The Torah, Jesus, Paul and the Kingdom of Heaven: Setting the Record Straight
Challenging Replacement Theology and Rediscovering the Torah's Wisdom
Personal Note: Today, we will be delving deep into a nuanced perspective on the Torah and its relevance in the lives of those who consider themselves to be disciples. This perspective might be new to certain individuals in our community, and I am thrilled to broaden our theological horizons as we explore the eternal nature of God's wisdom, which was imparted to the world through Israel at Mt. Sinai.
Also, I’ve upgraded my ability to do podcasts, and an audio version of this blog will be out soon. Keep your eyes out for it if you are looking for something to listen to on the way to work.
Introduction: Addressing the Misconception
Among disciples of Jesus/Yeshua (ישוע), a prevalent misconception persists—that the Torah (תורה), with its rich tapestry of eternal laws, is somehow "done away with" in light of New Testament teachings. However, King David reminds us,
"Your word, Lord, is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens." - Psalm 119:89
This misunderstanding (particularly of the Apostle Paul) not only distorts the foundational truths of our faith but also disconnects us from the vibrant, living word of God that Yeshua himself honored, taught, and practiced. (Matthew 5 - 7). As I embark on this exploration, my objective is straightforward: to uncover the Torah as an everlasting guide, weaving together civil, moral, and legal codes not as relics of the past but as the very mechanism by which we experience the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
In today’s theological excavation, I aim to illuminate the Torah's undiminished relevance, showcasing its role as the revealed will of God and affirming Yeshua's prayer that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven—a vision of life where divine laws guide our every step toward righteousness, justice, and ultimately to experience oneness with God as Yeshua did. When speaking about his disciples, both current and future, he prayed, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:21)
How can someone become one with the Father? I believe Yeshua would answer this question by quoting Deuteronomy 11:22.
For if you carefully observe all these commandments which I command you to do - to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him- Deuteronomy 11:22
The Torah: Beyond a Set of Rules
The Torah, often misunderstood within the worldview of Replacement Theology as a mere collection of do's and don'ts from a bygone era, should hold a significantly deeper role for those who consider themselves followers of Jesus / Yeshua. Replacement Theology’s skewed perception overlooks the Torah as a vibrant, living expression of God's will, a misconception that has unfortunately been passed down from generation to generation amongst his followers. However, as Yeshua Himself articulates in Matthew 5:17-20, His mission was not to abolish the Law but to live and teach it correctly, endorsing its eternal nature and relevance.
The Torah's commandments should not be seen as merely obligatory tasks but as divine invitations for practical application in our lives. These commandments, steeped in moral and ethical principles, are designed to guide us in mirroring God's character in every action we undertake. Thus, the Torah transcends its misperceived role as an obsolete legal code, emerging instead as a dynamic guide that continues to impact the lives of Yeshua's disciples profoundly. Through this lens, the Torah should be seen—not as an ancient set of rules but as a source of heavenly wisdom that beckons us to live in a way that reflects the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
In embracing the full depth of the Torah, its adherents are invited to engage with it as a living document that not only informs Jesus' own practices but also offers a blueprint for embodying God's will in the here and now. The writer of Hebrews reminds us,
The Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12
When disciples of Yeshua view the Torah's role in our spiritual journey as the author of Hebrews does, we begin to recognize it as a fundamental component of our faith that enriches our understanding of God's desires for humanity and deepens our relationship with Him.
Paul's Teachings Revisited: Clarifying Misunderstandings
Some of the Jewish disciples in Yeshua accused Paul in Acts 21:21 of instructing the Jewish believers among the Gentiles to forsake Moses (forsake Torah) and abandon the customs of the Fathers. We read,
"They (the Jewish disciples of Jesus who are zealous for the Torah) have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs." - Acts 21:21
These accusations are proven true within Replacement Theology. However, although the allegations portray Paul as advocating for the abandonment of Torah observance, they are starkly contrary to the truth of his teachings and life. Paul, a Pharisee of Pharisees, demonstrated through his actions and words a deep reverence for the Torah, consistently observing its commandments and advocating its values. His trials in the last chapters of the book of Acts record his defense against these false accusations, reaffirming his adherence to and respect for the Torah.
