"if ye be Christ´s, then are ye Abraham´s seed"
Notice that those that are "in Christ Jesus" are referred to as "the Israel of God."
Galatians 6:
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Notice in the following texts that not all that are descendants of Israel (Israel of the flesh) are members of Israel (Israel of God). Just because one is a descendant (seed) of Abraham doesn´t mean that he or she is a child of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham´s descendants (seed).
Romans 2:
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Romans 9:
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Compare NIV
6 It is not as though God´s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Who are these "children of the promise"?
Galatians 3:
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ´s, then are ye Abraham´s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
All Gentiles and Jews that are Christ´s are "the children of the promise." The blessing of Abraham can be received by the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, and if one belongs to Christ (Gentile or Jew), then one is Abraham´s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Paul´s argument is that Abraham had faith, therefore those who have faith are his children. Someone has called this the concept of "faith lineage." John the Baptist understood the "faith lineage" principle.
Matthew 3:
1 IN those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Christ also taught the "faith lineage" principle. In the following texts some Jews claimed Abraham as their father because they were in Abraham´s blood line, but Christ clearly denied there claim and told them that the devil was their father.
John 8:
37 I know that ye are Abraham´s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47 He that is of God heareth Gods words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
In Romans, chapter 8, one can find a whole section contrasting those that are in Christ and walk after the Spirit with those that walk in the flesh.
Romans 8:
1 THERE is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death: but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Notice that those that are led by the Spirit are God´s children and therefore heirs of God.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and join theirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
The "Israel after the flesh" is made up of the natural descendants of Abraham who as of yet do not believe in their own Messiah. The "Israel of God" is made up of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus Christ.
In the texts below, Christ makes it very clear that just because one is a descendant of Abraham doesn´t mean that he or she cannot be disowned and therefore lose his or her inheritance.
Matthew 3:
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Notice in the following story of Nathanael joining Christ, that because he believed in Christ, Christ called him "an Israelite indeed."
John 1:
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
Let us take another look at how Paul deals with this sensitive issue. First, Paul expresses his "continual sorrow" for his "kinsmen according to the flesh." These are the natural "Israelites," the literal seed of Abraham.
Romans 9:
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Paul indicates that God´s promises have not failed even though natural Israel has not received them. He states, it is "not as though the word of God hath taken none effect" then he gives the reason why God´s word has not failed, "they are not all Israel, which are of Israel."
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Paul goes on to explain that not all are considered by God to be His "children" just "because they are the seed of Abraham." Then Paul makes this statement, "but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called." Only those that are "in Isaac" will be considered Abraham´s real seed and eligible to receive the promises.
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
What does it mean to be "in Isaac" and "children of the promise"? God had promised to make many nations of Abraham´s seed but Abraham and his wife (Sarai) were getting old and they were losing faith that God would keep His promise. They decided to help God by taking Sarai´s maid as a second wife and having children by her.
Genesis 16:
1 NOW Sarai Abram´s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
3 And Sarai Abram´s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
15 And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son´s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
The results of this lack of faith was a son called Ishmael who Paul referred to as being "born after the flesh."
Galatians 4:
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Later Abraham´s faith returned and Sarah was finally blessed with a child.
Genesis 21:
1 AND the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
This child (Isaac) was the results of Abraham´s faith.
Notice the following texts very carefully.
Romans 4:
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah´s womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Paul refers to Isaac as being born of the promise. So those that believe and have faith in God are considered to be "children of promise." So both Jews and Gentiles can be "children of promise" if they have faith in God.
Galatians 4:
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Notice how Paul so clearly verifies this conclusion in the following text.
Galatians 3:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
So what about the text in Romans where Paul asks the question, "Hath God cast away his people?" and then he answers with a seemingly indisputable, "God forbid"? Doesn´t this prove that literal Israel is still God´s chosen people? Let´s take a closer look at Paul´s reasoning. Notice that right after Paul writes "God forbid" he writes, "For I also am an Israelite." Paul uses the example of himself to prove that God has not cast off His people.
Romans 11:
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Then Paul gives another example to clarify the point that he is making. Back in Elijah´s day ancient Israel had apostatized.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
As one can see in Verse 3, Elijah thought that he was the only one left that was still being faithful to the Lord. But, notice in Verse 4 that God revealed to him that there were still a remnant of "seven thousand men" which had remained true to Him. There were two Israels, one that had rejected their Lord and a remnant that had remained true.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Then Paul makes his point very clear by stating that even now "at this present time, also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." So two Israels existed in Paul´s day just as in Elijah´s day.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Just as in Elijah´s day, there was found a faithful remnant in Israel, even so in Paul´s day there was also a faithful remnant, who like Paul had been saved by grace. This remnant is the followers of Christ, and as such is the spiritual Israel whom God has certainly not "cast away."
Summary of Paul´s reasoning:
(1) In the old testament God made promises to "the seed of Abraham,"
(2) These promises would continue through Isaac, Abraham´s seed,
(3) Isaac was born as the result of faith,
(4) Isaac represents those that have faith,
(5) All who have faith -- Jews and Gentiles -- are considered by God to be Abraham´s seed,
(6) This faith seed is the "Israel" of God,
(7) God will fulfill His promises to this Israel, and
(8) Therefore, "the word of God" to Israel has not been made of "none effect," even though, today, most natural Jews do not believe in Christ as their Messiah!
