More about grace vs. law

Does repentance mean to change your mind or to turn from sin?

More thoughts on repentance from dead works as an essential part of the gospel and one of the elementary teachings of Yeshua. Evangelism is not like making toast. Discipleship and evangelism entail an ongoing process. This teaching includes excerpts from a blog in which an Evangelical pastor explains why he does not preach repentance.

The Bitter Root

The book of Hebrews warns us against allowing a bitter root to spring up in our lives, but the bitter root is probably not what you think it is. The Talmud says that one who says, "I will sin now and repent later, and sin again," is not forgiven. Take a look in the Torah to discover the real meaning of the bitter root. This teaching on Hebrews 12:11-29 challenges cheap grace while encouraging us to keep our eyes on the hope of the kingdom.

Glory to Glory

In 2 Corinthians 3 Paul teaches a short discourse contrasting the glory of the Old Covenant and the glory of the New Covenant, employing the metaphor of the veil that concealed the light of Moses' face. This passage is frequently understood to imply replacement theology the cancellation of the Torah, but a closer look reveals a the role of the Torah in both old and new covenants.

The Inner Torah

What is the differences between the Letter of the Law and the Spirit of the Law in Pauline terminology? This teaching discusses the promise in Jeremiah 31 regarding the Torah written on our hearts in the New Covenant, with reference to Paul's discourse in Romans 7-8 regarding the Spirit and the Law. A foundational teaching for everyone interested in Messianic Judaism and the role of Torah in the lives of disciples of Yeshua.

Repentance from Dead Works

Are "dead works" the "works of the Law"? Does the book of Hebrews tell us to repent from Torah observance when it speaks of "repentance from dead works."

What are the basic teachings of Messiah mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-3? Discover the meaning of repentance from dead works in this eighteenth installment of sermons on the epistle to the Hebrews.

Full Assurance of Faith

I'm not perfect, just forgiven. I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a sinner saved by grace. Something has gone terribly wrong with our thinking if we believe that the only difference between a believer and a non-believer is that the believer is forgiven and assured of eternal life. That idea is not worthy of the name Christian or the name of Messiah, and it sullies the reputation of our holy Master. Hebrews 10:18-31 contains a stern warning and exhortation to the upward call of discipleship and the demands of new-covenant living.