In Romans 7, Paul delves into the nuanced relationship Jewish and Gentile disciples have with the Law, distinguishing between being bound by the "Law of Sin and Death" and living according to the spirit of the Law. This discourse is often misconstrued by proponents of Replacement Theology as a dismissal of the Torah's relevance. However, Paul's intent was to highlight a transformation in the disciple's relationship with the Law—through the atoning suffering of the Righteous One, the disciple is not released from the moral and ethical teachings of the Torah but is freed from the Law's condemnation - death. As stated above, Paul calls this the Law of Sin and Death. In other words, sin = death, it’s a Law. However, a life led that fulfills the Law's righteous requirements = life!
Paul's discussions in Romans 7 and his personal defense during his trials recorded in Acts serve to underscore the enduring significance of the Torah for Paul. Far from negating its importance, Paul's teachings encourage a deeper, spiritually enriched engagement with the Torah, advocating for its observance in a manner that reflects the heart of God's commandments. His life and ministry offer a testament to the Torah's continued covenantal role in the lives of Abraham’s descendants and are the basis for ethical and spiritual living for the newly minted Gentile converts. This notion challenges the narratives posited by Replacement Theology and invites disciples of Yeshua to embrace the Torah not as a burden but as a divine opportunity to pursue righteousness and draw closer to God.
The Law as a Mechanism for Experiencing Heaven on Earth
In Jewish teachings, the performance of each commandment (מצוות, mitzvot) elevates the mundane, transforming it into something holy (קדוש, kadosh). This transformation is not limited to physical spaces but extends to our very beings, sanctifying our spirits and making room for the presence of God within us. Just as Bezalel and his team followed Moses' instructions to carefully create a holy space (the tabernacle) on earth that was worthy of containing the Shechinah, we, too, can sanctify our lives and spirits by following the Torah's commandments. This allows us to make space for the divine presence within ourselves. This process of making holy space for God is what Christians call sanctification, and the Jews call rectification or tikkun (תיקון).
The Torah, therefore, is not just a historical document or a collection of directives; it is God's blueprint for living a life that brings Heaven down to Earth. Through the Torah's teachings, we engage in a divine dialogue, transforming our world into a manifestation of God's justice, peace, and love. Yeshua's prayer,
Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10)
captures this essence perfectly, not merely as a plea for divine intervention but as a directive for disciples of Yeshua to embody God's will, as revealed in the Torah, in every aspect of life.
By observing the Torah's mitzvot, we participate in the ongoing creation and sanctification of the world, making every action, every moment, an opportunity to draw closer to the Divine. This perspective invites us to see the Torah not as an outdated set of rules but as a living, breathing guide that inspires us to live holier, more connected, and purposeful lives. In this way, we mirror Heaven's values on Earth, paving the way for a reality infused with the presence of God, where the physical and spiritual merge on this side of the veil.
This holistic approach to the Torah elevates our understanding of God's commandments from mere obligations to pathways for experiencing the divine in the here and now, turning the act of living according to the Torah into a process of rectification and sanctification—tikkun—of both the world and ourselves.
The Everlasting Guide: Torah's Role in Today's World
The Replacement Theological narrative that the advent of Christ transitions believers to an orthopraxy without the Torah crumbles upon close examination. Without the Torah, the very foundation of righteousness, the document that determines sin and ethical behavior, as well as the criteria necessary to be considered a Messianic candidate, dissipates without the Torah. If we were to nullify the Torah, we would, in essence, nullify the foundations upon which our faith is built.
The concept of Replacement Theology suggests that through the death and resurrection of Christ, believers are transitioned from a burdensome set of laws to complete freedom from those laws. However, this theory is flawed and insufficient in its explanation. Without the Torah, there is no foundation for defining sin and righteous behavior and for identifying Messianic candidates. Ignoring the Torah would mean neglecting the very bedrock upon which our faith rests. It is essential that we honor and uphold its teachings in order to maintain the integrity of our beliefs.
Casting off the Torah creates a logical inconsistency. Therefore, Yeshua, his disciples, and Paul would not propose the Torah as 'completed in Christ' in a way that exempts disciples from following it. Such a misconception is a direct result of Replacement Theology. The Torah's timeless wisdom remains an indispensable guide for living in alignment with God's will, guiding us daily while experiencing the complexities of modern society. King David writes,
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a guide unto my path. - Psalm 119:105
The Torah’s teaching highlights concepts like justice, compassion, and righteousness, not as outdated ideals but as essential principles for contemporary life. These teachings serve as a moral compass, guiding us through today's challenges with divine instruction. By embracing the Torah, we are equipped to cultivate communities founded on fairness, kindness, and ethical integrity, showcasing the Torah's ability to steer us toward a more just and compassionate world.
