Expert: Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine - 3/15/2011

Question
Hello Rabbi Yochanan Levine I have two questions. Fisrtly do you belive that Jesus is the only way to God.And secoundly if someone does not belive in what the Bible says are they disrespecting the people who wrote it,or is it a disagrement with God?Thank you rabbi Yochanan Levine.

Answer
Shalom,

1. Of course not.
That would leave all the patriarchs and righteous of Israel prior to Y'shua (Jesus) lost. It would also violate Romans 11 where Paul is clear that the Jews remain the eternally elect of God.

The Bible says only HaShem can save (Zechariah 8:13 etc):

II Samuel 22:3  The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

The name of the Messiah is not "Jesus" according to the New Testament, its Y'shua and that name means "Salvation is of Yah."

HaShem alone determines who He will grant salvation to and through what means. I would never presume to tie God's hands in any way. HaShem grants His mercy to whom ever He chooses.

2. HaShem says: Come let us reason together...Isaiah 1:18
We also have: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15

Many people use "proof texts" to argue their points however we are commanded to use reasoned intelligence to understand the whole counsel of God.

Sincere students of the Word often disagree on what is taught.
For instance the Bible is abundantly clear that we are to observe the Sabbath as did Y'shua and his disciples, as commanded in both versions of the Ten Commandments and countless scriptures, and yet most Christians worship on the day of the sun god. Both sides can make a case for their practice (although the latter are wrong :-). Can we say that those who fail to obey the commandments to honor the Sabbath are disrespecting Moshe? I suppose. Can we say that those who fail to obey the commandments to honor the Sabbath are in a disagreement with God? I suppose.
But what would be the point?
It would be better and more productive to share ones understanding in love than to point fingers and make childish accusations. Don't you agree?

Shalom,
~ Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine