GOD'S WORD vs THE TEACHINGS AND TRADITIONS OF MEN

The word tradition can have several meanings related to faith. One tradition is what we normally call customs. These are usually regional and change depending on the era and the society. They may include dress, food, and certain ways of addressing issues and problems. They may also include issues surrounding posited laws, manmade laws. All of these are manmade. Matthew 15:3-9, however, is not addressing these types of traditions.

Sacred Tradition in the Catholic Church also has several senses and usually works through the Magisterium (the teaching arm of the Church). It can be doctrine, an account, i.e. an explanation, you might say, the light shining on the substance of faith, or a custom. This type of Tradition transmits the teaching of the first century Catholic Church as taught by the Apostles while giving it meaning and relevance to the current age. The articles of doctrine are binding on the faithful, others are not binding. It was out of Sacred Tradition that we have Sacred Scripture, the written accounts of the witnesses of Christ. Scripture is the witness of the Apostles expressly for the authority of the Church [Cf Matthew 18:18; Luke 10:16; cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14].

“You [the Church in the persons of the Apostles] are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid." [Matthew 5:14]​

Those traditions (customs) of the former description are not binding and can indeed are capable of breaking the commandments of God, e.g. the tradition of divorce in the Protestant community.

There is however, a greater sin than healing the sick on the Sabbath Matthew 15 exposes; creating out of a holy commandment a completely unholy outcome. Christ called the Pharisees hypocrites for doing just that in response to their complaint that Christ healed the sick daughter of the Canaanite woman. They were using the law of the Prophets, keeping the Sabbath, to declare what is good and holy, evil - many consider this to be the unforgivable sin. There is nothing in the Old Testament that so clearly defines work that healing the sick (an act of charity) would break the Sabbath. Simply put, the Pharisee and Scribes were looking for anything that might impeach Christ, the Lord, with His own Law. The response is immediately to the quick, “But you say: If a man shall say to his father or mother, Corban [sometimes spelled Qorban], (which is a gift,) whatsoever is from me, shall profit thee." [Mark 7:11]. The Jewish tradition the Pharisees perverted was to honor father and mother.

The Corban was a gift to God to make one closer to God. Depending on the tradition, it was often performed in the Temple, but was always a vow of a gift to God drawing one (supposedly) closer. The Jewish tradition also required the repayment of all loans within 7 years, those not paid had to be forgiven. Furthermore, the eldest son usually inherited the family’s (mother and father’s) estate when they reached old age and the son was to care for his parents. IN some customs a portion of the gift was relinquished to the Temple, in others it remained in the hands of the gift giver and only a small portion given to the Temple. The portion retained control of the gift; it has been described to me as a shelter, like a tax shelter today. When those who came looking for repayment, the debt couldn’t be repaid, sum was dedicated to God. When parents now, poor and destitute needed support the dispassionate son could withhold care from his parents, all the while claiming how holy he was. This is how the Pharisee perverted the God’s commandments, making them traditions of man.

"Honor thy father and mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, that thou mayst live a long time, and it may be well with thee in the land, which the Lord thy God will give thee." [Deuteronomy 5:16]​

The Scriptures don’t say we shouldn’t follow men in traditions; however, we are not to make them our own perverted ungodly tradition. [e,g, 2 Thessalonians 2:14]

JoeT

 

"tradition", simply means transmission of something from one person to another, and in the King James Bible is is translated as:

παράδοσις
paradosis

Total KJV Occurrences: 13

tradition, 10

Mat_15:2-3 (2), Mat_15:6, Mar_7:3, Mar_7:5, Mar_7:8-9 (2), Mar_7:13, Col_2:8, 2Th_3:6

traditions, 2

Gal_1:14, 2Th_2:15

ordinances, 1

1Co_11:2

In the septuaginta - Kata Biblon Wiki Lexicon - παράδοσις - tradition (n.)

