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“The Narrow Road” and “The Majority”


Is the majority ever wrong? According to Scripture, they are.



"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."

"So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

The majority will not yield to the Spirit of Truth; most will not seek the Whole Word with their heart, soul, and mind.


Most people do not want to hear anything unless it makes them feel good. They want to hear motivational speeches and feel-good messages only. They don't want to be told that life is hard and that choosing the narrow path is difficult.


Very few people actually have a sincere desire to dig deep into the treasury of Scripture. Even among those that do read the Word, very few honestly believe what they read. Most people do exactly what other people do. They believe what other people believe, and they think what other people think.

To believe Scripture, you must demonstrate that belief. There are actions required of us.


This is not an easy thing to consider, especially for Christians who think that faith is different from works. We know, we've been there, right where some of you are, believing that faith is a belief only and that prayer and baptism is all that is required. But the more that we invested our hearts into reading and believing what we read, the more we began to understand that this thinking is in error, and it was a contradiction according to The Word that we claimed to trust.


Consider these verses:


"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

"But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."


"Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one ELOHIM. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder."


"You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed YHWH, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called YHWH's friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone."

"In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."


"John replied, "Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same."


"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves."


So Who is to blame for this? Individually, each of us. We are each to blame because we each have the opportunity to seek Him and Believe what His Word says.


The Word is not so distant that you can't read and understand it. There is this mountain of theological addition that makes reading and understanding difficult. For instance, while I was in the Christian Church, I consistently questioned my understanding of The Word. I tried to line things up according to what I was being told. It was this preconceived thinking that was hindering my growth and learning.


Scripture tells us to receive the Kingdom as a child.


"Truly, I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of ELOHIM as a little child will never enter it."

We need to FORGET everything that we thought we knew and seek wisdom from the Father.


We should not lean on our own understanding, but we should seek insight from the one who gives understanding. We don't need our Pastor(s) version. We need an understanding that is given to us from YAH.


"Trust in YHWH with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;"


"But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teaches you;.."


"..the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you."


"But the Advocate, the Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit), whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you."


"We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from ELOHIM, that we may understand what YHWH has freely given us."


Christians are spoon-fed dispensationalism from the moment they step foot into the Christian Church.


They hear things like, that was the "old covenant," "this is the "new covenant." They're told, "that was the old testament, it does not apply today." But what does scripture say?

"YHWH” is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"


"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our ELOHIM stands forever."


"Because I, YHWH, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed."


According to the Word of the living ELOHIM, YAHUAH does not lie. Also, according to His Word, He does not change. Why then do today's church leaders teach something different?


Dispensational Theology and variants of this theology (The Majority)

I'll admit most people do not even realize what dispensational theology is. They just believe and practice it as truth because they heard their "pastor(s)" or teacher(s) say it is true.


When I learned about dispensational theology, I asked my preacher friend about this. I am being sincere when I tell you that he didn't even know what dispensationalism is. Although the theology he was teaching in that church was based entirely on dispensationalism.

Like I said before, I understand, I've been there. But Scripture must be reconciled, and if it cannot be reconciled within the Scriptures, it cannot be the truth. YAH does not Lie.

What is Dispensationalism?

Dispensationalism teaches that YHWH works differently throughout different periods and in the millennial kingdom. Dispensationalism teaches that Israel is separate from believers in Messiah and separates believers in Messiah from the Law of YHWH.

Darby, known as the" Father of the Dispensationalism," also taught; what was known then as the "secret rapture." This theology is known today as the pre-tribulation rapture.

Rightly dividing the Word of Truth?

If you've spent any time in the Christian church, you've likely heard more than a few sermons preached on this topic. The discourse will typically evolve into an explanation about how the Law of YAH is done away with because Christ fulfilled the Law for us. This sermon separates Israel and the Church. It dives into explaining how parishioners should be dividing the Word of truth and understanding who each book is intended for.


Maybe you've never heard a sermon like this, but you are familiar with the concept of "dividing the Word."


Do a quick google search for "rightly dividing the word of truth," and you will find pages and pages of websites and videos dedicated to explaining that we should divide Scripture. These teachings tell people to believe that some parts of Scripture are for the Jews and others for the Christian church. They explain that since Paul's dispensation was to the Gentiles that believers in Messiah are to follow only Paul's writings. They will say that other books such as the gospels, Hebrews, James, Peter, Jude, etc. are for the Jews.

Really??? SERIOUSLY CONSIDER what they are teaching! They are saying that we are not supposed to follow Messiah YAHUSHA and His teachings. Even Paul tells us this is not true.


"Follow my example, as I follow the example of YAHUSHA."


