"And he was there with the LORD forty
days and forty nights: he did neither eat bread, nor drink water.
And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the
ten commandments" (Exodus 34:28).
MESSIANIC COVENANT
(Grace)
"This is my blood of the (New)
Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness
of sins" (Matthew 26:28 NIV).
The Messianic Covenant of Grace did indeed
replace the redemptive effects of the Mosaic Covenant of the Law
but not the Covenant of Abraham. It is important that this be
made perfectly clear, because this is where much of the confusion
lies as to whether or not God is still committed to the Jewish
people today. Simply stated, if Jesus did not nullify the Abrahamic
Covenant with the Jew, then that piece of real estate in the middle
east called the "Holy Land" continues to be their promised
possession, which obviously accounts for the miraculous restoration
and perpetuation of the statehood of Israel.
Replacement Theology has merit but its
merits are lost in the confusion of covenants. The Covenant of
Abraham was "unconditional" and eternal but the Covenant
of Moses was "conditional" based upon obedience to the
law and was therefore terminated (in its redemptive value) because
Israel failed to meet those conditions and broke their covenant
made at Sinai. Should there be any question as to the singular
and separate nature of the covenant made with Moses as compared
with that of Abraham, the following scripture should remove all
doubt"
"The LORD made not this covenant
with our fathers, (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) but with us,
even us, who are all of us here alive this day" (Deuteronomy
5:3).
The Covenant of the Law is the only "Old
Covenant" that can in any sense of the word be considered
replaced by the "New Covenant." Although it
was not replaced in an absolute sense considering Jesus' statement,
"I came not to destroy the law...". It was terminated
as a means for obtaining righteousness which comes only through
Jesus Christ. However, God has never found fault with His Covenant
made with faithful Abraham (Genesis 12:!-3). Therefore, it has
never been terminated nor replaced. The Abrahamic Covenant continues
to apply to the Jewish people today. The Covenant of Abraham and
the Covenant of Christ are coexisting in the earth today. The
effect is that Abraham has two manner of seed manifested
in the earth, a natural seed (Jews) and the spiritual seed through
Christ (the Church). Unless this is clearly understood, many statements
of the New Testament could appear confusing and indeed contradictory.
TWO MANNER OF SEED
Who are the seed of Abraham today? The
following scripture provides some good insight into the answer.
This is the God of heaven speaking to Abraham in allegorical and
prophetic terms at the time of covenant:
"That in blessing I will bless
thee (Abraham), and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed
as the STARS of the heaven, and as the SAND which is upon
the seashore..." (Genesis 22:17).
The words stars and sand are used symbolically
to describe Abraham's seed. The Bible quite often employs such
picture language to convey divine thought. Its use in this particular
scripture sheds a great deal of light on the subject in question,
WHO ARE THE SEED OF ABRAHAM? Notice that it emphasized two important
characteristics of Abraham's seed: (1) They would be great in
number. (2) They would be as stars and sand. Let us examine the
second. Why did God use the analogy of STARS and SAND in the divine
description of Abraham's seed? Is it only because they would be
great in number? If so, only one of these descriptions would have
been necessary. Perhaps there is more to it. A deeper lesson can
be learned here. Let's look at it. Stars are elements of the heavenly
realm while sand is terrestrial (of the earth). The inference
seems to be that God would produce two manner of seed through
Abraham; HEAVENLY and EARTHLY or SPRITUAL and NATURAL. One major
event set the stage to create this scenario:
"And ye shall be left few in number,
whereas ye were as the STARS of heaven for multitude; because
thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God"
(Deuteronomy 28:62).
The promise of being "as the stars
of heaven" was cancelled through Israel's disobedience, which
in the foreknowledge of God set the stage for the implementation
of an alternative program wherein all, or "whosoever will"
through the Covenant of Messiah, may become "star seed"
of Abraham.
"If you belong to Christ, then
you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise"
(Galatians 3:29 NIV).
Daniel, the prophet saw this in prophetic
vision:
"And they that be wise shall shine
as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many
to righteousness as the STARS for ever and ever" (Daniel
12:3).
