[Continuing the email exchange between Sinaites BAN/VAN@S6K and their missionary friends “CF” and “AF” who brought them their Catholic faith to evangelical Christianity— here is the reply to “CF” by BAN@S6K. We have not used their real names through these continuing exchange–Admin1.]
———————
Hi “CF” —
I hope you had a restful vacation. Summer is over and I guess, life is back to normal huh? At last for us, the sun has shown its light for the past 3 days, though it still rains in the afternoon. But the typhoon season is not yet over so we still expect some more rains in the next 2 months or so.
Regarding your query on where I get my info with regards to the present convictions I hold; well, as has been my practice when I want to find out the truth, I go to all the sources where I will find information that I seek, and now I go to the internet too. There is so much available materials for this and there is really no excuse for anyone not to find what one is looking for. And yes, I do consult with some Jewish teachers too.
I go into this with a searching heart coupled with reason and logic. I believe that faith cannot just be blind faith. We are all products of a theology as promulgated by Christianity for 2000+ years.
The Jews have been consistent in their belief in ONE GOD, and have reaped the consequences of that faith, evidenced by the persecutions they endured from Rome, the crusades, the inquisition, and the holocaust, etc. Surely, it is time for me to examine what I believe in, in a factual manner and consistent with the knowledge of historical facts as verified by the work of God in history.
I believe in the faith of Jesus, but I do not have faith in Jesus as God, himself. So, if I want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, I will believe and adhere to his faith, which is faith in the ONE TRUE GOD, and complete obedience to HIS WORD, THE TORAH.
I do believe that I should study all sides of any issue. I have been a blind follower before and I realized I have to study for myself and be objective in coming to a conclusion. All these of course, with prayers that the LORD gives me the gift of discernment.
I do not take a position that only the Jewish rabbis are right, and I do not assume that I am the only one who can discern what is right. All issues have to fall under the scrutiny of the WORD OF GOD, THE TORAH.
The Torah, was written to the Jews, by Jews, and for the Jews, therefore, one reading it must have a Jewish mindset to understand it.
With the New Testament, having a Jewish mindset will not work, as the New Testament was written to the Gentiles, by Gentiles, and for the Gentiles, (though authorship have been attributed to the disciples of Jesus, yet no foolproof evidence have been found) so that these two will never meet. This must be the reason why the Jews have never accepted it.
As for canonicity of the New Testament, I am wondering if the Spirit of the Lord had any part in it at all, given the fact that the early church fathers all believed, it is they who hold the truth, that the New Testament is the word of God and the Old Testament simply validates what it says.
With regard to the example of a father teaching his child to walk, I think you have misunderstood what I wrote. No, the father does not leave his child, he just steps back a little, but with his hands ready to help the child, less he falls in his attempt to walk. No, GOD never leaves us. HE is always there to help us in our spiritual walk.
Reading the Torah, there is no verse that says, GOD will send HIS son for us to have a relationship with HIM. It is faith in the ONE TRUE GOD and obeying HIM, that a relationship with HIM is established. No, it is not legalism, for obeying the Torah, (the instructions and teachings of GOD) is the proof that we have faith in HIM as stated in the whole book of Deuteronomy and all throughout the Old Testament.
I agree with you, only the study of the bible and GOD’S complete revelation in Mount Sinai is the only study we need to do to really know HIM.
I know how much you and A… are grieved by my and VAN’s convictions now are. We have wrestled with this issue and have prayed that we be enlightened and guided by the LORD. But when the truth of GOD’S WORD confronts, there is only one way to go and that is to obey. You may not agree with us, and I respect your position and your conviction. After all, we are responsible only to GOD.
Praying that though our faiths differ, we will still see each other in the world to come. GOD is good and merciful. HE knows our hearts and will give us what is best for us. I hope that our friendship will survive our differences. Love you both and do take care and let us keep in touch.
Reader Comments