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& What is REASON & REVELATION MESSIANIC A Monthly Journal of Christian Evidences JUDAISM? March 2021•Vol. 41•No. 3 The 3 NEW Books Obedience in Readers of Faith in Series Romans Behemoth, the Hippo, & Egyptian Pehemu A Failed Prophecy of Christ?

What Is Messianic Judaism? Jewish restrictions were still imposed (Acts 15:19-21). Fourth, Messianic Justin Rogers, Ph.D. Judaism is appealing because it is dif- ferent. People are always interested [EDITOR’S NOTE: AP auxiliary in the beliefs and practices of Mes- in something new (Acts 17:21), and writer Dr. Rogers is the Director of the sianic Jews, this article shall attempt the novelty factor of Messianic Juda- Graduate school of Theology and Asso- an overview of at least the key tenets ism is significant to most Christians. ciate Professor of Bible at Freed-Harde- of this movement. To some it is attractive to speak of man University. He holds an M.A. in Yeshua‘ hammeshîach (“Jesus the Mes- New Testament from Freed-Hardeman THE ATTRACTION OF MESSIANIC JUDAISM siah”) rather than “Jesus Christ”; of University as well as an M.Phil. and habberîth hachadāshāh rather than Ph.D. in Hebraic, Judaic, and Cognate Messianic Judaism has attracted a the “new covenant”; of their “rabbi” Studies from Hebrew Union College- great deal of attention in recent years. rather than their “minister.” Jewish Institute of Religion.] The reasons for its appeal are many. First, the atrocities of the Holocaust Fifth, Messianic Judaism is appeal- “They wish to be both Jews and made the Western world in gen- ing because it is similar to Christian- Christians, but are neither Jews nor eral more sympathetic to Jews and ity. Most of the converts to Messianic Christians.” This is how the church Judaism. This is exemplified by the Judaism are not Jews but Christians. father Jerome (ca. A.D. 345-430) Nostra Aetate declaration of Pope Therefore, it is in the best interest of characterized the “Nazareans,” one Paul VI which erases some of the Messianic Jewish congregations to of the early Jewish-Christian groups most censorious anti-Semitic state- stress their similarities with main- that observed the Law of Moses ments in Catholic tradition.2 Second, line or evangelical Christianity. As a while claiming faith in Jesus.1 The the appeal of Messianic Judaism is result, those who “convert” to Mes- writings of the church fathers, in fact, its seeming authenticity. Jesus was sianic Judaism do not feel as though regularly featured comments about a Jew and lived a perfect life under they are abandoning one religion for early Christian sects who continued the Law of Moses (Galatians 4:4).3 another. Sixth, the premillennialist to observe the Mosaic Law. The If we are to be like Jesus, does it not strand of evangelical Christian- existence of these groups should not stand to reason that we too should ity insists the Jews continue to be surprise us since the New Testament live as He did? Would this not mean God’s chosen people. They believe already contests those who seek to accepting the Law of Moses, adopt- Jesus will someday establish an impose the Mosaic Law on Chris- ing Jewish customs and beliefs, and earthly kingdom based in Jerusalem, tians. For example, Paul writes to speaking as He spoke? leading them to advocate Zionism the Galatians, “You are severed from (the political position that the state Christ, you who would be justified Third, the New Testament of Israel belongs exclusively to the by the law; you have fallen away from reveals that the earliest Christians Jewish people), which aligns their grace” (Galatians 5:4, ESV). were Jewish and lived in accord with political beliefs with those of many the Mosaic Law. James refers to the North American Jews. The tendency of some Christians church as a “synagogue” (James 2:2, to adopt the Mosaic Law, in part or ASV), and it is clear that the obser- Seventh, many Protestant denom- in totality, has not faded with the vance of circumcision and Levitical inations embrace or even promote passage of time. A modern move- dietary restrictions presented no Messianic Judaism. One newswor- ment, known as Messianic Juda- problem until Peter’s vision (Acts thy example was the Avodath Yisrael ism, seeks to return to these ancient 10:9-16). Even after the admission of congregation in suburban Philadel- ways. Although there is great variety the Gentiles into the church certain phia which was partially funded by the Presbyterian church of Ameri- ca.4 Messianic Judaism is designed in many places, then, to look simply like a more ancient and authentic Christianity. Many Christians feel they can turn to Messianic Judaism, sacrificing nothing while gaining a more genuine and biblical form of faith. R&

