How can a Gentile be Messianic?

How can a Gentile be Messianic, if being Messianic encompasses many Jewish customs and traditions? Isn’t that forcing a Gentile to become something they’re not, Jewish? Are Gentiles who participate in the Messianic community considered to be wannabe-Jews? Is it better for Messianic Gentiles to call themselves Messianic Believers or Messianic Gentiles?

What is required for a Gentile to convert to Judaism? Observance of the Torah, Biblical feasts, dietary laws, circumsicion? Should a Gentile continue attending their regular Christian church or should be attend a Messianic congregation?

Submitted by: josiah, April 27th, 2008 Topic: Messianic Forums
Tags: Messianic Believers, Messianic converts, Messianic Gentiles, Messianic Judaism, The Messianic Center

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7 Comments

Eugene commented on July 23, 2008:

The Good book says somewhere...that in Messiah, there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Gentile). So there you go! There's your answer! You have Him, you're there! Seriously, though, Messiah rejected worshippers of Judea who refused to keep His commandments, and He rejected the Samaritans that refused to keep His commandments. So, to be Messianic is to keep His commandments. Rev.12:17 is a perfect description of who is Messianic: "Those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Yeshua."

Daria commented on July 22, 2008:

Torah is for everyone!...everyone that wants to follow the God of Israel, that is :) Being Messianic and not of Jewish descent makes one part of the Commonwealth of Israel, grafted in. And just like in the Torah, when gentiles (ger) wanted to join Israel, they also would abide by the Torah, so gentiles today who believe in the God of Israel, and in His Messiah are also to abide by His Law. God has one law for all His people, not 2 different laws for 2 different peoples... :)

eliahu commented on June 17, 2008:

There have always been a mixed multitude of non Jewish folks joined with Israal. Subscription to the Torah was the paradigm and Torah transcends denominational formats, even Jewish ones.

Louise Alton commented on June 04, 2008:

Here is my point of view as a Messianic. Hudson Taylor was a British Protestant Christian Missionary in China. He was known for his sensitivity to Chinese culture. He adapted wearing native Chinese clothing and a Queue (pigtail) with shaven forehead. He was then able to gain an audience without disturbance. E.Burt Roberts was amongst the native people of Canada. He was not accepted into their community until he became one of them. He quotes: "To create unity we need to breakdown the racial and cultural barrier. The racial distinctions should not be shown". I believe we need to recognize and choose the crossing of cultural borders as one of the essential components in order to obtain unity, friendship and work along the Jewish people in a community. This requires a certain level of maturity and rootedness in one's own cultural identity. I am Messianic and I have been called by God to work among His Chosen People. I do not wish to be Jewish, I am a proud French Canadian but by learning and following the will of God as written in His Word and by participating in Jewish traditions I have been embraced into friendships with Jewish people.

Levi commented on June 03, 2008:

So, what kind of problems do you see when there isn't a proper perspective of roles, or when an unbalanced situation occurs?

DonMeecha commented on June 03, 2008:

Good Point. I believe the entire issue is solved by Ephersians 2:11-really the end of the chapter....Gentiles, who believe in Yeshua are now part of the CommonWealth of Israel and are now "former Gentiles" according to Sha'ul...their citizenship is in Heaven until Yeshua comes to establish His Kingdom. However, until then we, in part, have troubles and trials and when the Perfect comes we will be like Him....but until then...there is a King, Yeshua, a Charter, the Torah and the Covenants of Promise and we have hope and hold tight until His return...without first or second class citizenship....

the_bright_hope_of_mankind@yahoo.com commented on June 03, 2008:

While it is a common misunderstanding, being Messianic has nothing to do with being Jewish. Most "Messianics" are not Jewish. Furthermore, non-Jewish Messianics should not desire to be Jews (a.k.a. "wannabe-Jews"). Being Messianic has everything to do with following after the will of God as a member of His people: Israel. It is important to note that while all Jews are Israel, not all Israel is Jewish. Biblically, the Jews were part of the nation of Israel, but they were not all of it. Remember that the facets of our movement (i.e. the Torah, feasts, dietary laws, etc.) belong to God, not the Jews or any other race or religion. As a child of God, you are as entitled to them as are the Jews. For more information on a non-Jewish-centric approach to the Messianic movement, I suggest that you visit www.messianicisrael.com. Blessings.

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