IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HEBREW-ROOTS MOVEMENT AND MESSIANIC JUDAISM? IF SO, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFERENCES, AND IS EITHER GROUP 100% RIGHT? SHALOM! ~CHRIS Shalom Chris—great question!
aQ&A with HarvestMag.
In general, many people will use the terms “Hebrew-Roots” and “Messianic” interchangeably. However, they hold, at the heart of
their teaching, very understandings.
Because of the nature of their different roots, I find it helpful to think of the Messianic Movement as coming from the side of Judaism, while the Hebrew-Roots Movement as coming from the side of Christianity. Though they both do overlap in various areas, they do differ in some aspects.
An Overview
Although both Messianic Judaism and the Hebrew-Roots Movement both put emphasis on the Torah, Messianic Judaism teaches that keeping the Torah is not required, but one may (and does) choose to do so because of either his heritage or his desire to participate. The Hebrew-Roots Movement on the other hand stresses that the keeping the Torah is required (Not for salvation, but to keep in obedience with Yahweh which they also claim is for our benefit).
I tend to lean heavily towards the Hebrew-Roots movement for a very specific reason: I wholeheartedly
different
believe that the Torah is profitable for teaching, doctrine, and reproof as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16. I also believe that the Torah is not merely a cultural law as Messianic Judaism would have it. Instead, it is our Heavenly Father’s instructions that He gave to us because He loves us. It serves as the primary guideline for how we should walk out our daily lives.
Yahweh gave His Torah to all of Israel—not just the tribe of Judah (the Jews) as many people believe. Even the Egyptians who turned to Yahweh and came out of Egypt along with the Israelites were commanded to keep the Torah because they were grafted into Israel. The mixed multitude became part of His chosen people when they left Egypt (Exodus 12:38).
We must always remember Yeshua’s words: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to complete. For truly, I say to you, till the heaven and the earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall by no means pass from the Torah till all be done.” (Matthew 5:17,18)
Surely heaven and earth have not passed away, and Yeshua has not come back for His bride (Israel) yet either. Also, the very definition of sin is the transgression of the Torah
(1 John 3:4).
The Bottom Line I would be wary of saying that any movement or group is 100% right. We as imperfect beings have disagreements between even the closest of believers whom we think possess the same belief.
We cannot be sure that any organization or movement has it all right, just as we cannot be sure that we, as individuals, have it all figured out. We are all learning, and as such, have a long way to go. Whether or not we choose to label ourselves as part of an organization or movement, we should still always strive to follow The Author of the Book rather than a particular movement.
Although we have a free will, we choose to follow the Torah because we
love Yeshua (Exodus 20:6,
John 14:15). As Believers, Yahweh gave us His instructions to help us through life by giving us Practical and Spiritual wisdom. If we will only desire to seek out the treasure buried in the Scriptures, Yahweh will always reveal His amazing Truth to us. •
The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of HarvestMag’s team or HarvestMag. Study to show yourself approved, and the Father will reveal His truth to you.
volume 1 issue 1 | page 35
written by Zachary Bruno
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