Karaite Judaism and the New Testament (NT) present fundamentally different understandings of salvation, rooted in divergent theological frameworks: one based strictly on the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) without rabbinic interpretation, and the other centered on faith in Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah.
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Karaite Judaism on Salvation
Karaite Jews reject the Oral Torah (Talmud and rabbinic traditions) and follow only the written Tanakh. Their view of salvation is based on a direct relationship with God through Torah observance.
Key Points in Karaite View:
1. Obedience to the Torah – Salvation comes through keeping God’s commandments as laid out in the written Law of Moses (Torah).
2. Repentance (Teshuvah) – If a person sins, sincere repentance, prayer, and returning to God's commandments restores favor with God (e.g., Ezekiel 18:21–23).
3. No Need for a Mediator – Each individual is directly responsible to God. There's no concept of needing a savior or mediator like in Christianity.
4. Judgment According to Deeds – God judges each person based on their actions, not belief systems (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Example Verses Cited by Karaites:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 – Choose life by loving God and keeping His commandments.
Ezekiel 18 – The righteous will live because of their righteousness; the wicked must turn from their ways to live.
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New Testament View of Salvation
The NT teaches that salvation is not earned by works, but is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Key Points in NT View:
1. Faith in Jesus as Messiah – Believing in Jesus’ death and resurrection is the core requirement for salvation (John 3:16; Romans 10:9).
2. Grace Over Works – Salvation is by grace through faith, not by keeping the Law (Ephesians 2:8–9).
3. Jesus as Mediator – Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6); His sacrifice atones for sin.
4. Spiritual Renewal – Salvation brings the Holy Spirit and leads to transformation, not just legal obedience.
Example Verses:
John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world..."
Romans 3:23-24 – "All have sinned... and are justified freely by His grace..."
Ephesians 2:8-9 – "By grace you have been saved through faith..."
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Comparison Summary
Topic Karaite Judaism New Testament
Basis for Salvation Obedience to the Torah Faith in Jesus as Savior
Role of Messiah Messiah may come but is not central to salvation Jesus is essential for salvation
Mediator Needed? No – direct relationship with God Yes – Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity
View of the Law Eternal and binding Fulfilled in Christ; not the basis for salvation
Repentance Sincere repentance restores favor with God Included, but full salvation is through faith in Jesus
Judgment Criteria Righteous deeds and Torah observance Faith in Jesus, evidenced by fruit of the Spirit
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