The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Hebrew Roots (?)

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I hope I am putting this in the right forum. For a long time I feel as though I have been in "limbo" concerning doctrine. What it is, what it is not, what is right, what is wrong, and why. The way I describe my situation, is that God literally 'delivered' me from the charismatic church about two years ago. Everything I have believed after that has been shaken. I didn't believe anything for awhile, other than Christ crucified. (Even that is challenged though in the charismatic church. They say that our sin was paid for in Hell if you can believe that! Not on the cross. Anyway, that still blows my mind.)

One thing that I did get "into" was the Hebrew Roots movement. For a long time, even before being saved, I have been fascinated with Jewish culture and traditions such as their feasts etc. Not the Talmud or anything, but just the basics. I ran across someone's ministry (whom I will not name) who is a messianic Jew. Everything I read was new to me. He talked a lot about the significance of the Jewish feasts, even the betrothal of Christ and His "bride," and how it is illustrated in the jewish custom of betrothal and marriage. It was all very interesting. I still think it's true, and still think it's beautiful in what it typifies.

I inquired of a particular messianic congregation, but was told that since I was not jewish, I was welcome to visit, but not to be a member. I was really upset by that! But then, I got involved in a church where they are very sympathetic to the Jewish "cause" and Israel. Though not Jewish. Anyway, they talk a lot about "Replacement Theology" where, as has been described "reformed circles" will "spiritualize" Israel, say they have no place in God's plan. This guy et. al. say that there are promises in the bible specifically for only Jews and the nation of Israel that do NOT apply to anyone else.. mainly gentile Christians. I have always understood that any promise in the old testament was valid for the believer today. That we are "in Him," and "ONE body." Not, messianic jews vs. gentile Christians. The bible does say, "to the jew first, and also to the greek," but I thought it meant that it was the Jews that God chose to be the sort of "missionaries" of the old testament. To them was commited the oracles of God right?

They say one must look at who Jesus (or God) was talking to n order to understand which promises apply to the jew, and which promises apply to the non jews. if you take that too far (which is I think what they do in some cases) then NONE of the bible is for us, because, say, 1 Corinthians was written to the corinthians, and Romans was written to Romans, the entire old testament was written for the Hebrews and etc etc etc. Do you see where this takes ya??

I guess because of time constraints, it is impossible for me to do as much reading as I would like. This may be the 'lazy man's' approach to a problem like this! So I'm sorry for being lazy lol. But I just know that studying Hebrew roots is good.. in that one finds out what the bible means when it says that the old feasts were types and shadows, but the substance is of Christ. It's all so beautiful in what it depicts, but Christ came to fulfill the law! He put an end to the enmity. We are born into one body.. we are all in Christ! and since we are all in Christ, we can trust His promises, because they are all yea and amen, and because of HIS faithfulness and His mercy and grace. Not to say that there are not conditions.. I understand that.. like in searching for wisdom, you will find her. Not that it will be given to you carte blanche.

I hope I am making myself clear here. My thoughts are not as organized as they should be. But I am dealing right now with someone who is going over their doctrine concerning hebrew roots, and replacement theology etc. I have never put that to rest, and I really feel like a clarification of these matters is necessary. It's very easy to feel like the 'red headed' step child around someone like this person. All because I am not Jewish! I am not jealous, but we are all saved in the same way, and all have the same spirit of God. There is neither jew nor greek, male nor female.. in the spirit.

Are the jews still God's chosen people? or are those who have been born again by the blood of Christ God's chosen? Is there any special place for the jew in the kingdom of Christ? Is it blasphemy to even think it, or NOT think it? If I even asked the question on the other board, I would be labeled automatically "antisemetic" which could not be further from the truth! The bible says that we will be known for our love for one another. That we are one in Christ.

Anyway, I've gone on enough! Thanks for at least reading this LOL.

Michele

Michele,

Messianic Jews like the ones you encountered are committing a grave error. To say that you cannot become a member because you are not a Jew! How can they claim to love Christ?

In my opinion, dispensational theology tends to create a false division amongst God's people, especially as you encountered it, going to the extremes of saying that the books of the Bible apply only to whom they were addressed! Well, I & II Timothy clearly apply to no one but Timothy, Revelation to no one but the seven churches in Asia, I & II Corinthians to no one but the Corinthian church, etc. Simply ridiculous! The Word of God applies to ALL PEOPLE in ALL TIMES, though delivered to and through a specific group, who were made to be its safekeepers.

You are right, Michele, that we look forward to the same promises that were given unto the Patriarchs.