K: So the priests and the rabbis around here in my youth always said.
That's really stretching it. I am sure no self-respecting Jew would say Christianity is just a different perception of the same underlying reality.
My gut says yes, they are saved by observance of the Old Covenant which cannot be "apart from Christ" since "In the beginning [sic] was the Word..." but I don't know; way, way above my pay grade, my friend.
Well, they leave out the Christ, Kolo. The NT really doesn't leave that option.
They are God's Chosen People; they were called that long before Christ arrived. I kinda agree with Kolo. I don't believe that God has withdrawn His covenant from the Jewish Nation.
“That’s really stretching it.”
You think so, Kosta mou? The underlying reality of the liturgy and the temple ceremonies was the worship of God. That’s the same and the manner in which it is done, even the way the priests dress to some extent, bear similarities so far as we know.
“I am sure no self-respecting Jew would say Christianity is just a different perception of the same underlying reality.”
I agree. And no Orthodox Christian would say that Judaism is just a different perception of the same underlying reality as Christianity. I did not understand Theo to be saying that.
“Well, they leave out the Christ, Kolo.”
Indeed they do. Maybe Christ doesn’t leave them out.
“The NT really doesn’t leave that option.”
John 3:8. Like I said, above my pay grade.