Warning: The truths contained in the following teaching are not for the faint of heart, or the lukewarm! You can be sure that haSatan (the adversary) will do all he can to keep you from understanding and applying the concepts and truths contained herein, but it is our prayer that every one who receives these notes will carefully consider and apply the contents to their lives.

1. Introduction
   1. Preface
   2. Context
   3. Of Milk and Foundations
   4. Maturing Away From Milk
   5. Foundation Not Refuse
2. Repentance from Deeds that Lead to Death
   1. Biblical Terms
   2. Teshuvah, the Concept
   3. Teshuvah, the Need
   4. Teshuvah, the Purpose
   5. Teshuvah, the Foundation
   6. Teshuvah, the Process
   7. The Levels of Teshuvah
   8. Teshuvah, a Gift of G-d
3. Faith toward G-d
   1. Biblical Terms
   2. Emunah, the Concept
   3. Emunah, the Perspective
   4. Emunah, the Need
   5. Emunah, the Foundation
   6. Emunah, a Gift of G-d
   7. Emunah, the Gift that Grows
   8. Emunah, an Invitation to Excel
4. Doctrine of Ceremonial Immersions
   1. Biblical Terms
   2. T'vilah, the Concept
   3. T'vilah, the Perspective
   4. T'vilah, Our Tradition 
   5. T'vilah, Our Messiah's Need
   6. Immersion, in "The Name"
   7. Related Concepts and Scriptures
5. Laying On of Hands
   1. Biblical Terms
   2. S'michah, the Concept
   3. S'michah, the Core Doctrine
   4. S'michah, Other Examples 
6. Resurrection of the Dead
   1. Biblical Terms
   2. Continued Existence After Death
   3. Continued Consciousness After Death
   4. Restored Life After Death
   5. Resurrection, A Cardinal Tenet of Judaism
   6. Resurrection of Messiah
   7. General Resurrection of the Dead
7. Eternal Judgment
   1. Biblical Terms
   2. The Instinctive Sense of Need
   3. The Timing
   4. The Standard
   5. The Initial Determination
   6. A Matter of Degree
   7. Separation of Wheat from Chaff
   8. Grading on a Curve

...although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the very first principles of G-d's Word all over again! You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who has to drink milk is still a baby, without experience in applying the Word about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by continuous exercise to distinguish good from evil. Therefore, leaving behind the foundational principles of Messiah (reshit d'var Mashiach), let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from deeds that lead to death (t'shuvah mima'asei mavet), faith toward G-d (emunah b'El_him), instruction about ceremonial immersions (torat hat'vilot), of the laying on of hands (s'michat yadayim), the resurrection of the dead (t'chiyyat chameitim), and eternal judgment (hadin hannitz'chi). And, G-d willing (im yirtseh HaShem), this is what we will do. (Heb 5:12-6:3)

(See note 1)

For various reasons in the history of the 'Body of Messiah,' great effort has gone into distancing the 'church' from it's Jewish origins. As a result, much of the understanding of the Holy Scriptures has been lost or blurred. This is because, from cover to cover, the Scriptures are essentially Jewish documents, written by (divinely inspired) Jewish men, brought forth from within a Jewish cultural framework, and reflecting the Jewish mind set and world view. This includes the B'rit Chadashah (New Covenant Scriptures), which was written in Greek, the primary common/trade language in the civilized world of the day. And, although it was written in Greek, it deeply reflects the rich Jewish heritage of its authors, with its continuous usage of Jewish constructs and logic, its reflections of the Jewish mind-set of the day, along with its innumerable references and allusions to poetic Hebrew-isms and local colloquialisms.

With the loss of the Jewish mind set in approaching the Scriptures, has come a general eroding of the very foundations of the faith. There are great, seemingly un-bridgeable divisions in the 'Universal Body,' stemming, in part, from the loss of understanding of the 'Foundational Principles' (of Messiah) which we will be discussing in this series. It is hoped, that, as the original understandings of these principles are restored, and the foundation of the 'House' is fortified, divisions within the house can be done away with, and its construction can proceed unimpeded.

Also, because these are 'Foundational Principles,' they should prove to be very profitable for instructing both seekers, and new believers, as to the mission and identity of Messiah, and the meaning of the basic ordinances of the Messianic faith. To this end, our study will be rich with references to the source-book of these principles, the Tanach (Hebrew Bible). We will also be referencing the works of various Jewish sages, and commentators as well as others. Understanding these "foundational" principles, as they are presented, should also prove to be a great benefit for those who long to be able to share their faith, but lack an adequate understanding of what they believe, to be able to communicate it. Since they are, in fact, "Foundational Principles of Messiah," they can easily be shared, "to the Jew first," and to the non-Jew, as well.

The context of a passage of scripture is extremely important in its examination. It will often prove to be it's best interpreter. So much has been lost because of the failure to remember this principle. The words of Scripture should be allowed to speak from within its immediate context, as it is written, as well as from within its cultural, ethnic, and historical context.

There are many commonly accepted doctrines which have been derived by excising and extracting small sections, lines, or even phrases of Scripture from their contexts. Entire books have been written on these Scripture "Snippets, " and, many divisions have formed in the Body, as well a aberrant offshoots from the faith, as a result of either the acceptance or rejection of these doctrines.

The following "Snippets" are examples of those which have generally lost their original meanings due to their traditional isolation from their original/intended context. The actual discussion of these passages shall be left for other teachings.

Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven... (Matt 18:18)

No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man... (Mk 3:27)

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them... (Matt 18:20)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him... (Jas 1:5)

...although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the very first principles of G-d's Word all over again! You need milk, not solid food! (Heb 5:12)

The passage we are examining is part of one of the more controversial ones in the B'rit Chadashah, with a multitude of diverse interpretations (with respect to: who is being addressed; what is the purpose of the passage; does this passage touch on the concept of "eternal security;" etc. However, allowing the Scripture to speak for itself, one can deduce that the passage is intended to correct a specific problem. It is apparent that the author is seriously dissatisfied with the level of development he observed in the group being addressed. Given the amount of time that has passed since their introduction to the subject(s) at hand, they should have been fully capable of passing them on to others, but, in his opinion, they needed to start all over again, from the beginning, with the basics.

As we shall see, the author wants to move on to more "meaty" instruction, but the audience was not ready. Although the author appears to be frustrated with the situation, we should be able to greatly benefit from the time we will spend in the 'Basics' or the ABCs of the faith...

...You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who has to drink milk is still a baby... (Heb 5:12)

Milk is a foundational food, designed by the Holy One to get babies off to a good start. It is easy to digest, and contains all the nutrients and fluids the baby needs to develop, even at the very rapid growth rates that babies (human or animal) exhibit. However, the goal of the nutrition provided by milk is to bring the baby to the point where it doesn't need it anymore.

