'Messianic Judaism' is a religious movement or
sect whose adherents believe that
Jesus of Nazareth, whom they call
Yeshua, is both their
savior and the
resurrected Jewish
Messiah.
[ So, What Exactly is a Messianic Congregation? ]
While Messianic Jews practice their faith in a way that they consider to be authentically
Torah-observant and
culturally Jewish,
[ Who we are and what we believe. ]
[ Hashivenu's Core Values ]
[ Frequently Asked Questions ]
Jews,
★
★
★ Messianic Jews, Buddhist Jews
★
★ Messianic Judaism: A Christian Missionary Movement
★
★
[ Meeting the Challenge: Hebrew Christians and the Jewish Community ]
,
[ Why Don't Jews Believe in Jesus? ]
[ Messianic Jews Are Not Jews ]
[ Missionary Impossible ][Jewish Renewal FAQs, ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. Retrieved June 10, 2007."ALEPH has a policy of respect for other spiritual traditions, but objects to deceptive practices and will not collaborate with denominations which actively target Jews for recruitment. Our position on so-called "Messianic Judaism" is that it is Christianity and its proponents would be more honest to call it that."]
and most
Christians
do not consider Messianic Judaism to be a form of Judaism. Messianic Jews are also not considered
Jewish under the
State of Israel's
Law of Return.
[ Aliyah with a cat, a dog and Jesus ]
By 1993 there were 160,000 adherents of Messianic Judaism in the United States and 350,000 worldwide.
By 2003, there were at least 150 Messianic
synagogues in the U.S. and over 400 worldwide.
Identity
Although words used to identify aspects of Messianic Judaism are frequently disputed and sometimes contradictory, the term itself generally describes a belief that Jesus is the Jewish
Messiah and that obedience to the
Scriptures is the proper expression of faith. Adherents are described as ''Messianic believers'' or ''Messianics'' for short.
[ Messianics.com ][ Messianic''Life''.com ]
''Messianic Judaism'' is a relatively new term, coined as early as 1895 to help separate the practices of its followers from those of common
Christianity as a whole, and in order to more closely align its faith with that of biblical and historical
Judaism.
[1]
While Messianics describe Messianic Judaism as being Jewish,
, Jewish groups, national Jewish organizations, and others reject this classification and regard these groups as Christian.
[ Objections Messianic believers have to being classified as Christians include Christians' general rejection of the biblical festivals and adoption of pagan festivals, such as Christmas.][ CHRISTMAS ]
Messianics believe that the first followers of Jesus of Nazareth were called Nazarenes (in Hebrew, Notzrim; '"× ×¦×¨×™×"') or simply the Way.
History
The Messianic Judaism of today grew out of the Hebrew-Christian movement of the 19th century. Hebrew-Christian congregations began to emerge in England; the first of these was Beni Abraham, in London, which was founded by forty-one Hebrew-Christians.[2]
This led to a more general awareness of a type of Christianity with a Jewish background.[ The Rebirth of Messianic Judaism ]
In 1866, the Hebrew-Christian Alliance of Great Britain was organized, with branches also in several European countries and the United States. A similar group, The Hebrew Christian Alliance of America (HCAA), was organized in the U. S. in 1915. The International Hebrew-Christian Alliance (IHCA) was organized in 1925 (later becoming the International Messianic Jewish Alliance). Additional groups were formed during subsequent decades.[ ]
Modern Messianic Judaism was reborn in the 1960s.[ Messianic Judaism - The Best Recipe ]
A major shift in the movement occurred when Martin Chernoff became the President of the HCAA (1971-1975). In June of 1973, a motion was made to change the name of the HCAA to the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA) and the name was officially changed in June of 1975. The name change was significant as more than just a "semantical expression;" as Rausch states, "It represented an evolution in the thought processes and religious and philosophical outlook toward a more fervent expression of Jewish identity." [3]
When the movement began to become larger, new organizations less mainstream in their beliefs such as the Messianic Israel Alliance, First Fruits of Zion, and the Coalition of Torah Observant Messianic Congregations arose. These new smaller sects usually disagreed with mainstream Messianic Judaism over the issue of gentile observance, and whether it is obligatory (as in the One Law sects) or not (as in mainstream Messianic Judaism.)
Theology
Messianic Jewish theology is the study of G-d and Scripture from a Messianic Judaism perspective.
Scriptural Canon
Messianic believers commonly hold the TaNaKh to be divinely inspired. The Tanakh includes the Torah (first five books of Moses), Nevi'im (the Prophets) and Ketuvim (the Writings). The Apostolic Writings are commonly considered to also be divinely inspired. Most hold them to be equal in authority to the Tanakh, but this is not universal and can vary from individual to individual even within the same synagogue or Torah study. A very few Messianic believers are troubled by the writings of Paul (whom is often called Rav. Sha'ul) and may reject his writings, hold them in less esteem than those of the Gospel writers, or even reject him. Often, the emphasis is on the idea that the Tanakh is the only scripture the early believers had (most scripture scholars agree that there was not an established New Testament canon until the 4th century[4]) and that, except for the recorded words of Yeshua, the Apostolic Writings were meant as inspired commentary on the Tanakh. But generally, the vast majority of Messianic Jews believe the New Covenant to be Torah, and to have equal authority with the Hebrew Bible. Messianic Jewish scholar David H. Stern laid the groundwork for Messianic Halakah in his "Jewish New Testament Commentary" in which the theologian proves that Rabbi Sha'ul is fully coherent with Messianic Judaism, and that the B'rit Chadasha is to be taken by Messianic Jews as the inspired Word of God. This is the mainstream view within the movement although, as with many religions, there are several schools of thought.
