From the previous study, we saw that it is an absolute impossibility for God to reject the nation of Israel according to the Scriptures, and at the appointed time all Israel shall be saved (Romans 11:1-2, 11-13, 25-27). So, how does God expect the church, especially gentile believers, to understand and relate with Israel?
As per the Scriptures, gentile believers are privileged to be grafted into the blessings and promises of God that belonged to the nation of Israel, including the adoption as children of God (cf. Romnas 11, Romans 9:1-5). For salvation is of the Jews (John 4:22), and we, gentiles, have come to share in it through Christ. Romans 11:17-20 reads “But if some of the branches [Jews] were broken off, and you [gentile], being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you [gentile] who supports the root [Jews], but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either…For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree? (Romans 11:17-21,24). This same truth is also shared in Galatians: “Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:11-13).
With such a clear message in Scripture, it is sad and perplexing that its direct opposite is being used in some Christian circles as basis for the so-called “Replacement Theology”, which falsely claims that God has rejected Israel and replaced it with the church. However, the Scriptures are abundantly clear that the church has never replaced Israel. When natural Jews turn to Christ, they only receive the blessings and promises that are theirs, which God made unto their fathers (cf. Romans 9:1-5, Romans 11:28). And when gentiles, or non-Jews, turn to Christ, we are grafted into and made partakers of the blessings, commonwealth and rich spiritual heritage of Israel. Consequently, we are to refrain from arrogance towards Israel. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings—including God’s promises and adoption as children of God (cf. Romans 9:1-5)—they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings (cf. Romans 15:7). Moreover, as God’s people, we have a duty to heed His exhortation to pray for the peace and welfare of Israel (cf. Psalm 122:6).
Kwadwo Omari, PhD.
November 28, 2023.
A Very Important Message
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Therefore, If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, I invite you to put your faith in Him. Pray the prayer below to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour: “I come to you God in Jesus’ name and surrender my life unto you. I repent of my sins and I ask You to forgive me all my sins. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and I believe with my heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead. I thank you God for saving me, in Jesus name, Amen”. If you sincerely prayed this prayer, believe and be assured that you are saved, for the Bible says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31). Find a Bible believing church to attend so that you can be taught and trained to grow in the ways of God. You can also email me ([email protected]) and I will be happy to grow together with you in Christ. God bless you.