What You Can’t Have
Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous, the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. 1 John 3:7-8a NASB
Practices – Rudolph Bultmann was one of the most important Christian theologians of the last century. His work helped cement the idea of demythologizing the biblical text, that is, taking any hint of the miraculous out of Scripture. Bultmann also held strong views about the connection between the Tanakh and Christianity. “. . . for the Christian the Old Testament is not revelation, but is essentially related to God’s revelation in Christ as hunger is to food and despair is to hope . . . The God who spoke to Israel no longer speaks to us in the time of the new Covenant.”[1] Heschel points out that this is the resurrection of Marcion, condemned by the Church in 144 AD but whose influence is alive and well today in the insistence that Christianity must part company from its Jewish “roots.” Bultmann’s error (the denial that Yeshua and the followers of the Way never abandoned their Jewish faith) continues to be proclaimed from pulpit to classroom. As Heschel comments, “How dare a Christian substitute his own conception of God for Jesus’ understanding of God and still call himself a Christian.”[2]
That’s the problem, isn’t it? The Church does not serve the God of “Jesus.” It serves the God of Marcion, a god stripped of His essential and eternal relationship with the Jews, a God who revealed His will for all Mankind in the Torah, a God who is the Father of the Son and who is revealed in the Son so completely that the Son may say, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.” How can we even pretend that Yeshua ushers in a religion that separates us from the Jewish God of Israel?
And yet we do–constantly. We continue to live as if the 613 Torah mitzvot do not apply to us. We have “Jesus in our hearts.” We follow the “law of love.” That is enough. It was not enough for Yeshua or for the disciples or for the heroes of the faith, but we are different. We have progressed. The God of Israel has nothing to say to us.
John, the quintessential “Christian” apologist, exhorts his followers to not be led astray (deceived – planao). Those who practice rightouesness are righteous. All others are pretenders, false witnesses, charlatans, imposters. The obvious and crucial question is this: What does it mean to practice rightouesness? And the obvious answer for anyone who lived in the first century in the context of following the Jewish Messiah is–Torah! John uses the Greek verb poieo, “to do, to make, to act, to create.” In classical Greek the verb was associated with the activity of divinity. For John, practicing rightouesness means following the standard, the code of behavior set forth by YHWH. I don’t make it up as I go along. Living the life of “love” doesn’t tell me what to do. I need directions. I need specifics. That’s what Torah is for–to tell me how to live righteously. It is simply impossible to imagine that John has anything else in mind or that his readers would have anything else in mind.
But since Marcion, Bultmann’s assessment has dominated the thinking of the Church. Torah has nothing to do with Christians. The horrendous conclusion is that Christians are not connected to the God of Israel, the God of Yeshua their Messiah. One must wonder who the God of Christianity really is, or even more importantly, how Christians who claim to follow this God have any sense of what it means to practice rightouesness.
Marcion, Bultmann, Barth or Moses, David, Yeshua. Two different Gods. Two different religions. You make the choice. You can’t have it both ways.
Topical Index: rightouesness, practice, poieo, Bultmann, Marcion, Torah, 1 John 3:7
“the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. 1 John 3:7-8a”
Hmmm
Speaking of the devil, the following lyrics remind me of Ha Satan in Job
Kings Of Leon – Use Somebody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQqFP658aHo
Lyrics
I’ve been roaming around
Always looking down at all I see
Painted faces, fill the places I cant reach
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you, And all you know, And how you speak
Countless lovers under cover of the street
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you
Job 1 (Complete Jewish Bible)
Job 1:6 It happened one day that the sons of God came to serve ADONAI, and among them came the Adversary [Hebrew: Satan].
Job 1:7 ADONAI asked the Adversary, “Where are you coming from?”
The Adversary, Ha Satan, answered ADONAI, “From roaming through the earth, wandering here and there.”
Job 1:8 ADONAI asked the Adversary, “Did you notice my servant Iyov, that there’s no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil?”
Seems to me that in Job Ha Satan is a servant of God who resembles the other Sons of God in certain ways
And It is interesting to me that Jesus and Ezekiel are also seen as Sons of God
“One must wonder who the God of Christianity really is, or even more importantly, how Christians who claim to follow this God have any sense of what it means to practice rightouesness.”
I don’t bring this up in order to “blast” Christianity, but rather to bring out the subtlety of the differences. As I’m again passing through the holiday season and the traditional songs are all around me, I often hear, even in these, the “alternative message”.
If one were to stand outside the tabernacle/temple desiring to commune with God, which direction would they face?
……westward leading, still proceeding…..guide us to thy perfect light…..
How can they be the same!?
