Wednesday 16 September 2009

Divine Invitation v One Law


FFOZ has published a paper on their latest position on Torah Observance and Gentiles [1]. They have stepped back from their "One Law" stance and adopted a new theory which they have named "Divine Invitation". In their view Divine Invitation is more scripturally defensible than the One Law Doctrine.

Their arguments against the One-Law are built around Paul's opposition to circumcision, Jewish identity theft and disunity.

The question of the status of Gentile believers in the kingdom of God is a common thread to all the arguments. Addressing this question may present a way around the difficulty.

Paul seemed reluctant for Gentile Believers to undergo physical circumcision (see Galatians 5.3) , but did that mean they were not to be circumcised at all? In Colossians 2.11-12 Paul declares that Gentile believers have indeed been circumcised and baptised thus fulfilling the two requisite Rituals required for becoming a proselyte.

If all Gentile Believers are Proselytes then Numbers 15.15-16 applies and One Law is thereby established.

If then a Gentile Believer becomes Torah Observant, wouldn't they outwardly begin to bear some resemblance to Jewish culture which traditionally has had the same goal?

FFOZ have been repelled by One Law because of the disunity it creates between believers. There is no doubt that the Torah itself has a sanctifying effect. It is a sword that divides. Rather than discarding One Law perhaps the problem is an inappropriate application of Galatians 6.1.

[1] Michael, B and Lancaster D T (2009). Messiah Journal. Issue 101. pp 46-70

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