Bondage of the law versus Obedience to the law

While it is unfortunate most "christians" do not read the bible for themselves, it is even more unfortunate that most "pastors" do not either and, instead, rely on what they were taught in seminary or by other "pastors" who rely on what others have told them or their seminary background.



One misconception is regarding Yahweh's instructions for His people (AKA "the law").  Many hold to the erroneous belief that "the law is for the Jews" or "Jesus nailed it to the cross" or "we are now under the new covenant not the old so we do not have to obey the law", etc.  Another misconception is that the apostle Paul spoke against the law and that he called the law 'bondage' which is not at all what Paul said.

In previous posts, I showed Yahweh's instructions were given before Abraham, the first Jew, and that Yahweh gave His instructions to Adam and Eve.  I also showed that Noah knew "the law" because he brought clean and unclean animals into the ark and sacrificed some of the clean animals after the flood.  Before the flood, Noah preached Righteousness and the people ignored him.  As a preacher of righteousness, he had to have known Yahweh's instructions and the people had rebelled against them (and so they rebelled against Yahweh) showing "the law" had to be known by Noah and he had to have preached it to the people of the earth.  Without knowing Yahweh's instructions, they could not have been held accountable for violating them.  In a much earlier post, I stated that even satan must have had known Yahweh's instructions or how could iniquity - defined as violation of the law - be found in him?  Since Yahweh is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow His laws must be eternal from eternity past to eternity future.

Most "christians" accept the false teachings that Yahweh's rules ("the law") is evil and Messiah Yeshua did away with them on the cross.  This is not at all true and both Messiah Yeshua and the apostle Paul spoke at great length showing this is not true.

Here are a few of the verses that "christians" like to use to show how "evil the law is" and that "the law is bondage" meaning, of course although in error, Yahweh's instructions.  These people who teach this are ignorant at best, ravenous wolf deceivers at worst.

Galatians 2:4  And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

Galatians 4:9  But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Galatians 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Both Messiah Yeshua and the apostle Paul spoke against the bondage of the law and neither spoke of "the law" being that bondage.  First I will have to explain rabbinic Judaism, how it adds to Yahweh's instructions, and how both Messiah and the apostle Paul spoke against the rabbinic additions but not "the law"  ( I will use Torah for Yahweh's instructions or "the law")

In rabbinic Judaism, the Judaism that does not believe Yeshua as Messiah, there are different "sects" and among  the most strict are the orthodox.  I will use their beliefs and doctrines to explain what the bondage to the law is and how it is ADDITIONS to Torah and not Torah that Messiah and Paul spoke against and then I will give examples in scripture showing this.

Yahweh said to not eat pork, shellfish, and gave instructions which animals were clean to eat and which are not.  There is a verse in the bible that says to not boil a kid in its mothers milk.  This was a fertility ritual of the heathens that Yahweh did not want His people to participate in.  In rabbinic Judaism, they took this instruction and heaped tons of rules and regulations to it.  Even to this day, the added rules  are still observed. 

The talmud (the "oral law" that is sacred to rabbinic Judaism) states that "traditions are fences around the law"  Source/Notes:  Mishnah Pirqei Avot 3:14

Orthodox Jews do not eat meat and milk together and in a kosher restaraunt, they do not mix meat and milk and you cannot get a glass of milk in a meat restaraunt and cannot get meat in a milk restaurant.  In an orthodox home, they have two refrigerators: one for meat, one for milk, two sets of dishes: one set for meat, one set for milk (or three including a set for Passover) , they also have two dishwashers: one for meat dishes, one for milk dishes, etc.  Before the Sabbath in an orthodox Jewish home they will set the heat or air conditioner, set the oven (which will not be turned off until after the Sabbath), will take out or turn off the light in the refrigerator, and when using an elevator in an apartment building they will take the Sabbath elevator which stops at every floor so they do not have to push the button- considering all of this to be "work".  THIS is the bondage that Messiah and Paul both spoke against.

Messiah Yeshua spoke plenty about the rabbinic rules added to Torah but never spoke against Torah (or He would have been a sinner and not sin free)

Mark 2
23  And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
24  And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

Messiah Yeshua replied to them that the Sabbath was made for man --- for them to rest and enjoy not for them to observe the rabbinic rules and be servant to the Sabbath.

