By Femi Aribisala
If he were here physically today, I am convinced Jesus would not identify with Christians and pastors. As usual, he said as much while still on earth: “Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Mt 7:22-23).
The followers of Jesus were not called Christians. They were called Nazarenes (Acts 24:5; Mt 2:23). It was the followers of Paul who were called Christians as a term of abuse at Antioch (Acts 11:26). Since it is the father that names a child, the term Christian is inappropriate for followers of Christ. Moreover, Christianity denotes a separate and distinct faith from Judaism.
However, Jesus never created a new faith. He called people to true Judaism which he defines irreligiously as the worship of God in spirit and truth. The faith to which Jesus called his followers is not Zionist. Jesus does not espouse a tribal faith. Even the faith of Noah was not tribal. God’s Noahide laws are of universal application.
The Feast of Tabernacles which we just celebrated from October 13-19, 2011 is the Feast of the Nations. It is intended to be celebrated by all nations (Zech 14:16-19). When the angel announced the birth of Jesus, he declared universal and not sectional goodwill: “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to ALL PEOPLE.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Lk 2:10-11). Jesus’ commission for the preaching of the gospel is also non-tribal. He says: “You are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere” (Mk 16:15).
If he were here physically today, I am convinced Jesus would not identify with Christians and pastors. As usual, he said as much while still on earth: “Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Mt 7:22-23).
The followers of Jesus were not called Christians. They were called Nazarenes (Acts 24:5; Mt 2:23). It was the followers of Paul who were called Christians as a term of abuse at Antioch (Acts 11:26). Since it is the father that names a child, the term Christian is inappropriate for followers of Christ. Moreover, Christianity denotes a separate and distinct faith from Judaism.
However, Jesus never created a new faith. He called people to true Judaism which he defines irreligiously as the worship of God in spirit and truth. The faith to which Jesus called his followers is not Zionist. Jesus does not espouse a tribal faith. Even the faith of Noah was not tribal. God’s Noahide laws are of universal application.
The Feast of Tabernacles which we just celebrated from October 13-19, 2011 is the Feast of the Nations. It is intended to be celebrated by all nations (Zech 14:16-19). When the angel announced the birth of Jesus, he declared universal and not sectional goodwill: “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to ALL PEOPLE.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Lk 2:10-11). Jesus’ commission for the preaching of the gospel is also non-tribal. He says: “You are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere” (Mk 16:15).
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