Jesus Messiah Fellowship
Light To The Nations
Questions people ask concerning Messianic Judaism
Which In Time Past Were Not A People
But Are Now The People Of God
By Cohen G. Reckart, Pastor
1.) How can a Gentile become a Jew? I thought only Jews could be Jews?
2.) How do I know that Messianic Judaism is right?
3.) If I decide to convert to Messianic Judaism are there strict rules to follow?
4.) What will be the attitude of other Jews toward Messianic Conversions to Jesus?
5.) If I convert to Messianic Judaism will I be required to leave my family?
6.) Will I be required to keep the Sabbath and observe other ancient Jewish customs?
7.) Do I have to dress funny? Must men wear hats like they do in synagogues?
8.) Are there introduction classes where I can learn more about Conversion?
9.) Are there other Churches that teach Messianic Judaism?
10.) If I am an unbelieving Jew married to a Gentile, will my marriage be accepted?
New Covenant Messianic Judaism had its beginning with Jesus Messiah (Mat 16:18). The history of this Messianic movement within the nation of Israel is recorded in the sacred record of the New Testament. The spread of this Kingdom of Jesus is documented in the Acts of the Apostles, the fifth book, entitled by the name of ACTS or as in some The Acts Of The Apostles. The Church and Believers you find in this history are unlike 99% of present denominations and religious groups calling themselves Christianity. There is mass confusion today as to what constitutes a Christian; how should a person live a Christian life; and how can a person become a Christian?
Few ask what constitutes a Messianic Believer and all the Apostles and first thousands of Jews from the twelve tribes were all Messianic Believers. Few say they live a Messianic life of holiness and yet the life of holiness for first century Messianic Believes was considered their sanctification from sin. Few claim they are Messianic having been led to replace this ancient first century religion of Jesus and the Apostles with man-made substitutes.
Most who attend a Church today follow the membership rules of their denominations and never seek or search for the true first century religion of Jesus and the Apostles. These afterward claim their religion according to those steps they took to join their Church. In the sacred record however, we find that becoming a real Christian is not by joining according to rules of membership, but by a spiritual new birth and then adoption into the Messianic Judaism of Jesus by our Lord Jesus Messiah. The processes of conversion and adoption are found in John 3:3-5 and Acts 2:38.
1. How can a Gentile become a Jew? I thought only Jews could be Jews?
Answer: A Gentile becomes a Jew by conversion to a Jewish religion. The Messianic Judaism of Jesus is a Jewish religion, the only valid Jewish religion since it alone is up under the throne of David.
Let me quote to you a statement from the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), in their Outreach Department literature entitled: *Becoming a Jew*:
"In Judaism people who become Jews are simply Jews, with no less than full Jewish status in every circumstance. For this reason, there is some objection to using any distinctive term in referring to a person who has voluntarily become a Jew."
Then we read further:
"Judaism welcomes those who voluntarily become Jews and considers them full-fledged members of the Jewish community. The Hebrew Bible, as well as later Jewish texts, include examples of individuals who made this decision. Probably the most famous and honored example is the biblical Book of Ruth, in which Ruth joins the Jewish people and eventually becomes the great-great grandmother of King David, from whose descendants, according to Jewish tradition, the messiah will come."
The fact that converted Gentiles can have full identity as Jews and then can birth Jews is well documented.
The Gentile Khazars converted to Pharisee Judaism in the 8th century AD, and today over 1200 years later, nearly all of Ashkenazi Judaism descends from that Gentile conversion (German Jews, Polish Jews, and Russian Jews etc).
What the descendants of these Gentiles converted to Judaism do not want, is for other Gentiles to boast that conversion to the Messianic Judaism of Jesus makes them into real Jews on an equal basis that other Gentiles became Jews to the Talmudic Pharisee conversion under the Khazars. But that is exactly what the sacred record teaches:
*For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men but of God (Rom 2:28-29).*
To assist those Gentiles converted to Talmudic Phariseeism in their claims that they are valid Jews, Christians are taught that there are natural Jews of flesh and blood (the converted Gentiles after several generations counted among them), and that there Gentiles who convert to Jesus who become spiritual Jews when they trust in Jesus for salvation. But these deny that a person is a real Jew on the same basis and equality that Gentiles who convert to Talmudic Phariseeism claim. This double-speak is not found in the Scriptures. A Jew, whether in the days of Jesus or today, must be a Jew inwardly by a spiritual relationship with God based upon the salvation requirements of the time. And if they did not have that spiritual relationship, the Scriptures are plain, they are not true Jews.
