by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 8, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
One of the most misunderstood truths in all of Scripture is the relationship between Gentile believers and the promises made to Abraham and his descendants. In today’s theological climate, there is a dangerous notion—widely taught and accepted—that the Church has replaced Israel, that God is somehow finished with His chosen people, and that Gentiles have inherited all that was promised to Abraham. But Scripture never says that.
In fact, the opposite is true.
Gentiles are partakers, not takers. The blessings and promises given to Abraham and his seed—the Jewish people—have not been transferred to the Church wholesale. Rather, by God’s incredible mercy and grace,
Gentiles are invited in, to share in what God is doing through His covenant people. Let’s look at what Scripture says.
Romans 11:17 – “…and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree.”
Paul uses the imagery of an olive tree to make a vital point. Gentiles, represented by a wild olive branch, are grafted into something that already existed—Israel, the cultivated olive tree. They are not the root. They are not the trunk. They are supported by it.
The word partaker here is crucial. It implies sharing, not replacing. Gentiles have not taken over the promises; we are grafted in to enjoy the richness of God’s covenant plan, rooted in Israel.
But Paul doesn’t stop there. He gives a sobering warning:
“Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” — Romans 11:18
In other words, don’t get prideful. Don’t become arrogant or presumptuous. Gentile believers should remain humble, knowing that our inclusion is an act of mercy, not entitlement.
Ephesians 3:6 – “…that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.”
Again, the word partakers. Gentiles are included in God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. But Paul is careful to say this inclusion comes “through the gospel”—not through the Law, not through the Abrahamic Covenant directly, but by faith in Christ alone.
We are fellow heirs, yes—but not of everything promised to Israel. We are partakers of His promise in Christ, which centers on salvation by grace through faith.
Romans 15:27 – “For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.”
Here Paul reminds Gentile believers of their spiritual debt to the Jewish people. The gospel, the Scriptures, the covenants—all came through Israel. Gentiles have received immeasurable spiritual riches from the Jewish people. And Paul says our response should be one of gratitude, humility, and generosity.
The Mercy of God on All
Paul culminates his argument in Romans 11:32:
“For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.”
God’s plan was always to bring both Jew and Gentile under the mercy of the cross. He did not cast away His people (Romans 11:1)—He temporarily blinded them so that salvation could come to the Gentiles, to provoke Israel to jealousy and ultimately bring about their restoration.
Conclusion: Stand in Awe, Not Arrogance
To be a partaker is to receive something you didn’t earn, to share in something that began before you were ever in the picture. As Gentiles, we must never forget that we stand on the shoulders of God’s promises to Israel. We are grafted in by grace. And just as God has shown us mercy, He will show mercy again to His covenant people.
God is not finished with Israel. His promises are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). And one day, “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26).
Let us, as partakers, be grateful, humble, and full of awe at the mercy of our God who is faithful to His Word.
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 7, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
When we look at the cross of Christ, we see the perfect love and justice of God fully satisfied. What the Law could not do—because it was weakened by our sinful flesh—God did by sending His Son (Romans 8:3). This is the heart of the Gospel, and it is truly good news.
The Law was holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12), but it could never make a sinner righteous. Why? Because the Law demanded perfection, and fallen mankind could never keep it. The Law revealed sin; it exposed our inability to meet God’s standard. But it couldn’t redeem. It couldn’t save.
“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh.” —Romans 8:3 (NKJV)
Jesus Christ came “in the likeness of sinful flesh”—not as a sinner, but as a man, fully human yet without sin. He became the perfect sacrifice, willingly bearing the full weight and penalty of sin for all mankind. At the cross, sin was judged and condemned. Justice was served, and grace was unleashed.
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” —2 Corinthians 5:21
Think about that exchange: the sinless Savior became sin for us, so that we, who were full of sin, could become the righteousness of God. Not by trying harder. Not by keeping the Law. But by believing what He accomplished.
This righteousness is not earned—it’s received by faith.
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.” —Romans 3:21
This means the Old Testament pointed forward to this grace-filled righteousness all along. Christ didn’t come to destroy the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). And He did—once for all.
“By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” —Hebrews 10:10
The Apostle Paul, by the Holy Spirit, ties it all together in Romans 5. He compares the first Adam and the last Adam—Christ.
