Sunday, April 06, 2008

Passover - a Celebration or a Legalistic Requirement?

Later this month, Jews and some Christians will be celebrating Passover, one of the seven feasts of ancient Israel. The question that comes to my mind is, "why would born again, believers in Jesus Christ be celebrating a religious holiday endorsed by non-believing Jews?"

A sect in mainstream Christianity is attracting the attention of some believers. This sect is called "messianics", lead by Jews who have received Jesus Christ as Messiah. These messianics are calling the church to return to their Jewish roots, mainly by celebrating the seven feasts ancient Israel was required to observe.

Any knowlegable Christian knows and understands that Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law (where the Jews are required to observe Passover). In fact, Jesus Christ is the Passover Lamb. Apostle Paul's writings in the New Testament indicate the Law and it's commandments were shadows and types of that which was to come, Christ.

There is no need to continue to celebrate Passover along with the non-believing Jews, why remain in the shadows when we have the Light Himself, Jesus?

The danger I see in Christians dabbling in Old Testament practices is a return to legalism and a departure from faith to works of the Law.

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