The Challenge with writing a Statement of Faith is that if you make your statements too short, important things are left out and the well informed are frustrated or making accusations. But if you try to include every important point, the statement becomes too long and overwhelms the curious or beginner. So with that, please understand these are general statements that cannot reflect the fullness of our positions or understanding. Also notice that these attempt to reflect a progression of thought rather than isolated systematic statements.
1. We believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, the Creator of the Universe. He is eternal and without equal. There is no one like Him. He is Echad, One with the complexity of Father, Son and Spirit as presented in Scripture. He is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever. The One Who Was, Who Is and Is to Come. He is the Great I AM, ADONAI, the Ancient of Days, HaShem, a name that reflects His desire to Redeem and enter into Covenant with His people. He is holy, righteous, love, just and good.
Ex. 3:15 & Acts 7:32, Gen. 1:1 & Heb. 11:3, Deut. 33:27 & 1 Tim.1:17, Deut. 6:4 & Mark 12:29, Exodus 3:14, Daniel 7:9, Lev. 14:44 & 1 Peter 1:15-16, 1 John 4:8, Ps 34:8 & 100:5
2. ADONAI has revealed Himself in the Scriptures; infallible, God inspired writings useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). The Scriptures are broken down into the Torah, the Prophets, the Writings (Luke 24:44) & the New Testament. Restoration recognizes the traditional canon of the Tanakh and New Testament Scriptures. While the text itself remains the same, the Jewish people count 24 books of the Tanakh while Christianity counts 39 Old Testament books. The Torah in the strictest definition, consists of the first five books written by Moses. The New Testament consists of the 27 recognized books: 4 Gospels, the Epistles of Paul and the other General letters.
The Scriptures are the authority we look to for faith and practice. When questions or debates arise about any particular Scripture, the first and best place to go for help is other Scripture. Unclear passages must be interpreted in light of clear passages. Right Doctrine (orthodoxy) and Right Practice (orthopraxy) should not be based upon unclear or ambiguous verses or verses taken in isolation or out of context.
Tradition, both Christian (like the Early Church Fathers) & Jewish (Oral Law & Talmud) can be helpful to understand perspectives and historic practices, but should not be automatically accepted nor dismissed. In other words, not all Tradition is good, nor is all Tradition bad. A belief or practice founded mostly or all in Tradition should not be considered absolute upon the conscience of the believer or congregation. All Tradition must be tested by and submitted to the Scriptures. If a Tradition does not violate a tenant of Torah or clear command in the Scriptures, then the believer or congregation is free to consider adding it to their conduct. These are to be matters of conviction, not enforcement.
Non-canonical books like Enoch, the Gospel of Thomas and other similar titles are not sources for sound biblical teaching, doctrine or practice.
3. Yeshua is the Word made flesh, the Memra (an Aramaic word found in the Targums – early Aramaic translations of the Tanach). He is the Son of God, the Son of Man, and Messiah. All the Fullness of Deity dwells bodily in Him. Yeshua and the Father are Echad, One.
Yeshua is the Promised Redeemer and the Prophet like unto Moses. He is the Goal of the Torah and Moses wrote about Him. He is the One Abraham looked forward to and believed in, the Memra, that resulted in Righteousness being credited to all who believe. Yeshua is the Author and Perfector of our faith, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Yeshua is the Way, the Truth & the Life and no one comes to the Father except through Him.
Yeshua was crucified and buried as the Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. He was resurrected on the Feast of Firstfruits, as the Firstfruits from the Dead to demonstrate the Father accepted the offering of His blood and His victory over death.
In the future Yeshua will return in power and glory to set up His Kingdom and sit on the Throne of David. At that time, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Yeshua is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.
1 John 1:14, Mark 1:1, Matthew 26:64, Colossians 1:19 & 2:9, John 10:30, Deut. 18:18 & John 6:14, Rom. 10:4,
John 5:46, Gen. 15:6—Targum Jonathan, Rom. 4:22-24, Heb. 12:2, John 1:29, John 14:6, 1 Cor 5:7, 1 Cor 15:20 & 23, Heb. 12:24, Rev. 19:11-16 & 20:4, Philip. 2:10-11
4. The Creation account of Genesis is true and valid history. All humanity can be traced back to Adam & Eve (Chavah) and are made, male and female, in the image of God. This moment defines sexuality and marriage for all human society.
After the Fall in Genesis 3, every human being throughout history has lived in a fallen world with a corrupted image. Both Creation and Humanity need Restoration & Redemption that can only be supplied by the Creator. In Redeeming humanity, all of Creation will be restored and the Presence of God on earth and access to the Tree of Life will be returned.
Gen. 1-2, Gen. 1:26-27, Acts 3:21, Acts 17:26, Romans 8:20-23, Rev. 22
5. The Covenants laid out in the Torah and Prophets are God’s explanation and mechanism for accomplishing this goal. Believers must proceed through the Covenants in their proper order. Our Redemption takes place under the terms of the Abrahamic Covenant, which is why Abraham is our example of faith. The Mosaic Covenant represents our Sanctification and is meant only for a redeemed people whom ADONAI is showing how to live a holy life, pleasing to Him. Works of Torah are the Fruit of Redemption and in no way establish or earn salvation. The future Glorification in the Messianic Kingdom is represented in the Davidic Covenant, when the King is on the Throne in Jerusalem.
All of these Covenants are fulfilled when the New Covenant, as described in Jeremiah 31:31-34, is fully implemented. The New Covenant was inaugurated and ratified at Yeshua’s last Passover meal with His disciples and the shed blood of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. It will be fully implemented upon His return in power and glory; when the words, “Baruch Haba B’Shem ADONAI – Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the LORD” resound from His people.
Paul states in Galatians 3:15 & 17—"Brothers and sisters, I speak in human terms: even with a man’s covenant, once it has been confirmed, no one cancels it or adds to it. 17 What I am saying is this: Torah, which came 430 years later, does not cancel the covenant previously confirmed by God, so as to make the promise ineffective.”
