QUESTIONS/ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION FORUM
Group Number 109
"My in-laws are
currently caught up in the "Hebrew Roots" movement, which
you may or may not be familiar with. I have not heard of a local group
that are practicing the ways of this movement. They
currently "keep" the Sabbath, the festivals, the
"kosher" laws, as well as, numerous other OT laws.
They believe the "torah" should still be obeyed. They do so under
the pretense of Matt. 5:17-19:
Mat 5:17 Think
not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to
destroy, but to fulfill. Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and
earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all
be fulfilled. Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall reak one of these least
commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the
kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be
called great in the kingdom of heaven.
They contend, since the earth has not passed away, the law has not passed away
and they contend one of Jesus' purposes was to show us how we can "keep" the law
in the correct manner.
When you get specific as to how to keep these laws, especially since many our
dependent on temple sacrifices, they are a little hardpressed to give clear
answers. Additionally, they question the validity of the "trinity", and the
validity of the NT being written in Greek, saying that it was first written in
Hebrew and can only be understood from a Hebrew mindset. For those of us who do
keep the "law", we are classified as lawless!
You, again, may be familar with their arguments/interpretation. I have examined
many of their teachings/apologitics on this subject in order to "contend for the
faith once delievered unto the saints." I am hopeful that your current devotions
will give me additional insights on this subject.
One question though. I am curious as to why the devotions on this subject at
this time? Have you sensed or heard teaches in this area that have prompted you
to address some of these subjects?"
Thank you for your response, and for your obvious interest in, and love for, the
truth.
Yes, I am
painfully aware of the current trend toward Judaism. As I write this, many
mega-churches are observing The Feast of Tabernacles. Popular media ministers
such as Larry Huch, John Hagee, Rod Parsely, Jack Hayford, and others have
hopped on the theological bandwagon, playing to the desires of people for the
novel.
This trend started about a year ago, and has reached the level where professed
Christian ministers are even joining with Jewish rabbis, letting them teach on
their televised broadcasts. These men teach that the Jewish laws, feasts, and
traditions, are what open up the Gospel – when the teaching of Scripture is that
they foreshadowed and typified the Gospel – and there is a vast difference
between those views (Col 2:17; Heb 8:5; 10:1). In fact, it is expressly stated
that "the law," with its attending ordinances did NOT contain the "very image,"
or "form" of "the things" contained in the New Covenant.
First, a sharp contrast is made between the New Covenant and the Old Covenant.
It is stated that the New Covenant is not after the manner, or of the same kind,
as the Old: "It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when
I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt . . . " (Heb 8:8-13). This new
and damnable teaching boldly affirms that it IS after that manner – even down to
the keeping of the same feasts, and approaching God through lifeless and
ritualistic manners.
Second, there is no apostolic doctrine that presents this view. This is
particularly important since, with the exception of the church in Jerusalem,
nearly every church of Scriptural record was basically Gentile. Yet, there is
not a syllable of teaching in the epistles advocating the view taken by the
teachers of "Jewish roots." They are not preaching the Word, but their
interpretation of the Word.
Third, both Stephen, and Paul were so far from promoting Jewish traditions and
feasts, that the Jews themselves charged with being disruptive of those
traditions (Acts 6:13-14; 18:13; 21:21,28). It is hardly likely that such a
charge would be made if they were preaching what these Judaistic advocates are
declaring today.
Fourth, on the matter of true Jewish roots, the Scriptures are very specific.
Those roots are traced back to Abraham, not to Israel and the covenant made with
them. The Gospel was preached to Abraham, not Israel (Gal 3:8). Abraham is "the
father of us all," not Israel – it is "the faith of Abraham" that is to be
followed, not the ceremonies of Israel (Rom 4:16). The depiction of the
salvation that is in Christ Jesus is found in Abraham, not Israel's observances
(Rom 4:22-25). The Gentiles are said to be made partakers of "root and fatness
of the olive tree" (Rom 11:17). This has to do with the promises that were given
to Abraham and through the prophets – not the practices of Israel. We know this
is the case because that "root and fatness" is clearly said to be associated
with faith (Rom 11:20) – and the law had nothing whatsoever to do with faith
(Gal 3:12). It had exclusively to do with doing (Lev 18:5; Rom 10:5).
Fifth, it is categorically stated that the "ordinances" that were contained in
the Law were "abolished" in Christ's "flesh" – when He died (Eph 2:15). They
were taken "out of the way" and mailed to "His cross" (Col 2:14). These were the
"carnal ordinances" that are mentioned in Hebrews 9:10, which stood absolutely
distinct from Jesus, having nothing whatsoever to do with His present ministry.
Sixth, it is written that "the law made nothing perfect." How could spiritual
advance possibly come through that law after the bringing in of a "better hope"
– and that better hope is the exclusive means through which we draw nigh unto
God (Heb 7:19). It is a glaring display of spiritual ignorance to represent
Christ as giving power to the ordinances that were under the Law, enabling them
to accomplish what God desires.
