Drear friends:

The other day on the subject of the Bible (or Torah) codes, based on my studies I expressed some skepticism about their ability of predict future events.  But I added that studies on this subject by Jewish scholars always get my attention.

A reader took me to task on my comment about Jewish scholars.  He questioned that a group who could not see the Messiah in their Scriptures had any credibility.

I was in a hurry and did not provide a satisfactory answer.  But last night in the middle of the night, the Lord woke me up, reminded me of my inadequate answer, and told me to give a proper reply, as well as what to say.  So here it is.

First, the Bible says, "To them (the Jews) were committed the oracles of God" (Romans 3:2, NKJV).  In spite of their current state of unbelief, the Jews must be recognized and respected for being the ones to whom God communicated and entrusted His Word.

Second, it is true that "Their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ" ( 2 Corinthians  3:14).

Therefore, except for the revelation of the identity of the Messiah and the gospel of grace, the Jews cannot be totally dismissed in their studies of Scripture.  In fact, they are extremely loyal and devoted to maintaining the integrity of the Hebrew Scriptures.  If a Scribe makes one single mistake in transcription, he must start over.  Error is not tolerated.  Would that Christian scholars were as diligent in handling the Holy Word.

Jim