Why do some Christians blow the shofar when nowhere in the NT we're told to do so?
There are some Christians who cherish blowing shofars. What's the significance for them to do that? Blowing shofars is only based on the old covenant, but it has been obsolete as Jesus has finished atonement on the cross. Is this a misunderstanding of scripture?
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Tim Maas
Supporter
Although the use of the shofar is associated primarily with the Old Testament, and is not commanded or even mentioned in the New Testament as a component of Christian worship (although it is also not forbidden), there is a symbolic significance to its use that would still apply today. Just as the shofar is hollow, and makes sound entirely as a result of the actions of the one filling it with breath, we are hollow and empty of meaning until filled by the breath of God. Like the shofar, we speak with no real voice until we are re-created from outside ourselves, born from above. By God's Spirit in us, we become His voice. Once filled with the Spirit, we (as the shofar does) can then sound the call to repentance, both to those who will hear and those who do not want to hear (since the loud call of the shofar is difficult to disregard), causing people to consider what and who they are before God. The sound of the shofar is not mandated by the God's word for Christians, but hearing it moves us to listen for the Word to speak from within us. Yes, Jesus finished the work of our redemption, but Christians are still called to repentance (as the shofar does) for those sins that they continue to commit. The Bible also speaks of the use of trumpets (which might be the shofar, as well) in conjunction with the events foretold in Revelation (Revelation 8:2).
Robert Bills
Supporter
There are many " modern day church" traditions that are not found in the New Testament. Some can be traced back to the first covenant others can't be traced back to anything other than someone's imagination. The shofar Dates all the way back to Abraham, used for many things feast day celebrations, Sabbath, warnings, the Children of Israel blew shofars marching around the city of Jericho. I own a shofar and just blew it yesterday for the Sabbath. I am not Jewish but under the new covenant there is now no distinction between Jew and Greek the Bible says. In Jesus Christ we are all sons and daughters of God. There are many Biblical usages still pertinent today for a shofar, like the Sabbath, Biblical Feasts, and coming judgement warnings. So that is why I own a shofar and still blow it even though it is not commanded in the New covenant or testament.
Val Girard
Supporter
Traditions can be automatic without any reverence. Worse if it’s not necessary, e.g., the shofar. Here’s Jesus’ response regarding man’s traditions: So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions. You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” (Mark 7:5-9); and: One of the experts in the law tested Jesus with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt 22:35-40)
Vilma Sonnier
Supporter
Here recently I have become a part of a church that uses the shofar. I have asked for an explanation and the best answer that I received was that the new covenant saints are Jews from being drafted by God and we should follow some of their traditions. The blowing of the shofar is a way of worship. When Jesus walked on this earth He continually tried to get His followers to understand spiritual matters. Jesus said in John 4:24 "God is a spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth". We do not need anything physical to make us feel closer to God. Jesus already opened the door for worship. He wants us to worship in the spirit. Now if someone desires to blow the shofar I have no problem with it. My only concern is that those that I asked questions about it, basically said that the blowing of the shofar makes us closer to God and then we receive a deeper revelation. Jesus' own words refute this kind of thinking. If a new believer comes into a congregation that is having this kind of teaching, that new believer will receive the wrong teaching. Vilma Sonnier
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