Let's look at 2 Timothy 2:15

"Study to shew thyself approved unto YHWH, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."


Rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) is translated in the King James as "rightly dividing," however; Not every translation renders this phrase the same way. Perhaps this has caused some people to believe that we are to take YAH's Word and divide it.

I've said this before, and I want to repeat it, "I frequently use Bible Hub when I study online."


Bible Hub is one of my favorite study tools. I do not typically read the commentary, but I absolutely love the layout and the ease with which I can search out words and words' meanings. This is a free study tool, so using it costs nothing but your time. Bible Hub lists translations side by side so that you can see the different ways that translations are rendered. As an added benefit, you can click on each verse and drill down into each Word using the Strong's Concordance with Hebrew and Greek lexicon. This is a great aid to use during study, especially when we can see that the rendered word or phrase is not the same in every English translation.


Let's look at the different renderings of 2 Timothy 2:15 in a few other translations.


There is obviously something happening here, and I love having the ability to drill down into each verse using the Strong's Concordance with just a click.


The Greek word used is:

ὀρθοτομοῦντα (orthotomounta) which is Strong's Greek 3718

Bible Hub will allow you to click on the Strong's word and read for yourself more about its meaning. It shows every time the term was used in the Scriptures to understand how the word is used in multiple places in Scripture.

In the case of ὀρθοτομοῦντα (orthotomounta), this word is only used 1 time in the New Testament. Since Strong's Greek 3718 is only used 1 time in the New Testament, we can't look at other ways to use it, but we can look at the word's meaning.


Let's also look at where the word divide appears in Scripture and see what Greek Word was used for its transliteration:


Divide

Dividing of inheritance.

Luke 12:13 - G3307 merizó - def:

  • I divide into parts, divide, part, share, distribute; mid: I share, take part in a partitioning; I distract.

Breaking the bread at the last supper.

Luke 22:17 - G1266 diamerizó - def:

  • I divide up into parts, break up; I distribute.

Dividing

The gifts of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) being distributed to the body of believers in the Messiah.

1 Corinthians 12:11 - G1244 diaireó - def:

  • I divide into parts, cut asunder, distribute.

The following passage is about the two-edged sword that separates the spirit and soul, joints, and marrow.

Hebrews 4:12 - G3311 merismos - def:

  • a distributing, a distribution,

  • a parting, dividing, severance, separation.

Divided

Divided kingdoms.

  • I divide into parts, divide, portion, share, distribute; mid: I share, take part in a partitioning; I distract.

Separation of the sheep.

Matthew 25:32 - G873 aphorizó - def:

  • I rail off, separate, place apart.

Dividing of the loaves and fishes.

Mark 6:41 - G3307 merizó - def:

  • I divide into parts, divide, portion, share, distribute; mid: I share, take part in a partitioning; I distract.

Dividing an inheritance.

Luke 12:13 - G3307 merizó - def:

  • I divide into parts, divide, portion, share, distribute; mid: I share, take part in a partitioning; I distract.

A house divided within itself.

Luke 12:53 - G1266 diamerizó - def:

  • I divide up into parts, break up; I distribute.

The prodigal son's inheritance.

Luke 15:12 - G1244 diaireó - def:

  • I divide into parts, cut asunder, distribute.

Paul recounts the dividing up of the promised land.

Acts 13:19 - G2624 katakléronomeó - def:

  • I give as an inheritance, distribute by lot.

Dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

Acts 23:7 - G4977 schizó - def:

  • I rend, divide asunder, cleave.

At the 7th bowl wrath, Babylon is split into three parts.

Revelation 16:19 - G1096 ginomai - def:

  • I come into being born, become, come about, happen.

Divideth

The next passage is about the spoils taken by the stronger man.

Luke 11:22 - G1239 diadidómi - def:

  • I offer here and there, distribute, divide, hand over.

Divider

Dividing an inheritance.

Luke 12:14 - G3312 meristés - def:

  • a divider, partitioner, distributor.


Paul and other New Testament writers repeatedly used words that were meant to separate or divide. Most commonly, they used schizó, diamerizó, and merizó.


In the case of 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul chose not to use any of those words. Instead, Paul chose a term that is only used once in all of the New Testament; thus, we must closely examine what this Word means and apply it to this passage.


We need the background of 2 Timothy to understand the context.

In this letter, Paul gives Timothy instructions on how to continue in the ministry's work in his absence. Paul tells Timothy to convey what he has learned and pass them down to those whom Timothy is ministering to. He tells him to endure, be a good soldier of YAHUSHA, and not become entangled with this life's affairs. Paul instructs Timothy to only concern himself with pleasing YAH.


