Salvation is From the Jews

[sdigrazi]

Has anyone read “Salvation is From the Jews-The Role of Judaism in Salvation History From Abraham to the Second Coming” by Roy H. Schoeman published by Ignatious Press 2003.

As a Catholic married to a Jew (very successfully I might add) I have been struggling for years to gain some perspective regarding Gods plan of salvation for His chosen ones the Jews. My Catholic Faith has always provided clear answers for the gentiles. But what is Gods plan for the Jews? How do they fit into Gods plans?

In my opinion, this book provides a strong and cohesive argument for the Jews strategic role in salvation of all humankind! Please check this out and provide your comments when finished. It has simply blown my mind! I would very much like to discuss this with others.

Sincerely
Of Grace

 

[Annunciata]

Hi Grace,

Welcome! I’m in the process of reading it now…great book and I highly recommend it. Blessings, Annunciata

 

[bengal_fan]

sdigrazi:

In my opinion, this book provides a strong and cohesive argument for the Jews strategic role in salvation of all humankind!

yes, the jewish people do play (or have played) a strategic role in the salvation of the world, but i would also say that to deny the messiah is a dangerous place to be sitting when it comes to their own salvation. Jesus says that whoever denies Him, denies the One who sent Him. i’m not saying it’s not possible but it is not easily said that jewish people can be saved without excepting Jesus as the messiah. paul is very clear that the old covenant (the law) cannot save because no one can keep it so they must be a part of the new covenant. now, some one (as the church teaches) can be a part of the new covenant without knowing it, but when some one (with knowledge) denies the new covenant sealed in Jesus’ blood, they reject the Father. i pray daily for the conversion (or more like fulfillment) of our jewish brothers and sisters and i will pray for your spouse that you may be truly one in spirit and faith as well as in flesh.

 

[The_Barrister]

bengal_fan:

yes, the jewish people do play (or have played) a strategic role in the salvation of the world, but i would also say that to deny the messiah is a dangerous place to be sitting when it comes to their own salvation. Jesus says that whoever denies Him, denies the One who sent Him. i’m not saying it’s not possible but it is not easily said that jewish people can be saved without excepting Jesus as the messiah. paul is very clear that the old covenant (the law) cannot save because no one can keep it so they must be a part of the new covenant. now, some one (as the church teaches) can be a part of the new covenant without knowing it, but when some one (with knowledge) denies the new covenant sealed in Jesus’ blood, they reject the Father. i pray daily for the conversion (or more like fulfillment) of our jewish brothers and sisters and i will pray for your spouse that you may be truly one in spirit and faith as well as in flesh.

Agree. Jesus came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. Doesn’t matter whether you argue that the old covernant ended and the new one began, or whether it was a seamless integration of the new into the old - acceptance of the new covenant is the key. Failing to accept the new covenant is a rejection.

 

[Ghosty]

It’s certainly a wonderful book, though one not without parts I find rather hard to accept (let’s just say that, from my own Catholic understanding, I have a fundamentally different view of Israel than the author does), but overall it’s an amazing work. I want to stress, however, that the book does not let Jews “off the hook” in accepting the Messiah, nor does it state that the Old Covenant is a Salvific one, but rather that Jews have a very special place in the reality of the New Covenant. All Jews are called to be Christians, just as Jesus Himself exclusively taught to the Jews. “Salvation is from the Jews” merely highlights the Judaic nature of Christianity, specifically of the Church, and emphasises the importance of Ancient Judaism in the structure of the New Covenant, while also highlighting the special role of Modern Judaism.

Jews are still the chosen people of God. Period. They are chosen, however, to also come into the Covenant with the Messiah, which they hope for in their beliefs and prayers anyway. Personally I like to think of Modern Judaism as “Christianity in Waiting”, and as a force that reminds us of the true roots of our Christian beliefs while at the same time highlighting and upholding them. Ultimately Jews are saved through the Messiah and their faith in the Messiah and God; the book merely expresses the unique way in which this manifests itself in Jewish history.

I think the book makes a powerful case for the charitable conversion of the Jews. It is wrong for us to sit at the banquet while the hosts and preparers of the feast are forced to sit outside in the cold and hunger for the Bread of Life. We must invite them to the table that they themselves have prepared for all humans through their works, suffering, and faith.

 

[sdigrazi]

The premise of the book is that once the full measure of gentiles come to know the Lord Jesus, the Jews will follow “en-masse” and finally come to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and that this mass conversion will presage Our Lord’s second coming. Of course the book develops this idea with great detail, historical information and scriptural basis. If you have ever wanted to gain some insight concerning Gods overall plan for the Jews, I would highly recommend this book. I believe that it will enrich your Catholic Faith as well.

Sincerely
Of Grace