The Scripture is clear: *He is NOT a Jew which is one outwardly.* We know this speaks of those claiming a flesh and blood right to call themselves Jews. Not a single person alive today can claim they know for sure that their flesh and blood is pure Jewish. Anyone who will read the sacred history of the creation of the Israelite nation will never come to a true conclusion that the Jews were white people (Read Dual Identity, Born Again).
The Apostle Paul even proves that circumcision is no proof a person is a real true Jew: *neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh.* It is a false teaching for some to say that there is a natural Jew according to flesh, blood, and circumcision, without an inward spiritual relationship of faith toward God. It is a theory that has long been claimed and reported and is now assumed to be fact. Only those who have an inward relationship with God through faith are real Jews (Luke 13:28).
If we look at the racial composition of the Jews from the time of Solomon forward, it is so mixed with Gentile blood and flesh, that to say a person was a natural born Jew would be hard to prove. That is the reason for the genealogy requirements in the post-Babylonian return (Ezra 2:62; Neh 7:62). This is also the reason for the genealogy of Jesus in the book of Luke. When the genealogical records were destroyed in the 70AD destruction, no one can prove they are a full blooded Jew of Abraham's seed and blood. The New Testament records the genealogy of Jesus in Luke's Gospel and after that time there can be no Messiah because they cannot prove their genealogy.
Judaism is by a Spiritual work of God upon the heart, wherein the heart being circumcised the sins of the world being cut off out of the heart, the descendant Jew or convert is recognized as a real Jew according to the praise of God. So, a person who converts to Jesus Messiah are made ONE with all previous generations of Jews who themselves were converted into the Messianic Judaism of Jesus through the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Messiah. Together, through conversion to the Messianic Judaism of Jesus we can all claim inheritance in the tribe of Judah and the Israel of God. Gentiles can become real Bible Jews. If not, over 90% of all Judaism today are not Jews, because their ancestors were converted Gentiles. And, what would this say of Jesus, whose many times great grandmother Ruth was a Moabite Gentile of a black race of people?
How could a Gentile converted under the rules of UAHC be considered a real Jew and not just spiritual Jews, while Gentile converts to the Messianic Judaism of Jesus are to be considered only spiritual Jews?
Jesus was of the tribe of Judah and his throne was to rule ONLY over the Israel of God. For a Gentile to be under the reign of Jesus, then that person must be in the real Israel of God and a convert to that Judaism. And if in the Israel of God, then everyone must by conversion and adoption come into the one family of Jesus Messiah our Lord, as real Jew by conversion.
Here is a text that shows Gentiles are *Jews by choice* and conversion makes them the Israel of God:
*But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1Pet 2:9).*
2. How do I know that Messianic Judaism is right?
Answer: Because Jesus rejected all other forms of Judaism. Jesus said that all who came before him were thieves and robbers and the sheep did not hear them (John 10:8). The *all* in that statement included at that time the Pharisees, Saducees, Philosophers, and religious leaders trying to set up their own religious systems and hierarchies. Jesus taught that anyone who would not take up their cross and follow him, would not be saved. The choice is simple: Join the Messianic Judaism of Jesus or be lost forever practicing religions that heaven has rejected and God refused to accept. The Messianic Judaism of Jesus replaces all previous forms of Jewish and Gentile religions and is centered in Jesus, and only Jesus and his salvation will take us safe to the throne of God.
3. If I decide to convert to Messianic Judaism are there strict rules to follow?
Answer: The Messianic life is one of love. Think of it like this, a marriage consist of a commitment by two people to abide by certain rules of conduct. When they love one another there is no reason to look upon the marriage as if both are keeping rules or in some undesirable state of the bondage of works. There are many rules and laws within marriage that they do not break, because love and faith toward each other makes this impossible. And if they do break a rule, love brings reconciliation. It is the faith they each have in the other that makes the rules and laws of marriage a life of faith. These rules and laws are operated by faith so that faith creates them and faith abides in them. When faith is absent then these rules and laws become works of the flesh and no man or woman can live by them where faith is absent on one the other. Likewise with faith and salvation, these make us into holiness Messianic Believers. If holiness is not a part of a person's choice of life, then you should never attempt to be a convert to the Messianic Judaism of Jesus Messiah.
