Is Christianity the Fulfillment of Judaism?By Jeremy Sweets |
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Judaism is a relatively small religion today, consisting of 14 million adherents worldwide. Judaism traces its history to the promises given to Abraham (22nd century B.C.; Gen. 12:1-3) and the Israelite Exodus from Egypt (15th century B.C.; Ex. 1-15). Christianity is an extension of Judaism, beginning in the first century A.D. Since they share a common history, they possess several similarities. They both proclaim a belief in a single God, sin as rebellion against God and man’s need for holy living. The major difference between the two religions hinges upon the identification of the Messiah, or Savior. Christianity asserts that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, and that the Christian religion is the fulfillment of Judaism. Judaism denies both of these claims. The Hebrew Scriptures of Judaism speak about a Coming Messiah, providing precise information for identification. The truth-claims of Christianity depend upon the evidence for Jesus as the Messiah and Christianity as the proper fulfillment of Judaism. Consider the following prophecies. Lineage Several prophecies are made regarding the ancestry of the Messiah, indicating a person of Jewish descent. He would descend from Judah and David (Gen. 49:10; 2 Sam. 7:12-13; Isa. 11:1-2) and be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2). He would also be both a king and a prophet from among his own countrymen (Deut. 17:15; 18:18). Jesus possessed the right pedigree to be the Messiah, proclaiming salvation among the Jewish people (Matt. 1:1-17; Lk. 3:23-38; Jn. 1:11). Sacrifice The Jewish system of atonement was based upon sacrifice of animals and grain (Ex. 29:31-46; 30:10; Lev. 1-7). These sacrifices needed to be offered continually to make atonement. The Coming Messiah would come and make final atonement for the sins of the world (Isa. 53:4-6). This was accomplished in Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29; 2 Cor. 5:21). He offered a sacrifice once for all time (Heb. 9:23-10:10). The Coming Kingdom The Messiah would also be associated with the Coming Kingdom. This kingdom would be spiritual in nature, promoting peace and a knowledge of God (Isa. 2:4; Mic. 4:3). It would be accompanied by the pouring out of God’s Spirit (Joel 2:28-29). The Coming Kingdom would be different than national Judaism, where children are born into the kingdom. Instead, citizenship would be available to all those who have a knowledge of God and call on his name (Jer. 31:31-34; Joel 2:30-32). The time and location are further specified in Scriptures. When Daniel interpreted the dream for Nebuchadnezzar, he spoke of four successive kingdoms, with Babylon representing the first one. In the days of the fourth kingdom, the Roman Empire, the kingdom of God would be established (Dan. 2:31-45). The kingdom would also be established in Jerusalem, when all nations had streamed unto it (Isa. 2:1-3). All of these elements are fulfilled in the Kingdom of the New Testament, seen in establishment of the Church of Christ on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem in the first century (Matt. 16:13-19; Acts 2; Rom. 2:28-29). Throughout its history, the Jewish religion has proclaimed a Coming Messiah, relying upon numerous specific prophecies for proper identification. Jesus’ lineage, sacrifice and connection to the Coming Kingdom are just a sampling of his fulfillment in prophecy (Gal. 3:23-24). Many more examples could be provided. Examine the evidence yourself to see whether Jesus is the Christ.
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I AM the way, the truth, and the life. |