''Canon:''
#Torah [תורה] meaning one or all of: "The Law"; "Teaching"; "Instruction". Also called the ''Chumash'' [חומש] meaning: "The five"; "The five books of Moses". It is the "Pentateuch".
#Nevi'im [× ×‘×™××™×] meaning: "Prophets"
#Ketuvim [כתובי×] meaning "Writings" or "Hagiographa".
#Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
#Acts
#General epistles of James, Peter, Paul and of the author of Hebrews
#Revelation
David H. Stern has produced a Messianic Jewish version of the Bible called the Complete Jewish Bible. This has been well received in Messianic Jewish circles, and even by some in evangelical Christianity . However, a main criticism of it is that it follows a paraphrased and not literal mode of translation.
Torah
"Torah" refers to the first five books of the Bible, also called the Penteteuch, Books of Moses, or Books of Law. The word translated most commonly as laws is probably more rightly translated as teachings. The Torah contains the 613 laws of the Covenant between God and Israel. For Jews, whether they are Messianic or not, observance is covenantal. For gentiles, it is not covenantally obigatory; for gentiles, Torah is to be read for instruction in doctrine and righteousness.
The ark in Messianic congregation Melech Yisrael, where the
Torah scrolls are kept.
Scriptural commentary
Messianic believers also look to Jewish texts, such as the Babylonian Talmud and other rabbinic commentary, for historical insight into an understanding of biblical texts and halakha. Much like Karaite Judaism, some Messianics do not accept rabbinic commentary or halakha as authoritative where it seems to contradict the Scriptures of the Messianic canon listed above. This, however, is debated and varies from congregation to congregation, or ministry to ministry--and perhaps even issue-to-issue. Although there is much debate with regard to acceptance of the Babylonian Talmud, there does exist a small minority who adhere to the teachings of the Sages and oral teachings held in the Talmud and consider them authoritative, yet the main difference between them and mainstream Judaism remains the same with regard to the belief of Yeshua as the Messiah. These groups consider Yeshua's command of, "The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in the seat of Moses, all of which they command you to do, do, but do not do as they do." (Matt 23:2-3) to be a proclamation of Torah authority to the Pharisaic Jewish community. One of the great differences between them and most Messianics is their belief of non-separation from the Jewish community and the authority of the Rabbis. Although they hold the Apostolic teachings as authoritative, as do the Messianics, there remain many details in Jewish Law which violate oral tradition, as well as the written Torah. Because of this, there remains for them another line of division between them and mainstream Judaism.
Many Messianic congregations use traditional Jewish rabbinic commentaries to gain historical insight into biblical teachings and passages and to better comprehend the environment that the first-century New Testament writers would have been familiar with. These traditional Jewish oral teachings are called the Mishnah and Gemara.
Messianic commentaries on various books of the Bible, with the exception of a handful of commentaries written on the Torah and New Testament texts, such as Matthew, Acts, Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews, can be few and far between. David H. Stern has released a one-volume Jewish New Testament Commentary, but it overlooks many of the issues of composition, history, date and setting, and only provides select explanatory notes from a Messianic Jewish point of view. Other noted New Testament commentary authors include: Joseph Shulam, who has written commentaries on Acts, Romans, and Galatians; Tim Hegg of TorahResource, who has written commentary on Romans, Galatians, Hebrews, and is presently examining Matthew; Daniel Thomas Lancaster, who has written extensively for the First Fruits of Zion Torah Club series; Stuart Sacks, author of ''Hebrews Through a Hebrews' Eyes''; and J.K. McKee of TNN Online who has written several volumes under the byline "for the Practical Messianic" (James, Hebrews, Philippians, and a NT Survey).
Further Scriptural commentary
Some Messianic believers call rabbinic commentaries such as the Mishnah and the Talmud "dangerous".[ So, What Exactly is a Messianic Congregation? ]
Halakhic commentary
While some in the Messianic movement, especially those who have come out of Protestant churches, have a "sola scriptura" approach" Torah, Tenakh, and the B'rit Chadashah (Scriptures), it is incorrect to assume that all Messianics share this rejection of oral Torah. There are those who look to the Talmud and rabbinical interpretations of Israel for guidance in a fuller expression of obedience to Torah. If Messianic Judaism is indeed a Judaism, it stands to reason that it shares community with all Jews in its acceptance of standards and interpretations. Messianics who honor halakhah point out that Deuteronomy 17 instructs not only obedience to Torah, but also to the Judges we go to for Torah interpretation, to "do everything they direct you to do. Act according to the law they teach you and the decisions they give you. Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right or to the left." Yeshua backs up the Torah teachers among the Pharisees in this authority in Matthew 23, "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you." [ Mission, Vision, & Purpose of the Jerusalem Council ]
In light of this, the Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council (affiliated with the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations) has published its standards--a tremendous forward movement for Messianic Judaism.[ Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council Standards of Observance ]
Core Doctrines
''This section lists some of the main beliefs and doctrines present in Messianic Judaism''
#'God' - Messianics believe in the God of the Bible, and that he is all-powerful, omni-present, eternal, exists outside of creation, and infinitely significant and benevolent. Some Messianics are more open to trinitarian views of God[5] while others demand strict monotheism.[6]
#'Yeshua the Messiah' - Yeshua of Nazareth, is considered the Jewish Messiah in Messianic Judaism. The mainstream movement accepts Yeshua as Yahweh in the flesh, and as the Torah made flesh as based on the Good News according to the emissaries (apostles). This view, is Messianic Halakah, that is doctrine, although some small offshoots exist outside the fringe of the movement which deny Yeshua's divinity. These however, are rejected by mainstream Messianic Jews in the same way Christians are in relation to smaller sects such as Jehovah's Witnesses.