Galatians 6:
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Notice in the following texts that not all that are descendants of Israel (Israel of the flesh) are members of Israel (Israel of God). Just because one is a descendant (seed) of Abraham doesn´t mean that he or she is a child of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham´s descendants (seed).
Romans 2:
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Romans 9:
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Compare NIV
6 It is not as though God´s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Who are these "children of the promise"?
Galatians 3:
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ´s, then are ye Abraham´s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
All Gentiles and Jews that are Christ´s are "the children of the promise." The blessing of Abraham can be received by the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, and if one belongs to Christ (Gentile or Jew), then one is Abraham´s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Paul´s argument is that Abraham had faith, therefore those who have faith are his children. Someone has called this the concept of "faith lineage." John the Baptist understood the "faith lineage" principle.
Matthew 3:
1 IN those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Christ also taught the "faith lineage" principle. In the following texts some Jews claimed Abraham as their father because they were in Abraham´s blood line, but Christ clearly denied there claim and told them that the devil was their father.
John 8:
37 I know that ye are Abraham´s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47 He that is of God heareth Gods words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
In Romans, chapter 8, one can find a whole section contrasting those that are in Christ and walk after the Spirit with those that walk in the flesh.
Romans 8:
1 THERE is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death: but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Notice that those that are led by the Spirit are God´s children and therefore heirs of God.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and join theirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
The "Israel after the flesh" is made up of the natural descendants of Abraham who as of yet do not believe in their own Messiah. The "Israel of God" is made up of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus Christ.
In the texts below, Christ makes it very clear that just because one is a descendant of Abraham doesn´t mean that he or she cannot be disowned and therefore lose his or her inheritance.
Matthew 3:
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Notice in the following story of Nathanael joining Christ, that because he believed in Christ, Christ called him "an Israelite indeed."
John 1:
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
Let us take another look at how Paul deals with this sensitive issue. First, Paul expresses his "continual sorrow" for his "kinsmen according to the flesh." These are the natural "Israelites," the literal seed of Abraham.
Romans 9:
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Paul indicates that God´s promises have not failed even though natural Israel has not received them. He states, it is "not as though the word of God hath taken none effect" then he gives the reason why God´s word has not failed, "they are not all Israel, which are of Israel."
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Paul goes on to explain that not all are considered by God to be His "children" just "because they are the seed of Abraham." Then Paul makes this statement, "but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called." Only those that are "in Isaac" will be considered Abraham´s real seed and eligible to receive the promises.
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
What does it mean to be "in Isaac" and "children of the promise"? God had promised to make many nations of Abraham´s seed but Abraham and his wife (Sarai) were getting old and they were losing faith that God would keep His promise. They decided to help God by taking Sarai´s maid as a second wife and having children by her.
Genesis 16:
1 NOW Sarai Abram´s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
3 And Sarai Abram´s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
15 And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son´s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
The results of this lack of faith was a son called Ishmael who Paul referred to as being "born after the flesh."
Galatians 4:
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Later Abraham´s faith returned and Sarah was finally blessed with a child.
Genesis 21:
1 AND the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
This child (Isaac) was the results of Abraham´s faith.
Notice the following texts very carefully.
Romans 4:
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah´s womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Paul refers to Isaac as being born of the promise. So those that believe and have faith in God are considered to be "children of promise." So both Jews and Gentiles can be "children of promise" if they have faith in God.
Galatians 4:
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Notice how Paul so clearly verifies this conclusion in the following text.
Galatians 3:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
So what about the text in Romans where Paul asks the question, "Hath God cast away his people?" and then he answers with a seemingly indisputable, "God forbid"? Doesn´t this prove that literal Israel is still God´s chosen people? Let´s take a closer look at Paul´s reasoning. Notice that right after Paul writes "God forbid" he writes, "For I also am an Israelite." Paul uses the example of himself to prove that God has not cast off His people.
Romans 11:
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Then Paul gives another example to clarify the point that he is making. Back in Elijah´s day ancient Israel had apostatized.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
As one can see in Verse 3, Elijah thought that he was the only one left that was still being faithful to the Lord. But, notice in Verse 4 that God revealed to him that there were still a remnant of "seven thousand men" which had remained true to Him. There were two Israels, one that had rejected their Lord and a remnant that had remained true.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Then Paul makes his point very clear by stating that even now "at this present time, also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." So two Israels existed in Paul´s day just as in Elijah´s day.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Just as in Elijah´s day, there was found a faithful remnant in Israel, even so in Paul´s day there was also a faithful remnant, who like Paul had been saved by grace. This remnant is the followers of Christ, and as such is the spiritual Israel whom God has certainly not "cast away."
Summary of Paul´s reasoning:
(1) In the old testament God made promises to "the seed of Abraham,"
(2) These promises would continue through Isaac, Abraham´s seed,
(3) Isaac was born as the result of faith,
(4) Isaac represents those that have faith,
(5) All who have faith -- Jews and Gentiles -- are considered by God to be Abraham´s seed,
(6) This faith seed is the "Israel" of God,
(7) God will fulfill His promises to this Israel, and
(8) Therefore, "the word of God" to Israel has not been made of "none effect," even though, today, most natural Jews do not believe in Christ as their Messiah!
posted by Michael A. Redwine at Thursday, May 18, 2006
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