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Is astrology [the study of the stars] evil?
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Is astrology [the study of the stars] evil?
Astronomy is evil only when we use it as an amulet. In other words, when we believe that our well being depends on what the stars tell, and not on the merits earned with our obedience to God's commandments. As is written: " And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God" - Deuteronomy 28: 1-2, KJV.
By the way, this is the reason why Samaritans refuse to embrace the Christian concept of " salvation by faith, and without the need of works", as any dogma that pretends to tell you that blessing can be achieved without obedience to God's commandments is a veiled form of paganism. Why? because Scripture specifically tells that if you turn away from God's commandments you'll end up mad and confused. As is written: «But if you do not obey the Lord your God by carefully following all his commands... these curses will come and overtake you: ... the Lord will afflict you with madness, blindness, and mental confusion»- Deuteronomy 28: 15 & 28, Christian Standard Bible.
“ The heavens declare the glory of God, and the Sky above proclaims his handiwork”- Psalms 19: 1
God created nature, so we could learn from it the ways of the Almighty. In addition, nature is the means by which the infinite Being help us understand (by way of logical extrapolations) the truths currently beyond direct observation. For example, consider the question of an after life: Do we humans experience more than one form of existence? Or is rather our " air-based" environment the only state we will ever experience? Well, nature hints at the idea that, when the baby is inside his mother's womb, he feels as if the watery environment he currently dwells is the only one capable of sustaining life; but that is obviously wrong, as we all know he will eventually experience (outside his mother's the womb) a different [air-based] existence. By the same token, most people believe life can only exist within material bodies; but they forget that matter is just concentrated energy, so that [in principle] “non-physical” (“energy like”, or “spiritual”) life should be as likely to exists.
Salvation by faith, and without the need to obey God's Commands? The Creator wants your obedience, not your faith!
The New Testament states that God’s favor (and His forgiveness), isn’t achieved by doing good, but rather by faith- “FOR BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED, THROUGH FAITH, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, NOT BY WORKS, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2: 8-9).
But this passage contradicts the Scripture, that teaches the Lord is not only pleased with those who do good and abandon evil, but will even grant them forgiveness: “PUT AWAY THE EVIL OF YOUR DOINGS from before My eyes. CEASE TO DO EVIL, LEARN TO DO GOOD; SEEK JUSTICE, REBUKE THE OPPRESSOR; DEFEND THE FATHERLESS, PLEAD FOR THE WIDOW. Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord, THOUGH YOUR SINS ARE LIKE SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY ARE RED LIKE CRIMSON, THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL. IF YOU ARE WILLING AND OBEDIENT (TO THIS COMMAND) YOU SHALL EAT THE GOOD OF THE LAND; but if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword” (Isaiah 1: 16-20).
Abandon all kind of falsehood! Enter the Kingdom of God, by saying the following prayer: “Oh God, I repent from my sins. I acknowledge you want me to stop doing evil, and start doing that good which pleases You. You want me to fear You, by obeying your (Ten) commandments (Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14). I’m weak, oh Lord!, please grant me the strength I need, in order to live the life that pleases you; a life of justice, mercy, and meekness (Micah 6: 8); a life of obedience to your commandments (Leviticus 18: 5). Thank you God, ‘cause I know that, if I do my part, you’ll do Your part, thus completing what I’m missing, and letting me into your Holy City (the Kingdom of God). Thank you, for what you have done in my life, and for the victory you’ll show me in the end (Jeremiah 29: 11). Amen.
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What should a Reformed Samaritan say to his beloved Christian brothers
Next time a Christian brother asks you to acknowledge that Jesus (peace be upon him) is the Savior, that he is God in the flesh, or that he died for your sins, give him a truthful and honest reply.
Tell him that Jesus was indeed a sublime teacher; a “moral supernova”, seemingly appointed by God to be the savior of both Greeks and Romans [as they would not repent of their sins, nor do any other good commanded by the God of Israel, unless they can do it in the name of Jesus].
But tell him also that Torah states there's no savior for the Hebrew people, besides י ה ו ה (Adonai Yah, the blessed God of Israel). As it is written: “I, even I, AM י ה ו ה (THE LORD); AND, BESIDES ME, THERE IS NO SAVIOR”- Isaiah 43: 11. Tell the Christian brother that Torah states God is no man (“GOD IS NOT A MAN, that He should tell or act a lie, NEITHER THE SON OF MAN”- Numbers 23: 19).
Tell the Christian brother that Torah teaches no one can die for the sins of other people. As it is written: “The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers; ONLY FOR HIS OWN SIN SHALL ANYONE BE PUT TO DEATH”- Deuteronomy 24: 16);
Tell him that Torah also says- “THE SOUL THAT SINS, IT [IS THE ONE THAT] SHALL DIE. The son shall not bear and be punished for the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear and be punished for the iniquity of the son... ”- Ezekiel 18: 20;
Finally, tell him [in a lovingly fashion] that Torah says elsewhere: “In those days they shall say no more, 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge'. BUT EVERYONE SHALL DIE FOR HIS OWN INIQUITY [ONLY]; every man who eats sour grapes—his [own] teeth shall be set on edge”- Jeremiah 31: 29-30.
May the Holy One [who rightfully judges the hidden intentions of our hearts], show us His kindness and mercy! Amen
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