GOOD EXAMPLE OF "TORAH OBSERVERS" QUOTING SCRIPTURE OUT OF CONTEXT: ISAIAH 8:20
Torah observers often quote Scripture out of context in order to support their false teachings.
Here's one example that I've seen over and over:
Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
So, this verse is quoted often by "Torah observers" as if it proves that the Mosaic Law, or Torah, is the standard, and that those who don't think the Torah needs to be observed are teaching false doctrines.
First, I would point out that "Torah observers" aren't really observing Torah anyways; they are observing their cafeteria-plan, pick and choose version of it. Usually what most of them mean by being a Torah observer is observing the Sabbath, festivals, and clean/unclean meat laws. Some throw in physical circumcision.
The context of Torah was within the nation of Israel, under a theonomy, in a specific climate, and a specific group of people, and in a specific land. If one simply reads through Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, this is apparent.
For example, observing the three pilgrimage festivals REQUIRED the men of Israel to travel to Jerusalem. Practically no alleged "Torah observers" do that today. They may quote Scriptures such as Matthew 5:17-20 to claim that the Mosaic Law is still in effect, but they fail to see the "jot and tittle" part..not one commandment of the Mosaic Covenant was to be altered until it was fulfilled in Christ. If it hasn't been fulfilled, then they must do every "jot and tittle" including traveling to Jerusalem for the three pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles/Booths).
Second, they are using this verse incorrectly when they claim it's referring to Torah. The underlying Hebrew word is towrah, which does refer to the Mosaic Law in many places, but it is also the word used for teaching or instruction. Possible meanings of towrah are listed below.
In this case, Isaiah was told to record his message in a scroll in verse 16. Isaiah is referring to this teaching as the "law and testimony", NOT the Torah in the sense of the Mosaic Law. However, "Torah observers" continually refer to this verse to prove Torah must be observed, and those who teach that the Torah is done away with are the false teachers.
Beware that people who are considered to be "sound teachers" are really misusing Scripture out of context.
Read this whole chapter IN CONTEXT to see what's being referred to here. Then, realize that you MUST learn to read in context in order to avoid accepting bad doctrine.
By the way, one thing I've found ironic is that some "Torah observers" have girlfriends they are sexually involved with, and are quite casual about admitting it, or are not married legally to their wives. Talk about straining gnats and swallowing camels.
I would also read Ephesians 2:13-15, Hebrews 7-8, Acts 15, Galatians 3-4, Romans 7:1-6 to see that the Mosaic Covenant is no longer in effect. While enduring spiritual and moral principles may be reflected in the specific applications given to ancient Israel, the covenant and commandments involving specific applications are not. In no way do I advocate immorality..in fact I would suggest that many "Torah observers" are immoral themselves. Consider Jim Staley, who bilked older people out of their retirement..Christ called this "devouring widows' houses".
Here's the range of meaning ascribed to towrah..which includes MUCH MORE than just the Mosaic Covenant and includes all of God's instruction or direction.
towrah range of meaning
law, direction, instruction
Torah observers often quote Scripture out of context in order to support their false teachings.
Here's one example that I've seen over and over:
Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
So, this verse is quoted often by "Torah observers" as if it proves that the Mosaic Law, or Torah, is the standard, and that those who don't think the Torah needs to be observed are teaching false doctrines.
First, I would point out that "Torah observers" aren't really observing Torah anyways; they are observing their cafeteria-plan, pick and choose version of it. Usually what most of them mean by being a Torah observer is observing the Sabbath, festivals, and clean/unclean meat laws. Some throw in physical circumcision.
The context of Torah was within the nation of Israel, under a theonomy, in a specific climate, and a specific group of people, and in a specific land. If one simply reads through Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, this is apparent.
For example, observing the three pilgrimage festivals REQUIRED the men of Israel to travel to Jerusalem. Practically no alleged "Torah observers" do that today. They may quote Scriptures such as Matthew 5:17-20 to claim that the Mosaic Law is still in effect, but they fail to see the "jot and tittle" part..not one commandment of the Mosaic Covenant was to be altered until it was fulfilled in Christ. If it hasn't been fulfilled, then they must do every "jot and tittle" including traveling to Jerusalem for the three pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles/Booths).
Second, they are using this verse incorrectly when they claim it's referring to Torah. The underlying Hebrew word is towrah, which does refer to the Mosaic Law in many places, but it is also the word used for teaching or instruction. Possible meanings of towrah are listed below.
In this case, Isaiah was told to record his message in a scroll in verse 16. Isaiah is referring to this teaching as the "law and testimony", NOT the Torah in the sense of the Mosaic Law. However, "Torah observers" continually refer to this verse to prove Torah must be observed, and those who teach that the Torah is done away with are the false teachers.
Beware that people who are considered to be "sound teachers" are really misusing Scripture out of context.
Read this whole chapter IN CONTEXT to see what's being referred to here. Then, realize that you MUST learn to read in context in order to avoid accepting bad doctrine.
By the way, one thing I've found ironic is that some "Torah observers" have girlfriends they are sexually involved with, and are quite casual about admitting it, or are not married legally to their wives. Talk about straining gnats and swallowing camels.
I would also read Ephesians 2:13-15, Hebrews 7-8, Acts 15, Galatians 3-4, Romans 7:1-6 to see that the Mosaic Covenant is no longer in effect. While enduring spiritual and moral principles may be reflected in the specific applications given to ancient Israel, the covenant and commandments involving specific applications are not. In no way do I advocate immorality..in fact I would suggest that many "Torah observers" are immoral themselves. Consider Jim Staley, who bilked older people out of their retirement..Christ called this "devouring widows' houses".
Here's the range of meaning ascribed to towrah..which includes MUCH MORE than just the Mosaic Covenant and includes all of God's instruction or direction.
towrah range of meaning
law, direction, instruction
instruction, direction (human or divine)- body of prophetic teaching
- instruction in Messianic age
- body of priestly direction or instruction
- body of legal directives
- body of prophetic teaching
law- law of the burnt offering
- of special law, codes of law
- law of the burnt offering
- custom, manner
- the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Here's a good video on the Law if someone is interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BGO9Mmd_cU&t=1s