NAZARENE ISRAELI DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

A. Overview

Yeshua the Messiah (aka 'Jesus Christ') was raised as a Jew of the First Century; and as such, He probably observed most of the Jewish customs and traditions of that day. That is to say that rather than looking and acting like modern-day 'Christians,' Yeshua and His Apostles looked, walked, and talked like First Century Jews, and they practiced a very outwardly 'Israeli-looking' faith.

Perhaps the only Jewish customs and traditions Yeshua did not teach His disciples to keep were those that conflicted with the Torah Moshe (the Laws of Moses). Wherever and whenever the Jewish customs and traditions of the First Century conflicted with the Torah Moshe (the Laws of Moses), Yeshua told His followers to disregard them (e.g., Mark 7:3). However, wherever, and whenever these First Century Jewish traditions did not conflict with the Torah Moshe, Yeshua and His disciples probably kept them (e.g. Matthew 23:3).

Nazarene Israel recognizes the secrets of Scripture: That both the Jews and the Christians are essentially Israelite peoples; and that Scripture prophesies a two-thousand-year-long division between the Jews and the Christians that is beginning to be healed in our day.

While recognizing that the Jews are also Israelites, and will be saved one day (re: Zechariah 12:10), Nazarene Israel also understands that belief on Yeshua as the Messiah, the Son of the Living Elohim ('G-d') is a precondition to Salvation (Matthew 16:16).  All human beings need to accept Yeshua the Messiah ('Jesus the Christ') as their personal Savior and Master, and all human beings need to be filled with His Spirit after dying to their own will. Only in this way is Salvation truly complete.

Although we believe unequivocally in the Father, His Son, and the Spirit, we choose not to use the word 'Trinity,' as that term is not found in Scripture. Rather than speak of 'three-persons-simultaneously-equal-and-one,' we understand that Scripture speaks of Elohim ('G-d') manifesting Himself in different ways to His people Israel, and at different times.  As explained in the study, ‘Manifestation of Elohim,’ Yeshua the Messiah was sent to earth many times, albeit only once as the prophesied Messiah of Daniel 9. Yeshua was/is a 'Manifestation' of Elohim ('G-d'), sent of the Father, paradoxically both a part of the Father, and yet His Father is greater than Him.

B. Prerequisites for Fellowship

In the Book of Acts, Chapter Fifteen, the Apostles bound specific prerequisites for those wishing to join themselves to the Nation of Israel, and come into the assemblies. Since these requirements are bound for us in Scripture, we have no authority to modify them, or to deviate from them.  As explained in the Nazarene Israel study, the Apostles ruled that those coming out of the nations had to agree to refrain from four abominations that are antithetical to the Hebrew Way of life before they could be permitted to come into the synagogues. These four prerequisites are:

1. Refrain from idolatry (which is spiritual adultery),
2. Refrain from adultery,
3. Refrain from eating 'strangled' meats (meat that was not drained of its blood at the time of the slaughter, so that it would retain its blood. German Bloodwurst might be a modern-day equivalent. Eating blood is forbidden, e.g. Leviticus 17:14, Deuteronomy 12:16, 12:23).  This requirement includes the necessity to eat only Scripturally clean meats.
4. Refrain from blood.  Reference the Nazarene Israel study and Building the Stick, this refers not just to consuming blood, but is an idiomatic Jewish expression alluding to the Laws of Niddah/ Laws of Family Purity, as found in Leviticus Chapter Fifteen, and elsewhere. These Laws of Family Purity [or 'Laws of Niddah'] require believers to avoid both improper and/or casual contact between men and women.

Once a newcomer demonstrates his or her sincerity by agreeing to start with these four necessities, they can then be permitted to enter the assemblies, as they will not be defiling a place set-apart for worship.

There is, however, one more related requirement. Acts 15:21 indicates that newcomers need to hear the Torah of Moshe preached each week. The specific word used indicates not just 'hearing' in the Western sense, but hearing with intent to obey. (For more information see the Nazarene Israel study and ‘Building the Stick.’)  That is, they were to hear the Torah Moshe taught, with an intent to learn it, and to obey it.

Certain causes for disfellowship include adultery, breaking the four prerequisites of Acts 15, breaking the laws of the land, failure to keep the Ten Commandments (any infraction of murder, theft, fraud, embezzlement, adultery or covetousness), and/or any failure to move towards full Torah observance.

