Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 12/25/2010

Question
What do you mean in your quote: " Judaism ceased to be practiced on earth and even to this day, 2000 years later, the Jews have no temple and do not follow the Old Testament Law.  Even modern Israel is not a theocracy following God." i thought Jews follow the Old Testament.  if not, what do they follow?

Answer
Hi Derek,
   Thank you for your question.   Even in Jesus' day the Jews did not follow the teachings of the Old Testament (Torah).  What the practiced was the teaching of the Talmud which was the writing of the rabbi.  The Talmud had over six hundred laws.     If you read the Book of Malachi you will see that 400 years before Christ Israel was living, not true Old Testament faith, but one of works and selfishness.  Jesus through His ministry strongly condemned their false religion.    Like many Christian churches and cult of today, they had a semblance of the word of God, but mixed it with false teachings and error.   The scribes and Pharisee that Jesus rebuked so harshly were the religion leaders of Israel.  For reference read the Gospel of John and also Matthew 23.   Most were not trusting in God's provision, which was the Messiah, but in their clearinghouse works and supposed keeping of the law.
   In 70 AD God allowed the Romans to destroy Jerusalem and the Temple which was necessary to practice the true Old Testament Law.  Since they have no temple, no sacrifices, no priesthood. and what the practice today is not Old Testament law.   Yes, there are parts of it they practices such as the feasts, but they rejected their Messiah.   However, Jews today are still trying to work their way into God's favor and heaven by their good works and keeping their laws. Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly refutes a works salvation.  "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5)   Paul also plainly states salvation is received by belief in Jesus Christ.  The Jews do not accept Jesus Christ "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."  (Romans 10:9-10)   The exception of course are the Messianic Jews who have believed.
   If you read my commentary on the Gospel of John you will better understand.  I have completed through Chapter 8 and will post Chapter nine this week.   The link is http://bible-truth.org/JohnIntroduction.html .  Romans 10:9-10 states
   John Chapter 8 is very revealing as to the religion of the Jews.  However, God is not finished with Israel.  In the coming Tribulation many in Israel will turn to Jesus Christ in true faith and receive their Messiah. After the seven year Tribulation God will establish the Kingdom He promised them throughout the Old Testament.
   If you have further questions or comments please write.
Cooper Abrams
Romans 12:1-2
http://bible-truth.org