Dear Dan (from Nancy),
Many as you have said spiritualize the term Israel of God but then refuse to spiritualize verses like Rev. 2. I think that most scripture has a spiritual and physical application. When the Lord pronounced judgement on Israel it was directed to that generation of leaders not the entire race until he returns as so many want it to say.
Most of Pauls teachings are the law verses grace IMO and people take the law and apply it to the Jews. I think this verse expresses my heart the best.
<1: I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
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;
5: Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.>
I would give up all to see them reconciled to the Father for that is his will and desire. I have never intended to even imply salvation is from anything but Jesus and Mark has shared with all here that my message has been clear in that area, but I will not join others on this thread that desire to make God a liar for the gift and call of God are irrevocable and none of us Jew or Gentile are worthy of His salvation. So in fear and love I desrire the good of the Jews not to prove their destruction. Can you see what I am saying. I know Paul would be upset at what they are saying for his words were intended to teach not condemn anyone as they use it for. In all the years I have witnessed to Jews I have not seen anyone come to know the Lord from being convinced that he has done away with everything they know but the love of God through Jesus has won many (including my father). That to me is the GOOD news of the Gospel and they preach the bad news as though they are so certain of things that are not theirs to know in full until we are with Him. Never once do I see in the scriptures that I am supposed to condemn people and prove that God does not love them, no I see that even as sinners he died for all people (Jews included).
They jump to conclusions because they are so wrought up in their words of destruction and can not understand what I am saying and heap up false accusation against me.
I say to them God will bring low the proud and exalt the humble. See I do not consider myself to be Jewish since my mother is Gentile. However, I praise God for teaching me the truth in his no respecter of person. It is not about the Jew as a person but about the promises of God through them. When people are so determined to prove he is unfaithful to them they are attacking His character and integrity IMO. If His love were dependent on any human acts no one would be saved but He is great and his faithfulness to an unfaithful people is infinite. The plan to me is summarised in Romans 11, they are being blinded for the sake of the Gentiles and any Gentile that is not pierced in heart over their seperation on their account has a hardened heart IMO.
Romans 11
29: For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30: For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
32: For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
See He desires to have mercy on all people Jews included.
I pray you will have a peaceful and prosperous Year ahead,
Nancy |
