EZEKIEL
and YHWH’s
Judgment
for the
Good News
PEOPLE
VOLUME VI
Pervasive Pride
EZEKIEL and YHWH’s
Judgment for the
Good News People
Volume VI--Pervasive Pride
by
an unworthy servant
And you shall know the truth,
and the truth will make you free.
(John 8:32)
Common Law Copyright, 2003 & 2005 CE, an unworthy servant, Calder, Idaho. The author claims his Right of exclusive ownership and control of this publication, the fruit of his labor, as a matter of Intellectual Property protected by the Laws of YHWH and as guaranteed by the US Constitution for the United States. Permission is granted to quote provided appropriate credit is cited together with the Publisher’s web site name and postal mailing address––WWW.AgeEnd.Com PO Box 473, Calder, ID 83808, USA.
Contents
Volume VI--Pervasive Pride
CHAPTER PAGE
- Cover Page 1
- Title Page 2
- Contents 3
- Publisher’s Preface 5
Part Q--Other Aspects of Pride
74 Pride in Religious Leaders 6
75 Hypocrisy and Hate 17
76 Arrogance 29
77 Pride in Looks 43
78 Pride in Clothing and Dress 48
79 Pride in Seats and Chairs 55
80 Pride in Possessions 62
81 Intellectual Pride I 72
82 Intellectual Pride II 79
83 Pride in Denying Responsibility 92
84 Other Views on Pride 99
85 Ingratitude and Pride 106
Part R--More Background on Pride
86 The Reality of Pride 118
87 The Primary Purpose of Pride 131
88 Pride is Evil 137
Part S--Historical Changes
89 Iyov 146
90 Moshe 159
SHEERIT YISRAEL
PO Box 473
Calder, Idaho 83808, USA
Publisher’s Preface
Greetings! The following presentation is volume six of a 36-volume production of some 6,000 pages on “Ezekiel and YHWH’s Judgment for the Good News People,” all of which is on the Internet at the www.AgeEnd.com web site.
This overall effort provides an interpretation of the Good News message in the New Testament, its linkage to the book of Ezekiel, and an application of both to the age-end prophecies relating to certain nations and peoples now out in the world. In order for this single volume to be understood and comprehended, it is imperative that the study be read from its beginning--from page one of volume one.
Anyone trying to read this volume or the study’s 6,000 pages at any mid-point will end up in a state of confusion without having read and digested the preceding material. It is crucially important that this work be read in sequence from its beginning--otherwise, the reader will almost certainly end up missing the essence of the message!
The effort was originally set on a Macintosh computer with Microsoft Word 6.0.1. It was set in Helvetica, 12-point type (18 pt on chapter headings); single line spacings; and margins: left 1.2”, right 0.8”, top 0.7”, bottom 0.8” and footer 0.6” (for page numbers).
For further information on obtaining this study in 18 computer floppy disks (IBM-formatted, high density, 2HD, 1.44 MB, 3 1/2 inches); in a single CD-Rom; or in hard copies (when the Internet or a compatible computer is not available); please write the publisher at the above address and send a stamped, self-addressed, long (legal-size), return envelope.
With a CD-Rom or computer floppy disks, the study is readable on Macintosh (systems 5.0 and later) or IBM/compatible (with Microsoft Word-Windows) personal computers. May The Great CREATOR and SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE bless you as you study His word to learn His will and to obey Him. Shalom (peace) to you and yours!
an unworthy servant, Sukkot 2005 CE
Chapter 74--Pride in Religious Leaders
Pride Easily Surfaces
The essence of the comments in the former chapters is that the evil and wickedness of pride and vanity can be manifested in anyone in any position or state of life. And clearly, in the case of would be teachers, pride and vanity can easily be the motivation, source and reason for the teaching and dissemination of false information to others.
There is little benefit in now discussing and belaboring the more apparent examples of false preachers or teachers in the large world of heathen religions--present about wherever one might go on this planet. The earth has such an abundance of outright pagan religions and their many spokesmen that there is little to be gained here by an extensive focus upon them.
Additionally, it would seem to be of little utility to dwell extensively on the huge assortment of pagan, Christian denominations and their attendant false teachers, preachers and leaders, all busy proclaiming Gee-Zeus, Lord Chrishna and blatant false worship to an ignorant and gullible public. Obviously, most of this trash is patently false and is not apt to be much of a challenge to the very elect.
More on False, Sardis Teachers
But it does seem fruitful at this time to direct some remarks to some of the ways false Sardis teachers have surfaced to cause confusion in the ranks of that entity. And here, of course, the motivation for such teaching is pride and vanity (which will now be assessed).
In the context of Sardis "big shots" in Pasadena, California and Bethel, Pennsylvania, mentioned in previous chapters, one sees two glaring examples of pride and vanity. They are some of the most proud people of all. But the big shots in these two groups do not have a monopoly on the pride problem. It is very manifest throughout the religious world (especially in Christendom).
Real students of the Word are acutely aware of the fact that there are otherwise a host of false teachers elsewhere in the various Sardis Sacred Name, Church of God, etc elements scattered across the US, like in Tyler, Odessa, Abilene, Columbia, Holt, Muldrough, Emory, Cisco, Jackson’s Gap, Clarksville, Van Buren, Denver, Meridian, Caldwell, Santa Cruz, Rock City, Henryetta, Edmond, Bethel, Eugene, etc.
Many such groups are now all over the globe. But beyond these organized groups and their false organizational teachers, there is a constant surge of independent Sardis types out in the world also trying to win converts and proselytes to their particular warped brands of religion.
Most of these independents are former members of one of the Sardis groups and often with the "Sacred Name" and "Identity" ideologies (at least, as popularly taught, but not necessarily with the correct Scriptural viewpoints).
Almost without exception, these independent Sardis teachers, preachers, pastors, and spokesmen generally seem to be SP's (sensation and perceiving) in personality, temperament and character. With this nature, most of them have just not been very bookish or strong on book learning for truth. The Scriptures have not always been their source of authority.
But while such people have not been inclined to do much book learning, it is worthwhile to note that a number of them have learned some Scriptural truths from other people who are more capable of original study.
