Is Converting to Judaism a bad thing?

[Chaviva7]

Shalom

There is much that I am learning as time passes regarding who I am in Messiah and my keeping the moedim & mitzvots of . I hope I'm not opening a "pandora's box" but this topic is one that has come up numerous times. But it was not until recently that this subject has come closer to home regarding a believing nonjew converting into being a reformed orthodox Jew. I have asked what does this require and the understanding was that the only thing was when asked if they were to renounce the pagan "Jesus" of christianity, and they consider themselves not a "christian" then this would allow them to convert denying the pagan beliefs of modern day churches i.e. Easter, Christmas etc. Now mind you I have no clear knowledge of having any jewish blood line whatsoever but I will say that I do identify with Judah as being my brother and support Israel in my heart and praying for the day when we'll be able to return to the land. But my question is, what does conversion entail and is it right to do so just to make aliyah? Do the rabbi's in Israel really see this as a conversion if nothing else is mentioned of Yeshua as Moshiach? I've looked up verses in the Brit Hadashah with Paul in Romans 11 & also in Ephesians 2. The information I've been given is that this is an acceptable way to convert and Israelis rabbinical leaders will receive this as a conversion and allow aliyah. I was just wanting to know if anyone has first hand experience about this.

Shavuah tov ;D
Shalom
Chaviva

[losquintanas]

Shalom Chaviva7,

I guess the first thing I would like to do is to ask you whether or not you prayed about converting to Judaism before you made this post?

We all are beginning to realize and see Gods work in and through the Jewish people in recognizing the mashiach as Yeshua, and the wonderful riches found in the olive tree of Messianic Judaism. However, the main thing that you must consider is what is the real motive and purpose of converting to Judaism? Or what is the main reason and purpose in accepting Yeshua?

Orthodox Judaism does not recognize Yeshua as the Messiah, and regardless of what others might think there is only one way into the Holy Place and the presence of Almighty Father.

Judaism might answer some questions but it well never give you what you are looking for. The gifts that come from God are Peace, Forgiveness, Love, Understanding, Restoration, Assurance, Boldness, Grace, Self-control. Our ultimate goal is not to become Jewish or President or the member of a church or a synagogue. Our ultimate goal is to experience Elohim, and the way that we experience Elohim is in how we serve God and others.

There is a verse in the book of First Peter that goes straight to the heart of the matter in question:

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers.
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" 1 Peter 1:18 & 19

The traditions of the Fathers ,although not bad, refers to the yoke that one takes upon themselves when converting to Orthodox Judaism.

Sometimes the simple fact that Yeshua died for us seems not to be enough. When as the end of this life you stand before God, you will not be judged on whether or not you became a Jew, but whether you accepted the atoning sacrifice of Yeshua or not.

Not that Judaism is bad per se, but your faith and confidence should not be in Aliyah or Judaism but in Yeshua. This is like saying "your sacrifice is not enough" to God. It is like saying that Yeshua is not enough.

Whatever your desire is in life, if it is to make Aliyah it is a noble desire, trust in God and He will provide a way that will not put you in such a bind.

Rav Shaul (Paul) tells us to remain in the situation that we are in when we are called. Why? Because then Yeshua who calls us does not become enough but our self efforts based on the works of the , or of Judaism or of membership to a church.

When Paul tells us about His accomplishments in life he puts them in this light:

In Philippians chapter 3 he begins by telling the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord in verse one. Then as you continue to read in the chapter he begins to give a caution, and one that might point out certain things that do steal your Joy in Yeshua.

In verses 2 & 3 he tells you to beware of a particular groups of people who pressed the issue of conversion to Judaism and circumcision for salvation.

Then he begins to tell of his own accomplishments in Judaism in verses 4-7, which as you can see some are sensible accomplishments given he is a Hebrew man.

Now when we get to verses 7-11 he starts out by pointing out that these accomplishments although required in the , he counted as loss. He explains his position further in verse 9 by emphasizing his faith is not in his own righteousness which is by , but which is by faith in Christ, and by what He accomplished on the cross.

Then in verse 10-11 we see the true reason in accepting Yeshua in answering my own question above:

"That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death. If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead"

This should be all our goals: Serving Yeshua and introducing people to Yeshua, Sharing in the fellowship of His sufferings, Loving and following (not in our own strength but in His), and placing our hopes in the resurrection of the dead.

You do not need to become orthodox to follow or Go to Israel but Just trust in Yeshua. I believe that there will be some spiritual consequences for a number of reasons if you convert to Judaism.

Shalom sister and I hope that you do some serious praying and reading of scripture before you make any major decision in your life regardless of the decision.

Jesse

[Nachshon]

chaviva7 said:

Shalom

There is much that I am learning as time passes regarding who I am in Messiah and my keeping the moedim & mitzvots of . I hope I'm not opening a "pandora's box" but this topic is one that has come up numerous times. But it was not until recently that this subject has come closer to home regarding a believing nonjew converting into being a reformed orthodox Jew. I have asked what does this require and the understanding was that the only thing was when asked if they were to renounce the pagan "Jesus" of christianity, and they consider themselves not a "christian" then this would allow them to convert denying the pagan beliefs of modern day churches i.e. Easter, Christmas etc. Now mind you I have no clear knowledge of having any jewish blood line whatsoever but I will say that I do identify with Judah as being my brother and support Israel in my heart and praying for the day when we'll be able to return to the land. But my question is, what does conversion entail and is it right to do so just to make aliyah? Do the rabbi's in Israel really see this as a conversion if nothing else is mentioned of Yeshua as Moshiach? I've looked up verses in the Brit Hadashah with Paul in Romans 11 & also in Ephesians 2. The information I've been given is that this is an acceptable way to convert and Israelis rabbinical leaders will receive this as a conversion and allow aliyah. I was just wanting to know if anyone has first hand experience about this.

Shavuah tov ;D
Shalom
Chaviva

You want to talk to Natan'el.

[Chaviva7]

Todah for your replys

I didnt mean to leave the impression that it was me wanting to convert but someone else I know and I was wanting some help in speaking with this brother who is so very serious about doing so. I'd like to be sure to have scriptural understanding of what is right for us as believers in Yeshua. I for one do not want to "rob" the heritage HaShem has allowed me to be a part of no matter if I am a "sojourner" grafted into the tree or one who is of the Olive Tree from the beginning. What I am concerns me about is the brother who has begun his conversion process. I apologise for not being more clear with my post.

I do appreciate what you have shared.

Shalom
Chav

[Chizuk Emunah]

EDIT: Sent it before I read your post.... Sorry.

[Chizuk Emunah]

I suppose it depends... If someone converts Reform or Conservative then they may simply ask if one "believes in J*esus." I've seen at least two people convert while holding a belief that J*esus was a man who maybe did some good things and nothing more. On the other hand, an Orthodox conversion will likely get into further detail. I can't really say as I don't know anyone personally who has gone through an Orthodox conversion...

[Nachshon]

Natan'el, I know one guy whom I think has converted, and the other is in the process. Of course, they have a big advantage in that they are what I would call neo-Ebionites, though they claim to be N'tzarim.