Messianics, Faith and Jewish Observance
by Curt Landry
Shalom,
I have been asked by several organizations to respond to the current and growing confusion over the beliefs of Messianic Jews. As an officer of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance, I would like to issue the following statement to clarify who we are and what we believe. The following points represent a common understanding that links members of our movement worldwide. Misunderstanding can easily develop because there are now a variety of groups and individuals who self-identify as Messianic Jews, but who adhere to different and sometimes heretical beliefs. No one "owns" this label, but our international movement has historical links to the people who originally self-identified as Messianic Jews over thirty years ago, and to the Hebrew Christian movement which traces its roots to 1866. (See history, below.) We believe, as they did, that Yeshua, Jesus, is Lord and Messiah, and that we are redeemed only by His blood atonement made for us.
"Messianic Judaism" is the term used to define a system of belief and practice embraced by Jewish people who believe in Jesus. Messianic Jews maintain a lifestyle and form of worship that identifies them with Jewish customs and traditions while believing that Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth is the promised Messiah of the Jewish Scriptures. Messianic Judaism is part of the universal Body of Messiah, but Messianic believers claim the right to express themselves in a way that identifies with Jewish heritage and with the original Jewish context of belief in Yeshua.
None Bound or Obligated to Follow Any Particular Custom
Messianic Jews generally celebrate biblical holidays (Passover, Succoth, Shavuot, Shabbat etc.), though forms of observance vary widely between groups, families, and individuals, as no one is bound or obligated to follow any particular custom. All are free to celebrate according to their own preference; there is no officially sanctioned rule, doctrine, or model of messianic observance.
Messianic Jews usually establish congregations for their worship, but there are also many cases in which Jewish believers in the Messiah adhere to a Messianic Jewish lifestyle while remaining formally affiliated to traditional churches. These Messianic congregations are fashioned after the early church of the "Brit Hadashah" (New Testament). Messianic Jewish congregations, which are sometimes called Messianic Jewish synagogues, can generally be identified by certain characteristics: worship on the Sabbath, Davidic music and dance, and many other Jewish traditions consistent with biblical Jewish traditions. In full agreement with New Testament teachings, membership is open to both Jew and gentile. Another characteristic of this movement is its love and support for the people and the nation of Israel.
Rediscovering One's Jewish Roots
Messianic Judaism seeks to help the church to rediscover its Jewish roots. Hence, one of its goals is to build bridges of understanding between Jews and Christians. We regret the confusion brought by some who use the name of Messianic Judaism to represent beliefs we do not endorse. We mourn the loss of those, both Jews and non-Jews, who fall into legalistic practices as a substitute for living faith, life and liberty in the Holy Spirit. The following points are excerpts from the statement issued by the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. Established in 1915, the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America is the largest association of Messianic Jewish believers in Yeshua (Jesus) in the world.
1. We believe that salvation has always been "by faith," and that works of law, or righteous acts, have never saved anyone (Gen. 15:6 ; Rom. 2-6; Eph. 2:8-9 ; Heb. 11:6, 39).
2. We acknowledge that the New Covenant body of believers is composed of both Jews and Gentiles who have received Yeshua the Messiah as the Promised Redeemer. The "middle wall of partition" has been broken down and now we worship the God of Israel together (I Cor. 12:13 ; Eph. 2:13-14).
3. That the BIBLE, consisting of the Tenach (Holy Scriptures) and the later writings commonly known as the B'rit Hadasha (New Covenant), is the only infallible and authoritative word of God. We recognize its divine inspiration, and accept its teachings as our final authority in all matters of faith and practice (Deut. 6:4-9 ; Prov. 3:1-6 ; Ps. 119:89, 105 ; Isa. 48:12-16 ; Rom. 8:14-17; II Tim. 2:15, 3:16-17 ).
4. GOD - We believe that the Shema, "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deut. 6:4 ), teaches that God is Echad, as so declared: a united one, a composite unity, eternally existent in plural oneness [Gen. 1:1 (Elohim: God); Gen. 1:26 "Let us make man in our image"; Gen. 2:24 Adam & Eve were created to be as one flesh (basar echad)], that He is a personal God who created us ( Gen. 1 & 2) , and that He exists forever in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as mentioned in Romans 8:14-17 (Father, Spirit, and Messiah - Son) and Matt. 28:18-20 (immersing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
5. We believe in God's end-time plan for the nation of Israel and for the world. A central part of Messianic Judaism is the belief in the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel, as taught in the Scriptures. A striking miracle of our day has been the re-establishment or rebirth of the State of Israel according to prophecy (Ezek. 34:11-31; 36-39 ; Hos. 3; Amos 9:11-15; Zech. 12-14; Isa. 11; 43; 54; 60-62; 66; Rom. 11:1-34)
(see also Scriptures under V. THE MESSIAH )
More History of the Messianic Movement
Historically, Messianic Judaism traces its root to the early New Testament believers who were filled with the Spirit on Shavuot (Pentecost) as a result of intensely seeking for the promise of the Father in prayer. They were birthed and empowered by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Simon Peter's words assured the men of Israel to whom he later spoke, "the promise is for you and your children and all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call" Acts 2: 39). Following centuries of forced conversions, Jews coming to faith in Messiah Yeshua in the nineteenth century again rediscovered the Jewishness of the gospels and their identification with the early believers, and began to acknowledge their Jewish identity within the context of their faith. The body currently known as the International Messianic Jewish Alliance, http://www.imja.com was established in 1866. It was then known as the Hebrew Christian Alliance and Prayer Union of Great Britain. The Hebrew Christian Alliance of America was established in 1915, and was renamed the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America in the early 1970s. The International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues was formed in 1986. A sister organization The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations is a strong voice worldwide for Messianic Judaism (http://www.umjc.org). Tikkun, www.tikkun.org is well known and scholarly. Toward Jerusalem Council Two, http://www.tjcii.org is composed of Jewish and Gentile believers and works to bring reconciliation and understanding concerning G-d's heart for Israel and the Jews. Yet another Messianic group as is the American Alliance of Messianic Jewish Believers. There are many others, I simply mention these as examples.
