There’s a growing interest in rediscovering the roots of the Christian faith and understanding its connection to the Jewish heritage. Both Jennifer Bagnaschi and Rabbi Kirt Schneider emphasize how vital it is for Christians to explore and embrace the Torah—not just as an ancient set of laws, but as a living guide that is deeply relevant to believers today.
The Torah: More Than Old Laws
The Torah, often seen as a collection of laws from ancient Israel, is often misunderstood or sidelined in modern Christian circles. However, Rabbi Kirt Schneider passionately shares that the Torah is not merely a historical relic. It is a foundational text that reveals the heart of God and His covenant with His people. Through the Torah, we learn God’s character, His holiness and His deep love for humanity.
While the ceremonial aspects of the Torah may no longer be practiced, the underlying principles—justice, mercy, holiness and obedience—remain essential for Christians. The Torah was never meant to be discarded; rather, it should be seen as a key to understanding the fullness of God’s plan through Jesus Christ.
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Jesus and the Torah: The Perfect Fulfillment
Schneider and Bagnaschi highlight a critical point—Jesus did not abolish the Torah; He came to fulfill it. In the Gospels, we see Jesus affirming the relevance of the Torah while deepening its meaning. His teachings often echoed the principles found in the Torah, but He also showed how they point directly to Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises.
For example, Jesus’ sermon on the Mount brought out the deeper spiritual meaning behind the Torah’s laws, showing how they reveal the heart of God’s righteousness. He magnified the Torah’s call to holiness, teaching that it’s not just about external actions, but the condition of the heart.
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Living the Torah Today
For Christians today, embracing the Torah means engaging with it as a spiritual roadmap. Rabbi Schneider emphasizes that the Torah isn’t just a set of regulations; it’s a guide to a relationship with God. Living according to its principles allows believers to align themselves with God’s will and experience a deeper intimacy with Him. It calls Christians to live lives of holiness, service and justice while reflecting God’s light to the world.
Many believers are rediscovering the richness of the Torah in their daily lives, finding that its commandments serve as a framework for living a life pleasing to God. By embracing the Torah’s wisdom, Christians can develop a deeper understanding of the New Testament, as the entire Bible points to Christ and is interconnected.
A Call to Rediscover the Jewish Roots of Our Faith
Rabbi Schneider and Jennifer Bagnaschi agree that understanding the Torah is essential for fully grasping the Christian faith. It’s a return to the ancient paths, where Jesus walked, taught, and fulfilled prophecy. This rediscovery offers a fuller picture of God’s covenantal promises and their fulfillment in Christ.
As Christians embrace the Torah’s principles and incorporate them into their lives, they grow in their understanding of God’s eternal purpose and deepen their relationship with Jesus. The Torah, though ancient, holds timeless truths that are just as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
