On the first Shavu`ot G-d spoke directly to perhaps some three million people. This had never happened before and has never happened since. Until it does, this is the supreme revelation that judges all others. The Prophets must be interpreted in light of the Torah. Any interpretation of the Prophets that is contrary to Torah is a false interpretation. Period. But of course, try explaining this to a chrstian.
In the portion of the Torah called Ki-Tavo' (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8) there is a very long section of the terrible consequences of deviating from the Torah. It also predicts the long exile of the Jews for that very reason. There is not a word about exile being a result of "rejecting the messiah." This is a foreign meaning forced into the text. Out of all the 613 commandments of the Torah, there is no commandment to "accept the messiah," because when he comes it will be obvious to all. And there's no negative commandment against "killing G-d" for the simple reason that G-d can't be killed (but again, try telling that to a chrstian).
I am quite aware that none of this will make it into your head, but it is quite frustrating to see the dishonestly of chrstians who insist that the Jews are being punished for keeping the Torah (instead of abandoning it for chrstianity) when the Torah itself says the exact opposite.
Of course it can. It's simply some do not chose to see. But if you REALLY want proof of what Christianity is saying, all one has to do is look inside their heart to see that they are corrupt and sinful regardless of how much they try to live by the law. This article stated that Jews do not believe in original sin. Call it what one wills, if a person cannot acknowledge they are a sinner they will never come to Christ.
I am quite aware that none of this will make it into your head,
On the contrary, what all Christians will attest to is that they have been EXACTLY where non-believers are at. We fully understand. After all, I haven't been a Christian all my life.
...but it is quite frustrating to see the dishonestly of chrstians who insist that the Jews are being punished for keeping the Torah (instead of abandoning it for chrstianity)
Jews are NOT being punished for attempting to keep the Torah. God blesses those who keep His commands simply because His command are meant for our good. Anyone who keeps God's commands-no matter who they are will find a rewarding life (in general).
But while keeping God's commands may give a fruitful life, it will NOT allow a person to enter into God's presences. The law will not atone for a person's sins.
Job 22:3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are in the right, or is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless?
It is not a balance sheet where one's good works can outweigh the other. If a person has broken one law (just one itsy-bitsy white lie), they have broken all the commands.
Sins need to be atoned for. And I haven't seen many animal sacrifices coming from Jerusalem these day. That is because God and only God can atone for our sins which He did through His Messiah, Jesus Christ.
So, yes, the Torah (and HarleyD) do say following the Torah will provide a happy and abundant life (for the most part). But it will not atone for those time one breaks the law. What then? Only Christ can do that fulfilling God's atonement and allowing us to follow His commandments. Rejecting Christ is no different than a complete rejection of God's love and plan. It is breaking God's most sacred law.
> The Prophets must be interpreted in light of the Torah.
I will add that the Prophets have no importance as a source of Torah commandments. The Five Books of Moses contain all of the Divine precepts.