MLC Grace Studies
An Introduction
There is only one Gospel whose power and gracious freedom overcomes sin and death throughout the world. But 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.
There are now several major theological trends that counter the truth of the gospel, that need to be recognized and opposed. The task of this study series is one of taking a critical look at these newly accepted beliefs by comparing them to the apostles writings. Some Messianic Jewish theologians have faulted the apostle Paul for the "Pauline Gospels" claiming it to be anti-Semitic.
Most anti-Pauline Messianic Jewish theologians have avoided taking an anti-Pauline stand and have re-invented Paul and his writings as that of "Torah observant Rav Shaul, all accepting of modern Messianic Jewish thought." Such a re-invention is both doctrinally unsound and historically incorrect. We should question both seriously by first concentrating on the teachings in the epistles to the Hebrews, Romans and Galatians. Above all the other apostles, Paul was given the divine task of proclaiming the principles of the New Covenant to Jew and Gentile believer alike. Let us endeavor to take His new revelation to heart.
Commentaries on Legalism in the MJM and Hebrew Roots Movement