Bro. Emile, the explanation is simple. Please read prayerfully and slowly. BTW, don't miss the story at the end.
It has nothimg to do with Judaism, everything to do with Christianity and the love of God. Think in terms of jewish individuals coming to Christ. Don't emphasize the nation or Judaism but the individuals.
"I ask, then, has God rejected his people, the Jews? Of course not! Remember that I myself am a Jew, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin." (Rom 11:1 NLT)
"No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you remember what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said," (Rom 11:2 NLT)
""Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I alone am left, and now they are trying to kill me, too."" (Rom 11:3 NLT)
"And do you remember God's reply? He said, "You are not the only one left. I have seven thousand others who have never bowed down to Baal
"It is the same today, for not all the Jews have turned away from God. A few are being saved as a result of God's kindness in choosing them." (Rom 11:5 NLT)
"And if they are saved by God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's wonderful kindness would not be what it really is--free and undeserved." (Rom 11:6 NLT)
"So this is the situation: Most of the Jews have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have--the ones God has chosen--but the rest were made unresponsive." (Rom 11:7 NLT)
"As the Scriptures say, "God has put them into a deep sleep. To this very day he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear."" (Rom 11:8 NLT)
"David spoke of this same thing when he said, "Let their bountiful table become a snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessings cause them to stumble." (Rom 11:9 NLT)
"Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and let their backs grow weaker and weaker."" (Rom 11:10 NLT)
"Did God's people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! His purpose was to make his salvation available to the Gentiles, and then the Jews would be jealous and want it for themselves." (Rom 11:11 NLT)
"Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the Jews turned down God's offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when the Jews finally accept it." (Rom 11:12 NLT)
"I am saying all of this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I lay great stress on this," (Rom 11:13 NLT)
"for I want to find a way to make the Jews want what you Gentiles have, and in that way I might save some of them." (Rom 11:14 NLT)
"For since the Jews' rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, how much more wonderful their acceptance will be. It will be life for those who were dead!" (Rom 11:15 NLT)
"And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their children will also be holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too." (Rom 11:16 NLT)
"But some of these branches from Abraham's tree, some of the Jews, have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, were grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in God's rich nourishment of his special olive tree." (Rom 11:17 NLT)
"But you must be careful not to brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. Remember, you are just a branch, not the root." (Rom 11:18 NLT)
""Well," you may say, "those branches were broken off to make room for me."" (Rom 11:19 NLT)
"Yes, but remember--those branches, the Jews, were broken off because they didn't believe God, and you are there because you do believe. Don't think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen." (Rom 11:20 NLT)
"For if God did not spare the branches he put there in the first place, he won't spare you either." (Rom 11:21 NLT)
"Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe to those who disobeyed, but kind to you as you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off." (Rom 11:22 NLT)
"And if the Jews turn from their unbelief, God will graft them back into the tree again. He has the power to do it." (Rom 11:23 NLT)
"For if God was willing to take you who were, by nature, branches from a wild olive tree and graft you into his own good tree--a very unusual thing to do--he will be far more eager to graft the Jews back into the tree where they belong." (Rom 11:24 NLT)
"I want you to understand this mystery, dear friends, so that you will not feel proud and start bragging. Some of the Jews have hard hearts, but this will last only until the complete number of Gentiles comes to Christ." (Rom 11:25 NLT)
"And so all Israel will be saved. Do you remember what the prophets said about this? "A Deliverer will come from Jerusalem, and he will turn Israel from all ungodliness." (Rom 11:26 NLT)
"And then I will keep my covenant with them and take away their sins."" (Rom 11:27 NLT)
"Many of the Jews are now enemies of the Good News. But this has been to your benefit, for God has given his gifts to you Gentiles. Yet the Jews are still his chosen people because of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." (Rom 11:28 NLT)
"For God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn." (Rom 11:29 NLT)
Please notice v 1, 11a, 12b, 15b, 23a, 25b, 26, 27, 28b, 29.
".(I've never been in a Baptist Church that wasn't, however." Sorry you went to the wrong Baptist church. Things have changed Emile. I'm beginning to think you are older than me. :>)
"I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal." (Rom 10:2 NLT). What I am saying about their zeal is related to the above verses and the history of the first century Jews(as individuals), as well as their history in general. Remember, I speak in terms of individuals for that is the way God is now dealing with People. When you read my writings it would probable be best to always think of me as speaking in terms of individuals.
BTW, if you want to pidgeon hole me as some doctrinal type, I suppose the closest would be Amillinialists(sp). Actually I prefer to dwell on the Spiritual rather than the earthly and to write things that will uplift people. I heard a story today about an elderly lady who was on her death bed, in her late 80's. When the pastor came to visit her about the funeral, she laid it out in great detail. One thing she wanted in her casket was a fork placed in her folded hands over her chest. The pastor was shocked and miffed. He said, "May I ask why the fork?" Certainly she said, "When Christians get together at the church for eating and fellowship, they come by after eating to pick up my plate and say, "Keep your fork for dessert", and to me that is the best part of the meal. So I want that fork in my casket as a symbol that the best is yet to come."
Have a good nights rest.
Love in the Lord Jesus,
David |
