Discussion Board Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussion Board - Essay Example Furthermore, the Jews believed that God was able to reverse the effects of sin and completely reverse consummate the reconciliation with the humankind. These views are consistent with mine, for I believe it is only God who has the powers and ability to reconcile us with Himself after we fall short of His will. Several changes occurred in the Jewish view on God and the world during this time. Foremost, there was an intensified and revitalized given the events of 6th Century BC when the Jewish nation suffered a series of exiles. The Jewish people also suffered the effects of Hellenism at this period, and the Greek beliefs affected their basic understanding and belief in diminution of anthromorphism (Gee 1995). Although the Old Testament of the Hebrews acknowledges the concept of immortality, the period of intertestamental shift made the Jews lay more focus and emphases on immortality of the soul. In addition, there was a shift from the isolated lifestyle the Jews had lived for the whol e time. They became more open and interactive with other communities, thanks to the effects of Hellenism. The period also marked a change of the Jews’ view of God from His imminence to His transcendence. They refrained from using the name of God in all their undertakings as had been the custom before the Intertestamental Period. ... They called him the Judge, meaning he would deliver justice and fairness to the Jewish nation against oppressing Gentile nations. Another title was the Deliverer, for whom they waited to deliver them forever from Gentile rule. Shepherd mean they were waiting for one who would guide them with love for all and protect them from their enemies. They also referred to him as the Stone, their strength upon which the Jewish nation would be built, not to be shaken by anyone (Carson, Douglas and Julius 2001). Other titles included Elect and The Chosen One, the Righteous or Just One, Son of God or Son of David and Elijah. To a nonbeliever and a new convert, the best title to describe Jesus would be the Righteous or Just One. According to the scriptures, Jesus preached and lived righteousness. There is no single instance in the scriptures the scriptures that reveal an act of unrighteousness in the life of Jesus. He helped the poor and the despised of his time get recognition in the society. He d elivered just judgments to those who were viewed too evil. According to the Jews, Gentiles were considered sojourner in their lands, strangers who had little or no knowledge of God (Carson, Douglas and Julius 2001). Jews viewed the Gentiles as evil people who were not worth associating with (Gee 1995). However, they stood a chance of being in good connections with the creator if they converted to Judaism. God-fearers referred to the class of Gentiles who sympathized with the beliefs of Judaism during the Second Temple Period. Whereas the God-fearers were not bound by any rules to follow Noahide Laws nor adhere to the rules of Jews, procelytes had the obligation to live by these customs and laws (Gee 1995). Procelytes could either be Gentiles converted into Judaism or