Job was afflicted with this sin and did not recognize it until drastic steps were taken in his life to bring it to his awareness. Job lived in the land of Uz. He was a perfect and upright man, one that feared Elohim and eschewed evil (Job 1:1). He was so careful, in fact, that when his own children would celebrate their day of birth, he would offer sacrifices on their behalf fearing that they may have cursed YAHWEH in their heart (v. 5).

One day the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before YAHWEH and Satan came among them also (v. 6). The interesting thing is that YAHWEH specifically pointed Job out to Satan saying, "Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth Elohim, and escheweth evil?" Job 1:8.

Satan responded, "Doth Job fear Elohim for nought? Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth Thine hand now and touch all that he hath, and He will curse Thee to Thy face," vv. 9-11.

YAHWEH responded to Satan’s challenge and put all that Job had into his hand. Of course, Satan was quick to take action and render Job possessionless as well as childless.

When Job heard of all his losses, which were reported to him in one day, he "arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped. And said, ‘Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: YAHWEH gave, and YAHWEH hath taken away; blessed be the name of YAHWEH.’ In all this Job sinned not, nor charged Elohim foolishly," vv. 20-22.

Another day the sons appeared before Elohim and Satan came among them (Job 2:1). Again YAHWEH specifically pointed Job out to Satan saying, "Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth Elohim, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst Me against him, to destroy him without cause," v. 3.

Satan issued another challenge to YAHWEH, "Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth Thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse Thee to Thy face," vv. 4-5.

Again YAHWEH put Job into Satan’s hand saying, "Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life," v. 6.

Satan went out and smote Job with the most intense pain and suffering imaginable. When Job’s three friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar came to comfort him for his grief, suffering and losses, they could only sit in stunned silence for 7 days (vv. 7-13).

The question is; Why did YAHWEH specifically point Job out to Satan? Was there a problem that YAHWEH saw with Job that certainly was not obvious to Job? Nor was it specifically obvious to anyone else at that time.

After seven days Job and his three friends began a dialogue that ended up being an argument wherein his friends accused him of some kind of sin while Job continued to maintain his integrity. After an extensive exchange of words back and forth Job’s problem began to surface, "So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes," Job 32:1

There was a specific proclivity that Job had exhibited in his dissertation with his three friends which had to be pointed out by a younger man named Elihu. Notice Job 32:2, "Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than Elohim."

Job was self righteous. In his self righteousness he elevated himself above Elohim. Notice further the words of Elihu, "Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, ‘I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, He findeth occasions against me, He counteth me for His enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, He marketh all my paths. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that Elohim is greater than man...For Job hath said, ‘I am righteous: and Elohim hath taken away my judgment. Should I lie against my right? My wound is incurable without transgression’...My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against Elohim...Elihu spake moreover, and said, ‘Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than Elohim's?’" Job 33:8-12, 34:5-6, 36-37, 35:1-2.

The first lesson we learn about the self righteous is that they become so self important that they can exalt themselves to a status greater than Elohim, greater then YAHWEH.

Self righteousness is a sin of pride. It was probably the sin that caused Satan to fall, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer (Heb. = Haylel), son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of Elohim: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High,’" Isa. 14:12-14. Notice the desire to exalt the self.

Job was afflicted with this problem of self righteousness. YAHWEH recognized it and look at the SEVERE trials Job had to endure in order to bring it to his attention. YAHWEH actually put Job into Satan’s hand for a season in order to purge this problem from him.

The Apostle Paul also followed this example of delivering others into Satan’s hand in order to learn vital lessons, "Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme," 1 Tim. 1:20.

In another instance, he commanded the assembly to deliver a man who was involved in the act of fornication with his own father’s wife to Satan for the destruction of the flesh (1 Cor. 5:1-5).

These actions may sound severe, but if they achieve the desired results, as in Job’s case, it is well worth it. The SEVERE trials with desired results are much better than the MORE SEVERE punishment of unrepentant actions.

The second lesson that we learn concerning self righteousness is that it causes one to exalt themselves above others. Of Course, if it can cause one to exalt himself above Elohim, it would be no great feat to exalt one’s self above other men.

We have a good example of this in Lk. 18:9-14, "And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘Elohim I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, ‘Elohim be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.’"

