It is important to note that Judaism and Christianity differ on most major theological issues. One of the more obvious issues is the matter of sin, atonement and salvation.
Christian Belief
- Early Christianity latched onto a notion that the messiah was someone who would be the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world.
- Christianity believes that we are born condemned and that without the practice of animal sacrifices Jews cannot atone for their sins.
This represents a blatant misinterpretation of the Jewish Bible.
Jewish standpoint
- The Tanach teaches that sin is an act, not a state of being.
- Mankind was created with an inclination to do evil (Genesis 8:21)
- We have the ability to master this inclination (Genesis 4:7)
- We can choose good over evil (Psalm 37:27, Deut.30:19).
We do not ascribe to the NT (New Testament) concept of the taint of “Original sin” making us intrinsically evil.
- God gave us a way to remove our sins.
- When sacrifices were required they were intended only for unintentional sins (Leviticus 4:1) and served as a means of motivating individuals to true repentance.
- Numerous passages, including Hosea 14, I Kings 8:44-52 and Jeremiah 29:12-14, inform us that today, without a Temple or sacrifices, our prayers take the place of sacrifices. In addition, we read:
“The sacrifices of G-d are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17)
“I desire kindness and not sacrifices, the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).
Personal relationship with God
Christian Belief
One cannot achieve a personal relationship directly with God by the performance of Mitzvot anymore, and can only draw close through the saving grace of Jesus. The New Testament (Romans 4:13-16) portrays the commandments as a curse and stumbling block.
Jewish standpoint
King David writes in Psalms
- “the Law of G-d is perfect, restoring the soul.” (Psalm 19:7)
King Solomon said that the main purpose of humanity is to believe in God and keep His commandments, as is stated:
- “The end of the matter, when all is said and done: Be in awe of G-d and keep His commandments, for that is the whole person.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
Repentance - Tshuvah
The Hebrew word for repentance is Tshuvah-תשובה and literally means to “return to G-d.” Our personal relationship with G-d allows us to turn directly to Him at any time, as it states:
- “Return to Me and I shall return to you” (Malachi 3:7)
- “when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness that he has committed, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.” ( Ezekiel 18:27)
Additionally, G-d is extremely compassionate and forgiving as is indicated in Daniel:
- “We do not present our supplications before You because of our righteousness, but because of Your abundant mercy.” (Daniel 9:18)
Conclusion
We clearly see that through repentance, prayer, fasting and doing what is right, the Torah teaches that everyone has the ability to return to God directly.
This concept is beautifully illustrated in the books of Jonah and Esther, where both Jews and non-Jews repented, prayed to God and were forgiven for their sins without having offered any sacrifices. |
