Beliefs of Messianic Judaism

QUESTION: What are the beliefs of Messianic Judaism?

ANSWER:

A Messianic Jew is defined as a person who was born Jewish or converted to Judaism. They call Jesus Yeshua, and acknowledge His Jewishness. The "Evangelic" wing of Messianic Judaism has religious beliefs similar to those of Evangelical Christianity. These beliefs include: G-d as a Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the virgin birth, resurrection, ascension, and salvation.

Terminology of Messianic Jews differs from Christians:

Christian Usage	Messianic Judaism usage
Jesus	Yeshua, Y'shua
Jesus Christ	Yeshua HaMashiach
Trinity	Shilush
God, the Father	Abba, G-d, L-rd
God, the Son	HaBen
Holy Spirit	Ruach HaKodesh
John	Yochanan
Church	Synagogue
Minister, pastor, teacher	Rabbi

Most Messianic Jews belong to Messianic Jewish congregations or synagogues. More than ninety percent are charismatic and believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues. Their leader is called a Rabbi. A typical congregation will be composed of Christians who are not Jewish, Messianic Jews who do not practice Jewish customs, and Messianic Jews who follow strict orthodox practices such as kosher methods of food preparation and eating.

Most observe the Shabbat (Sabbath), starting at sundown Friday. All Jewish holidays are observed. These include Passover, Succoth, and Shavuot. Only a few celebrate Yom Yeshua on December 25. The Hebrew Scriptures are referred to as the Tanach (Old Covenant Scriptures). The Christian scriptures are called the B'rit Chadasha (New Covenant Scriptures).

Some Messianic Jews believe that the second coming of Jesus will only come when a sufficient number of Jews accept Yeshua as their Messiah and Savior. Others believe that Jesus could come at any time.