Gospel

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In this post, I shall examine the scriptural evidence to show that the Nation of Israel was instrumental in allowing the Gentile Nations to gain the privilege of being a part of the Kingdom of God. I will primarily argue this through the Apostle Paul's writing. I sincerely welcome feedback on the statements made.

The Apostle Paul was initially known as Saul (Acts 13:9), a Hebrew from the Tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1). He was said to be the key figure in the development of the Christian Congregation. He was converted from Judaism to Christianity on the way to Damascus. His initial aim was to continue persecuting and putting in prison more of his fellow Israelites who converted to the Christian Faith. However, having a spiritual encounter with Jesus the Messiah was enough to stop him in his tracks (Acts 9:1- 6). He boldly declared in Galatians 1:11-12 concerning his conversion, "I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."

The Apostle was steadfast in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his death, resurrection, and the hope for us to become citizens of God's Kingdom (Acts 14:21-22 and Phil 3:20). He called for people to repent and fully believe in Jesus Christ so they may be saved (Acts 20:21). His zeal overshadowed his conviction for Judaism. He preached without wavering to his Jewish brethren and the Gentile Nations (Galatians 1:14-16).

I've often wondered why Jesus [Ye'shua] used a fellow Jew as a chosen instrument to proclaim his name to Israel and the Gentile people when he was persecuting the converted Jews (Acts 9:15-16). He left 11 dedicated, committed disciples who walked with him for three years before returning to His Father in Heaven. I understood why after looking at the Apostle Paul's credentials. He was a fluent speaker of Hebrew and Greek, having Jewish and Roman citizenship (Acts 16:37-38), and his boldness and conviction were second to none. Immediately encountering Jesus, he began using his Roman name, Paul, to reach the nations. Utilising the name Paul may have lessened acknowledgement of his original plan towards the early Christians.

Contrary to what some might have interpreted, the Apostle did not deny God's Sovereign people – The Israelites. His commencing words in Romans 9:1 state, "I am speaking the truth; I am not lying." Referring to and acknowledging God's chosen people. He states in verse 4, "They are Israelites and to them belongs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises. He continues in verse 5, "... and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever…"

However, just like in the days of Moses, where only a remnant of Israelites who left Egypt entered the Promised Land (Numbers 32:11-12), so shall it be in the Lord's Day. Isaiah was one of the prophets who predicted the coming of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6). He also prophesied that only a remnant would return (Isaiah 10:21-22). Apostle Paul recites Isaiah's prophesy when he, too, mentions that only a remnant from Israel will become Christ's followers (Romans 9:27-28).

The Apostle had compassion for his brothers. In Romans 10:1, he states, "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." He cries for the Israelite Nation to acknowledge that "Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:4).

The question remains: Has the Most High [El Elyon] rejected His chosen people? The Apostle Paul says unequivocally in Romans 11:1, "By no means!" In verse 2 of the said chapter, he states, "God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew…" and reiterates Isaiah's prophecy by stating in verse 5, "… there is a remnant chosen by grace."

As Gentiles, we must not become overzealous or presumptuous in thinking we are the New Covenant but rather show humility and gratitude. We have been given the privilege to be called Abraham's offspring, 'children of the promise' (Romans 9:8). We are being grafted in as Spiritual Israelites to join the chosen race to become 'One People' (Romans 11:11-20). In fact, the Apostle acknowledge our privilege in verse 25 of Romans 11, stating, "A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

Apostle Paul states that God's chosen people—the Israelite Nation—will and can never be rejected by God. Drawing his statements to a close in verses 28 and 29 of Romans 11, he states, "As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable," i.e., cannot be changed.

I see Apostle Paul's statements coming alive today. In recent years, many once-traditional Jewish congregations have accepted the teaching and revelation of our Saviour Ye'shua Ha Mashiach (Jesus the Messiah). Many have set up institutions and grafting in the Gentile Nations. It's heart-warming to see the prophecy fulfilled.

I am privileged and honoured to associate with and experience this pure worship, where the Bible comes alive in the complete sense of understanding the Torah and the prophets, known as the Old Covenant and seeing how they correlate to the New Covenant, the Greek scriptures, and prophecies fulfilled.

When we can embrace our brothers and sisters with compassion and humility, from 'All Nations' who walk in the truth, the principles and teachings of our Saviour Jesus the Messiah, we will position ourselves to become Kingdom Citizens of The Most High God.

References:
Bible Scriptures - English Standard Version (ESV)
https://www.quora.com – Is every book of the New Testament attributed to a Jewish author?
https://www.quora.com – What influence did Jews have on the WRITING of the Bible
Paul the Apostle - Wikipedia

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