WHAT MESSIANIC JEWS BELIEVE is true that liberal strands of Judaism, They generally believe, along with such as the Reform movement, have much of New Testament scholarship, To summarize the beliefs of any been more open to the inclusion of that Paul in particular corrupted the religious group is a dangerous prop- Messianic Judaism than other Jewish religion of Jesus, creating a hybrid osition. Imagine if someone were groups,5 but no Jewish denomina- faith that was eventually responsible asked, “What do Christians believe?” tion has so far extended “the right for extracting the Jewish elements The answers are not easy to give. hand of fellowship” to Messianic from Christianity. Messianic Jews, Christians are incredibly diverse in Jews. Shapiro states, “all four major by contrast, continue to follow the what they believe and teach. While denominations [Orthodox, Con- teachings of the apostles. most of us recognize the problematic servative, Reform, and Reconstruc- nature of diversity among our own tionist] agree that Messianic Jews CONCLUSION religious groups, we do not apply are not acceptably Jewish, and that the same perception to other faiths. Jewishness is utterly incompatible David Stern, one of the primary For example, Christians in mostly with belief in the divinity of Jesus voices within the tradition, insists monoreligious contexts (such as Christ.”6 that Messianic Jews are both fully the American South) tend to think Jewish and fully Christian.7 This all Jews and Muslims believe and This brings us to the first signifi- might be possible if all the word practice the same things. They do cant difference between Messianic “Jew” refers to is an ethnic identity. not. Attempting to characterize Judaism and Christianity. Messianic But the majority of Messianic Jews any movement in monolithic terms Jews not only affirm Jesus as the Mes- in the United States are not eth- is unfair. siah, but also believe He is the Son nically Jewish. That means these of God. One of the oldest creedal non-Jewish members of Messianic So we must admit that, when we assertions of Judaism is the Shema, Judaism must believe they are Jewish study the Messianic Jewish move- which states the fundamental prin- in another way. As Ariel puts it, ment, we find great diversity of belief ciple that “God is one” (Deuteron- and practice. Some Messianic Jews, omy 6:4). Although Christians do Ironically, while advocating for example, are unapologetically not view the passage as contradicting mostly conservative views on Christian, while some insist on being the notion of “God-in-three-persons,” political, social, and cultural Jewish followers of Jesus, rejecting Jews have always used the passage to issues, this evangelical-Jewish the “Christian” label. Some con- defend absolute monotheism, ruling movement is an avant-garde duct worship services that feature out the divinity of Jesus. Jews gen- form of post-modern realities, Hebrew liturgies, while others toss erally acknowledge that Jesus was a in which individuals and com- in a few Hebrew terms (e.g., “rabbi,” great prophet, but definitely not the munities exercise their freedom “Yeshua”). Some accept the authority Son of God. To admit otherwise is to carry a series of identities and of rabbinic Jewish tradition, while to deny one of the fundamental con- struggle to negotiate between others believe their authority ends fessions of Jewish faith. them. Such hybrids have become with the New Testament. In other prevalent in contemporary words, all Messianic Jews blend Another major difference is that Christian and Jewish communi- Jewish and Christian terms, tradi- Messianic Jews believe the Messiah ties, which, since the 1960s, often tions, and teachings, but the ratio of has come in the form of Jesus of tended toward innovation and these elements differs greatly from Nazareth whereas traditional Jews amalgamation of different tradi- one congregation to another. Nev- believe the Messiah is yet to come. tions and practices.8 ertheless, we shall attempt to paint A seat is still reserved at the tradi- in broad strokes, and if the reader’s tional Passover celebration for Elijah, Messianic Judaism seeks a path local version of Messianic Judaism who is to herald the coming of the between two faiths that have been happens to be different, perhaps we Messiah (Malachi 4:5). Jews take historically opposed to one another. can be forgiven. seriously that the “age to come” is This is commendable in principle. still future. A third difference is the Christians and Jews should engage While some forms of Christianity authority of the New Testament. in meaningful dialogue to learn have opened toward Jews and Juda- While Jews will admit Jesus into from one another and to avoid many ism since the Holocaust, even view- the ranks of Jewish prophets or tra- of the atrocities of the past. ing the two religions as compatible, ditional sages, they will not extend Judaism itself has been more reluc- the same privilege to the apostles. That said, Messianic Judaism suf- tant to sacrifice its distinctiveness. It fers from the same mistake that the ancient Christian-Jewish heresies committed. By seeking to be both Jews and Christians, they end up R&

