Denomination Differences

Reformed vs. Messianic Judaism Beliefs

ReformedMessianic Judaism
a.k.a.Calvinist
Number of Members75,000,000350,000[1]
How does one get saved?Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you.Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you.
Who gets saved?Those who God chooses to call will be saved and no one else.Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved.
Can one lose his salvation?Eternal security: No, once a Christian is saved, he is always saved.Eternal security: No, once a Christian is saved, he is always saved.
Who gets baptized and why?Saved people and their infant children get baptized as a sign of God's grace.[2]Saved people get baptized as a public demonstration of their new lives.
How should baptism be done?Baptism can be by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling.Baptism should be by immersion.
When does one receive the Holy Spirit?The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation.[3]The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation.
What is the trinity?The Trinity is God existing as one god in three equal, eternal, cosubstantial persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.Most believe the Trinity is God existing as one god in three equal, eternal, cosubstantial persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.
What is the human nature?Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own.Humans have a יֵצֶר הַרַע (yetzer hara)—an inclination to do evil—and, upon reaching 12 for girls and 13 for boys, develop a יֵצֶר הַטוֹב (yetzer hatov)—a weaker inclination to do good.
Are we guilty of Adam's original sin?Federalism: Yes, Adam represented all of the human race, and all are guilty of his sin.No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin.
Are Christians required to keep the Old Testament ceremonial laws?No, the ceremonial laws of Judaism were fulfilled and done away with by Jesus.Yes, Messianic Jews should follow the Torah, although Gentile Christians are not required to.
Can Christians become sinless in this earthly life?No, although Christians can and should sin less, they can never become sinless in this life.No, although Christians can and should sin less, they can never become sinless in this life.
Do the elements of communion become the body and blood of Christ?No, the elements do not become the body and blood of Christ, but Christ is present in an unknown way.No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ.
Can one be baptized of behalf of someone who has died?No, the dead cannot be baptized.No, the dead cannot be baptized.
What happens if a saved person dies without being perfect?Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.[4][5]Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.
Did Mary ever sin?Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus.Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus.
What spiritual gifts are available today?Cessationism: Spiritual gifts used for serving are available today, while gifts used as signs have ceased.[6]
What framework has God used in dealing with man?Covenant theology: God acts either within the covenant of works or the covenant of grace.[7]
What is the gift of tongues?The gift of tongues is the ability to speak foreign human languages without knowing how.[8]
What are the requirements for clergy?Experienced men above reproach, faithful to their wives and with with obedient children if applicable, and able to teach are to be appointed as pastors.
How many church ordinances/​sacraments are there?The church has two ordinances: Baptism and Holy Communion.Messianic Jews should practice Immersion.[9][10][11][12][13]
To whom do Christians need to confess their sins?Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.[14][15]
How should a church be structured?Varies widelyCongregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members.
What day of the week should Christians worship?Christians worship on Sunday.Messianic Jews observe Shabbat on Saturday.
How does God's revelation come to us today?Prima scriptura: There are many sources of God's revelation, although none can contradict the Bible.Prima scriptura: There are many sources of God's revelation, although none can contradict the Bible.[16]
How was the Bible written?Verbal plenary inspiration: The Bible was written by men who had every word supernaturaly inspired by God.[17]
How many books are in the Bible?There are 66 canonical books of the Bible: 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books.There are 66 canonical books of the Bible: 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books.
Was the Bible written inerrantly?Yes, the Bible was written without any error.[17]
Who can speak with God's authority today?Nobody today can speak for God.
How was the earth created?Creationism: The earth was spoken into existence by God.
What is marriage?Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[18]Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[19]
Is sex permissible outside marriage?No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[20][21]No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[22]
When is divorce permissible?Divorce is permissible for adultery or desertion.[23][24]Divorce is permissible for adultery, abuse, or abandonment.[25]
May a Christian remarry while his former spouse is still alive?The innocent party to the adultery may remarry.[26]Yes, a Messianic Jew may freely remarry after a divorce which was for a valid reason.[25]
When does a fetus become human?Humanity begins at conception.[27][28]Humanity begins at conception.[29][30]
Is contraception permissible?Yes, contraceptives are permissible.[31]Yes, contraceptives are permissible as long as the couple eventually have at least two children.[32]
Are blood transfusions permissible?Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.[33][34]
Should women cover their heads?Varies widely[35][36][37]
Should Christians drink alcohol?Varies widelyYes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk.[38]
Should Christians fight in wars?Yes, Christians should fight in just wars.[39]
Whom does the Holy Spirit come from?The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.[40]
Who can be demon-possessed?Demons can possess unbelievers but not Christians.
Do icons glorify God?Most believe no, icons violate the Second Commandment against graven images. Icons of Christ are especially prohibited.[41][42][43]
Where does a Christian's soul go after death?Christians immediately go to heaven when they die.[4][44]