παραδόσει παράδοσις παραδοσ(ι)·ι
(fem) dat sg tradition (dat)
Jer 39:4, Jer 41:2

In which both cases simply means to speak instruction from person to person. Just orders, and or instruction being passed from one to another. It doesn't inherently mean holy things, faith, handed along and can simply be common orders, etc.

Instruction was passed by mouth and written word (hence "letter", "epistle"):

2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Paul stated that all things needed to be proved by the word of God:

1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Jesus himself, and Paul and Peter warned of false "traditions" that were already in circulation in their day.

Col_2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

2Pe_3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Others were already corrupting the word:

2Co_2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

 

The question is what "traditions" was Paul referring to in context? Made up stuff with no other foundation than devils and men?

2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Notice, that in 2 Thessalonians 2:2, this is referred to before:

2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Paul already told them in 1 Thessalonians, and it was in regards the second coming (see context) and what they (Thessalonians) were to be doing unto the coming of Jesus.

So Paul himself, actually referred to his personal face to face speaking, and also written in an earlier "our epistle". (1 Thess.)

In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, we see that Paul commended them for their "work of faith and labour of love".

In 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (2:2-5) it speaks of the "gospel" did not come in "word" ("speak", "exhortation", "words") only, but in "power" (Holy Spirit).

In 1 Thessalonians 2:8 it speaks of the "gospel" having been "imparted".

In 1 Thessalonians 2:9 it speaks of the "gospel" having been "preached" and also of the "labour and travail".

1Th 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
1Th 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
1Th 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1Th 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

And so Paul continues by speaking of his example of labour (not in laziness, indolence as some were, being busybodies, etc) among them, and in the gospel:

1Th 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

Herein is then the "tradition" which Paul spake of that was spoken unto them:

1Th 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1Th 4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
1Th 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
1Th 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
1Th 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
1Th 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
1Th 4:10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
1Th 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
1Th 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
The Coming of the Lord
1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

And more:

1Th 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
1Th 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
1Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Th 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
1Th 5:25 Brethren, pray for us.
1Th 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
1Th 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
1Th 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Ain't that sumthin'.

Paul wasn't referring to man-made 'tradition' that came along later and passed itself off as truth.

 

Let's make sure.

What does our brother Paul mean by the words "the tradition" in 2 Thessalonians 3:6?

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

"tradition", "traditions" - bad sense

Matthew 15:2 - Matthew 15:3 - Matthew 15:6
Mark 7:3 - Mark 7:5 - Mark 7:8 - Mark 7:9 - Mark 7:13
Galatians 1:14
Colossians 2:8
1 Peter 1:18

In certain passages the word "custom" simply means a positive habit, or repeated action (Luke 4:16, likewise "manner" (Acts 17:2)).

Other times it means a place of gathering taxation, as "sitting at the receipt of custom" (Matthew 9:9 - Mark 2:14 - Luke 5:27), or giving "custom to whom custom" (Romans 13:7) is due.

Also, it can mean a bad tradition, a wicked custom.

"custom" - evil or heathen sense

1 Samuel 2:13
John 18:39
1 Corinthians 11:16

"customs" - wicked sense

Leviticus 18:30
Jeremiah 10:3

There are two known places that the word "tradition" is utilized in a positive meaning.

"tradition" - good sense

2 Thessalonians 2:15
2 Thessalonians 3:6

Brothers and sisters, we should study this together and look at all of the connecting words, and ask our Father for understanding to understand what this means so that we are united together by the word. Let us read the surrounding words, and allow the Holy Spirit of God to enlighten us by teaching us what these things mean.

In prayerfully reading the text, and asking God about this, I continued to read, and here is what I was shown in the same place.

2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
2Th 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
2Th 3:8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
2Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
2Th 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
2Th 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
2Th 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
2Th 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
2Th 3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

As instructed of God, "the tradition" that Paul speaks of, is not "walking disorderly" (vs 6), and to "follow us", being the example of Paul and others, who "walked not disorderly" (vs 7), and did not "eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you" (vs 8), so that they would be an "ensample unto you who follow us" (vs 9).

