According to Christianity... Can the Jews get into heaven without Christ?

Question

I know the 144,000 will become saved after the rapture, but what about right now? I love the Jewish people, and the Nation of Israel. I am concerned about their fates beond this world.

This question is for Christians and Jews. Plesae do not answer if you are not of the two faiths!

Answer 1

Speaking as a Jew who has realized that the Messiah I had been waiting for was Jesus, I believe what Jesus said. He said "No one comes to the Father but by me."

Considering the total sinfulness mankind, it wasn't narrow minded for God to only give us one way to have our sins forgiven, He didn't need to give us any way.

Since all men are sinners, all are destined for judgment and punishment. Jesus Christ was the only possible person who could take my punishment upon Himself, thereby freeing me to live a life forgiven by God.

It is true that in Romans, we read that the entire Jewish people will come to Christ eventually for salvation, that does not help those who die before that time. As a Jewish follower of Jesus, I have dedicated much of my life to make sure that as many people as I can influence understand salvation and have the opportunity to receive it, both Jew and Gentile.

Answer 2

You will need to look to your specific denomination for a personally meaningful answer to this question. Some Christian churches and individuals have adopted what is called 'Dual Covenant' theology which teaches the that original Covenant forged between God and Abraham is not only still intact, but is sufficient to procure salvation for the Jewish people.

There are others that would argue that Jesus, by instituting a New Covenant which was open to Gentiles, thereby destroyed the Old Covenant for all time and all people.

As to the rapture, Revelation 7:9 states that "a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, 'Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb.' " This passage occurs after the rapture, and refers to those who receive Christ during the tribulation itself.

In any case, there is oppurtunity for salvation after the rapture, if one is speaking through the lens of Christianity according to the Bible.

Answer 3

The idea of an afterlife, and of reward and punishment, is one of Judaism's core beliefs. But we prefer to focus on action rather than beliefs. I read a pretty good parable on that point: a bunch of people were taken into a diamond mine and told they had an hour to collect all the jewels they could. Some people took one look around and spent most of the time fantasizing about what they'd buy with their diamonds when the time was up. The other people buckled down to work and spent the hour gathering the diamonds. Guess who ended up with more jewels when the hour was up? In other words, we'll find out about the afterlife eventually, there's no hurry now. The only thing we need to know is that enough good deeds will get us into heaven. So it's best not to waste time wondering, and instead focus on collecting enough good deeds before our hour is up.

Answer 4

LOL...rest easy, old boy.

It depends on which Christian cult you ask, of course. They've all invented various means of dealing with this tricky question. Some talk of "dispensations," some refer to Christ's "Harrowing of Hell," some insist that unfortunately the Jews ARE going to burn - even the just ones! - because of John 14:6 - etc. ("What part of NO ONE don't you understand?" asks the brainless bigot beneath me.)

But the Good News is, they're ALL deluded.

I know there's not much chance of convincing you of this, since you talk of "the 144,000" and "the rapture." But at least this question has allowed you to grandstand on your superiority as a Christian while pretending to pity those who aren't as enlightened as you. I solemnly assure you, you are already repaid!

Answer 5

That is really up to God. However, this I know, that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. God set up the rules, and because of the destruction of the temple by Titus, the Jews changed the rules of Levitical sacrifice to that of rituals and traditions. God never commanded it, nor has the sacrificial system been re-established.
However, it just so happens that God fulfilled His promise to send a Messiah. One who became THE Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. This is the stone they choose to stumble over rather than accept. This is not the first time they have rejected the ones that God sent.
So in answer to your question, "Can the Jews get into heaven without Christ?", let me ask this question. Would the sins of the people in the wilderness be redeemed if they rejected the sacrificial lamb during the Passover? Would their first born have lived if the lamb's blood were not on the door post? The answer is no. God set the requirement, God did all the work, all that is left is to receive the promise. It is a free will choice.
Note also that the Jews that do accept Yeshua as Meshiach are automatically condemned by Judaism (as if they have the authority to do so). They say they are no longer Jews. So those who reject, do so at their own peril. Those that accept, God removes the veil that they may see the truth of His plan of redemption.

Answer 6

The 144, 000 will become saved after the tribulation period. Since there is no scripture to support a rapture, that part of your question is invalid. The Nation of Isreal, which includes the tribe of Judah will be saved.

Answer 7

According to mainstream Christianity, no. Most Christians believe in Paul's Christianity that is based on "being saved only by faith", what I dont agree with. Paul twisted Jesus' teaching to his own point of view. Jesus was a loving caring person and he taught us about God's mercy. I bet that good hearted people no matter if they believe or not will be saved as well.

Answer 8

According to the bible only those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Messiah, or personal savior will enter into heaven. The 144,000 will be 10,000 from each of the 12 tribes going about preaching about Jesus during the great tribulation. Many more than that will be saved.

Answer 9

No one can get into heaven without Christ. This does not mean that a person must accept Jesus Christ as his or her personal savior.

A person, who through no fault of their own, does not know Jesus Christ, but tries their best to love God and love neighbor as they are directed by their concience may be saved.

It is not the fault of the Jewish person if they have not been given enough faith or knowledge to understand that Jesus is the Christ. I know that Jesus is the Christ in spite of the attitude of many of His followers.

Answer 10

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.
What part of NO ONE don't you understand? According to Christianity, Jesus is the only way. I love that you are concerned for the souls of others, but Jesus does not play favorites. Unless you choose to live a life for Christ, you have no hope.