"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).