A person, just born into the world is a physical baby, in the same way, a person just born into G-d's family is a spiritual baby. This can be clearly seen from Scripture:

Y'Shua answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of G-d. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'" (Jn 3:5-7)

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of G-d, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of G-d. (Jn 1:12,13)

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of G-d which lives and abides forever... (1Pet 1:22,23)

Just like physical babies, new Spiritual babies need nutrition which is easily digested and assimilated. Such a one is unable to feed himself, nor determine for himself what is good for him. He needs G-d's special infant formula, which will strengthen him and enable him to eventually discern, for himself, what is good and right and true.

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the L-rd {is} gracious. (1Pet 2:1-3)

It is natural for a baby to desire (crave) its milk. If a baby doesn't seem to want its milk, this gives cause for alarm to the mother. In the same way, if a Spiritual baby is not hungry, consideration should be given to why. Is he sick? Has he eaten something which is not good for him? Has he been hanging on to something he shouldn't? Is he getting the love and care he needs? Is he even truly alive (been born)?

...Anyone who has to drink milk is still a baby, without experience in applying the Word about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by continuous exercise to distinguish good from evil...(Heb 5:13,14)

While it is good for a baby to be a baby, it is not good for it to remain a baby: fully dependent upon its care-givers, unable to discern good from bad, unable to feed itself, unable to reproduce, etc. Babies are irresistible: faces trying all possible expressions, arms and legs moving in all directions at once, cooing and speaking gibberish, etc. But, for one who should be an adult and mature to be found still doing these things is deplorable and sad.

Anyone knows that the yetzer ha-ra (evil inclination or nature) is fully functional at birth. No one has to teach a baby how to be selfish, self-seeking, or demanding. As a matter of fact, it is a very good thing that the baby is so helpless, because the rage that can be expressed when he doesn't get his way could easily result in murder, without remorse. Again, no one has to teach a child how to lie, steal, cheat, or deceive. Part of the maturation process is learning how to master the yetzer ha-ra.

If you do well, will you not be received? And if you do not do well, sin (the yetzer ha-ra) crouches (like a lion in ambush) at the door. And its desire (to dominate and control) {is} toward you, but you should master it. (Gen 4:7, author's literal translation)

Never being fed, or refusing to receive and assimilate the milk of the Word, can lead to a failure to mature. The un-mastered yetzer ha-ra can, and will, hinder the maturing process, and with it, the ability to grasp the deeper truths (solid food, meat) may be impeded.

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual {people} but as to carnal, as to babes in Messiah. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able {to receive it,} and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where {there are} envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like {mere} men? (1Cor 3:1-3)

Even when food (milk or solid) is actually consumed, if the nutrition contained in it is not extracted and assimilated, it does not promote the maturation process. Therefore, the baby remains a baby. The way that the nutrition, if you will, contained in G-d's word is extracted and assimilated is by putting into practice (doing) what is received and learned. Then maturing process is simply a natural result. It cannot be speeded up by force of will. It simply will occur at the rate intended by the creator, but it will occur.

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted (engrafted, fruit-bearing) word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (Jas 1:21,22)

I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him {who is} from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him {who is} from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of G-d abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. (1Jn 2:13,14)

It is only the mature that are able to handle the storms and trials of daily life, and who are able to pass that ability on to others (by teaching and coming alongside to strengthen and aid).

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. (Matt 7:24-27)

Blessed {be} the G-d and Father of our L-rd Y'Shua the Messiah, the Father of mercies and G-d of all comfort (strengthening), who comforts (strengthens) us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by G-d. (2Cor 1:3,4)

It is by putting into consistent practice, that the surety of the foundation is tested and expressed. Knowledge without practice reveals a true lack of understanding and maturity.

In spite of the emphasis placed on rationality by halachah (Jewish code of law), it is essential to grasp that the importance of "doing" never lost its pristine place in Judaism. Judaism was never turned into a rationale at the expense of being a living faith. On the contrary, it ever upheld as its banner the declaration of the sages to the effect that "he whose deeds exceed his wisdom, his wisdom shall endure. But he whose wisdom exceeds his deeds, his wisdom will not endure" (Aboth 3,12). Grounded in reality, Judaism never allowed the Torah or its ideals to become so heavenly that they were no earthly use. The stress and emphasis always lay on living in the manner compatible with its ideals so that "heavenly days on earth" would be possible. Doing is not merely a casual consequence of antecedent events. It is an expression or vehicle of meaning conceptually tied to an underlying pattern of thought or intention. Whether this pattern is fully comprehended or not, the act of doing both presupposes and actualizes the background structure.

(See note 2)

...Therefore, leaving behind the foundational principles of Messiah (reshit d'var Mashiach), let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation... (Heb 6:1a)

Most modern "Christian" interpretation of the passage of Scripture we are examining says that the author is intending to provoke the recipients of the letter to lay aside the Old Testament (Jewish) shadows of New Testament fulfillment. As we have stated before, the context of a passage of Scripture is generally the best interpreter of the passage. Careful examination and acceptance of the context, will easily lead one to the impression that what the author is expressing is the need for full understanding of the foundational truths before one can progress into deeper, more meaty instruction.

The truth is that unless the foundational truths listed here are grasped, whether by direct instruction, inference by other Scriptures, or just plain spiritual instinct, one simply cannot understand the mission and purpose of the Messiah, or how to correctly determine and recognize His identity.

Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Messiah to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. (Lk 24:25-27)

The list of truths which we are about to examine, in some detail, is not a list of Jewish religious practices which are to be superseded by "Christian" philosophy and faith-oriented thinking. Rather they are essential, foundational truths to be learned, understood, retained, and built upon as a sure foundation.

Therefore thus says the L-rd G-d: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily". (Isa 28:16)

...the foundation of repentance from deeds that lead to death (t'shuvah mima'asei mavet)... (Heb 6:1)

— metanóias apó nékron ergón: literally meaning, "putting away," "putting an end to," or "turning away from, the working of or doing death"

— metanóia: literally meaning "a change in thinking, judgment, or resolve."
 

• Not just intellectual change, but when complete, results in changes in actions, attitudes, and perspective
   
• Can mean 'later knowledge,' or 'subsequent emendation,' often with the sense of 'too late'
   
• Can mean 'remorse' or 'regret' if dissatisfaction with previous mind-set exists, considering the pain it may have caused

— teshuvá: literally meaning "to turn or return"
 

• Turning back, after a falling away
   
• Sometimes, simply turning from...
   
• What is turned from is evil conduct, violence, idols, sin, etc.

Like the Hebrew, teshuvah, the Greek, metanoia is a much more rich concept than the simple etymology of the word would suggest. To put it succinctly, teshuvah is a complete turning around, in thought, attitude, and action. A change of mind without a change in action is not truly a change of mind.

This does not mean merely a re-commitment to "good values" that are so abstract that they function only to make us feel good when we espouse them. Real teshuvah means determining in considerable detail exactly what we are going to do differently in our lives, taking into account the things that will likely throw us off or undermine our resolve.