Therefore, many of these independent Sardis types have acquired some good (and bad) teachings on several important topics--like pagan names and words, beards and hair lengths, clothing and dress, identity and race, etc.
But Nothing Original
To the extent that any one of us learns truth, it is good. And clearly, it is well that some of the Sardis types have acquired some verity. However, this writer now mentions this phenomenon (and it is one) because the Sardis people being referred to, herein, seem to have "learned" original, new material from others and not from their own, personal, Scriptural study, expertise, ability and/or capability.
Consequently, here, it must be significant that these self professed Scriptural teachers, preachers and elders have been unable to come up with any original, new teachings of truth or revelations from the Word on their own; but have had to depend upon the study abilities and capabilities of other individuals (mainly J's in temperament).
Frankly, of the many Sardis SP teachers, preachers, prophets, elders, pastors, evangelists and leaders (independents or organizational) known to me, this writer has never observed a one of them who has ever come up with any important new revelations or truths from his own, individual, personal study of YHWH's Word.
Significantly, of whatever important truths they themselves have come to be aware of, such teachings and revelations appear to have come from the study abilities of other persons (evidently of a J type).
Now, admittedly, once learning of new truth from others, these Sardis SP's have sometimes been able to personally go to the Word and verify if the teachings have been true or not. But this verification of the teachings of others is far different than original study producing new truth. It's just not the same thing.
So--Why?
So the question must remain. Why is it that so many of the religious big shots, in this category of discussion, never are able to produce new breakthroughs with the Word? Why is it that whatever they do seem to come up with usually appears to come from other people's research and study and not from their own original work?
Why must such supposedly "great" religious elders, chiefs and leaders know and understand so incredibly little in terms of their own personal abilities and capabilities to break original ground and discover new truths from the Word? Why is it such persons have to turn to others to learn new truth?
Maybe the verity of all this is that these self appointed religious leaders are, in fact, not in personal contact with The MOST HIGH. Maybe they are not personally very strong on Scriptural study, knowledge and understanding (except as such benefits have come from others). Maybe, in fact, these big shots, by and large, have enormous problems with personal cases of intellectual pride and vanity.
Of course, this charge against self appointed religious leaders applies in some degree to perhaps the general population at large, although possibly not in the context of religious knowledge and comprehension.
Actually most, if not all persons, have or do possess intellectual pride and vanity to some extent from time to time, as will be assessed in later chapters. Because our human hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked (Jer 17:9), it is no surprise that human beings do gravitate to intellectual pride and vanity. This sickness affects the whole population generally.
The Idaho Elder
Here, it will be well to mention again a specific SP individual in North Idaho, who was commented upon previously. In time, he learned the words "Yahweh" and "Yahshua" and immediately decided to become a Sacred Name elder and leader. So he sent some money to the Assembly of Yahweh in Holt, MI for their “pastor” to come to his home and lay hands on him to become a Holt Assembly of Yahweh elder.
The man involved then started holding himself out to the general public as "Elder" so and so. He next chose to start signing his name as "Elder" so and so. In fact, his desire to be the "elder" led him to even put "Elder" so and so on the return addresses on the envelopes of any letters he mailed to others.
This writer once went with this Sacred Name "leader" to a religious meeting in another state. This Sacred Namer specifically requested that i introduce him to other people as "Elder" so and so. He felt that with this title, other persons would show him the respect and honor which he believed that he was justly due.
Well, the absolute pride and vanity of this man in wanting to be called and recognized as "elder" was glaringly obvious to me. Anyone with any brains at all could easily perceive the quest for elevation, status and position by this Sacred Namer.
An observer just couldn't miss it in his personality, not only from his use of the title, but also from his equal obsession with the idea that "he" had "Yahweh's Spirit" and had special insight into Scriptural truth--evidently because he was an “elder.”
By the way, on this topic of a title, this writer has never found or read a text, ever in the Word, which suggests, implies or says that the real leaders in YHWH's work are to be called or addressed and/or referred to by any appellative or title at all denoting rank, position or authority. Nowhere has this writer ever seen properly commissioned elders called and addressed as "elder" so and so in the Book.
The only thing read on this theme is that in terms of the very elect, they are to call each other "brother," as the Word seems to declare (Matt 23:8; Acts 9:17).
In fact, YESHUA expressly condemned the Pharisee big shots who sought out status, position and prestige by being called with titles like teacher, master, leader, “rabbi” and others to apparently include elder, evangelist, pastor, bishop, reverend, etc. (Matt 23:7-10). The HIGHEST correctly identifies such practices for what they are--pride and vanity.
More on the “Elder”
Before leaving this “elder” under discussion, it should be noted that along with the several good truths he learned from others, he also acquired some very bad doctrines and ideas which he likewise felt compelled to teach to others in his role as elder and since he supposedly had "Yahweh's Spirit" and "special" Scriptural insight.
Some of his false teachings are commented upon in other chapters herein and need no explanation now. But in one important instance, the self appointed elder came to believe that the Passover occurs on Aviv 15 and not Aviv 14, as the Book repeatedly proclaims.
And since this very detrimental teaching has been held by numbers of persons for vast ages, it is likely that the "elder" involved came into this nonsense from the teachings of others. It absolutely is not original with him or anyone else known by me.
More of His Thinking
Another sample of his "special" ability and insight into the Word came about when another third party sold him on the idea that The MESSIAH was not born of a virgin woman. This thinking, like the above noted nonsense, is held by a number of persons and has been around for ages. It seems to be Jewish in origin, as is the just mentioned Passover theory.
To support this non-virgin speculation, one has to find a means of doing away with the early chapters of Matthew, for sure, as well as some other texts. This question of the virgin birth has been elaborated upon in a prior chapter and will receive no further comment here on the issue of pride.
So the "elder" (either through his own initiative or more likely through the influence and teaching of others, since he was an SP) took a close look at YESHUA's genealogy, as recorded in Matthew and compared it to Luke's presentation. There are, of course, some differences, as any reader can easily tell and as outlined in a former presentation herein.
Specifically, the "elder" discovered (possibly for the first time) that from the time of David, the two lists are not the same; that Matthew drops three names between Jehoram and Uzziah (or Ozias), as compared with the genealogies in Kings and Chronicles; and that the genealogies of Luke have several more generations (beyond the dropped three) than Matthew.
