Proverbs 23:23 states “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”

Cathy’s letter is indicative of natural minded persons failing to understand and discern the spiritual purpose, meaning and value of the Word of God.

The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.

Paul the Apostle explains much on this in Romans, Galatians and Hebrews.

It is not really possible to fully understand and gain insight into the Holy Scriptures without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit: the Spirit of Truth.

1 Corinthians 2: 10-16 expounds this requirement more directly, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”

v14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Now let’s take an example referred to by Cathy; Leviticus, chapter 23 on the need to keep and celebrate the Sabbath and the penalty of death if this is not done so.

Remember, the Law is a tutor unto Christ.

Just as the children of Israel could be damned for disobeying the Law, so too this applies in the New Testament.

“And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Mark 16:15-16. Baptism is of water by full immersion and of the Holy Spirit.

The Sabbath of the Old Testament is a legal expression and salvation requirement of what was to come - the Spirit-filled church in which the Holy Spirit is the refreshing and the rest.

To deny the Sabbath or the Holy Spirit will end in death.

The Bible is not gobbledegook, but is the Truth that gives unto all who shall believe the means of Salvation -

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9.

Cathy, tolerance is not the pathway to salvation, however, obedience is.

Nick Wagner

Tanunda