By this, two manner of seed were created
which is now manifested as Christians and Jews. Both of these
are a result of God's covenantal relationship with Abraham. It
is what one might call a "dual posterity" in the earth
(Hebrews 11:12, Galatians 3:29). We see this same principle expressed
in I Corinthians 15:46:
"...that was not first which is
spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which
is spiritual."
Such is the case with the Jewish People
and the Church. The Jews (natural) came first, then came the birth
of the Church (spiritual). One did not cancel the other. Paul's
direct reference is to Adam and Jesus. Adam produced the human
family (natural). Jesus the Messiah produced the Christian family
(Spiritual). Father God was the author of both. Again, one did
not cancel the other. They coexist in this earth today. Abraham
reflects a similar dimension in that through him came his son,
Isaac (natural seed) and Jesus (spiritual seed, Galatians 3:16).
From this we must conclude that there are two continuing manifestations
of Abraham's seed in the earth, Jews and Christians. Today, God
is at work with His "dual posterity", the stars and
sand, seed of Abraham, (the Church and Israel). While restoring
the Church to its full spiritual potential He is also restoring
the Jewish people and their nation, with a view toward their ultimate
spiritual restoration (Romans 9:27).
That the Jews are the seed of Abraham and
a covenant people seems clear but the question arises: What is
the Biblical perspective of the Arabs in all of this? The Arabic
people are indeed a natural seed of Abraham also through his son
Ishmael and God has promised to bless them (Genesis 21:13, 17:20).
They are not however, a promised seed nor a Covenant people as
are the Jews (Abraham's descendants through Isaac). Therefore
the Arabs are not included directly in this covenantal promise
of Genesis 22:17.
GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE
Nearly everyone has heard it said, "The
Jews are God's chosen people". What does that statement mean?
How do we know? And if so, are they the only ones? These are reasonable
questions that deserve sensible, factual answers. Many believers
are not sure of what it means. Others who use the phrase quite
often cannot fully explain it. Does it mean that the Jews are
more loved by God than are other people? Are they about half saved?
What, in fact, does it mean? Yes, Jews are a chosen people, but
not for any of the aforementioned reasons. Isaiah, the prophet,
tells us specifically what they were chosen for:
"Here am I, and the children the
Lord has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from
the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion" (Isaiah
8:18 NIV).
To be "chosen" does not necessarily
mean to be righteous. From their very beginning as a nation, they
have been used by God to demonstrate the truth of His word in
both blessing and cursing. They inherited this "chosen"
status because Abraham was a chosen vessel. All that they have
experienced historically has been predicted in the Bible. Naturally
speaking, they are the greatest physical sign in the earth that
there is a sovereign God in control of the universe, that the
Bible is true and is His authorship. The scattering of the Jews
throughout all the nations, their persecutions, their regathering
as a nation and restoration to statehood, are all "signs"
that God's word is faithful. They were the chosen family to bring
forth the Messiah to redeem mankind.
The Scripture teaches that only three witnesses
are necessary to remove all doubt about any question (2 Corinthians
13:!). Here we have produced more than adequate historic evidence
and present day witnesses to confirm that the Jews are a chosen
people. But are they the only ones to be considered a "chosen"
people? No! The Church is also a chosen body of people in the
earth. Jesus said, "I have chosen you out of the world"
(John 15:19). The Church was chosen and ordained to perform spiritual
signs in the earth:
"And these signs shall follow them
that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they
shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents;
and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;
they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover"
(Mark 16:17,18).
Natural Israel is a natural sign, spiritual
Israel (Church) is a spiritual sign. Both the natural seed (sand)
and the spiritual seed (stars) are fulfilling their purpose in
the earth. They are as parallel beams of light who, through the
prism of God's work, will be bent into the same destiny of the
KINGDOM. God has committed Himself to both of the seed of Abraham;
Christians and Jews.
WHO IS A JEW
Those who would deny any ongoing significance
for the natural or physical Jew in God's purposes today are quick
to offer the following New Testament passage to substantiate their
position:
"For he is not a Jew, which is
one outwardly... and circumcision is that of the heart, in
the spirit..." (Romans 2:28-29).
On its face, this verse appears to strip
the natural Jew of his identity. However, Paul in his discourses
is constantly alternating the direction of his comments between
the natural and spiritual concept of Old Covenant and New Covenant.
