Ephesians 2:8 is an oft quoted verse but we should be mindful that, while we are saved by grace through faith, that faith should not be misplaced. We have published this statement of faith to make clear what we at The Psalm 119 Foundation believe. We recognize that this may raise more questions than it answers. We welcome questions, corrections, insights, and other thoughts related to this statement. If so, please contact us.

We also give a word of thanks for Pastor Sean Dalgety of "Gentiles for Torah" in Fort Beaufort, South Africa for the encouragement and direction he provided for setting forth these core beliefs. He is a blessing from G-d. Thank you, sir!

 

One G-d

Shema Israel, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad! (Deuteronomy 6:4)
We affirm there is only One to whom the title of Elohim [G-d] belongs: the G-d of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. (Exodus 3:6). He is the Creator (Genesis 1:1) and the Sustainer (Colossians 1:17) of all things. Aside from Him there is no G-d (Deuteronomy 32:39, 2 Samuel 7:22, 1 Kings 8:23, Isaiah 44:6).


The Word of G-d

We affirm the whole of the Holy Scriptures (the Torah, the Neviim, the Ketuvim, and the Apostolic Scriptures... Genesis through Revelation... 66 books) in their original languages are the infallible and divinely inspired Word of G-d. This is the ultimate authority regarding Godliness and holiness, faith and the exercise of that faith. The Word is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness so that the people of G-d may be complete and equipped for every good deed (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There is no "Old Testament" and "New Testament" spoken of in Scripture so we do not use those terms in reference to portions of G-d's Word.


The Messiah

We affirm that the G-d of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov has revealed Himself through the person of Yeshua called the Messiah. Yeshua is the Word of G-d (John 1:1) made flesh (John 1:14). He was crucified (John 19:18) and rose again on the third day (Luke 24:46). He has ascended to heaven (Luke 24:51) where He, as the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), makes intercession for us (Hebrews 7:24) until His return (Hebrews 9:28). During His life He was without sin (Hebrews 4:14) and was perfectly obedient to G-d's Law (known as the Torah) and taught His disciples to follow His example (Matthew 28:20). Yeshua's flesh is flesh and He was tempted (Hebrews 4:15), however, the fullness of Deity dwells in Him in bodily form (Colossians 2:9). Yeshua is G-d made flesh (John 1:14).


The Torah

We affirm that the Torah [G-d's teaching and instruction], sometimes referred to as "The Law" or "The Law of Moses", found in the first five books of Scripture (Bereshit/Genesis - Devarim/Deuteronomy) is the only foundation on which we can build an understanding of Scripture. The Torah establishes the standard of behavior for all of G-d's people, both Jew and Gentile (Numbers 15:16).

The Torah is the standard to which Messiah lived as proof of his sinless Messiahship (2 Corinthians 5:21). Just as Messiah did not abolish or annul the Torah (Matthew 5:17, 19) we should not abolish or annul the Torah. Just as the early believers were zealous for the Torah and established it (Acts 21:20, Romans 3:31) so we, too, should also be zealous for it and establish it as well.

Psalm11918.org does not affirm either the "One Law"/"One Torah"/"Universal Torah" position or the "Divine Invitation" position. 


The Elect/Salvation

We affirm that there is a universal body of believers [kahal in Hebrew, ekklesia in Greek] which consists of both the physical descendants of the Patriarchs (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov) as well as Gentile believers who have been grafted into (Romans 11:17-24) the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:11-12). Entry into this body of believers is and has always been solely by G-d's grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8, Acts 4:12, Genesis 15:6) for both Jews and Gentiles.


Works/Deeds

We affirm that mitzvot/deeds/good works are the result and expected consequence of salvation (Ephesians 2:10) not the cause or source of salvation (2 Timothy 1:9). One day all humanity will stand before the Judgment Seat of Messiah and each will be judged by our mitzvot (2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:12). These mitzvot are evidence of our salvation and our relationship with G-d (Titus 1:16, 1 John 1:6) not the cause or source of that relationship.


Men and Women and the Structure of Authority

We affirm that men and women are one in the eyes of G-d (Galatians 3:28). Each sex was created in different manners (Genesis 2:7, 2:21-22) for different purposes (Genesis 2:18) and with different capacities (1 Peter 3:7) for G-d's specific purposes. The structure of authority given in Scripture is that the man is to be the head [symbolizing the source of life] of his wife (Ephesians 5:23) just as Messiah is the head of the ekklesia. In a manner like Messiah the man should give himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). The wife, in turn should respect her husband (Ephesians 5:33) and be subject [i.e. in proper relationship] to him (Ephesians 5:22). Women should not be placed in a position to teach or exercise authority over a man (1 Timothy 2:12) although older women should indeed instruct younger women (Titus 2:3-5).


The Name of G-d

We affirm the Holiness of the name of G-d as delivered to Moshe at the event of the burning bush (Exodus 3:15). We also affirm that there is no need to speak this name in a certain way to enter into relationship with Him, communicate with Him, or for the purpose of salvation (Exodus 6:2-3). This particular name, as with other names or titles of G-d, should be treated with respect and not used in a casual or profane manner (Exodus 20:7). We attempt to sanctify G-d's names and titles including the hyphenation of the title "G-d" to avoid its desecration.


Speaking in Tongues

We affirm that "speaking in tongues (as revealed in Scripture) is a gift of the Holy Spirit defined as speaking a natural language under the inspiration and power of the Spirit which one is not ordinarily able to speak. We affirm glossa [tongues], as opposed to glossalalia which is "fabricated and nonmeaningful speech, especially such speech associated with a trance state or certain schizophrenic syndromes. From New Latin : Greek glossa, tongue + Greek lalein, to babble." 1

Glossa is not a required proof of salvation because not all speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:23).

 

Footnotes

1. glossolalia: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition © 1996 by Houghton Mifflin Company [back]

Torah Portion

unknown

 

 

or view this week's triennial cycle reading.

Today is

Yom Shishi, 19 Adar II, 5784

Friday, March 29, 2024

 

Learn more about this date in history.