He clearly states that the Mosaic does not cancel the Abrahamic because it was properly ratified, it was legal. In the same way, the Davidic does not cancel either the Mosaic or Abrahamic for the same reason. Likewise the New Covenant does not cancel or nullify any of the previous because they too were properly ratified and legal. Therefore, all New Covenant believers in Messiah, who come to Yeshua by faith, whether Jew or Gentile, are participating in and agreeing to all of the previous covenants. Every believer, whether fully understood or not, have taken an oath of loyalty to their King and agreed to live by the King’s laws as if saying, “Everything He says we will do”.
Gen. 15 & Ex. 12:14, Rom. 4 & Gal. 3:6-4, Ex. 19:3-14 & Ex. 24, Lev. 11:44, 2 Sam. 7:11b-29, Luke 22:14-20, John 1:29, Psalm 118:26 & Matt. 21:9, Zech. 12:10
6. Thus in the New Covenant, the Torah will be written on the hearts of the Redeemed people. The terms and expectations of the previous covenants, including the Mosaic, have not changed, only their location. The Commandments of God are now inside of the believer in the same way that the Ten Commandments, reflections of ADONAI and His character, were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant. He has placed and will continue to place in our heart what is in His heart. And if we love Him, we keep His Commandments.
Yeshua’s commandments are perfectly consistent with and the same as His Father’s, for Yeshua speaks only what His Father told Him to say. He would never say or teach anything contrary to what the Father has revealed in the Tanakh. Likewise, the Apostle Paul did not teach contrary to Yeshua’s teaching or go in a different direction. Paul encouraged the congregations to uphold the Torah for both Jew & Gentile because it is Holy, Righteous & Good. Which means there is not a new or different standard for the people of God in Messiah Yeshua.
Neither the Torah nor the Prophets have been abolished or nullified. Yeshua Himself came to fulfill them and see the commandments fully lived out in the lives of His followers. That means fully taught and correctly implemented. None of His disciples should willfully break His commandments nor teach anyone else that they have permission to break them either. To say that Yeshua gives His followers permission to disregard the Torah and the Commandments of God is making our Savior, by His own words, the least in the Kingdom.
Accusations that Yeshua broke the Torah, for example healing on the Sabbath, are false charges. Similar charges that Paul taught against Moses and the Torah are similarly false charges as his own actions proved by fulfilling the vow at the Temple in Acts 21:18-26.
Jer. 31:31-34, Exo. 40:20, 1 Kings 8:9, John 14:15, John 12:49, Matt. 5:17-19
7. New Testament arguments frequently revolved around the believer’s relationship with the Mosaic Covenant—whether status before God was determined by or must start with acts of Torah, like legal conversion or circumcision. However, Scripture makes it clear that no one will be saved or justified by keeping the Torah. Instead Salvation & Justification must proceed in the Proper order through the Covenants, starting with faith in the Promise and Provision of the Messiah, just like Abraham.
Instead, believers relationship to the Torah only starts or continues after Justification, when we are no longer under the Curse of the Law (death for disobedience), but the Blessing for Obedience is available. Keeping the Torah is an act of Love for our Savior and loyalty to our King.
For this to work, the Redeemed are given a New Spirit that removes their heart of stone and changes it to a heart of Flesh. The Holy Spirit is the promised Counselor & Comforter. He guides us in all truth and is our heart of true worship. He is the downpayment, the seal, the guarantee of our promised inheritance. The Holy Spirit fills the believer and gives them both the desire and the power to walk in the King’s laws and do them as shown in Ezekiel 36:24-27.
And Yes, we have read Galatians.
Rom. 3:20, Gal. 3:10-14, Deut. 28:1-6, John 14:15
8. Believers in Yeshua are Ambassadors for His Kingdom. We live in this world, but our lives and lifestyle are not of this world. We represent a different Kingdom, a different culture and a different Way. Which is why the way of life described in the Torah is the Way for Believers in Messiah even today. Jews who believe in Yeshua continue to live by the pattern they grew up with. Gentiles who believe are called to leave behind their old ways and move toward the walk of life consistent with the Scriptures.
In the Great Commission, every Disciple is to be taught to obey everything our Savior has commanded. Therefore all true discipleship will lead to greater and greater keeping of the Torah. The Torah is God’s greatest discipleship program. All believers are called to walk in the way of life as Yeshua walked. The future Kingdom of God with Messiah on the Throne will see the Torah go forth from Zion and all peoples will be taught His ways. Since we know that is our future, Believers should conform their lives more and more today.
2 Cor. 5:20, John 17:14-16, John 14:6 & Acts 9:2, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 John 2:6, Isaiah 2:2-3
9. Faith in Messiah Yeshua was never supposed to create a separate religion or organization distinct from the Jewish people and the Kingdom of Israel. Jewish people who believe in Yeshua do not cease being Jewish nor do they have to abandon their culture, upbringing, tradition or history. Salvation is first to the Jew and also the Gentile.
By faith in Messiah, Gentiles are included in this amazing work of God in fulfillment of the promise given to Abraham to bless the nations through him. Gentiles do not replace Israel or the Jewish people, rather Gentiles are added to the ongoing work of God. By faith in Messiah Yeshua, and coming into the Covenants by His work and ministry, Gentiles are made citizens of the Commonwealth of Israel and are given a share in the promised inheritance.
Ephesians 2:12 states that Gentiles, who were not a part of the Commonwealth of Israel nor the Covenants of Promise, are brought near by the blood of Messiah (2:13). Gentiles are added to what God has been building all along, so they are “are no longer strangers and foreigners, but [they] are fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” Which is why the practice of the faith should look more like the first century than it currently does.