In this particular passage he is indeed speaking spiritually,
saying that Jews are not (New Covenant) Jews unless they have
a heart experience (Ezekiel 11:19), which is the New Testament
concept. But it is both interesting and educational to note that
he immediately proceeds into the next chapter and states a profound
truth (although confusing to many) about unbelieving Jews:
"What advantage then hath the Jew?
or what profit is there of circumcision? MUCH EVERY WAY..."
(Romans 3:1,2).
We know that Paul's reference includes
the unbelieving Jew (in N.T. terms) in that he further states,
"What if some did not believe?" In spite of what he
had just previously said about their not being Jews, he still
acknowledges them as Jews even if they are in an unbelieving state
and contends that there is a definite "advantage". Is
Paul contradicting himself? He is if we persist in having a "one
track mind" about WHO ARE ABRAHAM'S SEED? If however, we
will flow with Paul from the spiritual context to the natural,
we will begin to see the STARS and SAND or the two manner of seed
in the earth, natural and spiritual. In these two chapters is
reflected the two polarized positions of doctrine which exist
in the Church today; Replacement and Continuation. Usually one
chooses the interpretation or quotations that best suits his or
her particular point of view. Paul recognizes both without sacrificing
either one completely. Both Christians and Jews are a product
of God's sovereign wisdom. Neither stands alone to represent the
whole truth. Therefore, they are in a sense inseparable in the
divine strategy of things. The word "Jew" becomes a
generic term which means "Covenant People" and can be
applied to people of either the Old or New Testament.
THE CHILDREN OF GOD
Another scripture which on the surface
appears to rule out any significance for the natural Jew today
is Romans 9:8:
"...the children of the flesh (Jews),
these are not the children of God..."
A casual reading of this verse may cause
one to conclude that the natural Jew in the New Testament concept
has once again been stripped of his identity and replaced by the
Church. A closer inspection will reveal something quite different.
Although they are not children of God in a "Christian"
sense, it does not say that they have ceased to be the SEED of
Abraham, unique in the purposes of God (Romans 11:2). The biological
fact remains that they are Abraham's descendants of the covenant
for whom God has plan and purpose. It is not necessary to be a
believer (in Christ) to retain the identity as "Abraham's
Seed" nor even to be identified as people of God as some
may have concluded from Galatians 3:29:
"And if ye be Christ's, then are
ye (also) Abraham's seed..."
This was not intended to be an eliminating
statement concerning natural Jews, but an inclusive statement
about the relationship of Gentile Christian believers to Abraham.
It was intended to show that as Gentiles, by accepting Christ
they were now considered to be part of the "commonwealth
of Israel" (Ephesians 2:!0-12). A paraphrase of this might
read, "If ye be Christ's then are ye STAR seed even if ye
are not SAND seed". These Galatian people were not Jews (the
natural descendants of Abraham). Nevertheless, through a heavenly
operation they became included in the promises of God and the
covenant to Abraham as a spiritual seed. There can be no question
that believers in Christ, no matter who they are in nationality,
are considered Abraham's seed. But what about the Jewish people
as a whole? Can they in any sense be considered a people of God?
Yes, they are His natural seed through Abraham:
"...Hath God cast away HIS people
(natural Jews)? GOD FORBID... God hath not cast away HIS people
which He foreknew..." (Romans 11:1,2).
There can be no question that the Jews
are a people of God. To consider the Jews a "rejected"
people is something God "forbids". However, there are
those in Christian ministry today who are not so sure. Some will
even go so far as to contridict the Apostle with a seeming cavalier
disregard for his instructions, proceeding to preach and teach
the notion that the Jews were somehow "cut-off" and
cast-away. Obviously God has done nothing of the kind. It is unconscionable
that anyone could persist in a theological posture that Paul said
was forbidden by the Lord. The New International Version removes
all doubt in the matter by stating categorically, "God hath
not rejected His people". This Scripture established two
important truths for us: (1) The Jews are still His (God's) people
and (2) They are not rejected. No other conclusions can be drawn.
Paul reinforces his position in Romans 11:11:
"I say then Have they stumbled
that they should fall? God forbid..."
Therefore, if they did not fall it remains
that to some degree Jews still stand before God as a people of
purpose and destiny.