#'Written Torah' - Messianics, with few exceptions, consider the written Torah (Pentateuch), the five books of Moses, to remain fully in force and a holy covenant, to be observed both morally and ritually, by those profess faith in God. They believe that Yeshua taught and re-affirmed the Torah, rather than did away with it.
#'Israel' - It is believed that the Children of Israel were, remain, and will continue to be the chosen people of the God of Jacob, and are central to his plans for existence. Virtually all Messianics (whether Jewish nor non-Jewish) can be said to oppose Replacement theology.
#'The Bible' - The Tanakh and Apostolic Writings (sometimes called the B’rit Chadasha) are usually considered the established and divinely inspired Biblical scripture by Messianic Judaism. Messianics are much more open to criticism of the established canon of the New Testament, since there was not considered to be a standard canon until the Gentile Church established one in the 4th century, when many Jewish sects devoted to the teachings and Messiahship of Jesus were on the decline.
#'Biblical Eschatology' - Most Messianics hold all of the following eschatological beliefs: the End of Days, the Second Coming of Jesus as the conquering Messiah, the re-gathering of Israel, a rebuilt Third Temple, a Resurrection of the Dead (and that Jesus was resurrected after his death), and the Millennial Sabbath.
#'Oral Law' - Messianic Jewish opinions concerning the “Oral Torahâ€, encoded in the Talmud, are varied and sometimes conflicting between individual congregations. Some congregations are very selective in their applications of Talmudic law, or do so for the sake of continuity with tradition, while others encourage a serious observance of the Jewish Halakha. Virtually all Messianic congregations and synagogues can be said to believe that the oral traditions are subservient to the written Torah.
Additional doctrines
#'Sin and atonement' - Messianics define sin as transgression of the Torah (Law/Instruction) of God (1 John 3: 4-5). Some adherents atone for their sins through prayer and repentance—that is, acknowledgment of the wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness for their sins (esp. on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement). Other Messianics disagree with these practices, believing that all sin (whether committed yet or not) is already atoned for because of Jesus's death and resurrection.
#'Faith and works' - Messianics draw on Jewish rather than Protestant tradition. In Hebrew there is but one word for both faith and faithfulness: Emunah. Most adherents to Messianic Judaism believe in a showing of their faith through righteous works (Jacob 2: 17-26; James 2: 1-26), defined by the Torah. Few Messianics believe that faith and works are mutually exclusive or polarized; most believe that faith in God and righteous works are entirely complimentary of one another, and that one naturally leads to the other.
The People of God
Messianic Judaism has as a core teaching that Israel remains Israel and the Nations remain the Nations, Jews remain Jews and gentiles remain gentiles. Jews are those who are born of a Jewish mother or have undergone halakhic conversion to Judaism. An exception is also made for those born of Jewish fathers if and only if the individual claims Jewish identity, similar to the Reform position. The statement of the Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council on Jewish identity may be found HERE: [1]
The "People of God" is a larger set which includes Israel, but also includes gentiles in the Christian Churches as well as Messianic gentiles. Thus, a rabbinical Jew is part of "Israel", a Baptist is part of "Ekklesia," and a Messianic Jew is both "Israel" and "Ekklesia." Further, rabbinical Jew, Baptist, and Messianic Jew, aka both Israel and Ekklesia, are "People of God." Messianic Judaism sees itself as the "link," the point of the graft between Israel and Ekklesia.
The issue of the relationship of Israel to Ekklesia, especially in terms of Covenant, is highly important to Messianics. While Jews, whether they are Messianic or not, are considered within an irrevocable Covenant given at Mt. Sinai, gentiles are not. A Messianic Jew must keep Covenant. A Methodist need not. Those gentiles who have joined Messianic congregations take up Torah observance, some more than others, but do so voluntarily, either out of love for God or simply as part of being in the community. Jews and gentiles are seen as completely equal before God; they are seen as "one new man" in their belief in Yeshua. But this union is not a homogenization, but more analogous to the union of husband and wife in marriage, where differentiation is preserved even within unity.
Thus, Messianic Judaism does not require gentile conversion to Judaism, and in fact discourages it. However, the UMJC makes exceptions for those rare individuals who identify in a stronger way than simply to be "grafted on." The reasoning for this variance is as follows: While Titus may have been the norm in the epistles, a gentile not converted to Judaism, Paul nevertheless made an exception for Timothy, whom he circumsized and brought under the Covenant. The statement of the Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council regarding Conversion may be found HERE:[2] These converts to Judaism do not in any way have a higher status within Messianic Judaism than the gentiles attached to the communities.
By Jewish law
The more mainstream Messianic congregations adhere to a strongly halakhic definition for God’s people. In these groups, Gentiles are colleagues and are strongly encouraged, but not required, to keep the Torah.
Competing Similar Theologies
Within the Messianic world, new theologies have arisen, and old theologies have come to claim the title of "Messianic," theologies which are not always compatible with the main beliefs held by the original and larger groups. Leadership from MJAA and UMJC have joined together to fight against the claims of these competing theologies.