(See note 3)

Teshuvah does not necessarily have to be a turning from only bad, or evil, but from anything that gets between the individual and G-d. This can include traditions, religious systems (though they may espouse very moral and ethical values and lifestyles), even true ministries for HaShem (if they stand between one and HaShem, Himself).

The Jewish concept of teshuvah is more than a one-time decision. It is a process, a lifestyle, a renewed mind set, a freshened way of approaching life. The process known as teshuvah is actually closely akin to the Christian concept of sanctification:

This I say, therefore, and testify in the L-rd, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of G-d, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Messiah, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Y'Shua: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to G-d, in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4:17-24)

The primary attribute of the Holy One, blessed be He, is that which is called holiness. This attribute comes from the Hebrew, kadosh (), which, at its most basic level, means separate. By extension to HaShem, the meaning is: "completely separate from that which makes impure, unclean, or incomplete." It is this attribute which is the wellspring of all of HaShem's other attributes. In fact, according to the prophets, this is the attribute which is being constantly proclaimed and extolled, in the presence of the Holy One:

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the L-rd sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His {robe} filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy {is} the HaShem of hosts; the whole earth {is} full of His glory!" (Isa 6:1-3, NKJ)

{The} four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, HaShem G-d Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" (Rev 4:8, NKJ)

In the beginning, man was created completely perfect, and devoid of anything which lacked holiness. Our relationship with HaShem was open, free, and unhindered. However, when we, for the first time, allowed unholiness into our existence, by doing that which was contrary to His will, our relationship with Him underwent a radical change, as He warned us, and tried to spare us:

And the HaShem G-d commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Gen 2:16,17)

The death He warned us about was the separation from our beloved G-d. And that death was immediate, and we knew it, as guilt and shame flooded in for the first time. And we became painfully aware that there was now something about us which needed to be covered up. We (in Adam) could no longer abide the light and presence of His awesome and perfect holiness, and we knew it:

Then HaShem G-d called to Adam and said to him, "Where {are} you?" So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked (or exposed); and I hid myself." (Gen 3:9,10)

And we still know it:

So I said: "Woe {is} me, for I am destroyed! Because I {am} a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, HaShem of hosts." (Isa 6:5)

When the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) stood in Jerusalem and bathed the world in divine daylight, no man with a residue of spiritual impurity (Tum'ah) could approach G-d until he had undergone a process of purification. That G-d is the source of life, and that sin (i.e., disconnection from the divine) is synonymous with death, was no mere conceptual truth, but a fact of life.

(See note 4)

And if we choose to pretend it isn't so, our loving Creator reminds us, and warns us of the fact:

And he (Moses) said, "Show me Your glory."...But He said, "You cannot see My face (literally faces, or presence); for no man shall see Me, and live." And the HaShem said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back (or afterglow); but My face (or presence) shall not be seen." (Exod 33:18-23)

Behold, HaShem's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your G-d; and your sins have hidden {His} face from you, so that He will not hear. (Isa 59:1,2)

If we choose to ignore His warning, that which is not holy (perfect, pure, and undefiled) is consumed by the inconceivable presence of pure holiness:

Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censor and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the HaShem, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the HaShem and devoured them, and they died before the HaShem. And Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the HaShem spoke, saying: 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified.'" (Lev 10:1-3)

What we inherited from our father Adam, was not his guilt, for his sin. But the inclination to sin, the yetser harah, which begins to express itself from birth (in selfishness, self-centeredness, deceit, etc.). Once we have sinned, ourselves, knowing right from wrong and choosing wrong, we then are definitely lacking in holiness.

While we live, we are sheltered, somewhat, from the purity of G-d's full presence. However, once we pass through the veil of death, we will enter into that presence of G-d, without limit. There, is where eternal death (separation) will ultimately take place...unless something is done about our lack of holiness. This is the essence of our study of the foundational principles of Messiah, for, this is His primary purpose for coming to us: to grant to us holiness and righteousness, which we cannot gain for ourselves. Which brings us back to the topic at hand: repentance.

"For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the L-rd HaShem..."Therefore turn (t'shuvee, repent) and live!" (Ezek 18:32)

The L-rd is not slack concerning {His} promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2Pet 3:9)

The results of sin are an increasing insensitivity to damage and ultimately, death. This can be illustrated in one of the methods used by Eskimos to deal with wolves which threaten their herds:

A razor-sharp, double-edged knife is repeatedly dipped into fresh blood, which is allowed to freeze on the blade. This process continues until the blade is rather thickly coated with frozen blood. Then the knife handle is packed into the snow, in an upright position, leaving the blade exposed. Wolves have a keen sense of smell, and soon the wolf is attracted to the fresh blood-sicle.

The first lick excites the wolf and it begins to lick with increasing zeal, meanwhile, the cold of the frozen treat is beginning to numb the tongue. Eventually, the licking will begin to expose the razor sharp blade, but by this time the tongue is well beyond feeling the pain as the blade begins to cut into it.

Now fresh, warm, blood is being released. Without the warning of the pain, the wolf is unaware that it is actually enjoying its own blood. Zeal increases, until, in the morning, the wolf is found...lying in the snow, with a red stain in the snow around its head.

Sin will try to convince one that all that is desired is a small area of the map, and the rest will be left alone. But, it will not be satisfied until the whole map is consumed:

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do what is right, sin crouches (like a lion in ambush) at the door. and its desire (to dominate and possess){is} for you, but you should master it. (Gen 4:7, Author's version)

Teshuvah is the means by which we reverse the process, and restore the sensitivity to damage, before the ultimate result, death, occurs. HaShem's ways are the best ways. He does not reveal His guidelines for life so He might have opportunity to smash us when we fail to live up to them. Rather, He gives them to us as gifts, so that we might have fullness of life:

Therefore know this day, and consider {it} in your heart, that the HaShem Himself {is} G-d in heaven above and on the earth beneath; {there is} no other. You shall therefore keep His statutes and His commandments which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong {your} days in the land which the HaShem your G-d is giving you for all time. (Deut 4:39,40)

Teshuvah stands firmly on three legs. Without all three, it is not true teshuvah:

Reproof:

One becomes, or is made, aware of the fact, and recognizes that the current path one is not the correct one.

If a member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the L-rd's commands, he is guilty. When he is made aware of the sin he committed, he must bring as his offering for the sin he committed...(Lev 4:27-28, NIV)

Confession:

One comes to agreement with G-d, that the path is incorrect. This is not a simple admission, but a re-adjustment in attitude and perspective.

