Topical Encyclopedia Judaism, the monotheistic religion of the Jewish people, is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, known as the Tanakh, which corresponds to the Christian Old Testament. It is a faith that traces its origins to the covenantal relationship between God and Abraham, as described in Genesis. This covenant was further established through Moses, who received the Law at Mount Sinai, forming the foundation of Jewish religious practice and identity.Covenant and Law Central to Judaism is the concept of the covenant, a binding agreement between God and His chosen people, Israel. This covenant is marked by the giving of the Law, or Torah, which includes the Ten Commandments and numerous other statutes and ordinances. The Torah serves as a guide for righteous living and is considered the ultimate authority in Jewish life. As stated in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 , "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Prophets and Writings In addition to the Torah, Judaism reveres the Prophets (Nevi'im) and the Writings (Ketuvim), which together with the Torah form the Tanakh. The Prophets called Israel to faithfulness and foretold the coming of a Messiah, a theme that Christians believe finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53, for example, is often cited in Christian theology as a prophecy of the suffering servant, interpreted as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial death. Temple Worship and Sacrifices The Temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship, where sacrifices were offered according to the Law. These sacrifices were a means of atonement and communion with God. However, with the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, Judaism transitioned to a focus on prayer, study, and observance of the Law in daily life, as the sacrificial system could no longer be practiced. Messianic Expectation Judaism holds a messianic hope, anticipating the arrival of a future anointed leader who will restore Israel and bring peace to the world. This expectation is rooted in numerous Old Testament prophecies. Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled these messianic prophecies, as articulated in the New Testament. In Matthew 5:17 , Jesus states, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." Judaism and the Gospel The relationship between Judaism and Christianity is complex, as Christianity emerged from Jewish roots. The early Christians, many of whom were Jewish, saw Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The Apostle Paul, a Jew and a Pharisee, emphasized that the Gospel was for both Jews and Gentiles, stating in Romans 1:16 , "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." Paul also addressed the role of the Law in light of the Gospel, explaining that the Law was a tutor to lead us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). He argued that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the Law, thus opening the way for Gentiles to become part of God's covenant people without adhering to all the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law. The Role of Israel In Christian theology, Israel holds a significant place as God's chosen people, through whom He revealed His Law and promises. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 11, discusses the mystery of Israel's partial hardening and the inclusion of the Gentiles, affirming that "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26). This reflects the belief that God's covenant with Israel remains, and His promises are irrevocable. Judaism, therefore, serves as the historical and theological backdrop for the Gospel, providing the context in which God's redemptive plan unfolds. The Law and the Prophets point to the coming of Christ, who Christians believe is the ultimate revelation of God's love and the means of salvation for all humanity. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 3:8,9Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: Nave's Topical Index Matthew 5:17-19,21-44 Matthew 9:16,17 Library Judaism and Heathenism in Contact. The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ... Genuineness of the Gospel Narratives. The Withering Work of the Spirit Jews and Gentiles in "The Land" The Gospels Character and Condition of the Churches to whom the Epistle was ... In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ... Paul in Jerusalem. The Five Books Against Marcion Resources What is the difference between Christianity and Judaism? | GotQuestions.orgContemporary Judaism ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Questions about Judaism ' Theme Index | GotQuestions.org Judaism: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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