I don't know that we have any disagreement, Joshua. You got to the heart of the matter as to why the Jews as a people were very important to God's purpose -- through this lineage came our Lord and Savior. Remember, though, this was by God's gracious choice, not any glowing attributes or behavior of the Jewish people. In Hebrews it talks about Jesus coming from the lineage of Judah, not Levi. Levi was the tribe of priests -- again it is underscored that this was according to God's choice.
BTW. I don't hate anyone. Hate is the spiritual equivalent of murder, right?
Jews are special in this regard -- they have a background, a heritage, which has prepared them especially to accept Jesus Christ -- since as you said Christ came through that lineage. As a Gentile, I do not share this, but God still accepts me and I am thankful.
If you agree that the only way to salvation is Jesus. Praise God. That's the truth.
From Romans Chap 9 -- consider the choice of God
(I think the idea of a spiritual Israel is not totally w/o foundation, but let's not quarrel about it. We agree salvation is only in Jesus.)
6 It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."
8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring.
9 For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son."
10 Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac.
11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad--in order that God's purpose in election might stand:
12 not by works but by him who calls--she was told, "The older will serve the younger."
13 Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." [5]
14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!
15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
16 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.
Let's thank God for His mercy upon us and so treat one another.
God Bless You Joshua
and Welcome to the thread |