“……westward leading, still proceeding…..guide us to thy perfect light…..”
I’m confused about what you are saying. Am I correct in saying one entered the Temple from the East Gate? If so, if standing at the entrance of the Temple looking OUT you would be looking east. If looking toward the inside of the Temple from that point you would be facing west, correct? So entering the Temple, one would be going in a westward direction, wouldn’t they?
Not trying to defend/promote the song, just verifying directions and trying to see your point.
I’ve been meaning to focus study on the 1st Century Temple for quite a while but simply haven’t gotten to that point yet. Much about the Temple is still a mystery to me.
Hi Michael,
Sorry for the confusion, I’m a bit pressed for time at the moment. I’ll try to get back this afternoon to explain my statement. Suffice it to say, for the moment, that the tabernacle is a place of “teshuva”, it’s obviously necessary but we don’t “stay” there. 🙂
YHWH bless you and keep you……..
I’ll try to keep this short. while there’s much to be discussed, I’ll attempt to give you an outline sketch and you can “fill in” the blanks. 🙂
Here’s the reason I made the statement concerning westward as I did. With a little foundational work in the reading of scripture, one would be wont to conclude that YHWH “abides” in the “east”, and that if one were to “return” to God they would have to proceed in that direction. Why do I say that? Things like the garden of YHWH are in the east(ward) (literally, from-east, emanating? from the east) East = ancient/old/from everlasting etc. The messiah comes from the east, etc. etc. This is confirmed with the other directional statements in the scriptures such as north being the place of (God’s) strength, which could only be true if He was facing west, being in the east. I’ll leave you to do your own study on these things, however that begs the Question as to why the “contrary” placement of the ark with the Presence over it at the western end of the tabernacle. In this weeks parsha we read of Moses encountering the Presence of YHWH in a burning bush, at that moment he had a choice to either keep on truckin’ or to stop. When he did stop, he encountered God and what did God do? He sent him back the way that he was running from, Egypt. That’s called “teshuva”.
It’s my understanding (so far) that the tabernacle in particular, is a stop, or place of encounter to turn us back towards God and his ways. That is done by entering in at the east gate traveling westward. After sacrifice (amongst other things) there’s only one way out, to the east, toward the ancient way. The “picture” given is that our encounter with God, turns us around and enables us to proceed toward God, by living out His commandments, statues, and precepts in our daily lives. The interesting thing is that while we encounter God in a holy place, we move toward Him by engaging the common with the Holy. …..westward leading, STILL PROCEEDING….I don’t want to keep on westward, I wanna be stopped, turned around and go meet God. 🙂
YHWH bless you and keep you……
Robert,
Interesting. I will take a look at this sometime soon. I’ll admit I am weak in understanding much of the Tabernacle/Temple activities, meanings/reasons, practice, etc. In that regard much passes me by when referenced, not knowing the background nature of the whole arena of the Temple functioning.
Your explanation sounded interesting however. I just can’t address anything in that regard being pretty ignorant at this point.
But thank you for the further explanation. It will act as a springboard when I dive in.
Too true, but no one sees. Almost all are blind. Even many of those who follow Torah or say they do are doing so legalistically with judgement in their hearts. Such confusion among the sheep and goats because our righteousness must exceed that of the pharaisees. Only the very few make it through that narrow gate must walk in the Spirit because it requires the destruction of our flesh. One cannot be filled with the Spirit of Life without destroying the spirits of death that feed on our decaying flesh. It is so scary and painful to put the flesh to death that only the very few choose that path. “It is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than …” Talk is cheap!
One must destroy the flesh, the food that fuels the darkness in order to make room for the light. Only then can one walk in Torah with a right heart. Any other path is vanity!
Re: Westward Leading
Robert, I just read the lyrics and they seem to be referring to the direction the 3 kings are traveling toto reach the star of Bethlehem. According to tradition they would be traveling from the east toward the west. I didn’t see any mention of the temple or facing the east. If they were to face Jerusalem and the temple from where they were traveling they would have to face west. I don’t see your connection.
“living the life of ‘love’ doesn’t tell me what to do. I need directions. I need specifics.” I think you’re hitting on the difference between love and mere obedience. Love is creative whereas obedience merely follows directions. An artist acts out of love. A factory worker acts out of obedience. Which do you think is God’s will for us?
“Love is creative whereas obedience merely follows directions.” That’s a popular sentiment but I don’t see where it’s backed up with Scripture.
I demonstrate my love BY my obedience – and I don’t think the denigration of factory workers or anyone else, because they demonstrate obedience, is appropriate. Obedience to God shows faithfulness to your calling. He hasn’t called us to get creative with His Word.