It is imperative that a spirit of false worship be excluded from the assemblies. While the assemblies must reach out to others in love and in patience, they must also set and maintain standards of purity according to the Torah.  Anyone who agrees to abide by these minimum entry requirements is allowed to come into the assemblies, and learn more.

C. Requirements for Congregations (Assemblies)

The core of Nazarene Israelite doctrine is to emphasize the right dividing of the Word of Elohim (G-d), which is only made possible with the assistance of the Set-apart ('Holy') Spirit. We do not believe anything that cannot be proved through a careful, diligent study of His Word. However, some of our beliefs have withstood the test of time, and so we have enumerated them here.

While not limited to these specifically enumerated points of belief, the following enumerated tenets of faith have been set forth to help those who want to understand what Nazarene Israelites do-and-do-not believe.

1. We hold that Yeshua is the Messiah, the Son of the Living Elohim (Matthew 16:16). He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father, except by Him (John 14:6). One must be filled with His Spirit by accepting Him as one's own personal Savior and Master. After having accepted Yeshua, one needs to ask for the infilling of His Spirit, without which Salvation is not complete (Matthew 12:43-45). He will provide this free gift to those who earnestly seek Him (Luke 11:7-11, Hebrews 11:6.)
    
2. When one turns one's life over to Yeshua, it is important to be completely filled by His Spirit. To accept Salvation but to fail to turn one's life over to the Spirit in totality produces a much worse condition than if one had never been saved (Luke 11:24-26.)

3. If one can prove physical descent from Avraham, Yitzhak and Ya'akov, so much the better. However, it is not necessary to prove Israelite descent to join oneself to the Nation of Nazarene Israel. Historically-speaking, many non-Israelites have joined themselves to the Nation of Israel. All that is required to join the Nation of Israel is to accept Yeshua, to surrender to the Spirit, to repent of Torah (Law) breaking, to put away all false worship and false ways, and to worship as the Scriptures actually say. There is only one Torah for the foreigner, and for the native born (Exodus 12:49, Numbers 15:6, etcetera.) Notable persons who had no Jewish descent, but who yet joined themselves to the Nation of Israel include Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and King Solomon's son's wife Na’amah. One should note that the last four of these notable women were a part of the royal lineage, proving that gentiles have always been able to graft into the Nation of Israel.

4. The Hebrew Scriptures are the ultimate and final authority on all matters of faith, belief, and action. We believe in both the Hebrew canon called Tanach (the "Old" Testament) as well as in the Renewed Covenant (or the 'New' Covenant), also called the 'Brit Chadasha' ("New Testament".) We believe in a Semitic inspiration of the canon (Hebrew and/or Aramaic) as explained in the Nazarene Israel study. However, we acknowledge that the Greek Textus Receptus has done a reasonably good job of relating most of the main points, with only a few critical scribal errors.

5. As the term 'Trinity' does not appear in Scripture, we do not use that term (First John 5:7-8 is now almost universally acknowledged as having been a later addition to the Text, as it does not appear in any of the earliest manuscripts.) Instead, we acknowledge that the Creator YHWH ('Jehovah,' more accurately pronounced 'Yahuwah,' 'Yahweh,' 'Yahuweh,' 'Yahveh'; or Yahovah', etc.) manifested Himself in the form of a human being. While the Son of Man has been made manifest many times throughout earth's history, only once was He made manifest as the prophesied Messiah of Daniel 9. In this manifestation, the Messiah Yeshua was paradoxically both man and Divine. This is explained in more detail in the study, ‘Manifestation of Elohim.’

6. We believe in the importance of the Hebrew language. We acknowledge that the Hebrew language is the original tongue of mankind, and that it has special relevance and importance for us, as Israelites. Our desire is that as we are permitted to return to the Land of Israel, that we can learn to converse in Hebrew, and teach it to our next generation, as their primary language. Both Hebrew and Aramaic (Semitic tongues) are the language of the synagogue, and of Scripture. As such, we seek to be fluent and conversant in it.

7. The name of the Father in Heaven is expressed in the Tetragrammaton, as He gave to Moshe (Moses) at the time of the burning bush. The Creator’s name is recorded in the Tanach (Old Covenant) at Shemote (Exodus) 3:15-16. The Father’s name is spelled יהוה (Yod-Hay-Vav-Hay). There are many different opinions as to how this name is properly pronounced.  We do not argue over minor differences in pronunciation. To us it is more important that people attempt to use His Name as best they are convicted than that everyone all pronounce it the same way. However, whenever it is pronounced, it should be pronounced with the utmost respect and reverence, as He seeks the glorification of His name.

