MY EXPERIENCE WITH HRM
My husband and I were beginning to get involved with the Hebrew Roots Movement several years ago. We started to notice changes in those we were in fellowship. We watched our beloved brothers and sisters began to become very judgmental, even cold towards everyone, including their own close families. Several actually proclaimed they did not believe Jesus was Lord anymore. We began to look closer at what we were listening to and researching the movement. Through the years, we have crossed paths with several who are in HRM and had many lengthy conversations.
We realized that many Christians do not understand fully the work of Jesus Christ in their lives. What we have seen in our experiences with the HRM is that many times, but not always, they ‘evangelize’ Christians and tell them that if they do not obey the Mosaic Law, they are not pleasing God and therefore in danger of committing the unpardonable sin. Out of fear and misunderstandings, these Christians willingly submit themselves to the bondage of the Mosaic Law and the old covenant (Galatians 4-5). One must remember that righteousness (to be made right with God) cannot be found in the Law, but only through Jesus Christ and His establishment of the New Covenant (Galatians 2:21).
We believe the Bible is clear, if Christians want to experience the Jewish feasts, or abstain from certain foods, or dress in certain clothing, or consider one day more important than another, there is nothing wrong in doing so (Romans 14:1-23). Romans 14:10-11 helps us to understand that a midst all these personal beliefs, we are to love one another and cause no division among the body of Christ (Titus 3:10, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 12:25). What we are proclaiming, is the teaching that a Christian MUST obey the Mosaic Law in order to maintain their right relationship with God, so that they do not commit the unpardonable sin, is false teaching (Galatians 1:6-10, Galatians 3:1-7). This section of the site is dedicated to the understanding of Jesus Christ’s completed work in establishing the New Covenant for all those who believe in Him.
The Conflict in Discussion
Those who have come in contact with the Hebrew Roots Movement often struggle in giving a reason for the faith that is within them (2 tim 4:1-4) against the seemingly convicting attacks upon the Christian faith from certain HRM followers. This is for several reasons.
1 – Most HRM followers read from Bibles that have been translated especially for the HRM Movement.
2 – Re-definition of terms. When in discussion with HRM followers, the words you are using often have a completely different meaning to the HRM believer. Although you do not realize this at the time, they do for they have been effectively trained in changing word definitions.
3 – The meaning of Hebrew and Greek words are often changed. The word “fulfill” is one of those examples.
4 – Emotional attacks are common, not only towards the believer, but also on God’s Church, pastors, Bible teachers, or Christian doctrine. They often use emotional logical fallacies such as Scare Tactics, Sentimental Appeals, as well as Ad Hominem arguments.
5 – Even when you do show them the truth within God’s Word, the Bible or even the logical fallacies within their arguments, they will continue to counter attack with other arguments for their beliefs.
6 – Many HRM believers who are deeply ingrained in the movement ultimately deny Paul’s writings, the book of Hebrews and the work of the Holy Spirit. Without any of Paul’s writings (who was a Jew of Jews, converted to Christianity and wrote most of the New Testament proclaiming we are no longer under the Mosaic Law) or the book of Hebrews, the HRM believer can more easily substantiate his or her doctrine. Although, Jesus Himself proclaims the power and the completeness of His sacrificial death and resurrection as the New Covenant in fulfillment of the Law, the prophets and the Psalms (John 5:39-40, Luke 24:44, Acts 15:28-29).
The Quick Answer
Some who are in the Hebrew Roots Movement are highly skilled in their beliefs and truly believe their call from God is to convince Christians they are not obeying God or following Jesus unless they observe the Torah. It is best for Christians to make their stand on the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:6-9) and His offer of salvation through the New Covenant which is free to all who believe.
1 – Signs of an HRM believer include observing the Sabbath on Saturdays, teaching one must observe the Torah or the Law of Moses to please God, one must use God’s and Jesus’ Hebrew names, observance of the Jewish holidays, and observance of the food laws in the Torah. They may also challenge Christian doctrine and beliefs when given the opportunity.
2 – When you recognize these signs or they acknowledge they are an HRM follower, unless you are extremely knowledgeable and skilled in God’s Word, just proclaim a statement such as, “I trust in Jesus as my Savior and Lord. I believe in His New Covenant that He offers freely to all who believe which means Jesus is my High Priest with a new law (Hebrews 7:11-12).”
3 – Continue to read, study and memorize the Bible. Grow as a Christian. Ask God for more of His Spirit for His well is deep and without end. Pray for those you know who are caught up in the Hebrew Roots Movement. Protect yourself from any lies or doubts regarding the sufficiency of Jesus Christ that the enemy so desperately wants you to believe.
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless the reading of His Word to your understanding as you seek Him with all your heart (Luke 11:10, Hebrews 11:6).
Biblical Teachings Against HRM
Feast of Firstfruits
Fulfilled by Jesus at His Resurrection. Leviticus 23:10-11 On the 17th day of the month of Nisan the firstfruits of the barley harvest was gathered and waved before the Lord in celebration. On the [...]
Fulfill – Definition
Fulfill in Strong's G4137. πληρόω plērŏō, play-rŏ´-o; from 4134; to make replete, i.e. (lit.) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (fig.) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), [...]
Properly Pronouncing God’s Name
Read Acts 14:10-12 Jesus is at the center of our Christian faith, but have you ever stopped to consider the multiple ways we pronounce His name? In North America we call the Hebrew Messiah [...]
Do Christians Need to Observe the Sabbath?
Old Covenant versus New Covenant Before I answer that you need to understand that there are two Covenants, an Old Covenant (Also known as the Mosaic Law) and a New Covenant. We who profess [...]
Does Jesus Change the Law?
For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. Hebrews 7:11-28 What is the relationship of laws on our hearts and the new covenant? [...]
Jesus or Yeshua?
There is a growing controversy over the correct name to use for talking about, Jesus, the Son of the Most High God. For some it seems, the only correct name to use is Jesus' [...]
Feast of Dedication
Festival of Lights Fulfilled by Jesus when the Light entered the World. John 10:22-29 Also known as the Hanukkah, or Feast of Dedication, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the re-dedication of the Holy [...]
Obey God’s Commandment
We read in John 14:21 that Jesus is telling us if we love Him, we will obey Him. This is used by the HRM to prove we are to obey the Mosaic Law. Let's [...]
Law of Liberty
James 1:25, James 2:12 Law of Liberty - Jesus Christ Gal 5:1, Gal 2:4, Gal 5:13, 1 Cor 8, 1 Cor 10:29, 2 Cor 3:17,
The Law Makes Us Righteous?
A friend involved with the HRM movement shared with me, "Justification (salvation) is through faith by grace. Sanctification (holy living) is through the Mosaic Law." Further, he explained, that although they acknowledge salvation is [...]
Feast of Tabernacles
Fulfilled by Jesus when He was born and dwelt among us. Deuteronomy 31:10-11, Leviticus 23:33-36 Sukkot, the Feast of Booths, or Feast of Tabernacles, is a Biblical holiday celebrated on the 15th day of [...]
Adding the Mosaic Law to the Sufficiency of Christ
Merriam-Webster's definition of 'Justify' is 1 a : to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable b (1) : to show to have had a sufficient legal reason (2) : to qualify [...]
Justified Before God as Righteous
"Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for 'The righteous shall live by faith'" This is found in Galations 3:11 and quotes Habakkuk 2:4. I have been [...]
Feast of Unleavened Bread
Fulfilled by Jesus who was without sin. Leviticus 23:4-8 Leaven, a typology of sin, was removed from the dwellings. Then at twilight, as the 14th day of Nisan was ending, the Passover lambs were [...]