These differences (alone and evidently without further research) prompted the "elder" to decide that the early chapters of Matthew were false and the work of a forger. And here, this writer can never understand why the "elder" chose to discard "just" the early chapters of Matthew and not the whole book or why he condemned Matthew and never allowed that the problem could be with Luke.
On learning of the “elder's findings,” this writer discovered that the "elder" had formed these very, profound conclusions after only a limited perusal of Matthew, Luke, Kings and Chronicles and without any particular deep research (which he probably never would have done anyway, since he was an SP).
For example, this writer pointed out to the "elder" many of the facts, data and information on this question, as outlined in the former chapter herein on the “Genealogy of YESHUA.” It was pure and simple ignorance and prejudice for the "elder" to be making a big issue over something that could be explained.
Problems From the Pastor
Still later, the "elder" came into contact with another religious leader who also felt he had "special" Scriptural knowledge and insight; though he, too, was obviously a man of limited Scriptural ability, research and study.
This other leader, who called himself "pastor" so and so, pointed out to the "elder" that the dating arrangement (through the mentioned kings) in Daniel shows that the prophecies there are not arranged sequentially in time by their dates of occurrence. In other words, they are out of order. This dating problem and its solution have been outlined in other remarks herein.
Apparently, the “elder,” in his many, many years of having "Yahweh's Spirit" and "special" Scriptural insight, never knew this fact about Daniel before. So, armed with this new teaching from the “pastor,” he concluded that something was wrong with the book of Daniel, along with Matthew. Maybe they both were forgeries, as he saw it.
Over the years, this writer has seen and read a number of Scriptural commentaries and studies on Daniel, as prepared by various and sundry authors and critics who have tried hard to condemn and nullify the book of Daniel--not because of the "elder's" new charge; but rather, because of the book's incredible prophetic accuracy over the ages.
In perhaps 25 studies or so, i have never read of a complaint from a one of the critics over the timing scheme in Daniel. Surely, if there was any scholarly grounds at all to criticize and condemn Daniel for the dating arrangement, the critics would have done so years ago and long before the "elder" and "pastor" were even born.
And really, from a logical and sensible point of view, no intelligent, educated person with any brains at all would ever try to question a book on prophecy because the prophecies were recorded out of sequence. Actually, several other Scriptural books and even secular books on prophecy (like Nostradamus and others) have the prophecies recorded out of sequence.
Daniel Has Stood the Test of Time
Truly, Daniel has stood the test of 2,500 years of time against real critics, linguists and scholars who have tried to attack it for other reasons (like because it was too accurate in the historical sense of the time of Antiochus Epiphanies to have been a prophetic writing from 400 years earlier; or at least, that’s one of the arguments which critics use to attack Daniel).
Many of these alleged scholars are generally J's and far more qualified and capable of deep, involved, scholarly research and critical study, as compared with the “elder,” an SP, who would only read the texts involved casually, and then make a hasty, unfounded decision.
With this background, this writer asked the "elder" who he was or what was his qualifications to be criticizing the truly great book of Daniel, which has stood the test of time against real scholarly opponents. The "elder" got mad at me, charged that he was a “somebody,” left in his car, and discontinued all further contact with me.
Actually, these issues, strangely enough, prove the authenticity of both of the books. If Mattityahu was a forger, would he be so naive, incompetent, sloppy and incapable to have "accidentally" left out three names from a list which anyone could verify from the readily available books of Kings and Chronicles?
It is obviously unthinkable that a forger, this irresponsible and careless, could ever have successfully pawned off a forged book of Matthew to a world with some real critics and scholars ready to do battle whenever and however possible.
In terms of Daniel, can any intelligent, thinking person actually suppose that a forger would forge the book of Daniel and then directly write into it a dating scheme which shows the dates of when the prophecies were received in an out of order sequence.
Surely, a forger as smart and clever as the writer of Daniel would have had to be, would clearly have arranged the prophecies in their proper time sequence--if he was trying to fool someone. The very fact that Matthew and Daniel have these minor and insignificant problems goes to prove and verify the authenticity of both books.
No forger, above the moron level, would have permitted such issues to creep into his work and open up the possibility of a later question. Obviously, the writers of both Daniel and Matthew were men of intelligence. They weren't as limited as the "elder" and "pastor" would have us believe.
Another Sardis SP Leader
Next, it would be well to mention another Sardis Sacred Name SP individual who thinks that he is similarly commissioned by “Yahweh.”
And actually here, this "elite" man must not be too convinced of the “deity” he is dealing with because he has changed his pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton YHWH some five times that i am aware of. One would wonder how in the world that a person in direct contact with The MOST HIGH could exist long without knowing the name of The MOST HIGH.
But this "spirit filled" big shot also found a way to buy a leadership title when he, some years ago, went to Odessa, Texas and gave the head man there with the House of Yahweh a gift of $500. In return, the chief "elder" there responded by designating him as the "evangelist" for the House of Yahweh.
With his new title of prestige and position, this individual began to use and disseminate his symbol of recognition to other people. He quickly proclaimed himself “Evangelist so and so.”
This individual under discussion is also a very proud person over his supposedly advanced religious knowledge and understanding. But interestingly, here, like with the other SPs, he seems to have learned his essential truths from other people and not from his own Scriptural ability and capability.
Now, while he is a classic SP in temperament, as are the others, it is fair to give him credit for doing a lot of personal Scriptural study, although it is questionable to what extent his study is productive. As an SP, he is highly unorganized and unproductive in book study. He seems to largely learn important new teachings from the work of others and not from his own efforts.
Tragically too, this big shot evangelist, like the heretofore mentioned big shot elder, has acquired some screwball religious ideas which are totally foreign in the Book. And since he believes he is commissioned from “Yahweh” to teach others, he naturally spreads a lot of confusion and chaos around (which appears to bring harm, hurt and injury to his students).
To the extent that his instructions have been wrong, he has clearly taught others to sin. For example, as noted above, this "evangelist" has changed his pronunciation of the "name" some five times that i am aware of.
Tragically, for his students, he has never went back to inform them of these changes. Evidently, the names he taught them and baptized them into, being wrong, would surely prove to be detrimental to the persons involved. Isn't this teaching others to sin?
