What We Believe
Statement of Faith and General Congregational Information
The following congregational information and statement of faith are the core belief statements for The Way of Messiah Fellowship in their entirety as of March 10, 2023.
A. General Congregational Information
1. The Holy Name
The Almighty God of the universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has a proper Name which, in Hebrew, is represented by the Hebrew characters יהוה , or YHWH (sometimes shown as YHVH in English). This is rendered in most English Bibles as “the LORD”.
We believe the exact pronunciation has been lost to antiquity. As a result, among our congregation there could be multiple understandings of its pronunciation such as Yehovah, Yahweh, Yahveh, Yahuah, and others. In that regard, we are determined to walk in unity as a congregation and do not require a specific pronunciation of His name. While we think it is acceptable for the Name YHWH to be used in a scholastic sense, out of respect for its sacred nature, we encourage the use of traditionally acceptable substitutions such as “the Eternal”, “HaShem” (the Name), “the Almighty”, “the Most High”, and the ever common “Adonai” (my Lord or my Master). Knowing the exact pronunciation of the Name is NOT necessary for salvation.
2. Messiah’s Name
The Name of our Messiah was, and remains, ישוע , or “Yeshua”, meaning “He saves” or “Savior/Salvation”.
The term “Yahshuah” is not a correct Hebrew pronunciation of His name either linguistically or scripturally. This pronunciation seems to be a result of a misunderstanding and misapplication of Exodus 23:21 (“...my Name is in Him”).
The Greek transliteration of Yeshua was and is Iesous (Ιησους), originating with Septuagint Rabbis, and is the name from which the English name “Jesus” is derived. The claim that Messiah’s English name “Jesus Christ” is pagan because of its Greek linguistic origins is academically unsound.
This is not a “sacred name” congregation. Therefore, if “Jesus” is used to refer to our Messiah, that is entirely acceptable. After all, it is through the name, “Jesus” that many of us came to faith.
3. Name As Authority
The idea of “name” in Hebraic thought is that of “authority” without referring to the sound of the syllables. Use of a name means the use of the authority behind the name. This understanding guards against a specific name becoming like some sort of talisman. Therefore, it is more important to know by what authority something is done, rather than the spoken syllables. When Messiah said He came in His Father’s Name, He was referring to the Father’s authority, not the syllables of the Holy Name. Similarly, when we go, speak or proclaim “in the Name of Yeshua” or “in the Name of Jesus” we are doing so in His authority, not the spoken syllables of His Name.
4. The Torah
The phrase “the Torah” may refer to either the 5 books of Moses (the Pentateuch), the Tanakh (commonly called the “Old Testament”), or the whole Bible (Tanakh plus Apostolic writings, or what is commonly called the “New Testament”), depending on usage. We recognize all of it as Elohim’s instruction to His people.
“Torah” does not mean “law”. It actually means “teaching and instruction”. We understand it to be the instructions of a loving Father for His children.
5. The Rabbinic Writings
While we fully appreciate the wisdom of, and frequently refer to the opinions of, the sages, we do not accept the Talmud, Mishnah, Midrashes, Targums, or any other commentaries to be the final word on, nor on the same level of authority as, the Holy Scriptures.
6. The Tallit (Prayer Shawl)
We encourage the wearing and/or use of the tallit in our worship settings by both men and women. However, there is no requirement to do so, nor are those who prefer not to use tallit unwelcome or considered “less than” within our congregation. The use or non-use of tallit is a freedom issue since they are traditional and not Biblically mandated items.
7. The Kippah (Yarmulke)
While not a Biblical command, the traditional Jewish headgear known as the Kippah or Yarmulke is welcome at The Way of Messiah Fellowship and may be worn by men or women.
It is not a requirement for either participation or membership into this Assembly to wear a kippah.
8. The Messianic Walk
Those who put their faith in Yeshua the Messiah all become part of the Israel of God which is rooted in Yeshua Himself, becoming the spiritual sons and daughters of Abraham without regard to physical lineage.
We seek to practice, as much as possible, the same Torah-observant lifestyle as the believers of the 1st Century. We believe that the Holy Days given by God to Israel are still valid and are to be observed today. The observation of these “Appointed Times” within The Way of Messiah Fellowship will always be conducted in such a manner that Yeshua is the focal point.
We acknowledge that the New Covenant Messianic Community (commonly known as “the Church”) is composed of both Jews and Gentiles who have received Yeshua the Messiah as the promised Redeemer. The “middle wall of partition” has been broken down, and now we worship the God of Israel together.
