ETERNAL LFE: HARMONIZING YESHUA, JAMES, AND PAUL

Paul wrote, “Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the Law” (Rom. 3:28; cf. vv. 21-22; Gal. 2:16) In contrast, James wrote, “...by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith” (James 2:24). At first glance, it appears that they are contradicting each other. However, a closer examination will reveal that their statements on justification are actually in complete harmony. Peter noted that some of Paul's letters contain difficult teachings that “…untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction” (2 Pet. 3:14-16). This suggests that we would do well to strive to understand Paul’s statement in its proper context.

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Welcome to Hebrew Roots Restoration

As the mediator of the new covenant, Yeshua declared, “I will build my congregation…” (Matt. 16:18), which is also referred to as the “Body of Messiah” or the “Israel of God” (Gal. 6:16) by the New Testament writers. Initially, the Body of Messiah consisted solely of a remnant of Israelites, which included the twelve disciples and the 120 Believers who entered into the new covenant with God (Acts 2). After Yeshua's ascension, the good news was made available to the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-36, 44-45; Rom. 11:13; Gal. 2:7-10). The Gentile congregations raised up by Paul were described as “...imitators of the congregations of Elohim which are in Judea...” (1 Thess. 2:14). Over time, many converts added to the faith gained positions of authority and added in many elements of their pagan festivals, images, idols, rituals, and traditions into the true faith. This mixing is explicitly forbidden in Scripture (Deut. 12:29-32; Jer. 10:1-5). Jude exhorted God's people "...to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For there are certain men who crept in secretly, who were long ago written about for this judgment, irreverent men, transferring the grace of our Elohim to licentiousness, and denying our only Lord, Elohim, and our Master, Yeshua Messiah” (Jude 1:3-4). 

There soon came a time when those who "crept in secretly" transformed a significant portion of the faith into what later became known as the Roman Catholic Church. The title “Catholic,” which means “Universal” in Latin, reflected its intended meaning when the church seized authority under Emperor Constantine. Those who refused to conform were persecuted and killed. As a result, the Body of Messiah split into two congregations. Scripture refers to them as the harlot congregation and the chaste congregation. About 1500 years later, the Roman Catholic Church gave birth to her Protestant daughter churches, which were created in her image and likeness. In the Book of Revelation, John described this rebellious religious dynasty as, “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth” (Rev. 17:5). In Revelation 18:4, he adds, "I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, My people, that you have no participation in her sins, and that you do not receive of her plagues.”

As we approach the end of the age, many mainstream Christians are experiencing a spiritual awakening. God is leading them to seek "the ancient paths" (Jer. 6:16) and are returning to the First Century Hebraic Roots of their faith. This remarkable, prophetic awakening has manifested itself in what is known as the Hebrew Roots Movement, which is a grassroots movement without local established congregations. I believe that God has called me to be a part of this movement and to share what He has taught me, which is why I have launched this website in support of it. I encourage you to test what I have written (Acts 17:10-11) as it is crucial and will help you prepare for the end of the age.

​יהוה bless and keep you. יהוה make His face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. יהוה lift up His face toward you, and give you peace.

Stephen Otto