being neither. It is instructive that, ity is the great equalizer, but all must his first-century Jewish context. It is although the four modern divisions turn to Christ, for “there is salvation no accident that Messianic Judaism of Judaism disagree on exactly what in no one else” (Acts 4:12). Judaism was born anew in the 1970s. See Geza constitutes Jewishness, they seem cannot accept the Messianic Jewish Vermes (1973), Jesus the Jew: A Histo- united in the belief that Messianic movement as an authentic expression rian’s Reading of the Gospels (London: Jews are not authentically Jewish. It of Judaism, and it seems the apostles Collins). is mostly the Christian world that could not accept the movement as an has created and sustained Messianic authentic version of Christianity. So 4 Judaism, and the greatest growth has what is Messianic Judaism? come primarily from the evangelical a Christian? The Challenge of Mes- Christian population. ENDNOTES sianic Judaism,” Christian Century, 3:22-27, May. Paul understood Christ to be the 1 Jerome, Epistle 112.13 (translation 5 .g., Dan Cohn-Sherbock, and Fran “end” of the Law (Romans 10:4), and mine). Samuelson (2007), Messianic Jews Christianity to erase the distinctions (London: Palgrave Macmillan). between “Jew” and “Greek” (Gala- 2 tians 3:28). The author of Hebrews 6 understood the “new covenant” to hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/ mark a different era under which the documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_ The Unique Problem of Messianic Mosaic covenant would be obsolete nostra-aetate_en.html. Judaism,” Journal of Religion and (Hebrews 8:7-13). For Christians 3 - Society, 14:2. who accept the authority of the New graph, Jesus the Jew, hardly raises an 7 Messianic Jewish Testament, these statements leave eyebrow today, but was quite contro- Manifesto (Jerusalem/Gaithersburg, little room for Judaism. Christian- versial in its time. The book, among MD: Jewish New Testament Publica- other works of New Testament schol- tions), p. 4. arship, provoked the so-called “third quest of the historical Jesus,” a move- 8 ment to situate Jesus properly within Kind of Dialogue? Messianic Juda- ism and Jewish-Christian Relations,” CrossCurrents, 62:326. Behemoth, the Hippo, in Jewish Encyclopedia by Professor of Rabbinical Literature and Philos- & Egyptian Pehemu ophy at the University of Chicago, Emil Hirsch, it was Jablonski who, Dave Miller, Ph.D. “to make it correspond exactly with that animal, compared an Egyp- Most commentators today seem- which, it is further claimed, is the tian form, ‘p-ehe-mu’ (= ‘water-ox’), ingly refuse to consider even the word for “water ox.” Following the which, however, does not exist.”1 In possibility that the Behemoth of Job publication of Bochart’s Hiero- other words, the term pehemu was 40:15-24 refers to an extinct dino- zoicon in 1663, which identified fabricated by Jablonoski. Jablon- saur. They appear to have bought Behemoth with the hippopotamus, ski’s viewpoint has been repeated by into the notion that humans and Paul Ernst Jablonski (1693-1757), others, including Hebrew lexicogra- dinosaurs never lived together and German Reformed theologian and pher William Gesenius as well as thus suggest that the hippopota- orientalist, proposed a connection Hebraist Franz Delitsch. However, mus is being described. One effort between the Hebrew word “behe- in his Hebrew and Chaldee Lexi- to substantiate this identification is moth” and the Egyptian language, con, Gesenius added this admission: the claim that the Hebrew word for using the alleged connection to sup- “It is true that the word so com- “behemoth” corresponds linguisti- port the contention that Behemoth pounded is not now found in the cally to the Egyptian word pehemu is the hippo. According to an article remains of the Coptic language.”2 Likewise Delitsch adds to his dis- cussion of the signification this remark: “an instance in favour of this is still wanting.”3 Meanwhile, in their prestigious Hebrew and Aramaic lexicon, R&

Koehler, et al. note that the connec- Egyptian term for the hippopota- large animal. In form the word is the tion “develops from non-attested mus (rert) has no resemblance to plural of Hebrew b:hemah “beast,” Eg[yptian] pehe-mau.”4 Specifi- behemah: and there is no evidence “animal,” so likely the plural serves cally critical of Jablonski’s work that the often cited p-ehe-mou ever here as a so-called ‘plural of dignity’, on the subject, Cheyne declares: existed.”11 comparable to the Hebrew Elo- “The view of Budde, Ewald, and him (God) and the term ilanu in most recent critics, that Behemoth English churchman, linguist, and the Amarna Letters. In that case is a Hebraized form of p-ehe-mou, editor of the Speaker’s Commen- behemoth just means “very great ‘water-ox,’ is a mere fancy…. The tary on the Bible, F.C. Cook like- beast”. However, many scholars derivation of Behemoth from a wise concluded that Jablonski’s have suggested that it is a loan of falsely imagined Egyptian word Egyptian derivation postulation AE p-3iH-mw (pa-ihe-mu, *pe-ehe- (which, by the way, leaves the final is “open to grave, and indeed insu- maw) meaning “the