The Historic Coming Together of Messianic Jews and Christians
Messianic Jews have been committed to Jewish revival, and to support for the people and the Land of Israel. For the past few years as Director of Development of the Joseph Project MJAA and the President of the Israel Relief Fund, I have witnessed a historic coming together of Messianic Jews and Christians for the purpose of shipping millions of dollars of aid to the poor in Israel through the Joseph Project. This joint effort is a testimony to the faithfulness of our L-rd!
The Spirit of Grace
Currently, we are preparing to launch the ship Spirit of Grace. This ship and her faithful crew were donated by Don and Sondra Tipton, founders of Friend Ships Ministries, to serve Israel in her time of need. The Spirit of Grace is loaded with millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid. She is ready to sail to Israel, and is now waiting on funds for fuel. If you would like to help her sail please click here for more information www.israelrelief.org.
Dear friends, as this term "Messianic" is now used by many to represent many things in these end times, it's my heart and my prayer that this letter would bring clarity to those truly seeking to understand rather than accuse. Remember, Messiah's most important and identifiable mark on the disciples was their genuine love for one another and the deep spirit of unity that prevailed among them. Many sold their possessions and sacrificed for others who did not have enough. They ate together, prayed together and had continual fellowship together. May we continue to fellowship together in mutual esteem and in the spirit of the L-rd. Amen in Yeshua's name.
Shalom, In Yeshua's Love,
Curt Landry
President, Israel Relief Fund
email: clandry@israelrelief.org
website: www.Israelrelief.org
Treasurer, International Messianic Jewish Alliance
by Curt Landry
Shalom,
I have been asked by several organizations to respond to the current and growing confusion over the beliefs of Messianic Jews. As an officer of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance, I would like to issue the following statement to clarify who we are and what we believe. The following points represent a common understanding that links members of our movement worldwide. Misunderstanding can easily develop because there are now a variety of groups and individuals who self-identify as Messianic Jews, but who adhere to different and sometimes heretical beliefs. No one "owns" this label, but our international movement has historical links to the people who originally self-identified as Messianic Jews over thirty years ago, and to the Hebrew Christian movement which traces its roots to 1866. (See history, below.) We believe, as they did, that Yeshua, Jesus, is Lord and Messiah, and that we are redeemed only by His blood atonement made for us.
"Messianic Judaism" is the term used to define a system of belief and practice embraced by Jewish people who believe in Jesus. Messianic Jews maintain a lifestyle and form of worship that identifies them with Jewish customs and traditions while believing that Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth is the promised Messiah of the Jewish Scriptures. Messianic Judaism is part of the universal Body of Messiah, but Messianic believers claim the right to express themselves in a way that identifies with Jewish heritage and with the original Jewish context of belief in Yeshua.
None Bound or Obligated to Follow Any Particular Custom
Messianic Jews generally celebrate biblical holidays (Passover, Succoth, Shavuot, Shabbat etc.), though forms of observance vary widely between groups, families, and individuals, as no one is bound or obligated to follow any particular custom. All are free to celebrate according to their own preference; there is no officially sanctioned rule, doctrine, or model of messianic observance.
Messianic Jews usually establish congregations for their worship, but there are also many cases in which Jewish believers in the Messiah adhere to a Messianic Jewish lifestyle while remaining formally affiliated to traditional churches. These Messianic congregations are fashioned after the early church of the "Brit Hadashah" (New Testament). Messianic Jewish congregations, which are sometimes called Messianic Jewish synagogues, can generally be identified by certain characteristics: worship on the Sabbath, Davidic music and dance, and many other Jewish traditions consistent with biblical Jewish traditions. In full agreement with New Testament teachings, membership is open to both Jew and gentile. Another characteristic of this movement is its love and support for the people and the nation of Israel.
Rediscovering One's Jewish Roots
Messianic Judaism seeks to help the church to rediscover its Jewish roots. Hence, one of its goals is to build bridges of understanding between Jews and Christians. We regret the confusion brought by some who use the name of Messianic Judaism to represent beliefs we do not endorse. We mourn the loss of those, both Jews and non-Jews, who fall into legalistic practices as a substitute for living faith, life and liberty in the Holy Spirit. The following points are excerpts from the statement issued by the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. Established in 1915, the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America is the largest association of Messianic Jewish believers in Yeshua (Jesus) in the world.
