Part 1 of the "Dismantling
Legalism in the Messianic Jewish Movement Today"
study states the greatest threat to the Messianic Jewish
(Hebrew Christian) Movement in the 21st Century is the de-spiritualization
of it's ranks by legalism in the form of mandatory Torah observance.
The major thrust of Dauermann's criticism is an attempt to discredit the
use of the term "legalism" in regards to mandatory Torah
Observance in the Messianic Jewish and Gentile Movement today.
Dauermann states: How shall we respond to this? Well,
many ways. There are a number of red herrings, half-truths and
mischaracterizations in this document. But for today, let’s settle for just
one—a better definition of “legalism.’ “Legalism” is a word commonly
thrown around by people seeking to either avoid or discredit Torah
observance. I believe it is time the careless and self-serving
polemical misuse of this theological swear word was exposed and retired, and
that the right use of the term became the norm.
Rabbi Dauermann is dismissing a term that may be the only true way of
biblically perceiving the deviation taken by Torah Observant Messianic Jews
and Gentiles today. Has Stuart cited any New Covenant scripture to
defend his stand? I could not find one. This omission indicates
the lack of New Covenant teachings in Dauermann's theology. The fact is that
the apostle Paul never endorsed Torah Observance in the manner which Torah
Observant Messianic Jews do today, but rather preached a "Doctrine of
Grace".
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." Paul taught that
the "Doctrine of Grace" gave freedom to be Torah observant, but never at the
cost of loosing New Covenant freedoms.
Rabbi Dauermann also cites Dr. Charles Ryrie in an
excerpt from "The Grace of God":
Legalism may be defined as a fleshly attitude which conforms to a code for
the purpose of exalting self. The code is whatever objective standard is
applicable to the time; the motive is to exalt self and gain merit rather
than to glorify God because of what He has done, and the power is the flesh,
not the Holy Spirit. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that having to do
something is not legalism, but the wrong attitude is ----- Israelites had to
bring their sacrifices, otherwise they would have suffered certain
penalties. It was the attitude toward doing what they had to do that
determined whether or not their action was legalistic ------ Having to
conform to a law is not of itself legalism (Charles Ryrie, "The Grace of
God" 1963: 117-118).
The problem with Dr. Dauermann's citing of Dr. Ryrie's explanation of
legalism is that the explanation does not take into account the loss of New
Covenant freedoms by explicit adherence to Torah.
If
the Gospel's freedom is suppressed for the sake of upholding the Law
(Torah), then those that put Torah above the Gospel must abandon the
contradictory elements of their theology and submit their Torah observance
to New Covenant principles. This does not mandate the banning of Torah
observance; however, it does restrict Torah observance to that of
"non-obligatory" compliance in Messianic Jewish worship and daily practice.
I believe there is a necessity for all Messianic doctrine to be thoroughly scrutinized
by trusted teachers of New Covenant Doctrine, and a "Messianic Jewish Task
Force" appointed for such oversight. Most Torah
Observant Messianic teachers show very little regard for New Covenant Doctrine. Paul
strictly warned his disciples to be on guard for heresy. It is with
the hope of reinstilling within the Messianic Jewish community a zeal for
the grace preached in the Gospel that I continue my efforts.
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