What do you think of the Ebionites?

[Ebion]

I am curious to know the many different views that Messianic Jews of the Christian Forums might have of the Ebionites.

For those of you not familiar with this sect, Wikipedia has the most comprehensive article on the subject at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebionites.

Thank you.

-Ebion

 

[WashedClean]

Hmm... I'm not sure if you're allowed to post there, but there is a Messianic section here under Congregational forums. Not sure how many come to this section on a regular basis.

Are you only interested in opinions from Messianc Jews?

 

[EmbracingHim]

I have studied with Messianic Jews as their sister in Christ.

The problem I see with the Ebionitian belief is that it doesn't take prophecy from the OT into consideration.

Emmanuel is believed to be Christ and in this accounting in the NT -- the 'only begotten' son of God.

'Only begotten' appears to hold a separate significance to Ebionites than that of mainstream Messianic Jewish beliefs.

As well we must reconcile 'all' scriptures and the understanding that 'Christ' laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning (which is written) does not reconcile with the ideology of Christ as a mere human that was chosen. Reconciliation of other scriptures also oppose the Ebionite's ideologies versus mainstream Messianic Jewish beliefs, but this scripture I hope might be a good example.

I hope I might have answered your questions appropriately.

I am curious to know the many different views that Messianic Jews of the Christian Forums might have of the Ebionites.

For those of you not familiar with this sect, Wikipedia has the most comprehensive article on the subject at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebionites.

Thank you.

-Ebion

 

[Ebion]

Hmm... I'm not sure if you're allowed to post there, but there is a Messianic section here under Congregational forums. Not sure how many come to this section on a regular basis.

Isn't this the Question by Non-Christians for Messianic Jews forum?

Are you only interested in opinions from Messianc Jews?

No. Feel free to share your opinion.

 

[Ebion]

I have studied with Messianic Jews as their sister in Christ.

The problem I see with the Ebionitian belief is that it doesn't take prophecy from the OT into consideration.

Emmanuel is believed to be Christ and in this accounting in the NT -- the 'only begotten' son of God.

'Only begotten' appears to hold a separate significance to Ebionites than that of mainstream Messianic Jewish beliefs.

As well we must reconcile 'all' scriptures and the understanding that 'Christ' laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning (which is written) does not reconcile with the ideology of Christ as a mere human that was chosen. Reconciliation of other scriptures also oppose the Ebionite's ideologies versus mainstream Messianic Jewish beliefs, but this scripture I hope might be a good example.

I hope I might have answered your questions appropriately.

Yes and no, since it's obvious that the Messianic Jewish/Christian interpretation of 'all' scriptures can be debated.

For example, you brought up the so-called "dual prophecy" of Isaiah 53. Please read the following counter-argument on the Outreach Judaism website and tell me what you think: http://www.outreachjudaism.org/virgin.html

 

[EmbracingHim]

Yes and no, since it's obvious that the Messianic Jewish/Christian interpretation of 'all' scriptures can be debated.

For example, you brought up the so-called "dual prophecy" of Isaiah 53. Please read the following counter-argument on the Outreach Judaism website and tell me what you think: http://www.outreachjudaism.org/virgin.html

Sorry so late in response. I read through your article. It is a typical orthodox argument in my viewpoint to dispute the Messiah as Christ.

I do not feel the word placement of virgin and young girl is a viable argument for the following reason:

Mary was a virgin in scripture as Joseph was left with the decision to 'put her away' or divorce her as was the case in the Jewish Faith for those who were unfaithful when promised in marriage. I am sure the Rabbi of that article is familiar with Jewish cultural traditions. If so the fact that Mary was a virgin is not in debate and debating over words is unbeneficial or without point.

Further addressing the article is the argument of 'time.' I also do not see this as viable as well. In two places in scripture we are told that God's time is different than that of humans (1000 to 1). With this man's conception of time is according to the lunar time set for man by God (although different calendars have been used in time...it is all set by God's invention of days through placement of the earth in coordination with the sun and moon and the counting of days).

This said 'double' prophecy argument mentioned in the article read is without necessity. I see no reason for this as it would appear that the logic used is missing 'much' scriptural prophecy (i.e. the exact prophecy of Emmanuel and His purpose...not a single broken bone, etc.) all of which the author of this article in my opinion might purposely omit as it weakens his argument.

Although I feel the author attempts logic and reason, the article is missing the same as read by me. It is shockingly biased rather than scholarly deduced in that it argues non-essential matters in hopes of raising eyebrows rather than addressing matters of importance. The scriptures warn us to be weary of those who have a strange fanscination with words and use these in the way I view the article to be using words versus 'truth.'

A scholarly approach might include that yes, indeed Mary was a virgin in accordance with Jewish cultural practices of arranged marriages, 'however' -- (this article misses the 'however' in this argument as well as any unbiased attempts in the arguments that follow).

In full consideration of these variables -- I consider the article to be without merit or any argument that I personally find viable.

Thank you for asking for my opinion and may the Lord shine His light brightly for all to see the truth that is in Christ and may the Will of the Father be manifested in all men.