Mark 2
25  And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
26  How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
27  And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
28  Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

The Pharisees waited to see if Yeshua would heal on the Sabbath so they could accuse Him.  By healing on the Sabbath, Messiah showed that it is acceptable to do good on the Sabbath and to help others - just as the Pharisees would have taken care of their animals on the Sabbath.

Luke 13
10  And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
11  And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
12  And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
13  And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
14  And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
15  The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
16  And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
17  And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Interestingly after Yeshua, in rabbinic Judaism to this day they now allow healing on the Sabbath and it is permissible for doctors and nurses and those giving aid to others to work on the Sabbath under the rabbi's rules.  Yeshua was showing that the extra rules / bondage the rabbis placed on people was the bondage - not the Torah as given to the people since Adam and Eve.
The Jewish faith of the day they observed many traditions added onto them by the rabbis
 believing the addition of their rules would make them holier to Yahweh (same thing can be said of the churches today)   Here is another example where Yeshua and His disciples did not follow the rabbi's rules and traditions while still obeying Torah

Mark 7
5  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
6  He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7  Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8  For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9  And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Notice Yeshua was talking about how they were honoring Yahweh with their lips but their heart was not in it - they were obeying their man-made commandments and not obeying Torah.  Messiah stated they were rejecting Yahweh's commandments so they could keep their own traditions!  (same thing in the church today especially regarding Torah and observing pagan holy days calling them "christian")

Most love to twist what Paul said and claim he taught that Torah was bondage.  We will just examine a few verses and see this is not at all so.

Galatians 1
13  For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14  And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

Notice Paul called it "the Jew's religion" and never said David's religion, Abraham's religion, or mention Torah.  Paul then went on to state he was exceedingly zealous for the TRADITIONS of his ancestors.  This shows Paul knew the difference between Torah and the man made traditions that were added to it by the rabbis.  I showed in the post right before this one that in Ezekiel's time there was pure paganism that was brought into the temple and that obedience to Yahweh was thoroughly compromised before Paul's time.

Galatians 2:4  And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

Again, this is about the bondage of the rabbis and does not call Torah bondage.  In the previous chapter, Paul had already stated he used to be zealous for the TRADITIONS -- just like "christians" are zealous for the pagan holy days of ishtar (easter) and x-mass today.

Galatians 4:9  But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Galatians 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Many people are not satisfied with Yahweh's instructions and want the extra bondage / traditions of the rabbis.  I came to knowledge of the truth of following Torah long before the internet and long before I knew ANYONE else was.  For the longest time I thought I was the only one just by reading the bible on my own.  I was not led by anyone besides the Holy Spirit to obey Torah in obedience to Messiah Yeshua's instructions (His sheep know His voice)  Now I'm surprised with how many gentile "christians" are following the rabbinic traditions including wearing the sun "god" kippah, keeping meat and milk separate, and keeping the rabbinic traditions of the Sabbath - they have placed themselves under the rabbinic bondage both Messiah Yeshua and the apostle Paul spoke against.  There are even many so called "christians" that are involved in kabballah which is Jewish mysticism / divination / numerology / etc.  Messiah Yeshua said the road is narrow - and many false paths lead to the broad road that leads to hell. 

Messiah Yeshua said if people who claim to be His do not obey the Father's instructions (Torah / AKA "the law") He will reject them even if they are making youtube videos "for Him", making prophecies in His name, casting out demons in His name, etc.  Messiah Yeshua's sheep hear His voice and His voice says to obey God.  To obey is better than sacrificing  or doing things "for Him".

1 Samuel 15
22  And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

1 John 3:4  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Matthew 7
21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ^G458

Strong's number G458 iniquity (transliterated as anomia)   :
anomia
1) the condition of without law
     a) because ignorant of it
     b) because of violating it
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness

John14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

1 John 2
3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 5
2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Revelation 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 12:17  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Living in peace in a time of terror

Many people who claim to believe we are in the end times are very surprised by the terrorist attacks and are shocked by the terrorist attack in Nice, France yesterday and are astonished by the coup in Turkey just a couple of hours ago.  What I'm astonished at is how so many who claim they believe that that the tribulation is very near are so surprised when the events written about in scripture by the prophets of Yahweh and the events Messiah Yeshua said would happen are happening.  Messiah Yeshua said the events would increase in frequency as His return draws near and likened it to a woman in birth pangs. 