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Through Adam’s disobedience, sin and death entered the world.
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Through Christ’s obedience, grace and life now reign.
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” —Romans 5:17
“Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” —Romans 5:18
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” —Romans 5:19
“That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” —Romans 5:21
What an incredible truth: God accomplished what we never could. Christ fulfilled the Law, satisfied God’s justice, and offered us His righteousness as a free gift. He did it all.
So now, what does God require?
Simply this: believe it.
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” —Romans 3:28
There is nothing left to earn. Christ’s finished work is enough. The moment we trust Him—His death for our sins and His resurrection for our justification—we are made righteous in God’s sight forever.
Final Thought
You don’t have to strive to be good enough. You never could be. But the good news is: Jesus already was, and He gave you His righteousness.
Do you believe it?
Let His grace reign in your life today.
Dive deeper into the life-giving truths of Scripture with my free Romans 8 Devotional Series—a daily-verse-by-verse study through one of the most powerful and inspiring chapters in the Bible. Each devotional is short, encouraging, and rooted in grace.
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 5, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
The Gospel Differences: Why the 12 Apostles Did Not Preach Paul’s Gospel
Many Christians assume that the twelve apostles—Peter, James, John, and the rest—preached the same gospel as Paul. However, a careful examination of Scripture reveals that they preached different messages, each revealed by God for a specific purpose and audience. This distinction is crucial for properly understanding the Bible and God’s unfolding plan of salvation.
The Common Misconception: One Gospel for All
Most churches teach that Peter and the twelve apostles preached the same gospel that Paul later proclaimed. According to this view, the Church began in Acts 2 at Pentecost, and from that moment forward, the message of salvation was consistent: faith in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. However, this perspective does not align with the biblical record.
Scripture Tells a Different Story
- Peter and the Twelve Preached the Gospel of the Kingdom
- During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He sent out the twelve apostles with a specific message:
“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” (Matthew 10:7, NKJV)
- This gospel was the good news that the promised Messianic Kingdom was near. It required repentance and water baptism (Mark 1:4, Acts 2:38) and was directed primarily to Israel (Matthew 15:24).
- It was rooted in the Old Testament promises beginning with the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1–3). Everything the Lord Jesus and the twelve did and said was under the Law (Galatians 4:4). Jesus never told anyone to stop practicing the Law or abandon temple worship.
- Furthermore, the Lord Jesus gave explicit instructions:
“Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 10:5–6, NKJV)
- Even the Samaritans, who were half-Jew, were off-limits. Their mission was strictly to Israel.
- The Twelve Did Not Understand Christ’s Death and Resurrection
- If Peter and the apostles had been preaching the same gospel as Paul, they would have proclaimed Jesus’ death and resurrection as the means of salvation. However, Luke 18:31–34 makes it clear that they did not understand or expect His death:
“But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.” (Luke 18:34, NKJV)
- How could they have preached salvation through the cross when they did not even comprehend it?
- Paul’s Gospel Was a Revelation from Christ
- Unlike Peter, Paul did not receive his gospel from men but by direct revelation from Jesus Christ:
“But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11–12, NKJV)
- Paul’s gospel centered on Christ’s death for our sins, burial, and resurrection as the sole basis for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Paul was chosen by God and explicitly commanded to go to the Gentiles:
“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.'” (Acts 9:15, NKJV)
- Paul preached the good news that salvation is by grace through faith alone, apart from the Law (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 3:28). This was a completely different message, to a completely different audience. So different, it’s like daylight from dark. Why can’t people see it?
- Peter Recognized Paul’s Unique Revelation
- At the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), Peter acknowledged that salvation for Gentiles came through faith apart from the Law:
“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” (Acts 15:11, NKJV)
- Later, Peter admitted that Paul had received wisdom and revelation that was difficult to understand:
“And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you.” (2 Peter 3:15, NKJV)
Why This Matters
First and foremost, getting the gospel right is paramount above all else. Secondly, if you don’t get the gospel message right, you won’t get doctrine right either. This is the case with much of Christendom today. Many believers use Jesus and the Twelve’s teaching—meant for Israel under the Law—as doctrine for the Body of Christ. But Christ’s earthly ministry was to Jews only (Romans 15:8), and everything He and the Twelve taught was directed toward that audience and under the Law.