Notice that the Pharisee was comparing himself with the Publican. The Apostle Paul warned about comparing ourselves with others, "Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Messiah's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Messiah's, even so are we Messiah's. For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which YAHWEH hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise," 2 Cor. 10:7-12.

When we begin to compare ourselves with others we can develop a dangerous attitude of feeling that we are okay while others are condemned. These feelings can impart a false sense of security, but also self righteous indignation. There is no humility in self righteousness.

Paul urged us to be of a lowly mind, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves," Phil. 2:3.

He urged us to have the mind of YAHshua, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Messiah YAHshua: Who, being in the form of Elohim, thought it not robbery to be equal with Elohim: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the tree," Phil. 2:5-8.

Herein is revealed the GLORY of YAHshua. He had existed in the form of Elohim before His birth in the flesh. Yet, He did not desperately cling to that position, but willingly emptied Himself of the honor, power, glory and prestige that He had for the good of others who were far, far, far less in glory and honor. He humbled Himself, even suffering shameful things for the good of others. Herein is TRUE HUMILITY.

YAHshua said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven," Mt. 5:3. One who is poor in spirit does not compare himself with others. One who is poor in spirit does not exalt himself above others. One who is poor in spirit does not think highly of himself, but esteems others better than himself.

There have been many who have come out of Churchianity into the knowledge of the Holy Names, who, at some point in their walk, determine that the New Testament is bogus. That YAHshua never existed, or only existed as a deceiver and turn to the Old Testament seeking to fulfill it under their own strength and power. They begin to seek to establish their own righteous in YAHWEH apart from and separate from YAHshua. This is a CARDINAL ERROR indeed!

The Prophet Isaiah was inspired to write, "Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember Thee in Thy ways: behold, Thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away," Isa. 64:5-7.

This is the lesson that Job learned. Look at his statement in Job 42:1-6, "Then Job answered YAHWEH, and said, ‘I know that Thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from Thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech Thee, and I will speak: I will demand of Thee, and declare Thou unto me. I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.’"

Job got the point. He learned the vital lesson and responded in humility. He no longer was willing to exalt the self in his own righteousness.

There is also an interesting lesson of humility recorded in the New Testament. YAHshua said, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you," Mt. 7:6. Now let’s notice the incident with the woman of Canaan, "Then YAHshua went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Master, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.’ But He answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought Him, saying, ‘Send her away; for she crieth after us.’ But He answered and said, ‘I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ Then came she and worshipped Him, saying, ‘Master, help me.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs,’" Mt. 15:21-26.

The Gentiles were considered by the Jews to be dogs. Even today, one will occasionally hear the Jews refer to the Palestinian Arabs as dogs. YAHshua was holding true to His word. He would not cast the children’s bread to the dogs. However, the woman came back with a surprising reply, "And she said, ‘Truth, Master: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table,’" v.27.

The point is that this woman was very humble indeed. How many people would have flown off the handle at being called a dog? Most people, because of their ego, would have rebuked the Savior, but the woman of Canaan took it all in stride. She wasn’t seeking any of that which belonged to the children of Israel. She only desired the scraps that fell from the table.

"Then YAHshua answered and said unto her, ‘O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.’ And her daughter was made whole from that very hour," v. 28. Her humility was rewarded according to her desire. She didn’t seek to exalt herself above others nor did she exhibit self righteousness.

The third lesson concerning self righteousness is found in Mt. 9:10-13, "And it came to pass, as YAHshua sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, ‘Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?’ But when YAHshua heard that, He said unto them, ‘They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’"

The self righteous are unmerciful. There is a man in prison who was incarcerated for the horrible crime and sin of murder. However, this man has repented of the terrible sins that he committed. A Sacred Name group informed him that, regardless of the circumstances, his blood should be shed in accordance with Num. 35:30-34 which says, "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I YAHWEH dwell among the children of Israel."

Here is the problem, "For the wages of sin is death," Ro. 6:23. "For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of Elohim," Ro. 3:23. Have the Brethren of said group forgotten that it was their sins that required the life of the Savior YAHshua? YAHshua was taken and murdered unjustly, therefore, we all have the blood of the Savior on our hands.

If our judgment is that a REPENTANT brother must still suffer for the crime that he committed, then would YAHWEH be justified to apply Num. 35:30-34 against us? Remember, with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged (Mt. 7:2).

