Some people argue that because the Jewish bloodline has become so mixed with the other races over time, today it is impossible to determine who is really Jewish, and therefore this somehow discredits the reliability of the biblical prophecies concerning their return to Israel. Well, positive identification didn’t seem to interfere with Hitler making a determination of Jews in Europe just some 90 plus years ago. Not only did he target them, but also their sympathizers. Is it really necessary that we have a technical definition of Jewry before we accept the reality of the prophecies? First, we need to recognize as we discuss Judaism that we are not just speaking of an indigenous group, but a religious belief. Judaism is designed not just to call the world’s attention to a people with a particular physical heritage, but that these same people will direct the world’s attention to a specific God – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For those who are really that concerned about their potential Jewish heritage, or desire to convert to the religion itself, then modern technology has made it easier. DNA tests are now available claiming the ability to trace one’s biological connection through their mother’s ancestry (Judaism considers its heritage as passed on through the mother). The internet reveals myriads of opinions of what is required for one to become part of the Jewish faith. It will most likely require male circumcision, or the ceremonial drawing of blood for those who have already had the procedure. In addition, it will require numerous lifestyle changes as it relates not only to religious practices such as sacred observance of the weekly Saturday Sabbath and other annual holy days, but other issues such as prescribed health and dietary habits. Furthermore, it will also need to be acknowledged by a “bone fide Orthodox beit din (ecclesiastical court)” according to Rabbi Menachem Posner. (https://www. chabad.org/library/articlecdo/aid/3408865/jewish/How-Do[1]I-Know-If-I-Am-a-Jew.htm) All such discussion takes us back to arguments being made when the Lord first began taking the gospel to the Gentiles. What exactly should be expected of those wanting to accept Israel’s Messiah? Once again, the Jerusalem council of early church leaders settled on having them abstain from eating the meat of animals sacrificed to false gods; sexual immorality; and ingesting the blood of animals (Acts 15:19, 20). Paul provided his listeners with even greater insight of exactly whom the Lord considers to be a Jew. He said we become an Israelite not by the works of the law given to their ancestors at Mount Sinai, but by adopting the same faith practiced by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The apostle told the Galatians that the patriarchs found and followed the true God centuries before the giving of the law (see Galatians 3:16-18). Thus, he was adamant that “the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would accept the Gentiles, too, on the basis of their faith. God promised this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ And so it is: All who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith… Through the work of Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, and we Christians received the promised Holy Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:8-14). Paul continued, “So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ cannot help you. I’ll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised [or by obeying any other requirements of the law] you must obey all of the regulations in the whole law of Moses [or Mitzvot]. For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace” (Galatians 5:1-4). The apostle became even more definitive in his letter to the Romans. “For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the Jewish ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. Whoever has that kind of change seeks praise from God, not from people” (Romans 2:28, 29). However, as new believers by faith, we shouldn’t be surprised when we find ourselves mysteriously desiring to put into practice things contained in God’s law. It is tangible evidence of a new Spirit who sits enthroned within our hearts! We must take extreme caution when we consider prophecies relating to events foretold to happen just prior to the Messiah’s return. Just as there is a physical return of the Jewish people to the ancient land of Israel, more importantly, there will be a spiritual return to the God of Israel in the hearts of all true believers, regardless of their physical heritage. That is what really counts! https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/law-of-return