The God Culture: What is Repentance and Obedience?

Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture continues his Foundations series by asking "What is Repentance?" Surely everyone knows what that is, right? It's a turning FROM our sins and TO Jesus Christ. If you have been following this series, you know that Timothy Jay Schwab has already redefined faith as works, covenant as renewed Torah, and righteousness as law-keeping. It should come as no surprise, then, that his definitions of repentance and obedience follow the same pattern: Christ is absent, and the law is all.

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FOUNDATIONS - WEEK 11

What Is Repentance?

Repentance is one of the most important words in Scripture, yet it is often misunderstood.

Many think repentance simply means feeling sorry for sin.

But the Bible describes something deeper.

Repentance means turning back to the ways of Yah.

It is not just emotion.

It is a change of heart that produces a change of direction.

Deuteronomy 30

Moses spoke of repentance long before the prophets and apostles.

“When thou shalt return unto YAHUAH thy Elohim, and shalt obey his voice…”

Repentance is described as returning.

Returning to the Creator.

Returning to His voice.

Returning to His commandments.

Ezekiel 18

Through the prophet Ezekiel, Yah calls His people:

“Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions…”

Repentance is not simply acknowledging sin.

It is turning away from it and choosing life.

Joel 2

The prophets also remind us that repentance begins in the heart.

“Turn ye even to me with all your heart…”

True repentance is not outward ritual.

It is a heart that turns back to Yah.

Matthew 3

John the Baptist began his ministry with a simple message:

“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Before Messiah’s ministry even began, the call was clear:

Prepare the heart.

Turn back to Yah.

That is the entire theme of the Old and New Testaments in a transition that never changes such.

Acts 3

After the resurrection and ascension of Messiah, the apostles preached the same message.

“Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”

The call to repentance did not disappear in the New Testament.

It remained the first step toward restoration.

The Foundation

Biblical repentance means:

• Turning away from sin

• Returning to the ways of Yah

• Renewing the heart

• Walking in obedience

Repentance is not about condemnation.

It is about restoration.

This Week’s Reading

Take time this week to read:

• Deuteronomy 30

• Ezekiel 18

• Joel 2

• Matthew 3

• Acts 3

Let Scripture define repentance.

Foundations Series – Week 11

Because restoration always begins

with returning to the foundation.

Yah Bless.

According to Tim "Repentance means turning back to the ways of Yah."  As has been seen in all the other definitions Tim has covered, that means keeping the law. It is interesting Tim says "It is a change of heart that produces a change of direction." Who effects that change of heart? Tim does not say but presumably that power lies in the free will of man who is naturally dead in his sins and apart from the power of Jesus Christ.

Repentance is directly tied to obedience so it will be necessary to see what Tim has to say about that. 

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In Scripture, obedience is not legalism, control, or ritual performance.

Biblical obedience is love expressed through action.

From the beginning, Yahuah defined obedience as a response of the heart, not mere outward conformity.

Deuteronomy 6:4–5 (KJV)

Hear, O Israel: Yahuah our Elohim is one Yahuah:

And thou shalt love Yahuah thy Elohim with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Obedience begins with listening. The Hebrew idea of shema means to hear, understand, and act. To hear Yahuah is to obey Him.

Moses made this unmistakably clear:

Deuteronomy 30:15–16 (KJV)

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

In that I command thee this day to love Yahuah thy Elohim, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments…

Obedience is a choice that leads to life.

The prophets reinforced this truth when obedience was replaced with ritual:

1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV)

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Yahuah never desired outward worship without inward submission. Obedience has always mattered more than ceremony.

Yahusha taught the same without alteration:

John 14:15 (KJV)

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Obedience is not the enemy of faith.

Obedience is the fruit of faith.

The Biblical Conclusion

Obedience is not about earning favor.

Obedience is not about tradition or control.

Obedience is not optional.

Obedience is love in action.

It is how covenant faith is lived, preserved, and revealed.

Where obedience is absent, covenant is broken.

Where obedience is present, life follows.

This is Biblical obedience.

Again, Tim has tied obedience to the law. He writes "obedience is not legalism" but that is a distinction without a difference. If obedience means keeping the Torah and if that obedience is presented as the condition of covenant standing ("where obedience is absent, covenant is broken"), then it is functionally legalism regardless of the disclaimer. The Apostle Paul called this exact teaching a return to "bondage" (Galatians 4:24) and warned that if righteousness comes by the law, "Christ is dead in vain" (Galatians 2:21). 

