Monday, August 3, 2015

"Since Paul admits he is a liar in Romans 3, why should I believe what he says elsewhere?"

COMMENT FROM AN ANTI-MISSIONARY:  “Paul said in romans 3:7 ‘For if the truth of G-d hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?’ So, if he admits he is a liar here, why should I believe what he says elsewhere?”

MESSIANIC RESPONSE:  Great question.  But (1) why bash Paul for being honest? - and (2) why twist what he wrote?  Paul never, ever went against YHWH or Torah!  Let’s examine that whole passage in context: 

Romans 3:1. What then is the superiority of the Jew? Or what is the advantage of circumcision?  2. Much in every way. And first, because to them were entrusted the words of Elohim.  3. For if some of them have not believed, have they, by their not believing, made the faith of Elohim inefficient?  4. Far be it:  for Elohim is truthful, and every man false: as it is written: That you might be upright, in your declarations; and be found pure when they judge you.  5. But if our iniquity establishes the righteousness of Elohim, what will we say? Is Elohim unrighteous when he inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.)  6. May it never be! Otherwise, how will Elohim judge the world?  7. But if the truth of Elohim has been furthered by my falsehood to his glory, why am I then condemned as a sinner?


(You should be able to see from the context he is talking about the general behavior of all people - see verse 4 - so in verse 7 "my falsehood" is illustrative of all people.)  Paul goes on:

8. Or will we say as some have slanderously reported us to say: We will do evil things, that good (results) may come? The condemnation of such is reserved for judgment.  9. What then, have we the superiority when we have before decided as to both Jews and Gentiles,  that all of them are under sin?  10. As it is written: There is none righteous; no, not one:  11. And none that understands, nor that seeks after Elohim.  12. They have all turned aside together and become reprobates. There is none that does good; no, not one.  13. Their throats are open tombs and their tongues treacherous; and the venom of the asp is under their lips.  14. Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness;  15. And their feet are swift to shed blood.  16. Destruction and anguish are in their paths:  17. And the path of peacefulness they have not known:  18. And the Fear of Elohim is not before their eyes.
  (AENT)

A doctrine known as replacement theology began in early all-Gentile Christian churches that postures the idea that all the blessings of the Bible were transferred to Christians and all the curses in the Bible fell upon Jews.  While this may remain as a popular Christian belief, it is nevertheless very unscriptural:

“Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For YHWH has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their sorrow. Yet Jerusalem says, "YHWH has deserted us; YHWH has forgotten us." Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?  Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!  See, I have written your name on my hand. Ever before me is a picture of Jerusalem's walls in ruins. Soon your descendants will come back, and all who are trying to destroy you will go away.”  Isaiah 49:13-17

“What then is the superiority of the Jew? Or what is the advantage of circumcision? Much in every way. And first, because to them were entrusted the words of Elohim. For if some of them have not believed, have they, by their not believing, made the faith of Elohim inefficient? Far be it: for Elohim is truthful, and every man false: as it is written: That you might be upright, in your declarations; and be found pure when they judge you.” Romans 3:1-4

Obviously, both of these passages refer to Jews and not Gentile Christians, since Christians are assumed to be Rav Shaul's audience in Romans.  Also please read Romans 11:1, 11-17 and verses 25-29.

Rav Shaul clearly attacks hypocrites (who happen to be Jewish), rather than all Jews which would include himself. It is also very clear that Jewish sinners are not the only people Rav Shaul rebukes in his writings.  Please see 1 Corinthians 5:1-13.

So if all Israel is saved, where is the “Church” in all this? You will find the answer in Ephesians 2:11-14.  But, the reality is, there never was such thing as the “Church” in the days of the original Apostles   only a renewed Israel that Gentiles are welcomed to join! Gentiles do not “replace” Israel but become part of Israel!  Please read Jeremiah 31:31 which very clearly references the recipients of the Renewed Covenant.

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