By David Nekrutman, September 30, 2026

*The Two-Stage Timeline: Christian theology views the redemption not as ignoring Torah, but unfolding across a First and Second Coming.

*Ceremonial vs. Moral: In that view, the sacrificial and temple rites are seen as blueprints whose ultimate purpose was realized in Jesus’s death and resurrection (as argued in the Book of Hebrews), while the moral law (justice, kindness, ethics) remains fully alive. The cosmic realization of universal peace, resurrection of the dead and other major end of days milestones, are reserved for the second stage.

To my fellow Jews, it’s understandable why that distinction doesn’t align with our normative framework. We’ve always seen the mitzvot (commandments) as concrete, day-to-day covenantal obligations given for all generations, not as temporary shadows waiting to be retired.

At the same time, when we talk with our Christian neighbors, it’s worth being honest about the depth within our own rabbinic tradition. While Judaism certainly doesn’t teach that the commandments are obsolete today, our classical texts “do” grapple with the radical nature of the ultimate redemption:

* Mitzvot in the World to Come: The Talmud actually preserves the provocative statement, “Mitzvot will be nullified in the future to come”* (Niddah 61b; see also Shabbat 151b regarding the resurrection).