Glossary of Messianic terms

The complete and voluntary abandonment of Christian faith whether by embracing another religion or embracing a secular philosophy incompatible with Christian faith. Theoretically impossible for a "saved" person according to the Calvinistic doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints, but possible in an Arminian doctrinal system.

(1) rebellion against God and Torah and/or desertion of the faith of Israel; does not necessarily mean the adoption of a competing religion. The term acquired strongly negative connotations in the Middle Ages when a number of prominent baptized Jews publicly maligned Judaism and facilitated persecution of Jews.
(2) Jews converting to another religion and persons of Jewish parentage raised within another religion Apostasy to Christianity or "Messianic Judaism" is considered idolatry.

See Jews in Apostasy.

Leaving one faith for another. Normally used in reference to own religion. Jews becoming Messianics are seen as "fulfilled" or "completed." Christians becoming Jews are seen as "Apostates". Primary scriptural passages regarding apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-6) are seen to be injunctions against returning to the Temple Sacrificial system and "not to deal abstractly with the 'eternal security of the believer.'"

As a description, "antichrists" are anyone who denies that Jesus is the Messiah or Christ. As a title, "The Antichrist" is associated with the "False Prophet," a king or leader who makes the world worship "The Beast" and take its mark of 666, beheading others who refuse. He is then defeated by Jesus at the Second Coming. Among Christians there has been much speculation about his true identity.

Unused term (see Failed Messiah). The closest equivalent to an antagonistic future world power can be found in speculative writings about a future persecutor described by Saadia Gaon as “Armilus.”

See Christian perception, but use term "Anti-Messiah."

Avodah zarah

Unknown Term. (cf Idolatry)

Strange Worship / Idolatry. Forbidden for both Jews (as a violation of Torah) and Gentiles (as a violation of the seven Noahide Laws). There is a matter of dispute between Jewish authorities over whether Christianity is idolatry for non-Jews however, Orthodox Jewish authorities hold that regardless of its permissibility for Gentiles, it does constitute idolatry for Jews, even if they profess themselves to be Christian or "Messianic".

Strange Worship / Idolatry. Forbidden for both Jews (as a violation of Torah) and Gentiles (as a violation of the seven Noahide Laws).

Unknown term.

New Covenant between God and Israel. Understood as applied in {{bibleverse

Jeremiah|31|HE}} to the end of time when the covenant at Sinai is reconfirmed.Jewish Encyclopedia: New Testament: "The idea of the new covenant is based chiefly upon Jer. xxxi. 31-34 (comp. Heb. viii. 6-13, x. 16). That the prophet's words do not imply an abrogation of the Law is evidenced by his emphatic declaration of the immutability of the covenant with Israel ({{bibleverse

1) Covenantal view: those with a saving faith in Jesus Christ who are individually elected to believe. 2) Dispensationalistic view: Israel (although this does not translate into a belief that Jews are “saved”). 3) Dual covenant view: Israel (and this does translate into a belief that Jews are “saved.”)

Phrase indicating that Jews have been chosen to fulfill a mission of proclaiming God's truth among the nations. Implies a greater level of responsibility. Does not imply any form of superiority.

Israel, chosen by God at Sinai (although this does not translate into a belief that non-Christian Jews are “saved.”)

People of any ethnic group including Jews who believe in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Some profess the Nicene Creed, some propose the Apostles' Creed, some propose sola scriptura.

Persons who follow Jesus as Messiah and are the continuation of the community described in Acts 11:26.

Gentiles who believe in Jesus Christ.

b'rit

Any of the biblically defined relationships between God and his people, unilateral or bilateral. Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism are highly regarded, but idiosyncratic, versions of this thinking. Covenant theology sees all Dispensations as expressions of a single relationship. Dispensationalist theology sees all Covenants as expressions of multiple, successive, relationships. Dual Covenant theology sees Jewish and Christian Covenants as parallel relationships with God. "B'rit" is a familiar term to adherents of British Israelism.

The biblical covenants, especially Sinai.

