Denomination Differences

Messianic Judaism Beliefs

View Table of All Denominations' Beliefs
How does one get saved?

Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you.

Who gets saved?

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.

Who gets baptized and why?

Saved people get baptized as a public demonstration of their new lives.

How should baptism be done?

Baptism should be by immersion.

When does one receive the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation.

What is the trinity?

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?

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?

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?

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.

Do the elements of communion become the body and blood of Christ?

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.

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.

Did Mary ever sin?

Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus.

How many church ordinances/​sacraments are there?

Messianic Jews should practice Immersion.

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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.

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How should a church be structured?

Congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members.

What day of the week should Christians worship?

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.

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How many books are in the Bible?

There are 66 canonical books of the Bible: 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books.

What is marriage?

Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.

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Is sex permissible outside marriage?

No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.

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When is divorce permissible?

Divorce is permissible for adultery, abuse, or abandonment.

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May a Christian remarry while his former spouse is still alive?

Yes, a Messianic Jew may freely remarry after a divorce which was for a valid reason.

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When does a fetus become human?

Humanity begins at conception.

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Is contraception permissible?

Yes, contraceptives are permissible as long as the couple eventually have at least two children.

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Are blood transfusions permissible?

Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.

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Should women cover their heads?

Varies widely

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Should Christians drink alcohol?

Yes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk.

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