The End, Eschatology and My Aching Heart

The End – Of The First Module

My first module studying Messianic Jewish Theology is drawing to a close.

How can I sum it up it? I have read more books in the last eight weeks, than I have in the last couple of years. I have information coming out of my ears that I need time to put into informative articles / book reviews for you all to read. I have a much better insight into Messianic Jewish Theology and the various forms etc and how diverse it is, and the issues facing it today. I have also gained a deeper understanding of Christian Theology, so I can see ‘exactly’ where Judaism and Christianity depart from one another.  I have learnt so much, been inspired, enlightened, and stretched beyond words. However, this is only half the story, as all that is ‘knowledge’...

My Aching Heart

How I actually feel is another matter. As I write, the tears run down my cheeks, as I am broken from all I have discovered. Much of my discovery is not entirely new, just penetrates even deeper... My heart aches for the Jewish people that cannot see the Messiah, that do everything to oppose Him, and the fact that many see Christians as the enemy.  I am frustrated by Christian Theology that has pushed its Jewish roots and Israel to one side, and still refuses to look back and learn from the mistakes of the past. I am burdened for leaders in Churches to lead their sheep to the truth. This pain isn’t new to me, the facts are not new either, but the intensity is. The depth to which it has pierced my heart over these last few months is indescribable. But, I know God has called me to bring unity between these two theologies, for His glory, and for ‘such a time as this.’ Please pray that I can I hold onto all He has for me, and none of what He doesn’t.

Our Eschatology

I have recently been studying Eschatology.

I must admit, I have steered away from this subject the whole of my life and had little desire to know in detail about dispensationalism, pre-millennialism, a-millennialism, post-millennialism and all the other possibilities, of which there are many strands within strands. It eventually all seems to boil down to whether one is Dispensationalist / Restorationist or Covenantal / Supersessionist. The problem is that due to disputes, these labels have become almost black and white. Whereas in reality, many of us who argue against Supersessionism, (quite rightly), would also be in agreement with much of Covenantal Theology, as no one can deny that our God is a God that keeps His covenants. However, most Covenant theologians argue that the New Covenant has superseded the old, and they see no ongoing purpose with the people of Israel, so that is where we must choose to part company.

I approached this topic hesitantly and realised as I was reading, that my burning question was where do I fit? Which view do I adhere to, or even, which view should I believe as a Messianic believer? In the JNTC Stern says: ‘Messianic Jews seem to hold especially strong opinions about these things- perhaps because there is no certain way of determining who is right until events eliminate all but one possibility.’ The more I studied, the more I realised that I didn’t fit into one particular box, (which is the story of my life), but in this particular case I eventually found my conclusion liberating. Some of scripture is very clear, but many of these views are down to personal interpretation. Of course, I won’t deny that there is some truth in all the theories though.

Arnold Fruchtenbaum and Stephen Sizer (two polar opposites of the arguments) argue that you are either a Restorationist / Dispensationalist Theologian or a Covenant Theologian. However, as far as I can see, all the eschatology’s are somewhat flawed. We almost need a different starting point. We need ‘a Covenant Theology that includes the relevance, significance and restoration of the Jewish people, [and] a Restorationist Theology that accepts political realities without being one-sided’ [Richard Harvey].  My advice is that we don’t take any of these positions beyond what the Bible can accurately tell us. Put yourself in a box if you wish, but make sure you can still see outside of it, and reason with other believers around you, and always be aware of the dangers of taking eschatology too far. It’s vital that we partake in exegesis, not eisegesis!  

Judaism – Much To Teach Us About Eschatology

I believe Judaism has much to teach us in the area of eschatology. On a positive note, many Jews see the reestablishment of the state of Israel as paving the way to the advent of the Messiah, (which we agree in part with) yet know it’s the second coming, and Israel is a sign that Yeshua will return soon. Yet, where trying to predict the end of the age, (like Christianity, many doctrines have developed over time often in response or reaction to challenges faced at the time), ‘[t]he result has been that even amongst some believing Jews an attitude of religious agnosticism has become dominant. This attitude is one of patient resignation to the will of God, to whom the future and its mysteries belong’ [L. Jacobs]. I think we need to be patient, less predictive, and more engrossed with the task at hand, rather than focussing on what may/may not happen when Christ returns.

I personally, am very much in agreement with Lance Lambert, who profoundly says: ‘It is my belief that there will be a millennium. It would not alter my faith or joy in the Lord if there were no such proof. I find myself unable to hold such a conviction in argument or hotly dogmatic spirit. If we are honest, both views present us with problems that are not easily answered. The vital need is to be ready for the Lord’s coming and for all that will follow it.’

A Sound Biblical Hermeneutic

You could say that I’m taking the easy way out, but for me I see Scripture clearly saying that we are not to know everything... none of us has all authority... so when people preach specific end-time eschatology down to the minute details of what specifically will be happening in the millennium, I think they are embarking on dangerous ground. What is vital is that we know Yeshua is coming again... that our Biblical hermeneutics are sound... that we are open to prophecies being fulfilled, beyond our imagination. We must avoid a Supersessionist understanding of Scripture, and see God as one who is faithful to His covenants, and trust Him to sort out the ending as He did the beginning. It will be glorious, I know that for sure!