Fellowship With Unbelieving Jews?

 

James E. Farley

I have just watched on my television a program that encourages people to send in money to support something called, "The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews." The program had several noted Protestant leaders endorsing it, including Pat Robertson. If you will just send in at least $50.00, you will receive a letter and a certificate from the Mayor of Jerusalem proclaiming that you are a "Righteous Friend of Jerusalem." The program stated that the overall purpose of this "Fellowship" was to "promote understanding of shared Biblical concerns," but, as it ran, one easily understood that their main concern was to raise money to help bring Jews to the so-called "Holy Land" from places like the former U.S.S.R. and to support them as they get their start in Israel.

As I watched all of this, I thought about Jesus. We live in a time when "W.W.J.D." is a popular saying among those in the religious world. It stands for "What Would Jesus Do?" and many wear the initials on necklaces and bracelets. So, I thought, "What would Jesus do if He was approached by an organization calling itself 'The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews'?" You know, we do not have to wonder what Jesus might do, for we can go to the Scriptures and see what He did do!

Jesus Christ was born of the virgin, Mary. He was born a Jew. He loved His people, and, in fact, loves all peoples, everywhere. He is love for He is God, and God is love. (1 John 4:8; John 1:1). He has the ultimate love for all mankind, Jews and Gentiles alike. (John 15:13). He laid down his life for all; He gave Himself for all; He died for all. (Hebrews 2:9; Ephesians 5:25). He is not willing that any should perish in a devil's hell but wants all to repent. (2 Peter 3:9).

All, however, did not (and do not) accept Him for who He is. He is the Light of the world. He came and shined in darkness. The darkness did not comprehend him, but rejected Him. (John 1:4-5). "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." (John 1:11). Of course, the main reason they did not receive Him was that "... men loved darkness more than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:19-21).

Light and darkness cannot fellowship one another. No matter how men may desire it - no matter how men may promote it - light and darkness cannot fellowship! (Cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:6-16; 1 John 1:5-7).

Our Lord wanted (and wants) to save the Jewish people, but they would not be saved. He cried out, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." (Luke 13:34-35; Cf. Matthew 23:37-39). Their house is desolate! They have rejected their Messiah!

So, when we consider an organization called "The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews," we must reject it as contrary to plain New Testament Scripture! There can be "no fellowship" with darkness. (Ephesians 5:11). There can be "no fellowship" with those who reject the true Light; who reject Jesus as the Christ and Savior of the world. These are "anti-Christ"! (1 John 2:18; 2 John 1:7, 9-11). - P.O. Box 287, Crum, WV 25669.

 

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