And it shall be, when he is guilty in any of these {matters,} that he shall confess that he has sinned in that {thing;} and he shall bring his trespass offering to the L-rd for his sin which he has committed... (Lev 5:5,6)

{But} if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers, with their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, and that they also have walked contrary to Me, and {that} I also have walked contrary to them and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if their uncircumcised hearts are humbled, and they accept their guilt, then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham I will remember; I will remember the land. (Lev 26:40-42)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us {our} sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1Jn 1:9)

Response:

One actually changes the path, first in true intent of the heart, then in action. However, the response is still incomplete, until the underlying, motivating, thoughts are also changed.

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the L-rd, and He will have mercy on him; and to our G-d, for He will abundantly pardon. (Isa 55:7)

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it {spring} the issues of life. (Prov 4:23)

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies... (Matt 15:18, 19)

True and completed repentance is revealed when the opportunity to do the sin is present, and the repentant one doesn't do it. To repent without intent to stop sinning is not repentance.

Whoever confesses merely with words, but has not decided to stop sinning is like one who immerses oneself in a ritual bath still holding a (contaminating) reptile. The immersion will not be effective until the person who "confesses and forsakes sin shall gain compassion."

(See note 5)

Often, sin acts as a snare, which one can be deeply trapped, because of many years of yielding. The intent is there, but the flesh is indeed weak. In such cases teshuvah may, of necessity, be more of a process. This is because breaking a stronghold, without divine intervention, cannot be accomplished in one easy step.

The sin cycle can be described as proceeding as follows:

1. Temptation applies pressure
2. One resists, but the pressure increases as the individual contemplates the sin
3. The individual gives in and commits the sin (This has the added effect of increasing the pressure next time, making the sin harder to resist. Fires are not quenched by adding fuel to them).
4. The pressure of temptation lifts, the individual returns to his senses, and either, despairs of ever succeeding, giving in fully to the sin for a time (in an attempt to get it out of the system), or engages in self-condemnation. Both actions are at a minimum a waste of valuable time in the process.
5. The individual comes to a place of repentance, confesses, renounces, and asks forgiveness, promising: "Never again," and meaning it.
6. Time passes and the process begins again...

Often, the repentant individual loses hope, because of the apparent lack of success, no matter how much effort is put forth. The lack of success is due mostly to the belief that the process can, or must, complete in one step. When actually, the process may take significant time. Hope is restored when one is able to gauge progress in the positive direction. Here is the key: moving the place of repentance sooner and sooner, until one-by-one, steps 4, 3 , then 2 drop out. Step 1 may never drop out, but success can be obtained when one is able to repent as soon as one recognizes that he is in the consideration phase, and performs step 5, immediately. Remember, it is not a sin to be tempted.

The following levels of teshuvah are those suggested by the 14th century Jewish sage, Isaac Aboav (probably of Spain):

1. Repentance is immediately after the sin. (Highest and best)
2. One who has been enmired in sin for many days or years, but still repents while still young and in full possession of bodily faculties.
3. Although one is still young, the opportunity for sin is no longer there. Or perhaps it is still there but one is embarrassed to pursue one's evil inclination.
4. One who repents because of fear of troubles or of a divine decree.
5. One who regrets one's sins after getting in lots of trouble. People may not accept this kind, but G-d does (like Manassah).
6. Repentance in one's old age, when one is too feeble to be able to proceed along the path of sin.
7. The person who never regretted what had been done, continues sinning even though it will prove fatal, and repents only when that person sees death approaching.

Probably the most important concept to keep in mind, concerning the concept of teshuvah, is that it is a gift of G-d. He loves us to much to allow us to suffer, as slaves to our fleshly lusts and enslaving habits and sins. Even the desire to make teshuvah is a result of the working of the grace (overcoming power) of G-d in our lives. And that same grace, if received and yielded to, will result in freedom, and life.

And a servant of the L-rd must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if G-d perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and {that} they may come to their senses {and escape} the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to {do} his will. (2Tim 2:24-26, NKJ)

Remember, the commandments of G-d are not bondage, but freedom for those who study them and put them into practice in their lives.

It is written: "And the tablets were the work of G-d, and the writing was G-d's writing, engraved on the tablets." Read not "engraved" but "freedom"—for there is no free individual, except for he who occupies himself with Torah. (Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 6:2)

...the foundation of...faith toward G-d (emunah b'El-him)... (Heb 6:1)

— písteos épi Theón: literally meaning, "resting one's trust upon G-d and His provision and care"

— pistós: literally meaning "trusting" (with the nuance of ‘obedient') and "trustworthy"

— pístis: literally meaning "confidence," "trust," or "assurance"
 

• Conduct is affected by such belief
   
• Not necessarily denoting a relationship with G-d but actualizing it

It is by deeds, expressing the faith that is within, that the faith is manifested, and made palpable and tangible in the world.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (Jas 2:18)

— emunáh: literally meaning, "belief" or "trust"

root : The original sense is to "array in a straight line" and is seen in such words as (aman, meaning "to tutor" or "train"), (omein, meaning a "tutor" or "teacher")

— omnám: literally meaning, "in truth"

— émet: literally meaning, "truth", derives from older form, "eménet"

— ne-emán: literally meaning, "true to one's word," or "trustworthy"

— ani ma'amin: literally meaning, "This is what I believe"

— amein (generally: known as amen): literally meaning, "so may it be," "may it come to pass," or "I am in agreement"

Believers in this age have bought into the modern culture, wherein, instant gratification, entertainment, and the magic bullet (the quick-fix) are sought for like the Holy Grail. Faith is shallow. Testimonies are lacking in the wonder of days gone by. We seem to have forgotten that the L-rd is our Rock, from whom all that we need flows. We don't stay in one place long enough for our faith to grow in depth and richness, which can only come through commitment and perseverance. In fact, one of the greatest fruits of true faith is perseverance and endurance.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have {its} perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (Jas 1:2-4)

Faith has become the Force, some impersonal energy source which, if tapped into successfully, can be used to effect great changes in the world and the various circumstances of life. This kind of belief system is nothing more that another form of witchcraft. Spiritual maturity is not measured by how much one can accomplish by mustering up a cone of power (faith). Rather, true spiritual maturity is measured in the ability of the disciple of the Messiah to receive life as from the hand of the Holy One, Blessed be He.

Who {is} he {who} speaks and it comes to pass, {when} the L-rd has not commanded {it?} {Is it} not from the mouth of the Most High that woe and well-being proceed? (Lam 3:37,38)

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that G-d is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1Jn 1:5)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the L-rd, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11)

If we know that G-d is good, without even the hint of evil, and that He is omnipotent (He could do anything, or stop anything from happening), then we must know that all that He allows or does not allow in our lives is for our good. These things are also good for those around us as well. This belief can be one of the greatest sources of peace in our lives: that G-d loves us and has our best interests in mind.

The holy Rabbi Moshe of Kobrin said that you should always strengthen yourself in your faith, and have trust in G-d and not let your heart fall from the vagaries of time and events. Through this nothing evil will be able to overcome you. The main principle of trust in G-d is to believe with complete faith that everything happens with His divine providence and therefore is certainly good. Whatever is not within the grasp of our understanding, there the goodness is just hidden, and is, without a doubt, good on an even deeper level. (Or ha-Ner #30)

The Baal Shem Tov: Whatever happens it should be all the same to you—whether people praise you or condemn you, and for all other things—in food, whether you eat delicacies or not—it should be equal in your eyes, since the yetzer ha-ra is removed from you completely. So for everything that happens to you say, "Is this not from Him, blessed be He? And if it is good in His eyes etc.* [it should certainly be so in mine]." And all your intention should be just for the sake of heaven—but for yourself it should not make any difference [whether you receive one thing or the other]. This is a very high spiritual level. (Tzavaat ha-Ribash, p. 2)

It is an important principle to: "Commit your deeds to the L-rd, and then your thoughts and plans will be established" [Proverbs 16:3] — that with everything that comes to you, you think that it is from Him, blessed be He. And you should see that you pray to G-d, blessed be He, that He always bring to you what He, blessed be He, knows is for your good, and not what seems to be so to men according to their understanding. For it is possible that what is good in your eyes is really bad for you. So cast everything, all your affairs and needs, on Him, blessed be He. (Tzavaat ha-Ribash, p. 2)

The Hafetz Hayim: When a person puts his prayer and request before G-d, he should not say, "Master of the World, give me this!" For a person cannot know [for certain] what is for his good...He should pray: "Master of the World, if this is good for me, give it to me, but if it is not, do not." (Michtivei Ha-Hafetz Hayim HaHadash, vol. 2, II, no. 5, p. 52)

(See note 6)

Fear and faith are intimately intertwined. First, first-hand knowledge of the awesome holiness of G-d fills one with the fearful expectation of being consumed by it. While the knowledge of His infinite love for us balances our fear and quiets our spirits. At the same time, the Holy One, blessed be he, has endowed us with drives and desires which propel us to satisfy them. The yetzer ha-ra (inclination to do evil) takes opportunity by these drives to move us by fear, convincing us that G-d is not who He says that He is. The goal being to compel us to fulfill our needs in ways of our own creation, which, are outside the boundaries of righteousness (the right way to act and think). The result of missing the mark (sin), in this way, is separation from G-d (the true and ultimate meaning of death), and destruction of every aspect of our lives.

Delight yourself also in the L-rd, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the L-rd, trust also in Him, and He shall bring {it} to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the L-rd, and wait patiently for Him;...do not fret, {it} only {causes} harm. (Ps 37:4-8, NKJ)

Therefore take up the whole armor of G-d, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of G-d; (Eph 6:13-17)

Fear and worry are, at best, an utter waste of time and energy. They consume our lives, resources, and health, and destroy our peace and confidence. If all these, that are lost to this bottomless pit, are kept in their proper focus (upon G-d and His faithfulness), the reward is without measure.

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if G-d so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, {will He} not much more {clothe} you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of G-d and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day {is} its own trouble. (Matt 6:25-34)

Emunah stands firmly on three legs. Without all three, it is not true emunah:

Reception:

One becomes, or is made aware of, a promise or statement. Faith without this leg is no more than presumption.

So then faith {comes} by hearing, and hearing by the word of G-d. (Rom 10:17)

Acceptance:

One puts his trust in what is revealed. This is not a simple acknowledgment, but results in a change or readjustment in attitude and perspective.

For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed G-d, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Rom 4:3)

But without faith {it is} impossible to please {Him,} for he who comes to G-d must believe that He is, and {that} He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

Response:

One acts upon what one has come to believe. True faith is accompanied by deeds, commensurate with the belief. Faith without this leg is dead (not really faith at all, for there is no life in it).

What {does it} profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what {does it} profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe, and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? (Jas 2:14-22)

Faith is a gift of G-d, a gift of His divine Grace. Grace is known as ‘unmerited favor,' and so it is. However, more generally, when the word grace is used referenced, its meaning is more correctly, G-d's overcoming power in our lives, motivating and enabling us to do His will. Without the grace of G-d working in our lives, it would be impossible to truly understand or to believe.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; {it is} the gift of G-d, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Y'Shua for good works, which G-d prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares {us,} and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Y'Shua, the author and finisher of {our} faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of G-d. (Heb 12:1,2)

Now what G-d provides, G-d requires...

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier {matters} of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! (Matt 23:23,24)

And what G-d provides and requires, He subjects to testing, as one tests metal. This is to reveal any flaws or weaknesses which need further work, so that the final product is able to stand up to all the trials and tests of life.

Likewise, when the L-rd sent you from Kadesh Barnea, saying, "Go up and possess the land which I have given you,' then you rebelled against the commandment of the L-rd your G-d, and you did not believe Him nor obey His voice. You have been rebellious against the L-rd from the day that I knew you. (Deut 9:23,24)

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have {its} perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (Jas 1:2-4)

G-d's holy gift of emunah is very much like a muscle. When exercised and challenged, it grows in strength and ability. When neglected and allowed to lie dormant, it atrophies, growing weaker.

In a general sense, one's faith in one's self is challenged and grown while in military basic training. The training instructors know the capacities and capabilities of young men. These same young men have generally never been tested to reveal their true metal, and it is the job of the instructor to cultivate and reveal it. These young men will be continuously asked to perform tasks and produce endurance beyond what they believe they are capable of, but with the passage of time they begin to comprehend that the instructors just may know, more than they do, what they are capable of.

So it is with G-d. We will be continuously asked, by G-d, to endure or perform things which we believe are beyond us. If we will trust enough to obey, we will discover that we are truly capable of abundantly more than we believe ourselves to be. Spiritual growth, indicated and gauged by our trust in G-d, is often very costly, but worth every bit of effort and price paid.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of G-d, looking for the mercy of our L-rd Y'shua the Messiah unto eternal life. (Jude 20,21)

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Gal 6:9)

Contrary to what our senses tell us, the world we know so well is but a shadow of the true world, the world of the spirit. If we could see all what is going on all around us, in the realm of the spirit, what we would see would be well beyond what we would be able to tolerate. Therefore, the lack of this ability to see beyond the mere physical is also a great gift. Because of our partial blindness, we need a guide who can see it all. The Holy One, blessed be He, is the best guide there is for our lives, and worthy of our trust (emunah). The best part is that He offers His guidance to any who will but ask and act upon it.

Trust in the L-rd with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Prov 3:5,6)

Many of the large ski resorts provide an amazing service: Ski instruction and guidance for the blind (!?!). As amazing as it may sound, it is the truth. First, the prospective skiers are given preliminary instruction, being given the audible commands and signals that the skier needs to understand and respond to, in order to safely negotiate a ski run. The skier must respond immediately, without hesitation, otherwise...disaster. The skier must trust his guide explicitly. His life depends on it. However, if the skier will fully trust and act, eventually, he will be enabled to enjoy the unbelievable thrill of a black diamond run, an extremely fast and challenging run, available only to the most skilled and accomplished skiers. In the same way, the Holy One, blessed be He, desires to take us on the black diamond run of life. We cannot imagine the lives we could have, and the things that could be accomplished, if only we would trust G-d with all our hearts and lives.

