Tsiyon Answer - Messianic Seal ..pagan?

Thank you for lovingly and forthrightly sharing your concern about the Messianic Seal on our site.

Symbols, such as the Star of David and the cross, and others, are loaded with meaning for various groups. That makes virtually all symbols controversial, because of their various connections, both positive and negative. The simplest way for Tsiyon to avoid such controversy in regards to the Messianic Seal would be simply not to use it. Let me explain why we did not go that simple route, but instead have embraced the Messianic Seal.

The short answer is: hasatan has stolen this set-apart emblem and its component parts for his own purposes. The symbols of the Messianic Seal would have no interest for him or power for his uses, if it were not a holy emblem to begin with. This is his classic m.o. - to take the good things from YHWH and then to distort their use for his own evil purposes. In the process he seeks to steal these holy things of YHWH from us.

In the case of the Messianic Seal, this was the emblem of the first Messianic believers in Jerusalem, likely designed by James the Just, or passed down to him through the Davidic family, perhaps from his brother, Y'shua the Messiah. In the links below you will find photos of artifacts used by James and the early believers which contain variants of the Messianic Seal upon them. This emblem was clearly the "logo" of James and these early believers, as shown by these artifacts of that group. As you look at those, you will find a version of the Messianic Seal we use as our "logo" here at Tsiyon. You will note that it has a 't' taw in place of the eye of the "fish." This did not originate with us, but with James and the believers who first used this emblem.

Sister, if James was worshiping a pagan symbol then all that we are doing is in vain. Personally, I don't accept that viewpoint for a second. If James used this emblem then it is a Divinely approved emblem - it is holy and conveys a divine message. That is why hasatan has worked so hard to distort its meaning by connecting its symbols with magic and paganism. I acknowledge these unholy connections as existing in history. I simply don't believe that's their meaning to James and the Messianic community. I am not going to let hasatan steal this unique sign of the authentic early believing community from us. That's why we retain this seal.

Here is more about the Messianic Seal and its true meaning:

http://tsiyon.org/seal/

http://tsiyon.org/main/messianic_seal_news.htm

A final word about the Messianic Seal as a stumbling block. I am entirely sympathetic with how you have felt about this. As one who is careful to break all connections with false religion, I understand that since you have understood the symbols of the Messianic Seal according to those false religious connotations you would rightly turn away from it. Perhaps if you come to see the Messianic Seal in its true historical light that might change. Whether that happens or not, be assured that we honor your serious quest after holiness. May His blessing be upon you.
 

From Eliyahu

The Chariot of YHWH is on the move! That message is continually before our face. Our new program helps to explain why. Additionally, you will find it appropriate listening, especially for the Day of Atonement. Please listen.

Shalom,

Eliyahu ben David
www.tsiyon.org