Welcome to the iChristians FAQ, where we answer the most common questions about our Messianic Jewish beliefs, our understanding of Jesus (Yeshua), the relevance of the Torah, and the foundations of faith and salvation. Whether you’re exploring Messianic faith for the first time or seeking clarity as a believer, you’ll find answers here that reflect our mission and convictions.
I. About iChristians.org and Our Mission
Q: What does “iChristians” stand for?
A: The name “iChristians” reflects a modern faith rooted in ancient truth. The “i” stands for both “Internet,” representing our mission to reach a global online audience, and “Israel,” honoring the Hebraic foundations of our belief in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah. We are digital disciples with a deep respect for the Jewish roots of our faith.
Q: Who runs this website?
A: iChristians.org is led by believers in Yeshua (Jesus) who embrace a Messianic Jewish understanding of Scripture. Our team includes teachers, writers, and followers dedicated to sharing the Good News from a Hebraic perspective.
Q: Are you affiliated with any denomination?
A: No, we are not affiliated with any denomination. iChristians.org is an independent Messianic ministry that seeks to unite both Jewish and Gentile believers under the banner of Messiah Yeshua. While we operate independently, we are inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Greg Hershberg of Beth Yeshua International.
Q: What is the mission of iChristians.org?
A: Our mission is to help people know Yeshua the Messiah through the lens of Scripture and the foundations of the Hebrew faith. We provide teachings, resources, and community grounded in both the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the Brit Chadashah (New Testament).
Q: Are you part of a larger Messianic movement?
A: While we support many within the broader Messianic movement, iChristians.org operates independently to serve both curious seekers and committed believers around the world.
II. What Is Messianic Judaism?
Q: What is Messianic Judaism?
A: Messianic Judaism is a faith movement of Jewish and non-Jewish believers who accept Yeshua (Jesus) as the promised Messiah and Savior. We honor both the Torah and the teachings of the New Covenant.
Q: How is Messianic Judaism different from Christianity?
A: Messianic Judaism retains Jewish traditions, feasts, and biblical observances, while affirming the divinity and messiahship of Yeshua. We embrace the whole Bible — from Genesis to Revelation — through a Jewish lens. Thus, Jew and Gentile One in Messiah.
Q: How is Messianic Judaism different from Rabbinic Judaism?
A: While Rabbinic Judaism does not recognize Yeshua as the Messiah, Messianic Judaism believes He is the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. We follow Scripture as our authority rather than rabbinic oral law.
Q: Do Messianic Jews believe Jesus is God?
A: Yes. We believe Yeshua/Jesus is the divine Son of God, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), who came to redeem Israel and all nations.
Q: Are Messianic Jews really Jewish?
A: Yes. Many Messianic Jews are ethnically Jewish and practice biblical Judaism, believing Yeshua is the promised Jewish Messiah. Faith in Yeshua does not cancel Jewish identity — it fulfills it. In Him, Jew and Gentile are One in Messiah.
III. iChristians FAQ Beliefs About Yeshua and the Bible
Q: Why do you call Jesus “Yeshua”?
A: “Yeshua” is the original Hebrew name of Jesus, meaning “YHWH is salvation.” We use His Hebrew name to honor His Jewish identity and to reconnect with the faith and culture of the first-century believers.
Q: What does Yeshua mean?
A: “Yeshua” is a Hebrew name derived from the verb yasha (יָשַׁע), meaning “to save” or “savior.” It is the Aramaic/Hebrew name for Jesus, commonly used among Jews during the Second Temple period, and it translates directly to “Joshua.”
Q: Do you believe in the New Testament?
A: Yes. We believe the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) is the inspired Word of God and the continuation of His covenant promises through Yeshua the Messiah. It does not replace the Torah but fulfills it.
Q: Which Bible do you use?
A: We use both the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the Brit Chadashah (New Testament), often through Messianic or Complete Jewish Bible translations. These preserve the Hebrew names and cultural context of Scripture.
Q: What is the role of prophecy in your beliefs?
A: Prophecy plays a central role in our faith. We believe that Yeshua fulfilled many Messianic prophecies and will fulfill others in His return, as foretold in both the Tanakh and the Brit Chadashah.
