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Circumcision & Feast Days Should We Do It Today?

Circumcision & Feast Days Should We Do It Today?

“As Adventists, our principle is that we base our doctrine on God’s Word and not human opinion or human authority – right? Some would say we keep the Sabbath because God commanded it and never withdrew that command. That is only reasonable if we are consistent in applying the criterion. Yet we have dropped many others of God’s statutes without His say-so!

1) I fully understand the Jewish (Galatian) view point that that the early Christians should have themselves circumcised – God never told anyone otherwise did he? So who told us otherwise? Well, Paul told us, and we’re going on his authority. Paul didn’t even claim that God told him directly circumcision is obsolete so we don’t have all that much to go on do we? Aren’t we pointing the finger at ourselves when we condemn the Popes “authority”? Is Paul not our Pope? God almost killed Abraham because of neglected circumcision – and now we drop it because Paul said so. Will “Paul told me” be a valid excuse at judgment?

2) We also apply the “type fulfilled in antitype” criterion to some ceremonies and traditions. In other words – Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial lamb type therefore we don’t sacrifice lambs anymore since Jesus makes full provision forever. That makes sense; but then we drop the unfulfilled stuff as well! Jesus hasn’t returned yet, but we dropped the feast of trumpets anyway!

3) And yet, we still keep tithing, why? It’s because the church needs money – not because “this is a tradition that started with Jacob that was never rescinded” .


Thanks for sending in this question for it serves as a great example of what might appear on the surface to be a reasoned lined of thinking, but in fact, this entire argument is based on a false premise regarding God’s law – namely that it is imposed, enacted, dictated and the like. Such an attitude is expressed in the following,

“Some would say we keep the Sabbath because God commanded it and never withdrew that command. That is only reasonable of course”

God’s law is not based on a “command” but on His character of love and is an expression of that character. Further the law of God is the design template for life. The idea that God “commands” and thus creates laws makes God out to be arbitrary and suggests the Sabbath is holy only because God declared it so. Such a position would support Satan’s allegations against God:

Satan sought to intercept every ray of light from the throne of God. He sought to cast his shadow across the earth, that men might lose the true views of God’s character, and that the knowledge of God might become extinct in the earth. He had caused truth of vital importance to be so mingled with error that it had lost its significance. The law of Jehovah was burdened with needless exactions and traditions, and God was represented as severe, exacting, revengeful, and arbitrary. He was pictured as one who could take pleasure in the sufferings of his creatures. The very attributes that belonged to the character of Satan, the evil one represented as belonging to the character of God. Jesus came to teach men of the Father, to correctly represent him before the fallen children of earth. Angels could not fully portray the character of God, but Christ, who was a living impersonation of God, could not fail to accomplish the work. The only way in which he could set and keep men right was to make himself visible and familiar to their eyes. That men might have salvation he came directly to man, and became a partaker of his nature.  –  Signs of the Times, January 20, 1890.

The Sabbath is holy because of its purpose, creation and investment, not because of an arbitrary decree by God. The position stated above would allow for God to change the holiness from one day to another if He so declared it, but this cannot be done. God’s law is based on His character and the Sabbath has its holiness in its connection to God’s character and its context in its creation. It cannot be changed, just as history itself cannot be changed. Thus the Sabbath is not holy because God commanded it but is holy because of the historical facts surrounding its creation. Further the Sabbath is not holy merely because God commanded it any more than it is wrong to murder merely because God commanded it. The reason it is wrong to murder is it violates the law of love and God “commanded it” to be wrong because humans were so depraved they no longer knew this. The Sabbath is holy because it is a perfect expression of God’s character of truth and love providing freedom to choose, given in the context of Satan’s war of lies against God.

All the other “laws” referred to – circumcision, feast of trumpets etc. – were mere teaching tools to help open minds to the reality of God’s character, government and the issues in the Great Controversy. See Isaiah 1 where God berates Israel for keeping all their feasts and Sabbaths, why? Because they didn’t reason and understand but observed them without “meaning”.

The entire purpose of the ceremonial laws, including circumcision, was to enlighten the mind to the higher truths of God’s kingdom, bring a person back to God so the law of love could be written on the heart (Heb 8:10). Once this happened all the teaching tools (circumcision, feast days etc) to enlighten would no longer be necessary. This is why Paul, referring even of the 10 Commandments, says it was not given for the righteous but for sinners (1Tim 1:8-10). Once the law of love is written on the heart their purpose on stone is obsolete.

The problem with the argument above, and with Galatia is that it leads people backward into a ritualistic religion without enlightenment with some false notion that our works in keeping ceremonies somehow benefit us in salvation. Instead we are to be moving forward in understanding and away from symbolic rituals to the reality of a genuine experience in which we are the Temples of the Holy Spirit and in which God’s law of love is written in the sacred chambers of our hearts. Then we become living testaments to God’s kingdom. This requires understanding and an elimination of the old dark symbols.

We keep tithing not primarily because the church needs money, but because we need all the help we can get in participating in God’s government of love. And the government of love is based upon giving. Therefore, tithes and offerings are prescriptions given by God to assist in opening our selfish hearts to the practice of giving freely. Remember the Lord loves a “cheerful” giver. What God wants is freewill, intelligent participation. What is being suggested in the questions asked appears to be a subtle attempt to enslave people into symbols without meaning and promote a non thinking ritualistic approach to one’s relationship with God.

But God calls us to “come and reason” with Him then “our sins though as scarlet will be white as snow” (Isa 1:18-20). It is intelligent, enlightened friendship with God that He wants from us. So let’s not move backward but ever press forward in our relationship with God!

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Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 8

Thank you for the ministry you are sharing with us, it is a real blessing to us and especially to my husband and myself! You are encouraging us to think for ourselves and not just to except everything, without thinking it through, with God’s word!

M.K., USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

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Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA