*Since so many of our people range in terms of when they celebrate Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we will continue to work to help those who celebrate these High Holy Days until the 18th of April.
Understanding Holiness and Righteous Living in the Torah
Defining Holiness and Righteous Living
Holiness and righteousness are two foundational concepts in the Torah. Both are central to how Hebrew Israelites are called to live in a covenant relationship with YAHUAH. Holiness refers to being set apart, not just in actions, but in our hearts, thoughts, and desires. It’s about being consecrated, dedicated fully to YAHUAH’s service, and striving to live according to His ways.
In Leviticus 19:2, we read:
“Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I YAHUAH your ELOHIM am holy.”
This call to holiness is not optional. YAHUAH commands us to be holy as He is holy, which means we must reflect His purity, justice, and love in everything we do.
Righteous living is also essential. It’s about living in accordance with the righteous standards set by YAHUAH, aligning our lives with His commands. Righteousness is the practical outworking of holiness—living in ways that honor YAHUAH’s laws and exhibit love for our neighbor.
(See our book, The Path: Of Righteousness)
The Call to Holiness in the Feast of Unleavened Bread
Why the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a Vital Tool in Our Pursuit of Holiness
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is much more than a ritual or tradition; it is a commandment that helps us grow in holiness. It provides a tangible way to purify ourselves spiritually and reflect on the need to live holy lives. The seven days of this feast serve as a spiritual detox, a time to cleanse our hearts and minds from sin, represented by leaven.
Exodus 12:15 states:
“Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses…”
The removal of leaven symbolizes the removal of sin. Just as leaven causes bread to rise and become puffed up, sin inflates our pride and leads to spiritual decay. By purging our homes and hearts of leaven during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we take an active role in rejecting sin and pursuing holiness.
This feast, which is part of the broader Passover observance, is a reminder that our lives must be continually purified. Holiness is not a one-time event; it’s a constant pursuit, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a perfect opportunity for a fresh start.
(See our book, Passover: Mysteries Revealed)
The Spiritual Significance of Removing Leaven: Purifying Ourselves from Sin
Leaven as a Symbol of Sin in Scripture
Leaven is more than just a physical substance; it represents sin in the Bible. When we observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we are reminded that sin has a pervasive, corrupting effect, just like how a little leaven can spread throughout a whole batch of dough. Sin may seem small at first, but it can spread and contaminate our entire spiritual walk if left unchecked.
In 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, Paul compares leaven to sin, writing:
“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Ha’Mashiach our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
In this passage, Paul emphasizes that just as leaven contaminates the dough, sin contaminates our lives. The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a call to remove sin from our lives—every single trace of it. The act of removing leaven from our homes is symbolic of purging sin from our hearts, minds, and actions.
(See our book, Baptism Unto Remembrance: Sin-Atonement-Repentance)
The Spiritual Process of Purification Through the Feast
The removal of leaven is a process of spiritual purification. The Feast of Unleavened Bread encourages us to take time to reflect on areas of our lives where sin may be hiding and address them. Whether it’s pride, bitterness, lust, or any other form of sin, this feast offers an opportunity to repent, cleanse ourselves, and seek renewal in our walk with YAHUAH.
James 4:8 encourages us with this directive:
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners…”
This process of purification is not just about outward actions but inward transformation. When we remove leaven from our homes, we are also called to remove the leaven of sin from our lives—both the visible actions and the hidden thoughts.
(See our book, The Path: Of Righteousness)
The Torah’s Call for Holiness: Living in Obedience to YAHUAH’s Word
The Importance of Obedience to YAHUAH’s Commands
Living in righteousness is all about obedience to the commandments of YAHUAH. The Torah is filled with instructions on how to live a holy and righteous life. When we follow these commands, we demonstrate our love and reverence for YAHUAH.
Deuteronomy 7:9 tells us:
“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments…”
Obedience is not a burdensome task but a demonstration of love and faithfulness to our Creator. When we obey His commands, we align our lives with His purposes and experience the blessings of living in covenant with Him.
(See our book, Knowing the Father and the Son: Those who seek the truth will find it.)
The Role of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Maintaining Righteousness
The Feast of Unleavened Bread plays a critical role in maintaining righteousness. It serves as a reminder to live in obedience to YAHUAH’s commandments and to purify ourselves from sin. This feast is not just about removing leaven from our homes; it’s about removing sin from our hearts and actions. As we keep the feast, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and our desire to align our lives with YAHUAH’s will.
Exodus 12:17 reminds us:
“And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt…”
This feast marks the beginning of Israel’s deliverance from slavery, and it reminds us of the ongoing need for spiritual deliverance from sin. Keeping this feast helps us stay focused on living according to YAHUAH’s commands and His righteousness.
(See our book, The Symbiotic Relationship: Grace & Law)
Walking in Holiness: How the Feast Shapes Our Character and Conduct
Holiness in Daily Life: Applying the Lessons of the Feast
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is not just a ritual but a guide for how we live our lives every day. The principles of purity, righteousness, and holiness should be reflected in our daily actions. Just as we remove leaven from our homes during the feast, we are called to remove sin from every area of our lives, including our relationships, thoughts, and speech.
Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to YAHUAH:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of YAHUAH, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto YAHUAH, which is your reasonable service.”
This verse challenges us to see every aspect of our lives as an act of worship. Holiness is not just about religious observance but about living in a way that honors YAHUAH every single day.
(See our book, The 8th Day Shemini Atzeret: The Last Great Day)
Walking in Holiness: Living Out the Spirit of the Feast Year-Round
The spirit of the Feast of Unleavened Bread should continue throughout the year. The lessons learned during this feast—purity, righteousness, and obedience—should become the foundation of how we live every day. It’s not enough to keep the feast for seven days and then return to a life of sin. The Feast of Unleavened Bread teaches us to constantly strive for holiness, to remove sin from our hearts, and to walk in righteousness day by day.
1 Peter 1:16 tells us:
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Holiness is a continual journey. The Feast of Unleavened Bread gives us the chance to reset our lives spiritually, but we are called to live out its principles throughout the year.
The Torah-Based Path to Righteous Living and Holiness
Embracing a Life of Holiness and Righteousness
In conclusion, the Feast of Unleavened Bread offers us a powerful opportunity to embrace holiness and righteousness in our lives. It is a reminder that holiness is not a passive state but an active pursuit. We must continually strive to remove sin, live in obedience to YAHUAH, and reflect His righteousness in our daily actions.
Leviticus 20:7 exhorts us:
“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am YAHUAH your ELOHIM.”
Holiness is a call from YAHUAH, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is an essential part of that journey. By observing this feast and applying its principles to our daily lives, we are empowered to walk in holiness and righteousness before our Creator.
Practical Tips for Living Out Holiness and Righteousness Year-Round
To live out holiness year-round, take time to examine your life and remove any “leaven” of sin. Stay committed to the teachings of the Torah, and reflect daily on your relationship with YAHUAH. Be diligent in your prayer life, in your study of the Scriptures, and in living out the commands of the Most High. Holiness is not just about a seven-day observance; it is a way of life.
Shalom
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