AN ELECT PEOPLE
"As far as the gospel is concerned,
they (Jews) are enemies on your account; but as far as election
is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs,
(Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) for God's gifts and His call (upon
Israel) are irrevocable" (Romans 11:28,29 NIV)
What a remarkable statement from the New
Testament this is. It flies in the face of the exclusivism in
Christian thinking. Promoters of the "Replacement" concept
cannot possibly accommodate this scripture nor the many others
just like it. Paul is actually saying that even unbelieving Jews
remain an "elect" people. Bear in mind that this was
stated nearly thirty years after the death of Jesus. Paul recognized
their uniqueness in God's plans. Ironic isn't it? Although the
Jews may be considered the enemies of the Christian faith, this
too has a divine purpose. He said that it was on your account,
or so that a spiritual seed could be created in the earth (the
Christian Church). Through their misfortunes, salvation has come
to the Gentiles (Romans 11:11).
Unlike the Covenant of the Law which was
destined to be replaced, the Covenant of Abraham was an "everlasting"
covenant (Genesis 17:7). The Jews remain an "elect"
people unto this present hour. Why? Not because they are so good
or a "pet" people but because of God's abiding covenant
with Abraham and the patriarchs. It is in this context that Paul
can say with confidence that God's call and gifts to Israel are
irrevocable.
Those who would question this uniqueness
attached to the Jew in the purposes of God today quite often rely
upon the uncertainty of dreams, visions and revelations as criterion
for faith on this issue. However, these are all too vulnerable
to human error and subjective interpretation. Healthy positions
of doctrinal faith must have their focus in fact and in scripture,
not in religious experience. No amount of religious rationale
nor theological maneuvering can revoke God's gifts and calling
on Israel.
What are God's gifts to the Jewish people?
One of the major "gifts" to the Jewish people is the
land of Israel. This is unmistakably confirmed by the prophet
Ezekiel"
"...Because I swore with uplifted
hand to give it (Canaan) to your forefathers, this land will
become your inheritance" (Ezekiel 47:14 NIV).
This is not speaking of their initial occupying
of Canaan land at the hand of Joshua but their prophetic restoration.
These encouraging words were penned by Ezekiel while a captive
in Babylonia. Obviously he also knew how irrevocable God's gifts
were despite his circumstances. Should they be any less today?
Another gift of God to the Jews was His
Word:
"What advantage, then, is there
in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much
in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with
the very words of God" (Romans 3:1,2 NIV).
The realization of this fact alone should
cause the Christian to be more grateful for and appreciative of
the Jewish people. It is not asking too much that we should be
thankful and deliberate in our expressing this to the Jewish people.
Historically they have paid a great price for this accomplishment
and the devil has sought to destroy them because of it. In contrast
God has called the Church to "bless" them for it. But
we cannot be zealously motivated to do so unless we better understand
who they are and what is God's present day perspective toward
them.
3-D VISION
Do the prophetic passages that speak of
Israel apply to historic Israel, modern Israel, or do they now
refer only to the Church? This question presents a dilemma in
the minds of many students of scripture. Surely there is a divine
creative law provided whereby we can arrive at the truth. God
does not want us to remain in a condition of uncertainty. His
will for us is: "...with all thy getting get understanding"
(Proverbs 4:7). In the creation, God said, "Let us make man
in our image, and after our likeness" (Genesis 1:26). The
human body is the only creation of God about which such a statement
is made. Our bodies contain the most complete display of God's
laws and principles (physically and spiritually). Every system
and every organ of our bodies is paced with eternal creative law
that has spiritual application. The laws of physical sight can
teach us much about the principles of good spiritual vision. Knowing
this, Jesus did not fail to make use of this technique for teaching.
One such occasion is found in Matthew 6:22. Jesus said, "The
light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single,
thy whole body shall be full of light." It is said that 80
percent of all learning comes through the eye. Therefore, good
vision is very important to us both physically and spiritually.
Science has discovered that one of the most basic laws which must
be in operation for proper physical vision is that it be "three-dimensional".
The three dimensions of physical sight are the perceiving of depth,
width and height. It follows then that this principle (3-D vision)
must be employed for good prophetic vision in Biblical truth.