Paul uses another analogy in Romans 11 to describe how Gentiles have been brought into the Redemptive plan of God. He speaks of an Olive Tree—a symbol of the nation of Israel, its branches and the idea of being Grafted In. The question becomes, what does Grafted In mean?
The cultivated nature of the tree fits with several of Yeshua’s parables describing the amount of special time and attention the cultivated tree receives from the Gardener. The Gardener expects the cultivated tree to produce fruit and He frequently comes to inspect it. The cultivated branches, already connected to the Tree, are those already within the Covenants, meaning from Israel, the Jewish people.
Gentiles are called the Wild Olive Branches, meaning from the nations. Paul makes the point that the Gentile believers in Yeshua are not brought from the wild into a new Garden or a different Tree rather, the Wild Branches are added to a pre-existing Garden and a pre-existing Tree. In other words, the Gardener did not make a new or separate Garden just for the Wild branches He’s bringing in, nor did He Graft them into a new Tree. Rather, the Wild Branches are Grafted into an Already Existing Tree, alongside the believing cultivated branches. These newly added Branches take their nourishment from the existing Root which has been supplying the feeding and strengthening the natural branches all along. The Root is the heart of the Promise that is, the Messiah, and the Promises & Covenants are the nourishment from the root.
Once the wild branches are brought into the existing garden and grafted into the existing tree, the wild branch is to be considered just as cultivated as any other natural branch, just more recently. In the parable of the hired workers, those hired in the last hour are paid the same wage as those hired early in the day. The parable emphasizes the point that the Master has the right to pay the same wage to all workers regardless of when they were hired. In the same way, the Gardener does not ask for permission to gather the Wild Branches and bring them in. The fruit of both branches, wild and natural, are considered as fruit of the one Cultivated Tree because together, the wild and natural branches are Echad. This Oneness pleases the Gardener and is the heart of His prayer.
The Blessing ADONAI promised to extend to the nations when He first called Abraham continues every time a Jew or a Gentile comes to faith in the Jewish Messiah.
John 4:22 & Rom. 1:16, Acts 10:34-48, Eph. 2:8-9 & 12-13 & 19-21, Gen. 12:2-3, Isaiah 14:1, Rom. 11:13-29
10. God has special days, Mo’edim, Appointed Times on the yearly calendar as described in the Torah. These Feasts are necessary for believers in Messiah as they are effective Discipleship tools for future generations as well as powerful Gospel presentations. The first coming of Messiah fulfilled each of the Spring Feasts, from Passover to Pentecost, exactly on each day. The second coming of Messiah is foreshadowed in the Fall Feasts.
By keeping and studying these Feasts, believers will have a better understanding of both the first and second coming. By abandoning these Feasts, the Body of Messiah has lost a yearly discipleship lesson for their children and an annual Gospel presentation for friends and family. Keeping the Feasts as believers in Yeshua are meant to reinforce the Savior’s work and strengthen our hope.
Even the Apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthians, a mostly Gentile congregation, to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in 1 Corinthians 5 because of the lessons learned in the activity. By keeping the Feasts with the Jewish people, we demonstrate a solidarity with them and that our faith is not something new, different or separate. We are also able to come alongside the Jewish people in some of the most important and spiritually significant times of the year.
Lev. 23 & Deut. 16
11. The Sabbath, one of those Mo’edim, reflects God’s pattern found in the first 7 days of Creation and is a governing principle of Messiah’s future Kingdom. Our life in the Messianic Era is based on the idea of Rest as reflected in the Sabbath and described in Hebrews. Keeping the Sabbath then actually reinforces belief in the Creator and our Future Hope.
An example of the principle that clear Scripture interprets unclear passages or practices, consider which idea provides the best definition of “the Lord’s Day”. Is the best definition based on the phrase “first day of the week” which results in a change over a thousand years of practice into a new day of worship, Sunday? Or does the description of Yeshua as “the Lord of the Sabbath” provide a better definition that requires no change in practice?
This is necessary to establish because Scripture is the standard for faith and practice, thus no person or ecclesiastical body has the authority to change clear Scriptural teaching and practice without a similarly clear and explicit command. Rightly understood, no New Testament passage explicitly directs the believing community to abandon the Sabbath for another day.
The only thing accomplished by changing the day of worship and fellowship away from the Sabbath is to separate Jew & Gentile from each other and make it seem like we are distinct faiths when God’s goal has always been to make us one new man. Antisemitism and separation from the Jews is the primary motivation for this change. Scriptural arguments to support changing from the Sabbath are reasoned and determined after the fact, to justify the desire for change and separation.
Is. 58:13 & 66:23, Heb. 4, Matt. 12:8
12. We describe our faith as “First century Judaism with the Person & Work of Yeshua the Messiah, His teachings & corrections along with the Apostles and their writings.”
Various Issues
1. Antisemitism
Ever since the Garden of Eden and the protoevangelion prophecy about the Seed of the woman crushing the Serpent’s head, the Enemy has sought to prevent the Seed’s arrival by killing the people God. He attempted it in Egypt, with Haman in the events of Esther, and with Herod killing all of the boys under two in Bethlehem. This effort has continued through various times in history like the Crusades, the Inquisition and the Holocaust. The Enemy’s efforts continue through the book of Revelation when the Dragon comes after the Woman and her Child. Thus, Hatred of God’s people is a sign of the Enemy’s influence as well as agreement and participation in the Enemy’s goals.
Therefore, Antisemitism is incompatible with faith in Messiah Yeshua and should not be tolerated in any believer or congregation. We are grafted into the Tree of Messiah and the Covenants with the Jewish people by faith in Yeshua. Even those who do not recognize Yeshua as Messiah, called “enemies of the Gospel” in Romans 11 are still loved by God on account of the Patriarchs and the Promises He made to them. Both Jew & Gentile are designed and destined to be united as One New Man in Messiah. Therefore, it is contrary to the will of God to do anything that will put up barriers or increase hostility or distrust between Jew and Gentile as we await Messiah’s return. If any should be able to display patience and love toward the Jewish people, it should be those who believe in the Jewish Messiah and are filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. Replacement Theology
Replacement Theology believes that a new and separate entity called the Church was created in the beginning of the book of Acts. This new entity takes the place of Old Testament Israel in the plan and purposes of God since the majority of Jews did not recognize Yeshua as the Messiah at the time. As a result, all the promises ADONAI made to the Jews have been transferred to the Church. These promises have already been or will be fulfilled in the Body of Messiah.