The biblical covenants, especially Sinai, upheld by the Messiah. The covenants are seen as a unity, imperfectly reflected by de-Judaizing the Church or by rejection of Yeshua by Jews. The covenants are described as an "Olive Tree" by which Gentiles can be grafted into the destiny of Israel

God-[...], historically used against the Jews, see also Responsibility for the death of Jesus. Considered Anti-Semitic by some Christians when applied to beliefs about Jewish actions against Jesus portrayed in the NT.

Considered Anti-Semitic when applied to beliefs about Jewish actions against Jesus portrayed in the NT.

Considered Anti-Semitic when applied to beliefs about Jewish actions against Yeshua portrayed in the NT.

People with a saving faith in Jesus Christ, either 1) individually elected to believe (classical Calvinism, Arminianism, Roman Catholicism) or 2) corporately elected by being in the body of believers (Pelagianism, Dispensationalism).

Unusual word for “Chosen.”

The decendents of Avraham through Yitz'chak to whom the everlasting theocratic covenents were made, including Avrahamic, Mosaic, Israeli, Davidic, and New (Jer 31:31)

A prerequisite for entering the Christian covenant (i.e. state of salvation). Cannot be produced without the Holy Spirit.

Not a prerequisite for entering the Mosaic or Noachide covenant, but a response to God. A reliance that God will do as He promised, which enables and encourages His faithful to do the same in return.

A prerequisite for entering the Christian covenant (i.e. state of salvation). Cannot be produced without the Holy Spirit.

Triune God: The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit in single essence. This is not a compound unity; each personal dimension is fully God. This is not modalism; God is always Father, Son, and Spirit. This is not tritheism; there is only One God and not two or three. God relates to His faithful as a distant Judge (Father), an ever present Love and Help (Son), and an invisible inspiration (Spirit) – but it is the same God being experienced .

One God: single Infinite Person who is a distant Judge, an ever present Love and Help, and an invisible inspiration – with the multiplicity of experiences being a reflection of mortal limitations, and not of God’s infinite nature. However, Jews do sometimes speak of this single God in different ways: Elohim (when thinking of judgment), the Divine Name (when thinking of mercy). Also, God is seen both in masculine ways (judgment) and feminine ways (shekinah, mercy).

Messianics range from an orthodox Christian conception of the Trinity, to a belief in a Compound God in three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit.

1) the Good News (Greek: Eu-angellion, good-message). Evangelism is bringing someone the Good News of Jesus. Acceptance or belief in the good news essential to becoming a Christian. 2) one of the four books in the New Testament about the life of Jesus. 3) Colloquially, something absolutely certain and trustworthy ("it's the gospel truth!").

1) one of the four books in the Christian Scriptures (i.e. New Testament) about Jesus. 2) Something a Christian is preaching.

1) the Good News (Greek: Eu-angellion, good-message). Evangelism is bringing someone the Good News of Yeshua. Acceptance or belief in the good news essential to becoming a Messianic. 2) one of the four books in the B'rit Chadassah about the life of Yeshua.

Unknown term. The Christian equivalent to the Jewish concept is the use of “GOD” or “LORD” when translating the Divine Name. Although sometimes accused of being a “Jewish superstition” (see articles on the American Standard Version and the New World Translation), the Christian practice is based on New Testament translation of the Divine Name in quotations of the Hebrew Bible as kyrios (Lord) or theos (God). The justification is that there are no other gods to distinguish God from, and use of the name is redundant.

Literally “The Name” as a substitute for the Divine Name when not in prayer. When in prayer, “Adonai” (my lord) is substituted. The practice is based on the commandment to “not take the name of the LORD in vain”. If the Divine Name is not used in general practice, it will not be taken in vain. Historically the use was reserved for the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. Tetragrammaton.

Sometimes used as with Jewish practice.

Generally an unused term, instead: Jewish Christians or Messianic Jews.

Members of a Christian group who may or may not be Jewish, but who use claims of Jewish identity as a means to convince Jews to convert to Christianity.

Christians who were born Jewish and do not worship in Judaic ways.

1) 3rd person of the Triune God, 2) the influence (spirit / wind) of God.