We see "commandment" (vss 6,10,12) in regards "the tradition" (vs 10), in that "if any would not work, neither should he eat.", and that this was the orderliness and ensample of Paul's life. This is then contrasted in the next verse to those who are "disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." (vs 11). This same "command" and exhortation is that those who are presently "disorderly" should "with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." (vs 12) as Paul and others did.

Paul finishes out by telling them who are orderly to "continue in well doing" (vs 13), as they had learned of his own ensample and manner of living, laboring with his own hands to provide for himself while ministering the Gospel.

This is "the tradition", the living custom, the continued godly habit of Paul that he speaks of, and was this that is handed down, in example, in demonstration. Work for the Lord instead of going about as "busybodies", who are "working not at all", "walking disorderly", and who expected to eat of the food of the group, when they would not work with their hands as Paul. No free lunch, and whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,, as unto the Lord, might best sum it up.

The "and" in this instance means in contrast between the false walking and the true walking.

Example

I can say, "Turn not to the left as others and turn to the right as myself."

"walking disorderly" is in contrast with the walking orderly which is "the tradition" or custom or habit set by Paul and others as the example.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

It could then be paraphrased as such

(paraphrased in part) withdraw yourselves away from every brother that is walking disorderly and not after the habit of orderly walking which he received of us by example.

See in vs (7)

2 Thessalonians 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

The "follow us" is "the tradition", the habit that Paul and others had set amongst them. May I show you? Paul refers back to the previous time in 1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

I see yet a little more in that Paul bases that commandment on his own manner and habit and knowledge of the scriptures, as he himself followed the example of Jesus to work with his own hands and to follow the commandments of God in the word of God.

Paul was raised as an Hebrew of the Hebrews, and thus skills, such as tent making, carpentry, fishing and the like were taught unto the children in life, that they might find the enjoyment and blessing of true labouring, to reap the reward through such. Like as gardening. He who does not sow does not reap. Paul would also have backing for this in the Old Testament texts,

Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Proverbs 12:27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

Proverbs 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 19:24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Proverbs 26:15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

The prayerful and thoughtful responses, along with the unity of thought have helped solidify the conclusion arrived at concerning the words of Paul in regards "the tradition" in 2 Thessalonians 3:6.

I have heard others give an entirely different meaning to these words which could not be reconciled with the text itself and strained them by forcing them to mean what they wanted them to mean, and they could not justify their position based upon the words themselves, but only added to the words their own meanings and definitions, to suit their own practices; whatever those were.

When someone brings up the word "tradition" in regards their teaching or action, we ought to then be more careful to discern, and to ask for evidence from God's word about such practices or teaching, whether it be of God or of men.

As a challenge to myself, and to all who read, a question to ask oneself.

Is there anything which I personally do as a habit, a custom, a tradition, even a teaching, or even a thinking, which cannot be sustained by God's word, and might be contrary to that example therein and if so, will I give it up to follow God?

 

I thought I explained in my previous post, Jesus Christ exposed the Pharisee's hypocrisy by taking a 'tradition' of His Kingdom and making it corrupt.

Sacred Scripture is the written expression of the Church's oral tradition of the Apostles that formed His Kingdom, Church. “But there are also many other things which Jesus did; which, if they were written every one, the world itself, I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written." [John 21:25]. Scripture then is not an exhaustive how to book on fidelity.

Catholics hold to an objective faith, one that can be identified, fides qua creditur, ‘the faith by which it is believed’. The substance of truth in faith comes to us from outside of the individual and drawn into the interior as an object of Divine revelation, Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, Church doctrine, private revelation and that expressed in the understanding of the Creed. At some point one assents to the substance of faith allowing it to form (or reform) our lives, this faith is called fides qua creditur, ‘the faith which is believed’. Fides quae is referred to as objective, fides qua is subjective. The whole of which brings Catholics to an objective understanding, fides quaerens intellectum, faith seeking understanding, (motto of St. Anselm). In short, the underlying truths of Catholicism do not rely on perception or passions, rather there is an underlying objective truth that is perceived and acted on.

Tradition is the living sense of God's Truth in the One faith of Jesus Christ taught by the Apostles and made applicable to the current generation for deposit in the next generation of the family of God. That is to say, when the Apostles wrote Scripture, they wrote of the Tradition of Christ they themselves lived by for the authority of the Church maintaining the substance of true faith.

Concerning Scripture Fr. Joseph T. Lienhard, in his collection of lectures, "The Bible, the Church, and Authority, Epilogue" shows the inability to support one’s own position by adopting relativism as a philosophical tool of interpretation. Fr. Leinhard compares the relationship of authority in the Bible and the Church to discern the ‘final’ authority. The 'authority' naturally belongs in Sacred Scripture as being the "Divine Word" of God given to the Apostles; we identify 12 but likely just shy of 100 disciples. Christ didn't write His own books but rather teaches through the Apostles. Scriptures therefore are the witnesses of Christ's words who are commissioned by Christ to teach, not hand out books for everyone to develop what they might mean. Father Leinhard explains:

"The Bible is, and remains the [Catholic] Church's book, and the Bible can exist as Scripture only in the [Catholic] Church. Rahner also maintains the Catholic insistence on Scripture and tradition as the bearers of revelation. Many recent Protestant authors have also faced up to the need to discuss the role of tradition, at least in the formation of the canon." Ibid, p 84​

As a result Catholics hold that Scripture, tradition and the Church co-exist and are co-authoritative. Without the Catholic Church to validate Scripture, Scripture loses authority to teach faith and morals. Scripture can never stand alone; as the single and only source of God's word and the sole purveyor of faith and morals. This freezes faith to a first century understanding and is unable to cope and grow with the current era. Simply, Sacred Scripture never makes the claim that it and it alone is the sole authority of faith. Scripture relies on the Church for its authentication which. Equally important Sacred Scripture when defined as "the sole source" of God's words precludes miracles, prophecy, Church, and the doctrines of the ECFs. We know this not to be the case because the great and small saints of the Church are 'prophets of God'. Equally important is the Apostles weren't given a BOOK to worship, they were given a Kingdom to mend the fruits of His nation. It's within this Church that we find the Catholic Tradition the means of canonization (authentication) of Scripture. Our salvation would be ill advised to stop even at Tradition, rather we find 'Church' to be a part of a sole and infallible rule of faith. So we find the Apostles as authoritative witnesses wrote the Scriptures for the authority of the Church.

Scripture makes no claim that it is the sole and infallible rule of faith; such belief is BOOK worship. Catholic dogma does not place Sacred Scripture against Sacred Tradition, conversely Scripture is not a Divine Book to be worshiped. However, the Church was commissioned to teach a Divine Word divinely, so how can that happen by teaching conflicting Truths, either out of Scripture or out of Tradition? Wherefore, the body of knowledge comprising both Scripture and Tradition are understood to be objective Truth which is the Catholic treasury. A truth given on any one thing cannot have multiple realities with each individual guided by the spirit of different truths.

JoeT

 

Corban was a tradition of the Jews to be closer to God. I'm quite confident that you do not believe 'getting closer to God' is disrespecting mother and father. Consequently I didn't need to point out the obvious. The Pharisees used a sacrificial offering to buy grace then only to yank the gift back for selfish purposes; in short a perversion of God's traditions becoming a tradition of men.

Opps you just uttered a creed, albeit negative.

There you go again, creed-ing all over the place.

yes, the traditions of men -> bad. The Traditions of the Apostles -> good.

I didn't suggest a replacement of God's Word. Rather I'd suggest not using it as a talisman. You might want to help me find in Scripture Alone where it says the Bible is the sole and infallible rule of faith.

added: What happens when the book is closed? Is God locked inside, unable to get out?

