In Response To An Accusation of Anti-Nomianism

A prominent Messianic Jewish leader responded to my suggestion of the establishment of an "Association of Grace Oriented Messianic Believers" by accusing me of "anti-nomianism". Anti-nomianism literally means "against the law". Christian anti-nomainism was first documented in the second century by the heresy of Montanism, (named after the second century heretic Montanus). It is an ancient deviation which stresses so-called "extrabiblical revelation," reveling in the "spiritual" and denying the concrete ethical requirements of the Creator God of Scripture. Montanism is a natural consequence of dualistic thinking. In these ranks, spiritual extrabibical revelation leads to anti-nomianism, i.e., the rejection of God's law.

The summation of his argument is quoted below:

"Marshall,
I feel you are following the influence of 2000 years of church
history, which has often, especially at the outset, been at least somewhat
anti-semitic. I know you will agree. Because of this, there is a
presupposition that "if it was Jewish, it was probably to be shunned." This
happened often. Membership in early churches required a denunciation of
anything Jewish. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, who is a personal friend of mine, and I
disagree; he takes a dispensational view of scripture. I take it you do
too. And JFJ is not where I'd go for theological discussions.
Getting back to your question, why don't you show me where the
"Newer" Covenant says it's not obligatory to keep Torah. If the Jewish
people "signed" a covenant at Sinai, "All that the Lord has spoken we will
do," can you show me where the "Newer" Covenant tells the Jewish people
that the Torah is all over? Also, can you say that the "Older" covenant
does not teach grace? What's Yom Kippur all about if not GRACE.
I feel you have succumbed to the typical Christian antinomianism."

My response to the accusation of "anti-nomianism" is clearly stated below:

I believe that Torah has it's place in Messianic Judaism, but the practice of Torah must not contradict the freedoms given in the New Covenant. You asked "why don't you show me where the "Newer" Covenant says it's not obligatory to keep Torah." I am assuming you are requesting scripture evidencing that Torah should not be practiced in an obligatory fashion.

My first reference is Colossians 2:16 "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day."

My second reference is 1 Corinthians 10:23-27 "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible--but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

My third reference in the area of food is: Romans 14:14 "As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean"

The scriptures above indicate that Messianic believers are not under the injunction of Torah. Pauline doctrine stresses that all believers should maintain a knowledge of New Covenant freedoms. Many modern Messianic Jews are still struggling with the basic tenants of Pauline doctrine. Their unhistorical and undoctrinal interpretation of Paul and his teachings has led them to an antogonism with the Gospel professed in Protestant Christianity. I therefore submit to you that the Grace that I profess is not heresy but rather correct doctrine. If my teachings were anti-nomian, I would not consider the inclusion of Torah observance in the daily life of Messianic believers acceptable. Messianic Judaism should be permissive in it's acceptance of Torah observance, but must never let believers feel obligated in their worship and daily practice.

In conclusion, my suggestion to establish an "Association for Grace Observant Messianic Believers" is very good idea, given the position taken by many mainstream Messianic Jewish leaders in support of obligatory Torah observance. I am therefore continuing a campaign to raise support for such an association until shown otherwise. I am in no way desirous to lead such an association, since I believe that it should be directed by a board of ordained pastors, Messianic rabbis and missionaries who understand and support Grace Oriented Messianic Judaism.

In Yeshua's love,

Marshall Beeber
Messianic Literary Corner director

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