Walking in the “Messianic walk” does not make one more “holy” than those in the traditional church system, nor does it mean that we are “more saved” than them. Our focus is to be a bridge to the excitement of the Torah life for those in the traditional church by encouraging them through love and example to begin their own Torah journey.
9. Calendar
Among the greater Messianic community, there is a wide array of understandings of, and approaches to, the issue of “proper calendar observation” with regard to observing the Feasts of Adonai. These can cover everything from how the new moon is determined to how the counting of the omer takes place in determining the day of Shavuot.
We realize that there are errors in all Biblical calendar reckonings and understand that it is only upon the return of Yeshua that matters will be set straight. However, for the sake of maintaining unity with the Jewish community and the greater messianic community, The Way of Messiah Fellowship generally follows the Hillel calendar.
B. Statement of Faith / Core Beliefs
We recognize that, among us, there are varying backgrounds, Biblical understandings, theological educations, and levels of growth and maturity in both faith in Yeshua and the Messianic walk. Our community is enriched because of this diversity. However, in order that we may have unity among us, speak the same thing regarding the foundations of our faith, and present our witness of Yeshua the Messiah with mutual integrity as those who walk in His light, let this establish that The Way of the Messiah Fellowship, as a Messianic congregation, upholds the following articles of faith.
1. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
We fully affirm that the Holy Scriptures or Bible (Genesis - Revelation) comprise the inspired, infallible Word of God as revealed in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. We believe that it is the final authority for faith and practice in lifestyle and conduct. (Deut 30:14-16; Ps 103:20, 105:8, 119:11, 28, 38, 105, 133, 160, 172; Prov 30:5; Rom 9:28; 2 Cor 6:7; Eph 6:17; Phil 2:16; 2 Tim 3:16, 4:2; Heb 4:12; James 1:22-23; 1 Pet 1:25; 1 Jn 2:5, 14)
Further, we firmly stand on the idea that the 66 book canon represented in the volume known as the Holy Bible constitutes the entire revealed scriptures of Adonai, and it is these books alone that we affirm to be God’s instruction.
While we do employ various English translations in our examinations of the Scriptures, we realize that those translations are subject to the theological presuppositions of their translators. Although each of us may have a preference among the various translations, we do not, as a community, hold to the idea that any single translation stands superior to all others. Instead, we recognize that each translation has its own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, final authority rests with the Hebrew and Greek texts. We also affirm the importance and necessity of reading and studying Scripture in its original historical and cultural context.
1.01 Extra-Biblical Texts
There is a rich and vast number of extra-Biblical (not in the Bible) sources available for the serious student of Scripture. Because we affirm the importance and necessity of reading Scripture (as defined in paragraph B.1 above) in its original historical and cultural context, we frequently utilize these sources (including Rabbinic texts) to provide us better insight and a fuller understanding of the Jewish life and practices, particularly in the 1st century.
2. GOD
We affirm our belief in One Almighty God, Creator of the universe, whose nature is unlimited unity. He has revealed Himself to mankind in three separate, but unified, co-existent manifestations: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deut 6:4; Matt 28:19; Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8). As mortals, we cannot fully comprehend the mystery of the Godhead, or how He chooses to manifest Himself to us although it is evident that God is a plurality. This is further emphasized in the Hebrew. The Hebrew word for “God”, Elohim (אלוהים ), is plural and in Deut. 6:4, He is One, echad (אחד), denoting a composite, not absolute oneness.
שמע ישראל יהוה אלהינו יהוה אחד
Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.
“Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One.”
3. YESHUA’S DIVINITY
We affirm the Divinity of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ), that He is God in the flesh and that He has co-existed for eternity with the Father (Jn 1:1-2; Phil 2:6). We believe that He was physically conceived by the Holy Spirit, not the seed of man, born of the virgin Mary (Isa 7:14; Matt 1:18,20,23,25; Luke 1:26-33), and that He is the prophesied Messiah of Israel and the world (Is 52:13-53:12; Jn 1:45).
4. YESHUA’S EARTHLY MINISTRY
While on earth, Yeshua lived a sinless life, perfectly observing the Torah (Matt 5:17, 22:36-40) becoming our blameless Passover Lamb (1Cor 5:7). He was falsely accused and, although innocent, executed by crucifixion during Passover season. We believe that, through His sacrifice, He took away the curse of the law of sin and death, or eternal damnation, for humanity (Gal 3:13; Rom 8:2), thus atoning for all sin (1 Jn 4:10). We believe He was resurrected bodily on the third day after His death (Matt 28:6-7; Mark 16:6;Luke 24:34; 2 Tim 2:8), that He ascended into Heaven (Acts 1:9-11), and is now glorified with all power (Jn 17:1-5) awaiting His physical return as King of kings and Lord of lords to rule and reign over the earth from the throne of His father David, in Jerusalem (Zec 14; Acts 1:9-11; Rev 19:11-16).
