Messianic Apologetics

Addressing the Theological and Spiritual Issues of the Broad Messianic Movement

Galatians

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee discusses some of the complicated matters of Galatians 5:2-3. What would have been some of the negative consequences for the Galatians to go through with circumcision, actually returning to a yoke of slavery, and falling away from grace? These factors are often not considered in some contemporary Messianic discussions over Galatians 5:3, where one circumcised would become “a debtor to do the whole law.”

This is then followed by a review of important stories and issues from the past day or so, largely witnessed on social media.

The Apostle Paul said how Believers were not to be justified, or reckoned as a part of God’s people, via “works of law.” Instead, as it has been commonly quoted to us, we are brought into relationship with God “through faith in Christ Jesus.” We have to place our trust in what Yeshua did for us on the tree at Golgotha, performing what Romans 10:9 tells people to do: “if you confess with your mouth Yeshua as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (NASU). It seems pretty straightforward, right?

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee reviews some of the challenges presented by Galatians 3:12 and its quotation of Leviticus 18:5. Does the Torah actually teach that by keeping its commandments, a person can earn eternal life? Did Yeshua ever teach that by keeping the Torah’s commandments, a person can earn eternal life?

Part 3 of 4

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee continues, by discussing the common issue of people cherry-picking a Bible verse or two out of context. This third presentation discusses how many supporters of a bilateral ecclesiology, found in various parts of Messianic Judaism, are seen to misapply Galatians 5:2-3.