Dismantling Legalism in the Messianic Jewish Movement - Part 2 addresses a "falling away" of Messianic Jewish brethren from a professed faith in Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ).  Over a year ago I had predicted a weakening of faith among Messianic Jewish brethren due to the propagation of a false gospel, denying New Covenant truths and freedoms, with over-reliance on Torah observance.

When first writing the "Dismantling Legalism" essay in 2000, I was not aware of how the Lord Yeshua would bring me evidence proving my prediction.  In the fall of 2001 I received an email from the founder of a popular Messianic Jewish periodical, proclaiming a "falling away" of Messianic Jewish brethren by the efforts of anti-Messianic organizations. He requested information and positive testimonies from believers who had met anti-Messianic deprogrammers.  I had met the anti-missionary the Messianic publisher cited in his letter, and successfully fended off the anti-missionaries attempts to "deprogram" my faith.

But more important was my awareness of the reasons why Messianic Jewish believers were such easy prey to these individuals, and the reasons I gave were very disconcerting to this Messianic leader.  I explained to him that the false gospel professed and propagated by "Torah observant" Messianic Jewish brethren was weakening believers, causing them to be "ashamed of the gospel".  Such shame is not openly discussed in Torah observant Messianic Jewish circles, since it is actually the bi-product of being overly reliant on mandatory Torah observances.  I wrote a letter to him, which was edited for publication in a newsletter.  This newsletter encourages individuals to financially support the publication of a "Messianic Prophecy Bible".  I also support this much needed bible, but I cannot close my eyes to the primary reason for the "falling away" of Messianic Jewish brethren.  For this reason I have posted my letter to him, removing all names.  I hope this letter will begin to drive the message home to the Messianic Jewish Movement's leaders that the time is very short.  If they cannot be true to the gospel, their entire movement will crumble before too long.  

Sincerely,  

Marshall Beeber (Messianic Literary Corner director)

A Letter To An MJ Publisher

My name is Marshall Beeber.  I am a Messianic Jew (Hebrew Christian), in my early fifties, married and the father of a lovely young daughter.  I am a sales consultant by trade.  By hobby and ministry, I am a Messianic poet and webmaster/director of the Messianic Literary Corner, a grace oriented Messianic ministry (http://www.messianic-literary.com).   I am replying to the article concerning the "falling away" of many Messianic Jewish brethren to anti-missionaries.  Back in the 1980s I was involved in a Messianic ministry in Philadelphia and met Rabbi *****, the present head of "*****", who was then the director of the Hillel house at the University of Pennsylvania. He invited me to his home in Philadelphia.  His intent was that of "deprogramming" me of my faith in Yeshua (Jesus) to hopefully convert me to orthodox Judaism.  He desired to debate the scriptures with me, but confessed that he could do so only if I would consent to the use of the Hebrew text as a reference source for the scriptures.  I did not consent to his offer, since my command of Hebrew was not as good as his. I then countered his offer by suggesting that we refer to the Jewish Publication Society text, but still he refused.  His reason for refusing was stated; "Reading the scriptures in any other language but Hebrew is like kissing a woman with a veil on her face".  I knew his reason had a few grains of truth in it, but I was aware that such an advantage in our debate would literally give him total command of all interpretations of scripture, thus making me his pupil.  The debate never took place and we never met again. 

I pondered the possible reasons why he would use such a strategy in his "deprogramming methods" and concluded that he was intimidated by the "biblical-historical" perspective being taught by Messianic Jews (Hebrew Christians), which I know well.  He apparently was willing to give up any attempt to "deprogram" my faith, fearing being snared by the truth!   It was then that I became aware of the weaknesses in the "anti-messianic strategy".  Most anti-missionaries hold to an unbiblical concept of prophecy. Most neither believe in a Messiah, nor do they understand the historical context in which we all now live. Their primary method of deprogramming is one of using cultural shaming techniques and weak arguments contesting Messianic prophecies.  

Messianic Jews fall into their web of deception by being too desirous to display their orthodox Jewishness, thereby becoming "ashamed of the gospel". Too many Messianic Jewish believers are indoctrinated into a Messianic theology devoid of the "gracious freedoms" inherent in New Covenant teachings. When they are faced by zealous anti-missionaries hotly contesting their faith, they neither have the "strength of the Spirit" given only to those who have tasted the freedom and grace of the Lord Yeshua, nor do they have a strong prophetic understanding.  They therefore become easy prey to such tactics.   The solution to this dilemma, is right in front of us, but we must separate ourselves from "false gospels" that cause us to be too reliant upon "mandatory Torah observances" and not the true gospel of freedom that we are called to.  There is nothing wrong with Torah observance, but it must be in a "non-obligatory" fashion, lest we be robbed of our dependence upon the saving grace of Messiah Yeshua alone!  

In Yeshua's love,  

Marshall Beeber

Messianic Literary Corner director