בית אור החיים
קהילה משיחית
BEIT OR HA'CHAIM
MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATION VIENNA
OUR FAITH
Messianic Jewish Faith – Torah, Yeshua and Israel
Beit Or Ha’Chaim is a Messianic Jewish congregation in Vienna. Our faith is founded on the God of Israel and the Holy Scriptures—the Torah, the Prophets, and the Brit Chadasha (New Testament). We believe in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) as the promised Messiah of Israel and the Son of God.
We understand the Torah, the Prophets, and the Brit Chadasha as interconnected parts of the Holy Scriptures. For us, the Torah is God’s instruction and, together with the Prophets, forms the biblical foundation within which we also understand the Brit Chadasha.
We believe in the continuing election of Israel and that God’s covenant and His promises to Israel have not been abolished. Therefore, we engage deeply with Israel, the Jewish context of the Bible, and the Jewish roots of the faith.
We observe Shabbat on the seventh day and study and celebrate the biblical feasts, including Passover (Pesach), Chag HaMatzot, Shavuot, Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.
The Holy Scriptures are our standard for faith and life. Therefore, we examine both Christian and Jewish traditions in the light of the Bible. Human traditions do not stand above the Word of God.
“But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.”
Acts 24:14
YESHUA HAMASHIACH –
THE MESSIAH OF ISRAEL
We believe that Yeshua of Nazareth is the promised Messiah of Israel and the Son of God. His coming is connected with the promises that God gave to Israel through the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. Through him, God also opens the way to His salvation for people from the nations.
For us, Yeshua is not the founder of a religion separated from Israel. He was born a Jew, lived among his people Israel, and taught within a Jewish and biblical context. We understand his life, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection within the context of God’s plan of redemption and the promises of the Holy Scriptures.
We believe that through Yeshua, God grants reconciliation, forgiveness, and new life. Salvation is not something that people can earn through their own works or religious merit, but is based on the grace of God and His work through the Messiah.
For us, faith in Yeshua does not mean turning away from the Torah or from the Jewish roots of the faith. Yeshua himself said that he did not come to abolish the Torah and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. Therefore, in our community in Vienna, we seek to understand his teaching within the context of the whole of Scripture and to follow him in faith, love, holiness, and obedience to God.
We believe in the one God, the Father, and in Yeshua HaMashiach, His Son, the Messiah and Lord sent by Him. In this, we follow the wording of the Brit Chadasha:
“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.”
1 Corinthians 8:6
SALVATION AND GRACE
We believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace. No one can earn it through their own works, religious achievements, or personal merit. God grants forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life through Yeshua HaMashiach, the Messiah.
No one is made righteous before God through ancestry, knowledge, outward piety, or religious discipline. Every person is dependent on God’s mercy and forgiveness. Therefore, for us, Yeshua is not merely an addition to a religious life, but stands at the center of God’s way of salvation.
God’s grace, however, does not remove the call to repentance, holiness, and obedience. Genuine faith should be visible in the way we live. Good works are not the basis of salvation, but the fruit of a living faith and a life turned toward God.
Therefore, we reject both religious self-righteousness and an understanding of grace in which repentance and a transformed life no longer matter. God’s grace is undeserved, holy, and life-changing.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves—it is the gift of God; not by works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8–9
THE TORAH – GOD’S INSTRUCTION
The Torah forms the foundation of our faith and our understanding of the Holy Scriptures in our Messianic Jewish congregation in Vienna. We do not regard it as outdated, but as God’s living instruction. Through the Torah, the God of Israel reveals His will, His commandments, and the way to a holy life to His people.
Yeshua HaMashiach did not stand in opposition to the Torah. He lived as a Jew in accordance with God’s commandments and taught people to take His Word seriously. We also understand the Prophets and the other writings of the Tanakh, as well as the Brit Chadasha, on this biblical foundation.
At our regular gatherings in Vienna, we study the weekly Torah portions (Parashat HaShavua). Our goal is not only to study and understand God’s instructions, but also to put them into practice in our daily lives.
“The Torah of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the simple wise.”
Psalm 19:8
THE GOD OF ISRAEL – THE ONE GOD
Our faith is in the one eternal God of Israel, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, the source of all life, and perfect in holiness, righteousness, mercy, and faithfulness.
