"Distinction Theology?"

[Dave-W]

I just received FFOZ Messiah Journal #134, and Thomas Lancaster has an article on Judaizing (really different definition) and gets into Replacement theology, Supersessionism, "One Law" theory and a number of other approaches to the question of Torah observance in the New Covenant, with the interaction between Jewish and Gentile tribes within our Redeemed Nation. He defines it this way (page 33 and following)

Distinction Theology
What is distinction theology? It’s the premise that there is a difference between Jewish people and Gentiles, even after they become Yeshua followers. To explain the concept, we need to begin with the betrothal passage from Exodus 19.
When the children of Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, HaShem made the nation an offer:
“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel. (Exodus 19:4–6)
On the basis of this passage, we call the nation of Israel “the chosen people.” Observe here that God chose this nation to be:
1. “My treasured possession.” This is the Hebrew word segulah. It’s an old Semitic term for a king’s trophy or prize that he carries off from a battle. It’s a token of his victory. Israel is God’s segulah, or trophy, which signifies God’s defeat of Egypt, the defeat of the gods of Egypt, and God’s conquest of the nations.
2. “A kingdom of priests.” A priest, or kohen, is a person set apart from a group of people as a representative to serve the gods. In the ancient world, not everyone had the time to be sacrificing all day and keeping the gods happy, so agriculturalists developed a priestly class of people who could take care of that function on their behalf. The priests represented the people’s interests to the gods and the gods’ interests to the people. The priests were like ambassadors between the people and the gods. When the LORD says that he wants Israel to be among the nations like a priesthood, it implies that the nation of Israel is to serve the rest of humanity as the priestly nation. They are to be to the other nations of the world what the Aaronic priesthood was to the rest of the nation of Israel. They convey the revelation of God to the nations, and they serve God on behalf of the nations.
3. “A holy nation.” A priesthood is set apart from the rest of the people for the holy service. For example, a kohen is not permitted to enter a cemetery or attend a funeral except for those of his closest relatives. He needs to maintain a state of ritual purity. A regular Israelite, by contrast, has a mitzvah to attend a funeral and escort the dead. There is a distinction between priests and non-priests and their respective obligations. There is a distinction between priests and non-priests in terms of privileges and prerogatives as well. For example, only the priests can approach the altar, splash the blood, enter the Sanctuary, burn the incense, or light the menorah. Only the high priest can enter the holy of holies.
Likewise, as a holy nation, Israel is set apart. The Jewish people have special priestly duties that the rest of the nations do not. There are things they are required to do that the rest of the nations are not required to do. They also have privileges and prerogatives that the rest of the nations don’t have. That’s what distinction theology is about.

Distinction theology: The theological perspective that teaches a distinction between Jewish and Gentile disciples.
​

I would like to hear your comments on this. From the teachings of David J Rudolph PhD, MJTI, My own beliefs pretty much line up with with what Lancaster has written here.

 

[Dave-W]

ON a side bar this point is emphasized:

Replacement theology and one law theology are two sides of the same coin: replacement theology teaches that Gentile Christian identity replaces Jewish identity.​

 

[Tree of Life]

Yuck! Bad theology. As a member of Christ, I have a Jew to whom I am united. I am in him and he is in me. I have an interest in all of his righteousness, his life, his death, and his resurrection.

 

[Tree of Life]

Christianity is the only true Judaism. One who does not believe in Jesus Christ is not a Jew in any meaningful sense.

 

[visionary]

One in Yeshua

 

[devin553344]

So then Jews are priests? But do they believe in Jesus? I suppose they can still be priests without Jesus.

 

[Lords Man]

I just received FFOZ Messiah Journal #134, and Thomas Lancaster has an article on Judaizing (really different definition) and gets into Replacement theology, Supersessionism, "One Law" theory and a number of other approaches to the question of Torah observance in the New Covenant, with the interaction between Jewish and Gentile tribes within our Redeemed Nation. He defines it this way (page 33 and following)