JoeT

 

Which was the entire point. It was not that tradition was evil or bad, it was what man made of Tradition.

It is not my habit to redact anther's post. Nor is it my habit to mislead.

A perversion of truth by men leads us away from God's Word.

It is the practice of the Catholic Church to teach 'Truth', God's Truth.

The power to change the day of worship from the Sabbath to "the Lords Day", Sunday, was given the Church in the persons of the Apostles to whom it was said, " Amen I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven; and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven." [Matthew 18:18].

Catholics to not worship idols.

With regard to the "Word of God": The soul, says St. Augustine to the monk, Renatus, “was not created out of Himself, but by Himself out of nothing". The Catholic teaching then is the soul of each individual person is the breath of God. It is not the exhalation of air but ‘nothing’ that comes out of nothing, the spirit of God, to form a living person just as the first man was created, “who gives breath to the people” [Cf. Genesis 2:7]. In this way each of us has life, the breath of God, which of course results in death once the soul leaves the body. A mystery comprised of the union of spirit and body manifesting itself as life. God forms out of nothing the living person [Cf. Isaiah 42:5]. So it is that the meaning of the breath of God in Scriptures has become our understanding of the mysteries of life itself [Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:38].

Then we can conclude that if we hold that Sacred Scripture is "the Word of God," His breath, then it too is alive - physically, not just symbolically. Do you worship a book? Sacred Scripture is the living memories of the Apostles, their traditions, intended for the teaching authority of the Church.

JoeT

 

Maybe I’ve forgotten my English (if I ever knew it), isn’t a perversion of God’s words a sin, evil and unrighteous? Or do you make a distinction, between from sin being an immoral act of word, deed, or thought?

I’m grateful.

I think you have the cart pulling the horse. The ‘tradition’ existed; it was holy in that its intent was to move one closer to God in the Old Testament. It was the tradition that was perverted and contorted into something evil.

In Chapter 17 of John, Christ is heard to say "Sanctify them in truth. Thy word is truth." [John 17:17] he is praying to God. He is saying God’s Word is Truth, not one’s own relativistic or rationalist truth. There is only one absolute truth and that is Truth is convertible to God. This is a prerequisite to accrue a virtuous morality. Without God there is no absolute Truth and without an authority there is no objective or absolute truth to which we can turn; hence, no morals. Without morals, there is no distinction between good and evil and he that believes what he wills will do what he wills. Every issue of good versus evil becomes a game of secular moral relativism.

Without reservation we can say God is Truth. And without reservation we can say truth is immutable. We can continue on the nature of truth:

As God exists so too does an absolute and objective Truth exist. (see Summa Prima Q,2,3)
As God is Immutable so too is Truth immutable (see Summa Prima Q,9, 1).
As God is Eternal so too “God is His own uniform being; and hence as He is His own essence, so He is His own eternity.” thus Truth is eternal. (see Summa Prima Q,10 2)
As God is Spiritual. “…it follows that there is no accident in God” Whereby Truth is spiritual (see Summa Prima Q,3,3 & 6).

As God is unconstrained by space, time or matter so too is Truth unconfined by space, time or matter. (See Summa Prima Q,3,1).

As God is superior to man so too is God’s law (Divine law) is superior to man’s law (see PRIMA SECUNDÆ PARTIS Q,91,4).

From which we can say that Truth is God and like God immutable and absolute.

