written September 2006
by
Robert I Holmes & Delta Vines
Let
us say at the outset that we have a love and respect for Israel. We love the
Jews, all Hebrew people and are in no way trying to incite anti-semitism. We
have many friends who are fulfilled (completed) Jews, and even some who are
still in the traditional way of things. Robert is of Gentile ancestry and Delta
is of Jewish ancestry. We have nothing against Jerusalem, or any of the holy
sites. We have a deep love for the Jews; and for Jerusalem, and Eretz Israel
(the land of Israel), as this is the place Yeshua/Jesus lived, taught, died for
our sins, and rose in victory over death.
However,
we are drawn to raising the issues in this article because of things taking
place in the Body of Christ today. We are addressing Christians, especially
leaders: not our Jewish brethren. Any comment made herein is not a reflection
of the rightness, or legality of Jewish people observing their Hebraic
tradition, or of the Laws of Moses. The following things are for Christians to
consider.
The
Modern Phenomena
Both
our nations (USA and Australia) have prayer movements. In a certain stream of
these prayer movements, intercessors are bringing out the seven branched
Menorah, the flags of Israel, banners with all sorts of names of God in Hebrew
and re-establishing Judaic dancing. Blowing shofars and waiving banners begins
innocently enough.
Some
Christians have taken their interest in Judaic celebrations further. Some are
participating in the Pesach/Passover Sedar. Others are observing all the feasts
of Israel again (more on this in a future article). Many are not doing this
simply to understand the type (shadow) or significance of such things contained
in the Old, or “First” Testament. Indeed, it is largely being done out of
“romantic” ignorance, or out of insecurity.
There
is one prayer movement we know of, galvanizing thousands of believers to face
Jerusalem at certain times of the day from certain parts of the world (as
though it were a city being set apart like Islam does with Mecca). They are
positioned to pray through the gates of the city, as though this will transform
the nation. Prayer should certainly be made for Jerusalem, especially for her
peace (Psalm 122); but nowhere in Scripture are we told to pray TOWARD
Jerusalem!* This is obscene!
We
have observed reconstructed models and representations of the Tabernacle of
Moses/Temple of Solomon. This is done to explain certain rituals, or to explain
deeper prophetic meanings and symbolism for Christianity. Apart from
misapplying Scripture the restoration of the tabernacle refers to the one built
by David NOT by Moses, it also leads dangerously toward legalistic adherence to
form and ritual once again.
There
have been Arks of the Covenant built. The intent may be to honor G-d; however,
the Ark was to be regarded carefully. It is of concern to us that these things
may be being handled more as trying to be “Jewish” instead of honoring G-d. We
do not wish to “tempt” G-d by mishandling these reproductions. For example:
·
In
1 Samuel 6 we are told of the plagues of boils and mice in the Philistine
cities that housed the Ark for a time.
·
Even
looking upon some object was forbidden by death. In 1 Samuel 6 we are told of
50, 070 men whom G-d struck down for LOOKING at the Ark! (vs. 19,) Another
warning is in Numbers 4:20.
·
Only
those from the Tribe of Levi ( i.e. Kohath) were to carry the Ark (1 Chronicles
15:2, Deut 10:8)
Even
well intentions were not excused. When David first tried to bring the Ark to
Jerusalem, he did not know the laws to be followed. Uzzah was struck dead by
G-d when he touched the Ark accidentally in trying to steady it. (2 Samuel 6)
Other
activity is downright sickening. There are now Christians actively supporting
the idea of adult circumcision as a method of becoming more “Jewish”, or having
some type of an increased covenant with G-d. [We acknowledge that some adults
are circumcised for health reasons, we are not referring to this]. This is not
even done in Judaism to an adult convert!
How
far do we go brethren? In discussing this matter with Jews (Rabbi’s and Hebrew
students) and with Christians (both teachers, apostles and prophets) we have
discovered almost universal concern over this matter.
Distinguishing
Jew and Gentile
There
are indeed entire segments of Christian faith, (admittedly off to the side of
Orthodox “center” and considered by some to be a sect), who do not even
understand the distinction between Jews and Christians. These dear people do
not comprehend the difference between the Old and New Testaments (both are the
writings of Jews largely), and the Old and New Covenant. They adhere to certain
rituals such as consumption of certain food, and avoidance of others; rigid
observance of days of rest; slavish adherence to tithe (and the invention of
“double tithe”) and so forth.
Christians
have certainly been grafted into the Jewish root-stock, but we are not required
to become “Jews” in any sense. These Christians have not thought about the
results of the sacrifice of Yeshua/Jesus on the cross it’s perfect, completed,
redemption. (While on the cross, Yeshua/Jesus said, “It is finished” John
19:30) That includes the washing away of all our human efforts to EARN
salvation. We must not simply put on Judaic rituals or become “born again
Jews”. The words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 are well put; especially verses
19-20: “For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but
keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition in
which he was called”.
This
distinction was very well addressed by the writer to the Hebrews who notes
that:
·
The
priesthood has changed. We have a new priesthood (of Melchizadek), no longer
the old one of Aaron or Levi (Hebrews 7:11,12).
·
There
is a new and better hope (in Christ) and an abrogation of the old law (of
Moses) (vs. 18,19).
