The Thoughts of Wesley son of Cornelius

There is something unique about the Jews. As stated earlier, Paul asked the question: “What advantage is there in being a Jew?” (Romans 3:1) Paul answers that the Jews are the people who were given the Law, the prophets, the covenants, and eventually Christ. The Jews were the physical descendants of Abraham. But the Bible has always been clear that being an Israelite (nationally) never guaranteed you salvation. Only by faith is one saved. This concept has been true since the beginning. For the following could be considered full Israelites but I doubt could claim citizenship in God’s family: Korah, Manasseh King of Judah, High Priest Annas, or High Priest Caiaphas. Many others could be added to this list. My conclusion is that Israel is God’s people. However, they are a picture or symbol of God’s People. The temple and temple sacrifices were pictures of something higher. Likewise, baptism is a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection we share with Christ. However, sacrificing at the temple or being baptized is not needed for salvation. So the question arises:

“Did God reject his people?” (Romans 11:1 NIV)

Paul answers: “By no means!”

Here Paul is referring to the Jews, God’s people. Paul goes on to create a beautiful analogy of olive branches being broken off of the root and wild branches being grafted in. But he ends with a very powerful statement.

“… how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree? For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved …” (Romans 11:24-26a NASB)

This final restoration is taught throughout most of the Old Testament prophets. It is far beyond the scope of this discussion to cover the ideas taught in those passages. I believe God will fulfill his promises of restoration to his people. But the fulfillment will be a picture of the higher: the restoration of his People.

“Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its [P]eople a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my [P]eople; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.” (Isaiah 65:17-19 NIV my capitalization)