We believe that while on earth, He divested Himself, or restricted Himself, of exercising His Divine nature, choosing instead to walk as a human being (Phil 2:5-8; Heb 2:18, 4:15). In doing so, He demonstrated to us that we can walk like He walked.
5. THE NATURE OF MAN
As a result of Adam’s sin, the sin nature was passed on to all mankind, therefore putting all mankind after Adam in a state of broken relationship with their Creator. As a result, all have sinned (transgressed the holy Torah [revealed instructions] of Adonai), stand condemned before Adonai, and need the salvation provided by the grace of Adonai through the atoning work of Yeshua (Ps 14:1-3; Rom 3:23, 5:12-21).
6. SALVATION
We affirm that salvation is a free gift of God available only through acknowledging Yeshua the Messiah as Lord (Rom 10:9-10) through repentance and confession of sin (Lu 5:32; Acts 5:31; Rom 2:4, 10:10; 2 Cor 7:9-10; 2 Tim 2:25; 2 Pet 3:9). This results in a person being born again (Jn 3:3; 1 Pet 1:3,23) or regenerated by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Salvation does not come via human action, being passed on by parents, joining a church, or by obeying commandments. (Matt 5:20;Jn 1:17; Rom 2:12-13, 25, 3:20, 27, 4:14, 8:3, 10:5; Gal 2:16 , 21, 3:2, 11, 21, 5:4, 6:13; Phil 3:9). However, if one is “of the faith”, then they will have “works” (Ja 2:14-15). As a result, salvation is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
We fully reject, as false teaching and heretical, any notion that salvation is by works alone and/or that there are “many paths” to God.
7. HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit permanently dwells within all true believers to lead, guide, teach, comfort and empower us to live a righteous life and to minister as a royal priesthood of believers (Jn 14:28; 1Tim 1:7; 1 Cor 14:26; Acts 2:4; 1 Cor 12:1-13; Rom 12:3-21; Eph 1:13; 1 Pet 2:5).
We further believe that there is, as reflected in Acts 2, an event that each follower of Yeshua should seek, identified by many, and in the book of Acts, as “the baptism in the Holy Spirit”. We believe that this “empowering” is received by asking for it by faith. We do believe that it can also take place at the time of being born again if asked for, but that it is not “automatic”.
8. SPIRITUAL GIFTS
We affirm that the various enablements (gifts) of the Holy Spirit are as much in effect today as they were in the 1st Century. These enablements are available to all who follow Yeshua. They are given as an extra endowment of ability for boldness in witnessing and demonstration of the power of Adonai. These enablements come by immersion (spiritual mikveh, or baptism) in the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh). We believe that each follower should seek to be filled with this ability through the Ruach, Who apportions to any as He wishes (Isa 28:11-12; Acts 1:1-9, 2:1-18; 1 Cor 12-14; Eph 1:11-14).We believe that the the idea or teaching that the “power gifts” have “passed away” is contrary to the unchangeable nature of Adonai (Isa 40:8; Mal 3:6a; Rom 11:29; Heb 13:8).
We acknowledge that there are some who have turned the exercise of these gifts into noisy, frenzied outbursts of emotionalism which edify no one, and we believe that this conduct is contrary to Scripture and, therefore, in error (1 Cor 14:40)
9. RESURRECTION
The promise of faithful trust in Yeshua is resurrection from the dead, eternal life, and ruling with Yeshua forever in His Kingdom. Yeshua will return to rule in Jerusalem and finally, in the New Jerusalem where we will live with Him. (Jn 5:28-29; Rev 19-22).
10. ETERNAL PUNISHMENT
We fully affirm that those who do not repent of their sins and do not receive Yeshua will spend a conscious eternity in torment (Deut 32:22; Job 11:8, 24:19; Ps 116:3; Is 14:9; Jon 2:2; Lu 12:5, 16:19-31) and ultimately the lake of fire (Rev 19:20, 20:10, 15). We disavow the belief in an annihilation of the condemned and believe that such a concept is, not only not supported by scripture, but also, misguided, allowing the condemned to experience no sustainable consequence for their sin. The lake of fire constitutes an ongoing, eternal punishment for the damned (Rev 20:10), not extinction. We recognize that this topic can be sensitive, but believe that it is important to understand that this is not the whimsical decision of a cruel God but is the result of the individual’s own choice to reject the good news of Yeshua.