Creative thinking was the source of Christian separation from Torah and all things Jewish. The characterization of “being creative” has become a virtue in Christianity and the world — maybe because it was a virtue in Greek/Roman culture and the apple hasn’t fallen far from that tree.
True artistry isn’t creativity, it is faithful reproduction of the image or sound that is in your being as given by God. Can there be any doubt today when you look at what human creativity passes off as art? I’d much rather be one who can faithfully reproduce God’s imagery rather than relying on my own imagination. I know what lies there…..
Can this apply to what you are saying:
“Anyone can take a picture. An artist sculpts a photograph.”
I thought of this saying after reading your last paragraph.
The artist being the one shema-ing (hearing and obeying Torah) by reflecting and displaying the character of YHWH in all our life actions.
Definitely — it’s about “shema-ing”. 🙂
Great points.
I see your direction, but can’t quite agree. When someone says, “All you need to do is love” I still don’t know what that means. Does it mean holding my children accountable because they made a mistake, or should I let it slide because they learned something in the process? Lots of other examples too numerous to mention. Get the idea? I still need elaboration of what this means here and now.
Yeshua says the way to act out love for him to to keep his commandments. Love is defined as living the instructions for life as delineated in Torah.
The greatest of these is love. Yes, however, the divine boundary of love is expressed, known, and understood within the confines of Shema, Oh Israel – hearing AND doing Torah. Hearing without doing equates to deafness. Hearing and doing exist together as faith, faithfulness, righteousness, and life. The former without the latter is evil, equating to mocking what is expressed via Torah. The latter without the former is self aggrandizement being action based on one’s own estimation and thus missing the mark of YHWH’s Torah, i.e. sin, falling short, death.
And it’s hard to acquiesce to obedience being categorized as “mere.” “Mere” suggests something common, less vital, and somewhat naive. Obedience is the big, big, big elephant in the room that Christianity has pushed way back in the corner, minimized, trivialized, and rendered moot.
The words of Yeshua always, continually, and consistently rendered obedience as the path, road, and way to life in Him.
Yeshua never once suggested we do what we think best. He walked a Torah obedient life and said, “Follow Me!” He didn’t mean to the next town either. He meant follow in My ways as I follow in my Father’s ways so that Yeshua could say, “If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen the Father.” And further, it’s why Paul told his disciples to imitate him as he imitated haMashiach. How did Paul imitate Yeshua? He walked according to Torah, that’s how. If you find someone obeying Torah you will SEE what love looks like, tastes like, smells like and feels like.
Love cannot be separated from Torah obedience unless you want to create a new, separate religion to replace and ‘improve’ the Way of Yeshua.
Wait. That’s already been done. I think it has been titled with the Christianity moniker.
Skip… Your Argument, Explanation And Exegetical Roll Out Of This Understanding (Christians Being Connected To The God Of Israel) Is Without Equal… But Please Write A Few Consecutive Posts On “How” We As Believers In Yeshua Are To Do This… Please Give To Us The Process, So We Can Produce The Results All Of Us Yearn For… John 8:29 (Nlt) And the One who sent Me is with Me—He has not deserted Me. For I always do those things that are pleasing to Him.”
Robb: “With fear and trembling before God” defines the process. We are to wrestle, grapple, struggle, and loose sleep as we we search to understand the revelation. Truth is not found in drive-thrus, search engine browsers, pew sitting, or in neighborhood small groups. Like Hagar, we find it while running away. Like Jacob, we find it in the middle of the night between a rock and a hard place. Like David, we find it in the enemies’ camp while we pretend maddness. Like Jeremiah, we find it while serving pagans and causing them to prosper. Understanding doesn’t come clean and in nice to-go boxes. Truth is unveiled in dirty, ugly, and painful situations. I didn’t make the rules. I’ve only lived the life. Truth comes at a price. The question is not how much it costs?; but what are you willing to pay?
“Truth is unveiled in dirty, ugly, and painful situations.”
True – but I don’t think Father intended it to be this way! If only we could leave everything behind, follow Moses up the mountain, bow before Father in humility and say, “Show me your ways!” – “Show me your glory” – and stay there long enough to get ALL the details – our ‘walk’ would be so much less complicated!
Roderick, that is so true.
I used to be a knowledge collector. I still am to a degree, but it has morphed more toward knowledge sifter. I have learned to chew on things more, digest them more and ponder them more. It is costly because now I am allowing them to invade my actual life/living rather than just tickle my brain cells. Quite a difference. Much more painful and at times disastrous. But, the irony is, there is more peace and meaning in things now than before when I simply collected and categorized things learned.
The price is steep, but worth it.
