The foundational premise of all Messianic Jewish apologetics is this: one must reduce every argument to a Torah argument alone. This is based on the understanding that the Prophets and Writers could not add to or subtract from the Torah which is the Word that G-d commanded to Israel, and neither can we do so. Thus, the first question in any apologetic discussion should be “where is this (argument) found in the Torah?”
Rabbi Shaul, otherwise known as Paul the Apostle, was a Pharisee, even as a believer in Messiah and a teacher to the nations. He taught what was considered in his day to be “Judaism” and thus the Torah and the Prophets and Writings were the central foundation to all his teachings. It is from this foundation that he taught and taught others to follow. This is a scripture-only reference list of who Paul said he was, and what he said he preached.
I wanted to clarify the purpose of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, since many seem to be confused as to what it’s purpose was, and what it will be in the future when it is built again.
The purpose of the Temple is for G-d to dwell with man.
It was not to provide atonement for sin. That was not its function. Instead it is because we are unclean, and sinful, and G-d who is holy can not dwell with unclean and sinful man, that atonement for us is required as we “draw near” to G-d. In fact the Hebrew word for “drawing near” is the same as “making a sacrifice.”
A peer-reviewed summary of recommended references, books, and other reading materials for those interested in Messianic Judaism, HaDerech, and Judaism in general.
The ruling of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, in Hebrew, Greek, and English, instructing new converts to Judaism from the nations to immediately cease from four activities engaged with idol worship.