This “evangelist,” believing that he has "the spirit" and is in close communications with The ELOHIM, has recently come to believe that he is a second “Moses” and has almost went off the deep end. There is no question about it, this man is very proud and vain. He is certainly seeking for ways to be elevated and lifted up through these titles and special offices which he thinks he has.
One More Sardis Leader
While this discussion so far has centered on "independent" Sardis Sacred Namers and their quest for elevation and status through the use of titles, it would be well here to mention also one more such false teacher who seems to have had somewhat more success in gathering followers than the independents just described.
This person has a House of Yahweh work ongoing in Abilene, Texas. He believes that he is a special, elite prophet for the age end with extraordinary links with The HIGHEST and unusual insight into the Scriptures because of his calling and commission.
This big shot even goes so far to assert that he and his brother in Odessa, Texas, are (or were, since the brother later died) the two age ending witnesses of Revelation 11.
This writer knows little about this self appointed "leader" --except for a few of his writings in which he claims to be “Yahweh's chosen.” In one book, he actually goes to some length to take parts of different Hebrew words (like Abel and others) and try to put them together in a new word to sound out the name of “Abilene.”
He then charges that the Scriptures prove that Abilene is the chosen location for “Yahweh's work.” In reading this ridiculous nonsense about Abilene, i wondered to my self if it was actually conceivable that any rational person could be stupid and gullible enough to believe such garbage.
Well, of course, the answer to that question is an astounding “yes.” There are people out in the world who are just dumb enough to fall for the likes of this false prophet. Hopefully, there aren’t many near the moron level to fall for him. But please remember, the public is capable of believing anything--regardless of how stupid and ridiculous it may be.
Besides these several religious "leaders, just described, this writer has known a host of other people who likewise like titles and believe that they are elders, pastors, and other big shots.
Pastor is Popular
In fact, pastor is a profoundly popular title among professional religious people. Many persons choose to set themselves up as pastor. However, many of these self appointed pastors have no congregation, group or followers to be pastor of. So here, one might ask--pastor of what?
So, with all these examples of people setting themselves up with extraordinary titles, offices and positions, there must be some question over the "why" for such actions? And the “why” is fairly simple if one knows and understands the very basics of human behavior and thought.
We Like to be Lifted Up
Clearly, we wretched, pathetic humans are always on the lookout for ways to be elevated, lifted up, have status and gain recognition. We sorry humans have desperately evil hearts that are filled with pride and vanity.
Many persons allow this excessive pride to drive them to the point of assuming titles, offices and positions which The MOST HIGH has never authorized. People just want to be big shots in front of others.
Tragically, there is this tendency of people not only wanting to be big shots; but also, to have the best things in life, as well as to be recognized and to have the praise and acclamation of others.
This is classic pride and vanity in action. False religious elders and leaders strive to be elevated and lifted up. And as pointed out in previous comments, pride and vanity are the reasons that the world has false, religious teachers, as the Book charges.
Some 2,000 years ago, earlier people also liked the ideas of titles and offices of honor and status, just as today. The MESSIAH made that point very pungently (Matt 23:7-10). In those days, just as today, people were seeking recognition, elevation and honor by being greeted, addressed and spoken to with titles like master, teacher, “rabbi,” etc.
Of course, classic, pagan Christianity has followed suit with its constant uses of various titles--like father, reverend, right reverend, pastor, evangelist, elder, etc--as pointed out earlier. Tragically, some of these appellatives are very questionable because of their meanings, if for no other reason. But beyond this, all of them have as their purpose, pride and vanity.
More on Important Titles
Hence, notwithstanding the cause for concern over this subject in Christendom, more knowledgeable Scriptural types (especially independent Sardis SP's) have turned to distinctive titles, offices, and positions to try to have status. As outlined in the above remarks, the result here then are the popular words--elder, pastor, evangelist, prophet, preacher and teacher.
As pointed out above, the Scriptural basis for calling upon and addressing the elect in a true group (and this includes the really commissioned elders and leaders) is to call them "brother," as the Word seems to proclaim (Matt 23:8; Acts 9:17). If brethren should be calling each other brother, why is it that the false leaders want other distinctive titles beyond what the brethren have?
There is no logical explanation for this phenomenon--except to charge it to pride and vanity. Pride is such a nasty sin because in our evil hearts and minds, we humans are always on the lookout for ways to be elevated and to have confidence and satisfaction. By being addressed and called elder, pastor or something, some mentally feel that they have achieved success.
Again, Nothing Original From Them
A repeat of an earlier remark is in order before closing this chapter. As noted before, this writer has never known or been acquainted with a one of these self chosen (SP) elders, pastors, evangelists, apostles, prophets, etc, who has ever come up with any important new, original truth from their own, individual, personal, Scriptural study, capability or ability.
Whatever truth each one has seemed to have, he has evidently gotten it from others. They may brag and boast about how great they are and what experts they are and how much they have learned from the Word in order to teach others. But upon a close scrutiny of their words versus reality, they are sadly lacking.
An exception here, would be the few men who have come up with the incredible belief that they each are age ending prophets, Moshe or something else. And here, while these status seekers have come up with some "new" religious ideas, it must be acknowledged that these "original" ideas are too far-fetched to be ever linked to Scriptural truth.
One might ask--if these elders and leaders, with their fancy titles of importance, are such big shots linked into The HIGHEST and possessing special truths and Scriptural abilities, why is it then that they are never able to come up with important new revelations and teachings from the Word?
Why is it that they must depend upon the Scriptural study abilities of other persons in order to learn any new truth at all? Why don't they know the true name of YHWH? Why are they so ignorant of such a vitally important doctrine which is powerfully linked to salvation?
Maybe, the truth is that these self professing leaders are not, in fact, very strong on personal Scriptural study and understanding. Maybe, they have to depend upon the abilities of other people. Maybe, they don't have the special links with The MOST HIGH that they claim to have with their big shot titles of elder, evangelist, pastor, prophet, etc.