Amein, Michael !! It is a process of growing in understanding and having a better relationship with ABBA YHWH. Thumbs up!!
Hi Roderick,
Good insights! I agree! “Truth is unveiled in dirty, ugly, and painful situations”- absolutely!
Shalom!
The subject matter of the next book. Hope to write it in 2014.
Robb,
Perhaps you are like me…wondering how to do this practically. How do I observe the Shabbat? How do I do this or that while observing other feasts? Perhaps you are looking for practical how-to answers. I just found this book on Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Siddur-Moedim-Believers-Hebrew-Companion/dp/1478127988/ref=pd_luc_wl_01_01_t_lh?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Or Siddur Moedim The Believers Hebrew Feasts Companion Paperback – June 28, 2012 by NMZ Theodore Meredith TM (Author). Read the description and see what you think. This seems like a lifestyle change and my gentile ways are strong. And I tend to be forgetful. I need something to teach me how to do this and then remind me to do it. And it seems to require much forethought and preparation.
I’m going to check that out Darlene. Thanks.
I was reading an old book today and came across this poem……and then I read your post
Christmas Eve, 1919
Always when these Yule days come
There’s a blossoming in me
Of old pain seeds left of an
Old perplexity.
In this childish Christian bustle
I, a genial Jew,
Sit in self reproachful wonder
What on earth to do.
Kiss the rod with which they smote us?
some say it was God’s.
God’s or Esau’s but they smote with
Salt tipped iron rods.
But there is a consolation
Lighting up my way
To this kindly super Christian
Christmas holiday:
Christmas days are days of kindness,
Look you, only see:
Was not this Jesus whom they feast now
A poor Jew like me?
(Songs Out Of Season by Samuel Roth printed New York 1932)
Does God have any favorites?
“For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have
everlasting life.” Jn 3:16
He loved the world. Whoever believes in Him.
And who practices righteousness?
“Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed
remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born
of God.” 1 Jn 3:9
Whoever has been born of God.
Whoever has been born of God.
I was at one time, probably like most church goers are presently, satisfied with this statement as a ‘once saved always saved’ proof text.
I can no longer view it as such. I don’t look at it as a doctrinal box rigidly fixed around the security of ‘salvation.’ It is more a description of those that actually take action of getting back on the path of Torah, of righteousness. Just like the beatitudes aren’t formulas for certain outcomes, but descriptives of those that ARE such.
Do you want to SEE and IDENTIFY some one that is born from above? Then look at their lives and SEE that they are characteristically NOT sinning. If they DO sin, their inner pull of desiring to be like Yeshua drives them straight away BACK to the life instructions in Torah. His seed remains in that person as EVIDENCED by the absence of continual, unabated, habitual sin or Torah obedience.
One doesn’t even have to talk to or engage a person and can detect a godliness in them, simply by watching. While they may not know everything about them, they can reasonably perceive an attitude of desiring to please YHWH. We would typically say, “They are godly.”
The one that believes in Yeshua is one that walks faithfully, as He did, in Torah’s life instructions. Wanna live? Walk in Torah, it is the Tree of Life. Wanna die? Toss Torah out the window and just live the best you think you need to.
>> Rudolph Bultmann was one of the most important Christian theologians of the last century. His work helped cement the idea of demythologizing the biblical text, that is, taking any hint of the miraculous out of Scripture <> taking any hint of the miraculous out of Scripture? I, (if, the only one) have never heard of Rudolph Bultmann, one of the most important Christian theologians of the last century, and in my case, ignorance is most certainly “bliss.” Thank you God, I’ve never heard of or been exposed to this “theologian?” I’ll add to this prayer,- “May it never be I learn from one such as this”- and “amen!”
Taking the miraculous out of Scripture? People..? Anyone..? The Scriptures, Yes, the Tanakh, Old Covenant scriptures) are chock full of the miraculous- occurring through divine or supernatural intervention, or manifesting such power: a miraculous cure.• highly improbable and extraordinary and bringing very welcome consequences: as it is also true of the New-er Covenant scriptures as well. Will no one disagree with this “learned (?) theologian?” What do they teach these people (and who teaches these people) in these seminaries? No miracles? Garbage in and (yes, you reap what you sow) garbage out. No miracles? I have several words to say concerning this, but the very first one to come to me is: “duh!!”
Recommended reading: The Bible. (try it,- you’ll like it). Or another theologian (take your pick,- there are not a few..) “All the Miracles of the Bible”by Herbert W. Lockyer.
Explain this away, Rudolph.. Please, take what is sacred, and make it profane. Explain this to us, “professor..”
s
~ Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Emmanuel ~
What Child is this? – and whose child are you?