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Salvation by hope in a future Messiah?
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Salvation by hope in a future Messiah?
The noble Christian religion claims that, prior to Jesus (peace be upon him) arrival, Hebrew believers achieved “salvation” by means of their hope in the future coming of a supreme Messiah. In other words, Christian theology states that, each Jewish generation had awaited the coming of a Messiah who would bring them complete and everlasting deliverance.
In fact, the gospel depicts the Pharisees (the Jewish religious leaders of their time) sending priests and Levites to John the Baptist. Why? In order to ask this new prophet whether he was the long awaited Messiah (John 1: 19-25). But, if this Christian claim is in fact correct, how come we never find the Hebrew Scripture showing former generations leaders asking any of the great prophets (Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Elijah, Micah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, etc) whether they were the expected Messiah?
Is it true that Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth, peace be upon him) was God’s pascal lamb?
The holy gospels claim that salvation is through faith in Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth, peace and blessings be upon him). As it is written: “And they said, BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED, and thy house”- Acts 16: 13 (King James Bible). And also elsewhere: “Knowing that A MAN IS NOT JUSTIFIED BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, BUT BY THE FAITH OF JESUS Christ”- Galatians 2: 16 (King James Bible).
And how does the gospel justifies salvation by faith in Yeshua? It does so by claiming Yeshua was God’s pascal lamb; the one who would die in our place [so we could be saved from death]. As it is written: “Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as indeed you are. FOR CHRIST OUR PASSOVER LAMB HAS BEEN SACRIFICED”- 1 Corinthians 5: 7.
At first glance, this sort of “theological extrapolation” seems to make perfect sense. In fact, it even seems to be inspiring, and uplifting. The problem is that, upon further examination, we find it to be little more than “wishful thinking”. Why? Simply because the pascal lamb wasn’t intended to save all Jews from death (in fact, it could only save the family’s firstborn! ). In addition, the firstborn child didn’t even have to understand (let alone believe in) the sacrifice being performed.
In other words, as long as the father would perform the sacrifice commanded by the Law, the firstborn was safe. So, the effectiveness of the Passover sacrifice didn’t depend on the recipient’s faith, but rather on his parents obedience to what the Law had commanded; something dismissed by the Christians, whom argue that salvation isn’t the product of doing what the Law commands. As it is written: “… FOR IF RIGHTEOUSNESS COMES THROUGH [OBEDIENCE TO] THE LAW, THEN CHRIST DIED FOR NOTHING”- Galatians 2: 21
In short, the Hebrew Scripture lends no support to the Christian claim that salvation of the Hebrew people can only be obtained thru faith in Yeshua’s [alleged] atoning sacrifice. Still, the Nazarene religion is a valid means for the non Hebrew people to worship the Creator, and perform the works of righteousness that please Him.
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Christianity is a great religion; but Christian dogma is often found to be just loud theological fanfare
The theological claims made by the noble Christian religion seem to be as huge [and absolute] as powerful mountains. Yet, upon deeper examination of Hebrew Scriptures, we often find that “the powerful mountain of claims” actually hangs from evidence that is as small [and weak] as “a hair strand”.
Thus, although Christianity is indeed a noble and valid religion, it's theological claims are mostly based on hyped generalizations, bold speculation, daring conjectures, and good old boasting. And, though it might seem crazy, it all makes perfect sense.
Why? Simply because most of the New testament's theology was written by Paul, a man who [though good and noble] suffered from such a mental unbalance that he calls himself " a fool" three times within a single New testament chapter. As is written:
" I say again, let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me... Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly) I am bold also... Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more... " - 2 Corinthians 11: 16, 22, & 23- KJV.
Not only that, but Paul even confesses to being tormented by “a messenger of Satan” (a demon! ). As is written:
“Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me... ”- 2 Corinthians 12: 7, Christian Standard Bible.
In short, though Christianity is a perfectly valid path to come closer to the Creator, we would humbly advice caution when placing any sort of blind faith upon the words of any person [let alone a major religious figure] who openly admits to being tormented by a demon [as you can never know for sure who is speaking thru his body- the person himself, or the demon who is tormenting him! ]
The relative value of ideas, and why some theological interpretations are much better than others
Ideas have an intrinsic value. And in such regard it can be properly said that some ideas are better than others. Why? because the latter have a greater potential to generate goodness.
For example, the Christian dogma of Jesus being the coming Messiah is indeed a good idea. Why? Because it brings unto the Christian believer a dear hope for a better future. But the former concept has a serious limitation-- that, as Jesus [allegedly] is the only Messiah [and therefore he is the only one capable of solving the grave problems afflicting our World], it stands to reason that until Jesus returns again [something that might still take a while] we will have no other option but to endure a hopelessly deteriorating [and thereby ever depressing] World.
Thus, a much better idea than a single returning Messiah would be the idea of many Messiahs being constantly available to each generation. And the following ancient tale may help us drive home our point:
It happened during the Middle ages that a certain European monastery used to house a large number of monks. Most of the latter came from different countries; so, they had a serious problem getting along with one another. The abbot (or headmaster) of the Monastery had tried for a while to bring peace unto their midst, but to no avail.
One day, out of desperation the abbot decided to go into the countryside, in order sit in prayer at the top of a nearby hill. Upon arriving unto the hill, the abbot found a Hebrew sage reciting his daily prayers. Out of pure curiosity, the abbot asked the latter for some advice as to how to deal with monks constant quarrels.
And the answer given by the sage was the following: “I don't really know how to bring peace unto your community, but one thing I know for sure- that one among you is the Messiah! ”. Greatly excited, the abbot went back to his monastery and, after assembling the monks [at the end of the day], informed them of the good news.
After hearing what he had to say, each monk went back silently to his respective cell. But when the next day arrived, a miracle began to happen: Each time a monk would get angry with his fellow monk, he would restrain his anger saying to himself: “How can I mistreat my fellow monk? What would happen to me if I offend him, and later find that he is the Messiah? ”.
It goes without saying that, the idea that each of the monks could be the Messiah was powerful enough to bring the peace that the community so desperately needed.
In short, the idea of a single coming Messiah is indeed a good one. But the idea of any righteous man being capable of becoming the appointed Messiah for his generation is an even better idea (can you imagine how much better could our World be if each parent were to raise his kids as if they were to be their generation's Messiah?? ).
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The body is something that, by it's very nature, is limited in extension [and therefore finite]... but the God who created time, space, matter, and dimensions is not only unlimited, but also infinite. So, if you " can see it" [and can therefore scope the whole of it], then it isn't really God, but rather someone [or something] acting as His messenger... A limited shadow of the unlimited God.
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