Who is the real Jew? The Biblical Definition

By Richard Sison | 2016

INTRODUCTION
Who is the real Jew? This is one of the hot topics discussed in Christianity and even in the secular world today. Why is there a need to know who the real Jews are? As far as world politics is concerned, to identify the real Jews will determine who should be the rightful owner of the land of Israel. Many claims that they no longer exist thus now it belongs to the Palestinians.

The word Jew was mentioned in 276 verses in the Bible, of which, 190 verses can be found in the Brit Chadasha. The first mention of the word Jew in the Newer covenant is in Matt 2:2, referring to Yeshua, being the king of the Jews and wanted to be honoured and worshipped by the Magi but in Matt 27:37, the same phrase was used to taunt and embarrass Him.
Paul in his letter the Romans made a very controversial definition of a Jew. In Rom 2:28-29, “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of G-D.” Out of this verse came the phrase “spiritual Jew.” This phrase is not biblical and yet people are using it to claim the promises belonging to the Jews but not the persecution that comes with being a Jew.

​The qualifier of being a biblical Jew is in Rom 2:25-29:
1. To practice the Law (Torah)
2. To guard the righteousness of the Torah  (see Deut 6:25)
3. To focus, to complete, to execute the Torah 
4. A Jew is inwardly (concealed, hidden)
5. Circumcision of the heart (see Deut 30:6; Eze 36:26; 44:9)
6. In the Spirit and not in the letter (a writing, a letter, epistle)
7. Whose praise is not of men but of G-D (see Matt 5:16; 6:6)
​
The Fake Jews. Rev 3:8-9, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.”

Who are these fake Jews? These are those who people are liars. 1 John 2:4-5, “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. But whoso keepeth his word, in Him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.”