Replacement Theology, or Supersessionism, has dominated most of traditional Christian history and gave a theological framework for the Church to distance themselves and even persecute the Jewish people for their rejection of Yeshua. Many of the Early Church Fathers, while laying the groundwork and philosophy of Christian orthodoxy and orthopraxy, also said and wrote terrible things about the Jews. Sadly, many influential decisions of the early Church that separate it from Jewish people and practice were made with antisemitism as the foundation.
Restoration rejects Replacement Theology and believes that the Jewish people, even those who do not currently accept Yeshua as Messiah, still have a place and purpose in God’s plans. ADONAI will keep all His promises to those in Covenant with Him. Because of that belief, that the Nation of Israel is alive and significant, Restoration does not believe that a new and separate entity was created after the Resurrection of Yeshua in Acts 2. Believers in Yeshua both Jew and Gentile are still a part of the same faith that started with Abraham, continuing through the establishment of the Nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai and the future Kingdom with Messiah on the Throne of David. In other words, the Faith has not changed or morphed into something new.
Messiah Yeshua will return to fulfill the Promises made in the Davidic Covenant in a literal Kingdom on earth where He will reign on the Throne in Jerusalem. Leading up to that Day, the temporary blindness impacting the Jewish people to the identity of Messiah will be lifted. We have been seeing this in the last generation or so. Estimates suggest more Jewish people have accepted Yeshua as Messiah in the last 60 years than since the first century. We are truly living in days of fulfilment. Once again, this demonstrates God’s ongoing interest and special work among the Jewish people.
Unfortunately, Replacement theology is making a resurgence in the modern day and has contributed to the increase of antisemitism in the culture; even among those who claim the Name of Yeshua. This should be opposed by all those who look forward to Messiah’s appearing. Hostility towards the Jews is following in the pattern and influence of the original deceiver who has always wanted to destroy the people through whom ADONAI has brought the Messiah.
3. Israel
The modern State of Israel is a continuation of God’s promise to gather His people to the Land. Their continued existence over the centuries, despite numerous attempts to expel or eradicate them, is proof of God’s faithfulness. That Satan continues to make this relatively small percentage of the world’s population the #1 target for abuse and annihilation is also proof of their ongoing significance. But ADONAI will never break His promise or covenant with them. Even those who could be described as hostile to the Gospel are still loved on account of the Patriarchs.
The calling and the many blessings given to the Jewish people; the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Torah, the Temple service and promises are irrevocable and continue.
It is true that the modern state of Israel is not perfect, nor are its laws and leadership always reflective of the Torah and ADONAI’s instructions. But that does not negate God’s promise any more than previous wicked kings and rulers did. Even when sent out to exile, God has promised to always preserve a remnant of His people and He has always promised to return them to their inheritance. Their presence in the Land is a necessary element of the return of Messiah Yeshua in power and glory.
4. Practices Based on Antisemitism
Should the modern church continue in decisions and practices if antisemitism was a significant deciding factor? Restoration is not comfortable continuing such practices and seeks to return to the first century practice of the faith.
To help with this conviction, it is important to ask two questions when evaluating church history and practice.
First, if something is described or commanded in the Scriptures for the people of God to do, and we are not doing it today; why are we not and when did we stop?
Secondly, if something is described or commanded in the Scriptures for the people of God Not to do, and we are doing it today; why are we and when did we start?
These clarifying questions often reveal heartbreaking moments in our history that has led to horrible persecution of the Jewish people. As a result, the Jewish people have been further hardened to resist efforts to introduce them to their Messiah.
5. 3rd Temple
In the days leading up to Messiah’s return in power and Glory to set up His Kingdom, the Scriptures describe a return of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is not appropriate for any believer in Yeshua to call this Temple the “Anti-Christ’s Temple” or in any way associate it with the idea of the “Synagogue of Satan”. For the Scripture is also clear that the Anti-Christ will desecrate this Temple in the same manner that Antiocus Epiphanes did before the days of Hanukkah. A Temple cannot be desecrated that has not first been dedicated to the One True God. And the Scriptures would not call it a desecration or an “abomination of desolation” if God did not recognize that dedication.
Even the Second Temple, with all of the known corruption, was still loved by Yeshua and He called it “My Father’s House”. His love and zeal for this Temple motivated Yeshua to drive out the money-changers and marketplace that hindered the worship of those coming to worship the One True God in the place where He caused His Name to Dwell.
The Messianic Era will itself see a rebuilt and functioning Temple that will lead the world in worship in Spirit and Truth.
6. Noahide Laws
Many suggest that Gentiles or believers in Yeshua only need to be concerned with the so-called Noahide laws: seven commands supposedly binding on all humanity. No Scripture explicitly states these commands as it does every other command of God. Instead, God clearly defines His will and way of life for His people. He desires all people to come to repentance and live lives that are pleasing to Him, consistent with His holiness and His Word. All people who have the same faith in Messiah as Abraham are Redeemed, pass through the waters of Baptism (the Red Sea) and are taken to Mt. Sinai to be shown and taught how to live. Both the Twelve Tribes and the Mixed Multitude experienced this process. Only by agreeing to the Covenants and keeping the Commands of the Torah together, did this diverse company become One Nation.
The Noahide concept puts a limit of expectations on the Gentiles and acts as if God has lower standards for them. It artificially creates a distinction between Jews & Gentiles that prevents any Gentile from ever being considered a citizen of the Commonwealth of Israel and forever treats them as Strangers to the Covenants of Promise and not a part of His family. This is in direct contradiction to Ephesians 2 & 3 as well as numerous other Scriptures.