Chapter 75--Hypocrisy and Hate
Two Primary Christian Problems
The purpose of this chapter is to address pride and vanity from the standpoint of what this evil does to Christian people from at least two perspectives. The first effect of pride and vanity upon most Christians, with few if any exceptions, is that it makes them absolute and outright hypocrites of the worst kind.
And second, pride and vanity has historically had an enormous impact on Christian thinking, so much so, that Christian Israelites, who believe about the same thing (in doctrines and theology), are filled with bitter hatred, strife and division among themselves.
Hypocrisy, Pretense and Pride
This matter of hypocrisy in Christians has been briefly broached in a former chapter, but it needs further expatiation. It seems to surface in all of us at one time or the other and some of The MESSIAH’s most pungent words of criticism often seemed leveled at hypocrites.
Because of this strong correlation between hypocrisy and Christians, it is probable that hypocrisy has the greatest impact on Christians of all in terms of pride and vanity. In the presentation to follow, this writer has chosen to link in a review of pretense and pretending since these two concepts are so interrelated with hypocrisy.
Former chapters have noted how President Slick Clinton is a master at deception, pretense and hypocrisy. There is no need to repeat those remarks. But one must always think of him in any discussion on this theme. Truly, he has been and is an expert at pretense and hypocrisy.
For a takeoff on this topic, “Webster’s English Dictionary” says for hypocrisy-- “a pretending to be what one is not, or to feel what one does not; esp. a pretense of virtue, piety, etc.” In regards to hypocrite, Webster gives “one who pretends to be pious, virtuous, etc. without really being so.” Consequently, a hypocrite, in English thinking, is a pretender, living in a world of make believe, put on and pretense.
In terms of the Scriptural languages, one finds about the same situation. In the main, and in the Hebrew, the various words of hypocrisy, hypocrite and hypocritical all derive from the prime root “chaneph,” which Strong’s “Hebrew Dictionary” defines as “to spoil, espec. in a moral sense:--corrupt, defile, pollute, profane.”
William Wilson’s “Old Testament Word Studies” gives the adjective form of this word as “one defiled in mind and conscience, yet concealing it, and pretending to be outwardly what he is not inwardly; to have zeal and affection toward God, when his heart is far from him; or dividing his heart between God and the world.”
Furthermore, in Old Testament usage, this word chaneph and its derivatives seem to be used in the context of hypocrite and hypocrisy some eight times in the book of Job, once each in Psalms and Proverbs and some five times by the prophets Yeshayahu and Yirmeyahu.
Specific References
Of course, one would expect that the word would be very relevant to Job, because the essence of the theme of that book is on pride and self righteousness (to be assessed in detail in a later chapter). Obviously, a proud, self righteous person is a hypocrite in every sense of the word. It is no wonder then that the man Elihu, in Job, would point out that hypocrisy exists in the hearts and minds of evil people (Job 36:13).
In addition to Elihu’s insight on the presence of hypocrisy in the hearts and minds of man, he also offered another gem of wisdom when he specifically linked chaneph with the Adam kind to question the right of Adamites to reign/rule over others (Job 34:30).
Here, the Hebrew text literally reads the “hypocrite Adam man.” This interesting remark by Elihu could be a far reaching one which opens the door to the possibility that the Adam kind, collectively, are all proud, vain hypocrites and liars in every sense of the word.
However, it really was the prophet Yeshayahu who got to the heart of the matter with his focus on hypocrisy, as being a primary sin of the people of Yisrael--historically and prophetically.
For example, Yeshayahu wrote that judgment will come on all of Yisrael, including even on the widows and orphans, because every one of them is a hypocrite (Isa 9:17); and that Yisrael, generally, will be judged and punished because she is a “hypocritical” nation (Isa 10:6). Please note here in these texts that the prophet is describing a future condition of Yisrael and not just her historic situation in the 8th century BCE.
In respect to the NT, one finds that the translators have translated the Greek “hupokrisis” to hypocrisy and “hupokrites” to hypocrite. Clearly, the English hypocrisy and hypocrite connect to these Greek words both in pronunciation and meaning, as the reader will shortly discover.
Regarding hupokrisis, Strong’s “Greek Dictionary” says it means “acting under a feigned part, i.e. (fig.) deceit (hypocrisy).” For hupokrites, Strong’s has it as “an act or under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (fig.) a dissembler (hypocrite).”
An “Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words,” by W. E. Vine, defines “hupokrisis” as “primarily denotes a reply, an answer (akin to hupokrinomai; to answer); then play-acting, as the actors spoke in dialogue; hence, pretense, hypocrisy;” and “hupokrites” as “primarily denotes one who answers; then, a stage-actor; it was a custom for Greek and Roman actors to speak in large masks with mechanical devices for augmenting the force of the voice; hence, the word became used metaphorically of a dissembler, a hypocrite.”
In addition to these several usages of hupokrites and hupokrisis, it should also be noted that the Greek word “anupokritos” (meaning “sincerity, undissembler and unfeigned,” per Strong’s) is, on one occasion, translated “(without) hypocrisy” in the KJV at James 3:17.
The NT
Respecting NT usages of these words, the so-called “Synoptic Gospels” reflect that some 28 times The MESSIAH YESHUA chose to specifically identify certain religious Jews in His days of 2,000 years ago as either being outright hypocrites or of practicing hypocrisy (in the vein of pretense).
Interestingly, in two of those situations (Matt 23:14 and Mk 12:40), the NT also went on to identify them as hypocrites in the Greek “prophasis” (meaning an “outward showing, i.e. pretext:” and translated as pretense, per Strong’s).
Furthermore, Kefa, Yakov and Shaul additionally used hupokrisis some five times to generally describe and identify various corrupt people whom they were in contact or relationship with. These writers all put hypocrisy into a category of evil and cast a warning against such conduct on the part of believers.
YESHUA’s Insight
But perhaps the most poignant description of what a “true” religious hypocrite is, in heart, actions and deeds, comes forth in the 23d chapter of Matthew which presents a fairly long dissertation by The SON OF ADAM against certain religious big shots of His time.
Without repeating this outline, which each reader can read on his/her own from the Scriptures, it should also be noted that YESHUA specifically elected to charge certain scribes and Pharisees back then with being classic hypocrites and pretenders who went to great length to be like a cup which was sparkling clean and lily-white on the outside; but which, on the inside, was corrupt, profane and dirty (Matt 23:25-26).