water-ox.” In letter of Behemoth unaccounted for) perable objection.”12 Cheyne adds that case the final Hebrew form is not the only specimen of Jablon- “there is no philological basis for would merely have been influenced ski’s misdirected acuteness.”5 He this opinion.”13 Indeed, according by the native and similar look- then offers an extensive evaluation to distinguished professor of Old ing behemah, so a sort of popular of the misconception. Budde also Testament John Hartley, “the sug- etymology being done on the Egyp- credits Jablonski for the Egyptian gested derivation…has never been tian loan-word. I’m not convinced connection,6 and even Ewald’s allu- substantiated.”14 until someone shows me an sion is tentative when he says “Behe- In an article written by A.K. Eyma Ancient Egyptian text mention- moth appears to be the Hebrew on the Egyptology Forum web- ing a pehemu (used for example form of the Egyptian name for the site titled “Egyptian Loan-Words to refer to a hippopotamus). The hippopotamus.”7 William Drake in English,” “behemoth” is listed plain Hebrew explanation seems asserts the same view, but prefaces under the category “Debatable or straightforward enough to me.15 the assertion with “probably.”8A.R. Speculative Loans,” with the fol- Fausset has “seems to be.”9 lowing commentary: CONCLUSION Challenges to the Egyptian deri- Used to denote a colossal animal Neither the etymology of the vation came as early as 1752 when (and hence sometimes figuratively word “behemoth” nor the physical Leonard Chappelow, Professor of for a colossal military or politi- description of Behemoth provided Arabic at the University of Cam- cal apparatus); is a direct loan of by God Himself in Job 40 match bridge from 1720 to his death in Hebrew b:hemot (behemoth), used the hippopotamus. So why the con- 1768, insisted: “We need not with in Job 40:15 for some kind of very tinued resistance to the idea that Bochart and others have recourse this beast, described by God thou- to the Egyptian names…as if the sands of years ago, was a dinosaur? sound of behemoth was of Egyptian original; for the same termination Reason & Revelation is published monthly by Apologetics Press, Inc. Periodicals postage is both masculine and feminine paid at Montgomery, AL. Postmaster: Send address changes to Reason & Revelation, singular in Hebrew.”10 In the com- mentary on Job in the International 230 Landmark Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117; issn:[1542-0922] usps# 023415. Critical and Exegetical Commen- tary series, written by S.R. Driver Apologetics Press is a non-profit, tax-exempt work dedicated to the defense of New and George Gray, additional issue is taken with the Egyptian derivation Testament Christianity. Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. theory: “No more satisfactory ety- mology has been suggested [other Editor: Orders: than Hebrew—DM]; it would not have been surprising to find here Dave Miller, M.A., M.Div., M.A.R., Ph.D.* Phone: (800) 234-8558 an Egyptian term; but the known Fax: (800) 234-2882 (*Communication, Southern Illinois University) On-line Web store/catalog, subscription Associate Editor: order/renewal form, current issues, archives, and other information (all orders processed Jeff Miller, M.S., Ph.D.* on a secure server): (*Biomechanical Engineering, Auburn University) URL: w w w. A p o l o g e t i c s P r e s s .o r g URL: espanol.ApologeticsPress.org/espanol Annual Subscription Rates: E-mail: [email protected] $14.00 Domestic Discovery—Scripture & Science for $12.00 Domestic Bulk Kids is a sister publication for children. 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ENDNOTES Book of Job and its Latest Commenta- on the Book of Job (New York: Charles tor, Part II,” The Expositor, 6[1]:30, July, Scribner’s Sons), p. 326, emp. added. 1 emp. added. 12 The Holy Bible: 6 Das Buch Hiob Job-Song of Solomon (New York: Scrib- Behemoth,” Jewish Encyclopedia, ed. (Gottingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht), ner, Armstrong & Co.), 4:140. Emil G. Hirsch, Kaufmann Kohler, p. 244. Solomon Schechter, Isaac Broydé, 8:36, 7 Commentary on 13 emp. added, http://jewishencyclopedia. the Book of Job (London: Williams & com/articles/9841-leviathan-and-behe- Norgate), p. 322, emp. added. Leviathan” in Encyclopaedia Biblica, ed. moth. 8 T.K. Cheyne and J. Sutherland Black 2 Hebrew and (Toronto: George N. Morang & Co.), Chaldee Lexicon (Grand Rapids, MI: 9 A Dictionary of the Bible, ed. William 1:519. Baker, 1979 reprint), p. 105, emp. added. Smith (London: John Murray), p. 182. 14 The Book 3 Biblical Com- of Job (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerd- mentary on the Book of Job, trans. Fran- David Brown (no date), A Commentary mans), p. 523. See also E.A. Budge cis Bolton (Edinburgh: T.&T. Clark), on the Old and New Testaments (Grand D(1i9c2ti0o)n,aAryn(LEognydptoina:nJoHhinerMogulyrprahyi)c, second edition, p. 358, emp. added. Rapids, MI: Zondervan), p. 343. 1: 2 4 3 -2 45 , 3 8 2 , 4 2 8 ,53 0 ,531,539 ; 10 A Com- 2:827,832,839,873,877,882. 