God’s Chosen People

Pat Jones / Executive and Teaching Pastor

“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved.” Romans 11:25-26a

Paul speaks of a mystery, and Romans 9-11 explains that mystery. It explains so much but also gives some warnings. In a world that is plagued by rampant antisemitism, God gives us a picture of the mystery where all people who come to faith, the same faith that Abraham had, will one day be called Israel.

I have been troubled by even believers who repeat the lie that the Jews killed Jesus or that somehow the church has replaced Israel in God’s plans. Read carefully through Romans 9-11 and you will find God taking full responsibility for calling people, providing for people, preserving a remnant of people, choosing people, and showing mercy to whomever He wants to show mercy. And in the end all people of faith, whether Jew or Gentile, will be saved. And all of them, all of us, will be called Israel. Fascinating.

I find daily comfort and insight in acknowledging, trusting, and hoping in the sovereign working of God our Father in the affairs of men. Do you? I pray so. And remember His covenant with Abraham: “Those who bless you I will bless, and those who curse you I will curse.” (Genesis 12:3)