Presenting need for a savior to Judaism adherent
(From MJ 2/01) A Christian
believes in the original sin of every human.
The Orthodox Jew does not. A
Christian witness can ask about feeling of guilt or the evil that occurs
in the world. The
conversation can be directed in this direction to create a handle of why
all people need a Savior. Valleskey
points out that “where there is no repentance and trust in a Savior,
there is no salvation, but only condemnation” (v 40).
Repentance is key in Judaism and the Christian can then comment on
Jesus as the Savior. There
are difficulties that arise in talking to someone who believes that the
world is “good.” Sin has corrupted people so thoroughly that a Savior had to
fulfill and overcome the law in order to be the Savior of the World.
A Savior who would be crucified under the law and taking sin upon
himself to then rise again, fulfilling the law for all peoples.