One Law Theology
One Law theology acknowledges the distinction between Ekklesia and Israel in principal, but in practicality the lines are blurred because gentile believers are considered to come under the Mosaic covenant, making observance obligatory. This theology actually has a long line of various sects that have popped in and out of history. One Law groups have many things in common with Messianic Judaism because of their belief in the ongoing validity of the Mosaic Covenant -- but the one thing they disagree on is too significant to pass by. Leaders of the Messianic community such as Dan Juster of MJAA and Rus Resnick of UMJC have joined together to argue against One Law theology's insistence on gentile observance (One Law Movements; a Challenge to the Messianic Jewish Community[3] January 28, 2005).
Two House Theology
The Two House theology comes from the idea that the "House of Judah" in scripture refers to Jews, and the "House of Israel" refers to the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel or Ephraim. Where scripture says the House of Israel and Judah will again be "one branch", they believe it is referring to the idea that in the last days of the world, right before Yeshua returns, that all those descended from Israel will come back to Israel. This theology postulates that the reason why so many so called "Gentiles" are coming into Messianic Judaism is that the vast majority of them are really Hebrew and just don't know it yet. They believe that the vast majority of people who considered themselves as "Gentiles" coming into Messianic Judaism are those of the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. Like One Law groups, the Two House appears at first glance to have much in common with Messianic Judaism because of their belief in the ongoing validity of the Mosaic Covenant. However, the idea of gentiles claiming to be Israel who are not halakhically Jewish is deeply offesnsive to Messianic Jews. The mainstream organizations such as MJAA and UMJC have forbidden Two House teaching. (MJAA position paper: The Ephraimite Error[4])
Eschatology
Issues of Creation and Eschatology are not central to Messianic Judaism with the following exception: the idea that one age is ending, as the fullness of the gentiles has been reached, and the next age beginning, where we shall see the fullness of Israel. The wording is a reference to Romans 11,
"Again I ask: Did [the Jews] stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! ... For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? ... I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved."
The "fullness of the gentiles" might be said to refer to the Great Commission, which is complete. The rebirth of the nation of Israel, the re-establishment of Jerusalem as its capital, the return if Jews from Russia, "the nation to the north," and the return of Jews worldwide to greater observance are all seen as signs of the beginning of the age of Israel. Messianics believe that when the fullness of Israel is reached, the Messiah will return and the world will see the resurrection of the dead. (Rabbenu -- A New Paradigm For Messianic Jewish Outreach: Catching Up With the Future [5] May 28, 2006)
The majority of Messianics believe in a literal 7,000 year period for the human history of the world, from Adam to the Judgment, and believe that we are the final generation that will experience the Biblical apocalypse. A small, yet steadily growing sector of Messianics, have adopted forms of Old Earth Creationism which while denying the theory of evolution does discount a 6,000-7,000 year old earth, or in Theistic Evolution, the belief that God created using evolution, or similarly, that evolution occurred but that natural selection is an insufficient explanation for all of it, the hand of the Creator being evident.
Most Messianics believe that the Messianic Kingdom, or ''Millennial Sabbath'', will literally be for a period of a thousand years, after the collective resurrection of the dead, with Jesus the Messiah ruling from Jerusalem. Many believe that we are living in the final days, or “End Timesâ€, before the physical return of Jesus to Jerusalem.
Messianics also contend that no serious study of the End Times should ever leave out the significance of God's appointed times--the major Jewish Festivals in the Torah--and their fulfillment as prophetic events as it relates to the person of Jesus and to Israel. Many Messianics believe that just as the Spring Festivals (Passover, First Fruits, Shavuot) were literally fulfilled to the day at Jesus's first coming, the Fall Festivals (Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot) will be literally fulfilled to the day at Jesus's second coming, and that all of the moedim, indeed the entire Torah, intrinsically hint at the Messiah.
Overview of the Issues
Traditional Christianity affirms that the Torah is the word of God, though some Christians deny that all of the laws of the Pentateuch apply directly to themselves as Christians. The New Testament suggests that Yeshua established a new covenant relationship between God and his people (Heb 8; Jer 31:31–34) and this new covenant speaks of the Torah being written upon the heart. Various passages such as Matthew 5:17-19, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 John 3:4 and Romans 3:3, as well as various examples of Torah observance in the New Testament, are cited by Messianics in suggesting that the Torah was not and could not have been abolished.
Many Messianics believe that it is absurd to assume that any of the 613 Mitzvot would be abolished simply because certain commandments are or are not repeated or reaffirmed individually in the New Testament, proclaiming the belief that such was never the job of the Apostles in the first place, and that the Torah has always been immutable. Messianics sometimes challenge Christians by arguing that if they believe Jesus is the Messiah, then according to the Torah itself Yeshua could not have changed the Torah.
As with Orthodox Judaism, capital punishment and animal sacrifice are not practiced because there are strict Biblical conditions on how these are to be practiced, requiring a functioning Temple in Jerusalem with its Levite priesthood. When the power of capital punishment is available, often it's exercise is only after exhausting loopholes in Torah which are used to set a suspect free. According to the Talmud, capital punishment in Jewish law always had to lean on merciful alternatives to execution and make every effort not to give the strictest punishment within the confines of the Torah: "A Sanhedrin which kills once in seven years is considered murderous. Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah said: once in seventy years. Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Tarfon said: if we had been in the Sanhedrin, no one would have ever been killed." (Mishnah Makot 1:10).
Most Messianics believe that observance of the Torah brings about sanctification, not salvation, which was to be produced only by the Messiah.[7]
Like so many other elements of Messianic Judaism, the issue of Torah observance varies widely across the movement. The following subsections attempt to explain the differing opinions about Torah observance within Messianic Judaism as a whole.