In this same outstanding chapter, but in another graphic illustration, SALVATION went on to charge these fake hypocrites with being like white washed and beautiful tombs on the outside, in terms of appearance and show. However, on the inside of these white washed tombs, they were full of dead men’s bones and utter corruption (Matt 23:27).
And in another classic allegory, The MESSIAH noted that outwardly, these same religious people seemed to be just and upright persons in terms of appearance and show, as viewed externally. But inwardly, they were full of pretense, lawlessness and iniquity (Ps 5:9; Matt 23:28).
Actually, in the crux of Matthew 23 and perhaps all of the rest of the Scriptural uses of hypocrisy, hypocrites and pretense, the verses are discussing and describing people who are basically corrupt, sorry and profane in heart, mind and spirit; but who, otherwise, appear outwardly to be religious, good, holy, saints, etc.
In respect to such persons, they are, of course, living in a world of make believe, put on and play acting. In short, it is a life of deceit and lies.
Pride in Hypocrites
But beyond all of the sin and iniquity present in such individuals, there is another facet to this whole thing which also acts to cut them off from realizing their true states and their real need for grace. This other reality is, tragically, the possession of pride and vanity in these same persons.
And in both cases, pride and vanity, as well as in hypocrisy and pretense, we all seem to have the problem and to be largely blind and ignorant of our possession of such evil. This reality and true situation in man has been amply discussed in previous comments in this work on pride and vanity.
Moreover, The MESSIAH poignantly hurled the charge (in Matthew 23) at the religious ones of His day by bringing up the issues of pride, vanity and self exaltation versus the need for humility and meekness--precisely in the context of hypocrisy and pretense for the subjects under discussion therein (Matt 23:2, 5-12).
The point being from that presentation is that YESHUA precisely linked hypocrisy and pretense in with pride and vanity. In other words, hypocrites are, in reality, very proud and vain people, seemingly without exception. The two themes go together since all men seem to be infected with these problems.
Perhaps here, it would be well to pause for a minute and take note of the fact that religious pride, vanity and hypocrisy are not and have not been just phenomena out of history to describe the Jews of 2,000 years ago.
Ignorant, proud, vain hypocrites of today like to read texts like Matthew 23 and suppose that the message was one only for the “evil” Jews of those days. But friend, that’s not the way it is with the several references shown in this study.
For Today As Well
On the contrary, those Scriptures are just as much for so-called humanity today as they were for the Jews of ages ago. The truth is that these very charges apply to multitudes of people today and particularly to those of the House of Yisrael, both historically and presently, as Yeshayahu so powerfully declared (Isa 9:17; 10:6).
Yes, as hard as it is to grasp by persons alive in our time, the truth is that modern Christians (to include Identity and Sacred Name types) of today’s House of Yisrael presently are just as sorry and guilty of hypocrisy as was the Jews of 20 centuries ago. Hypocrisy and pride affect persons today, as much as ever. Truly, all of so-called humanity has the problem.
Incidentally, on this theme, it is worthwhile to observe that a 1991 book on “The Day America Told The Truth,” by James Patterson and Peter Kim, said that some 58% of Americans say things which they don’t really mean; about 42% won’t stand up for what they actually believe in; and finally, around 29% admit to being a clear and certain hypocrite most of the time. Those numbers are up in 2003.
As one can readily perceive from these findings, vast numbers of people generally acknowledge that they are outright hypocrites. Besides these honest confessions, one should also recognize that there are huge numbers of individuals who are stupid, uninformed, misinformed, deceived and/or dishonest; so much so that they won’t or can’t admit that they are hypocrites.
The point being from all of this is that hypocrisy is as bad today (if not worse) as it ever was in historic times. The essence of this is that hypocrites and pretenders are, in fact, proud and vain people who are commonly found all over the world.
It is probably verity that the very motivations and inspirations for hypocrisy and pretense are, in actuality, due to the presence of pride and vanity. Thus, when pride and vanity are present in us, as they are in all of us, it could well be that we are all likewise fake hypocrites, as Elihu may have observed many ages ago (Job 34:30).
Pride--A Barrier to Unity
The next important aspect of pride on numbers of Christian Israelites has been the prevailing disunity among many of them who believe the same basic doctrines and teachings. In mentioning this disunity, there is no intent to legitimize or justify the specific doctrinal teachings, most of which are false and contrary to truth, as will be demonstrated in succeeding chapters.
One of the primary, descriptive aspects of the historic Sardis organization(s) and people, discussed in this study, has been their absolute propensity for disunity and the impossibility for the collective Sardis types to ever find and promote any degree of unity among themselves except in isolated cases. In the main, Sardis people seem to thrive on division; and of course, on the resulting confusion and pandemonium.
Now, the subject of Sardis divisions and fragmentations can be an extensive one and one which this writer would not want to broach to any extent in the present work. But despite the vast scope of this historic Sardis problem (and Baptist problem as well), it is possible to focus somewhat on the issue of "why" for the resulting disunity and lack of togetherness. This will now be done.
While there might be several different reasons for the constant Sardis separations, it does seem evident that, in the main, the problem can be recognized as one of pride and vanity.
Specifically, the evidence is persuasive that Sardis individuals, by and large, have been plagued with an excessive dose of intellectual pride and vanity (to be later assessed), coupled with a ballooning surge of stubbornness. In this environment, the combination of intellectual pride and vanity with stubbornness inevitably spells out one thing and one thing only--self will.
Of course, any discussion and approach to these terms--intellectual pride and vanity, stubbornness and self will--fit into the broad classification of carnality, pride and vanity, as observed in preceding remarks. Additionally, please note here that it might be argued that in many ways, self will is one of the worse forms of pride and vanity, if not the worst form.
Self will is a particularly bad condition of carnality because it seems to affect all of us from time to time without exception. In effect, we all want our way and especially in intellectual matters since we all think so highly of our supposedly great minds and abilities to think, judge and deduce right and wrong (this reality will be described in later chapters).
Adam and Eve, Revisited
By and large, most of us are just not prepared to be wrong or to admit that we are wrong--on anything. Generally, we'll go to any length of lying, cheating, stealing, deceiving, etc in order to avoid having to say "I was wrong" or "I am wrong." On this, please consider the situation with Adam and Eve, as commented upon previously herein.