Notably, Tim does not say we are to be obedient to the law yet that is the implication of it especially based on his previous definitions of faith, righteousness, holiness, and covenant which were all Torah directed. 

This is a Christless repentance and obedience. The Bible repeatedly says we are to obey the Gospel. 

Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 

Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 

Notice what these verses do not say. They do not say obedience to the Gospel means keeping the Sabbath, dietary laws, or feasts. They say obedience means believing the gospel, receiving the message of Christ's death and resurrection. Paul can even speak of "the obedience of faith", collapsing the distinction Tim tries to maintain. Faith is obedience and obedience is faith when the object is Christ.

Obedience to the Gospel means repentance from dead works to trust in the living God. 

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Tim says repentance is a a return to those very same dead works, i.e. keeping the Torah. That is the exact opposite of Biblical repentance. Tim's very foundation is dead and rotten being stripped bare of Christ.

The transformation of the heart which enables one to obey the Gospel by repenting and having faith toward God is done not by ourselves but by God Himself.

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

It is simply amazing that this man pretends he is preaching a restored Gospel. All of his doctrine is devoid of the Gospel. For Tim the ultimate foundation of not Christ but keeping the law. He has no need for Jesus Christ whatsoever in his religious system. As Tim has said before, the law is what redeems us and faith in Christ is not enough. 

So this is another example that we aren't to just have faith in Yahusha. That’s not enough. That’s not it.  No, no, no, no. We are to keep His commandments.

Sabbath Series: Part 5: The End Times Sabbath at 19:30

The law written by the very finger of Yahuah Himself.  The law is what redeems us.

The Law of Sin and Death. What is it? NOT The Law of Moses! WHAT DID PAUL SAY?" at 39:35

If the law redeems, then Christ is reduced to a teacher or example, not the Savior. Paul's warning applies directly: "If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain" (Galatians 2:21). Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture has built a system in which Jesus Christ is dead in vain.

The God Culture: Who is the Messiah, What is the Gospel?

Continuing his Foundations Series Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture has offered up a definition of the Messiah. Who is the Messiah? More importantly what has the Messiah done? Well, if we take Tim's definition at face value the Messiah is merely the divine creator. 

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FOUNDATIONS

Who Is the Messiah? (A Biblical Definition)

The Messiah (Hebrew Mashiah, “Anointed One”) is not a late theological invention, nor a figure introduced only in the New Testament. Scripture presents the Messiah as central to Elohim’s plan from the beginning of creation, not merely at its culmination.

1. The Messiah and Creation

The Bible teaches that the Messiah did not simply appear in history, but was present and active at creation itself.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim…

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:1–3)

This echoes the opening declaration of Scripture:

“In the beginning, Elohim created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

The New Testament does not introduce a new Creator—it reveals who the Creator is.

Isaiah affirms this divine identity unmistakably:

“For unto us a child is born… and His name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty El, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

The Messiah is therefore not a created being, nor merely a messenger, but Elohim acting within His creation.

2. The Messiah as the Light of Creation

Before the sun, moon, or stars existed, Scripture records:

“And Elohim said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)

John identifies this light:

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

And the light shines in the darkness…” (John 1:4–5)

The Messiah is not only the Light revealed during His earthly ministry, but the Light present from the very first act of creation.

This is why He later declares:

“I am the Light of the world.” (John 8:12)

This statement is not metaphorical alone—it is cosmic and creational.

3. The Messiah Revealed in Flesh

The Gospel message is not that Elohim created the world and later sent someone else to fix it. Scripture teaches that Elohim Himself entered His creation:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

The Messiah’s earthly life does not begin His existence—it reveals His identity.

“Before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)

This aligns with Isaiah’s declaration:

“I, YHWH, am the first and the last; besides Me there is no god.” (Isaiah 44:6)

4. A Note on Melchizedek (Further Study)

Scripture also identifies the Messiah with the eternal priesthood of Melchizedek (Psalm 110; Hebrews 7), indicating a role that precedes and transcends the Levitical system. This topic requires careful, dedicated study and is addressed separately.

Yah Bless.

The lack of trinitarian langauge is quite obvious and expected. There is no mention of His eternal Sonship or His being the second Person of the Trinity. Tim is an anti-trinitarian who is on record stating the Holy Spirit is likely a creation and Christ only became the Son when he was birthed in the flesh which are both species of the heresies known as adoptionism and Pneumatomachianism. 