The Psalms render a concise picture of God's Truth:

I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments I have not forgotten. Psalm 118:30 (Truth is the measure by which we are judged)

And take not thou the word of truth utterly out of my mouth: for in thy words, I have hoped exceedingly. Psalm 118:43 (Truth is from God)

I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are equity: and in thy truth thou hast humbled me. Psalm 118:75 (Truth humbles our intellect)

All thy statutes are truth: they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me. Psalm 118:86 (Truth is dogmatic)

Thy truth unto all generations: thou hast founded the earth, and it continueth. Psalm 118:90 (Truth is eternal)

Thou hast commanded justice thy testimonies: and thy truth exceedingly. Psalm 118:138 (God’s justice is Truth)

Thy justice is justice for ever: and thy law is the truth. Psalm 118:142 (God’s law is Truth and unchanging). {This is particularly important given that we are judged by the same laws of God as Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, etc. The claim of modernists, all things change is untrue.}

Thou art near, O Lord: and all thy ways are truth. Psalm 118:151 (God’s ways are Truth)

The beginning of thy words is truth: all the judgments of thy justice are forever. Psalm 118:160 (God’s words are Truth)

And no discussion of Truth is complete unless we mention Christ's own words;

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him. And you have seen him." John 14:6-7.

Simpler than all of these we can say ‘Truth is Reality’. And just as simply we can say what ‘Truth’ is not; Truth is not Nominalism, Rationalism or relativism.

And let’s see you have an exact count of the beginning and end of each week since creation? Which is the last day relative to our days of the week? But, nevertheless, I’ll celebrate the “Lords Day” on Sunday.

We put statues in our Churches, they are works of art to uplift the heart and raise the spirits towards God.

Do you set your book out on the table and worship it?

The language in this verse and the following is metaphorical. The Word of God is the Son of God, [Cf. John 1:1; 1:14.

JoeT

 

My apologies, my previous post shorthanded the definition of sin. St. Augustine properly defines sin as, a voluntary immoral act of word, deed or thought. For our purposes we need to stress the voluntary aspects of sin.

“… sin is nothing else than a bad human act. Now that an act is a human act is due to its being voluntary, whether it be voluntary, as being elicited by the will, e.g. to will or to choose, or as being commanded by the will, e.g. the exterior actions of speech or operation. Again, a human act is evil through lacking conformity with its due measure: and conformity of measure in a thing depends on a rule, from which if that thing depart, it is incommensurate. Now there are two rules of the human will: one is proximate and homogeneous, viz. the human reason; the other is the first rule, viz. the eternal law, which is God's reason, so to speak. See Contra Faustum . xxii, 27 CHURCH FATHERS: Contra Faustum, Book XXII (Augustine), St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, I, II, 71,6​

For some reason assigning an invincible ignorance to the first century Pharisee just doesn’t have a ring of credibility. These were men who had posited some 600-plus laws of faith, in addition to the Divine Law.

Corban (קָרְבָּן qorbān) has Semitic root meaning “be close” and is generally translated in the Septuagint as “sacrifice” or “gift” found in [Leviticus 1:2; 2:1, 4, 5, and 7]. Also see Strong’s Hebrew 7133. There are 83 verses containing Corban or a variant meaning sacrifice for being nearer to God. I doubt that ignorance, invincible or otherwise, is at play in the acts of the Pharisee.

"Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: The man among you that shall offer to the Lord a sacrifice of the cattle, that is, offering victims of oxen and sheep," [Leviticus 1:2].​

Ugh! The point is that the Pharisee made the Corban rites unholy, not that the Corban rites were unholy in themselves. Thus, the Parasitical Jew was taking what is made holy by God and making it unholy - said to be the unforgivable sin (turning what is holy into something unholy).

Consequently, we find Christ making the charge of hypocrisy. While Jesus’ supposed sin was healing the sick on the Sabbath, these Pharisees were practicing a wholly heretical act committing an atrocious act of disrespecting and dishonoring their fathers and mothers.

Then do you mean to say that God’s Word is only a book?

Where our Lord is, Jesus Christ, so too is the Sabbath.

And he said to them: The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath. [28] Therefore the Son of man is Lord of the sabbath also." [Mark 2:27-28]

Consequently, as Christ broke the chains of the Sabbath, e.g. Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Colossians 2:16-17, and Revelation 1:10

But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one that is at variance with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations [Didache 14, (A.D. 70)]​

Of keeping the Sabbath, Pope Gregory I (A.D. 597) we see that those who preach keeping the Sabbath as heretics.

