It is no wonder that the Apostle Paul used the word ‘mystery’ on numerous occasions in his writings (epistles), because when it comes down to the relationship of the Gentile Christian Church and the role of the Jews (Israelites) in the plan of God, there is quite a bit of confusion. The fact remains that Israel is very important in the salvation of humanity and is still the “apple” of God’s eye; in a manner of speaking. Let’s take a look at some Scriptures that address this very point, as below in the following.
Romans 11: 1a, 11
I ask then: Did God reject His people? By no means! Again I ask: Did they [Israel] stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression [blindness/error] salvation has come to the Gentiles.
Romans 11: 25
I do not want you to be ignorant of this “mystery”. . . Israel has experienced a hardness [blindness] in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.
Romans 11: 28b
But as far as election is concerned, they [Israel] are loved on account of the patriarchs [Abraham/Isaac/Jacob]. For God’s gifts and His calling are irrevocable.
Ephesians 2: 11a, 12-13a
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called uncircumcised [by the circumcised]- Remember that at that time [formerly in times past] you were separated from Christ (Messiah), excluded from the citizenship of Israel, foreigners (aliens) from the covenant of promise, without hope, and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2: 19
Consequently, you [Gentiles] are no longer foreigners and aliens but fellow citizens with God’s people [Israel] and members of God’s household.
Ephesians 3: 3a, 6
The “mystery” made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. This ‘mystery’ is that through the Gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together of the promise in Christ Jesus.
NOTE: This last part is important because there have been some preachers in the Christian Church who claim that God has forgotten about Israel or has rejected His people of the covenant in favor of the Gentile believers and followers of Jesus Christ. For many individuals in modern times, when they think of Israel what comes to mind is the political State of Israel established by UN Charter; but such was probably not conceived of 2,000 years ago. This is not to say that many Jews living in Palestine and throughout the world are not to be included as the redeemed of Israel when Jesus returns to judge the world.
Isaiah 62: 3-5
You [Israel] shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of God. You shall no more be termed (called) forsaken; neither shall the land anymore be termed desolate; but you shall be called ‘Hephzibah’ (“My delight is her”) and your land ‘Beulah’ (“Married”). For the LORD delighted in you and your land [and people] shall be married [to the LORD]. For as a young man marries a virgin so shall your sons [Heb. “Redeemer”] marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride so shall your God rejoice over you.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St Apt B11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 31, 2015
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Romans 11: 1a, 11
I ask then: Did God reject His people? By no means! Again I ask: Did they [Israel] stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression [blindness/error] salvation has come to the Gentiles.
Romans 11: 25
I do not want you to be ignorant of this “mystery”. . . Israel has experienced a hardness [blindness] in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.
Romans 11: 28b
But as far as election is concerned, they [Israel] are loved on account of the patriarchs [Abraham/Isaac/Jacob]. For God’s gifts and His calling are irrevocable.
Ephesians 2: 11a, 12-13a
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called uncircumcised [by the circumcised]- Remember that at that time [formerly in times past] you were separated from Christ (Messiah), excluded from the citizenship of Israel, foreigners (aliens) from the covenant of promise, without hope, and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2: 19
Consequently, you [Gentiles] are no longer foreigners and aliens but fellow citizens with God’s people [Israel] and members of God’s household.
Ephesians 3: 3a, 6
The “mystery” made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. This ‘mystery’ is that through the Gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together of the promise in Christ Jesus.
NOTE: This last part is important because there have been some preachers in the Christian Church who claim that God has forgotten about Israel or has rejected His people of the covenant in favor of the Gentile believers and followers of Jesus Christ. For many individuals in modern times, when they think of Israel what comes to mind is the political State of Israel established by UN Charter; but such was probably not conceived of 2,000 years ago. This is not to say that many Jews living in Palestine and throughout the world are not to be included as the redeemed of Israel when Jesus returns to judge the world.
Isaiah 62: 3-5
You [Israel] shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of God. You shall no more be termed (called) forsaken; neither shall the land anymore be termed desolate; but you shall be called ‘Hephzibah’ (“My delight is her”) and your land ‘Beulah’ (“Married”). For the LORD delighted in you and your land [and people] shall be married [to the LORD]. For as a young man marries a virgin so shall your sons [Heb. “Redeemer”] marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride so shall your God rejoice over you.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St Apt B11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 31, 2015
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
