Why Israel?
In these days of deception in the Christian Church, there abounds a strain of teaching that dates back nearly 2000 years-that basically regards the Jews as 'finished' as far as God is concerned - that they had their chance, but in the rejection of Jesus as their Messiah have reaped God's fury, judgement and eternal damnation, as evidenced by their dreadful history.
It is the author's contention that God has NOT finished with the Jews - that they are still the 'apple of His eye', His chosen people, and that they are still the beneficiaries of God's unconditional promises, the Covenants. Indeed, were God to have abandoned the Jews for their sins, what right would WE have to presume God would not then reject us - for surely our sins are just as grievous as Israel's.
It is interesting to note that as the church is anxious to 'be Israel now' and therefore inherit the blessings promised to Israel if obedient, it would rather ignore the CURSES that were also directed to Israel if disobedient!
Of course the church is part of God's chosen people. Of course there is now a place for the Gentile to share in the unique relationship with God that is available through faith in Jesus Christ. But it is a quantum leap to then suppose that God is finished with Israel, God is concerned for both groups. Jews and Gentiles who believe comprise the 'one new man' of faith. But one day God will open the eyes of the rest of the Jews and pour out His Holy Spirit upon them. This cannot apply to the church - we already have the Holy Spirit!
Paul sets the record straight in Romans chapter 11 v.1:'Has God cast away (finished with) His people? Certainly not!' The story pertaining to Israel is not over until it is over. Paul warns Gentiles not to boast about their new position as engrafted into Israel - 'for the natural branch (Jews), if they do not continue in unbelief, WILL BE grafted back in'. Joel tells of a day when God will open their eyes and they WILL believe - and so 'all Israel will be saved'!
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