Distinction Theology
What is distinction theology? It’s the premise that there is a difference between Jewish people and Gentiles, even after they become Yeshua followers. To explain the concept, we need to begin with the betrothal passage from Exodus 19.
When the children of Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, HaShem made the nation an offer:
“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel. (Exodus 19:4–6)
On the basis of this passage, we call the nation of Israel “the chosen people.” Observe here that God chose this nation to be:
1. “My treasured possession.” This is the Hebrew word segulah. It’s an old Semitic term for a king’s trophy or prize that he carries off from a battle. It’s a token of his victory. Israel is God’s segulah, or trophy, which signifies God’s defeat of Egypt, the defeat of the gods of Egypt, and God’s conquest of the nations.
2. “A kingdom of priests.” A priest, or kohen, is a person set apart from a group of people as a representative to serve the gods. In the ancient world, not everyone had the time to be sacrificing all day and keeping the gods happy, so agriculturalists developed a priestly class of people who could take care of that function on their behalf. The priests represented the people’s interests to the gods and the gods’ interests to the people. The priests were like ambassadors between the people and the gods. When the LORD says that he wants Israel to be among the nations like a priesthood, it implies that the nation of Israel is to serve the rest of humanity as the priestly nation. They are to be to the other nations of the world what the Aaronic priesthood was to the rest of the nation of Israel. They convey the revelation of God to the nations, and they serve God on behalf of the nations.
3. “A holy nation.” A priesthood is set apart from the rest of the people for the holy service. For example, a kohen is not permitted to enter a cemetery or attend a funeral except for those of his closest relatives. He needs to maintain a state of ritual purity. A regular Israelite, by contrast, has a mitzvah to attend a funeral and escort the dead. There is a distinction between priests and non-priests and their respective obligations. There is a distinction between priests and non-priests in terms of privileges and prerogatives as well. For example, only the priests can approach the altar, splash the blood, enter the Sanctuary, burn the incense, or light the menorah. Only the high priest can enter the holy of holies.
Likewise, as a holy nation, Israel is set apart. The Jewish people have special priestly duties that the rest of the nations do not. There are things they are required to do that the rest of the nations are not required to do. They also have privileges and prerogatives that the rest of the nations don’t have. That’s what distinction theology is about.

Distinction theology: The theological perspective that teaches a distinction between Jewish and Gentile disciples.
​

I would like to hear your comments on this. From the teachings of David J Rudolph PhD, MJTI, My own beliefs pretty much line up with with what Lancaster has written here.

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (Ephesians 2:11-17)

 

[Dave-W]

Yuck! Bad theology. As a member of Christ, I have a Jew to whom I am united. I am in him and he is in me. I have an interest in all of his righteousness, his life, his death, and his resurrection.

Christianity is the only true Judaism. One who does not believe in Jesus Christ is not a Jew in any meaningful sense.

Both of those statements fit the description of replacement theology.

 

[Dave-W]

So then Jews are priests? But do they believe in Jesus? I suppose they can still be priests without Jesus.

Similar to how the tribe of Levi was the priestly class for Israel/Judah.

Clearly those who do NOT believe in Yeshua cannot properly function in that capacity and calling.

 

[Dave-W]

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (Ephesians 2:11-17)

That is talking about obtaining salvation and grace; NOT about specific functions within the Body.

 

[Lords Man]

That is talking about obtaining salvation and grace; NOT about specific functions within the Body.

Yet it talks about one (1) not two (2).

 

[Lords Man]

Both of those statements fit the description of replacement theology.

It is not replacement theology to see the church (Jews and Gentiles) as one thing. It is fulfillment theology!! God intended this from the start when He called Abraham. (Romans 4)

 

[Lords Man]

I just received FFOZ Messiah Journal #134, and Thomas Lancaster has an article on Judaizing (really different definition) and gets into Replacement theology, Supersessionism, "One Law" theory and a number of other approaches to the question of Torah observance in the New Covenant, with the interaction between Jewish and Gentile tribes within our Redeemed Nation. He defines it this way (page 33 and following)