It is true that the UNREPENTANT will suffer the judgment of damnation, however, the REPENTANT will suffer the judgment of grace and mercy, "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Messiah YAHshua: Whom YAHWEH hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of YAHWEH; To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in YAHshua," Ro. 3:24-26.

But the self righteous, who are falsely trusting in their own righteousness, are quick to judge according to the law apart from mercy and faith. The self righteous are unmerciful.

The self righteous are blind, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity," Mt. 23:23-28.

Self righteousness looks good on the outside, but the problem is within. A self righteous person is blind to his own inward status. Jeremiah was inspired to write, "The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it," 17:9.

YAHshua also revealed what is on the human heart, "Then came to YAHshua scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Why do Thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they eat bread.’ But He answered and said unto them, ‘Why do ye also transgress the commandment of YAHWEH by your tradition? For YAHWEH commanded, saying, ‘Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.’ But ye say, ‘Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free.’ Thus have ye made the commandment of YAHWEH of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.’ And He called the multitude, and said unto them, ‘Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.’ Then came His disciples, and said unto Him, ‘Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?’ But He answered and said, ‘Every plant, which My Heavenly FATHER hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.’ Then answered Peter and said unto Him, ‘Declare unto us this parable.’ And YAHshua said, ‘Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man,’" Mt. 15:1-20.

In many cases too much attention is focused on what goes in the mouth and not out of it. I have been affiliated with Sabbath and holy day observers ever since 1969. It was at that time that I learned of the law of clean and unclean foods. As I have walked in this way some amazing things have come to my attention. I have known many people who were so careful about what they eat that they verged on the edge of paranoia. So much concern was expressed concerning foods. Many of these people’s children were raised observing the law of clean and unclean foods, yet many of those same children did not adhere to the faith of their parents, but fell away to the world. It is amazing to hear the testimony of many of these same children. They continue to observe the law of clean and unclean foods, but when it comes to the law of righteousness, no consideration has been given whatsoever. The children do not observe the Sabbath, Holy Days nor any of the other commandments so to speak. The focus has been on the physical and not the spiritual. This is an error of great proportions.

One young man who was a son of a believer boasted to me that even though he was no longer in the faith, he had NEVER eaten any unclean foods. This young man is an alcoholic and has lived his life accordingly.

A vital thing has been eliminated when it comes to teaching ourselves and our children concerning our very nature that is within us.

The Apostle Paul revealed the most important of realities to us along with YAHshua and Jeremiah. In the book of Romans chapter seven Paul writes, "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? YAHWEH forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, ‘Thou shalt not covet.’ But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence (Concupiscence means longing for wrong things, lust, illicit desire). For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? YAHWEH forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of YAHWEH after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members," Ro. 7:7-25.

Paul is writing about the struggles he is having concerning the flesh. Paul reveals here that there is a law of sin in the flesh. That law of sin was introduced into the flesh by Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. It is passed down to every man through inheritance. Our inheritance through Adam is sin, corruption and death. (See our article entitled Is The Law Done Away?) This law of sin in the flesh is as sure as the law of gravity. When we seek to rise above it, it only pulls us back down again.

Paul also wrote, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law," Gal 5:16-18.

The law of sin in the flesh works against the law of righteousness in the mind. The true believer, the truly converted will always have a battle going on inside. He will be determining to go the way that is right and good, the way of righteousness, delighting in the law, but the law of sin will always be working against him to prevent him from performing that in which he delights after the inward man.

Such is the reason why the covenant YAHWEH made with Israel was not successful.

When YAHWEH proposed His covenant to Israel they promised that they would perform it, "And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which YAHWEH commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, ‘All that YAHWEH hath spoken we will do.’ And Moses returned the words of the people unto YAHWEH...And Moses came and told the people all the words of YAHWEH, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, ‘All the words which YAHWEH hath said will we do’...And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, ‘All that YAHWEH hath said will we do, and be obedient.’ And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, ‘Behold the blood of the covenant, which YAHWEH hath made with you concerning all these words,’" Ex. 19:7-8, 24:3, 7-8.

