This week we continue to delve deeper into each on the categories we discussed.
Before we begin a brief disclaimer - We do not believe everyone has to believe exactly as we do to have a relationship with G-D, and for that relationship to result in that person spending eternity with G-D. We also believe strongly in the promise that Rabbi Sha'ul (Paul) stated that "all Israel will be saved." We do not want to be dogmatic about exactly what that means, as views differ. We also believe scripture clearly teaches that Jews, Christians, and Messianic Jews will make up the Kingdom. As for our Sunday brothers and sisters, whether Protestant or Catholic, many truly love G-D and will inherit the Kingdom.
Theologically, Judaism, Conservative Messianic Judaism, and Christianity began on a common road that split into 3 separate paths. One of the key areas involved in this split was Messiahship of Yeshua Ha'Nazaret.
Traditional Judaism
In traditional Judaism, Yeshua is not seen as Messiah. This belief is based on the concept that the Messiah will bring universal peace and reestablish Jerusalem. Messiah as both a Kingly Messiah and the Suffering Servant was an established principle in Rabbinic thought until the Middle Ages. Since that time the Suffering Messiah has been replaced largely with a Kingly Messiah. Passages speaking of a Suffering Servant such as Isaiah 53 were reinterpreted to being the Jewish people or the nation's suffering. Thus, Yeshua's failure to bring world-wide peace is seen as proving He is not the Messiah.
Traditional Christianity
The traditional Christian belief concerning Messiah recognizes Yeshua as Messiah. He is seen as both the Suffering Messiah (1st coming) and returning Kingly Messiah who will establish peace (2nd coming).
Conservative Messianic Judaism
Conservative Messianic Judaism theology agrees with traditional Christianity theology in that Yeshua is the Messiah. We believe in both the Suffering Messiah (1st coming) and returning Kingly Messiah who will establish peace (2nd coming). Passages in Isaiah are seen as picturing a Suffering Messiah that will heal and bring salvation.
Next week we will address in detail the other Theological differences.
Shalom - Rabbi Gavri'el
