Is Messianic Judaism Legalistic?

One common misconception from mainstream Christianity about Messianic Judaism is that it is inherently legalistic. This assumption is likely due to the fact that those who practice Messianic Judaism continue to observe Jewish traditions, which some may interpret as placing a burden of rules and laws upon believers in Jesus, or even trying to earn our salvation through works. However, a deeper look at Messianic Judaism will reveal that it is not legalistic but instead emphasizes grace, faith, and a relationship with God through Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

What Does Legalism Mean?

As we begin looking at this, let’s first define legalism. Legalism refers to a system in which adherence to rules or laws becomes the primary means by which one seeks to earn or maintain favor with God. In short, it is attempting to earn our salvation.

In contrast to legalism, Messianic Judaism’s approach to the observance of the Torah and Jewish traditions is not seen as a means of earning salvation. Rather, it is a way of living out one’s faith and obeying the commands of God in response to His love and the redemption provided through Jesus.

Messianic Judaism’s Understanding of the Torah

At the heart of Messianic Judaism is the Torah: the foundational text of Jewish faith and practice, which is the first five books of the Bible, written by Moses. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus Himself says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” This statement is pivotal in understanding the Messianic perspective on the Torah. The Greek word for “fulfill” here means, “to bring to its fullest expression.” We believe that Jesus did not come to destroy the Torah but to bring it to its fullest expression.

For Messianic Jews, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide the key to understanding and living out the Torah. The law points to Him as the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrifices, the atonement, and the promises of the Hebrew scriptures. The Torah, therefore, is not seen as a set of burdensome rules, but a reflection of God’s eternal will, which is best understood and fulfilled through faith in Messiah Yeshua.

Salvation by Grace Through Faith in Yeshua

Messianic Judaism strongly affirms that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus, not by works, as explained by Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

However, the next verse in that passage reads, “For we are His workmanship—created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we might walk in them.” Those practicing Messianic Judaism affirm the doctrine of salvation by grace but choose to observe the Torah’s commandments to the best of their ability as a response to that grace.

In reality, it isn’t much different than the mainstream Christian approach to godly living. Most Christians wouldn’t argue that adultery or murder (or even hatred and lust) are wrong and we shouldn’t act in those ways. The difference is that there are a few commands in Scripture that have historically been deemed “Jewish” and ignored in mainstream Christianity. Some of those main ones include the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath and biblical feasts and the keeping of kosher dietary laws.

The Role of Jewish Traditions in Messianic Judaism

In Messianic Judaism, practices such as celebrating Shabbat (the Sabbath), keeping kosher, observing the Jewish festivals, and other practices not kept in most Christian circles are seen as opportunities to reflect on God’s faithfulness, remember His acts of salvation, and strengthen one’s connection to the Jewish people and their history.

For example, the celebration of Passover (Pesach) in Messianic Judaism is a deeply significant event. While it retains traditional Jewish elements, it also highlights the fulfillment of the Passover lamb through Jesus, who is seen as the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Messianic believers celebrate Passover not out of legalistic obligation but as a way to reflect on both Jewish history and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. This is the case for all of the biblical feasts.

Similarly, the observance of Shabbat is not seen as a rigid rule to follow, but as a gift of rest and a time for spiritual reflection. Leviticus 23 lists 3 main essentials for Shabbat: Meeting with God, meeting with God’s people, and rest. We gather for worship, prayer, and fellowship on Shabbat – recognizing that it is a day set apart to honor God and refresh the soul. Many Messianic believers have found that similar to a financial tithe, when they fully give God the Sabbath, the rest of their time is blessed and they accomplish more with it than without it.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Messianic Judaism

Messianic Judaism teaches that true obedience to God comes through the inner transformation that the Holy Spirit brings. We see the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon all mankind in Acts 2 as an empowering to better keep His commands as we see in Scripture.

In Ezekiel 36:26-27, the prophet foretold that God would give His people a new heart and put His Spirit within them, enabling them to follow His commands. While this prophecy won’t be fully fulfilled until the Messianic era, we have received the firstfruits of its fulfillment in the giving of the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out the commands of God, not through human effort, but through divine assistance.

Conclusion: Messianic Judaism and the Grace of God

Hopefully this article has helped you understand how Messianic Judaism is not legalistic. While Messianic believers observe Jewish traditions and practices, these are not seen as requirements for salvation, but as ways to honor God and live out our faith in Jesus the Messiah. We view the Torah, rather than being a set of burdensome rules, as a guide to living a righteous life in response to God’s love and grace.

By understanding the centrality of grace, faith, and the role of the Holy Spirit in Messianic Judaism, it becomes clear that this movement is not legalistic, but rather a vibrant expression of faith in the Messiah. It is a faith that celebrates God’s faithfulness to the Jewish people, acknowledges the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus, and empowers believers to live in accordance with His will, all through the grace of God.