Israel did not realize the problem that they would have in seeking to live according to their own promises, but YAHWEH knew for Moses writes, "These words YAHWEH spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and He added no more. And He wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me. And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, for the mountain did burn with fire, that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; And ye said, ‘Behold, YAHWEH our Elohim hath shewed us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that Elohim doth talk with man, and He liveth. Now therefore why should we die? For this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of YAHWEH our Elohim any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living Elohim speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? Go thou near, and hear all that YAHWEH our Elohim shall say: and speak thou unto us all that YAHWEH our Elohim shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.’ And YAHWEH heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and YAHWEH said unto me, ‘I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!...These are the words of the covenant, which YAHWEH commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb. And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that YAHWEH did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land; The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles: Yet YAHWEH hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day,’" Dt. 5:22-29, 29:1-4.

Israel promised, trusting in themselves that they could perform YAHWEH'S laws and commands. Yet YAHWEH said that they didn’t have the heart in them at that time to be able to perform them. Why? Because of the law of sin in the flesh and because YAHWEH had not yet given them the heart to be able to perform.

Paul makes an interesting admission in his writings, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to YAHWEH for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of YAHWEH, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of YAHWEH'S righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of YAHWEH. For Messiah is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth," Ro. 10:1-4.

Israel made their covenant with YAHWEH in ignorance. They went about seeking to establish their own righteousness (self righteousness) being ignorant of the righteousness of YAHWEH.

Herein is the fifth lesson of self righteousness. Self righteousness binds one to the law made at Sinai which is Hagar, "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Messiah be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all," Gal. 4:19-26.

The self righteous are so taken up with their own ability to fulfill the law that they are in the state of the same self righteousness that Job was steepen in before YAHWEH began to work with him. They have engendered themselves to Mt. Sinai which is Hagar and are in bondage to the fulfillment of the law by the flesh and not the power of the spirit.

YAHWEH'S righteousness is discovered in the New Covenant made through YAHshua Messiah, "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, He saith, ‘Behold, the days come, saith YAHWEH, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in My covenant, and I regarded them not, saith YAHWEH. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith YAHWEH; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them an Elohim, and they shall be to Me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know YAHWEH:’ for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.’ In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away," Heb. 8:7-13.

Self righteousness binds one to the Old Covenant which the law of sin in the flesh prevents him from fulfilling. It is a covenant of bondage.

There is also a pattern that is extant throughout the Scriptures. Paul writes, "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.’ Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Master from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly," 1 Cor. 15:42-49.

The first covenant was sown in like manner as Paul is speaking of here. It was sown in physical, corruptible flesh. It was a covenant made with physical, fleshly Israel. They simply had no heart to obey YAHWEH, just as Adam, the first man, the man of the flesh, had no heart to obey, but disobeyed very quickly. Look how quickly Israel disobeyed after they had made their covenant with YAHWEH.

The first covenant was a physical, fleshly covenant. It was sown in dishonor and corruption, just as the flesh has been sown in dishonor and corruption. The second covenant is made through the Adam from heaven, YAHshua. The second covenant is the covenant of the spirit, for YAHWEH circumcises the foreskin of the heart and not the foreskin of the flesh. Even the rite of circumcision exposes the pattern of first comes the flesh, second comes the spirit.

Israel and almost all of the world have been ignorant of this pattern. So many people in all faiths have sought to establish their own brand of self righteousness. We must REPENT of this tendency to establish our own righteousness and submit to the righteousness which comes from above, from YAHWEH through YAHshua. It is the circumcision that comes from YAHWEH, the circumcision of the heart that we must be concerned with. That is the righteousness that is worthwhile and enduring.

There are five important and vital lessons concerning self righteousness that we have learned in this treatise.

 #1 Self righteousness exalts one above YAHWEH.

 #2 Self righteousness exalts one above others.

 #3 Self righteousness is unmerciful.

 #4 Self righteousness is blind.

 #5 Self righteousness binds us to the Old Covenant that we CANNOT FULFILL.

Self righteousness is a most deadly sin. It is a sin that, if not repented of, will lead one to destruction. Look at how YAHshua addressed the scribes and Pharisees time and time again.

Are you afflicted with the sin of self righteousness? You can only discover it if you will search the Scriptures diligently to find out. It would be well worth your while to examine yourself accordingly. May YAHWEH bless you to root this evil completely out of your life. HALLELUYAH!

By Jerry Healan