Friends,
In our journey of faith, it’s crucial to continually reflect on our beliefs and practices to ensure they align with the entirety of Scripture. Today, we’ll delve into several thought-provoking topics that challenge us to embrace the full scope of the Scriptures and consider how we might have inadvertently adopted a selective approach.
Why Do We Believe in the Scriptures “Cover to Cover”
It’s an intriguing question: Why do we claim to believe in the Scriptures from “cover to cover” yet sometimes omit substantial portions of it in our teachings and practices? The Tanakh (Old Testament) comprises approximately 75-80% of the entire Scriptures. This significant portion is often sidelined in modern evangelical practice, leading to a selective approach that may not fully appreciate the richness and continuity of Scripture. Paul reminds us that "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16), which obviously includes the Tanakh.
Comparative View of Scripture: Marcion vs. Modern Evangelical Focus
To understand this phenomenon better, let’s compare the misguided canonical views of Marcion, an early Christian heretic, with modern evangelical Christianity. Marcion famously rejected the Tanakh and embraced only a truncated version of the Apostolic Scriptures (New Testament). In contrast, modern evangelicals profess a belief in the entire Scriptures but often exhibit a similar selective approach in practice.
Marcionite Canon:
Tanakh: Rejected
Apostolic Scriptures: Selected writings, often focusing on Pauline epistles and edited Gospels.
Modern Evangelical Canon:
Tanakh: Frequently under emphasised, with selective reference.
For example; Malachi 3:10 ESV “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”Apostolic Scriptures: Predominantly preached and taught, with a focus on certain epistles and Gospels.
Reflective Questionnaire for Believers
To examine this selective approach and its implications, consider the following reflective questionnaire. It challenges you to think deeply about your engagement with the entire Scriptures and to reconsider any Marcionite tendencies in your practice.
Engagement with the Whole Scriptures:
How frequently do you read or study the Tanakh compared to the Apostolic Scripturesnt?
In what ways do you incorporate teachings from the Tanakh into your daily life and faith practice?
Selective Focus on the Apostolic Scriptures:
Do you find that your teaching or preaching predominantly focuses on the Apostolic Scriptures? If so, why might this be the case?
How do you address or reconcile the teachings and practices found in the Tanakh that are not frequently discussed in modern evangelical circles?
Understanding the Feasts or Festivals:
The Feasts and Festivals, including the weekly Sabbath, are detailed in the Tanakh (Leviticus 23) and were observed by Yeshua (Jesus) and the early Church (Luke 4:16, Acts 18:21). How do you reconcile their absence in your current practice if you uphold a comprehensive view of Scripture?
If you view these observances as relevant, how do you incorporate them into your understanding and practice of the faith?
Jesus’ Relationship to the Tanakh:
Jesus’ teachings and actions often referenced and upheld the Tanakh (Matthew 5:17-18). How does this impact your view of the relevance of the Tanakh for contemporary Christians?
What implications does Yeswhua’s (Jesus’) use of the Tanakh have for your understanding of its authority and relevance today?
The Authority of the Entire Scriptures:
Do you believe that both the Tanakh and Apostolic Scriptures are equally authoritative for Christian faith and practice? Why or why not?
How do you approach the continuity and integration of teachings from both parts of Scripture in your personal faith and practice?
Critique of Selective Teaching:
How might focusing primarily on the Apostolic Scriptures while neglecting the Tanakh result in a skewed or incomplete understanding of Scriptural teachings?
What are the potential consequences of a selective approach that resembles Marcionite cherry-picking of Scripture?
Theological Implications of Ignoring the Tanakh:
Yeshua said He came not to abolish but to fulfil the Torah and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). How does this statement influence your view of the Tanakh’s ongoing relevance?
If the early Church observed practices from the Tanakh, what does this say about the importance of these practices for Christians today?
Holistic Understanding and Practice:
How might a more holistic approach to Scripture, including regular engagement with the Tanakh, enrich your understanding and practice of the faith?
What might be the benefits of embracing the full scope of God’s instructions as given in both the Tanakh and Apostolic Scriptures?
Personal Reflection:
Reflecting on these questions, do you see any areas where your approach to Scripture might be overly selective or limited?
