Understanding the Ministry's Position on Torah Observance at Restoration Messianic Fellowship

Jesus did not start a new religion. The Roman Church under Constantine started a new religion. In Jerusalem, Jesus’ followers were seen as a sect within Judaism. The followers of Jesus were referred to as The Way. They attended the synagogues on the Sabbath. They exchanged and challenged ideas within the synagogues. They met in homes on a regular basis, were committed to common belief in Jesus as the Messiah, and shared possessions in common. They prayed together daily. Their prayers had new motivation and power as they prayed in the power of the resurrected Jesus. In every way they remained Jewish, while living a purer expression of faith than many exhibit today.

Until the Jerusalem Council settled the place of Gentiles in the church, there was resistance to include Gentiles. The Council answered the question of Torah observance for all of them. If circumcision was not a requirement, what other requirements were removed? Decisions on requirements were not as important as theological understanding of the New Covenant. Jesus became the fulfillment of the Law and its requirements. His sacrifice provided for our inability to fulfill the Law. In Jesus, our heart is more important than what we eat. (Acts 15:5-21, TLV)

The Law was given to convince us that our sin keeps us from perfect obedience. The new relationship with Jesus covers our inability, and the Holy Spirit guides us. Jesus also advocates for us before the Father. Our initial confession and repentance becomes the natural pattern throughout a true believer’s life. We are no longer under the Law, but are under God’s grace through a relationship with Jesus. The Law remains as the “guardian” for those outside of a relationship with Jesus. As followers of Jesus we are under the Spirit of the Law where God gives us a new desire for obedience. We possess greater offense to what the Law prohibits. Offending God is against our new nature. 

With this new perspective we understand Jesus’ elaboration of the commandments against murder and immorality. We not only want obedience in outward actions, but also purity at the heart level where God knows us. The Torah is heavy on external and human efforts. Grace is freedom that emphasizes transformed hearts with new desires to choose holiness. The new Covenant Church carries forward everything from Judaism that points to the new relationship in Jesus.

The Torah is not obsolete. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for restoration, and for training in righteousness, so that the person belonging to God may be capable, fully equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16, TLV) We now have a heightened sense of God’s holiness when reading the Torah as a believer. The unclean, profane and what brings defilement are clearer for us. We love Torah in a whole new sense. In Jesus, we have victory over sin’s burden. 

Rabbinic Judaism attempts victory by adding to Torah, heaping greater weight in its burden. Their “hedge” only offers a veiled success, creating a double standard existence. Our inner being without Jeshua is bound by our sin. Adding laws only increases our bondage. Jesus frees us from the weight of its bondage. “He made the One who knew no sin to become the sin offering for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (1 Corinthians 5:21, TLV)

What are the teachings found in the Torah that we are to keep? Many laws already existed before Moses received the Law. The Sabbath observance is primary over all. God established the Sabbath at creation, and continually reiterated it as a permanent and holy observance. The annual festivals or Holy Days are also taught in the New Testament. They are memorials that remind of God’s faithfulness in the past, and are shadows of future fulfillments. The Church is grafted into participation in the seventh day Sabbath, the three festivals of Passover/Pesach, Pentecost/Shavuot, and Booths/Sukkot, and the Ten Commandments. The summary being, love God and your neighbor. Sexual morality is especially emphasized, including the exclusivity of marriage between one man and woman. The Jerusalem Council specifically noted this for the early church. (Acts 15:5-21, see above)

We keep the Ten Commandments and all those which lead us to righteousness. Under the Torah alone we fail miserably. Our strongest commitment and effort will always fall short. In Jesus and with the help of the Holy Spirit we are led to righteousness. Our failures are led to repentance, and our strength is bolstered by the power of the Holy Spirit. We desire and strain, moving incrementally toward our eternal hope of righteousness with Jesus in eternity. We gradually hate our sin as much as God does. 

Mutual observance would be the signal to the Jewish people that we serve the same God and honor the same Scriptures. Our fulfillment of the imagery of the festivals would be the trigger for jealousy by the Jewish people. When we do not observe, we aid in the Rabbi’s narrative that we are a different religion. Our faithful observance of the Festivals, out of new knowledge and love for God, can become the open door for witness of the truth. Most important is consistent and faithful holiness, the greatest evidence of a different relationship with God. The difference is inward and not outward. The character that the Holy Spirit leads us to is undeniable. My heroes are the ones whom God led to extraordinary character. Job, Joseph, Daniel, and Elijah are my favorite models of commitment in their love and obedience to God over the easy or common path.

Unfortunately, in general we are living the same superficial form of worship and observance that the observant Jewish population is. We are both professing God, but with different expressions of false practice. God does not accept either. The modern Church looks more like the culture and settles for self affirmations based only on human defined success. The syncretism of our culture’s ideas in the church today looks much like the syncretism of paganism in the Roman Church’s early practice. 

