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What are the primary differences,
theologically, between Judaism, Messianic Judaism, and Christianity regarding
repentance?
This week we continue to delve deeper into each on the categories we discussed
at a high level 7 weeks ago. The primary High Level differences are:
* The role of Torah
* The role of Oral Torah
* The Messiahship of Yeshua Ha'Nazaret
* The Deity of Yeshua
* The role of Works
* The role of Faith
* The role of Repentance
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 the the role of repentance.
Traditional Judaism
Traditional Judaism stresses three key actions to walking in a right
relationship to G-D:
Prayer, Acts of Loving Kindness, and T'shuvah (Repentance). These 3 actions are
all predicated on having Faith in the One True G-D of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.
For this article we will focus on T'shuvah (Repentance)
T'shuvah in Judaism is much more that feeling sorry for an action; it is making
it right. This is a key concept. If a person sins against G-D; they are to
confess the sin to G-D. If a person sins against another person; they are to
confess both to G-D and to the one they acted against. In the case of a monetary
or property damage, they are to pay back the damages, plus an additional amount
for restitution.
In both cases (sin against G-D and sin against a person), the sign of true
repentance is that the person turns from the evil action and does not do it
again.
This definition is a far cry above what is generally thought of as repentance.
Traditional Christianity
Many traditional Protestant denominations teach (more by deed than word) a much
softer, feel-good, type of repentance. Generally, the repentance demonstrated by
most is a "I'm sorry G-D" type of feel-good repentance. Few ever teach that we
must confess to our brother any wrong committed and make it right.
This is a general statement; there are some excellent churches and leaders that
do not teach this "feel-good" repentance. Verbose confessions and crying do not
necessarily make for true repentance. True repentance demands the person turn
away from the sin!
Conservative Messianic Judaism
Conservative Messianic Judaism theology follows the concept of T'Shuvah in accordance to the
teachings of our Great Rabbi (Yeshua). This form is consistent with that taught
in Traditional Judaism.
Thus, sin against G-D must be confessed to G-D, and the person must turn from
the sin.
Sin against man must be confessed to G-D and man, and restitution must be made.
In either case, the true test of whether that repentance was sincere, and
whether it is accepted by G-D, is whether we turn from the sin!
Shalom - Rabbi Gavri'el
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