Romans 3:28-29
For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also.
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Two closely related verses also from the apostle Paul say, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus' and continues, 'For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” And, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” {Gal.3:26,28} It always boils down to our faith making us a part of the family of God! {Rom.8:16}
The Israelites were indeed the chosen people of God as Scripture attests to. Chosen not because they were the biggest, strongest or most holy, they were in fact the smallest {Deut.7:7} and as we see throughout the Scriptures all too often extremely unholy in their behavior. In like manner, God chose and called you and I while we were, not to put too fine a point on it, dirty rotten sinners. The true demonstration, the proof of His marvelous love is that He laid down His life for us while we were yet sinners. {Rom.5:8} That is the amazing grace of God.
I believe that, just as Paul says regarding the Jewish people and nation, the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. {Rom.11:29} However, as it also is written in Romans, 'They are not all Israel who are descended from Israel.' {Rom.9:6} Now, we all, Jew and Gentile alike, have been called to accept the gift that was offered to us by God, paid for by the atoning work of Jesus on the cross—the sacrifice of the Blood of the Lamb. The greatest gift! With thanksgiving we must receive it and live it.
It is true today just as in the days of old that not all who call themselves Christian are disciples of Jesus following His teaching and commands, the very thing that makes one a part of the family of God as the Lord said. {Mat.12:50} Twice in speaking to the seven churches of Revelation, the Lord speaks of the synagogue of Satan, a blasphemy where some called themselves Jews but were not! {Rev.2:9&3:9}
To sum it all up, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” {Eph.2:8-9} And now, you and I are called to…
“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
TEST EVERYTHING BY THE WORD OF GOD |