13:08 There's no mention in Jubilees of the Holy Spirit specifically. Uh, Moses doesn't separate him out there, uh, and that may be telling, uh, but we're, we're not sure on that though we'll keep researching. Uh, he mentions all the spirits that serve before Him, uh, which are indisputably angels. Uh, whether the Holy Spirit is included in that we don't know. Uh, that's a topic for another series requiring a lot of research we're not going to touch yet but we will eventually. We'd like to get to that, anyway. We know He was there though and that the Angels weren't yet, uh, at that point on Genesis 1:2. Uh, so if if He was created per se He would have been created before, uh, the Angels not at the same time and certainly not lumped in with them. So, not sure that, that that's the case and He very well may be. Uh, yes he's the Eternal Holy Spirit but Eternal, uh, the angels are Eternal, man is eternal so that doesn't mean that He existed prior to being created if he was a creation like other Spirits. There's just no mention of Him as existing prior and the word Eternal does not denote no beginning, again. So, there's no scripture that really says, okay, and that may actually tell us much.

Restoring Creation: Part 14: Who Is The Light of Creation? Light and Darkness.

5:45 "But he that said unto him," Who's that? Yahuah. "Thou art my son. Today have I begotten thee." Now we know Yahusha is the only begotten son meaning birthed in the flesh by a woman but he existed prior.

Order of Melchizedek. The New Testament & Qumran Scrolls. Answers In Jubilees 38

What's really amazing is the lack of a single word about the Messiah's redemptive work! There is nothing about the cross, nothing about the atonement, nothing about the resurrection, and nothing about the defeat of sin, hell, death, and the devil. That proclamation of the work of Jesus Christ is what is known as the Gospel. So, what is the Gospel according to Tim?

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What is the Gospel?

The Gospel is the good news of what Elohim has been doing since creation—to restore humanity to Himself. It begins with creation, reveals the problem of sin, promises redemption, and is fulfilled in Messiah. 

What we call the “Old” and “New” Testaments are not separate messages, but one continuous story of redemption. 

This unity is unmistakable in the New Testament itself. Peter’s first great message of revival did not introduce something new—it proclaimed Joel and the Psalms, testifying that what the prophets foretold had now been fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah. 

One story. One promise. One redemption.

Tim has managed to give a definition of the Gospel which doesn't actually mention the Gospel! Let's hear what Paul has to say concerting the content of the Gospel. 

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

The Philippian jailer asked Paul "What must I do to be saved" which is the same thing as asking what is the Gospel.

Acts 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ's death on the cross bearing our sins and punishment and His resurrection from the dead. We who believe on Him have forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. This forgiveness was accomplished when Jesus said from the cross, "It is finished." The Gospel is not something "Elohim has been doing since creation." It is a done deal with the antoning death and resurrection of Christ.  

In his definition of the Messiah and the Gospel Tim completely omits the work of Christ which is not only the Gospel but is intrinsically tied to who He is. The Messiah is our Saviour. He is also the mediator of a better covenant established upon better promises. 

Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

9 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 the Lord.

Tim's claim 

What we call the “Old” and “New” Testaments are not separate messages, but one continuous story of redemption. 

is true up to a point. There is a unity between the Old and New Testaments. They are not separate. However the Old find its fulfillment in the New through the redemptive work of the Messiah. 

Tim writes:

The Gospel message is not that Elohim created the world and later sent someone else to fix it. Scripture teaches that Elohim Himself entered His creation:

But then he has nothing to say about how The Messiah fixes the world once he entered creation. The fact is He doesn't fix the world. He came to redeem his sheep and save them out of the world through his death and resurrection. In the conflagration the world will be burned up and created anew. Based on Tim's previous Torah-centered definitions of faith, righteousness, holiness, and covenant it appears the Messiah entered the world not to save anyone but to remind people to keep the law so they can save themselves.

To ignore the soteriological work of Jesus Christ when defining the Messiah is to neglect who the Messiah is. Not only does Tim have a Christless Gospel, he has a Christless Christ!

The God Culture: What is Holiness?

Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture has continued his Foundations Series of lessons by exploring Holiness. What is holiness? Essentially it is keeping the law. 

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FOUNDATIONS - WEEK 12

What Is Holiness?