The Holy Scriptures reveal God to us as the living God who speaks to humanity and acts throughout history. He chose Israel, established His covenant with His people, and made His ways and instructions known to them.
We trust that God remains faithful to His Word. His promises do not lose their validity, and His election of Israel has not been abolished. What He has promised remains an expression of His faithfulness and His covenant.
Therefore, our faith is centered on the God of Israel as He reveals Himself in the Holy Scriptures. We seek to know Him, trust His Word, and live our lives according to His ways.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
Deuteronomy 6:4
ISRAEL AND GOD’S COVENANT
We believe that Israel is God’s chosen people and that God’s covenant and His promises to Israel remain significant and enduring. Israel’s election is not based on human achievement, but on God’s faithfulness to His Word and to the promises He gave to the patriarchs.
God established His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and revealed Himself to Israel as their God. Through Israel, He gave the Torah, the Prophets, and the promises, and carried out His plan of salvation throughout history.
We do not believe that the congregation has replaced Israel or that God’s promises to His people have been abolished. For us, the Brit Chadasha also confirms the continuing significance of Israel and God’s faithfulness to His covenant.
As a Messianic Jewish congregation, we therefore feel deeply connected to Israel, the Jewish people, and the Jewish roots of biblical faith. At the same time, we believe that people from the nations share in God’s salvation through faith in Yeshua HaMashiach without thereby replacing Israel.
“Has God rejected His people? Certainly not!”
Romans 11:1
SHABBAT IN VIENNA –
THE SEVENTH DAY
Shabbat is the seventh day of the week and was sanctified by God at creation. After six days, God rested from His work, blessed the seventh day, and made it holy. Therefore, we understand Shabbat not merely as a Jewish tradition, but as a day established and sanctified by God.
In the Ten Commandments, Israel is explicitly called to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Shabbat is also a special sign of the covenant between God and His people Israel.
Yeshua HaMashiach also lived as a Jew according to the rhythm of Shabbat. He attended the synagogue on Shabbat, taught from the Holy Scriptures, and explained that Shabbat was made for man. Therefore, we see no contradiction between faith in Yeshua and observing Shabbat.
In our Messianic Jewish congregation in Vienna, we gather on Shabbat to honor God, pray, study the Torah, the Prophets, and the Brit Chadasha, and share fellowship with one another.
“The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:27
THE BIBLICAL FEASTS IN VIENNA – GOD’S APPOINTED TIMES
The biblical feasts are special appointed times established by God in the Torah. They remind us of God’s work with Israel, His redemption, His faithfulness, and His promises. Therefore, we understand these feasts not merely as historical Jewish traditions, but as an important part of biblical faith.
We study the seven biblical appointed times: Passover (Pesach), Chag HaMatzot, Firstfruits, Shavuot, Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. They accompany us throughout the biblical year and continually bring us back to God’s Word and His work with His people.
As a Messianic Jewish congregation, we also recognize important connections within these feasts to Yeshua HaMashiach and God’s plan of redemption. Passover reminds us of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt while also helping us understand more deeply the significance of the Messiah and His redemption. We likewise consider the other appointed times within the context of the Torah, the Prophets, and the Brit Chadasha.
In our congregation in Vienna, we seek to learn about and celebrate the biblical feasts together and to understand their significance for our faith and daily lives. Our foundation is not human tradition, but the Holy Scriptures.
“These are the appointed feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim as holy convocations; these are My appointed feasts.”
Leviticus 23:2
RUACH HAKODESH –
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Ruach HaKodesh—the Holy Spirit—is the Spirit of God, who gives life, leads people to repentance, renews, sanctifies, and guides them into truth. Spiritual life is not possible without the work of the Spirit of God.
The Ruach HaKodesh opens the heart to God’s Word, convicts of sin, and leads people to a life of obedience to God. The Spirit points to Yeshua HaMashiach and glorifies the Messiah. The work of the Ruach HaKodesh never contradicts the Holy Scriptures, but is always in accordance with them.