·
There
is a change of Covenant. The old is ineffectual in making us holy; there is a
new and better covenant of salvation in Yeshua/Jesus (vs. 22). The old one is
obsolete and passing away (Hebrews 8:13).
·
The
Jews offer worship in a sanctuary that was a type or shadow (it is no longer
standing). Followers of Yeshua/Jesus offer worship in the true heavenly
sanctuary (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:5 & 9:11).
·
Moses
had a ministry that contained glory, but Christ has a more excellent ministry
(vs. 6) that is based on better promises (vs. 11).
·
We
enter, not with the imperfect blood of goats, but with the eternal, once and
for all sacrifice of perfect Blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:12).
It
is our conviction that Christians need to once again clearly understand their
position in Christ.
1.
On Circumcision
·
Jesus
said that circumcision was not from Moses but from the Patriarch Abraham (John
7:22). It was a sign of the Old Covenant observed by the Hebrew people. Church
leaders said it was not necessary for Gentile Christian believers to observe
this (Acts 15).
·
Paul
said circumcision is only of value if you keep the whole law (Romans 2:25).
2.
On Keeping Sabbath
·
Jesus
walked long distances on Sabbath; His disciples picked grain; He healed the
sick and raised the dead, delivered people from demons and preached on the
Sabbath. He is Lord of the Sabbath (Mathew 12:8). The day was made for man, not
man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). This is also part of Jewish tradition, written
in Mekhilta, Ha Tissa: 5 “the Sabbath was given over to man and not man to the
Sabbath.”
·
The
writer of Hebrews said that there remained a Sabbath rest in Christ that we
should labour earnestly to enter (Hebrews 4). But he also pointed out that many
were trying to do this in the flesh, and bringing the weight of the law upon
themselves. [We acknowledge the perfect wisdom contained in taking a day off,
but repudiate the idea of legalistically/ritually keeping Shabbat or Sunday for
Christians]. The truth is that every day is holy in Yeshua/Jesus.
3.
On Keeping Festivals
·
The
Festivals described by Moses were established for the Jews. God said no Gentile
should observe Passover unless he become circumcised, therefore, becoming a Jew
(Exodus 12:48). This is not to say the Feasts of the Lord are wrong to
acknowledge, as Jesus kept all the festivals, for He was a Jew. (Passover –
John 6:4; Tabernacles – John 7:2; Trumpets – John 5:1). These are part of the
covenant G-d made with the Jews through Moses.
·
Our
covenant, however, is one spoken of by the prophet Jeremiah (chapter 31: 32-34)
in which G-d promises a better covenant to His People. It is one not of
rituals. It is one where His law is in our minds and on our hearts, for we know
Him, and He forgives our sins. This was done through Yeshua/Jesus willingly
going to the cross in place of our sins. Paul was also clear about not, “Being
enslaved again by observing special days, months and seasons” (Galatians 4:10)
We may worship on any and every day of the week!
4. On restoring the Tabernacle/Temple
·
Consider
the efforts to restore a temple in Jerusalem (the temple building, the
sacrifices, the priesthood). Some might view this event with excitement. But
from a Christian point of view, the sacrifices make a mockery of the cross and
sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
·
Even
from a Jewish point of view, consider Ezekiel’s Temple (described in chapter 40
and following). A door replaces the veil in the Holy of Holies, in which there
are no sacrifices. The Yom Kippur yearly sacrifices for atonement will no
longer be made. For Believers, Messianic and other wise, that is confirmation
of a final collective sacrifice having already been made by Yeshua/ Jesus.
Conclusion
Christians
should love all people of every tribe, nation and tongue. This includes people
who speak Hebrew, call themselves Jews and worship ADONAI. They need liberation
from the bondage and fear of laws and religious observances (as do very many
Christians)! Yeshua/Jesus came first for the Jew and then the Gentile. The
first Christians were Jews. The assurance of salvation through grace alone
comes only in Yeshua/Jesus.
The
Bible specifically promises that in the last days, “When the fullness of the
Gentiles has come” that the Jews will be saved (Romans 11:25). We believe in a
mighty revival coming to the Jews. But we do not believe that Christians should
once again become Jews enslaved to the law. Paul urged Christians not to come
back under the law, to avoid submitting ourselves to even one part of the law,
having started in the Spirit we should not end in the flesh (Galatians 3:1-3).
Those
wanting to participate in the robes, sacrifices, letter of the law would be
saddened to know what they are doing is akin to Replacement Theology. This may
seem to bring the Jews and Christians closer – but the effect it is having is
just the opposite. To observe these things out of respect for the Jews, and to
learn more from them, is one thing. To bring yourself under is another.
From
God’s point of view, there are no longer Jews or Gentiles, (Galatians 3:28);
neither Scythian nor Greek (Colossians 3:11). Therefore, every effort must be
made to bring people out from religious captivity, into the freedom of Grace.
Out from bondage to legal observance, into the wonderful light of the cross.
Out from creed, culture and tribe into the family of God.
Saints
we need to press into Jesus, moving away from the law into a life of grace. We
are promised life in Him, not death under the law. We have freedom to express
our worship in many and various ways, not restricted by the Law of Moses. In
Jesus every day is holy, every person is holy, every place is holy. Let us
remain in the freedom purchased for us by the precious blood of Jesus, and not
be caught up in the Judaizing of Christianity.
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