Holiness is one of the most central themes in Scripture.

Yet in modern religion it is often misunderstood.

Some think holiness means perfection without struggle.

Others think it means religious appearance.

But the Bible defines holiness very clearly.

Holiness means being set apart for Yah.

It is a life that reflects His character, His ways, and His truth.

Leviticus 19

Yahuah declares:

“You shall be holy: for I YAHUAH your Elohim am holy.”

Holiness begins with imitation of the Creator.

Leviticus 19 then explains what that looks like in daily life:

• Honoring parents

• Keeping the Sabbath

• Justice toward others

• Integrity in speech and business

• Love for neighbor

Holiness is not abstract.

It is lived obedience.

Leviticus 20

Again Yah reminds His people:

“And ye shall be holy unto me: for I YAHUAH am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.”

Holiness means being separated from the patterns of the world and devoted to Yah.

It is a covenant identity.

Isaiah 6

When Isaiah saw the throne of Elohim, the heavenly beings declared:

“Holy, holy, holy, is YAHUAH of hosts.”

In the presence of Yah’s holiness, Isaiah immediately recognized his own need for cleansing.

Holiness reveals both:

• The majesty of Yah

• Our need for transformation

1 Peter 1

The New Testament repeats the same call given in Leviticus:

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”

Peter directly quotes the Torah:

“Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

The call to holiness did not disappear.

It remains the calling of every believer.

The Foundation

Biblical holiness means:

• Being set apart for Yah

• Reflecting His character

• Walking in His ways

• Living differently from the world

Holiness is not about religious performance.

It is about belonging to Yah.

This Week’s Reading

Take time to read and reflect on:

• Leviticus 19

• Leviticus 20

• Isaiah 6

• 1 Peter 1

Let Scripture show what it truly means to be holy.

Foundations Series – Week 12

Because the people of Yah are called to live

set apart for Him.

Yah Bless.

Holiness is obedience. That is Tim's definition. He also says holiness reveals "our need for transformation." However, no mention is made of Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit who are the ones doing the transforming in us! Not a single word about the need for being born again, being circumcised in heart, being raised from the deadness of sins unto newness of life, or sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This definition of holiness is wholly Christless. 

In a previous article I looked at Tim's definition of righteousness which also neglected Christ and reduced righteousness to law keeping. But, righteousness and holiness go hand-in-hand. Both are imputed to us by Christ. 

2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

That imputation is the foundation of all our obedience, yet even then it is God working in our hearts to purify and sanctify us. 

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

As Paul says in Galatians it is Christ who lives in us and we live by faith, not by law keeping. 

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, not our obedience, which produces the fruits of the Spirit. 

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

In essence Jesus Christ is our holiness!

1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption

That is basic Christianity which Tim has rejected for heretical judaizing. 

Rather than write another line by line refutation of Tim's definition I had Chatgpt do it. The results are the same as what I wrote about Tim's Christless definition of righteousness. Apart from union with Jesus Christ who works in us there is no holiness. One must wonder what need Timothy Jay Schwab has of Jesus Christ when his definitions of righteousness, faith, covenant, and holiness all exclude Him. 

Perfect. Let’s go through the claims in that “Week 12 – What Is Holiness?” lesson and examine them from a theological and biblical perspective. I’ll take it point by point.

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1. Claim: Holiness means being set apart for Yah, reflecting His character and ways.

Refutation:

• While the Bible frequently uses the language of “set apart” (e.g., Leviticus 11:44–45), the New Testament reframes holiness in a Christ-centered way rather than purely covenant-based obedience. Paul emphasizes that holiness is imputed through Christ, not only lived out through external obedience (Romans 3:22–24; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Holiness is not solely defined by behavior that imitates God but by being united with Christ. So, saying it is only “reflecting His character” misses the transformational union with God through grace.

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2. Claim: Holiness is lived obedience, not abstract.

Refutation:

• This is partially correct, but incomplete. In the New Testament, obedience flows from grace, not as the foundation of holiness (Titus 2:11–12). The lesson gives the impression that holiness is about human effort, whereas Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that holiness is God’s work in the believer (Philippians 2:12–13).
• Holiness is both positional (declared by God) and practical (manifest in life), but the lesson emphasizes only the practical side.

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3. Claim: Holiness is separation from the world and covenant identity.