Therefore, in our Messianic Jewish congregation in Vienna, we examine spiritual claims, teachings, and supposed manifestations according to the Word of God. Not every spiritual experience is automatically a work of God; the Holy Scriptures remain our standard for faith, teaching, and spiritual discernment.
We believe that the Ruach HaKodesh builds up the community, gives spiritual gifts, and equips people for service. The work of the Spirit, holiness, truth, and order belong together. Where the Spirit of God is at work, the Messiah is exalted, God’s Word is taken seriously, and people’s lives are transformed.
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
John 16:13
A LIFE ACCORDING TO GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS
We believe that faith in God is not merely a confession, but should also be reflected in our daily lives. God’s instructions show us how to live a life of holiness, righteousness, love, and faithfulness.
We do not understand the Torah as a means by which a person can earn salvation. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace. Obedience to God is rather a response to His grace and an expression of our love and faithfulness to Him.
Yeshua HaMashiach called His followers to live according to God’s will. He did not set aside the Torah and the Prophets, but taught people to take God’s commandments seriously from the heart. Therefore, for us, faith in the Messiah and the desire to live according to God’s instructions belong together.
This concerns not only Shabbat or the biblical feasts. God’s Word shapes the way we treat one another, our words and decisions, mercy and justice, our family life, and our personal conduct.
At the same time, we recognize that no one lives perfectly. We depend on God’s grace, forgiveness, and guidance. Our goal, therefore, is not religious self-righteousness, but a life that honors God and in which faith becomes visible through the way we live.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
John 14:15
Messianic Judaism and Its Expressions
Not every Messianic Jewish congregation understands the Torah, Jewish tradition, and the significance of Israel in the same way. Within Messianic Judaism, there are different movements and theological emphases.
We consciously understand our faith within its Jewish and biblical context. We believe in Yeshua HaMashiach as the promised Messiah of Israel, in the continuing significance of the Torah, and in the enduring election of Israel. At the same time, we respect and value the Jewish heritage that has developed over generations.
We approach rabbinic traditions, interpretations, and minhagim with respect. They can provide valuable insights, shape Jewish life, and contribute to an understanding of Israel’s history, way of life, and interpretive traditions. Jewish traditions also have a place in our community life in Vienna.
However, the Holy Scriptures remain our highest authority. Therefore, we distinguish between God’s commandments in the Torah and later rabbinic interpretations, traditions, and communal regulations. We respect tradition and examine it in the light of Scripture, but we do not place it on the same level as the written Word of God.
Our intention is not to set Jewish tradition and faith in Yeshua against one another. Rather, we seek to understand the Torah, the Prophets, and the Brit Chadasha within their Jewish context while also examining whether teachings and religious practices are consistent with the testimony of the whole of Scripture.
Other Messianic Jewish congregations may place different emphasis on these matters. We respect these differences without abandoning our own convictions. For us, Yeshua HaMashiach, the Torah, Israel, Jewish heritage, and respect for Jewish tradition belong together—while God’s Word remains the ultimate standard for faith and life.
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21
WHAT WE DO NOT BELIEVE
For clarity, we also want to state clearly which views we do not hold:
We do not believe that the Torah has been abolished.
We do not believe that the congregation has replaced Israel.
We do not believe that human or rabbinic traditions stand above the Holy Scriptures.
We do not believe that a person can earn salvation through works or religious achievements.
We do not believe that grace means lawlessness or living without God’s instructions.
We do not believe that a Jew loses their Jewish identity through faith in Yeshua HaMashiach.
We do not believe that people from the nations must become Jews in order to belong to God through the Messiah.
These statements are not intended to exclude or distance ourselves from people, but to provide clarity about our faith and our biblical foundation.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
John 14:15
TORAH
YESHUA HAMASHIACH
ISRAEL
God’s Instruction
The Torah forms the foundation of our understanding of the Holy Scriptures. We seek to learn, understand, and apply God’s instructions in our daily lives.
The Messiah of Israel
We believe in Yeshua as the promised Messiah of Israel and the Son of God. Through him, God grants reconciliation, forgiveness, and the hope of His coming Kingdom.
God’s Covenant and Promises
We believe in the continuing election of Israel. God’s covenant and His promises to His people have not been abolished. Therefore, we understand our faith within its Jewish and biblical context.