All rules serve as fences to keep that which is holy safe and secure and that which belongs to God as being easily identified. In the New Testament, there are many rules, but they are not bondage or works of men, they are operations of love toward God out of our most pure faith. There are rules against killing, adultery, fornication, idolatry, thief, witchcraft, drunkenness, gambling, etc.. These rules are not bondage. They are not legalism to limit a person in their otherwise liberty to do as they please without condemnation. A Messianic convert to the Judaism of Jesus is expected to be holy before the Lord. You must have a holy heart, a holy mind, a holy body, and raise holy hands in worship. This holiness is the evidence of sanctification in Jesus. There is no such thing as an ungodly Messianic Jewish convert, therefore all Messianic by the nature of their conversions choose to be holy and no other way of life will do. They choose this life by love and are proud to be an example of a new creation in Jesus Messiah, where faith is a way of life not just a Greek mental attitude and confession of the mouth, without change in life and heart.
4. What will be the attitude of other Jews toward Messianic Conversions to Jesus?
Answer: Generally hatred! Some trinitarian Catholic Messianic Jews are a little more cordial, although having adopted the trinity that is a BIG hangup. From the days of Jesus and the Apostles, unbelieving Talmudic Pharisee Jews have taken the position that Jews or Gentiles who convert to Messianic Judaism are not real Jews. How then could we expect a different attitude toward those Gentiles who convert to the Messianic Judaism of Jesus today? Messianic Jews do not need the approval of other Jews or Synagogues to claim Judaism. God did not die and leave them in charge. Messianic converted Jews and converted Gentiles and their descendants can now claim Judaism with the same rights as other Jews and Gentiles who have chosen Talmudism as their Judaism. Gentiles converted to the Messianic Judaism of Jesus are Jews and to be recognized as converted *Jews by Choice* to Jesus Messiah.
Non-Messianic Jews think they can certify us, judge us, damn us, and that they alone hold the power to determine who can be called a Jew, but that is egotistical prejudice and a form of antisemitism! It is not our intent to deny that other Gentiles who join these opposing Jewish sects are not considered Jews of that sect or schism; and on that merit, we reject the power of anyone to deny us our full place of inheritance in the tribe of Judah through conversion to the Messianic Judaism of the Lord Jesus Messiah.
5. If I convert to Messianic Judaism will I be required to leave my family?
Answer: No. Conversion to the Messianic Judaism of Jesus is not about isolationism or cultism, but about telling relatives, friends, and others about conversion and salvation through Jesus Messiah. If family and friends refuse to accept your conversion, then separations are often necessary for sake of peace. To circumvent these confrontations it is best not to discuss religion around those who are prejudiced against your religious choice. Family, friends, and others may think you are into a cult or some fringe group, because Messianic Judaism is unlike their Catholic or Protestant *main-steam* Church. However such feelings and misunderstandings are understandable, considering the prejudice and discriminations they have been taught by the Church and by the brow-beating news media. These attitudes will cease as they witness your change in behaviour and how you now glorify God in life, conduct, and attitude. They also may be converted by your chaste conversation and faith.
6. Will I be required to keep the Sabbath and observe other ancient Jewish customs?
Answer: Absolutely Not. Within Messianic Judaism, Jesus and the Apostles did not retain circumcision, Sabbath keeping, wearing prayer cloths, spelling words and names omitting certain alphabet letters, and observances of the old Law (Col 2:16). In fact, the entire New Covenant Messianic Faith is found in the New Testament. The New Testament replaced the Law for our Covenant. The Law was abolished at Calvary.
Within Messianic Judaism, the Old Testament serves as a schoolmaster (Gal 3:24-26), to teach us spiritual and moral responsibility to God, and then when we come to Messiah as recorded in the New Testament, we have an understanding of what constitutes holiness, godliness, and righteousness in Jesus Messiah.