1. We believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, the Creator of the Universe. He is eternal and without equal. There is no one like Him. He is Echad, One with the complexity of Father, Son and Spirit as presented in Scripture. He is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever. The One Who Was, Who Is and Is to Come. He is the Great I AM, ADONAI, the Ancient of Days, HaShem, a name that reflects His desire to Redeem and enter into Covenant with His people. He is holy, righteous, love, just and good.
Ex. 3:15 & Acts 7:32, Gen. 1:1 & Heb. 11:3, Deut. 33:27 & 1 Tim.1:17, Deut. 6:4 & Mark 12:29, Exodus 3:14, Daniel 7:9, Lev. 14:44 & 1 Peter 1:15-16, 1 John 4:8, Ps 34:8 & 100:5
2. ADONAI has revealed Himself in the Scriptures; infallible, God inspired writings useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). The Scriptures are broken down into the Torah, the Prophets, the Writings (Luke 24:44) & the New Testament. Restoration recognizes the traditional canon of the Tanakh and New Testament Scriptures. While the text itself remains the same, the Jewish people count 24 books of the Tanakh while Christianity counts 39 Old Testament books. The Torah in the strictest definition, consists of the first five books written by Moses. The New Testament consists of the 27 recognized books: 4 Gospels, the Epistles of Paul and the other General letters.
The Scriptures are the authority we look to for faith and practice. When questions or debates arise about any particular Scripture, the first and best place to go for help is other Scripture. Unclear passages must be interpreted in light of clear passages. Right Doctrine (orthodoxy) and Right Practice (orthopraxy) should not be based upon unclear or ambiguous verses or verses taken in isolation or out of context.
Tradition, both Christian (like the Early Church Fathers) & Jewish (Oral Law & Talmud) can be helpful to understand perspectives and historic practices, but should not be automatically accepted nor dismissed. In other words, not all Tradition is good, nor is all Tradition bad. A belief or practice founded mostly or all in Tradition should not be considered absolute upon the conscience of the believer or congregation. All Tradition must be tested by and submitted to the Scriptures. If a Tradition does not violate a tenant of Torah or clear command in the Scriptures, then the believer or congregation is free to consider adding it to their conduct. These are to be matters of conviction, not enforcement.
Non-canonical books like Enoch, the Gospel of Thomas and other similar titles are not sources for sound biblical teaching, doctrine or practice.
3. Yeshua is the Word made flesh, the Memra (an Aramaic word found in the Targums – early Aramaic translations of the Tanach). He is the Son of God, the Son of Man, and Messiah. All the Fullness of Deity dwells bodily in Him. Yeshua and the Father are Echad, One.
Yeshua is the Promised Redeemer and the Prophet like unto Moses. He is the Goal of the Torah and Moses wrote about Him. He is the One Abraham looked forward to and believed in, the Memra, that resulted in Righteousness being credited to all who believe. Yeshua is the Author and Perfector of our faith, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Yeshua is the Way, the Truth & the Life and no one comes to the Father except through Him.
Yeshua was crucified and buried as the Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. He was resurrected on the Feast of Firstfruits, as the Firstfruits from the Dead to demonstrate the Father accepted the offering of His blood and His victory over death.
In the future Yeshua will return in power and glory to set up His Kingdom and sit on the Throne of David. At that time, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Yeshua is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.
1 John 1:14, Mark 1:1, Matthew 26:64, Colossians 1:19 & 2:9, John 10:30, Deut. 18:18 & John 6:14, Rom. 10:4,
John 5:46, Gen. 15:6—Targum Jonathan, Rom. 4:22-24, Heb. 12:2, John 1:29, John 14:6, 1 Cor 5:7, 1 Cor 15:20 & 23, Heb. 12:24, Rev. 19:11-16 & 20:4, Philip. 2:10-11
4. The Creation account of Genesis is true and valid history. All humanity can be traced back to Adam & Eve (Chavah) and are made, male and female, in the image of God. This moment defines sexuality and marriage for all human society.
After the Fall in Genesis 3, every human being throughout history has lived in a fallen world with a corrupted image. Both Creation and Humanity need Restoration & Redemption that can only be supplied by the Creator. In Redeeming humanity, all of Creation will be restored and the Presence of God on earth and access to the Tree of Life will be returned.
Gen. 1-2, Gen. 1:26-27, Acts 3:21, Acts 17:26, Romans 8:20-23, Rev. 22
5. The Covenants laid out in the Torah and Prophets are God’s explanation and mechanism for accomplishing this goal. Believers must proceed through the Covenants in their proper order. Our Redemption takes place under the terms of the Abrahamic Covenant, which is why Abraham is our example of faith. The Mosaic Covenant represents our Sanctification and is meant only for a redeemed people whom ADONAI is showing how to live a holy life, pleasing to Him. Works of Torah are the Fruit of Redemption and in no way establish or earn salvation. The future Glorification in the Messianic Kingdom is represented in the Davidic Covenant, when the King is on the Throne in Jerusalem.
All of these Covenants are fulfilled when the New Covenant, as described in Jeremiah 31:31-34, is fully implemented. The New Covenant was inaugurated and ratified at Yeshua’s last Passover meal with His disciples and the shed blood of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. It will be fully implemented upon His return in power and glory; when the words, “Baruch Haba B’Shem ADONAI – Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the LORD” resound from His people.
Paul states in Galatians 3:15 & 17—"Brothers and sisters, I speak in human terms: even with a man’s covenant, once it has been confirmed, no one cancels it or adds to it. 17 What I am saying is this: Torah, which came 430 years later, does not cancel the covenant previously confirmed by God, so as to make the promise ineffective.”