As Paul's instruction to Timothy continues, he explains that he should be a man who witnessed by example and be wise in properly administering the gospel. Timothy should be able to prove using Scripture, that YAHUSHA was indeed the Son of YAH, the promised Messiah. Paul wanted Timothy to carry on in the great commission responsibly and effectively without getting entangled in things that would inhibit his progress.

Using the context from 2 Timothy, Perhaps we can see that Orthotomeō conveys a visual image to Timothy.


Paul describes a clear and unobstructed path, so he encouraged Timothy to avoid useless debates over senseless things and avoid false teachings. A false teaching would be any teaching that goes against the Scriptures. I believe it safe to say that the fallacy in understanding 2 Timothy to mean dividing time into dispensations and to divide Israel and the body of believers is evident in light of the context.

Another contextual example as follows:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of YHWH, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,"


Would it make any sense for Paul to make this statement, especially within the same letter to Timothy, if he meant that Timothy should divide YHWH's Word into dispensations of time?

We think, NOT.

Let's also look at another "Majority" verse.


The following verse is commonly used in the Christian Church as evidence that the Law is done away with.


"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill."


Using Matthew 5:17, Christian teacher(s) will usually say, "See the law was fulfilled by Jesus." But we can use the same method that we used to research "rightly dividing" let us look at how various translations render this statement.


There is obviously something happening here as well, and we can drill down into each verse using the Strong's Concordance with just a click.


The word fulfill is Strong's Greek: 4137. πληρόω (pléroó).

Original Word: πληρόω

Part of Speech: Verb

Transliteration: pléroó

Phonetic Spelling: (play-ro'-o)


In this case, Strong's Greek 4137 is used 88 times in Scripture. This means we have a lot context that we can dig into for reference. 88 times is a lot to go over, so we suggest that you do that your study time; for now, let us share with you how Strong's Greek 4137 can be rendered.


1. to make full, to fill, to fill up

2. To render full;

a. correctly,

b. to perfect, to accomplish, carry out, or fully preach.

c. to carry into effect, bring to realization,

YAHUSHA came and fully preached, magnified, and made the Law known. He did not come to abolish the Law of YAH! However, most of today's Christian teachers would have you believe that Matthew 5:17 is evidence for YAHUSHA finishing the Law of YAH.


YAHUSHA did bring an end to the Law of "sin of death," meaning that through grace, we are redeemed from the punishment of breaking the Law of YAH; however, we must not continue sinning.

"Afterward, YAHUSHA found the man at the temple and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you."


"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! "

Paul can sometimes be challenging to understand. In fact, we are warned of this Truth in the Scripture.

"Therefore, beloved, expecting these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot, and without blemish. Esteem the patience of YHWH as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul. Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom having been given to him. He speaks this way in all the letters, speaking in them concerning these things, which to some, are things that are difficult to understand. The ignorant and unestablished distort, to their own destruction, as also the other Scriptures. Therefore beloved, knowing this beforehand, you beware, lest you should fall from steadfastness, having been led away by the error of the lawless."

If your background is deeply rooted in Christianity, just as ours once was, you most likely have tons of questions regarding Paul's letters.

We have learned that Paul did not teach against the Law, and he practiced and kept the Father's commands. Paul's letters cannot be verse selected. They must be read in their full context to examine them.

The following series by 119 ministries is a great series to aid in your studies.

Pauline Paradox Part 1: Is the Majority Ever Wrong?


Pauline Paradox Part 2: The Paul You Never Knew


Pauline Paradox Part 3: Why is Paul So Difficult to Understand?


Pauline Paradox Part 4: Which Law Paul?


Pauline Paradox Part 5: Romans


Pauline Paradox Part 5: Galatians


Pauline Paradox Part 5: Corinthians


Pauline Paradox Part 5: Ephesians

We are not saying that 119 Ministries has everything figured out. In fact, they do not claim to. We are pointing you to a series that We believe does a fantastic job in understanding Paul's words. Ultimately, It is up to you to test everything that you believe according to the Scriptures.


I'd like to quote a brother in the faith, Rob Skiba, "In order to understand Paul's words, you must first understand what Paul read."


We ask again, Is the Majority ever wrong?


YES, and the only way to avoid falling into the "error of lawlessness" is to be sure that we seek all wisdom from YAH and His Word, and never lean on our own understanding.


"You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."

YAH bless you and keep you, You who are seeking truth from the feet of ABBA YAH.



1 Comment


Bethany Sanchez
Bethany Sanchez
Mar 12, 2021

This is so exciting. I'll be watching the Pauline series soon!

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