Seventh, we have an example of Jewish believers trying to enforce Jewish
ordinances on Gentile believers; namely to "keep the law of Moses" (Acts 15:5).
The "apostles and elders" came together to consider this matter. During that
gathering, Peter testified that when he preached to the Gentiles, they received
the Holy Spirit just as the disciples had, and it was independently of any
Jewish customs or manners (Acts 15:7-9). He asked why anyone would propose
putting the Jewish yoke upon others – a yoke they themselves were not able to
bear. He said that would be tempting God (Acts 15:10). Following the testimony
of Paul and Barnabas, the Lord put it all together for James, and he delivered a
word concluding by saying they should not "trouble" the Gentiles who had "turned
to God" (Acts 15:13-19). They then determined to give them certain instructions
that were needful: "But that we write unto them, that they abstain from
pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from
blood" (Acts 15:20). This would have been an excellent time to cite Jewish
roots, feasts, prayer manners, etc. But they did not. I do not know how men can
justify such instruction today.
Eighth, the notion that the early scriptures were written in Hebrews is
stupidity gone to seed. First, the only people in all of the world who spoke
Hebrew were the Jews. It is referred to as "the Jews language," and no one else
of Scriptural record is ever represented as knowing it (2 Kgs 18:26; Neh 13:24;
Esth 8:19). The Gospel, on the other hand, was addressed to "all nations" and
"every man." Greek was the language of the world following the Hellenization of
the world by Alexander – a work that many consider to have been orchestrated by
God to prepare for the dissemination of the Gospel. The idea that the Gospels,
the epistles, and the Revelation were written in Hebrew means that it was
purposefully concealed from the Gentiles – a notion that approximates blasphemy.
Ninth, the most prevalent false teachers against which the early church was
warned were those promoting Judaism (Acts 15:1,24; Rom 1:19-20; 2 Cor 11:4-22;
Gal 2:3-4; 4:17-21; 5:1-4; Phil 3:2-3; 1 Tim 1:3-8; 4:1-5; Tit 1:10,14; Heb
13:9).
Tenth, the church is particularly exhorted NOT to permit anyone to judge them in
regard to the ordinances set forth in the law (Col 2:16-19). Such men are
specifically said to NOT be holding to the Head, who is Christ – that is, Jesus
is not working through them, regardless of what that may claim.
These are some things to think about. I will be covering the reasoning behind
these matters in this series of devotions. This series has been prompted by two
things. First, the doctrinal trend that you have mentioned. Second, the fact
that there appear to be few preachers who are addressing this tidal wave of
error that is sweeping across the Christian landscape.
To give you some idea of the magnitude of this problem, there are approximately
2.5 billion professing Christians in the world. That includes all stripes and
varieties. Of that number, a recent survey by a special New York Times research
team estimates that 555 million (45%) belong to, what they call, the Renewal.
This is the charismatic movement that is represented by the vast majority of
media ministers, mega-churches, and Christian TV. While all of these people have
not embraced the erroneous teaching in question, the numbers are moving in that
direction. This is not a regional teaching, or one embraced by some small and
insignificant cult. These are the same people who have successfully reshaped
Christendom with the praise and worship movement. To get a perspective of the
situation, the entire Restoration Movement numbers about 3 million (a percentage
of the total Christian world that is not even a fraction of one hundredth of one
percent. The total number of Baptists during the 1990's was 33 million (a little
over 1%).
"Is
it wrong to kiss while dating?"
This is matter of conscience, as the Scriptures do not address the subject.
Dating, as we know it, was not practiced among the Jews. Any activity in which
you engage when you are with someone to whom you are not married is to be
governed by a primary love for God Matt 22:37), a desire to abstain from the
very appearance of evil (1 Thess 5:22), and from anything that awakens the lust
of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life (1 John 5:15-17).
If there are strong and burning desires in you, then you must give heed to the
word of the Lord: "It is better to marry than to burn with passion" (1 Cor 7:9,
NKJV).
:What
man was Jesus talking about when He said this Jesus *said to him,
'If I want him to remain until I come, what {is that}
to you? You follow Me!'"
He was speaking about the apostle John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. John
21:20 identifies him as the disciple "which also leaned on His breast at supper
. . ." (John 13:23-25). John also said that he was the one of whom Jesus spoke
in answering Peter: "This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and
wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true" (John 21:24)
"I
do have a question for you about something I have been wrestling with for a
while. Where is the balance between texts like Ps. 20:4 / 21:2 / 37:4 and Mark
8:34?
On one hand the feel is that as we pursue God, He will "meet the desires of our
heart." on the other hand, part of what Christ says is that if we want to
pursue him, we must abandon the desires of our heart.
-Is Christ talking about the old sin nature in Mk. 8:34?
-What to do with desires (or burdens for service in our hearts) that we pray
that God would answer?
