What are the primary differences theologically between Judaism, Messianic
Judaism, and Christianity regarding the Deity of Yeshua Ha'Nazaret.?
This week we continue to delve deeper into each on the categories we
discussed at a high level 4 weeks ago.
Before we begin a brief disclaimer - We do not believe everyone has to
believe exactly as we do to have a relationship with G-D, and for that
relationship to result in that person spending eternity with G-D. We also
believe strongly in the promise that Rabbi Sha'ul (Paul) stated that "all
Israel will be saved." We do not want to be dogmatic about exactly what that
means, as views differ. We also believe scripture clearly teaches that Jews,
Christians, and Messianic Jews will make up the Kingdom. As for our Sunday
brothers and sisters, whether Protestant or Catholic, many truly love G-D
and will inherit the Kingdom.
Theologically, Judaism, Messianic Judaism, and Christianity began on a
common road that split into 3 separate paths. One of the key areas involved
in this split was the Deity of Yeshua Ha'Nazaret.
Traditional Judaism
In traditional Judaism neither Yeshua nor the Messiah in general is seen as
divine (G-d). It is believed that the Messiah will be only a man, like King
David, or Moshe (Moses). This is THE KEY POINT OF DISPUTE related to Jewish
understanding and willingness to consider Yeshua as the Messiah. While
Yeshua's (as claimed by traditional Judaism) failure to bring world-wide
peace (see last weeks teaching), is an often claimed point of dispute, in
fact it is the claim to Deity that is theologically the main issue.
To a Jew, the idea of there being another G-d goes directly against the
Shema ("Hear oh Israel, the L-rd is G-d, the L-rd is one!") stated in the
Torah. This is a very important point and has led many Jews to consider
Christianity to be idolatrous. Thus even today, when most Jews are willing
to concede that Christian belief in the Trinity is not idolatry, many of the
most orthodox sects still believe it is. Some ultra orthodox Rabbi's even go
so far as to say Christians will not have a place in the world to come due
to this supposed belief in three g-ds.
Traditional Christianity
The traditional Christian belief concerning Messiah recognizes Yeshua as
G-d. However, there is much confusion on what this means. The concept of the
Trinity, while that word itself is not used in Scripture, is implied by
several key verses. These verses are not, as some claim, an invention of
Rabbi Sha'ul (Paul), but are spread through the Gospels and other books of
the Renewed Covenant. We will look into the sections concerning Yeshua's
Divine nature in a future article. For now let's concentrate on the popular
concept of the Trinity and the misunderstandings that have arisen due to
poor teaching on the subject.
The Trinity is often misunderstood by both Moslems and Jews as belief in 3
g-ds. In Islam, it is the Father, Son and Mary who are stated to be the
Trinity. Many others, even professing Christians, do not understand the
principle. Often the Father is pitted against the Son (from Gnosticism,
Marcionism, and other similar beliefs), with the Father portrayed as mean,
vengeful and judgmental, while Yeshua is seen as only mercy and grace (one
only has to read Revelation to see that this is an incorrect view). This
point of view ranges from subtle to blatant depending on the denomination.
This separation is a complete distortion and invalidates the Shema (stated
above). Yeshua Himself says, "If I do not do the works of My Father, do not
believe Me, but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the
works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I
in the Father" (John 10:37-38).
Thus we see by Yeshua's own words that He walks in total oneness with the
Father and does not act a separate "god." Yeshua makes a point to tell us to
pray to the Father, not to Him. The Emissaries (Apostles) likewise teach us
to Pray to the Father, in Yeshua's name. Is praying to Yeshua improper? What
we can say for sure is there is no place where we are instructed to!
Conservative Messianic Judaism
Conservative Messianic Judaism theology varies from most Messianic groups
that are strict Trinitarians, while
some others do not believe in the Deity of Yeshua. Denying the Deity of Yeshua
has many problems, and ignores the fact that He receives Worship, and says
that He and the Father are one! Messianics often can fall into the same
problems as described above, seemingly making G-d into 3 "gods". Messianics
often follow certain Denominational leanings, elevating one part of G-d over
the other. For example, those having a Pentecostal leaning may stress the
Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Breath or Spirit).
So where do we as Conservative Messianic Judaism fit? We totally agree that Yeshua is
part of G-d,
and that the Ruach HaKodesh is part of G-d. We however strongly deny any hint of 3
"gods." To do otherwise is to violate the Shema which is absolute! So how is
it possible Yeshua is both G-d and man? The key is an understanding of the
Shechinah - The visible resting place of G-d. The Shechinah is a Chaldee
(Babylonian) word used to describe the point where G-d's presence rests on
the Earth: specifically, in the Tabernacle and Temple. The ancient Rabbis
teach us that the Shechinah (Glory) of G-d departed the Temple before it was
destroyed in the 6th century. This view of the Shechinah departing is
confirmed in Ezekiel chapter 10. Thus the Shechinah is G-d visible in time
and space. This in no way diminishes our G-d and King, who still ruled from
His throne in Heaven.
What about the Ruach HaKodesh? The Rabbi's tell us the Ruach had departed
Israel in the 5th century thus that is why prophecy ceased. The Rabbi's
clearly identify the Rauch as being part of G-d, not a separate god.
We believe that Yeshua is a part of G-d placed in a human body. His body was physical, having been
born of Miriam (Mary). His Spirit was fully G-d, making Him the Shechinah
(the visible resting place of G-d on earth). Part of G-d, fully G-d, but in
no way separate or independent of the Father. Likewise the Holy Breath is
Part of G-d, fully G-d, but in no way separate or independent of the Father.
In order to convey this in a cohesive manner, without using confusing terms;
we teach The Will (Father), Word (Yeshua) and Breath (Holy Breath or Spirit)
of G-d. This stresses to scriptures statements on Messiah and stresses the oneness
seen in the Shema - Hear oh Israel, the L-rd is G-d, the L-rd is one.
Next week we will address in detail the other Theological differences.
Shalom - Rabbi Gavri'el