When we remove the shackles of Replacement Theology that have been foisted upon us for millennia, disciples of Yeshua can perceive the Torah not as an ancient relic but as a dynamic, living document that continues to inspire, challenge, and mold our journey toward God's kingdom on Earth. The juxtaposition of grace and law is not seen as a dichotomy but a harmonious blend. The law sets the standard of righteous behavior, and grace helps us strive towards perfecting it in our lives, inviting us into a deeper understanding and application of God's commandments in a way that fosters spiritual growth, community building, and personal sanctification. The apostle Peter agrees as he writes in 1 Peter 1:16, quoting Leviticus 11:44-45,
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Practical Applications: Living the Law
In Matthew 5:17-20, Yeshua emphasized the importance of following and teaching the Torah's commandments. He declared that those who do so will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. This statement goes against Replacement Theology's belief that Christ's followers are no longer bound by the Law. There is often confusion among Christians who equate the observance of the Law with soteriology, which is the doctrine of salvation. Replacement Theology wrongly suggests that following the Law could cancel out salvation. This misunderstanding stems from misinterpretations of Paul's teachings.
The application of the Torah in the lives of Yeshua's disciples today is not about earning salvation but about living out the righteousness and holiness that comes from a relationship with God. Practical observance can take many forms, enriching the spiritual journey and deepening the connection to God's will:
Ethical Business Practices: Inspired by commandments on honesty and fairness, disciples can conduct their business dealings with integrity, reflecting God's justice in the marketplace.
Community Service: The Torah's calls for justice and compassion can motivate acts of service, aiding those in need and advocating for societal equity.
Observing the Sabbath (שבת, Shabbat): Beyond rest, the Sabbath offers a time for spiritual renewal and reflection, aligning our lives more closely with God's rhythms.
Dietary Laws: Choosing to observe these laws can be an act of mindful consumption, recognizing the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Loving One's Neighbor: This fundamental principle can inspire kindness and solidarity, extending God's love to those within and beyond our immediate communities.
By integrating the Torah into everyday life (remember the Laws of the Torah are diverse, and not every Law applies to every person), disciples of Yeshua actively participate in the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, transforming their surroundings with the values of Heaven. This lifestyle stands as a testament against Replacement Theology's claims, affirming the Torah's continued relevance and sanctity in guiding followers of Christ toward a life of righteousness and intimate communion with God.
Conclusion: Embracing the Torah’s Wisdom in a Renewed Light
Our exploration of the Torah, in contrast to the misconceptions of Replacement Theology, reaffirms the Torah as a living testimony to God's will on Earth rather than a fading, dilapidated set of commands. This exploration has hopefully challenged and reshaped our understanding of the Law, demonstrating its profound capacity to enrich our spiritual journey.
As disciples of Yeshua, engaging deeply with the Torah's teachings illuminates a path to embodying the Kingdom of Heaven in the here and now. It reveals that living in accordance with God’s commandments is not about adherence to a bygone legalism but about entering into a dynamic, sanctifying relationship with the Divine. Herein lies the call to respect the Torah as a historical document and embrace it as a vibrant, guiding force in our lives, fostering a deeper, more meaningful connection with God and one another.
I invite you, Jews and Gentiles alike, to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of the Torah’s wisdom. Maybe even start with your own personal re-engagement of the parsha cycle, or Yeshua’s teaching on the Law in Matthew 5 through 7. Let us engage in meaningful dialogue, challenge prevailing misconceptions, and continue exploring how its timeless teachings can inform and transform our existence today. In doing so, we affirm that the Torah's wisdom is not only about upholding traditions but about living out the principles of the Heavenly Kingdom with compassion and righteousness—principles that are as crucial now as they were at the time of their revelation.
Together, let us navigate the complexities of our times with the moral compass provided by the Torah, making space in our lives and communities for the divine presence and moving ever closer to realizing the vision of a world reflecting the values of the Kingdom of Heaven, as clearly delineated by the Torah.
Have a great day! Stay sharp. Pray. Be ready.
Ty
Join the Discussion: I’m curious. Have you ever examined the role that the Torah plays in your life? What do you think of the idea that the Torah is not done away with and that Jesus and his early followers actively engaged with it in both practice and study? Engage with other readers in the comments section. Share your thoughts, respond to others' ideas and viewpoints, and be part of a community exploring the rich lessons of this week’s topic.
Please remember that in our community, we have good friends who come from both Jewish and Christian backgrounds. I know we will continue to hold one another in the highest regard and with the utmost respect.
Ask Questions: If you have questions or seek a deeper understanding of this blog post, feel free to ask.
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