Question: Don’t Christians and Jews worship the same God of the Old and New Testaments? Do Jews not believe that Jesus ever existed?
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Answer: The Jews use historic texts for their worship that Christians are familiar with in the Old Testament, such as the writings of Moses, the prophets, and others. They accept Jesus as a prophet and good teacher, but they do not acknowledge Him as the Messiah they are still awaiting which was foretold in the Holy Scriptures. The Jews of Jesus’ time were expecting that the savior they had long awaited would come to deliver them from the harsh oppression of the Roman Empire and establish their nation as independent under His kingship. So, when Jesus was born, not in a royal palace, but in a cave or stable, and raised as a carpenter’s son in Nazareth, they did not recognize Him or accept Him. Even today, Christians expect Jesus to enter their lives, solve all their problems, and deliver them from all worldly persecution. Although He can grant His deliverance, protection, and healing, there are times He chooses not to, so that His ultimate purposes will be fulfilled. Jesus, God in human form, publicly taught the real reason why He had come as a man into the world – to save people, not just from their situations, but from having to pay a penalty to God for their sins. Jesus said:
I have come in my Father’s Name, and you do not receive Me… John 5:43
Then Jesus cried out as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know me! You know where I am from, and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know.” John 7:28-29
I am the door; if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved…I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:9-10
I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46
God will send you another helper…the Holy Spirit of truth, to live with you and in you. I will not leave you as comfortless orphans; I will come to you. John 14:17-18
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save those who were lost. Luke 19:10
I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20
The scriptures tell that Jesus speaks to every person’s heart and mind to show that He is the one who will save them from destruction and a future separated from God in eternity.
Will you be with Him when you die and leave this world? Or will you exist in darkness, away from His light? You will live on, in one of these two places.
Have you realized that Jesus came for you to seek you out and to save you? Accept that eternal truth now, before it’s too late! Right now, Jesus offers you the same personal invitation He spoke long ago:
Come!
Come to anyone who hears, who thirsts for life. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17
This is the most important decision you’ll make during your life on earth!
Settle your future with God, once and for all. Speak to God and say:
Jesus, I know I have sinned, and I want to be forgiven. I know that you died on a cross to take my punishment from God so that my sins would not count against me. Thank you! Come into my life and show me how you want me to live every day. I want to be with you forever! Amen!