Are you open to exploring and integrating teachings from the Tanakh into your faith practice to gain a fuller understanding of Scripture?
Commitment to a Comprehensive Faith:
Would you be willing to commit to studying the entire Scriptures, including both the Tanakh and Apostolic Scriptures, to ensure a more balanced and complete approach to your faith?
How can you encourage others in your community to embrace the whole of Scripture in their teaching and practice?
Yom Kippur: Observance for the Believer
Turning to a specific observance, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, stands out as a significant occasion in Yahweh’s Scriptural calendar (Leviticus 16, 23:26-32). For believers, who uphold the ongoing relevance of the Torah, Yom Kippur is a day dedicated to deep, reflective repentance. Unlike everyday confessions of sins, Yom Kippur involves dedicating the entire 24-hour period to seeking forgiveness and making amends.
1 John 1:9 underscores this daily practice of confession of sins: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Yet, Yom Kippur amplifies this practice, calling for a concentrated effort to reflect and repent in a way that highlights its significance. Hebrews 10:1-4 also reflects on the need for a deeper understanding of repentance and atonement that Yom Kippur encapsulates.
Additionally, James 5:16 encourages believers to engage in communal confession and prayer: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." This verse aligns with the ethos of Yom Kippur, where believers come together to seek God’s forgiveness and intercede for one another, fostering both spiritual and communal healing.
***Yom Kippur is a time of deep reflection and repentance, a day where believers humble themselves before Yahweh and seek reconciliation for their sins. Observing Yom Kippur calls us to face the reality of Yahweh's judgement and take stock of where we stand in our walk of faith. It is not merely about abstaining from food or engaging in prayer, but about confronting the deeper issues of our hearts, asking whether we have been faithful, or if we have allowed ourselves to fall into spiritual complacency.
We are reminded that Yom Kippur is a call to all who follow Yahweh to repent and return to Him wholeheartedly. Yet, as we reflect on our individual journeys, there is also a collective dimension: we must consider the spiritual state of the body of believers. Are we truly living according to the Torah’s standards, or have we succumbed to selective obedience, picking and choosing which commands to follow while neglecting others?
judgement Begins with the Household of Yahweh
Judgement begins with the household of Yahweh, and as it is written, "to the Jew first and then to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). We understand from Scripture that the Jewish people will face judgement, and it follows, therefore, that those who believe in Yeshua will also face judgement. This teaches us not to be too complacent, as we have all been disobedient in some measure.
Yahweh, in His mercy, will gently circumcise our hearts, a necessary process. Though He is kind and gentle, this must be done to restore, educate, and bring us back on track. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). We may very well be on the precipice of this right now. The Day of Yahweh, as described in Isaiah 60, is a day of darkness and not a day to be taken lightly.
Let us turn away from selective obedience. Yeshua said in John 9:39-41, "I came into this world for judgement, so that those who are blind may see, and those who see may become blind." The Pharisees, who claimed they could see, were blind to their own sin, making them even more culpable. This applies to us today. If we think we have the light and can see, we are held accountable for our knowledge and understanding.
The message here addresses the religious situation of our times. To those humble and seeking Yahweh's light, it is one thing. But to those who claim to see, beware … spiritual blindness may come upon those who think they are enlightened. Half a truth is a whole lie, and this poses a question: Why do those given some measure of revelation not have a greater impact on the world? This is not about self-condemnation but rather asking, why aren’t we, who profess to have some insight, attracting others through our obedience to the Torah?
Before we point fingers at others, thinking they are blind while we see, we must ask ourselves what message the world is receiving from us. According to Mosheh, people should marvel at Yahweh, who gave such an amazing Torah (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). This should be the effect we have on the world. People should be drawn to Yahweh and His Torah because of the way we live our lives.***
In Summary
This discussion invites you to reflect on the entire scope of Scriptures and consider how a more comprehensive approach might enhance your faith practice. By embracing both the Tanakh and Apostolic Scriptures, including observances like Yom Kippur, you can deepen your understanding and enrich your spiritual journey.
Thank you for engaging with these reflections and questions. May they serve to challenge and inspire you in your walk of faith.
‘eBed Doulos N.D.P.