Term generally not used. (1) English translation for Ruach HaKodesh in the Tanakh. (2) Circumlocution for biblical terms Ruach Elohim (Spirit of God) and Ruach YHWH (Spirit of the LORD) in Talmud and Midrash.

Conceived as something distinct from God, associated with noise and light, and speaks in both a feminine and masculine voice. Dwells in generation in proportion to its worthiness. The books of the bible are the visible result of its activity. The gift of prophesy is a sign of its presence.

Ruach HaKodesh. 1) 3rd person of the Compound-Unity God (see Trinity), 2) the influence (spirit / wind) of God.

Generally used against Paganism or non-Abrahamic religions.

It is a matter of dispute among Jewish authorities whether Christianity is seen as being idolatrous for non-Jews, however, the Orthodox Jewish view is that it is considered avodah zarah (idolatry) for Jews, even if they self-identify as Christians or "Messianics".

Latinized and Anglicized transliteration of Koine Greek (elsewhere translated: Joshua). The Christian Messiah.

The Greco-Anglicized form of the name Yehoshua, or its shortened form Yeshua, claimed by Christians to be a deity. The Christian Messiah.

Yeshua. The Jewish Messiah.

Judaizers

Early Christians opposed by Paul, and modern Christians who try to pressure Gentile Christians to more fully observe Torah.

Christians who adopt some Jewish customs for missionary purposes or a slur against Jewish practice in general.

Commonly used in congregational prayer. When a disciple ask "Lord teach us to pray" - Jesus replied, "In this manner, therefore, pray:" . Also considered the Disciple's prayer, as Jesus was instructing how to pray

Understood as a Christian term, but similar to Jewish prayers.

Jewish Christians who believe in Jesus, whether or not they worship in Judaic ways.

Having to do with the Messiah.

Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus and worship in Judaic ways (this normally excludes Hebrew Christians such as Jews for Jesus).

Messianics / Christians

Members of a Christian group who may or may not be Jewish, but who use claims of Jewish identity as a means to convince Jews to convert to Christianity.

Messianics who are ethnically Jewish or who had converted to Judaism before believing in Jesus.

Not a Christian term. Closest equivalent could be "heaven."

The world to come. Speculations are that (with very few exceptions) "all Israel has a share in the world to come." Also, "the righteous of all nations have a share in the world to come."

Heaven.

The Holy Spirit

Rabbinical term, an advocate before court. Generally pronounced "prahk-LEET". Contrast with Satan (the Accuser).

Pentecost

The day the Holy Spirit descended on the Church.{{bibleverse

Acts|2}}; Catholic Encyclopedia: Pentecost

Greek term for Shavuot.

"...they have pierced my hands and my feet." NIV "...My hands and feet have shrivelled;" NRSV

"...like lions [they maul] my hands and feet." NJPS Translation dispute attributed to the Septuagint.

Christ's sacrifice and intercession for human salvation. Various theologies of redemption within Christian denominations.

A recurrent theme in the Hebrew Bible, especially in respect to land and liberty, underscoring the lasting dignity of individuals and families within the community of Israel. Hebrews could not be kept in debt slavery, nor could family land be sold (rather rented). Guaranteeing the inheritance of future generations. God will bring the ge'ulah through His messiah, which will redeem the Jewish People from exile and oppression. A go'el is the person who is the vehicle of ge'ulah.

Strong understanding of both metaphors.

The day of rest. 1) Sunday or the Lord's Day (for most Christians). 2) Sabbath in seventh-day churches, Friday sundown to Saturday sundown (for Seventh-day Adventists and some other Sabbatarians).

The day of rest. The Jewish Shabbat, Friday sundown until nightfall on Saturday.

The day of rest. The Jewish Shabbat, Friday sundown until nightfall on Saturday.

1) Redemption from the penalty of sin (hell). 2) Redemption from the bondage to sin (transformed life)

Not a commonly used term. Since Judaism lacks a concept of Original Sin, there is no use of the term for redemption from the bondage to sin. However, the term is sometimes used in reference to inheritance of the world to come.