IV. iChristians FAQ about Torah, Law, and Grace
Q: Do Messianic Jews follow the Torah?
A: Yes, we honor the Torah as God’s instruction for life and holiness. While salvation comes by grace through faith in Yeshua, the Torah still guides us in living out our covenant relationship with Him.
Q: Do you believe in grace or in keeping the Law?
A: We believe in both. Salvation is by grace alone, not by works, but obedience to God’s commandments is an expression of love and faith. Torah and grace are not in conflict — they work together in the life of a believer.
Q: Is circumcision required in Messianic Judaism?
A: No. Physical circumcision is a sign of the Abrahamic covenant, but it is not required for salvation. What matters most is the circumcision of the heart through faith in Yeshua.
Q: What’s your view on kosher laws?
A: Many Messianic believers choose to follow the biblical dietary instructions found in Leviticus 11. While we do not consider kosher observance a requirement for salvation, it is one way we honor God’s design for healthy and holy living.
V. Sabbaths, Feasts, and Celebrations
Q: Do you observe the Sabbath on Saturday?
A: Yes. We honor the biblical Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening, just as it was observed in Scripture. It’s a day of rest, worship, and reconnecting with our Creator — a gift for both Jew and Gentile, one in Messiah.
Q: What holidays do Messianic Jews celebrate?
A: Messianic believers celebrate the biblical feasts outlined in Leviticus 23, such as Passover, Shavuot (Pentecost), Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. These appointed times reveal prophetic truths about the Messiah and help us walk in rhythm with God’s calendar.
Q: Do you celebrate Passover instead of Easter?
A: Yes. We commemorate Passover as the time when Yeshua, our Passover Lamb, gave His life for our redemption. While many believers observe Easter, we focus on the biblical context of Yeshua’s death and resurrection during the Passover season.
Q: What do you believe about Christmas?
A: We respect the desire to celebrate Yeshua’s birth, but we do not observe Christmas as it is traditionally practiced. The December 25th celebration was formalized under Emperor Constantine during the 4th century as part of an effort to unify his empire’s diverse religions. In doing so, elements of sun god worship and winter solstice festivals were blended with Christian tradition. Instead, we reflect on the birth of the Messiah during Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), which many believe better reflects the biblical timing and significance of His coming.
VI. iChristians FAQ about Salvation, Baptism, and Faith
Q: How can someone be saved?
A: Salvation comes through faith in Yeshua the Messiah, who gave His life as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. It is a gift of grace from God, not earned by works, and is available to both Jew and Gentile — One in Messiah.
Q: Is baptism required?
A: Baptism does not save us — salvation comes through faith in Yeshua alone. However, Yeshua commanded all believers, both Jew and Gentile, to be immersed as a public declaration of faith and obedience. We also honor the tradition of mikvah, a form of ceremonial immersion deeply rooted in Jewish practice, as a meaningful symbol of spiritual cleansing and new life in Messiah.
Q: What is the role of faith in your belief?
A: Faith is central to our walk with God. Just as Abraham was counted righteous because of his faith, we are made right with God through belief in Yeshua — the promised Redeemer and fulfillment of the covenants.
VII. Community and Inclusion
Q: Can Gentiles be part of Messianic Judaism?
A: Absolutely. Messianic Judaism is open to all who place their faith in Yeshua, the promised Messiah of Israel. In Him, Jew and Gentile are One in Messiah, united by grace, not by ethnicity or tradition.
Q: Do you have online gatherings?
A: While iChristians.org is currently primarily a resource and teaching platform, we are working toward building online fellowship opportunities. In the meantime, we take advantage of Internet streaming services such as the Beth Yeshua International Livestream. We believe in creating community that reflects the unity and diversity of the body of Messiah.
Q: How can I join or participate?
A: You can participate by reading our articles, sharing your questions, and staying connected through updates and future events. Whether you are Jewish or Gentile, if your heart seeks Yeshua and truth rooted in Scripture, you’re welcome here.
Q: Do you require membership?
A: No. We are not a formal congregation and do not require membership to access content or participate. Our goal is to serve as a spiritual resource for anyone seeking a deeper walk with the God of Israel through Messiah Yeshua.