Law and Grace
Some believe that the Torah is separated into moral, ceremonial, and civil commandments, and that only the moral laws are necessary to be observed by believers today. Others consider such a partitioning of the Torah to be a man-made and deliberate attempt to avoid serious observance of the whole Torah.
Others among the Messianics hold that both Yeshua and Paul taught and commanded Jews to remain obedient to all the laws found in the Torah. (See New Perspective on Paul)
Most Messianics believe Yeshua himself said that he came not to destroy the Law or Prophets but that he came to fulfill [to fill up to the full]. Matthew 5:17-19 17 " Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
A jot or tittle is a literary pen stroke that is written in little dots or strokes that can change the meaning of a word entirely based on one dot. As well, they contend heaven and earth are still here and that all prophecy cannot yet be fulfilled. Yeshua goes on to say,
19 "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. The Sabbath is the one command being the least of all commands in the eyes of the world.
While most who call themselves Protestants can agree Jesus is the literal the Word of God, also known as the Living Torah, come in the flesh (John 1:1-5) and use New Testament references to that same Word of God as having died on a cross, as the Lamb of God, as justification for teaching that the Law, the Torah, is now dead, they simply ignore the fact that if that is true, that same Jesus rose from the dead. And that theology if it proves the Law died, it thereto proves it is alive now. Not only alive once again, but for eternity. If it dies with Jesus because he is/was the literal Word of God, it rose with him also. Most Christians notice it was voided. Most Messianics notice it is alive. Both are right. But the Messianics are more right to notice the Word of God is in fact, alive. To worship/follow a dead Word of God does not meet the definitions of Christian, nor Messianic. John 11:25
A Jewish Jesus
Messianics believe that Jesus "Yeshua" was Jewish, and most believe that he never sought to rebuff, but rather devoutly taught, the Torah, and that according to the first chapter of John, he was the “Word“ (Torah) made flesh and thus could not have contradicted himself.. Some also believe that Jesus was a Pharisee.
A Jewish Paul
Some Messianics believe that Paul (whom they sometimes refer to as Sha’ul, his Hebrew name) remained a Jewish Pharisee even as a believer until his death. This is based on Acts 23:6, detailing events after Paul's acceptance of Jesus as Messiah. "But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men [and] brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question."
Messianics cite the cutting off of Paul’s hair at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken (Acts 18:18), references in passing to him observing the Jewish holidays, the frequent mistranslations of his writings in many Bibles, and his consistent good standing with his Rabbinic master Gamaliel, to show that he was wholly in continued observance of the laws and traditions of Judaism
They maintain that Paul never set out to polarize the gospel between faith and righteous works, but that one is necessary to maintain the other. The New Perspective on Paul is important in Messianic Judaism.
Comparisons
===To Judaism
Messianic Jews accept the life, death, and teachings of Jesus and his status as savior of the world which all other Jews do not.
To Christianity===
Historically, Christianity has featured supersessionism in which the Mosaic Covenant of the First Testament is superseded by the New Covenant of Jesus, wherein the merciful grace of God and not obedience to Torah is required for salvation. This is sometimes complimented with God moving the status of "God's people" from Israel, as the First Testament announces, to the Christian Church. Messianic Judaism, in varying degrees, challenges both thoughts. Israel, though it has rejected Jesus (by majority) has not forfeited its place as God's chosen people. They quote Romans 11:29 which says "for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." The core of supersessionism, in which the First Testament covenant is canceled, is less agreed upon. Though the mitzvoh may or may not be necessary, most are still good to follow, especially keeping the Sabbath and other holy days. Some believe that non-Christian Jews can still find favor with God through the Torah without accepting Jesus, as did Moses, David, and the Prophets.
In recent times, the Gentile Church, Christians who are not messianic Jews, has put more emphasis on its Jewish roots, especially Sabbath keeping. Some even attend Seders, though primarily for education.
Ethnic Jews who are Christians
Being Jewish can refer to a religious or ethnic identity, or usually both. Christians who are are ethnically Jewish do not necessarily identify as Messianic Jews. Christians with a Jewish heritage may follow Christianity in exactly the same way a Gentile Christian follows it. Further confusing, some Messianic Jews are actually of Gentile ethnicity, but attend Temple and the teachings of Messianic Judaism.
