Mid-City Christian: Judaism and evangelical Christianity, the "Messianic Age"

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Judaism and evangelical Christianity, the "Messianic Age"

In both Judaism and evangelical Christianity, the "Messianic Age" (or "World to Come" in Judaism) refers to a future time of peace and universal brotherhood, but with key differences in the identity of the Messiah and the nature of the age itself. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Judaism: [2, 3]

Messiah: Jews believe the Messiah is yet to come and will be a human leader who will bring about a period of peace and justice. [2, 3]
Messianic Age: This age, often called "Olam Ha-Ba" (the World to Come), will be characterized by universal peace, the return of the Jewish people to Israel, and the cessation of war and hatred. [2, 3, 4]
Nature of the Age: Some Jewish authorities believe the laws of nature will change, with predatory beasts no longer seeking prey and agriculture bringing forth supernatural abundance. Others see these statements as allegorical for peace and prosperity. [2]
Emphasis: Jewish theology emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life and fulfilling the commandments of God, preparing for the coming of the Messiah. [2, 5]

Evangelical Christianity: [1, 3]

Messiah: Evangelicals believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, who has already come and died for the sins of humanity.
Messianic Age: Evangelicals view the Messianic Age as the Kingdom of God, which is both present and future, with the ultimate fulfillment in the Second Coming of Christ.
Nature of the Age: The Messianic Age, according to evangelical Christians, will involve the resurrection of the dead, the judgment of humanity, and the establishment of a new heaven and new earth.
Emphasis: Evangelical theology emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and the importance of evangelism and spreading the gospel. [1, 3]

Similarities: [2, 3]

Both Judaism and evangelical Christianity share a belief in a future time of peace and universal brotherhood. [2, 3]
Both traditions have a concept of a messianic figure who will bring about this age. [2, 3]
Both traditions emphasize the importance of living a righteous life and fulfilling the commandments of God. [2, 5]

Differences: [1, 3]

The most significant difference is the identity of the Messiah: Jews believe the Messiah is yet to come, while Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah. [1, 3]
The nature of the Messianic Age also differs, with Jews envisioning a period of peace and prosperity on earth, while Christians believe in a new heaven and new earth. [1, 2, 3]
The emphasis on salvation also differs, with Jews focusing on living a righteous life and fulfilling the commandments of God, while Christians focus on salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. [1, 2, 5]