8. The Third Commandment is the commandment not to bring His name to nothing.  Since there are many different ways it is possible to pronounce His name, we do not choose to argue over reasonable pronunciations of His name.  However, there are some "names" that have pagan origins, and which do not accurately reflect His name.  These are therefore not acceptable as pronunciations of the Divine Name of YHWH. Among these are "God," and "The Lord" and "The Lord God," none of which are correct transliterations or pronunciations of the Hebrew יהוה (but are actually derived from pagan sun worship).  We do not prefer the Anglicization 'Jehovah' except for explanation purposes, as there is no letter "J" (or even a 'J' sound) in Hebrew.  Further, while the substitutes 'HaShem' (meaning, 'the Name') and 'Adonai' (meaning, 'Master of masters') are acceptable as titles for YHWH, these are not the name He tells us that He wants us to make known in all the earth (e.g., Exodus 9:16).  Scripture teaches us that His name is to be spoken (e.g. Ruth 2:4), although at all times His name is to be spoken with the utmost of reverence and respect.

9. Legitimate titles for the Father YHWH and His Son (Yeshua) include:
   A. "Abba," (Father), a masculine title for YHWH;
   B. "Elohim," a masculine plural Hebrew term meaning simultaneously "Our Strength," the "Mighty Ones," and "the Covenants One" (He who issued the covenants.) Other legitimate derivations include Eloah, Elyon, Elah and others, as traditionally used in the Hebrew and Aramaic in the Tanach.
   C. "El Shaddai," a female facet of His character emphasizing nurturance;
   D. "The Power," used at Matthew 26:64, referring to YHWH.
   E. "Shekinah" (or the "Shekinah Glory") also known as the "Presence," another female facet of His character.
   F. "HaShem" (meaning 'The Name"), acceptable as a title (because it is found in the Psalms) but unacceptable as a substitution for the Name of YHWH;
   G. "Adon" or "Adonai" (meaning "Master" or "Lord" in a Scriptural sense), acceptable as a title, because it is found in Scripture; but unacceptable as a substitution for the name of YHWH.
    
10. The name of Yeshua (or Yahushua, Yahshua or Y'shua) is also a divine name, as Yeshua tells us that He came in His Father's name. (Note: In Hebraic thought, when a name begins with a Yud, this is considered a contraction of the Father's Name). The name Yeshua means "Yah's Salvation" or "The Salvation of Yahweh," or "Yah Saves." The name Yahushua (spelled in all six Hebrew letters) is used twice in the Tanach, and was legitimately shortened first to Yahshua (used 98 times in the Tanach), and then it was again shortened to "Yeshua" in the Babylonian Exile. As explained in the study, ‘The Set-apart Names,’ archaeological evidence indicates that the Messiah was probably called by this short form name "Yeshua" during His earthly walk in the Second Temple Era; but if persons prefer to use the longer (more formal) forms Yahushua or Yahshua, that is fine, as all three forms are found in Scripture.
     
11. The name "Jesus" is not preferred, as there has never been any "J" sound in Hebrew. Further, there are questions with regards to the origins of this name.  Some etymological studies suggest that it may have been derived from a combination of Iaso (a Greek healing goddess) and Zeus (a Greco-Roman sun-god) (Iaso + Zeus = Iezeus = Iesus.) For this reason we prefer to avoid the name "Jesus," except when using it to teach about why "Jesus" is not the correct name. However, as so many people have been initially saved in the substitute name 'Jesus,' we do not wish to disparage this name in any way.
     
12. We are told to worship in the Spirit and the Truth (John 4:23-24). While in Western thought, words and their sounds are unimportant, Hebraic thought holds that the actual words and terms that we use are of the utmost importance in conveying spiritual thoughts and truths. Many of our commonly used English words are deeply rooted in ancient pagan worship, such as: 'Bible,' 'church,' 'amen,' 'holy,' 'glory,' 'divine' and 'deity,' 'sacred' and 'sanctified,' and as mentioned previously; 'God,' 'Lord' and 'Jesus.' As we grow in faith and maturity, so should our language. While English transliterations will never be the same as Hebrew and or Aramaic, we should at least attempt to avoid pagan terms in our speech, until YHWH restores our original language to us.  This is in keeping with the prophecy in Zephaniah 3:9, "For then I will give to the peoples purified lips."
    
