“Two Millennia of Divine Distance: The Evolution and Divergence of Judaism and Christianity, and the Personal Authority in Faith”
The journey of faith following Yeshua’s resurrection has been marked by significant transformations and divergences, particularly between Christianity and Judaism. This historical and spiritual journey can be metaphorically aligned with the prophetic scripture from Hosea 6:2, which some interpret as symbolizing two millennia of perceived divine distance.
Early Christian Roots in Judaism
Initially, Christianity, deeply intertwined with Judaism, saw its followers observing Jewish laws and customs, attending synagogues, and maintaining the Sabbath. This period reflects an unbroken lineage with their Jewish heritage, rooted in the life and teachings of Yeshua.
The Pivotal Council of Jerusalem
The integration of Gentiles into the faith brought pivotal changes, addressed at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). It was concluded that Gentile converts were not bound by the entirety of Jewish law, marking a significant departure from Jewish tradition.
The ‘Two Days’ of Hosea as 2,000 Years
Interpreting Hosea 6:2’s ‘two days’ as two millennia, this period represents the evolving paths of Judaism and Christianity, each developing its unique religious identity and practices.
Diverging Paths
Post the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70, Christianity and Judaism further diverged. Christianity began to establish its distinct identity, while Judaism evolved into Rabbinic Judaism, focusing on the Mishnah and the Talmud.
Personal Authority and Responsibility in Faith
With the advent of the New Covenant, as believers in Yeshua, we understand that each individual now holds the spirit of God, making us temples of God ourselves. This shift signifies that each person bears the authority and responsibility for their own salvation and that of their families and neighbors. Yeshua, as our mediator, renders the need for other ecclesiastical authorities unnecessary for rites like baptism or administering the bread and wine. We, as followers, are empowered to carry out these sacred acts, guided by the authority given to us by Yehovah.
The Lesser-Known Paths: Ebionites and Nazarenes
Groups such as the Ebionites and Nazarenes represent early paths in Christian history that eventually faded, highlighting the diversity within early Christianity.
Reflecting on the ‘Third Day’
The metaphor of the ‘third day’ in Hosea brings a message of hope and future restoration. It hints at a time of renewed divine closeness and a potential convergence of the divergent paths of Judaism and Christianity.