Distinction Theology
What is distinction theology? It’s the premise that there is a difference between Jewish people and Gentiles, even after they become Yeshua followers. To explain the concept, we need to begin with the betrothal passage from Exodus 19.
When the children of Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, HaShem made the nation an offer:
“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel. (Exodus 19:4–6)
On the basis of this passage, we call the nation of Israel “the chosen people.” Observe here that God chose this nation to be:
1. “My treasured possession.” This is the Hebrew word segulah. It’s an old Semitic term for a king’s trophy or prize that he carries off from a battle. It’s a token of his victory. Israel is God’s segulah, or trophy, which signifies God’s defeat of Egypt, the defeat of the gods of Egypt, and God’s conquest of the nations.
2. “A kingdom of priests.” A priest, or kohen, is a person set apart from a group of people as a representative to serve the gods. In the ancient world, not everyone had the time to be sacrificing all day and keeping the gods happy, so agriculturalists developed a priestly class of people who could take care of that function on their behalf. The priests represented the people’s interests to the gods and the gods’ interests to the people. The priests were like ambassadors between the people and the gods. When the LORD says that he wants Israel to be among the nations like a priesthood, it implies that the nation of Israel is to serve the rest of humanity as the priestly nation. They are to be to the other nations of the world what the Aaronic priesthood was to the rest of the nation of Israel. They convey the revelation of God to the nations, and they serve God on behalf of the nations.
3. “A holy nation.” A priesthood is set apart from the rest of the people for the holy service. For example, a kohen is not permitted to enter a cemetery or attend a funeral except for those of his closest relatives. He needs to maintain a state of ritual purity. A regular Israelite, by contrast, has a mitzvah to attend a funeral and escort the dead. There is a distinction between priests and non-priests and their respective obligations. There is a distinction between priests and non-priests in terms of privileges and prerogatives as well. For example, only the priests can approach the altar, splash the blood, enter the Sanctuary, burn the incense, or light the menorah. Only the high priest can enter the holy of holies.
Likewise, as a holy nation, Israel is set apart. The Jewish people have special priestly duties that the rest of the nations do not. There are things they are required to do that the rest of the nations are not required to do. They also have privileges and prerogatives that the rest of the nations don’t have. That’s what distinction theology is about.

Distinction theology: The theological perspective that teaches a distinction between Jewish and Gentile disciples.
​

I would like to hear your comments on this. From the teachings of David J Rudolph PhD, MJTI, My own beliefs pretty much line up with with what Lancaster has written here.

Please not 1 Peter 2:9 - But you (the Church) are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (the redeemed in Christ!!!!!).

 

[AbbaLove]

Distinction theology: The theological perspective that teaches a distinction between Jewish and Gentile disciples.
​

I would like to hear your comments on this. From the teachings of David J Rudolph PhD, MJTI, My own beliefs pretty much line up with with what Lancaster has written here.

In one manner of speaking "Well Daahh!" Isn't that the reason why Messianic Judaism came into its own in the 60s-70s, (in which "Distinction Theology II" was first established in the 20th Century).

Previously "Distinction Theology" was first established by the "protesters" (Protestantism) that distinguished themselves from the RCC. Perhaps, Pastor Lancaster's article should be titled "Distinction Theology II" ? Only now, is Lancaster is applying Distinction Theology to Messianic Judaism as if Distinction Theology never existed before? I say this because the word "theology" is more of a "Christian" term. Therefore, the bigger question is: Should Messianic Judaism consider their beliefs to be "theology" any more than Orthodox Judaism should consider the "Torah" to be "Theology" ?

If you belief Messianic Judaism is "Distinction Theology" than you're falling into the same "theology" trap as that of other man-made doctrines/distinctions (e.g. Baptist, Liberal Catholic, Adventist, Pentecostal, etc, etc.).

 

[Dave-W]

Please not 1 Peter 2:9 - But you (the Church) are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (the redeemed in Christ!!!!!).

Who did Peter write to?

1 Pet 1.1
Peter, an emissary of Messiah Yeshua,

To the sojourners of the Diaspora in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia—chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, set apart by the Ruach for obedience and for sprinkling with the blood of Yeshua the Messiah:

May grace and shalom be multiplied to you.​

He was writing to Believing Jews dispersed to those many places. His quote is taken from Deut 7.6 and Isaiah 61.6 and is addressed to the Jewish people.

 

[Dave-W]

If you belief Messianic Judaism is "Distinction Theology" than you're falling into the same "theology" trap as that of other man-made doctrines/distinctions (e.g. Baptist, Liberal Catholic, Adventist, Pentecostal, etc, etc.).

Except God Himself made that distinction between the Jewish people and everyone else in TORAH. No such biblical distinction was made between the EOC and the RCC; or the RCC and the Protestant denoms.

Big difference.

 

[Lords Man]

Who did Peter write to?