The three dimensions of Biblical vision
are (1) historic (old Israel) (2) spiritual (the Church) and (3)
end-time national (kingdom age, or restored Israel).
Controversy arises as to whether or not
certain prophecies apply to the Church or Israel. For example:
"AWAKE, awake; put on thy strength,
O Zion..." (Isaiah 52:1).
Do such Biblical texts as these which speak
of Zion, refer to the Church or Israel? Such scriptures have certainly
experienced a lot of ministerial tossing around. The truth is,
they may be applied to both Israel (historic and restored) as
well as the Church. We know this because the Church in the New
Testament was certainly referred to as Zion (Hebrews 12:22). All
three applications of prophetic vision, including spiritual vision,
is impaired vision and consequently leads to confusion. Understanding
this principle is very important to the resolution of the Jewish/Christian
relationships dilemma.
ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED
The one-on-one Christian witness to those
with whom we come in contact, whether Jew or Gentile, is the responsibility
of every believer. But God's plan for national Israel is something
quite different. Israel is unique to any other nation on earth
in the divine strategy. Their spiritual awakening will be a sovereign
work. God has reserved for them a special visitation. Their complete
restoration will be brought about through a process of time; one
that moves from one stage of development to another. This fact
is most clearly demonstrated for us in the story of Ezekiel's
bone yard (Ezekiel 37:1-14). There is a great lesson to be learned
from this scriptural narrative that will be useful in our working
with God concerning the nation of Israel. I like the story because
it shows how much more patient God is in His work than we often
are with ours. The Spirit of the Lord began to move upon the bones
and there was a great noise as they came together but they were
dead. Then there came sinew and tendons on the bones and still
they were dead. As the process continued, they developed flesh
and muscle and finally the skin. All of this is being done through
the work of the Holy Spirit but they are not yet alive. This is
a prophetic demonstration of Israel's end-time restoration. While
we may share the message of the Messiah with the individual Jew
at any time the door of utterance is opened, the great spiritual
awakening in the nation of Israel is a divine strategy which is
prophetically timed to achieve maximum effect on the international
scene, signalling the end of this age and the coming of the Kingdom
Age. It is closely tied to the Second Coming of the Messiah. The
story concludes as Ezekiel prophesies to the bones and the four
winds of heaven cause breath to come into them. Immediately and
in unison they come alive and stand to their feet as a mighty
army. This is a physical demonstration of a spiritual event, i.e.,
Israel's national day of salvation. It will be the greatest revival
and spiritual resurrection known to human history. The apostle
Paul understood this perfectly and alludes to it in Romans 11:15:
"For if the casting away of them
be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving
of them be, but LIFE FROM THE DEAD?" (resurrection).
The fact that the Jewish people have not
become Christians "en masse" has no bearing on whether
or not God is at work with them now. It is He who has gathered
them back to their land. It is He who has brought about the re-creation
of the statehood of Israel and God is continuing to deal with
them to bring about His perfect will. They are His national people.
He works with them in His own way and in His own time. Let us
stay in step with God's stages and work with Him. This is the
blessed hope, as it is written, "ALL ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED"
(Romans 11:26).
COMMISSION TO COMFORT
"COMFORT YE, comfort ye MY PEOPLE,
saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry
unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity
is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double
for all her sins" (Isaiah 40:1,2).
This is God's call for the comforting of
Israel and the Jewish people after years of persecution. There
are those who would have us believe that this is God asking the
Church to bless itself or asking us to bless and comfort each
other. Such an interpretation is neither grammatically sound nor
intellectually coherent. The "YE" being addressed in
this verse is speaking most specifically to the body of Christ
because it is the Church who has the spirit of the Comforter (John
14:26). "My people" is a direct reference to the Jewish
people and the nation of Israel. Through the prophet Isaiah, God
Himself is giving a directive for someone to be His love extended
and to be a comforter to the downtrodden remnant of Israel. The
Church and Israel are the only two bodies of people in the earth
who have been referred to as the people of God. The statement
"her iniquity is pardoned" is not so much a redemptive
word for Israel as a word of conclusion. This is the time when
God says enough is enough and He will no longer permit their continual
persecution and dispersion. This is a national forgiveness:
"For I will set mine eyes upon
them for good, and I will bring them AGAIN to this land: and
I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant
them, and not pluck them up" (Jeremiah 24:6).
