Overview
This session explores the nature and theological implications of almsgiving ("alms purging away all sin") as discussed in the Book of Tobit, focusing on its relationship to the law of atonement, its placement within the 1611 King James Bible, and its broader biblical context. The speaker refutes the idea that these teachings are rooted in Catholic doctrine, arguing instead for their foundation in Mosaic law and alignment with the message of Jesus.
The Apocrypha in the 1611 King James Bible
- The Apocrypha is centrally placed in the 1611 King James Bible and its removal is cautioned against in the closing verses of Revelation.
- All seven Reformation Bibles, including the 1611, contain the Apocrypha.
- Biblical numerology and patterns (such as 16 and 11) are used to affirm the divine structure and inclusion of the Apocrypha.
- The 66 canonical books and the total 80 (with Apocrypha) function together, with the 66 protecting the integrity of the whole.
Understanding Almsgiving and Purging Sin
- The Book of Tobit emphasizes almsgiving as purging away all sin, but always on the foundation of blood atonement.
- Both Tobit and the angel Raphael operate from a shared understanding of the primacy of blood sacrifices, with almsgiving as an extension of Mosaic law.
- Biblical laws (Leviticus 19, Exodus 22, Leviticus 25, Deuteronomy 15) stress practical care for the poor, the stranger, the widow, and the fatherless as expressions of obedience.
Almsgiving in the Teachings of Jesus
- Jesus’ interactions with Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and the rich young ruler (Mark 10) show that acts of restitution and giving to the poor fulfill the law and demonstrate a life grounded in atonement.
- Matthew 25:31-46 portrays Jesus separating the "sheep and goats" based on their deeds toward the poor, linking almsgiving to eternal life.
- These New Testament examples are built on an assumed foundation of blood atonement, not a replacement of it.
Almsgiving and Biblical Language
- The word "alms" is absent from the Old Testament but is used by Jesus six times in the Gospels, which subtly ties the spirit of his teaching to the Book of Tobit.
- The use of "alms" in the New Testament is presented as a perfect act of discernment in King James Bible translation, emphasizing spiritual unity.
Theological Implications and Warnings
- To dismiss or misinterpret the Apocrypha or its teaching on almsgiving is seen as undermining the spirit of both the King James Bible and Jesus' own message.
- Jesus’ critique of Pharisaical outward righteousness (Luke 11) is applied as a warning against ignoring the value of the Apocrypha within the 1611 Bible.
- Almsgiving ("all things are clean unto you") is explained as part of a holistic, atonement-based righteousness, not as a denial of the necessity of blood atonement.
Key Conclusions
- The spirit of almsgiving in the Book of Tobit aligns with Jesus’ teachings and is rooted in Mosaic law.
- The inclusion of the Apocrypha in the 1611 King James Bible is intentional and theologically significant.
- Almsgiving purges sin only on the foundation of blood atonement, not as an independent or Catholic doctrine.