What are the main similarities and differences between Christianity and Judaism?
Introduction
Christianity is not merely similar to Judaism; it is historically rooted in it. Christianity grew out of first-century Judaism, and the Christian Bible is built upon the foundation of the Jewish Scriptures.
As such, the two faiths share more common ground than Christianity does with any other world religion. The ultimate point of separation, however, is the identity of one person: Jesus of Nazareth.
Main: Points of Similarity (The Shared Foundation)
These common beliefs show the deep connection between the "Old Covenant" and the "New Covenant."
Monotheism: Both faiths believe in one, all-powerful, sovereign God. This fundamental belief is expressed in the Jewish prayer, the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Christians likewise affirm the oneness of God, while simultaneously believing in the Trinitarian nature of that one God.
Sacred Scripture: Christians accept the entirety of the Hebrew Bible (known in Christianity as the Old Testament) as inspired, authoritative Scripture. The first five books (the Torah), the Prophets, and the Writings are considered foundational to both traditions.
Moral Law: Both religions share the Ten Commandments as the essential ethical and moral blueprint given by God, forming the bedrock of their ethical teachings.
Covenant and People: Both trace their spiritual heritage to the covenant God made with Abraham.
Main: Irreconcilable Differences (The Pivotal Break)
The differences fundamentally change the understanding of God's plan for salvation, the nature of sin, and the path to righteousness.
1. The Identity of the Messiah
This is the most critical difference, as it defines each faith's entire existence.
Judaism: Believes the Messiah is a future, human descendant of King David who will be anointed by God. He will usher in a political era of global peace, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and gather the Jewish exiles. They believe Jesus was an influential teacher or prophet, but not the promised Messiah.
Christianity: Believes Jesus Christ is the prophesied Messiah, the Son of God (fully God and fully man). His first coming fulfilled the prophecies of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53), and His crucifixion and resurrection inaugurated the spiritual kingdom and the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31).
2. The Nature of God
While both affirm Monotheism, they differ on how God exists and relates to humanity.
Judaism: Emphasizes God's absolute oneness and unity, rejecting the idea of God taking human form (Incarnation).
Christianity: Affirms God's oneness, but teaches that the one God exists as a Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and that the Son took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (Incarnation).
3. Salvation and The Law
The path to being right with God is understood through two different covenants.
Judaism: Views the Torah (the Law) and the Covenant of Moses as eternal. Righteousness is achieved through faith, repentance, and obedience to the 613 Mitzvot (commandments).
Christianity: Teaches that the Mosaic Law was temporary, meant to reveal sin and point to Christ (Romans 3:20). Salvation is the free gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the Law (Ephesians 2:8-9). The New Covenant established in Christ's blood fulfills the Law and provides the Holy Spirit to empower new obedience.
4. Holy Scripture
While both accept the Old Testament, the scope of their canon differs.
Judaism: Scripture ends with the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh). They do not accept the New Testament as divine revelation.
Christianity: The Old Testament provides the context, and the New Testament (which documents the life of Christ and the work of the Apostles) is the fulfillment of God's plan, completing the biblical canon.
Conclusion
Christianity views itself not as a rejection of Judaism, but as the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham and Israel. The difference centers entirely on whether the Messiah has come and whether the Old Covenant has been completed by the New. The Christian answers yes to both, resting on the finished work of Jesus Christ.
