“Are you part of the Hebrew Roots Movement?”
This is understandable considering that the themes of “old and new” and “roots and fruits” are central to our message at Fusion Global. So let’s take a moment to answer this question to bring some clarity and grace to the discussion.
Since there is no singular organizational or ecclesial structure “housing” the Hebrew Roots Movement, the term can mean different things to different people. Some folks ask this question hoping our answer will be an emphatic “yes,” while others are concerned that it might be so. Part of this discrepancy is due to differing theological views, but it also reflects the diverse understandings of what this “movement” actually is.
Consequently, we’re not comfortable with a simple yes or no reply to this question.
Perhaps this overview of our beliefs will prove helpful and clarifying.
- We do not believe that Yeshua-Jesus came to start a new religion
- We do believe that the “Old Testament” is the Spirit-breathed Word of God
- We do believe that salvation is by grace through faith alone
- We do believe that Yeshua was God-made-flesh
- We do believe that God is One(-in-Three): Father, Son, Spirit
- We do believe it is a tragic mistake to dismiss or gloss over Yeshua’s Jewishness
- We do believe that Gentile believers are grafted into the people of God
- We do believe that Sabbath observance and the biblical feasts are still valid
- We do believe that Gentile participation in these is by invitation, not obligation
- We do believe that Torah observance offers rich blessing to God’s people
- We do not believe that Torah observance is related to salvation in any way
One of the key drivers behind the spiritual growth experienced by those considered to be within the Hebrew Roots Movement is the emphasis on returning to the roots of Christianity. We agree that by exploring the Hebrew culture, language, and historical context in which Yeshua Jesus lived, followers of His gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and their faith.
While some Messianic believers readily identify as part of the Hebrew Roots Movement, not all do. It seems as though the basis of this reluctance is a difference in emphasis.
- If you understand being part of this movement as insisting upon Torah observance for all believers (e.g., Shabbat observance, eating Kosher, et al.), then Fusion Global is not part of it. We reject the idea that believing Gentiles are obligated to live “as Jews.”
- If you understand being a part of this movement as a call to the Body of Messiah to rediscover and freely embrace just how infused with “Jewishness” their faith actually is, you could say Fusion Global is part of it. We reject the idea that the Christian Church is a “replacement” of the Jews as the people of God.
More than anything, we desire to serve Yeshua in ways that will facilitate the answer to His prayer in Gethsemane:
“I pray not on behalf of these [Jewish followers] only, but also for those [Gentile followers] who believe in Me through their message, that they all may be one. Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, so also may they be one in Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:20-21 TLV).