What else can I call these but preachers of Antichrist, who, when he comes, will cause the Sabbath day as well as the Lord's day to be kept free from all work. For, because he pretends to die and rise again, he wishes the Lord's day to be had in reverence; and, because he compels the people to judaize that he may bring back the outward rite of the law, and subject the perfidy of the Jews to himself, he wishes the Sabbath to be observed. Gregory I, Registrum Epistolarum 13,1]​

Nevertheless, as Baptism (water and Holy Spirit) is the new circumcision so too is the Lord’s Day the new Sabbath.

If your contention is that every ‘image’ is graven then for your sake I hope you don’t have a picture of your family in your wallet! I hope you don’t watch TV or movies, they are moving pictures.

If the language were literal then we should be worshiping BOOK, would we not? We decidedly don’t worship an inanimate object - which by the way is heretical isn't it? His Word is indeed eternal and immutable but unless you have one of those ‘talking’ books you don’t HEAR His Word. If indeed you worship BOOK you dare not close it, as it would be closing the cover on God.

We pray you receive God’s Word and enter His Kingdom.

JoeT

 

What you’ve said to me is “involuntary sin is sin”. I disagree. While an involuntary sin, whether or not out of ignorance or compulsion from one’s exterior is not a culpable but is an evil act nonetheless. “The ignorance and infirmity which prevent a man from knowing his duty, or from doing all he wishes to do, belong to God's secret penal arrangement, and to His unfathomable judgments, for with Him there is no iniquity.” [St. Augustine, Against Faustus XXII, 78.]. God is just and will not hold us to those things we are compelled to do or done in ignorance. This by no means is to excuse culpable ignorance, a situation where one does not want to know to relieve him of just punishment - we hear this day in and day out as “plausible deniability”.

Sin is indeed ‘breaking any one of the 10 commandments - all of which are immoral acts. It was never suggested otherwise. Nevertheless, what is held against us is tempered by our motive (which is known to God) for any evil act.

There seems to be some misunderstanding, Strong’s 2878 is translated thing slaughtered, slaughtered meat, slaughter Strong's Hebrew: 2878. טִבְחָה (tibchah) -- thing slaughtered, slaughtered meat, slaughter Whereas Strong’s 7133. Qorban means “offering, oblation” Strong's Hebrew: 7133. קָרְבָן (qorban) -- oblation.

You’ll find Corban used in the parallel Gospel of Mark: "But you say: If a man shall say to his father or mother, Corban, (which is a gift,) whatsoever is from me shall profit thee." [Mark 7:11 DRV].
And in Matthew, "But the chief priests having taken the pieces of silver, said: It is not lawful to put them into the corbona, because it is the price of blood." [Matthew 27:6] Corban is a gift in the temple, a sacrifice, an oblation. Now, you need to tell me how God commanded of the Jews to make oblations but then Jesus holds those same oblations as hypocrisy unless they perverted the intent of the gift? How does it appear 83 times then is turned against the Jew for giving gifts, unless those gifts are given out of avarice motives? Or if you please explain how Jesus Christ’s corban, oblation, on the cross was unholy given, “In the which will, we are sanctified by the oblation of the body of Jesus Christ once." [Hebrews 10:10]

JoeT

 

Again the Sabbath was made for man not man made for the Sabbath. You are welcomed.

JoeT

 

Jesus was an observant Jew, we are not. We are Christians (followers of Christ) and his death and resurrection did away with the old law so that all could be acceptable to God. We don't have to follow the Jewish dietary laws, we don't have to be circumcised, and we don't have to follow all the Jewish High Holy Days. All that stuff is gone, it's over for us thanks to Jesus Christ, God Incarnate here on earth. And because of that we now offer Him worship on His own day, Sunday, and have done so for the last 2000 years. That was the plan, that is what happened, and now it's time for you to follow it.