by D.
Adams
Louis Ruggiero explains the common misconceptions
that counter-missionaries use to support their case against Christ as being the
fulfillment of the Messiah.
One point the author makes is that Jesus Christ of
Nazareth is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah
53. Isaiah 7:14 speaks of the Messiah's virgin birth that is clearly being
taught. One point the author makes is the historical significance outlined in
Isaiah chapter 7. The second main point is the Hebrew definition of the word “almah”.
The author then draws a solid conclusion based upon the context of “almah”
as being a young woman—who is a virgin.
Another concept is the about the Messiah's Deity.
Part three of the book outlines the Messiah's Deity (The Shema). The author
goes on to describe how the Messiah is God in the flesh—within the Old
Testament scriptures. The author also answers the common objections raised by the
Rabbinical Jews against the Messiah's Deity. The one eternal king is described
in the book of Zechariah, and the book of Ezekiel. The author builds a solid
case for the eternal king as being fulfilled with Jesus, based upon scriptures
in the OT. Chapter 14 of the book is dedicated to answering the most common
objections against Christ's Deity.
A final important point is how Christ fulfills the
prophecy in the book of Isaiah, and how the case is built around this prophecy
coming to light (progressive revelation). Part three of the book also describes
how the trinity is clearly articulated within the New Testament scriptures.
Chapter 15 outlines the understanding of the Trinity in six steps, and finishes
with confirming the person of the Holy Ghost. The chapter closes with a final
summary by the author on the importance of reaching out to others that may be
struggling with the concept of the trinity.
In conclusion, "Countering Rabbinic
Judaism" by Louis Ruggiero discusses the incorrect positions of the Rabbinic
Judaism community who are often called Counter-Missionaries. The author has
spent many years in answering their arguments, and their haphazard use of
scripture. The counter-arguments (against counter-missionaries) the author
makes are clear, concise, and put the scriptures in proper context as the
Biblical authors intended. My opinion of the book is that the author has spent
a great deal of time in his research, and he has a vast knowledge of scripture.
Many valuable resources are utilized within the book, and the book is very well
outlined from start to finish. I found the book easy to read, and it heightened
my awareness to the counter-missionary movement. If you are countering Rabbinic
Judaism, or even a skeptic for that matter, I highly recommend adding this book
to your shelf as a valuable reference tool. The book distinctly covers how
Jesus was the fulfillment of the Messiah in the OT prophecy.