He clearly states that the Mosaic does not cancel the Abrahamic because it was properly ratified, it was legal. In the same way, the Davidic does not cancel either the Mosaic or Abrahamic for the same reason. Likewise the New Covenant does not cancel or nullify any of the previous because they too were properly ratified and legal. Therefore, all New Covenant believers in Messiah, who come to Yeshua by faith, whether Jew or Gentile, are participating in and agreeing to all of the previous covenants. Every believer, whether fully understood or not, have taken an oath of loyalty to their King and agreed to live by the King’s laws as if saying, “Everything He says we will do”.
Gen. 15 & Ex. 12:14, Rom. 4 & Gal. 3:6-4, Ex. 19:3-14 & Ex. 24, Lev. 11:44, 2 Sam. 7:11b-29, Luke 22:14-20, John 1:29, Psalm 118:26 & Matt. 21:9, Zech. 12:10
6. Thus in the New Covenant, the Torah will be written on the hearts of the Redeemed people. The terms and expectations of the previous covenants, including the Mosaic, have not changed, only their location. The Commandments of God are now inside of the believer in the same way that the Ten Commandments, reflections of ADONAI and His character, were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant. He has placed and will continue to place in our heart what is in His heart. And if we love Him, we keep His Commandments.
Yeshua’s commandments are perfectly consistent with and the same as His Father’s, for Yeshua speaks only what His Father told Him to say. He would never say or teach anything contrary to what the Father has revealed in the Tanakh. Likewise, the Apostle Paul did not teach contrary to Yeshua’s teaching or go in a different direction. Paul encouraged the congregations to uphold the Torah for both Jew & Gentile because it is Holy, Righteous & Good. Which means there is not a new or different standard for the people of God in Messiah Yeshua.
Neither the Torah nor the Prophets have been abolished or nullified. Yeshua Himself came to fulfill them and see the commandments fully lived out in the lives of His followers. That means fully taught and correctly implemented. None of His disciples should willfully break His commandments nor teach anyone else that they have permission to break them either. To say that Yeshua gives His followers permission to disregard the Torah and the Commandments of God is making our Savior, by His own words, the least in the Kingdom.
Accusations that Yeshua broke the Torah, for example healing on the Sabbath, are false charges. Similar charges that Paul taught against Moses and the Torah are similarly false charges as his own actions proved by fulfilling the vow at the Temple in Acts 21:18-26.
Jer. 31:31-34, Exo. 40:20, 1 Kings 8:9, John 14:15, John 12:49, Matt. 5:17-19
7. New Testament arguments frequently revolved around the believer’s relationship with the Mosaic Covenant—whether status before God was determined by or must start with acts of Torah, like legal conversion or circumcision. However, Scripture makes it clear that no one will be saved or justified by keeping the Torah. Instead Salvation & Justification must proceed in the Proper order through the Covenants, starting with faith in the Promise and Provision of the Messiah, just like Abraham.
Instead, believers relationship to the Torah only starts or continues after Justification, when we are no longer under the Curse of the Law (death for disobedience), but the Blessing for Obedience is available. Keeping the Torah is an act of Love for our Savior and loyalty to our King.
For this to work, the Redeemed are given a New Spirit that removes their heart of stone and changes it to a heart of Flesh. The Holy Spirit is the promised Counselor & Comforter. He guides us in all truth and is our heart of true worship. He is the downpayment, the seal, the guarantee of our promised inheritance. The Holy Spirit fills the believer and gives them both the desire and the power to walk in the King’s laws and do them as shown in Ezekiel 36:24-27.
And Yes, we have read Galatians.
Rom. 3:20, Gal. 3:10-14, Deut. 28:1-6, John 14:15
8. Believers in Yeshua are Ambassadors for His Kingdom. We live in this world, but our lives and lifestyle are not of this world. We represent a different Kingdom, a different culture and a different Way. Which is why the way of life described in the Torah is the Way for Believers in Messiah even today. Jews who believe in Yeshua continue to live by the pattern they grew up with. Gentiles who believe are called to leave behind their old ways and move toward the walk of life consistent with the Scriptures.
In the Great Commission, every Disciple is to be taught to obey everything our Savior has commanded. Therefore all true discipleship will lead to greater and greater keeping of the Torah. The Torah is God’s greatest discipleship program. All believers are called to walk in the way of life as Yeshua walked. The future Kingdom of God with Messiah on the Throne will see the Torah go forth from Zion and all peoples will be taught His ways. Since we know that is our future, Believers should conform their lives more and more today.
2 Cor. 5:20, John 17:14-16, John 14:6 & Acts 9:2, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 John 2:6, Isaiah 2:2-3
9. Faith in Messiah Yeshua was never supposed to create a separate religion or organization distinct from the Jewish people and the Kingdom of Israel. Jewish people who believe in Yeshua do not cease being Jewish nor do they have to abandon their culture, upbringing, tradition or history. Salvation is first to the Jew and also the Gentile.
By faith in Messiah, Gentiles are included in this amazing work of God in fulfillment of the promise given to Abraham to bless the nations through him. Gentiles do not replace Israel or the Jewish people, rather Gentiles are added to the ongoing work of God. By faith in Messiah Yeshua, and coming into the Covenants by His work and ministry, Gentiles are made citizens of the Commonwealth of Israel and are given a share in the promised inheritance.
Ephesians 2:12 states that Gentiles, who were not a part of the Commonwealth of Israel nor the Covenants of Promise, are brought near by the blood of Messiah (2:13). Gentiles are added to what God has been building all along, so they are “are no longer strangers and foreigners, but [they] are fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” Which is why the practice of the faith should look more like the first century than it currently does.
Paul uses another analogy in Romans 11 to describe how Gentiles have been brought into the Redemptive plan of God. He speaks of an Olive Tree—a symbol of the nation of Israel, its branches and the idea of being Grafted In. The question becomes, what does Grafted In mean?
