History and Formation of the Hebrew Roots Movement
The Hebrew Roots and/or One Law Theology movement is gaining momentum today. In this video I look at the history and formation of the Hebrew Roots movement. With no faith statement or main leader it is difficult to pinpoint what constitutes this belief, however, I suggest there are three theological points that set this movement apart.
Core Beliefs of One Law Theology
One of the most unhealthy and wrong theologies of Israel is called One Law Theology, or the Hebrew Roots Movement. In short, it claims that it was always God’s desire for Gentiles to live a Torah-observant life, even after putting their faith in Jesus – that basically Jews and Gentiles should be under the one law of Torah. The proponents of this movement claim Christians should:
- Strictly keep the Sabbath.
- Celebrate all of the Jewish biblical holidays instead of Christian holidays like Christmas or Easter.
- Maintain a kosher diet.
Setting aside the technical theological errors of this belief, here’s why this theology is so dangerous: it’s a defiance of God’s creative purposes. If you were born a Gentile, there is nothing wrong with you. God accepts you in Jesus as a Gentile and makes no demand that you live a Jewish life.
The Apostolic Decision and Acts 15
In Acts 15, the Jewish leaders of the Jesus-believing community decided Gentiles did not need to take on Jewish identity in order to be saved. This decision made clear that Gentiles could be assured that God accepts them as they are. It also showed that the Jewish believers continued to maintain an observant, faithful Jewish life after putting their faith in Jesus. We agree with the first century apostles that no greater burdens should be laid upon the Gentiles in order to receive salvation.
Distinction and Identity
Long before Jesus, God created the distinction of Jew and Gentile just as he created male and female or day and night. It was God’s plan that each of these would maintain their distinct identities, but learn to love and serve the other in mutual submission. However, many have realized they had an identity crisis in their faith. I would like to submit that some have moved from one identity crisis, to another. This is the Hebrew Roots Identity Crisis.
Theological Perspectives and Comparisons
Based on the material, we can observe the following distinctions between movement claims and historical biblical decisions:
- Movement Claim: Claims it was always God’s desire for Gentiles to live a Torah-observant life.
- Apostolic Decision: Decided Gentiles did not need to take on Jewish identity in order to be saved.
- Movement Claim: Proponents claim Christians should celebrate all Jewish biblical holidays.
- Biblical Perspective: God created the distinction of Jew and Gentile and it was God's plan for each to maintain distinct identities.
Addressing the Movement Today
The Hebrew Roots Identity Crisis is a message that involves being honest and vulnerable about some things. Don’t let intrusive thoughts shake your identity in Christ. At Gateway, we enjoy celebrating the Jewish holidays with them, finding deeper understanding of God as we do, but we also honor and value the traditions of the Christian Church.