4 (Cambridge: mentary on the Book of Job 15 Richardson, & J.J. Stamm (1994-2000), J. Bentham), pp. 546-547. The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the 11 Words in English,” Egyptology Forum, Old Testament (Leiden: E.J. Brill, elec- AhEttlopa:n//sw.htwmwl,.eemg ypp.taodldoegdy.forum.org/ tronic edition), p. 112, emp. added. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary 5 A Failed Prophecy of Christ? future sense. After all, Jesus taught: “When the Son of Man comes in His Eric Lyons, M.Min. glory, and all the holy angels with Him…. Then the King will say to According to The Skeptics Anno- passage is a reference to “the end those on His right hand, ‘Come, you tated Bible, in Mark 9:1, “Jesus of the world,”4 when Jesus returns blessed of My Father, inherit the falsely prophesies that the end of (Matthew 24:36-25:46; 2 Peter 3:10- kingdom prepared for you from the the world will come within his lis- 13) and when “an entrance will be foundation of the world’” (Matthew teners’ lifetimes.”1 Skeptic Dennis supplied…abundantly into the ever- 25:31,34). This “kingdom” is the McKinsey calls this prophecy2 “one lasting kingdom of our Lord and heavenly phase of God’s kingdom, of those classic predictions that has Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11). which the righteous will “inherit” haunted his supporters ever since, The same eternal, “heavenly king- at the end of time (1 Corinthians forcing them to concoct an end- dom” (2 Timothy 4:18) that Peter 15:50). less number of rationalizations to and Paul eagerly anticipated is sup- explain its failure.”3 posedly the same kingdom about However, there is a real, biblical which Jesus prophesied in Mark 9:1. sense in which God’s Kingdom What exactly did Jesus predict in Are skeptics correct? exists in the present—and has been Mark 9:1? Jesus said, “Assuredly, I in existence since the first century. say to you that there are some stand- As is the case with so many so- In fact, long before Jesus correctly ing here who will not taste death till called “contradictions,” skeptics have prophesied of this coming Kingdom, they see the kingdom of God present once again assumed a sense (or defi- the Old Testament prophets did so. with power.” Jesus prophesied that nition) of a word, which cannot be Isaiah and Micah prophesied of some of His listeners on that occa- proven. They have chosen a meaning “the mountain5 of the Lord’s house” sion (including His disciples—Mark that contradicts the passage rather being established in Jerusalem “in 8:34) would still be alive to “see the than considering a logical sense of the latter days” (Isaiah 2:1-4; Micah kingdom of God come with power” the word “kingdom” which perfectly 4:1-4). About 200 years later, in the (NIV). fits with Jesus’ prophecy. sixth century B.C., Daniel recorded a divinely revealed, prophetic dream Skeptics contend that the coming Admittedly, at times God’s king- of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon kingdom Jesus mentioned in this dom is rightly understood in its (Daniel 2:1-45). According to Daniel, the king dreamed of a great image with a head of gold, a chest and arms of silver, a belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet partly of iron and partly of clay. In the dream, a stone was cut out of a mountain R&

without hands and struck the in Matthew 16:18-19. To the apos- declared that he shared “in the tribu- image. The clay, iron, bronze, silver, tle Peter, Jesus said: “I will build lation and kingdom and patience of and gold were crushed and became My church, and the gates of hades Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9). Indeed, like dust, carried away by the wind. shall not prevail against it. And I the Christians in Asia Minor nearly But, “the stone that struck the image will give you the keys of the king- 2,000 years ago were already fellow became a great mountain and filled dom of heaven….” Jesus promised citizens in the Kingdom of Christ. the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35). Dan- to establish His Church and then iel revealed to Nebuchadnezzar that equated the Church with the King- CONCLUSION the image he saw represented various dom of heaven, to which He gave earthly kingdoms. Babylon was the Peter “the keys.” What do keys do? Christians are not “haunted” by head of gold, while the other ele- They unlock doors, thus allowing Mark 9:1, nor do we have to “concoct ments of the image stood for future entrance. When did Peter open the an endless number of rationalizations empires that would rise up after doors to the Kingdom? Only a few to explain its [alleged] failure.”7 A Babylon. History has shown that the months later in Acts 2 when Peter rational, biblical, easy-to-understand chest and arms of silver represented and the apostles were “filled with explanation exists: words have dif- the Medo-Persian Empire. The belly the Holy Spirit” (2:4), preached ferent meanings, and Jesus used the and thighs of bronze were for the the death, burial, and resurrection