1) Redemption from the penalty of sin (hell). 2) Redemption from the bondage to sin (transformed life)

1.King Saul (first king of Israel preceding King David)... 2.Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul). Christians will normally associate "Saul" with the king and not with Paul. Christians will not understand who "Sha'ul" is referring to.

Common name for many Jews. Name of the first king of Israel. Jews will not associate this name with Paul.

Theological powerhouse. Rabbinic scholar. Most prolific writer of the New Testament.

Generally unknown, except to students of the Council of Jerusalem, see also Biblical law in Christianity

Teachings of God applicable to all humanity.

See Arianism. The Jewish concept for this would fall under the category of idolatry and is therefore absolutely forbidden to Christians. "There is in the Divine Being but one indivisible essence." "The whole undivided essence of God belongs equally to each of the three persons."

Worship of deities other than God along with God. There are varying views amongst the rabbis as to whether this is considered idolatry for non-Jews. The dominant view is that it is not. However, the unanimous view is that constitutes idolatry for Jews, even if they self-identify as Christian or "Messianic".

Possible source for the “Compound Unity” terminology found in some Messianic descriptions of the Trinity.

Catholic term, rarely used elsewhere. The state of sinfulness that humankind are born into, making the human condition imperfect, prone to sin, and unworthy to be in the presence of a sinless God.

Not a Jewish term. Known as a Christian idea that people are born inherently with sin.

Rarely used term in modern Christianity. The state of sinfulness that humankind are born into, making the human condition imperfect, prone to sin, and unworthy to be in the presence of a sinless God. Messianics equate this with the Yetzer HaRa..

A biblical title of Jesus that expresses divinity.

A biblical phrase applied to angels or demigods (see Sons of God) or to the ideal King of Israel or to human beings in general. "Yet the term by no means carries the idea of physical descent from, and essential unity with, God the Father."

The New Covenant between God and Christianity supersedes the Mosaic Covenant between God and Israel.

Cultural imperialism

Latin term adopted for the two parts of the Christian Bible, attributed to Tertullian but some propose Marcion

Christian term

Brit/Covenant

One God in three Hypostases. Not a partnership or compound unity. Each “person” (the common, but inaccurate, English term) is fully God.

The Christian belief that God is composed of three parts. See Shituf.

Compound unity; God-class of three persons; God-family of three persons.

Metaphor for Jesus in {{bibleverse

John|15:1-17}}.

Metaphor for Israel in the Jewish Bible.

Good and evil deeds, performance of Christian religious rituals, or observance of Jewish Torah. Major source of division between Catholics and Protestants regarding salvation: Catholics teach Faith and Works, see Epistle of James and The Sheep and the Goats, while Protestants teach Faith Alone. See also Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, Legalism (theology), Covenantal nomism.

Understood according to Christian usage. Performing mitzvot, or God's commandments, are encouraged to be an expression of an existing relationship and Covenant with God, and not an attempt to obtain one.

A response of faith, to please God. Not a pre-requisite to salvation (being in the covenant).

Unknown term.

Literally “Evil Inclination.” A part of human nature, which is most commonly understood as a tendency to commit wrongful acts. It is not viewed as a state of being, but as one of two competing tendencies (good and bad). Understood as the animal nature, responsible for desires to eat, procreate, etc. There would be no earthly survival without it, and though Jews are encouraged to rise above it, they are not encouraged to eliminate it. Instead, when a child comes of age (13 for boys and 12 for girls) he is considered to have added the “Yetzer HaTov”; literally “Good Inclination.” As the Yetzer HaRa is responsible for personal survival, the Yetzer HaTov is responsible for helping others to survive. Without the Yetzer HaRa, there would be no [...] and no children. Without the Yetzer HaTov there would be no feeding and nurturing of children. Both are essential (and when in harmony, good) aspects of humanity. It cannot be equated with the Christian concept of Original Sin (which has no good aspects). Further, although Original Sin condemns a person to hell without salvation, the Yetzer HaRa does not. The Jew does not need to be saved from his humanity, but instead needs to “grow up” in it.

Original Sin.