    
13. We do not celebrate Christmas or Easter, as these are not found in Scripture. Instead, we celebrate the festivals originally commanded in the Tanach (the 'Old' Testament), as they were also practiced by the Apostles in the Book of Acts (for more details, see the Nazarene Israel study). Those who live in the Land of Israel are required to go up to Jerusalem for the three annual pilgrimage festivals. However, those who are not presently living in the Land of Israel are not required to go up to Jerusalem, but may fellowship with others in their local area.
     
14. We use the actual calendar commanded in Scripture. We determine the head of the new year by observing the first crescent sliver of the new moon in the Land of Israel after the barley is determined to be 'Aviv' (ripe) in the Land of Israel. This is more difficult method than the Rabbinical Calendar method, but it is greatly preferred in that it is the method actually spoken of in Scripture. This method requires more patience, but it is the correct one to use, because the King’s bride (Israel) needs to wait upon her Husband.
     
15. Scripture indicates that the Hebrew day begins at evening (sunset), when a man returns to his house (Hebrew: "Erev.")  Scripture never suggests that the Hebrew begins at midnight, in the morning, or at noon.
     
16. We do not accept deviations from the P'shat (the literal meaning) of the Text. Insights into the Text [such as "Remez," "Drash" and "Sode" (secret understanding)] are interesting, but they are only acceptable insofar as they reinforce or clarify the face value (P'shat) of the Text.
     
17. We acknowledge the existence of secret codes within the Script, but only recognize the use of these codes when the interpretation of these secret meanings line up with the P'shat (the literal meaning) of the Text.
     
18. It is an extreme privilege to be called to the Father's priesthood. Those who are called to the priesthood need to follow the example of the Apostles and give everything to His work, and own nothing of themselves (Acts 2:44, 4:32-35).  This is the same as how the Levitical Priesthood was not supposed to have any inheritance in the Land (e.g., Leviticus 18:20-24).  This also serves to break the pattern of Protestant ministers becoming enriched from the people’s tithes and offerings, which is not the best use of the people’s tithes and the offerings.  This is explained in more detail in the study, ‘Building the Stick.’
    
    
19. While in the Dispersion, only the first tithe applies.  However, after the Ingathering, the second and third tithes will also be observed. This does not constitute a burden, but rather an extreme privilege. His people should be eager to support His Work out of a genuine sense of love, eagerness, and a pure heart (2nd Corinthians 9:5-9). For more details, please see the study, ‘Tithes and Offerings: Old and New.’
     
20. Scripture is clear that if a man is of a mind to take a wife, it were best that he dedicate himself to a single loving monogamous relationship (1st Corinthians 7.) Provided that one loves one's spouse, it is not a sin to marry, as YHWH gave man a nature to want to go forth and multiply (Genesis 1:28). For more details, please see the (upcoming) study, "Covenant Relationship."
     
21. There are a select few persons who are called not to take the majority path of marriage, but who are called to celibate service of the Master, as Yeshua, the Apostle Shaul (Paul), and John the Baptist were (Isaiah 56:3-6, Matthew 19:10-12, 1 Corinthians 7.) While this celibate path is a higher calling, one should never attempt it unless one is absolutely certain that one is being called to it. For more information see the study, ‘Yeshua the Celibate Nazirite,’ as well as the upcoming study, ‘Covenant Relationship.’
     
22. The human marital covenant is an inviolable blood covenant. Transgressions of blood covenants that occurred prior to immersion in Yeshua's true name (such as divorce, extra-marital marriage, etcetera) are considered 'washed away' in the immersion process; and what emerges must be a new woman or man. Having been forgiven of all of their past sins, this newly emerged being must then ask to be filled with His Spirit, and must then endeavor to remain truly broken before YHWH, following the Torah and earnestly striving to live up to the proper standards of spiritual conduct, not profaning Yeshua's sacrifice by wrong conduct (Hebrews 10:26). For more information see the upcoming study, ‘Covenant Relationship.’
     
23. The Lost Ten Tribes of Israel (Ephraim/Yosef) do not need to convert to Judaism, but will be called to resume their original status as the Israelites / Ephraimites / Josephites of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ezekiel 37, Hosea 1-2, Revelations 21, etcetera.  For more information, please see the study, “Joseph’s Return.’)  If one feels called to join the House of Judah then one should; however, the Book of the Revelation shows us that there are twelve gates in the Renewed Jerusalem, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12), and not just for Judah.
     