Paul was not only given the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24), but he was also entrusted with the doctrine for the Body of Christ. When you get the gospel wrong, you get doctrine wrong too. That’s a double whammy (Galatians 1:8,9)—and there’s no need for it, Scripture is clear.
Final Thoughts
God’s revelation unfolded progressively. Peter and the Twelve faithfully preached the message they were given—the Kingdom Gospel to Israel, under the Law. Paul, however, was entrusted with the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the mystery kept secret since the world began (Romans 16:25). That now, salvation is by grace through faith alone in the finished work of the cross, apart from the Law. By distinguishing these messages, we gain a clearer understanding of God’s plan and avoid misinterpreting Scripture.
Important Clarification
I do not believe there are two gospels today in 2025. What I believe is that during Paul’s day, there were two distinct gospel messages—one to Israel (the Gospel of the Kingdom) and one to all mankind (the Gospel of the Grace of God). As the nation of Israel rejected Jesus as their Messiah, the Kingdom Gospel faded from the scene, and Paul’s gospel became the one and only means of salvation for both Jew and Gentile. Today, all will be judged according to Paul’s gospel (Romans 2:16). This is not a matter of opinion—it’s clearly laid out in Scripture. I share this because this truth is often misunderstood, and it’s one of the subjects I receive the most pushback on. But the Word makes it abundantly clear there were two gospels, today and since around 70 AD, there has only been one gospel, Paul’s gospel.
Do you see how this distinction affects your understanding of the Bible? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss!
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 3, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
The apostate Church in America, is leading a superstructure of hate against the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. History is repeating itself, and just as Christendom paved the way for violence in Europe, that culminated in the holocaust, it is once again fueling a growing, satanic-driven hatred that could lead to pogroms on American soil. The war in Gaza has only exposed what was already brewing—a mainstream Christian betrayal of Israel that is as shocking as it is prophetic. The warning signs are clear: a mass exodus of Jews back to their homeland is coming (already in progress in many other countries), just as Scripture foretold. But let the Church remember Paul’s words in Romans 11—Israel is the root, and we, the body of Christ, which is His Church, are but partakers. To turn against them is to stand against God Himself.
The Apostate Church and the Rising Tide of Antisemitism: A Dire Warning
For centuries, Christendom has been at the root of antisemitism, distorting God’s Word and leading to unspeakable atrocities against the Jewish people. From the theological poison of Replacement Theology to the horrors of the Holocaust, the so-called Church has historically been complicit in fueling hatred against God’s chosen people. And today, in 2025, history is repeating itself. Once again, mainstream Christianity in America is leading the charge in an unprecedented global surge of antisemitism.
Israel and the Church: Distinct but Interconnected
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that Israel and the Church are distinct yet deeply interconnected in God’s redemptive plan. Israel remains God’s chosen nation (Romans 11:28-29), and through Israel, the Messiah came. The Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, is a partaker—not a recipient—of the promises given to Israel (Romans 11:17-18).
And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.’
God’s faithfulness to Israel is a testimony to His faithfulness to all His promises. If He were to abandon Israel, how could we trust Him to keep His promises to the Church? Yet, tragically, many within Christianity have twisted Scripture to justify abandoning Israel, embracing a theology that denies Israel’s place in God’s plan and fuels hatred against the Jewish people.
The Tragic Consequences of Replacement Theology
For centuries, Replacement Theology—the belief that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s plan—has corrupted biblical doctrine and fueled antisemitic persecution. It is a man-made distortion, born from pride, arrogance, and outright defiance of God’s Word.
- Distortion of God’s Word: Replacement Theology misinterprets vast portions of Scripture, especially prophetic passages concerning Israel’s restoration.
- A Lie with No Scriptural Support: The early Church fathers, blinded by anti-Jewish sentiment, and a lack of faith, crafted a false doctrine that painted the Jewish people as “Christ-killers” and dismissed God’s unbreakable promises to Israel.
- Undermining God’s Sovereignty: By denying Israel’s future restoration, Replacement Theology effectively questions God’s ability to fulfill His own Word. (They call God a liar)
- Fueling Antisemitism: This belief has justified centuries of persecution—from medieval expulsions to the Inquisition, from the pogroms of Eastern Europe to the Holocaust. And today, it is emboldening a new wave of hatred that is rising with terrifying speed.
