Summary Lesson 7: “The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel”

AS VIEWED BY JUDAISM, FAITH (AND WORKS): “Belief in God’s existence . . . is taken for granted and is the basis of the Bible. The biblical word emunah (and its other forms) which is often translated as ‘belief’ means ‘trust’ or ‘confidence,’ which is something quite different. “Judaism insists on belief, faith and good deeds (which are also called mitzvot); but by themselves they are not enough.” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
REPENTANCE AND DAY OF ATONEMENT: “Repentance consists of several stages–firstly the sinner must reflect on his actions and realize that he has indeed done the wrong thing. He must then make up his mind never to do it again, and confess his sin. On this basis . . . confessions . . . were introduced into the prayers for the Day of Atonement which is a special occasion for repentance and forgiveness. However . . . his repentance is still not final until he has been exposed to the same temptation and withstood it. Of course he should not deliberately put himself on that spot again.” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

IMMERSION, PART OF CONVERSION: “If the candidate . . . affirms sincerely that he is ready to ‘accept the yoke of the commandments,’ he or she must undergo a period of instruction in Judaism, in its laws and practices. After thorough study, when he understands the mitzvot and is ready to begin his life as a Jew, the candidate is ready for the rituals of conversion. For both males and females the bet din oversees their immersion in a ritual bath (mikveh).” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
HOLY SPIRIT: “Ruah ha-Kodesh [holy spirit] is often used as a synonym for prophecy. However, according to some rabbis, unlike prophecy, there are some types of ruah ha-kodesh which also can be attained by doing good deeds.” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) The possession of the “Holy Spirit” has been used to describe various righteous teachers and sages. “. . . Luria . . . possessed the holy spirit. “Phinehas is known to have traveled to redeem captives . . . he constructed the famous ‘ladder of saintliness’ in which Caution (against evil) leads through Eagerness (for good), Cleanliness, Purity, Asceticism, Holiness, Humility, Fear of God, Attainment of the Holy Spirit (divine inspiration), ultimately to the Resurrection of the Dead.” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)