word “kingdom” in this verse in ref- Grecian Empire. And the legs of iron of Christ, and about 3,000 souls erence to His Church—God’s spiri- and feet of both iron and clay stood became Christians (2:41), submit- tual Kingdom in the present. Indeed, for the Roman Empire. ting to the authoritative lordship of those who heard Jesus’ prophecy of Jesus Christ—the King of kings (1 Mark 9:1 saw Christ’s Kingdom Daniel informed Nebuchadnezzar Timothy 6:15-16; Ephesians 1:21). come in their lifetime. that it would be during the days of On that day, the Day of Pentecost, this fourth kingdom6 (the Roman the Kingdom of God (in its present ENDNOTES Empire) that the God of heaven sense) came “with power” (Mark 9:1), would “set up a kingdom which shall just as Jesus had prophesied. 1 Steve Wells (2020), The Skeptic’s Anno- never be destroyed;…it shall stand tated Bible, http://www.skepticsannotat- forever” (Daniel 2:44). Its beginning From Acts 2 onward, God’s King- edbible.com/mk/9.html#1n, emp. added. would be small, like the stone that dom has existed, and New Testa- was cut out of the mountain with- ment Christians have been servants 2 Referring specifically to Matthew’s out hands, but it eventually would in this Kingdom. To the church account of the prophecy: Matthew 16:28. consume all other kingdoms and at Colosse, Paul noted how God become a great mountain filling the “has delivered us from the power 3 C. Dennis McKinsey (1995), The Ency- whole Earth. of darkness and conveyed us into clopedia of Biblical Errancy (Amherst, NY: the kingdom of the Son of his love” Prometheus), p. 308. What is this kingdom of which (Colossians 1:13). With the Chris- Nebuchadnezzar dreamed, and tians in Asia Minor, the apostle John 4 Wells. Daniel spoke? What is this great 5 The term “mountain” is sometimes used kingdom that would eventually fill the whole Earth? It’s the spiritual figuratively in the Old Testament in Kingdom of Christ—the Church. reference to a particular government or More than 500 years before the kingdom (Psalm 76:1-4; Jeremiah 51:25; Church was established, God Isaiah 11:9; Daniel 2:35). revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar in 6 Equivalent to “the latter days” mentioned a prophetic dream that a Kingdom in Isaiah 2:1-4 and Micah 4:1-4. made “without hands”—a spiritual 7 McKinsey, p. 308, bracketed word added. Kingdom of divine origin—would be established during the days of the Kyle Butt Science Hill, TN (615) 895-2265 Roman Empire. March 7 March 26-28 Athens, AL (256) 729-8343 This entity is the Kingdom that Jesus prophesied would come dur- Eric Lyons Dexter, MO (573) 624-8906 ing the lifetime of His first-century March 12-14 Brandon, MS (601) 825-6497 hearers. Jesus not only prophesied March 19-21 of this Kingdom in Matthew 16:28 Montgomery, AL (334) 264-2985 (as well as in the parallel passages in Dave Miller Richmond, CA (925) 759-7676 Mark 9:1 and Luke 9:27), He also March 7 predicted it just a few verses earlier March 14,21,28 Oakman, AL (334) 451-0012 Montgomery, AL (334) 264-2985 Jeff Miller March 26-27 March 28 R&

ThOebedience of Faith in He provides. Rather, they are given by God as conditions. Dave Miller, Ph.D. Salvation is only “unconditional” The doctrine of justification by faith places their works are a complete in the sense that God enacted the has been the subject of endless discus- perversion of the truth, and not an means by which humans may be for- sion and disagreement within Chris- exhibition of it.2 given without any involvement on tendom for over 500 years. Many have Romans actually contrasts, on their part. In fact, God decided to gone awry in their understanding of the one hand, the prevailing Jewish provide the means of atonement for Romans by misdefining the word (pis- notion that they could be saved on human sin before He ever created tis) that underlies the English terms the basis of their fleshly connection to the first human beings. Jesus would “believe” and “faith.” The primary for- Abraham and the Mosaic Law alone (a (and did) come to offer Himself as mative influence on the interpretation law which had been given exclusively the atonement/propitiation for sin of Romans in the Protestant Refor- to them) with, on the other hand, the without humans doing anything mation was the Catholic emphasis on sole necessity of rendering obedience to bring it about (Romans 3:25). human works for salvation.1 Protes- to Christ and the Gospel. Romans That decision was an eternal inten- tant denominationalism thereby con- emphasizes salvation by faith not tion (Ephesians 3:11). Indeed, Jesus is ceives Romans as a contrast between flesh. The term “works” is not used “the Lamb slain from the foundation “works” (defined as any human effort) to include actions humans perform of the world” (Revelation 13:8). No and “faith” (defined as mental assent/ that God requires (like water baptism). human can perform any acts of legal acceptance of Jesus without any Baptism is not a “work” in the sense of merit by which he can save himself or actions to be