Apostate Christianity: Leading the Way Toward a New Holocaust?
The open hatred for Israel and the Jewish people has reached a tipping point, brought into the light by the war in Gaza and Israel’s justified response to the brutal October 7, 2023, attacks that claimed over 1,200 innocent lives. Shockingly, many within mainstream Christianity are turning their backs on Israel, aligning themselves with a global movement of anti-Jewish sentiment that mirrors the darkest chapters of history.
The warning signs are unmistakable. Just as 20th-century Christendom stood largely silent—or even complicit—as antisemitic rhetoric paved the way for the Holocaust, today’s apostate Church is laying the groundwork for violent persecution against the Jewish people once again. If this trajectory continues, America itself could witness pogroms unlike anything seen before, forcing a mass exodus of Jews back to Israel—yet another fulfillment of biblical prophecy (Ezekiel 37, Zechariah 12:10, Romans 11:26).
God’s Warning to the Church
The apostle Paul issued a stern warning in Romans 11:16-22—a warning that much of Christendom has ignored:
‘For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) is holy, so are the branches (the Jewish people). And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker (not given) of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand (or partake and are saved Galatians 5:1) by faith (alone). Here’s the warning that 98% of Christendom ignores. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.’
Pride and arrogance toward the Jewish people is not only a sin—it is a direct rebellion against God’s revealed truth. The Church must be grateful that God has allowed Gentiles to partake in the blessings given to Israel, rather than seeking to usurp their place in His plan.
Conclusion: A Call to Repentance and Action
The anti-Christ spirit behind Replacement Theology and the current wave of antisemitism is undeniable. The apostate Church in America has embraced a demonic deception, and the consequences will be devastating. But God’s Word stands firm—His covenant with Israel is as secure as the rising and setting of the sun.
Now is the time for true believers to stand firm in proclaiming the truth, rejecting the lies of Replacement Theology, and defending God’s faithfulness to His people. As the world turns against Israel, we must remain steadfast, aligning ourselves with God’s redemptive plan and believing in His promise to restore Israel, both physically and spiritually.
To stand against Israel is to stand against God Himself. And for those who do, judgment is coming.
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 1, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
If you were to ask most people, “Why should God let you into His heaven?” you’d likely hear answers like:
✔️ “I was baptized.”
✔️ “I kept the sacraments.”
✔️ “I go to church.”
✔️ “I feed the homeless.”
✔️ “I try my best to keep the commandments.”
And on and on it goes… straight to a lost eternity.
“Don’t get me wrong—baptism, repentance, feeding the homeless, and other good works all have their rightful place. But if they’re done for salvation, God isn’t having it. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—no exceptions (Ephesians 2:8-9).”
The Root Problem: Our Sin Nature
The problem with mankind is not just that we commit sins—it’s that we have a sin nature (Romans 5:12). We aren’t sinners because we sin; rather, we sin because we are born sinners. Our nature—Old Adam—is corrupt to the core.
This is exactly what Paul describes in Romans 7:13:
“Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.”
The Law was given to expose our sin nature—not to fix it.
The Futility of Human Effort
If the Law—given by God Himself—could not change our sin nature, then no amount of religious rituals, sacraments, or good deeds could ever do so either.
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Water baptism? No amount of water can wash away sin.
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Keeping commandments? The Law already proved that no one could keep it perfectly.
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Doing good works? Isaiah 64:6 says our righteousness is like “filthy rags.”
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Being religious? The Pharisees were religious to the core, yet Jesus condemned their self-righteousness.
All these efforts do is nullify the grace of God (Galatians 2:21). When people trust in these things, they reject the only way to salvation: faith in Christ alone.
Salvation Is by Grace Alone
Paul makes it abundantly clear in Ephesians 2:8-9:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
No one will stand before God and say, “Look at what I did for salvation.” The only thing that saves is what Christ did on the cross.
The Only Answer That Saves
When asked, “Why should God let you into His heaven?” there is only one right answer:
✝️ “Because Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose again, I believe it with all my heart, and I have placed my faith in Christ alone.”
Everything else leads to eternal separation from God. Trust in Christ alone.