W.D.J.D. IS ADVOCATING FOR RETURNING TO A 1ST-CENTURY MINDSET FOSTERING DEEPER SCRIPTURAL UNDERSTANDING

1. Origins and Definition:

• Hebrew Roots Movement (HRM) advocates adhering to the Torah and believing Jesus (Yeshua) is the Messiah.

• HRM emphasizes keeping the Mosaic Law, including Sabbath observance, biblical feasts, dietary laws, and circumcision.

• HRM is not monolithic, with various independent groups, congregations, and sects.

2. History:

• Messianic Judaism, Sacred Name Movement, and Worldwide Church of God influenced HRM's development.
• HRM emerged as a distinct phenomenon in the mid-1990s.
• Some Messianic Jewish groups diverge from HRM on "One Law" theology.

3. Beliefs:

• Both Old and New Testaments are holy books.
• Torah serves as the foundation for scripture interpretation.
• Yeshua did not abolish the Law but clarified its interpretation.
• Salvation comes from belief in Yeshua, not commandment-keeping.
• The Jewish Oral Law guides practical application but is not scripture.
• Old Testament/Torah Laws and New Testament teachings apply to both Jews and Gentiles.
• Hebrew language study is encouraged for deeper understanding.

4. Jewish Feasts:

• Hanukkah and Purim are recognized but not commanded in the Torah.
• Seven annual Torah Sabbath Holy Days reveal Jesus' plan of salvation.
• These feasts foreshadow Jesus' comings and God's plan for the world.

5. Christology:

• No unified Christology exists in HRM, but most believe Yeshua is God in the flesh.

6. Other Beliefs:

• HRM emphasizes adoption of all Christians into the "House of Israel."
• Completion of the "House of Israel" in Yeshua includes both Jews and Gentiles.
• Returning to a 1st-century mindset fosters deeper scriptural understanding.
• Some encourage using Hebrew-based forms of sacred names.

7. Christian Hebrew Roots:

• Subgroup follows Ten Commandments and Feasts of the Lord.
• Rejects other Old Testament requirements as "done away with."
• Follows what they see as biblical teachings on Communion.
• Functions as a bridge between HRM and mainstream Christianity.

Premises:

• Matthew 5:17-19 and 1 John 3:4 are cited to support HRM beliefs.