For the eyes of the L-rd run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of {them} whose heart {is} perfect toward him. (2Chr 16:9, KJV)

...the foundation of...the doctrine of ceremonial immersions (torat hat'vilot)... (Heb 6:1,2)

— baptismón didakhéis: literally meaning, "teachings on ceremonial immersions"

— didakhéi: literally meaning, "an established and formulated doctrine"

And so it was, when Y'shua had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching (doctrine), for He instructed them as one having authority {to originate doctrine}, and not as the scribes {who cite the originators}. (Matt 7:28,29)

— baptídzo: literally meaning, "to wash," to "bathe," to "immerse," or, to "dye"
 

• Actually derives from a term from the textile industry. For example, a white fabric which is dyed blue is actually referred to as "baptized into blue."

— teviláh: ceremonial immersion
 

• Rite which symbolizes the change of status of a particular item, or person; the setting apart for a particular purpose.
   
• The thought here is not of death, burial, and resurrection, but of new putting the past behind and of new beginnings.

Therefore, if anyone {is} in Messiah, {he is} a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2Cor 5:17)

— qaváh: literally meaning, to "bind" {together}, to "collect," or "gather together," to "expect"

— míkvah: literally, a "gathering together," a "collection," or "reservoir"
 

• In the case of t'vilah, a gathering together of water into which, a ceremonial immersion takes place.
   
• Mikveh also carries the meaning of "hope," a gathering together of something waited for, a reservoir of confidence.

O L-RD, the hope (mikveh) of Israel, all who forsake You shall be ashamed. "Those who depart from Me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the L-RD, the fountain of living waters." (Jer 17:13)

— tíkvah: normally translated "hope" literally, means, "that which gathers together"
 

• The national anthem of Eretz Yisrael is Hatikvah (The Hope)

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope (tikvah). For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (Ps 16:9,10)

Like the previous two topics, the interpretation of the true meaning and purpose of t'vilah (ceremonial immersion, or baptism if you will) has been a great source of division in the Body of Messiah. Having long ago let go of our Hebraic roots, we have lost the beauty of G-d's gift to us. We have begun to struggle among ourselves over trivialities and points of dispute that often miss the mark altogether: complete immersion or sprinkling? immersing three times or just once? in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit or in the name of Y'Shua alone? necessary for salvation or not? by anyone or by the elders only? bending forward or backward? quickly in and out or hold them down till they struggle for air? and many more...

As the Hebrew word Torat and the Greek word didakhéi indicate, the concept of ceremonial immersion is a unified and established and formulated set of teachings or instruction. Restoration of the Hebraic foundation leads to a liberating understanding of what otherwise would be a bewildering collection of scriptures and references. For example, understanding the unified concept of t'vilah and mikveh leads one quickly and easily to the answer to the question: "Why did Y'Shua need to come to Yochanan (John) to be immersed?"

Much confusion has come from the idea that whenever immersion is referenced (i.e., the word baptism is used), it refers to the same thing: water baptism. This is not the case. Y'Shua used the concept to express His being completely immersed in His Father's will: yielding His life as an offering, Holy to G-d, unto salvation for all who would receive it. This is definitely not immersion in water.

But Y'Shua answered and said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but {it is for those} for whom it is prepared by My Father." (Matt 20:22,23)

The next idea to refute before we can move to the truth is that "immersion" in water symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection. This idea is derived from the following scripture:

Or do you not know that as many of us as were immersed into Messiah Y'Shua were immersed into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through immersion into death, that just as Messiah was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Rom 6:3,4)

While there does appear to be a similarity between immersion and burial/resurrection, the immersion being discussed here is an effective immersion, that is, it actually effects a change. It actually accomplishes something, rather than symbolizing the accomplishment. There is only one effective immersion. The immersion, by the Spirit of the Holy one, into the Body (or family/community) of Messiah:

{There is} one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one L-rd, one faith, one baptism; one G-d and Father of all, who {is} above all, and through all, and in you all. (Eph 4:4-6)

For by one Spirit we were all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. (1Cor 12:13,14)

The following passage has enough connective similarity to the two previous scripture references to solidify the interpretation:

For as many of you as were immersed into Messiah have put on Messiah. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Messiah Y'Shua. And if you {are} of Messiah, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Gal 3:27-29)

Now to the concept that one must be immersed (baptized) to be saved. Knowing of the only effective immersion, you may quickly and boldly state that: "Yes! You must be baptized to be saved," but not in water. Otherwise, Y'Shua was a liar when He told the thief on the cross next to him, "Today, you will be with Me in Paradise." So consider the following in the new light of understanding:

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to every creature. He who believes and is immersed will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mk 16:15-16)

The next concept to put away, is that the waters of immersion wash away sin, as one washes away dirt. This also appears reasonable, in isolation from our Hebraic roots. However, the proper interpretation is very different indeed. Our people have continued to practice t'vilah for the last several thousand years, maintaining connection with the roots. Although there is much they do not know or understand, concerning Messiah, there is much we can learn from them:

The waters are not used to remove any physical uncleanliness, but rather serve as a symbolic rebirth, an emergence from the purified, cleansing waters of new beginnings. The immersion removes any ritual impurity and the person is considered ritually pure—eligible to participate in the ritual life of the Jewish People.

(See note 7)

There are a great number of references to ceremonial immersion in the Scriptures, both in the Tanach (Hebrew Bible) and the B'rit HaChadashah (New Covenant). The unified nature of the doctrine is revealed, in that, in every case, immersion symbolizes being put in a new position, or being moved from one state of being to another: ceremonially impure to ceremonially pure, secular to spiritual, common (or profane) to holy...

While the concept of t'shuvah (repentance) looks to the past, acknowledging our sin and its consequences, and emunah (faith/trust) looks to the present, recognizing how not to sin and the benefits of trusting G-d, t'vilah looks to the future, leaving sin behind and walking in newness of life and dropping the burdens of our past.

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Y'Shua, by a new and living way which He set apart for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and {having} a High Priest over the house of G-d, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed (immersed) with (in) pure water. (Heb 10:19-22)

For Messiah also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to G-d, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while {the} ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us, immersion (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward G-d), through the resurrection of Y'Shua haMashiach, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of G-d, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. (1Pet 3:18-22)

When we come to G-d, recognizing and repenting of our sin, and beginning our new lives, putting our trust in Him, we need to be able to put the past behind us. We need to be able to trust G-d for our future, and leave all the old baggage at the altar, where is was atoned for. The waters of mikveh are, as it were, a definitive line in the sand. When that line is crossed, the past is put away, left behind, never to be returned to again.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing {I} {do,} forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of G-d in Messiah Y'Shua. (Php 3:13,14)

The mikveh has seven steps leading down into the water, representing the six days of creation and the Shabbat. The pool called a (bor), and must have enough water for a person to completely immerse. The waters of the mikveh called (mayim chayim), "living waters" or the "waters of life."