The only celebration of Messianic Judaism that even comes near observance of the Old Testament, is the annual Passover feast of the memorial of Jesus which is held on the very day the ancient Passover was held. The Lord's Passover replaced the Old Passover and it is then that Messianic Jews celebrate our Communion with the Lord Jesus, followed by washing of one another's feet (men for men and women for women etc).
7.) Do I have to dress funny? Must men wear hats like they do in synagogues?
Answer: If by this you mean will women be expected to dress modestly and not wear male styled clothing; and will men likewise be expected to wear clothing that is not feminine and does not immodestly expose the body; the answer is yes. How should we expect a real holy Jewish man or woman to present themselves daily before God? Certainly not like the unconverted and the ungodly.
We might question, did the early Messianic Jews dress like ungodly Roman or Greek men or women? The ancient Greeks and Romans dressed half clad or nearly naked, whereas Jewish men and women who practiced holiness and sanctification, were fully dressed in colorful garments that became a part of their praise and worship to God. The purposes of Roman and Greek full or partial nakedness, was to glory in sexual pleasure and for the lust of the flesh.
Respect and esteem for others and one's own body is demonstrated in holiness, and holiness is as much outward as it is inward. Messianic men are not to be covered by hats or long hair when they come before God for worship. Whereas Messianic women are taught that God gave them their long uncut hair as a beautiful vail to show their subjection to God's rule of the husband over the home.
8. Are there introduction classes where I can learn more about Conversion?
Answer: Yes. But we may not have classes near you, however all efforts will be made to offer conversion classes on a one on one basis if none are within reasonable distance to you. Ministers desiring to be ordained into this Ministry must come to an appointed meeting. It is to be remembered that conversion classes are not debating sessions. Therefore scheduling a class for the purpose of debate will not be considered. Debates during classes will not be permitted. We feel confidant that all debate has already been settled and we do not need to argue the merits or validity of Messianic Judaism, the New Testament is all we need for our authority.
9. Are there other Churches that teach Messianic Judaism?
Answer: Yes. Messianic Judaism has not come to its fullness in several Acts 2:38 congregations. Many do not have a full revelation of what takes place in Acts 2:38. It has become a doctrine without revelation and a ritual without faith. Many have the principal doctrines of Messianic Judaism, however they may still be blinded to their inheritance in Messiah as Messianic converts to the Judaism of Jesus and claim their inheritance as citizens of the Israel of God. However, if you convert and follow through on being Born Again according to John 3:3-5 and Acts 2:38, you will receive a welcome at thousands of Acts 2:38 Churches all around the world. You can serve as a missionary to these congregation to help them complete their identity as Messianic converts to the true Israel of God. To locate one near you, send an e-mail and we will try to find a group where you will be accepted.
10. If I am an unbelieving Jew married to a Gentile, will my marriage be accepted?
Answer: Yes. Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman before God. In the New Testament, marriage is honorable and the bed undefiled (Heb 13:4). This means that Jews and Gentiles may contract marriage and it is valid before God. This is no different than is presently taught by UAHC. In these Hebrew congregations, Gentiles may convert to those branches of Judaism and the marriages are deemed valid. In some Jewish synagogues however intermarriage is unacceptable. This hard-line stance is now being revised because there are fewer and fewer Jews marrying Jews. To keep the number of Jews tied to the synagogue and secular Judaism, even apostate Jews are counted for their money and still considered Jews.
Those, who after conversion to Messianic Judaism, choose to apostate from either the faith of Messiah or their marriage relationship, are considered backslid Messianic Jews and their damnation will be greater than those who never heard or knew of it (2Peter 2:21). This does not mean such a person is still saved or has unconditional eternal security. Nor, does the UAHC consider a Gentile who converts who gives up Judaism anything except an apostate on whom the fires of hell will be more scorching. And, regardless of the convert's future life, all children born to a convert are considered full Jews. Many Jewish and Gentile converts to Messianic Judaism, male and female, become great missionaries for Jesus when they understand the value of conversion to the Messianic Judaism of Jesus, and for this commitment we are proud.
The Lord Jesus voted for you upon the Cross. The devil has voted against you. You hold the deciding vote where you will spend eternity. It is our prayer that you will consider that Jesus came to bring salvation for you. And if today you are not a convert to the Messianic Judaism of Jesus, then why not begin your journey and new life with Jesus Messiah now (Matthew 16:24)?
We wait with prayer and expectation for your conversion today.