Jesus
The place of Jesus in Messianic Judaism is usually clearly defined. Contrary to Judaism, Messianic Judaism asserts that Jesus is the word of God become manifest (John 1:1;14), a belief that is identical with normative Christian doctrine regarding the nature and identity of the son of God. Furthermore, Messianic Judaism generally asserts that the Messiah has a dual aspect as revealed in Scripture [8]. Instead of merely a physical Messiah who would save Israel from occupation and restore the Davidic Kingdom, Jesus first rescued the world from spiritual bondage – paving the way for true understanding and application of the Torah. The Messiah will return again – only this time he will indeed rescue the world from physical oppression and establish his unending Kingdom - again, a belief that is identical to the normative Christian view of the Messiah. George Berkley writes that Messianics "worship not just God but Jesus" or ''Yeshua'' whom they hold to be God's promised Messiah.[ ]
Doctrines
As with many religious faiths, the exact tenets held vary from congregation to congregation. In general, essential doctrines of Messianic Judaism include views on ''God'' (omnipotent, omnipresent, eternal, outside creation, infinitely significant and benevolent - viewpoints on Trinity vary), ''Jesus'' (often called Yeshua, is believed to be the Jewish Messiah, though views on his divinity vary), ''written Torah'' (with a few exceptions Messianics believe Jesus taught and reaffirmed Torah and that it remains fully in force), ''Israel'' (the Children of Israel are central to God's plan, replacement theology is opposed), the ''Bible'' (Tanakh and New Testament usually considered the divinely inspired Scripture, though Messianics are more open to criticism of New Testament canon than is Christianity), ''eschatology'' (similar to many evangelical Christian views), and ''oral law'' (observance varies, but virtually all deem these traditions subservient to written Torah). Certain additional doctrines, including ''sin and atonement'' and ''faith and works'', are more open to differences in interpretation.[ Typical Messianic Statement of Faith ]
The People of God
There exists among Messianics a number of perspectives regarding who exactly makes up God's chosen people. These are 'covenant membership'', and ''halakhic definitions''. Most commonly, Israel is seen as distinct from Ekklesia; Messianic Jews, being a part of both Israel and Ekklesia, are seen as the necessary link of the gentile People of God to the commonwealth of God's people of Israel. The two-house view, and the ''one law/grafted in'' view are held by many identifying as Messianic, although major Messianic groups do not espouse these theologies.[ Who Is A Jew? Messianic Style ]
Eschatology
Many Messianics believe that all of the moedim, indeed the entire Torah, intrinsically hint at the Messiah, and thus no study of the End Times is complete without understanding the major Jewish Festivals in the larger prophetic context. To these believers, Passover, First Fruits, and Shavuot were fulfilled in Jesus's first coming, and Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot will be at his second. Many Messianics believe in a literal 7000 year period for the human history of the world, with a Messianic ''Millennial Sabbath'' Kingdom before a final judgment.[ Holiday Chart ]
Torah
The ark in Messianic congregation Melech Yisrael.
The issue of Torah observance is a contentious one within Messianic Judaism. Generally, "Torah observant" congregations observe Jewish Law, biblical feasts, and the Sabbath, [6]although they do not teach that gentiles need observe Torah. While most traditional Christians deny that the ritual laws and specific civil laws of the Pentateuch (though still affirming that Torah is the word of God) apply directly to themselves, passages[9] regarding Torah observance in the New Testament are cited by Messianics that Torah was not abolished for Jews. They point out that in Acts 21 we find that the Jewish believers in Jerusalem are "Zealots for Torah" and that Paul himself, although the victim of terrible gossip, has never stopped being observant. Most Messianics believe that observance of the Torah brings about sanctification, not salvation, which was to be produced only by the Messiah[10].
Religious practices
Main articles: Messianic religious practice
Holiday observance
The recommendations of the Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council on the observance of Jewish holidays may be found at http://www.ourrabbis.org/main/content/view/19/33/
Shabbat
Worship services are generally held on Friday evenings (''Erev Shabbat'') or Saturday mornings.
The recommendations of the Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council on Shabbat may be found at http://www.ourrabbis.org/main/content/view/16/30/
Dietary laws
The dietary laws of Judaism are a subject of continued debate among Messianic Jews.
The recommendations of the Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council regarding Kashrut can be found at http://www.ourrabbis.org/main/content/view/20/34/
Opposition and Criticism
Jewish objections
Jewish objections to Messianic Judaism are numerous and often begin with objections to the term "Messianic Judaism" itself. Many of the major Jewish objections to Jesus' messiahship and divinity are collected in this article at Aish HaTorah’s website.[ Why Jews Don't Believe in Jesus ]
Several anti-missionary organizations, such as Outreach Judaism and Jews for Judaism oppose Messianic Judaism on theological grounds, usually from an Orthodox Jewish perspective. In recent years these organizations have noticeably shifted their focus from opposition of Christianity to opposition of Messianic Judaism.
Denominations and organizations
All Jewish denominations, as well as national Jewish organizations, reject that Messianic Judaism is a form of Judaism.
According to the Central Conference of American Rabbis:
"For us in the Jewish community, anyone who claims that Jesus is their savior is no longer a Jew and is an apostate. Through that belief she has placed herself outside the Jewish community. Whether she cares to define herself as a Christian or as a 'fulfilled Jew,' 'Messianic Jew,' or any other designation is irrelevant; to us, she is clearly a Christian."[Opposition to Messianic Judaism from the Jewish community by Robinson, B. (Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance)]
Concerning Christian-Jewish reconciliation and Christian missions to the Jews, Emil Fackenheim wrote:
"…Except in relations with Christians, the Christ of Christianity is not a Jewish issue. There simply can be no dialogue worthy of the name unless Christians accept — nay, treasure — the fact that Jews through the two millennia of Christianity have had an agenda of their own. There can be no Jewish-Christian dialogue worthy of the name unless one Christian activity is abandoned, missions to the Jews. It must be abandoned, moreover, not as a temporary strategy but in principle, as a bimillennial theological mistake. The cost of that mistake in Christian love and Jewish blood one hesitates to contemplate.
…A post-Holocaust Jew can still view Christian attempts to convert Jews as sincere and well intended. But even as such they are no longer acceptable: They have become attempts to do in one way what Hitler did in another."[11]
According to ''1998 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents'' issued by Canadian B'nai Brith,
"One of the more alarming trends in antisemitic activity in Canada in 1998 was the growing number of incidents involving messianic organizations posing as "synagogues". These missionizing organizations are in fact evangelical Christian proselytizing groups, whose purpose is specifically to target members of the Jewish community for conversion. They fraudulently represent themselves as Jews, and these so-called synagogues are elaborately disguised Christian churches."[12]
State of Israel
In December 1989, the Supreme Court of Israel set a legal precedent when it denied the right of return to Gary and Shirley Beresford, Messianic Jews from South Africa. In rejecting their petition, Supreme Court Justice Menachem Elon cited their belief in Jesus. “In the last two thousand years of history the Jewish people have decided that Messianic Jews do not belong to the Jewish nation and have no right to force themselves on it,†he wrote, concluding that “those who believe in Jesus, are, in fact, Christians.â€
Jews for Jesus
Most Messianic believers do not consider Jews for Jesus to be a Messianic Jewish organization.[13][14][15]
Jewish contribution
Most Jews believe that Messianic Judaism is not a form of Judaism, and that the name of the movement itself is deceptive.