1. We believe that salvation has always been "by faith," and that works of law, or righteous acts, have never saved anyone (Gen. 15:6 ; Rom. 2-6; Eph. 2:8-9 ; Heb. 11:6, 39).
2. We acknowledge that the New Covenant body of believers is composed of both Jews and Gentiles who have received Yeshua the Messiah as the Promised Redeemer. The "middle wall of partition" has been broken down and now we worship the God of Israel together (I Cor. 12:13 ; Eph. 2:13-14).
3. That the BIBLE, consisting of the Tenach (Holy Scriptures) and the later writings commonly known as the B'rit Hadasha (New Covenant), is the only infallible and authoritative word of God. We recognize its divine inspiration, and accept its teachings as our final authority in all matters of faith and practice (Deut. 6:4-9 ; Prov. 3:1-6 ; Ps. 119:89, 105 ; Isa. 48:12-16 ; Rom. 8:14-17; II Tim. 2:15, 3:16-17 ).
4. GOD - We believe that the Shema, "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deut. 6:4 ), teaches that God is Echad, as so declared: a united one, a composite unity, eternally existent in plural oneness [Gen. 1:1 (Elohim: God); Gen. 1:26 "Let us make man in our image"; Gen. 2:24 Adam & Eve were created to be as one flesh (basar echad)], that He is a personal God who created us ( Gen. 1 & 2) , and that He exists forever in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as mentioned in Romans 8:14-17 (Father, Spirit, and Messiah - Son) and Matt. 28:18-20 (immersing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
5. We believe in God's end-time plan for the nation of Israel and for the world. A central part of Messianic Judaism is the belief in the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel, as taught in the Scriptures. A striking miracle of our day has been the re-establishment or rebirth of the State of Israel according to prophecy (Ezek. 34:11-31; 36-39 ; Hos. 3; Amos 9:11-15; Zech. 12-14; Isa. 11; 43; 54; 60-62; 66; Rom. 11:1-34)
(see also Scriptures under V. THE MESSIAH )
More History of the Messianic Movement
Historically, Messianic Judaism traces its root to the early New Testament believers who were filled with the Spirit on Shavuot (Pentecost) as a result of intensely seeking for the promise of the Father in prayer. They were birthed and empowered by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Simon Peter's words assured the men of Israel to whom he later spoke, "the promise is for you and your children and all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call" Acts 2: 39). Following centuries of forced conversions, Jews coming to faith in Messiah Yeshua in the nineteenth century again rediscovered the Jewishness of the gospels and their identification with the early believers, and began to acknowledge their Jewish identity within the context of their faith. The body currently known as the International Messianic Jewish Alliance, http://www.imja.com was established in 1866. It was then known as the Hebrew Christian Alliance and Prayer Union of Great Britain. The Hebrew Christian Alliance of America was established in 1915, and was renamed the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America in the early 1970s. The International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues was formed in 1986. A sister organization The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations is a strong voice worldwide for Messianic Judaism (http://www.umjc.org). Tikkun, www.tikkun.org is well known and scholarly. Toward Jerusalem Council Two, http://www.tjcii.org is composed of Jewish and Gentile believers and works to bring reconciliation and understanding concerning G-d's heart for Israel and the Jews. Yet another Messianic group as is the American Alliance of Messianic Jewish Believers. There are many others, I simply mention these as examples.
The Historic Coming Together of Messianic Jews and Christians
Messianic Jews have been committed to Jewish revival, and to support for the people and the Land of Israel. For the past few years as Director of Development of the Joseph Project MJAA and the President of the Israel Relief Fund, I have witnessed a historic coming together of Messianic Jews and Christians for the purpose of shipping millions of dollars of aid to the poor in Israel through the Joseph Project. This joint effort is a testimony to the faithfulness of our L-rd!
The Spirit of Grace
Currently, we are preparing to launch the ship Spirit of Grace. This ship and her faithful crew were donated by Don and Sondra Tipton, founders of Friend Ships Ministries, to serve Israel in her time of need. The Spirit of Grace is loaded with millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid. She is ready to sail to Israel, and is now waiting on funds for fuel. If you would like to help her sail please click here for more information www.israelrelief.org.
Dear friends, as this term "Messianic" is now used by many to represent many things in these end times, it's my heart and my prayer that this letter would bring clarity to those truly seeking to understand rather than accuse. Remember, Messiah's most important and identifiable mark on the disciples was their genuine love for one another and the deep spirit of unity that prevailed among them. Many sold their possessions and sacrificed for others who did not have enough. They ate together, prayed together and had continual fellowship together. May we continue to fellowship together in mutual esteem and in the spirit of the L-rd. Amen in Yeshua's name.
Shalom, In Yeshua's Love,
Curt Landry
President, Israel Relief Fund
email: clandry@israelrelief.org
website: www.Israelrelief.org
Treasurer, International Messianic Jewish Alliance
