R. L. Solberg

Matt. 5:17–20 – Four Contexts

Matthew 5:17–20 is a passage of particular interest because it serves as a proof text for the theology of Torahism,1 which teaches that Christians are obligated to keep the Law of Moses. Thus, correctly understanding this passage will shed valuable light on that discussion. Because this text stands alone and lacks clear, immediate context—it is […]

R. L. Solberg 2 weeks agoMay 24, 2023

Apologetics Hebrew Roots Theology

Salvation and Justification in Hebrew Roots

A standard line of argumentation by some “Torah-observant” followers of Jesus hinges on the distinction between justification and salvation. The theology of Torahism (aka Hebrew Roots, Torah-observant Christianity) holds that all the Mosaic rituals—circumcision, maintaining a kosher diet, observing the Torah feasts, etc.—are required of followers of Jesus and, therefore, it is sinful and disobedient […]

R. L. Solberg 2 weeks agoMay 25, 2023

Apologetics Theology

Where are the Prophecies?

I recently appeared on a show called Tanakh Talk, hosted by an ex-Christian preacher who left Jesus to embrace Judaism. They were kind enough to ask me on to share the Christian perspective on a fascinating question. (Here’s the full interview.) I thought sharing my answer here on my blog might be helpful because some of […]

R. L. Solberg 3 weeks agoMay 15, 2023

Apologetics Hebrew Roots Theology

Is the Covenant New or Renewed?

There’s a line of argument among some Torah-observant Christians suggesting that the new covenant isn’t new, but rather a renewal of the Mosaic covenant. How and why would someone come to that idea? It seems be driven by the theology of our Hebrew Roots friends who are looking for ways to reinterpret Scripture in a […]

R. L. Solberg 3 months agoMarch 20, 2023

Apologetics Hebrew Roots Theology

The Last Supper and the Law

A common adage used by authors is “show, don’t tell.” This saying refers to a writing technique in which sensory details and actions, rather than exposition, are used to connect the reader to the story and characters. As Anton Chekhov famously said, “Don’t tell me the moon is shining. Show me the glint of light […]

R. L. Solberg 3 months agoMarch 7, 2023

Academic Theology

The Principle & Expression Framework

Here is an interesting conundrum. Scripture is full of passages that teach us to delight in the Law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night (Ps 1:2), that God’s law is perfect, right, and pure (Ps 19:7-8), and that it is eternal (Ps 119:111-113). Yet, other passages in the Bible teach things […]

R. L. Solberg 6 months agoApril 18, 2023

Apologetics Hebrew Roots Theology

The End of the Law of Moses

A Bible Study on 2 Corinthians 3 The theology of Torahism (you may know it as Hebrew Roots or Torah-observant Christianity) teaches that followers of Jesus are required to keep the Law of Moses. And in this article, we’re going to examine Scriptural evidence that shows just the opposite. There are various texts in the […]

R. L. Solberg 6 months agoDecember 4, 2022

Apologetics Faith Hebrew Roots Theology

Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?

‘Tis the season for the ba-humbugs and curmudgeons to start making a fuss. And I admit I can be a bit of a grinch myself sometimes. Especially when stores put up Christmas decorations even before Halloween, which I saw this year! On top of that, I hate to see the commercialization and secularization of a […]

R. L. Solberg 7 months agoNovember 15, 2022

Apologetics Faith Hebrew Roots Theology

The Number One Danger of Hebrew Roots

I was really convicted at church this week. We’re working our way through the book of Philippians, and my Pastor, Tony Calabrese, brought a great message about how we can authentically live out our faith. He didn’t speak directly to Torahism and the Hebrew Roots Movement, but the application of his teaching to those theologies […]

R. L. Solberg 7 months agoNovember 3, 2022

Apologetics Faith Theology

Can We Trust the NT Writings? (Part 2)

In part one of this article, we examined three arguments by anti-Christian Rabbi Tovia Singer against the validity of the New Testament writings. Let’s complete our journey by looking at three additional claims. And as I mentioned in part one, I am not arguing against Rabbi Singer as a man, nor against the Jewish Bible. […]

R. L. Solberg 9 months agoSeptember 22, 2022