Modern Judaism relies on religious traditions that developed after its Babylonian exile. Rabbinic Judaism adopted Babylonian and Greek cultural influences over strict adherence to God’s commands alone. Today, more attention is given to the Talmud, Mishnah and the sages than exclusive study of the TANAK. Also, emphasis on the mystical interpretations from Kabbalism are more sensational than biblical. Each side emphasizes human ideas and influences over trust in God and the Bible alone. 

Our time to recover appears very short. We need a call to return to the foundations of our faith. We need to strip away the millennia of human additions to the simple Gospel message and practice. Layers upon layers of man-made doctrine and traditions have created the apostate church that the Bible predicts for the Last Days. No wonder many will fall away in the end. The coming trials and testing will expose the insincerity and authenticity of the ‘faith’ of many.

Jesus will rule the Millennial Kingdom. where there will be observance of Shabbat, and the Festivals at the Messianic Temple. Jesus still rules now. So return to our roots, and live now in anticipation of our future reality.

Torah scrolls displayed in a synagogue setting, symbolizing Torah observance in Messianic faith

The Foundation of Torah Observance in Restoration Messianic Fellowship

At the heart of Restoration Messianic Fellowship’s ministry is the conviction that Torah is not merely a set of ancient laws but a living guide for daily life. The Torah, comprising the first five books of the Bible, provides moral, spiritual, and communal instructions that shape the identity of God’s people.

The ministry teaches that Torah observance is a way to honor God’s covenant and to deepen one’s relationship with Him. This includes celebrating biblical feasts, and following ethical commands. These practices are seen as expressions of faithfulness rather than legalistic requirements.

Torah Observance and the Role of Yeshua

A key aspect of the ministry’s position is how Torah observance relates to belief in Yeshua as the Messiah. Restoration Messianic Fellowship emphasizes that Yeshua fulfilled the Torah’s purpose by living it perfectly and offering redemption. However, this fulfillment does not nullify Torah’s ongoing relevance.

Instead, Torah observance is viewed as a response to Yeshua’s grace—a way to live out the faith authentically. The ministry encourages believers to study Torah alongside the New Testament, seeing both as complementary revelations of God’s will.

Practical Expressions of Torah Observance

Restoration Messianic Fellowship provides practical guidance on how members can incorporate Torah observance into their lives. Some examples include:

• Sabbath Keeping: Observing the seventh day as a time of rest and worship, reflecting God’s creation pattern.

• Biblical Feasts: Celebrating Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot to connect with God’s redemptive plan.

• Ethical Living: Applying Torah commandments in daily decisions, such as honesty, morality, and compassion.

  
  

These practices are encouraged with flexibility and grace, recognizing individual circumstances and spiritual growth stages.

Addressing Common Misunderstandings

The ministry is aware of misconceptions about Torah observance, such as the idea that it leads to legalism or replaces faith in Yeshua. Restoration Messianic Fellowship clarifies that Torah observance is not about earning salvation but about living in gratitude and obedience.

They also emphasize that Torah observance is not a burden but a source of blessing and identity. The community supports members through teaching, fellowship, and practical resources to help integrate Torah principles meaningfully.

The Role of Community in Torah Observance

Community plays a vital role in supporting Torah observance at Restoration Messianic Fellowship. Group celebrations of feasts, shared study sessions, and mutual encouragement help believers stay connected to the Torah’s teachings.

The ministry fosters an environment where questions and struggles with Torah observance can be openly discussed. This approach builds trust and helps individuals grow in their understanding and practice.

How Torah Observance Shapes Spiritual Growth

Following Torah is seen as a pathway to spiritual maturity. The ministry teaches that Torah observance cultivates discipline, humility, and a deeper awareness of God’s presence.

By engaging with Torah, believers develop a stronger foundation for prayer, worship, and service. This holistic growth aligns with the fellowship’s mission to restore the fullness of faith as taught by Yeshua and the early Messianic community.

Encouragement for Newcomers to Torah Observance

For those new to Torah observance, Restoration Messianic Fellowship offers gentle guidance. They recommend starting with one or two practices, such as Sabbath rest or celebrating a biblical feast, to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

The ministry also provides educational materials and mentors to help newcomers understand the meaning behind the practices. This support helps individuals experience Torah observance as a joyful and enriching journey.

Balancing Torah Observance with Modern Life

The ministry recognizes the challenges of living Torah principles in a modern world. They encourage believers to apply Torah thoughtfully, considering cultural and personal contexts.

Rather than rigid rules, Torah observance is presented as a framework for making wise, God-honoring choices. This balance helps members maintain their faith without feeling isolated or burdened.

Conclusion

Restoration Messianic Fellowship’s position on Torah observance invites believers to embrace the Torah as a vital part of their faith journey. By viewing Torah as a living guide, connected to the fulfillment found in Yeshua, the ministry offers a path that honors tradition while embracing grace.