Any thoughts would be appreciated."
The difficulty in distinguishing the difference between desires to be denied,
and those to be diligently sought, is directly traceable to an inordinate
theological emphasis. Pursuing God and fervently desiring to do something for
Him are not at all synonymous. Paul expressed the proper motivation, then urged
those who were mature to adopt the same approach to life.
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for
the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of
the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered
the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain
Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived
from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which
comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His
resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Phil 3:7-11,
NASB).
He continues, “Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become
perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I
was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having
laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and
reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of
the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:12-14, NASB).
He then declares this mind set is to be adopted by all of the saints: “Let us
therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you
have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us
keep living by that same standard to which we have attained” (Phil 3:15-16). The
promise is that if what he has said is not readily apparent, it will be
clarified to us by God Himself if we continue to live up to what we do know, not
allowing any form of compromise to take hold of our minds.
Notice the absolute absence of self-centeredness, whether it has to do with gain
in this world, or accomplishing something for God.
1. In counting everything loss, Paul was not referring to fleshly advantages as
ordinarily perceived. He was referring to a religious career that he had been
living out in a good conscience, thinking that he was doing God service.
2. He placed the priority on knowing Christ Himself – “the surpassing value of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” He had scrapped his institutional involvement,
considering what he had been conscientiously doing, as nothing more than
rubbish. He did not do this in order to do something else, but in order to KNOW
someone else.
3. His aim was to be found by Christ without a righteousness or his own,
possessing the righteousness that is realized through faith, not through doing –
“and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the
Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes
from God on the basis of faith” (Phil 3:9).
4. Paul made it his aim to know Jesus – to have a personal familiarity with Him
– “that I may know Him.”
5. He wanted to participate in the power of Christ’s resurrection, coming back
from the dead, and living in the vigor of Christ’s resurrected life – “and the
power of His resurrection.”
6. He wanted to participate in the sufferings that are the result of identity
with Christ, experiencing the rejection of the world and all that entails – “and
the fellowship of His sufferings.”
7. He wanted to be personally conformed to the death of Jesus: death to self,
death to the sin, death to the world – “being conformed to His death.”
8. He wanted to participate in the resurrection as a victor over all that was
induced by sin, with the resurrection being a blessing instead of a curse –
“that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
9. He knew that all that was involved in these desires transcended what he had
already experienced. He was aware that the Divine objective has been revealed,
and it is conforming us to the image of His Son. Paul wanted that objective to
be met, and continued to eagerly pursue it – “Not that I have already obtained
it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold
of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:12).
10. Whatever he accomplished or did not accomplish upon the earth, his driving
compulsion was to obtain the prize that had been set before him, like Jesus
endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him (Heb 12:1-2) – “Brethren,
I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:
forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on
toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil
3:13-14).
Brother ________, it is the inveterate propensity of
all organized and institutional religion to turn us from these revealed
objectives – objectives that are, according to this text, to be eagerly pursued
by all believers. When a life-career, or a specific role in the work of the
Lord, or the realization of some personal objective for this world, is sought,
what God has really intended for His people begins to dim and become quite
elusive. That does not mean the person is insincere. It does mean they have been
diverted from the real aim.
So far as I know, there were only two matters of care or concern in this world
that troubled Paul. One was the salvation of the Jews, his kinsmen, to whom all
of the promises of God had been given. “For I could wish that I myself were
accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen
according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons
and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service
and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according
to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen . . . Brethren, my
heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Rom
9:3-5; 10:1, NASB). The other was his profound concern for the churches: “Apart
from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for
all the churches” (2 Cor 11:28, NASB). There is no evidence that Paul ever
thought in such an extraordinary way about any foreign continent, country,
region, city, or body of people. This was because both Israel and the church are
the revealed focus of God’s attention. It appears that Paul would not allow
himself to be distracted by a debilitating concern for anyone else, even though
he labored extensively to reach all men.
Jesus Himself wept over only one city: “And when He approached, He saw the city
and wept over it, saying, "If you had known in this day, even you, the things
which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes” (Luke
19:41-42). Jesus did not weep over Bethlehem, Bethany, Caesarea, Nain, or Tyre
and Sidon – even though He labored in those areas.
Brother . . . there is no mythical balance to be found in the texts affirming
God will give us the desires of our heart, and those that teach we are to deny
ourselves. Both are total views, not fragmentary ones. They speak of desires
proceeding from different parts of our being, as you suggested – the old man and
the new man, the flesh and the spirit, what is begotten of God and what is
begotten of the flesh. The whole matter is clarified to our hearts and minds
when our aim is in total synch with that of the Lord: conformity to the image of
Christ, or, as Paul put it, “the surpassing value of knowing Christ.”
Your satisfaction must be in your personal spiritual advancement, and the
confidence that you will awake in His likeness (Psa 17:15). Seeking satisfaction
in any other thing or things will only yield frustration.
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