"Exactly how observant of Torah (the Old Testament Law) should we, as believers in Yeshua, be?"
Here was her answer: "As observant as you want to be." I was amazed to learn she wrote her doctoral dissertation on this topic! Essentially, her point was that salvation is obtained through grace, through faith in the finished work of Yeshua Maschiach (Jesus Messiah) alone. Obedience, holy living, means walking by faith in obedience to the dictates of the new covenant Jesus gave us. They are found in both the gospels of Matthew (The Greatest Commandment) and John (The New Commandment).
34Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ c 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ d 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)
I'm so glad God gave us, through Matthew, this exchange! Now, note: the questioner was "an expert in the Law", ok? At that time, there were over 600 Old Testament laws being put forward by the Pharisees. Read that again: over 600. (No wonder the man wanted to know which was greatest! How to discern?!)
The first commandment Jesus quoted comes from Deuteronomy 6:5. The second is found in Leviticus 19:18.
The entire Old Testament depends on these two commandments. Unless these two are embraced and made part of one's "spiritual DNA", none of the others are of any consequence.
34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
Within those commandments fit all of the Law and the Prophets as well as the teachings of Jesus, the disciples and of Paul, James, etc.
Some followers of Jesus are deepened in their resplendent walk (their walk in relationship with their Savior) by observing some of the rules given in Torah. For some, that means "keeping kosher" (a set of dietary rules). Other believers are fulfilled by celebrating God's "holy convocations" as revealed in the Old Testament. Others worship on Saturday, Shabbat.
Here's what distresses me. I have a friend whose brother is Torah observant. In addition, this Messianic believer argues with and ridicules any believer who is not. When this is the attitude, families are divided; congregations are fractured; etc.
This behavior is not what Jesus meant by "loving one another"...
This phenomenon is not peculiar to the Messianic community. It has gone on since the days of the early Church. I've blogged about it before - - legalism, fueled by pride. Most of us believers struggle with the pitfall of spiritual pride, which lies at the root of legalism. This can be found wrapped around other scriptural debates....the deep waters of the doctrine of predestination, the role and extent of spiritual gifts, premillennialism vs. post-, and so forth.
I have several friends who are Messianic believers, others who are charismatic believers, others who are ardent Calvinists, others who follow Jesus yet express their worship through the Catholic hierarchy... Some, as they have grown in grace, have moved from one Christian denomination to another or changed their beliefs on particular issues.
Beyond the settled doctrines of the Christian faith, believers must love each other, embracing the truth of John 8:36, while allowing the Holy Spirit to convict each believer as He sees fit.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Free indeed. Hallelujah!
Now, let me get started on the next post, which will be a more tourist-y one. ;)
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