Ritualistic and Legalistic

The first article we published was “Jesus wore a Tallis, why don’t we”, the second was “Jesus wore Tefflin (phylacteries)”. In both of the articles we explained where the requirements from scripture came from. The first the Tallis is found in Numbers 15: 38-40, the second the Tefflin is found in Deuteronomy 6:8.

We have been questioned by many Christians of late that our view points are based in Legalistic ideas. This is a fact and well founded in Jesus own words. In this article we would like to bring Jesus own words to bear witness to the reasons why we believe this is such an important issue for us to focus on.

Why the statement of Ritualistic then, we feel that it is an important part of our understanding. As we see it each religion has it’s own ritualistic practices they follow, Christians use the acts of Baptism, and taking the Sacraments of Communion, they place lit candles on there altars during there services, they follow a Liturgy of there doctrinal organizations. Not so much in our society today but some Christian Pastors will put on robes and stoles which claim there roots from the Tallis, the candles on the altar are arrived because the Jewish people Light Candles to welcome the Sabbath on Friday evening and also are representative of the Eternal Light that burns above the Ark in Jewish synagogues today. These Ritualistic acts of Wearing a Tallis and putting on Tefflin are not only one of the 613 Mitzvoth in the Torah, and a way to start your day, by being observant of God’s commandments, the ritualistic reasons are to keep Adonai foremost on your heart during your day.

Christians theologians try to paint the Jewish people for being Legalist in there practices and ritual behavior in stead of understanding them or teaching there origins, and there meaning. What comes to mind here is the first part of Matthew Chapter 7:1-12

1“Judge not, that you be not judged.
2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

So in looking at these words how many of you are making these kind of Judgments on your fellow man, Are you not trying to remove the speck from your brother’s eye before removing the plank from your own? In not trying to understand the roots of your own religion and the ritual practices of Jesus himself how then are you seeking? For one to truly seek the answers to the Kingdom of Jesus one must be seeking an understanding based on the Faith and practices of Jesus himself.

So looking at the answers and the word of Jesus thus the reason for the title Ritualistic and Legalistic and these come from the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21-24. For if a man builds his faith on the bedrock of Gods word and ritualistic practices then he will know you if not he will turn you away.

The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!

The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX