Is being a Jewish, lineage or religion?

sermonindex Jan 21, 2009

Talking to a co worker the other day, he is convinced that a person is Jewish if they are following the religion. I understood it to be a ethnic people...the blood line. Dictionaries state that it is both; but if I being a gentile and decided to convert to Judaism does that makes me Jewish? Thought I would have to track my family back to Abraham.

Not a big issue, but wondered if anything was backed up in scripture.

:-)

TaylorOtwell Jan 21, 2009

Honestly, I think you will find instances in the Scriptures of both.

Paul talks about the Pharisees as Jews, even though they rejected in true Judaism, which was fulfilled in the Messiah.

At the same time, Paul sees those who have faith as "true Israel", and warns that not everyone who is born into Israel is "of Israel". Also, our Lord said that Nathanael was an "Israelite indeed".

With care in Christ,
Taylor

sermonindex Jan 21, 2009

thanks, that helps.

:-)

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