Introduction
Mission, covenant, and salvation not only demonstrate the common grounds between Christians and Jews but also illustrate the many challenges that remain unresolved. The Christian-Jews relationship remains a major cause of debate and divergent opinions over the identity of God’s people. Some people believe that today’s Church consists of God’s new people while others maintain that Jews God’s chose people; therefore, they are most valued. Both Christians and Jews consider themselves as the true descendants of Israel. The Church also believes that it is the true Israel and should partake in the various biblical promises that God made towards Israel.
Covenant
Covenant remains an integral concept in both Christianity and Judaism, but it has been subject to debate in the recent years. It is concerned with the way God initiates and enters into a covenant with a community or a group of people. Being part of the convent comes with certain responsibilities and obligations. Furthermore, it is an agreement that relies on the relationship of the covenant partners. The Bible reveals God’s oath to fulfill his promises to Israel while Israel should reciprocate through obedience and faithfulness.
Mission:
The mission remains a central concept in Christianity. In the New Testament, we find a command that calls for all nations are comprised of disciples. Before Christ, such a message was limited to Jews. Paul started preaching to the Gentiles with an aim of making them followers of Christ. The inclusion of the Gentiles in the Missionary work is a controversial issue. Judaism suggests that Jesus’s proclamation should be expressed to the Jews only. On the other hand, the teachings of the New Testament suggest that the transmission of the “good news” should not be exclusive to Jews. Instead, it should also be spread among Jews. The Jews perceive a Christian’s mission to be a contentious issue. The Christians are yet to understand the reasons why the Jews have said no to Jesus. For some Jews, Christian missionary is comparable to Hitler’s policies in the sense that what Hitler sought to accomplish physically, Christianity is trying to achieve spiritually by wiping out Judaism. In 1948, WCC (World Council of Churches) urged Christian churches to step up their efforts to convert Jews to Christians. Conversion is a term that raises concern among the Jews people who associate it with memories of sufferings and persecutions. The Church is yet to reach a decision whether the covenant is for Jews.
Salvation:
Christians maintain that Jews are not exempted from the need to get salvation through Jesus Christ. Among Christians, the Church is the “body of Christ”. On the other hand, Jews maintain that they are capable of securing salvation without having to convert to Christianity. The Catholic Church has recently adopted a new strategy, which calls on churches not to aggressively try to convert the Jews to Christianity. Jews and Rabbis have largely welcomed the retreat. It bases on the notion that Jews can receive salvation independent of Christ.