Concerning the commission to comfort, the
following New Testament passage has been identified by theologians
as the "Great Commission", meaning the phrase encapsulates
the mission of the Church upon the earth:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to OBSERVE ALL
THINGS whatsoever I have commanded you..." (Matthew 28:19-20).
Unfortunately this commission has too often
been limited in scope to include only the redemptive gospel or
just those things which have been set forth in the New Testament.
However it is important that we also hear the words of Jesus as
He spoke through the Old Testament writers. The "I AM"
who spoke unto Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:14) is the
same as He who said unto the disciple: "...I AM the way,
the truth and the life..." (John 14:6). Jesus is the eternal
embodiment of the word of God to mankind. Therefore, the commissions
which Jesus has delivered to the Church include those that are
set forth in the old Testament as well as those in the New Testament.
One of those commissions was heard through the prophet Isaiah:
"COMFORT ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God" (Isaiah
40:1). This is not an option but a command and a mandate to the
body of Christ. We must obey it and teach all nations to be obedient.
Every minister of the Lord Jesus Christ is therefore duty bound
to make the comforting of Israel a vital part of his ministry.
Every church should make this a vital part of its agenda and teach
all nations that blessing Israel is a significant aspect of the
"all things" which are to be observed by the Church.
Once the remnant of Israel are gathered
and restored to their land it will be a permanent restoration.
It will also be a prelude to their spiritual restoration and redemption
as is indicated by the following verse:
"And I will give them an heart
to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people,
and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with
their whole heart" (Jeremiah 24:7).
We see clearly the prophetic order of events.
They must be restored to their land before their national day
of salvation occurs. The individual Jew may be saved at anytime
he accepts Messiah. But the great national revival that awaits
them is a specific appointment and it is the comforting efforts
of the Church that will contribute to the preparations that are
necessary for this great event to occur.
CONCLUSION
The controversy between the two polarized
theologies of "Replacement" and "Continuation"
can be resolved. Let Israel be Israel and the Church be the Church.
There is no conflict. We must permit the Old Testament prophecies
concerning Israel to apply to both the Christian Church and the
nation of Israel. This is Abraham's dual posterity, it is his
natural and spiritual seed coexisting in the earth. God will,
in due process, bring them both into His perfect will. Does God
want His natural seed to become spiritual seed? Of course He does.
Will it happen? We have God's word on it"
"...blindness in part is happened
to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There
shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away
ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them,
when I shall take away their sins" (Romans 11:25-27).
God works uniquely with the nation of Israel
as with no other nation on earth. The Church must accept this,
seek to understand it and assume its proper role in the divine
strategy of their restoration and redemption.
God does not love the Jewish people beyond
other nations of the earth. However, the Church must be a channel
through which the Jewish people will receive the "mercy"
which has been so long denied them by the nations of the world:
"Even so have these also now not
believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy"
(Romans 11:31 KJV).
As the tide of world opinion flows against
the Jews, the Christian believer must stand in the gap and compensate
for our failures of the past to do so.
The spiritual seed of Abraham are under
obligation to bless the natural seed. It was the Jews who blessed
the nations with God's plan of salvation. Jesus said:
"...for salvation is from the Jews"
(John 4:22 NIV).
There is a sense in which Abraham was the
father of salvation because Christ was the seed of Abraham. The
Covenant of Abraham and the Covenant of Grace constitute God's
redemptive plan.
The good news is that a fresh awakening
to truth is taking place and many believers are getting a new
vision of God's covenantal relationship to the Jewish people and
the nation of Israel. If the Church must emphasize a "Replacement
Theology" let it be one which declares the prophetic "re-placement"
of all their land into the hands of its rightful owners, the Jews.
Ultimately we shall rejoice to see both the land and the people
restored to the eternal purposes of God and to participate in
the full and complete reconciliation between Israel and the Church,
Abraham's natural and spiritual seed (Ephesians 2:14). This is
what God is working to achieve. LET US WORK WITH HIM. So who are
"THE SEED OF ABRAHAM?" Can there be any doubt?
"O THE DEPTH OF THE RICHES BOTH
OF THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE OF GOD!"(Romans 11:33).