performed). The Prot- the term as used in Romans. Rather, atone for his own sin. On the other estant world is so thoroughly satu- the context of Romans indicates that hand, salvation is “conditional” in the rated with this understanding that “works” refers to those actions that sense that God requires the exercise to question it is virtual heresy. Writ- the Jews claimed enabled them to be of the human will in the reception of ing in 1875 in his respected commen- acceptable to God without becoming salvation. Both mind and body must tary on Romans, Moses Lard noted Christians—circumstances surround- be brought into play. Faith itself is the irrational dogmatism associated ing the benefits accrued by them due such an action—a “work” that man with this viewpoint: to their ethnicity, their longstanding must perform in order to be pleasing connection to Abraham. to God (John 6:29). In this sense, the The extreme doctrine of justifica- Further, the essence of “faith” in New Testament forcefully declares tion by faith only, has so completely Romans (and throughout the Bible) that you can—and must—save your- engrossed the mind of commen- is trust that is accompanied by com- self (See Acts 2:40; Philippians 2:12). tators, since the sixteenth century, pliance with God’s directives—what that it seems never to have occurred James describes as a living, versus The Holy Spirit established this to them, as even a possible fact, that a dead, faith (James 2:17,26). The definition of faith in the book of Paul may not have been writing in human actions that God requires Romans—at the beginning as well their exclusive interest. They have precedent to His bestowal of physical as at the end. The Greek phrase he regarded him as certainly of their or spiritual gifts are not seen by Him inspired Paul to utilize in 1:5 and order, and, as a consequence, have to be meritorious works by which 16:26 is hupakoein pisteos—“obedient written him up into a partisan, only a person earns or deserves the gift faith” or the obedience which faith more partisan than themselves. manifests or expresses. In his respected The result has been that in many Greek grammar, Baptist scholar A.T. Robertson insisted that the phrase is to be understood as a “subjective genitive”3—“the obedience which springs from faith”4—rather than an “objective genitive” meaning “obedi- ence to the faith.” The phrase, in fact, characterizes and clarifies the mean- ing of “faith” as used in Romans. Several Greek authorities agree with this assessment. In the latest edition of the “BDAG” Greek lexicon most R&

recently revised by Frederick Danker, verses. The NKJV has “for obedience as my personal Savior.” Hence, water after noting the objective genitive to the faith” in both verses. The ASV baptism is considered non-essential to meaning, the author states: “But it has “unto obedience of faith” in both salvation. The Holy Spirit anticipated may be better to render it more gen- verses. The NASB has “to bring about this unwarranted conclusion, not only erally with a view to (promoting) the obedience of faith” in 1:5 (as does by stressing the essentiality of water obedience which springs from faith.”5 the ESV in both verses) and “leading baptism in 6:3-4, but by positioning Writing in The Expository Times, to obedience of faith” in 16:26. The two “red flags”—one at the beginning Geoffrey H. Parke-Taylor of Wycliffe RSV has “to bring about the obedi- (1:5) and one at the end (16:26) of this College commented specifically on ence of faith” in both verses. The NIV marvelous treatise. These majestic sen- the Greek phrase in Romans 1:5 and has “to the obedience that comes from tinels essentially warn readers regard- 16:26— faith” in 1:5 and “so that all nations ing the nature and meaning of the might believe and obey him” in “faith” which characterizes the book Surely in both cases “obedience that 16:26. Though resorting somewhat of Romans. springs from faith” is intended, to paraphrase, the renderings in the πίστεως being a genitive of source NIV fully capture the nuances of the ENDNOTES or material…. If “the faith” (i.e., a phrase. Interestingly, the Complete body of formulated doctrine), had Jewish Bible renders the phrase “trust- 1 been intended, doubtless the defi- grounded obedience.” The Interna- nite article would have been used…. tional Standard Version (ISV) has indulgences, assigned penance, gifts to The emphasis is on the obedience “faithful obedience” in 1:5 and “the build cathedrals, Stations of the Cross, etc. to God which comes as a result obedience that springs from faith” 2 Commentary on of faith in Christ…. Christ was in 16:26. The Jubilee Bible 2000 Paul’s Letter to Romans (Lexington, KY: not only the example to Gentile (JUB) has “that they might hear and Transylvania Printing and Publishing), Christians of the perfect obedience obey by faith” in 16:26. God’s Word p. v. which springs from perfect faith, Translation has “the obedience that 3 A Grammar of but also the source of power is associated with faith.”10 The Voice the Greek New Testament