1 Pet 1.1
Peter, an emissary of Messiah Yeshua,

To the sojourners of the Diaspora in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia—chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, set apart by the Ruach for obedience and for sprinkling with the blood of Yeshua the Messiah:

May grace and shalom be multiplied to you.​

He was writing to Believing Jews dispersed to those many places. His quote is taken from Deut 7.6 and Isaiah 61.6 and is addressed to the Jewish people. [/QUOTE

The appellation of “sojourners” does not necessarily imply that this letter was written to none but Jewish believers. In Scripture all religious persons are called “sojourners and strangers,” because they do not consider this earth as their home, but look for a better country. Therefore, in writing to the Gentile believers, Peter might call them “sojourners,” as well as the Jews.

 

[devin553344]

Similar to how the tribe of Levi was the priestly class for Israel/Judah.

Clearly those who do NOT believe in Yeshua cannot properly function in that capacity and calling.

Yeah I agree. Jews that don't accept Jesus are limited. Jesus is God the Father. And when we accept that we find peace. Because Jesus is God.

 

[Lords Man]

Except God Himself made that distinction between the Jewish people and everyone else in TORAH. No such biblical distinction was made between the EOC and the RCC; or the RCC and the Protestant denoms.

Big difference.

I just received FFOZ Messiah Journal #134, and Thomas Lancaster has an article on Judaizing (really different definition) and gets into Replacement theology, Supersessionism, "One Law" theory and a number of other approaches to the question of Torah observance in the New Covenant, with the interaction between Jewish and Gentile tribes within our Redeemed Nation. He defines it this way (page 33 and following)

Distinction Theology
What is distinction theology? It’s the premise that there is a difference between Jewish people and Gentiles, even after they become Yeshua followers. To explain the concept, we need to begin with the betrothal passage from Exodus 19.
When the children of Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, HaShem made the nation an offer:
“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel. (Exodus 19:4–6)
On the basis of this passage, we call the nation of Israel “the chosen people.” Observe here that God chose this nation to be:
1. “My treasured possession.” This is the Hebrew word segulah. It’s an old Semitic term for a king’s trophy or prize that he carries off from a battle. It’s a token of his victory. Israel is God’s segulah, or trophy, which signifies God’s defeat of Egypt, the defeat of the gods of Egypt, and God’s conquest of the nations.
2. “A kingdom of priests.” A priest, or kohen, is a person set apart from a group of people as a representative to serve the gods. In the ancient world, not everyone had the time to be sacrificing all day and keeping the gods happy, so agriculturalists developed a priestly class of people who could take care of that function on their behalf. The priests represented the people’s interests to the gods and the gods’ interests to the people. The priests were like ambassadors between the people and the gods. When the LORD says that he wants Israel to be among the nations like a priesthood, it implies that the nation of Israel is to serve the rest of humanity as the priestly nation. They are to be to the other nations of the world what the Aaronic priesthood was to the rest of the nation of Israel. They convey the revelation of God to the nations, and they serve God on behalf of the nations.
3. “A holy nation.” A priesthood is set apart from the rest of the people for the holy service. For example, a kohen is not permitted to enter a cemetery or attend a funeral except for those of his closest relatives. He needs to maintain a state of ritual purity. A regular Israelite, by contrast, has a mitzvah to attend a funeral and escort the dead. There is a distinction between priests and non-priests and their respective obligations. There is a distinction between priests and non-priests in terms of privileges and prerogatives as well. For example, only the priests can approach the altar, splash the blood, enter the Sanctuary, burn the incense, or light the menorah. Only the high priest can enter the holy of holies.
Likewise, as a holy nation, Israel is set apart. The Jewish people have special priestly duties that the rest of the nations do not. There are things they are required to do that the rest of the nations are not required to do. They also have privileges and prerogatives that the rest of the nations don’t have. That’s what distinction theology is about.

Distinction theology: The theological perspective that teaches a distinction between Jewish and Gentile disciples.
​

I would like to hear your comments on this. From the teachings of David J Rudolph PhD, MJTI, My own beliefs pretty much line up with with what Lancaster has written here.

This sounds a lot like one of the great errors of dispensationalism....'tritely dividing the people of God'.

 

[Lords Man]

Yeah I agree. Jews that don't accept Jesus are limited. Jesus is God the Father. And when we accept that we find peace. Because Jesus is God.

Jews that reject Jesus are lost.....not limited!!!