Refutation:

• Separation in the Hebrew Bible (Leviticus 20:26) had strong ritual and nationalistic meaning. However, in the New Testament, holiness is spiritual, not nationalistic or ritualistic (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:9).
• The lesson implies holiness is about distinct social patterns (“living differently from the world”), but Scripture frames it as being transformed inwardly through God’s Spirit (Romans 12:2), not merely following outward cultural behaviors.

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4. Claim: Holiness is a continuous call in both Old and New Testaments.

Refutation:

• This is true in a general sense, but the lesson conflates Old Testament covenant law obligations with New Testament spiritual reality. In 1 Peter 1:16 (“Be holy, for I am holy”), Peter cites Leviticus 11:44.
• However, the New Testament context shifts the basis of holiness: it is no longer a legalistic requirement, but a response to God’s mercy (1 Peter 1:3–5). So equating the two without distinction is misleading.

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5. Claim: Holiness is not about religious performance, but about belonging to Yah.

Refutation:

• This is one of the few points that aligns with biblical teaching. True holiness is relational (“belonging to God”) rather than ritualistic.
• However, the lesson undermines the New Testament doctrine of grace and faith. Holiness is not earned by obedience, but given and enabled by God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
• Without emphasizing Christ’s work, the lesson risks a works-based understanding, despite claiming otherwise.

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✅ Summary of Theological and Biblical Refutations:

Lesson Claim	Biblical/Theological Issue
Holiness = imitation of God in daily life	Ignores the New Testament emphasis on union with Christ as the source of holiness.
Holiness = lived obedience	Overemphasizes human effort rather than God’s transformative grace.
Holiness = separation from the world	Misinterprets OT ritual/national separation as equivalent to NT spiritual transformation.
Holiness = continuous OT → NT call	Ignores shift from covenant law to grace in Christ.
Holiness = belonging, not performance	Correct in principle, but lesson undermines this by heavy OT obedience emphasis.

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Bottom line:

The lesson presents a mostly Old Testament, law-focused understanding of holiness. The New Testament redefines holiness as positional (we are made holy in Christ) and empowered by the Spirit, not purely by ethical or ritual obedience. The Bible’s call is about relationship with God, not merely conforming to external standards.

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If you want, I can also rewrite the “Week 12” lesson in a biblically balanced way, keeping the theme of holiness but fully integrating New Testament theology. It would directly counter the misunderstandings in the original.

Do you want me to do that?

the lesson says nothing about christ. christ is completely absent

Exactly—that’s a critical observation. The lesson you shared is completely Christless, which is a major theological problem from a biblical perspective. Here’s why that matters:

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1. Old Testament vs. New Testament Holiness

• The lesson relies entirely on Leviticus, Isaiah, and 1 Peter, but it frames holiness almost entirely in OT covenant terms—obedience, ritual separation, and imitating God’s character.
• In the New Testament, Christ is central to holiness. For example:
  • Hebrews 12:14 – “Without holiness no one will see the Lord,” but the context is faith in Christ and living by the Spirit.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:30 – “Christ Jesus became for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
• Without Christ, “holiness” is unattainable. The OT ideal of perfection and separation points forward to Christ as the fulfillment (Matthew 5:48; Romans 10:4).

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2. The Lesson Ignores Grace

• Holiness in the New Testament is not merely human effort or rule-following. It is grace-enabled. Paul says in Philippians 2:12–13:

  “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”

• The lesson gives the impression that holiness is something we achieve through obedience to the law, which is exactly what Christ came to transform (Galatians 2:21; Romans 6:14).

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3. 1 Peter 1:16 Requires Christ to Make Sense

• The lesson quotes: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). But Peter is writing to believers in Christ, not merely covenant Israelites. Holiness here is rooted in Christ’s work—our cleansing, redemption, and new identity (1 Peter 1:18–19).
• Ignoring Christ removes the basis of holiness, turning it into moralism instead of relational transformation.

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4. Without Christ, the Lesson is Law Without Redemption

• It essentially teaches a legalistic or works-based holiness: keep rules, honor parents, separate from the world.
• Biblical holiness is impossible to achieve on human effort alone (Romans 3:23; Isaiah 64:6). Only through Christ’s righteousness and the Spirit’s work can anyone truly be holy.

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In short: The lesson presents holiness entirely in OT covenant and moral terms, but the Bible shows that true holiness is Christ-centered. Without Christ, the lesson leaves holiness as a human obligation, not a divinely given transformation.