For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard.
#exodus 23:10-11 #mishpatim

The agricultural sabbath year, the #shemitah, is not just for the land, but for the poor. It is a moral and civil commandment, not a ceremonial.

In fact, there are no purely "ceremonial" laws in #torah. They are all moral laws. Moral vs civil vs ceremonial is a man-made distinction that is completely foreign to the Bible.

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Question 400: Is Joining A Church A Means Of Salvation?

Answer:

Moshiach demands that His followers confess Him before men (see Luke 12:8, 9) and joining a church or Bible study group, is the recognized method of doing so. We are ordered not to forsake "the assembling" of ourselves together in Elohiym's Word. It places us on record. Beside this, it is a means of grace. One who turns his back on YHVH's Word and His people would be a very singular believer, indeed. In associating with YHVH's people there is mutual help and reinforced service. Then too, the believer would naturally wish to obey Moshiach's request, that his friends would remember him by partaking together of the bread and wine. There may be obstacles in the way of a believer joining a church, prayer or Bible study group, and we would not judge any man for holding aloof, but we should have very weighty reasons to justify him in doing so. Leading a good moral life and believing in YHVH is not however, sufficient of themselves for salvation. YHVH is not pleased when men ignore the way of salvation He has provided. Yeshua saith, "No man cometh unto the Father but by Me" (John 14:6).

Question 399: What Is Christian Conduct?

Answer:

Believing, fearing, loving, following, obeying and rejoicing in YHVH (Mark 11:22; Ecclesiastes 12:13; 1 Peter 2:17; Deuteronomy 6:5; Ephesians 5:1; Luke 1:6; Psalm 33:1). Believing in, loving, obeying, rejoicing in and following the example of Moshiach (John 6:29; John 21:15; John 14:21; Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4). Walking and living soberly, righteously and godly, honestly, worthy of Elohiym YHVH, in the Spirit, in newness of life, worthy of our vocation as children of light (Titus 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Colossians 1:10; Galatians 5:25; Romans 6:4; Ephesians 4:1; Ephesians 5:8). Then, when we are striving for the faith, putting away all sin, abstaining from all appearance of evil, perfecting holiness, hating defilement, following after that which is good, overcoming the world, adorning the Gospel (Philippians 1:27; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Matthew 5:48; Jude 23; Philippians 4:8; 1 John 5:4, 5; Matthew 5:16; Titus 2:10), we will show a good example, by abounding in the work of Elohiym, shunning the wicked, controlling the body, subduing the temper and living peaceably with all men (1 Corinthians 15:58; Psalm 1:1; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Ephesians 4:26; Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14). Then too, we will attain the Moshiach-like ability to submit to injuries and forgive them (Matthew 5:39-41; 1 Corinthians 6:7; Matthew 6:14; Romans 12:20) and by visiting the afflicted, sympathizing with others, submitting to authorities, being generous to and honouring others, being contented and by doing as we would be done by (Matthew 25:36; Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:10; Acts 20:35; Romans 13:1-7; Philippians 4:11; Hebrews 13:5); attain blessedness (Psalm 1:1-3; Matthew 5:3-12; John 15:10).

Question 398: Who Are The “Blessed” We So Often Read In The Bible?

Answer:

They are whom YHVH choose and calls (Psalm 65:4; Isaiah 51:2; Revelation 19:9); they know Moshiach and His Gospel, believe and are not offended at Moshiach (Matthew 16:16, 17; Psalm 89:15; Matthew 11:6; Luke 1:45). Their sins are forgiven and YHVH imputes to them righteousness without works (Psalm 32:1, 2; Romans 4:6-9). But at times they are chastened and suffer for Moshiach, but they are not hurt thereby as they trust in YHVH, fear Him, yes have their strength in Him (Job 5:17; Luke 6:22; Psalm 2:12; Jeremiah 17:7; Psalm 112:1; Psalm 84:5). Therefore, they delight in His Commandments and keep them; they hunger and thirst after righteousness, frequent the house of Elohiym waiting for him (Psalm 112:1; Revelation 22:14; Matthew 5:6; Psalm 65:4; Isaiah 30:18). When in contact with the world they avoid the wicked, endure temptation, watch against sin: are unfiled, pure in heart, just, righteous, faithful, poor in spirit, meek, merciful, bountiful and are peacemakers (Psalm 1:1; James 1:12; Revelations 16:15; Psalm 119:1; Matthew 5:8; Psalm 106:3; Psalm 5:12; Proverbs 28:20; Matthew 5:3; Matthew 5:31; Matthew 5:5; Matthew 5 7; Luke 14:13, 14; Matthew 5:9). Watching for Elohiym, they die in Him, have part in the first resurrection and shall eat bread in the Kingdom of YHVH (Luke 12:37; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 20:6; Luke 14:15; Revelation 19:9).

Question 397: Should Believers Associate With Unbelievers?

Answer:

See 2 Corinthians 6:14; Hebrews 3:12; Acts 14:2; 2 Peter 2:1, 2. It is not intended however, that the believer should hold no communication with those who are still in the darkness of unbelief, otherwise he would not be fulfilling the divine command to spread the Gospel and, "show forth Moshiach," at all seasons. He should however, avoid all such associations and relationships - business, social and otherwise - as would bring a discordant element into his own home or business life and thus antagonize spiritual growth. To put such people on the level of home acquaintances and intimate friends, would be very likely to prove spiritually disastrous to some member of your household.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Question 396: Believing In Moshiach, What Does It Imply?

Answer:

Believing in Moshiach does not mean merely believing that He is the Son of YHVH. "The devils believe and tremble" (James 2:19). It means true repentance, contrition and an earnest desire for forgiveness, which leads us to look to Moshiach as the only way by which such forgiveness may be attained. To believe in Him means that we are not only to believe in His divine mission and in the efficacy of His atonement for our sins, but to follow in His footsteps and emulate His example in all things wherever possible and to pray for the guidance of Ruach HaKodesh in our daily lives. Forgiveness is granted to all those who repent and believe and ask in faith. True repentance leads not merely to conviction of sin and to sorrow for our past offenses, but to a complete change in our life, i.e., a turning away from sin to holiness and gradual growth in grace through living near to Moshiach.