The cultivated nature of the tree fits with several of Yeshua’s parables describing the amount of special time and attention the cultivated tree receives from the Gardener. The Gardener expects the cultivated tree to produce fruit and He frequently comes to inspect it. The cultivated branches, already connected to the Tree, are those already within the Covenants, meaning from Israel, the Jewish people.
Gentiles are called the Wild Olive Branches, meaning from the nations. Paul makes the point that the Gentile believers in Yeshua are not brought from the wild into a new Garden or a different Tree rather, the Wild Branches are added to a pre-existing Garden and a pre-existing Tree. In other words, the Gardener did not make a new or separate Garden just for the Wild branches He’s bringing in, nor did He Graft them into a new Tree. Rather, the Wild Branches are Grafted into an Already Existing Tree, alongside the believing cultivated branches. These newly added Branches take their nourishment from the existing Root which has been supplying the feeding and strengthening the natural branches all along. The Root is the heart of the Promise that is, the Messiah, and the Promises & Covenants are the nourishment from the root.
Once the wild branches are brought into the existing garden and grafted into the existing tree, the wild branch is to be considered just as cultivated as any other natural branch, just more recently. In the parable of the hired workers, those hired in the last hour are paid the same wage as those hired early in the day. The parable emphasizes the point that the Master has the right to pay the same wage to all workers regardless of when they were hired. In the same way, the Gardener does not ask for permission to gather the Wild Branches and bring them in. The fruit of both branches, wild and natural, are considered as fruit of the one Cultivated Tree because together, the wild and natural branches are Echad. This Oneness pleases the Gardener and is the heart of His prayer.
The Blessing ADONAI promised to extend to the nations when He first called Abraham continues every time a Jew or a Gentile comes to faith in the Jewish Messiah.
John 4:22 & Rom. 1:16, Acts 10:34-48, Eph. 2:8-9 & 12-13 & 19-21, Gen. 12:2-3, Isaiah 14:1, Rom. 11:13-29
10. God has special days, Mo’edim, Appointed Times on the yearly calendar as described in the Torah. These Feasts are necessary for believers in Messiah as they are effective Discipleship tools for future generations as well as powerful Gospel presentations. The first coming of Messiah fulfilled each of the Spring Feasts, from Passover to Pentecost, exactly on each day. The second coming of Messiah is foreshadowed in the Fall Feasts.
By keeping and studying these Feasts, believers will have a better understanding of both the first and second coming. By abandoning these Feasts, the Body of Messiah has lost a yearly discipleship lesson for their children and an annual Gospel presentation for friends and family. Keeping the Feasts as believers in Yeshua are meant to reinforce the Savior’s work and strengthen our hope.
Even the Apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthians, a mostly Gentile congregation, to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in 1 Corinthians 5 because of the lessons learned in the activity. By keeping the Feasts with the Jewish people, we demonstrate a solidarity with them and that our faith is not something new, different or separate. We are also able to come alongside the Jewish people in some of the most important and spiritually significant times of the year.
Lev. 23 & Deut. 16
11. The Sabbath, one of those Mo’edim, reflects God’s pattern found in the first 7 days of Creation and is a governing principle of Messiah’s future Kingdom. Our life in the Messianic Era is based on the idea of Rest as reflected in the Sabbath and described in Hebrews. Keeping the Sabbath then actually reinforces belief in the Creator and our Future Hope.
An example of the principle that clear Scripture interprets unclear passages or practices, consider which idea provides the best definition of “the Lord’s Day”. Is the best definition based on the phrase “first day of the week” which results in a change over a thousand years of practice into a new day of worship, Sunday? Or does the description of Yeshua as “the Lord of the Sabbath” provide a better definition that requires no change in practice?
This is necessary to establish because Scripture is the standard for faith and practice, thus no person or ecclesiastical body has the authority to change clear Scriptural teaching and practice without a similarly clear and explicit command. Rightly understood, no New Testament passage explicitly directs the believing community to abandon the Sabbath for another day.
The only thing accomplished by changing the day of worship and fellowship away from the Sabbath is to separate Jew & Gentile from each other and make it seem like we are distinct faiths when God’s goal has always been to make us one new man. Antisemitism and separation from the Jews is the primary motivation for this change. Scriptural arguments to support changing from the Sabbath are reasoned and determined after the fact, to justify the desire for change and separation.
Is. 58:13 & 66:23, Heb. 4, Matt. 12:8
12. We describe our faith as “First century Judaism with the Person & Work of Yeshua the Messiah, His teachings & corrections along with the Apostles and their writings.”
Various Issues
1. Antisemitism
Ever since the Garden of Eden and the protoevangelion prophecy about the Seed of the woman crushing the Serpent’s head, the Enemy has sought to prevent the Seed’s arrival by killing the people God. He attempted it in Egypt, with Haman in the events of Esther, and with Herod killing all of the boys under two in Bethlehem. This effort has continued through various times in history like the Crusades, the Inquisition and the Holocaust. The Enemy’s efforts continue through the book of Revelation when the Dragon comes after the Woman and her Child. Thus, Hatred of God’s people is a sign of the Enemy’s influence as well as agreement and participation in the Enemy’s goals.
Therefore, Antisemitism is incompatible with faith in Messiah Yeshua and should not be tolerated in any believer or congregation. We are grafted into the Tree of Messiah and the Covenants with the Jewish people by faith in Yeshua. Even those who do not recognize Yeshua as Messiah, called “enemies of the Gospel” in Romans 11 are still loved by God on account of the Patriarchs and the Promises He made to them. Both Jew & Gentile are designed and destined to be united as One New Man in Messiah. Therefore, it is contrary to the will of God to do anything that will put up barriers or increase hostility or distrust between Jew and Gentile as we await Messiah’s return. If any should be able to display patience and love toward the Jewish people, it should be those who believe in the Jewish Messiah and are filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. Replacement Theology
Replacement Theology believes that a new and separate entity called the Church was created in the beginning of the book of Acts. This new entity takes the place of Old Testament Israel in the plan and purposes of God since the majority of Jews did not recognize Yeshua as the Messiah at the time. As a result, all the promises ADONAI made to the Jews have been transferred to the Church. These promises have already been or will be fulfilled in the Body of Messiah.