Matthew 24
6  You will hear the noise of wars nearby and the news of wars far off; see to it that you don't become frightened. Such things must happen, but the end is yet to come.
7  For peoples will fight each other, nations will fight each other, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various parts of the world;
8  all this is but the beginning of the 'birth-pains.'

The terror events, natural disasters, and other events prophesied in scripture are only going to get worse and are only going to increase in frequency.  Yahweh is still in control and NONE of these events have taken Him by surprise.  Those of us who trust Messiah Yeshua live with a peace among the chaos because we Know He is in control and He will protect us through what He has for us even if it gets worse before the rapture  and will protect us from Yahweh's wrath against the world by removing those of us who follow Him before the tribulation.

Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.  

Those who do not trust Messiah Yeshua and those who are not following Him while claiming they do will soon be in for a world much worse than we currently live in.  The terrorist attacks and wars are only a small glimpse of what is to come during the tribulation.  If you find yourself left behind due to not following Yeshua as your Messiah and you have not understood about Him, you can still be saved and Yahweh will protect you through what you wil have to go through which will include martyrdom by beheading. 

If you have understood Yahweh's salvation plan through Messiah Yeshua and you are left behind due to disobedience, you may not have a second chance since scripture says those who did know the plan of salvation through Messiah Yeshua will be given over to a strong delusion.

2 Thessalonians 2
10  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Those who do not trust in Messiah Yeshua need to repent and trust in Messiah Yeshua for your salvation.  Repent means turning away from your rebellion against Yahweh and follow Messiah Yeshua by obeying Yahweh and His Torah.  If you are reading this before the rapture (will those left behind even recognize the rapture for what it was?) and you repent and follow Yeshua, you will be removed by Yeshua before the start of the tribulation in the rapture.  If you are reading this after the rapture and now understand and trust Yeshua as Messiah, you will go through part of the tribulation before being martyred and Yahweh will give you the strength to do so. 

Whatever happens, do NOT take the mark in your right hand or forehead even if it means starving and unemployment.  Taking the mark will doom you forever.

Revelation 13
15  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17  And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18  Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Revelation 14
9  And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Messiah expects us to obey Him - and He is the Living Torah.   Messiah Yeshua was born of a virgin and was fully God and fully Man (and still is!)    Messiah Yeshua obeyed the Torah and never violated it or taught against it.  Messiah Yeshua died sin free - an unblemished Lamb to atone for the sins of the world and rose again three days later proving He was acceptable to Yahweh as the unblemished Lamb.  Messiah Yeshua expects us to follow Him as He followed His Father - in obedience.  Because we are human, we sin and when we trust in Yeshua as our Messiah,  we have Him as our unblemished Lamb to atone for our sins as well as our Cohen Gadol (High Priest) to mediate between us and Yahweh

1 John 3:4  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Matthew 7
21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ^G458

Strong's number G458 iniquity (transliterated as anomia)   :
anomia
1) the condition of without law
     a) because ignorant of it
     b) because of violating it
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness

John14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

1 John 2
3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 5
2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Revelation 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
.

Love grows cold when rebelling against Torah

Messiah Yeshua said in the end times because of increasing iniquity, love will grow cold:

Matthew 24:12  And because iniquity⁴⁵⁸ shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Iniquity is Strong's G458:

iniquity (transliterated as anomia) :
anomia
1) the condition of without law
     a) because ignorant of it
     b) because of violating it
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness

1 John 3:4  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

So love will grow colder as people move away from Yahweh's law - His Torah.  We see this with the United States continuing to fund planned parenthood even after it came out they sell baby parts and even kill babies that are born alive.  We see this with the increasing agenda of the sodomites and now the pedophiles (after the pedophiles people who want to legally have sex with animals will push to make it legal)

United States law is based on Torah - Yahweh's instructions found in the first five books of the bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) which is commonly called "The Law" and "The Law is for the Jews".  People are ignorant of what the Torah, "The Law" says. 

