The Biblical Foundations of Christian Identity: Why Christians Are Not Considered Jewish

Many people often wonder why Christians, who have their roots in Judaism, are not considered Jewish themselves. This question delves into the complex relationship between two branches of the Abrahamic faith that share a common heritage but have distinct theological and spiritual identities. In this article, we explore the biblical foundations of Christian identity, particularly as they relate to the New Covenant and the broadened spiritual inclusivity of Christianity.

Covenant and Fulfillment: The Breakthrough of the New Covenant

Jeffrey St. Gilmore, an expert in religious studies, asserts that Christianity is rooted in Judaism but is a distinct faith that fulfills rather than continues the Old Covenant of God with the Jewish people. The Old Covenant was made with the Jewish people, but the New Covenant introduced by Christ brings salvation to all nations. This transformation is monumental and marks a significant transition in the spiritual journey of believers.

St. Irenaeus of Lyons, a prominent early church father, wrote in his Against Heresies that Christ did not come to destroy the Law but to fulfill it. His teachings indicate that through Christ's death and resurrection, a new era of spiritual revelation was inaugurated, making the New Covenant open to all individuals, regardless of their ethnic background. This fulfillment invites non-Jewish people, or Gentiles, into the realm of spiritual blessings, as expressed in scripture:

"And you, who were once far off in the exterior realm of Gentiles, God has now brought near by the blood of Christ. So God has made a new people in which Jews and Gentiles share together in the divine promise... The Christian is not a Jew, neither where he is born politically, but where he is born spiritually, in him who is the true Israel and the fulfillment of all promises." - Theodore C. M. Merriam, Biblical Foundations of Christian Identity

The New Israel: The Church Inheriting Divine Promises

One of the key teachings of the Coptic Orthodox Church is that the Church is the 'New Israel,' inheriting the spiritual promises of God's covenant with Abraham. Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty, a prominent priest and theologian, explains that the Church fulfills God's plan for humanity, extending His blessings to all nations. This perspective emphasizes the spiritual continuity and transformation that takes place through Christ.

In Fr. Malaty's Introduction to the Coptic Orthodox Church, he writes, 'In Christ, the shadows of the Law have passed and the truth has been revealed.' This statement underscores the idea that while the Old Covenant provided the framework and symbolism for the Law, it was surpassed by the True and Revealed Truth in Christ. This truth is accessible and applicable to all people, making the Christian faith a universal religion.

Messianic Jews and the Fulfillment of Prophecy

Messianic Jews, those who believe in Jesus and are somewhat aligned with both Jewish and Christian practices, are recognized within the broader framework of the Christian community. However, they are not considered Jewish in the traditional sense, as their beliefs and practices differ in significant ways. Nonetheless, they do share a common heritage and a deep respect for the prophetic traditions of Judaism.

The concept of being 'grafted into the family' is a key theological term used to describe the new identity of Christian believers. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:19-22, 'So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.' This passage illustrates the deep spiritual connection that Christians have with God and the broader family of believers, regardless of their ethnic background.

Theological Debates and Transformative Events

Theological discussions often revolve around the role of Christ in the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the transformation of the spiritual landscape. For example, St. Athanasius, an early church theologian, noted that 'In Christ, the shadows of the Law have passed, and the truth has been revealed.' This statement encapsulates the idea that Christ brought about a new era of understanding and spiritual fulfillment that extends beyond the boundaries of traditional Jewish identity.

In summary, while Christians share a deep spiritual heritage with Judaism and many form a Messianic community, Christians are not considered Jewish because they belong to a distinct faith that fulfills rather than continues the Old Covenant. Instead, Christians are seen as grafted into a new family of believers, a new Israel that extends God’s blessings to all nations.

Reference:

Athanasius (1996) - On the Incarnation. Crestwood NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. Cyril of Alexandria (2015) - Commentary on Luke. Yonkers NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. Irenaeus of Lyons (1997) - Against Heresies. Yonkers NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. Malaty, T. Y. (1993) - Introduction to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Alexandria: St. George Coptic Orthodox Church.