This Adam and Eve problem will be broached again in some detail in later remarks. But for now, it can be said that Adam first blamed Eve. Then he went on to imply that it was YHWH's fault for giving her to him (Gen 3:12).
Likewise, when questioned, Eve naturally refused to admit she was wrong. Instead, she tried to shift the blame to Satan (Gen 3:13). Effectively, we all are like Adam and Eve in terms of carnality. In short, we are just not people of real character and integrity.
Self Will
Also, on this theme of self will, it's worth noting that many children grow up spoiled rotten and never having to hear the word "no." Naturally, in this environment, the spoiled child (and later adult) is totally devoted to self will. He (or she) must have his way and there is no other allowable alternative.
Here, this writer has seen and observed these mentioned children--just as you probably have seen and observed such spoiled brats who are willing to lay down on the floor and kick and scream until they have their way in something with a weak and ineffective parent.
And it isn't only that some spoiled brats have temper tantrums in order to have their way; but also, it is quite true that many "supposed" adults are of the same caliber. Besides the blatant example of the spoiled brat (or adult), one can actually see the phenomenon of self will surfacing in almost everything done or experienced in life. All of us make decisions, by and large, on the basis of what we want for ourselves.
We do this in terms of diet (we eat what we want to eat and not necessarily what we should eat), entertainment (on TV, we watch what we want to watch and not necessarily what we should watch) and usage of our time (we expend our time, energy and money on things that interest us or things we want to and not necessarily things which truly benefit us or grant us truth),
We do this in terms of marriage (we marry the person we want to marry and not necessarily the person we should marry--by the way, this seems to be the reason that the Scriptures teach the value of having parents decide on a marriage mate since parents may be less influenced on the will of the child versus who might be the best mate), jobs (we choose an occupation based on what we want in terms of pride and vanity and not necessarily because it is right), and on and on.
Self will seems to affect all of us in various ways and to various degrees. Tragically, none of us in the flesh are able to avoid it. Indeed, it is a rare person who would really expend the time, energy and money to find out YHWH's position for himself in anything he is faced with--like diet, entertainment, usage of time, marriage, job, etc.
In fact, because of the constant stream of lies told to us by Christian teachers and friends, we conduct our lives on the premise that YHWH has no position for us on anything. By this thinking, all people are free to choose whatever path they want to follow for their lives; or, as our earlier ancestors had done when every man did what was right in his own eyes (Jud 21:25).
Self Will Dominates Us All!
Consequently, man allows self will to completely dominate his wishes and thinking. We all try to experience life on our terms (by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, as was addressed in a former chapter), instead of accepting rote learning from YHWH's Word (of eating from the tree of life).
Incidentally, this idea of having to “experience” life brings up an old saying an older man told me about many years ago. He said-- “Experience is a dear school and fools will learn from no other” (quoted earlier).
In the discussion so far, the comments on self will would seem to conjecture up in our minds the condition of us humans just having to have our way in the secular life here on earth. And this is verity. But the matter of self will is far more extensive and profound than just in our secular lives.
In truth, most of us also must have our way and to display self will in our religious lives as well. It is no wonder then that the Book would assert that we sorry humans like to have our ears tickled with lies and deceptions and to be told smooth things which elevate and propel us up (Isa 30:10; II Tim 4:3).
Yes, self will can and does dominate religious people in their religious lives--just as much as it infects and contaminates all of us in our secular lives. Obviously, self will is amply present in the religious lives of Sardis (and Baptist) people who all clearly are still carnal and have had no experience with the grant of true repentance and grace.
Many years ago, when this writer first learned of the Sabbath and a "few" other truths, i tried to have some fellowship with some of the Sabbathkeeping groups.
After an initial membership in one of them, i eventually resolved to be just an independent, as i found "all" of the groups sadly lacking in terms of truth. As an independent, i tried for a while to have some contact with other independents of similar persuasion; which, in the main, were Sardis, Identity and Sacred Namers.
Sardis Divisions
These linkages, over the years, gave me some appreciation of the Sardis division problem which probably could never have been received in any other way. It always was fascinating to me to see how incredibly difficult it was to ever achieve any unity with these Sardis people because of their total devotion and dedication to self will.
And in saying this, this writer does not want to be the pot calling the kettle black. Maybe some of them would have the same condemnation about me as i have stated about them. Maybe we all have been obsessed with self will to perpetuate the divisions. Of course, only YHWH can judge.
Howbeit, by and large, most of the Sardis independents whom i have known were SPs (sensation and perceiving in temperament, discussed in the Prologue) and not really very good in using the Scriptures for extended, critical and thorough study and research.
Being SPs, many of them formed their beliefs from dialogue with others or on reading limited, simple tracts which were usually inadequate in respect to a comprehensive study of the issues involved on a particular theme.
With this incomplete input from others, the typical Sardis SP would get locked into a theory without personally having had to spent vast sums of energy, time and effort to do a thorough and complete study of YHWH's Word on the issue.
On this, Sardis SPs are just like the average John Doe SP on the street. They are just not prepared to spend the hours and hours needed in deep study to read, research and consider all, 100%, of the relevant Scriptures on a complex point.
The next problem many of these Sardis independents have is that they think, assume and presume that they have "the spirit," which automatically gives them special insight and revelations into truth.
Some of them furthermore have been ordained or have just (self) appointed themselves as religious leaders, elders, pastors, bishops, prophets, etc. Of course, a layman nobody, like this writer, has found it very hard to converse with any of these religious big shots who believe that they have "the spirit." Such people look upon themselves as teaching “rabbis” and lay persons as their students.
With this background, it is readily apparent that these Sardis elders and leaders were all dominated by the pride and vanity of self will. Therefore, it was very hard to talk to them and harder to convince them of anything to promote unity. Generally, their minds were made up and they just had to have their way in any dialogue just as a spoiled brat must prevail in a temper tantrum.
Clearly, in the situation being described, one can see how utterly impossible it is for Sardis independents to ever attain complete unity. Of course, the barrier always is and always has been the presence of pride and vanity in some or all of the parties involved. Intellectual pride and vanity, coupled with stubbornness, bothers Sardis independents--just like it contaminates the rest of so-called humanity.