Reform rabbi Dan Cohn-Sherbok has stated in his book ''Voices of Messianic Judaism'' that Messianic Judaism (along with some other alternative movements) is a legitimate form of Judaism.
Reconstructionist rabbi Carol Harris-Shapiro has stated her belief that Messianic Judaism is a form of Judaism, while simultaneously a form of Christianity.
See also
★ List of Messianic Jewish organizations
★ Messianic Movement
★ Messianic religious practice
★ Messianic Jewish theology
★ List of Messianic Movement leaders
★ List of Messianic Jewish organizations
★ List of Messianic Jews
★ Jewish Messiah
★ Judaism
★ Judaism and Christianity
★ Jewish views of Jesus
★ Historical Jesus
★ Nazarenes
★ Ebionites
★ Christian Zionism
★ Judeo-Christian
★ Sabbath in Christianity
Notes
1. The Messianic Jewish Congregational Movement David A. Rausch
2. Maoz, Baruch. ''Judaism is Not Jewish: A Friendly Critique of the Messianic Movement''. Christian Focus Publications. 2003. ISBN 1857927877
3. David A. Rausch, ''Messianic Judaism: Its History, Theology, and Polity'' pages?
4. See, for example, Raymond Brown, ''An Introduction to the New Testament'' (Doubleday, 1997), 10-15, esp. 15
5. Pro-trinitarian Messianic statement of faith
6. Article denouncing trinitarian views
7. Lancaster and Berkowitz (see below)
8. See Messiah#Christian view for further elaboration
9. Matthew 5:17-19, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 John 3:4, Romans 3:3
10. Lancaster and Berkowitz
11. What is Judaism? An Interpretation for the Present Age, , Emil, Fackenheim, Summit Books, 1987, ISBN 0-671-46243-1
12. 1998 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents. MISSIONARIES AND MESSIANIC CHURCHES
13. ''"
We are not "Jews for Jesus". We strongly agree with their work of bringing non-Messianic Jews to acceptance of Yeshua(Jesus), as the Jewish Messiah. However, we just as strongly disagree with the belief/policy of "Jews for Jesus"; upon acceptance of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus), Jews (and Gentiles), are not to obey and follow the Torah(Law)! This contradicts and violates the Tanakh and Messianic Scriptures that speak of Yeshua(Jesus). We believe the Torah speaks of Yeshua (Jesus) and those that love Him keep His commandments."'' 5twenty8.com. Statement of Belief
14. ''"I consider Jews For Jesus a Christian organization. Moishe Rosen, founder of Jews For Jesus, is a Christian missionary, schooled in a standard bible college and not trained as a rabbi. The Jews For Jesus organization has worked diligently teaching Jesus to the non-believing Jewish people, but it is Christianity being taught and not Messianic Judaism (in spite of JFJ efforts to make the two terms synonymous). I would like to see evangelism to the Jewish people which includes teaching Torah observance."'' Ellen Kavanaugh. lightofmashiach.org. Actually, We Are NOT Jews for Jesus
15. ''"We are NOT "Jews for Jesus"! "Jews for Jesus" is a primarily Baptist missionary group whose sole focus is converting Jews to Christianity. They are not a part of the Messianic movement and have never been in favor of Messianic congregations! We do not approve of their theology, their ideology, or their methods."'' Rabbi Adam J. Bernay. Beit Tefillah Messianic Fellowship. Fresno, CA. About Us
References
★ Cohn-Sherbock, Dan. ''Messianic Judaism'', Continuum International Publishing Group (1 Feb. 2001), ISBN 0-8264-5458-5
★ Cohn-Sherbock, Dan, ed. ''Voices of Messianic Judaism: Confronting Critical Issues Facing a Maturing Movement'', Messianic Jewish Resources International (June, 2001), ISBN 1-880226-93-6
★ Feher, Shoshanah. ''Passing Over Easter: Constructing the Boundaries of Messianic Judaism'', AltaMira Press (1998), ISBN 0-7619-8953-6; 0761989528
★ Fieldsend, John. ''Messianic Jews - Challenging Church And Synagogue'', Monarch Publications/MARC/Olive Press, (1993), ISBN 1-85424-228-8
★ Fischer, John, ed.; ''The Enduring Paradox: Exploratory Essays in Messianic Judaism'', Messianic Jewish Resources International (July, 2000), ISBN 1-880226-90-1
★ Goldberg, Louis, ed. ''How Jewish Is Christianity? Two Views On The Messianic Movement'', Zondervan, (2003), ISBN 0-310-24490-0
★ Gruber, Daniel, ''The Church and the Jews: The Biblical Relationship'' (Springfield, MO: General Council of the Assemblies of God, Intercultural Ministries, 1991)
★ Gruber, Daniel, ''Torah and the New Covenant--An Introduction'' (Elijah Publishing 1998) ISBN 0-9669253-0-0
★ Harris-Shapiro, Carol. ''Messianic Judaism: A Rabbi's Journey through Religious Change in America'', Beacon Press, 1999, ISBN 0-8070-1040-5
★ Hefley, James C. ''The New Jews'', Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (1974), ISBN 0-8423-4680-5