11. THE BODY OF MESSIAH
We affirm that there exists one universal body (qahal or ekklesia) of those who follow Yeshua (Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 10:17, 12:12-13; Eph 4:4). This assembly/congregation is the Commonwealth of Israel (Eph 2:11-12) or Israel of God (Gal 6:16), and is composed of physical descendants of the Biblical Patriarchs; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob/Israel and those of the nations. It includes those who are not physical descendants of Abraham, but can claim his promises through faith in Yeshua (Gal 3:8-9,16).
We fully reject, as errant and racist theology, all forms of replacement, dual-covenant, supersessionist and British Israel theology.
It is the intent of Adonai and the purpose of Yeshua’s first incarnation to make “one new man” known as Israel (Eph 2:11-22). This one new man is based in His blood, not any earthly bloodline.
12. THE TORAH / PENTATEUCH / 5 BOOKS OF MOSES
We believe that through His sacrifice, Yeshua the Messiah has filled the Torah with His Spirit (Matt 5:17-20), not annulled it, and has given it greater understanding through His teachings.
We do not believe that meticulous observance of the Torah is mandatory for salvation (Matt 5:20; Jn 1:17;Rom 2:12-13, 25, 3:20, 27, 4:14, 8:3, 10:5; Gal 2:21, 3:2, 11, 21, 5:4, 6:13; Phil 3:9), but rather that it is the Torah which has defined sin for humanity (Ja 2:9; Rom 3:31, 5:13, 6:15, 7:7-9, 12, 8:2, 10:4; Gal 3:24; Heb 7:19, 10:28). By studying Torah we can better understand what the Messiah died for and therefore enhance our spiritual and physical walk. The Torah forms the foundation of the entire Bible, and is necessary to study for proper understanding of and interpreting the Prophets, Writings, and Apostolic Scriptures. The Torah helps us to understand the holiness and character of Adonai and also how we too can live a holy life (Ex 19:6; Lev 11:44-45, 19:2, 20:26; Deut 7:6, 14l2, 26:19; Is 8:3; 1 Pet 1:15-16).
We encourage all Believers to obey Elohim to their fullest extent, by remembering the seventh-day Sabbath, the appointed times of Leviticus 23, and by eating according to the Biblical diet (Lev 11, Deut 14), just to name a few things. We believe that by obeying the Torah we become a part of the holy and set-apart people that our Heavenly Father desires, and this sanctification will be evident in those who are truly growing and maturing in their faith.
The “whole” Torah of Adonai, both the Tanakh and the Apostolic Writings, is the instruction of a loving and gracious Father for His children. It is the perfect and unchanging law that gives us liberty. It is the loving instruction for how a redeemed people should live, and we believe that no portion of His instruction has been done away with.
13. FINAL PLAN FOR ISRAEL
The final plan for Israel is to bring the faithful remnant of Judah, the scattered people of Ephraim, and those who were formerly Gentiles but are recovered from the world by faith, together and unite them as one Holy people under one Shepherd, namely Yeshua the Messiah, in the land promised to the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
We believe in the restoration of all Israel on the basis of unfulfilled end-time prophecy, and not on the basis of any kind of racial identity. Ultimately, those who can consider themselves part of Israel must have faith in Yeshua (Ez 37:18-28; Ze 10:6-10;Ho 1:1-2:23; Jn 17; Rom 9:26; Eph 2; Acts 3:21).
14. GOALS OF THE PEOPLE OF ADONAI
Ultimately, the goals of the people of Adonai are;
To be followers of Yeshua the Messiah, and to mature into the example He has provided.
To be Holy (separated from the ways of the world) as our Abba is Holy. This holiness is to be based on His definition of holy living, not our own, or that of any of men’s traditions (Lev 11:44-45; Eph 5:27).
To be righteous (generous and just) and godly (discerning and forgiving) while involved with this world (Tit 2:12).
To be clean, first within our conscious self, and then also in our outward behavior, as we grow in the Ruach (Spirit) and understanding of the Word (Ps 51:10; 1 Thess 4:7).
to be full of love for one another, thus proving that we are Yeshua’s disciples; caring for a lost world by bringing the message of the Good News to those who are without (Jn 13:34-35; Rom 1:16-17).
