I would do some home-work first to find out about Judaism.
When the good news was preached during the first century, many Gentiles, who had never shown any interest in obtaining righteousness, believed the message of salvation; but the Jews, who had strenuously sought to obtain righteousness before God, did not achieve it ( Romans 9:30,31) The reason so many failed to experience genuine forgiveness and peace is stated by the apostle: Why? Because they sought it not by faith but, as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone;
As it is written, behold I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense; and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed (Romans 9:32,33).
Paul brings together the words of Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16, in which the Lord promised Israel that during the approaching Assyrian army He would be a ' sancturay", providing safety for those who will trust Him, and a " rock" upon which they will be able to stand secure and not be ashamed. However, God warned those who trusted in pagan Gods, or in their treaties with heathen neighbours that He would be a destructive obstacle to them-" a stone of stumbling" and " a rock of offense". Paul declares to his readers that Jesus Christ became " as such" to the majority of Jews.
Having shown that the message of the cross is offensive to religionists because it humbles them, Paul points out that the Gospel is also objectionable to them because of its totalitarian demands. Faith in Christ cannot be a mere adjunct to existing religious form or ritual, but a renouncement of their former methods of seeking favor with God. During the apostolic period, many followers of Judaism, upon turning to Christ, found this demand extremely difficult to obey. Paul recalls his own strong loyalty to Judaism and the deep feelings that drove him on in his efforts to destroy the church. Therefore, he expresses his concern for his people, but declares that they are attempting to be right with God by wrong methods. (Romans 10:1-3).
Israel had been seeking to " earn" salvation through " Works", instead of recognizing that God bestows forgiveness and acceptance upon those who trust Him. Israel shows that they completely misunderstood the real meaning of the law.
The Mosaic Code was intended by God to reveal man's deep sinfulness and helplessness to obey God perfectly, and his need for God's forgiveness, but the religious leaders had developed it into a " works-system" designed to " Earn" salvation.
Furthermore, having hurt themselves at the
" Stone of stumbling" ( Christ), the people of Israel were guilty of setting their wills against God, refusing to subject themselves to His plan Their intense loyalty to the " Traditions of the Fathers" became a strong hinderance to their acceptance of Jesus Christ. Their rejection of Him was a tragic mistake, ( crucifixtion of Christ), made against overwhelming evidence. As they continued to oppose the Gospel, in spite of the undeniable fact that Jesus Christ conquered death, and the incontrovertible evidence in the lives of transformed believers, they increased in blindness and in hostility to Christ and His followers.
The believer is not under the jurisdiction of the Mosaic system: " For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth ( Romans 10:4). Jesus Christ is the " Termination" of the "Old Law", since with His death the whole " Levitical System" was fulfilled, as signified by the rending of the veil in the temple at the hour of His death on the cross.
" For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man who doeth those things shall live by them" (Romans 10:5).
Many religionists took this as a legalistic means of earning eternal life, and considered themselves certain of a " Works-achieved" salvation.
2006-07-22 17:08:58
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answer #1
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answered by trieghtonhere 4
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I think you should BOTH reject organized religion, and think for yourselves!
2006-07-22 15:38:57
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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