★ Hegg, Tim. ''The Letter Writer: Paul's Background and Torah Perspective'', First Fruits of Zion, (2002), ISBN 1-892124-16-5
★ Juster, Daniel. ''Growing to Maturity: A Messianic Jewish Guide'', Union of Messianic Congregations; 3rd ed. (1987), ISBN 0-9614555-0-0
★ Juster, Daniel. ''Jewish Roots - A Foundation Of Biblical Theology'', Destiny Image; 3rd ed. (1995), ISBN 1-56043-142-3
★ Kinzer, Mark. ''Postmissionary Messianic Judaism'', Brazos, (November 2005), ISBN 1-58743-152-1
★ Maoz, Baruch. ''Judaism Is Not Jewish - A Friendly Critique Of The Messianic Movement'', Mentor, (2003), ISBN 1-85792-787-7
★ Pearce, Tony. ''The Messiah Factor'', New Wine Press, (Spring 2004), ISBN 1-903725-32-1
★ Rausch, David A. ''Messianic Judaism: Its History Theology and Polity'', Mellen Press, (December 1982), ISBN 0-88946-802-8
★ Robinson, Rich, ed. ''The Messianic Movement: A Field Guide For Evangelical Christians From Jews For Jesus'', Purple Pomegranate Publications, (2005), ISBN 1-881022-62-5
★ Schiffman, Dr Michael. ''Return Of The Remnant - The Rebirth Of Messianic Judaism'', Lederer Books, (1996), ISBN 1-880226-53-7
★ Stern, David H. ''Messianic Jewish Manifesto'', Messianic Jewish Resources International, (May, 1988), ISBN 965-359-002-2
★ Telchin, Stan. ''Messianic Judaism is Not Christianity'', Chosen Books (September, 2004), ISBN 0-8007-9372-2
External links
General
★ Hashivenu
★ Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council
★ Rabbenu: Cube Model of Messianic Jewish Spirituality
★ UMJC Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations
★ Scripture & Torah Study Resources
★ Messianic Judaism ReligiousTolerance.org
★ Jews, Christians and the Word of God Messianic Jewish on-line ministry
★ ''The Ascendance of Messianic Judaism in the Context of Hebrew Christianity'' by William Greene, Ph.D.
★ Messianic Jews Erroneously Mix The Old Covenant With The New
★ Saltshakers Messianic Community
★ Association of Messianic Congregations
★ Torat Chayim Messianic study resources
★ T.O.M.J. Beis Orthodox Messianic Judaism
★ Messianic Jews.Info
★ “Why Isaiah 53 Cannot Refer to Israel“ Jewish Prophecy
★ Junior Shul Messianic Judaism Children’s website
★ Messianic Dance
★ Outreach Israel Ministries
★ TNN Online Independent Messianic apologetics website
★ Messianic Scribal Arts Custom-Produced Mezuzah, Tefillin, Sefer Torah, and More
★ “Hashivenu†-Toward a Mature Messianic Judaism
★ The Ephraimite Error Opposing View of Two House Theology
★ Messianic Articles
★ Basics of Messianic Judaism
★ Frequently Asked Questions
★ Messianic Kabbalah Resources
★ Weekly Shabbat and Holyday Messages By Rabbi Tony Arroyo
★ Messianic Links
★ Premier List of Messianic Jewish Websites
★ History of Messianic Judaism
★ A History of Holidays
★ Messianic Worship
★ Theology of Messianic Judaism by Rabbi Bruce L. Cohen
★ Union of Torah Observant Ministries
★ Hebrew4Christians Grace Based Messianic Chavurah
★ Rabbi Yeshua
Criticism of Messianic Judaism
★ A Scriptural View of Messianic Judaism
★ Jews for Judaism- Is Jesus the messiah?
★ Outreach Judaism
★ Messiah Truth Education
★ Why Jews Don't Believe in Jesus Aish.com
★ Can a Jew believe in Jesus? chabad.org
Response to Jewish Objections
★ MessianicArt.com's Chazak! Counter Anti-Missionary Site
Organizations
★ Hashivenu
★ Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council
★ Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations
★ MJTI Messianic Jewish Theological Institute
★ Coalition of Torah Observant Messianic Congregations
★ Messianic Jewish Alliance of America
★ Messianic Jewish Theological Institute
★ Messianic Bureau International
★ Messianic Jewish Bible Institute
★ International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues
★ Union of British Messianic Jewish Congregations
★ Tikkun Ministries International
Torah-focused
★ Coalition of Torah Observant Messianic Congregations
★ First Fruits of Zion Resource site for Messianic Torah observance
★ Torah Resource Messianic author Tim Hegg's site
★ Torat Chayim Messianic perspectives on Torah
★ Torah Observant Views by Rabbi David Miller
★ Observant Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Association
★ Simchat Torah Messianic Jewish Traditionalism
★ Nazarene Kabbalah
★ About-Torah
★ The Sabbatarian Network
Parsha cycles
★ Melech Yisrael's Parsha Schedule
★ UMJC's Parsha Schedule
★ P'nei Adonai's Parsha Schedule
★ Wellsprings of Torah's Parsha Schedule
★ First Fruits of Zion's Parsha Schedule
Broadcasts
★ Melech Yisrael's Radio Mashiach Broadcast
★ Kehilat T‘nuvah‘s Torah Talk
★ Vine and Branches Radio
★ Elon Rood's Dorthix Radio
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