They do not understand it contains rules of law that are very beneficial to a free society and were given by Yahweh to protect us.

Here are SOME of the 619 Torah laws - Just a sampling of the laws given by Yahweh on how a nation (specifically Israel) was to be governed. 

These are the laws that people who claim "those laws are for the Jews" are rebelling against!  This is why the rebellious, especially the liberals, are supporting muslim sharia law - THEY ARE IN REBELLION AGAINST YAHWEH.

Some of the Torah laws that U.S. law is based on:

That one who possesses evidence shall testify in Court (Lev. 5:1) 
Not to testify falsely (Ex. 20:13) That the court shall not accept the testimony of a close relative of the defendant in matters of capital punishment (Deut. 24:16) 
Not to hear one of the parties to a suit in the absence of the other party (Ex. 23:1) 
To examine witnesses thoroughly (Deut. 13:15) 
Not to decide a case on the evidence of a single witness (Deut. 19:15)
Not to decide, in capital cases, according to the view of the majority, when those who are for condemnation exceed by one only, those who are for acquittal (Ex. 23:2) 
To treat parties in a litigation with equal impartiality (Lev. 19:15) 
Not to render iniquitous decisions (Lev. 19:15) 
Not to favor a great man when trying a case (Lev. 19:15) 
Not to take a bribe (Ex. 23:8) 
Not to be moved in trying a case, by the poverty of one of the parties (Ex. 23:3; Lev. 19:15) 
Not to pervert the judgment of strangers or orphans (Deut. 24:17) 
Not to render a decision on one's personal opinion, but only on the evidence of two witnesses, who saw what actually occurred (Ex. 23:7)
Not to execute one guilty of a capital offense, before he has stood his trial (Num. 35:12)
To accept the rulings of every Supreme Court  (Deut. 17:11) 
Not to rebel against the orders of the Court (Deut. 17:11) 

Please tell me which of the above laws you are against and why.  Those who claim that Torah is not for us today are REBELLING against these laws that Yahweh gave us which are also the laws of the United States (and many other countries)

Here is a listing of all of the Torah laws (broken down to 613 which are the recognized laws called "The Law" or Torah)   Most "Christians" reject them because they were taught to - they reject them without even knowing what they say.  All they are are parrots of men and have not read (or understood) the bible for their selves.  List of the 613 laws of Yahweh (Torah)

God was pushed out of school,  God is pushed out of society, and the rebellious do not want to follow His laws - including the laws of the nation that are based on Yahweh's laws.   Since God is not wanted, He will leave and allow allah (and sharia law) to take over.   This is the end of the end days and Yahweh's judgment is about to fall.  Now is the time to repent and accept Yeshua as Messiah - meaning LORD as well as Savior.

 Lord means you FOLLOW HIM and do as He says or He will reject you even if you claim to be His:

Matthew 7
21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity⁴⁵⁸.

Notice in verse 23 is the same word iniquity (Strong's 458) is in Matthew 24:12 ( Matthew 24:12  And because iniquity⁴⁵⁸ shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.)  If you do not obey God's law (Torah) Yeshua / Jesus will reject you and you will grow cold and will eventually be given over to the strong delusion and a reprobate mind.

iniquity (transliterated as anomia) is Strong's number G458 :
anomia
1) the condition of without law
     a) because ignorant of it
     b) because of violating it
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness

 2 Thessalonians 2
10  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 

Romans 1
21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 
26  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Notice not only those who are rebellious and cold hearted will be punished but also those who support those that do those things even if they do not participate in them.

Yeshua clearly expects us to obey Torah:

John14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

1 John 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 

Obeying Torah (Commandments of God) is just as important as having faith in Yeshua.  In fact, obeying is listed first so it is definitely not secondary.

Revelation 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 

In the Old Testament, Yahweh clearly says that obedience is more important than worship (sacrifice)

1 Samuel 15
22  And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.