Law. Jesus went to the synagogues to teach the people. Paul, on the other hand, went to the synagogue to explain to the Jews and GOD-fearing Gentiles (= proselytes) there that Jesus was the Messiah. This does not mean that Jesus or Paul observed the Sabbath in the Old Testament sense. The Acts of the Apostles reports that the first Christians met daily. In some places, the first day of the week (= Sunday) is mentioned, which does not mean that Sunday is now the new Sabbath day for Christians, as the Catholic Church teaches.
Isaiah 66,22 f.
22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. 23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.
The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that are also found in the New Testament; most of them in the Book of Revelation. It is striking that some details from the Old Testament are missing or not mentioned. This is because most Old Testament prophecies refer to the earthly people of Israel and the present world, whereas the New Testament speaks of the world to come that GOD promises to His children. For example, in Isaiah 65, death is mentioned in connection with the new earth, even though the New Testament teaches that there will be no more death in the world to come. Therefore, the Sabbaths and new moon festivals mentioned in verse 23 cannot refer to the new earth; especially since these are not mentioned anywhere—neither in the apostolic epistles nor in connection with Jesus' commandments.
Revelation 1,9 f.
9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of GOD, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet (...).
The phrase "lordly day" (ancient Greek: kyriakē hēmera) used in the Book of Revelation is found nowhere else, neither in the Old nor the New Testament. Instead, the "day of the Lord" (ancient Greek: hēmera Kyriou) is mentioned in several places in the New Testament. This, however, refers to the return of the Lord Jesus, or rather, the Day of Judgment. In the Old Testament, GOD calls the Sabbath "His holy day." This does not mean, however, that John also speaks of the Sabbath in Revelation, as some claim. It is possible that the day of Jesus' resurrection is meant here. If the Sabbath commandment were also valid in the New Covenant, it would be mentioned in all the apostolic letters.
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4 Dietary Laws
Acts 10,9-15
9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What GOD hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
Romans 14,5 f.
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth GOD thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth GOD thanks.
Colossians 2,16 f.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
1st Timothy 4,1-5
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which GOD hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of GOD is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of GOD and prayer.
Hebrews 9,9 f.
9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
Hebrews 13,9
9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
The New Testament teaches that there are no ritual dietary laws for Christians, as there were for the Jews in the Old Covenant. GOD imposed these earthly regulations on humanity only for a limited time—namely, until the coming of the Messiah. Paul explains that there is no spiritual benefit to avoiding certain foods. Nevertheless, everyone should maintain a balanced diet to keep their bodies healthy. However, the key is to eat with a clear conscience and give thanks to GOD. For through prayer and God's blessing, every food is sanctified (i.e., declared clean).
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5 The New Covenant
Hebrews 13,10
10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
2nd Corinthians 3,12-16
12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 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 Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
The Bible teaches that all people who believe in Jesus Christ become part of the new covenant, which GOD established through the blood of His Son. Those who continue to cling to the old covenant (like the Jews) cannot share in the promises of the new covenant. The precondition for belonging to GOD's people and receiving eternal life is faith in Jesus and the willingness to follow His example of life.