in the Light of whereby obedience to God could translation has “obedient faith” in 1:5 Historical Research (New York: George be realized in their own lives.6 and “faith-filled obedience” in 16:26, Doran), p. 500. In his A Short Syntax of New Testa- while the Message Bible MSG has 4 Word Pictures ment Greek, H.P.V. Nunn notes “The “obedient trust” in 1:5 and “obedient in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Genitive of Source or Material” and belief” in 16:26. Broadman Press), 4:324. gives as an example “The righteous- 5 A ness of faith (i.e., that springs from Faith in the book of Romans Greek-English Lexicon of the New Tes- faith)”7—a parallel expression to “the includes obedience to external tament and Other Early Christian obedience of faith.” Respected com- acts preceding forgiveness. Or as Literature (Chicago, IL: University of mentator J.B. Lightfoot interprets Greek lexicographer Joseph Thayer Chicago), third edition, p. 1028. the phrase to mean “unto obedience explained the meaning of pisteuo (“I which springs from faith.”8 In his believe”): “Used especially of the faith 6 Word Studies in the Testament, Mar- by which a man embraces Jesus, i.e., a vin Vincent says, “Obedience of faith conviction, full of joyful trust, that Jesus Note on ‘ei) $ uπJ ακοhn\\ πίστεως’ in is the obedience which characterizes is the Messiah—the divinely appointed Romans i.5 and xvi.26,” The Expository and proceeds from faith.”9 author of eternal salvation in the king- Times, 55:305-306, emp. added. He cites While Greek grammarians possess dom of God, conjoined with obedi- Acts 6:7 and Romans 10:8 as instances considerable unanimity on the mat- ence to Christ.”11 No wonder Paul where the article indicates “the faith.” ter, translators have struggled with repeatedly uses the words “obedience” 7 A Short Syntax the phrase and sent mixed signals to (1:5; 5:19; 6:16; 16:19,26) and “obey” of New Testament Greek (Cambridge: their English audiences. For exam- (2:8-twice; 6:12; 6:16-twice). Cambridge University Press), p. 42. ple, the KJV has in the first occur- 8 Notes on Epistles rence of the phrase in Romans (1:5), In stark contradistinction with Paul, of Paul from Unpublished Commentaries “for obedience to the faith among all modern denominationalism insists (London: Macmillan), p. 246. nations,” and in the second occur- that faith does not include any fur- 9 Word Studies rence (16:26), “made known to all ther acts of obedience; rather, one in the New Testament (Grand Rapids, nations for the obedience of faith”— need only “accept Jesus as Savior” by MI: Eerdmans), 3:5. See also W.E. though the phrase is the same in both saying, “I receive you into my heart Vine (1966), An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell), p. 123, who also takes the phrase as a subjective genitive and identifies “faith” as “the initial act of obedience.” 10 NOG). 11 Greek- English Lexicon of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker), p. 511, italics in orig., emp. added. R&

APOLOGETICS PRESS • 230 LANDMARK DRIVE • MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 Periodicals Postage PAID The Ed itor More AP Readers At a time when our culture is in a state of spiri- And we have also added another title to the third tual turbulence, moving farther away from God level—the Advanced Reader Series—titled Amaz- and Christian values, protecting and preparing ing Noses Designed by God. A step up from our Early children to face what lies ahead is paramount. And Readers, the Advanced Reader Series is aimed at this preparation must start at an early age. Hence, children in 2nd-3rd grades. Apologetics Press continues to produce potent mate- All the books in these series are filled with beauti- rial to do just that. ful, full-color pictures and wonderful information We have just published another volume in each of about God and His creation. With durable, glossy, our three AP Readers series levels. We have added soft covers, these volumes contain brilliantly col- another title to the first level—the Learn to Read orful, attention-grabbing pictures and original Series—titled Sows, Cows, and Owls. Like the other drawings. Kids find learning to read, and increasing books in this series, this new addition is intended their reading skills, a pleasure, while simultaneously for children ages 3-6. It seeks not only to acquaint being impressed with the role of the Creator in His children with the animal kingdom, but to also creation. See our website for the other titles in each introduce them to simple sentence structure, rhyme, of our three series. exclamation, question, and reinforcement through repetition. It is specifically designed for the begin- Dave Miller ning reader. We have also added another title to the second level—the Early Reader Series—titled God Made Kittens. This series is one level beyond our Learn to Read series and is aimed at children in kindergarten through second grade. Like its series counterparts, this volume is also written on a level that early read- ers will enjoy.