24. According to the Book of Ezekiel, chapters 40-46, there will be a third temple built. This third temple will be much greater than either of the first two temples. This temple needs to be built in exact concordance with the prophecies given in Ezekiel 40-46, in order to be a fulfillment of Prophecy.
     
25. It is important to live in accordance with the laws of the governments over us (Romans 13:1-8, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Titus 3:1-8.) We acknowledge and support the sovereignty of the present government of Israel over the Land of Israel, and the territories.
     
26. The doctrine of "Once Saved, Always Saved" is a false doctrine. While Yeshua's death atones for accidental transgressions of the Law in the heavenlies, Ezekiel 40-46 is clear that the earthly Temple sacrificial system will be reinstated once the Ezekiel Temple is built (e.g. Ezekiel 43:19, Ezekiel 45:21-23). As explained in the Nazarene Israel study, while Yeshua's sacrifice took away the death penalty for accidental sins in the Heavenlies, there is no forgiveness for intentional, rebellious or purposeful transgressions of the Torah. Intentional transgressions of the Torah are considered rebellion against the Master, and unrepentant rebellion is not covered by prior immersion (Hebrews 10:26.) Unrepentant rebellion is considered the fruit of a wrong spirit, and is cause for disfellowship.  For more information, please see the study, ‘Once Saved, Always Saved.’
     
27. We will bear with all returning Israelites insofar as they are sincere, and want to make true progress in their spirituality and Torah observance: However, only genuine fellowship is truly desirable. Mixing (adulteration) is prohibited in Scripture, and a higher degree of purity (set-apartness) is always preferable to numbers. We do not strive to maximize our numbers.  Rather, we strive to maximize our purity, thereby placing all faith and trust in YHWH, knowing that He alone has the power to save.
     
28. The reason the so-called ‘six-hundred-thirteen points of the Torah’ are a reflection of the right Spirit is that the Torah of Moshe was originally given as a kind of a codification (or an explanation) by the Spirit. Although there are times when the Spirit might lead one to transgress the letter of the Torah (as when YHWH commanded Avraham to slay Isaac, or when Eliyahu/Elijah stayed in the Wadi Kerith, and did not go up to Jerusalem to keep the festivals for three years), under most normal circumstances, a believer who is filled with the right Spirit will automatically comply with all 613 delineated points of the Torah.  While such Torah-obedience may be challenging, and while it may require one to remain broken, this is one of the challenges of our walk.
     
29. While YHWH commanded the Children of Israel to place certain religious symbols inside of the Tabernacle (such as oxen and pomegranates), the Second Commandment prohibits Israelites from making images or representations of anything that is in the heavens, or on the earth (e.g. Exodus 20:4). Specifically, this Commandment forbids us to make religious images for ourselves. Therefore, Nazarene Israel assemblies avoid the use of religious symbols such as the Cross, the 'Star of David' (i.e., the Star of Kiyyun), the 'Menorah Fish,' and others. These symbols all have pagan origins, and hence they have hidden (and prohibited) pagan significance. It is even desirable to avoid unnecessary pictorial representation of the Hanukkiah/Candelabra, since focusing on pictorial representations of any kind necessarily detracts from the amount of time and energy we spend seeking the face of an invisible Creator.
     
30. Further, even though it is contrary to Protestant tradition, we hold that Scripture speaks of Yeshua the Messiah returning to earth in physical form at the end of the Millennium (near the end of earth’s time). As we explain in “Joseph’s Return,” this is when Yeshua will appear in the clouds as the Conquering King, to take His bride Israel first to the Judgment (Revelation 20:11), and then to the New Earth (Revelation 21:1). The reason that this Post-Millennial Return doctrine is important is that it provides clarity and direction to the Two House and the Hebrew Roots movements.  Only when one understands Yeshua's post-millennial return does the need to form the Stick of Ephraim become evident to His people.
    

May the Name of YHWH be glorified and magnified among His people, and among all the nations of the world.

In the Name of Yeshua HaMashiach, amein.

Norman B. Willis
A servant of our Master
The Israelite sect of the Nazarenes
Re-establishing the original faith of the apostles
http://www.nazareneisrael.org

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