The one being immersed must bathe thoroughly first, emphasizing the fact that the immersion is not for physical cleanliness.

Mikva-ot (plural form) are often used, for various reasons:

• By Orthodox men to indicate the transition between the secular week and the Holy Shabbat
   
• Before performance of a sacred task, such a by a sofer (scribe) before writing the Holy Name in a Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll)
   
• By the bride and groom, before a wedding, as symbolic act of purification and the beginning of a new life, as one flesh
   
• By married Orthodox women, following the practices of taharat hamishpacha (family purity), who enter the mikveh at the completion of their time of niddah (separation)
   
• For the practice of tevilat kelim, the ceremonial sanctification of new kitchenware, to be used in a kosher home
   
• By converts to Judaism, symbolizing the transition from non-Jew to first generation Jew. In conversion mikveh, one emerges from the waters, with his past life behind him, to take his stand with the people of G-d.

In the days of Y'Shua, mikva-ot were built right into the homes of the rich. Also, t'vilah was a very important practice, associated with the new life beginning in marriage, even as it is today. This can be seen in the celebration of the wedding in Cana, which was attended by Y'Shua:

Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. (Jn 2:6)

In keeping with the fact that t'vilah is a symbolic act, marking a transition being made by the individual being immersed, all t'vilah is self-immersion, as in modern Jewish practice. This knowledge should dispel the struggles about who does the immersing, and how the immersing is done. The concept of self-immersion is clearly illustrated in the immersion of the Messiah by Yochanan (John), in the Jordan. If He were being immersed by Yochanan, He could not have emerged with such enthusiasm as is written:

When He had been immersed, Y'Shua came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Ruach HaKodesh (Spirit of the Holy One) descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. (Matt 3:16, NKJ)

The primary task of the one overseeing the immersion is to ensure that the statement being made is actually complete, that complete immersion has been accomplished, including hair and all parts of the body. Also, the one credited with doing the immersing is actually only officiating and overseeing the immersions. The one so credited does not have to be the one actually performing the immersions:

Therefore, when the L-rd knew that the Pharisees had heard that Y'Shua made and immersed more disciples than John (though Y'Shua Himself did not immerse, but His disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. (Jn 4:1-3, NKJ)

In modern conversion mikveh, the officiating rabbis are not even able to see female converts when they are being immersed. The overseeing of the actual immersion is performed by a woman, while the rabbis are present but are kept from seeing the act by an interposing veil. This is done for the sake of modesty.

The Scriptures are clear, Messiah had no sin:

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all {points} tempted as {we are, yet} without sin. (Heb 4:15, NKJ)

Yet, Messiah, himself, said that He needed to be immersed:

Then Y'Shua came from Galilee to Yochanan at the Jordan to be immersed by him. And Yochanan {tried to} prevent Him, saying, "I need to be immersed by You, and are You coming to me?" But Y'Shua answered and said to him, "Permit {it to be so} now, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. (Matt 3:13-15, NKJ)

Here we find that Yochanan's immersion was one of repentance (putting ones old life and ways behind, and making a new start), in preparation for the soon coming Kingdom of G-d. Having this perspective, Yochanan stated that he should be coming to Y'Shua, rather than the other way around. However, having no sin, Y'Shua was not in need of repentance. His statement to Yochanan was that t'vilah was needed to fulfill all righteousness. This means that it was needed in order to do everything that needed to be done, the right way.

Since no repentance was needed, what kind of t'vilah was required? Understanding the essential meaning of t'vilah, in all its connotations, yields the understanding that some transition or change of state was to take place, "to fulfill all righteousness."

Before Y'shua came to Yochanan, he was a carpenter, a common or secular state or position, albeit quite an acceptable and honorable one. Yet, from the moment of His mikveh, Y'shua never went back to pick up another hammer or saw another board. He was set apart for the service of G-d and His Kingdom. This is essentially the meaning of Messianic (or Christian) t'vilah, being set apart for the work of the Kingdom. In keeping with the act of consecration, Messiah's commissioning and empowerment for the task he was set apart for, was tangibly expressed:

When He had been immersed, Y'Shua came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Ruach HaKodesh descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice {came} from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matt 3:16-17, NKJ)

One of the greatest controversies in the community of Messiah has been the question: "In whose name should one be immersed? In the Name of Y'Shua only? Or in the Name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit? This question can also be answered by returning to the Hebraic roots and by a careful examination of the Scriptures. First, to be immersed in the name of someone is to acknowledge and to be identified with that one.

Those in the Scripture that were immersed in Y'shua's name only, were Jews, already in full knowledge, and acceptance of the Father and His Holy Spirit. Being immersed in the Name of the Messiah was all that was needed:

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that G-d has made this Y'Shua, whom you crucified, both L-rd and Messiah." Now when they heard {this,} they were cut to the heart, and said to Kefa (Peter) and the rest of the talmidim (disciples), "Men {and} brothers, what shall we do?" Then Kefa said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be immersed in the name of Y'Shua haMashiach (the Messiah) for the remission (the putting away or behind) of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Ruach haKodesh. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the L-rd our G-d will call." And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." Then those who gladly received his word were immersed; and that day about three thousand souls were added {to them.} (Ac 2:36-41)

And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some talmidim he said to them, "Did you receive the Ruach haKodesh when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Ruach haKodesh." And he said to them, "Into what then were you immersed?" So they said, "Into Yochanan's t'vilah." Then Paul said, "Yochanan indeed immersed with a t'vilah unto repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Y'Shua haMashiach." When they heard {this,} they were immersed in the name of the L-rd Y'Shua. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Ruach haKodesh came upon them, and they spoke with languages and prophesied. (Ac 19:1-6)

Those in the Scripture that were immersed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were those who had come from outside the commonwealth of Israel. These had no relationship with G-d prior to coming to faith, and needed to acknowledge and symbolically submit to the complete Echad (or Unity) of the Holy One:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, immersing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, {even} to the end of the age. Amen (or, 'you can put your trust in this')" (Matt 28:19,19)

Here we see one of the nations, but he is obviously not a heathen, but a Jew. Ethiopian Jews (Falashim) continue to exist, and many believe in Y'Shua:

Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, {here is} water. What hinders me from being immersed?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Y'Shua haMashiach is the Son of G-d." (Ac 8:36,37)

Hearing that Messiah was coming, or had come, the natural response of believing Jews, seeking to be ready and worthy for the promised Messianic Age (or Kingdom), would be to confess and renounce any sin, then to be immersed, signifying the transition to a holier state (corporate and personal) with requisite repentance and faith...

