What is the definition of a Judaizer?

There seems to be an underlying belief system in the modern church that says, ‘In order to be considered a Judaizer, one must literally be teaching the circumcision of the flesh as a requirement for salvation.’ However, nothing could be further from the truth.

The fact of the matter is this, the moment we give our lives to Christ, we have instantly and inwardly been converted by the sacrifice of Christ; and have entered a new relationship with God based on a new and better covenant. This covenant is founded solely on the grace and mercies of God, and is unconditional. It is established and kept literally by the will of God apart from the requirements of the law; which He Himself fulfilled in Christ on man’s behalf. It is God who established this covenant, and it is God who will keep it.

In short, to be considered a Judaizer, would be to teach anything outside of this reality. To co-mingle the issue of law and grace, or to mix the old and new covenants would be considered a form of Judaism, or to Judaize. A primary example of this can be found in the misuse of 1 John 1:9, which has been widely misinterpreted in many christian circles for years; and misquoted, and misdirected towards the Christians need to confess for the ongoing forgiveness of sin; which of course the bible does not support, and in fact outright refutes. The book of Hebrews is very explicit regarding this matter. For further study on this subject, see Hebrews chapters 8-10. Note especially Hebrews 8:6-13, 9:11-28, and 10:1-23.

The problem with teaching 1 John 1:9 in it’s traditional fashion is that it brings the believer directly under the old covenant by inciting the same mentality experienced by the nation of Israel in the days of atonement. Which in turn drags the believer, be it ever so subtly, right back under the curse of the law. This is Judaism at its best, and these are the teachings of the modern day Judaizer.

Authors note: It is not my ambition to attack any one person or persons, or for that matter any particular denomination. I am simply exposing an erroneous assumption surrounding the definition of the word Judaizer. Hebrews 10:29 states: ‘Of how much worse punishment do you suppose will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant, by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the spirit of grace?’ Folks, there is no forgiveness left to be had! Why must we continue to count the blood of the covenant, (Christ’s blood), as a common thing, like the blood of a bull or a goat. Why can’t the Christian world just agree with God and admit that it is finished?

Commentary by:

G. L. Miller