The Question: Are Christians Today Covenant People?
Answer:
No. The Bible is explicit, God made His covenant(s) with Israel (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:17-18;Deuteronomy 29:12-13;32:8,9). Christians today are under grace.
From the time that God called Abraham around 2000 B.C., and throughout the entire Old Testament, the four gospels and into the early chapters of the book of Acts there is no message of salvation revealed to the Gentile world.
Biblical Fact: As a matter of Biblical fact in the 2000 years from the call of Abraham and the Cross there were only 9 Gentiles saved.
But now, on this side of the cross and because of what He did on our behalf by dying on the cross for our sins, being buried and raised from the dead three days later; ALL mankind, Jew or Gentile has access to God (Ephesians 2:13;Galatians 3:26,28). Today, we are not under the law but grace (Romans 6:14).
In Ephesians 2:11,12, the apostle Paul makes it so clear that prior to the revelation of “mystery” or the secret of the gospel of grace the Gentile world was without Christ, had no part in the covenants God made with Israel and were without hope. It just doesn’t get any plainer than that!
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands,
Ephesians 2:11
that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:12
Again, the apostle Paul makes it clear to the Gentile congregation in Colosse (and for us today) they (as Gentiles) were alienated or cut-off from God but now, (not before these new revelations given to Paul) they (Gentiles) are no longer without access to Israel’s God and have been reconciled back to God through the shed blood of His dear Son.
‘For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— ‘
Colossians 1:19-22
Gentiles Always on God’s Mind
The Old Testament prophets revealed that God promised Gentiles would be blessed by Israel (Isaiah 11:10, 42:1, 6, 49:6, 22, 60:3, 5, 11, 62:2; Zechariah 8:22-23). The prophetic revelation was clear, Gentile blessing required every Jew had to repent and accept Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:16,17; Acts 2.14, 22, 36-39). There was no second option revealed, the prophecy was always the King and the kingdom (Genesis 12:1-3;2 Samuel 7:12-16; Luke 1:67-75;Zechariah 14:9) and it relied on the nation of Israel as a whole believing that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. There was no provision to bless the Gentile nations with a disobedient and unbelieving nation of Israel. But God way’s are unsearchable. God delights in mercy and had an unrevealed plan in which He could bless Gentiles. Read on…
Predetermined Plan of Redemption
God in His foreknowledge (Romans 11:2) knew His chosen people would be disobedient and in unbelief so He does some thing new and amazing. God wasn’t caught off guard by Israel’s disobedience and unbelief not at all, these new revelations were all part of God’s amazing plan of redemption for mankind, that Triune Godhead predetermined before time began (Acts 2:23). That now (40 AD) because of the nation of Israel’s disobedience God would temporarily blind His chosen people (Romans 11:25) and open the flood gates of heaven pouring out His grace upon all mankind.
That salvation was available to Jew or Gentile by faith alone in the gospel apart from the Mosaic law and Temple worship. Unheard of for 2000 years! How amazing is God, beyond our comprehension.
‘Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!’
Romans 11:33
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Thank you,
Jamie Pantastico
Faith, Sine Qua Non
