Based on Romans 11:25-36 (New King James Version)
“For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.’ Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. 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! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?’ ‘Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?’ For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”
There is something very important that needs to be understood from this passage (although many things can be seen), and that is, that we need to understand exactly what has been granted to the gentiles, to those that are not Jewish (the Jew referred to here is the one that has been perfect in their generations, trying to keep the law of Moses and not mixing themselves with foreigner or pagans). The truth is that we were far away from the things of God, especially before Christ. Our ancestors were the world’s lost. They were part of the darkness, totally dedicated to pagan worship, serving everything related to Satan, and even Satan himself. It’s sad (this affects me personally as well), but it’s the truth.
The Lord Himself clarified even more that the promises and calling to salvation was first for the Jewish nation. The Lord did not come because of the gentiles (to start), but came first to speak to Israel. This can be clearly seen in the following passage: “And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.’ But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she cries out after us.’ But He answered and said, ‘I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’ But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.’” Matthew 15:22-26. The Lord finally heals the Canaanite woman’s daughter, but He clearly establishes that Israel is the priority.
Why is it necessary to be clear on this point, like the importance of the Jewish nation? Because of two important reasons. The first reason is because we need to be clear that the salvation that we have is only possible through the failure of the beloved nation. If Israel would have acknowledged Christ as what He is, the gentiles would have no salvation, not even through the cross of Christ. But, because of Israel’s disobedience is that the Gospel came to the gentiles. So then, we need to understand that we the gentiles owe much to Israel. Therefore, not only should we pray for them, but also, we should look for as many ways as possible to help and support them. So then, it is impossible for anyone that calls themselves a follower of Christ to hate the Jewish nation, because they would then be hating their own salvation and the commandments and intentions of God. Because God’s promise to Abraham and his generations is still in force: “…and I will curse him who curse you…” This should produce an even greater form of humbleness in us. There is no place for any kind of pride in us.
The second crucial reason is that we need to value our salvation. Our salvation and the grace that God has poured on us through Christ cannot be abused. If we understand well the Scriptures, in no place can it be inferred that we can take lightly the salvation that God has granted us. This is what can help us understand the difference between a sound doctrine that is guided by the Word of God, and other doctrines orchestrated and created by false prophets and demons, proclaiming lies that will lead many to an eternal downfall, by taking for granted things that are holy and pure. For it is written: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? Hebrews 2:1-4. The Word also teaches this: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31.
So then, knowing these truths, it is impossible to justify doctrines or gospels (per se) that do not teach about repentance and conversion from sins, nor of the transformation and sanctification process that the Holy Spirit needs to carry out in every believer, nor of the obedience to the things of God. We are not perfect, but a true follower of Christ cannot lead a liberal life, justifying sin, if they want to receive the promises and blessings God does want to give. Otherwise, they will either never come to the great salvation that God offers, or lose the opportunity granted by the divine grace of God that was only made possible through the failure of the beloved people, those who God will call again to Himself, when the gentiles stop listening and obeying the gospel of God. Because the time will come when the gentiles will cease to listen (which is presently happening). So then, do you truly understand and appreciate what God has given you, or wants to give you through the Lord Jesus? Lord bless! John