In those days Yochanan haTav'li (John the Immerser) came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the L-RD; Make His paths straight.'" And Yochanan himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were immersed by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matt 3:1-6, NKJ)

But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the things concerning the Kingdom of G-d and the name of Y'Shua haMashiach, both men and women were immersed. (Ac 8:12)

T'vilah, for the purpose of sanctification (setting apart for a purpose) of the kohanim (priests), to serve G-d as His representatives:

And you shall anoint the laver and its base, and consecrate it. Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle of meeting and wash (immerse) them with (in) water. You shall put the holy garments on Aaron, and anoint him and consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest. (Ex. 40:11-13)

And Aaron and his sons you shall bring to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and you shall wash (immerse) them with water. (Ex. 29:4)

Even after the immersion of commissioning, kohanim were to use immersion to mark the transition to a special state of holiness, before performing their duties in the Temple:

You shall also make a laver of bronze, with its base also of bronze, for washing. You shall put it between the tabernacle of meeting and the altar. And you shall put water in it, for Aaron and his sons shall wash (immerse) their hands and their feet in water from it. When they go into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the L-rd, they shall wash (immerse) {their hands and feet} with water, lest they die. (Ex. 30:18-20)

T'vilah was also specified to mark the leaving behind, or putting away, of a state of being tamei (ceremonial inaccessibility to the holy things and presence of G-d):

And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed from the tzaraat (traditionally translated "leprosy), and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose in the open field. He who is to be cleansed shall immerse his clothes, shave off all his hair, and immerse himself in water, that he may be clean. After that he shall come into the camp, and shall stay outside his tent seven days. But on the seventh day he shall shave all the hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, all his hair he shall shave off. He shall immerse his clothes and immerse his body in water, and he shall be tahar (clean or pure). (Lev 14:7-9)

Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: "When any man has a discharge from his body, his discharge {is} tamei (impure). And this shall be his uncleanness in regard to his discharge, whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body is stopped up by his discharge, it {is} his impurity. Every bed is tamei on which he who has the discharge lies, and everything on which he sits shall be tamei. And whoever touches his bed shall wash his clothes and immerse in water, and be tamei until evening. He who sits on anything on which he who has the discharge sat shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be tamei until evening. And he who touches the body of him who has the discharge shall wash his clothes and immerse in water, and be tamei until evening. (Lev 15:2-7)

If a woman has a discharge, {and} the discharge from her body is blood, she shall be set apart seven days; and whoever touches her shall be tamei until evening. Everything that she lies on during her impurity shall be tamei; also everything that she sits on shall be tamei. Whoever touches her bed shall wash his clothes and immerse in water, and be tamei until evening. And whoever touches anything that she sat on shall wash his clothes and immerse in water, and be tamei until evening. (Lev 15:19-22)

If any man has an emission of semen, then he shall immerse his body in water, and be tamei until evening. And any garment and any leather on which there is semen, it shall be immersed with water, and be tamei until evening. Also, when a woman lies with a man, and {there is} an emission of semen, they shall immerse in water, and be tamei until evening. (Lev 15:16-18)

If there is any man among you who becomes tamei by some occurrence in the night, then he shall go outside the camp; he shall not come inside the camp. But it shall be, when evening comes, that he shall immerse with water; and when the sun sets, he may come into the camp. (Deut 23:10, 11)

And every person who eats what died {naturally} or what was torn {by beasts, whether he is} a native of your own country or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes and immerse in water, and be tamei until evening. Then he shall be tahar (pure). But if he does not wash {them} or immerse his body, then he shall bear his guilt. (Lev 17:15, 16)

Whatever man of the descendants of Aaron, who {is} a leper or has a discharge, shall not eat the holy offerings until he is tahar. And whoever touches anything made tamei {by} a corpse, or a man who has had an emission of semen, or whoever touches any creeping thing by which he would be made tamei, or any person by whom he would become tamei, whatever the source of his state of being tamei may be, the person who has touched any such thing shall be tamei until evening, and shall not eat the holy {offerings} unless he immerses his body with water. And when the sun goes down he shall be tahar; and afterward he may eat the holy {offerings,} because it {is} his food. (Lev 22:4-7, NKJ)

The pure {person} shall sprinkle the unclean on the third day and on the seventh day; and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, wash his clothes, and immerse in water; and at evening he shall be tahar. (Num 19:19)

T'vilah is not just to mark the transition from a common state to a holy one, but can also mark the transition from the holy state back to the common.

In this way Aaron shall come into the Holy {Place:} with {the blood of} a young bull as a sin offering, and {of} a ram as a burnt offering. He shall put the holy linen tunic and the linen trousers on his body; he shall be girded with a linen sash, and with the linen turban he shall be attired. These {are} holy garments. Therefore he shall immerse his body in water, and put them on. (Lev 16:3,4)

Then Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of meeting, shall take off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the Holy {Place,} and shall leave them there. And he shall immerse his body with water in a holy place, put on his garments, come out and offer his burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, and make atonement for himself and for the people. (Lev 16:23, 24)

Those who come into contact with that which bears or atones for sin must put away the effect of that contact:

And he who released the goat as the scapegoat shall wash his clothes and immerse his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp. (Lev 16:26)

The bull {for} the sin offering and the goat {for} the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy {Place,} shall be carried outside the camp. And they shall burn in the fire their skins, their flesh, and their offal. Then he who burns them shall wash his clothes and immerse his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp. (Lev 16:27,28)

Then the heifer shall be burned in his sight: its hide, its flesh, its blood, and its offal shall be burned. And the priest shall take cedar wood and hyssop and scarlet, and cast {them} into the midst of the fire burning the heifer. Then the priest shall wash his clothes, he shall immerse in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp; the priest shall be tamei until evening. And the one who burns it shall wash his clothes n water, immerse in water, and shall be tamei until evening. (Num 19:5-8)

T'vilah also marks the transition to a new way of life, as a corporate entity, as well. For example, the waters of the flood essentially cut us off from our past lives, in the evil and wicked world that was wiped out by that flood. We could not go back even if we wanted to. Another example is found in the exodus from Egypt...when the waters of the Sea of Reeds closed in behind us, we were literally cut off from our past as slaves, and behold, our new life as free men, and servants of G-d, was laid out before us. We could not go back:

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were immersed into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Messiah. (1Cor 10:1-4)

We are to fully immerse our families in the Word of G-d, continuously looking to the future, and putting away that which is not in keeping with that future:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Messiah also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing (or immersing) of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious congregation, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Eph 5:25-27)

...the foundation of...the laying on of hands (s'michat yadayim)...(Heb 6:1,2)

— epithéseós te chairo-u: literally meaning, "firmly placing both hands upon something," from (epí