Replacement Theology, or Supersessionism, has dominated most of traditional Christian history and gave a theological framework for the Church to distance themselves and even persecute the Jewish people for their rejection of Yeshua. Many of the Early Church Fathers, while laying the groundwork and philosophy of Christian orthodoxy and orthopraxy, also said and wrote terrible things about the Jews. Sadly, many influential decisions of the early Church that separate it from Jewish people and practice were made with antisemitism as the foundation.
Restoration rejects Replacement Theology and believes that the Jewish people, even those who do not currently accept Yeshua as Messiah, still have a place and purpose in God’s plans. ADONAI will keep all His promises to those in Covenant with Him. Because of that belief, that the Nation of Israel is alive and significant, Restoration does not believe that a new and separate entity was created after the Resurrection of Yeshua in Acts 2. Believers in Yeshua both Jew and Gentile are still a part of the same faith that started with Abraham, continuing through the establishment of the Nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai and the future Kingdom with Messiah on the Throne of David. In other words, the Faith has not changed or morphed into something new.
Messiah Yeshua will return to fulfill the Promises made in the Davidic Covenant in a literal Kingdom on earth where He will reign on the Throne in Jerusalem. Leading up to that Day, the temporary blindness impacting the Jewish people to the identity of Messiah will be lifted. We have been seeing this in the last generation or so. Estimates suggest more Jewish people have accepted Yeshua as Messiah in the last 60 years than since the first century. We are truly living in days of fulfilment. Once again, this demonstrates God’s ongoing interest and special work among the Jewish people.
Unfortunately, Replacement theology is making a resurgence in the modern day and has contributed to the increase of antisemitism in the culture; even among those who claim the Name of Yeshua. This should be opposed by all those who look forward to Messiah’s appearing. Hostility towards the Jews is following in the pattern and influence of the original deceiver who has always wanted to destroy the people through whom ADONAI has brought the Messiah.
3. Israel
The modern State of Israel is a continuation of God’s promise to gather His people to the Land. Their continued existence over the centuries, despite numerous attempts to expel or eradicate them, is proof of God’s faithfulness. That Satan continues to make this relatively small percentage of the world’s population the #1 target for abuse and annihilation is also proof of their ongoing significance. But ADONAI will never break His promise or covenant with them. Even those who could be described as hostile to the Gospel are still loved on account of the Patriarchs.
The calling and the many blessings given to the Jewish people; the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Torah, the Temple service and promises are irrevocable and continue.
It is true that the modern state of Israel is not perfect, nor are its laws and leadership always reflective of the Torah and ADONAI’s instructions. But that does not negate God’s promise any more than previous wicked kings and rulers did. Even when sent out to exile, God has promised to always preserve a remnant of His people and He has always promised to return them to their inheritance. Their presence in the Land is a necessary element of the return of Messiah Yeshua in power and glory.
4. Practices Based on Antisemitism
Should the modern church continue in decisions and practices if antisemitism was a significant deciding factor? Restoration is not comfortable continuing such practices and seeks to return to the first century practice of the faith.
To help with this conviction, it is important to ask two questions when evaluating church history and practice.
First, if something is described or commanded in the Scriptures for the people of God to do, and we are not doing it today; why are we not and when did we stop?
Secondly, if something is described or commanded in the Scriptures for the people of God Not to do, and we are doing it today; why are we and when did we start?
These clarifying questions often reveal heartbreaking moments in our history that has led to horrible persecution of the Jewish people. As a result, the Jewish people have been further hardened to resist efforts to introduce them to their Messiah.
5. 3rd Temple
In the days leading up to Messiah’s return in power and Glory to set up His Kingdom, the Scriptures describe a return of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is not appropriate for any believer in Yeshua to call this Temple the “Anti-Christ’s Temple” or in any way associate it with the idea of the “Synagogue of Satan”. For the Scripture is also clear that the Anti-Christ will desecrate this Temple in the same manner that Antiocus Epiphanes did before the days of Hanukkah. A Temple cannot be desecrated that has not first been dedicated to the One True God. And the Scriptures would not call it a desecration or an “abomination of desolation” if God did not recognize that dedication.
Even the Second Temple, with all of the known corruption, was still loved by Yeshua and He called it “My Father’s House”. His love and zeal for this Temple motivated Yeshua to drive out the money-changers and marketplace that hindered the worship of those coming to worship the One True God in the place where He caused His Name to Dwell.
The Messianic Era will itself see a rebuilt and functioning Temple that will lead the world in worship in Spirit and Truth.
6. Noahide Laws
Many suggest that Gentiles or believers in Yeshua only need to be concerned with the so-called Noahide laws: seven commands supposedly binding on all humanity. No Scripture explicitly states these commands as it does every other command of God. Instead, God clearly defines His will and way of life for His people. He desires all people to come to repentance and live lives that are pleasing to Him, consistent with His holiness and His Word. All people who have the same faith in Messiah as Abraham are Redeemed, pass through the waters of Baptism (the Red Sea) and are taken to Mt. Sinai to be shown and taught how to live. Both the Twelve Tribes and the Mixed Multitude experienced this process. Only by agreeing to the Covenants and keeping the Commands of the Torah together, did this diverse company become One Nation.
The Noahide concept puts a limit of expectations on the Gentiles and acts as if God has lower standards for them. It artificially creates a distinction between Jews & Gentiles that prevents any Gentile from ever being considered a citizen of the Commonwealth of Israel and forever treats them as Strangers to the Covenants of Promise and not a part of His family. This is in direct contradiction to Ephesians 2 & 3 as well as numerous other Scriptures.