The Sardis “Elder,” Revisited
To demonstrate the extraordinary difficulty which can be faced in trying to achieve some measure of doctrinal unity, this writer will share with the reader now a situation which arose some years ago as i tried to resolve some existing divisional problems with a Sardis, Sacred Name, Identity, "elder" (he claimed to be one) and friend of mine who i had many beliefs in common with (as mentioned earlier).
We were both supposedly feast day observers. But there was a hang up between us on a couple of points about the calendar (which by the way has been a real divisive problem for many of the Sardis types who have tried to observe the feasts).
Because of these differences and my desire for unity, i "foolishly" wanted to try to convince my "elder" friend of what appeared to be truth to me from YHWH's Word. Of course, both he and i should be interested in and striving for truth and unity.
After all, there is much Scriptural authority which clearly demands that true believers must be unified in their faith in order to have correct fellowship and experience proper brotherly love (Ps 55:14; 133:1; Isa 45:20; Amos 3:3; Acts 1:14; 2:1; 4:32; Rom 12:36; 15:5; II Cor 13:11; Eph 2:1-3; 4:1-5, 13; Phil 1:27; 2:2; 3:8; 4:2; Col 1:9; II Thes 2:1-2; Heb 10:25).
On this theme, perhaps Shaul wrote out the need best of all when he said that "I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of... (YESHUA), that all of you be in perfect harmony, and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments" (I Cor 1:10, per the “Amplified Translation”).
With such a powerful declaration as this, why is it then that so many alleged believers, especially Sardis types, are so incredibly opposed to unity and agreement? Thus, i pursued the subject causing the division with the "elder." Our first point of contention was over the question of which day to start the count to Pentecost.
He argued that the count was from the day following the weekly Sabbath of Unleavened Bread while i stated it was the day following the High Sabbath of Aviv 15 (this question will be addressed in a later chapter). His position was that since my thinking was the same as the Jewish Pharisees, i was wrong.
Since he was Identity, he would not allow that the Jews could be right on this matter or anything else. In his eyes, they were evidently children of the Devil and thus wrong. Quickly, it developed that neither of us would budge from our choices. So the matter was dropped and no more efforts at unity were pursued in the next several days and meetings.
One More Try
In time, i once more had an opportunity to visit with my "elder" friend and again tried the unity issue on another point of disagreement between us. This issue was over the question of dating the Passover. Was it Aviv 14 or Aviv 15? i said the 14th and he argued the 15th (this whole question also will be addressed in a later chapter herein).
His position was that in the year of YESHUA's death, The MESSIAH kept the Passover a day early--effectively saying He kept it on the wrong day. The "elder" pegged the timing for slaying the lamb about 3 PM on the afternoon of Aviv 14 and the eating of the Passover meal that evening at the start of Aviv 15. My understanding is that the lamb was slain early on the 14th and the meal was eaten the same night.
Interestingly, my friend's argument was based essentially on the Jewish position which says that the Passover falls on the 15th. Effectively, he was saying that the Jews were correct on Passover in the year of YESHUA's death and not wrong as i contended.
i found this argument from the "elder" incredible because it completely countered his position on the count to Pentecost which he had argued with me on several days earlier. In the first instance, he argued against the Jews, implying that they were of the Devil and had to be wrong. Then, in the second situation, he argued with the Jews saying that they had to be right.
He Was A Hypocrite
When i finally was able to convince him of what a hypocrite he was on this topic, he simply dropped the argument about the Jews and then proceeded to switch his whole strategy to another issue.
Next, he argued that in Leviticus 23:32, the day of Atonement is described as starting on the ninth day (of the seventh month) at even as it approaches Aviv 10. Therefore, in his reasoning, a reference to Aviv 14, at even, would mean as it approaches Aviv 15.
Again, he was shot down on this by my pointing out that the Hebrew at Lev 23:32 is entirely different with different wording than the other texts on the Passover (per Young's “Analytical Concordance”). This issue will be addressed in later chapters.
Many of the references associated with the Passover, like at Exodus 12:6 and elsewhere, describe the slaying of the lambs as "between the evenings," which is just not the presentation at Lev 23:32. Rather than admit he was wrong on Lev 23:32, he shifted his position again and seized what i had said as his new argument.
His next approach, using my mention of Exodus 12:6, was that between the evenings in that text meant about 3 PM in the afternoon. Again, he had no authority or basis for this claim except the word and interpretation of the Jews (this argument thus threw him back to the Jews, which i thought we had covered at the start).
This writer then tried to show him that the Scriptures actually go on to provide one key definition on exactly what "between the evenings" means--as at Exodus 30:8, where it clearly is not 3 PM in the afternoon. Of course, he would never admit he was wrong. After all, he had "the spirit" he thought and was an “elder.” Obviously, too, the self will in him was regulating his entire thinking.
From this dialogue, it soon became quite apparent to me that his reasoning was circular in motion and never ending. As i dealt with one point, he would just shift to another one until we eventually came back to the beginning on the question of the authority of the Jews (thus, a circle). And this seemed to go on and on with no ending.
The Difficulty of Study
Additionally, it was evident to me that the man had never taken the time to write out, study and contemplate all, 100%, of the Scriptures involved.
Obviously, he had been exposed earlier to some limited teachings on the subject, either orally from someone else or perhaps a small tract or writing. But wherever he got it, he failed to get all of the information he needed in order to approach truth and understanding. What he got was just wrong.
The above illustration of the "elder" has been mentioned only to bring out the point that the man was filled with self will (based on intellectual vanity and stubbornness). And here he was, claiming to have the spirit and be an elder over YHWH's people.
Since he was a Sardis SP in mentality, it was manifest to me that there would be no way we ever could sit down and find common ground, agreement and unity on any of the points which separated us. Of course, this is the basic problem facing all of the Sardis types. They are just not about to let go of their self will--even in religion.
Before closing this discussion, mention needs to be made on how a person should tackle a complicated Scriptural question like those two mentioned above. Frankly, this writer is convinced that the student of truth must be willing to spend a great amount of time and energy to find truth.