Question about the Jews...

[DaBronx]

Hey guys,

Blessings in Christ Jesus!

I'm doing a study on world religions and need to know what does your religion feel about the Jews... are they still the chosen people... or do Christians and Christianity replace them?

thanks!!

 

[Adoniram]

You will hear differing opinions on this. But I believe Paul teaches that, while the Jews are still God's chosen people, their rejection of Him induced Him to "put them on the back burner," so to speak. They have been temporarily blinded, until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in (Rom. 11:25). God did this so His message of salvation through Jesus Christ, whom the Jews rejected, could be spread to the Gentile nations (Rom. 11:11). My pastor explains it in this way: The Jews were the A team, whom God used to spread His message to the world in Old Testament times. But they went astray, failing to deliver, so God put in the B team, Christians who by faith in Jesus began spreading God's message. Christians now enjoy the blessings of God's mercy due to Israel's disobedience (Rom. 11:30). At some time, God will pull out the B team, the Rapture, and put the A team back in. This is during the times spoken of in Revelation, when the Jews will turn back to God, and be the main force of spreading God's message during those perilous times.

Some will say that Christians have totally replaced Israel as God's chosen people, but Romans 11 is pretty clear that this is not the case, and a lot of as yet unfulfilled OT and NT prophesy makes it clear that God still has great plans for them.

 

[wayfaring man]

Hi DB ,

Christianity ( or at least what is called such ) is probably the most varied in what individuals ( groups + persons ) believe of all the major religions ... likely due to the fact that it largely emphasizes humanity's freewill and Salvation via God's mercy + grace .

This tendency to be diverse or varied is in some ways a plus ( stimulates individual study , analysis , and critical thinking rather than blindly following doctrine or tradition ) and in other ways is more of a minus ( tends to promote considerable disagreement , dissent , and disunity ) . [ Personally , think the divisions are less evil than being under coercive dogma .]

But what is being gotten at is this - There is certainly a myriad of different views , opinions + beliefs concerning the Jews and their role /place under God , amongst those considering themselves followers of Christ / The Christian religion .

Overall , there's likely a more favorable impression towards Jewish folks in Christianity than there is in Islam ... but some who claim to be Christian have been known to spue out vitriol against Jews .

The emphasis which stands out to me is that - God is no respecter of persons , and each of us , whether Jew , Jamaican , or Jesuit , is judged or evaluated by what goes on in our heart and how we live our life .

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him. <-----> Act 10:34+35

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. <-----> Romans 8:14

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. <-----> Romans 10:12+13

Generally , with any large group of people there is a variety of folks , some more honorable + praiseworthy than others , consequently it's not right to lump everyone into a single category based on a broad-based association , such as race , religion , political party , or any other largely man-made label placed over and upon individuals .

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. <-----> Romans 2:28+29

In it's purest application a Jew is a person whose life radiates the praise of God through loving right and hating wrong as Jesus did + does .

Jew comes from Judah , Judah means praise , specifically of God .

Hope this is helpful to you !

wm

 

[NatalieJan777]

In it's purest application a Jew is a person whose life radiates the praise of God through loving right and hating wrong as Jesus did + does .

Jew comes from Judah , Judah means praise , specifically of God .

Amen Brother!

Isaiah 44:4-5 They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. One will say, 'I belong to the LORD'; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand, 'The LORD's,' and will take the name Israel.

Man wishes to seperate, but GOD will unite and all HIS people will take on the name Israel.

Jeshurun = A poetical name for the people of Israel, used in token of affection, meaning, "the dear upright people". (Eastons Bible Dictionary).

 

[Faith.Man]

Hey guys,

Blessings in Christ Jesus!

I'm doing a study on world religions and need to know what does your religion feel about the Jews... are they still the chosen people... or do Christians and Christianity replace them?

thanks!!

Jews are still and always will be God's chosen people. Gentiles are grafted into the Kingdom, by His grace and mercy. But, there is only one way for salvation to occur. That is to repent from your sins and accept the saving work of Jesus Christ, making Him Lord of your life.

 

[PROPHECYKID]

They are no longer God's chosen people. What did he chose them to do? They were suppose to he his agents of Salvation to the rest of the world.

Jesus displayed the jewish nation in a few of his parables. The parable of the fig tree, where he cursed the fig tree and said that if it was cursed because it didnt produce fruit. It was symbolic of the Jewish nation. The parable of the rich man and lazarus, the rich man being the jewish nation who had the gospel and kept it to themselves while the gentiles represented by lazarus was just longing to hear the gospel. I don't need to say where the rich man ended up in the parable.

If any man be Christ's he is Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. Whosoever believe in Christ and claims to be a follower of Christ is a spiritual descendant of Abraham and therefore a spiritual jew. The Chosen people now are those who will go therefore and teach all nations. baptizing them in the name of the father, son and holy spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever God has commanded. God's plan is to save the whole world.

God's church is suppose to spread the good news of Salvation to the world, not be responsible for saving the jews. God did not chose the nation of Israel because he wanted a people to save. The whole idea that Jesus must save all the jews at any cost is really flawed because their purpose was to bring the world to salvation. Some believe God is going to spend an extra 7 or 1000 years trying to save the Jews but that is pure racism. I have just my life time to accept Jesus, yet he going to give jews more than just their lifetime? Thats completely unfair. People must really take some time to give it more thought. Look at the reason that Israel was chosen, look at the reason the Gospel was taken from the Jews and given to the gentiles and then answer the question.

 

[elsieflynn]

well, based on memory of what i've learned...
God is immutable; He never changes. He is the same today as He's always been. His word never changes, either. He does not contradict Himself. The Jews are His chosen people. The gentiles are adopted into the family, to join them, not to replace them.
jmho

 

[Faith.Man]

They are no longer God's chosen people. What did he chose them to do? They were suppose to he his agents of Salvation to the rest of the world.

Jesus displayed the jewish nation in a few of his parables. The parable of the fig tree, where he cursed the fig tree and said that if it was cursed because it didnt produce fruit. It was symbolic of the Jewish nation. The parable of the rich man and lazarus, the rich man being the jewish nation who had the gospel and kept it to themselves while the gentiles represented by lazarus was just longing to hear the gospel. I don't need to say where the rich man ended up in the parable.

If any man be Christ's he is Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. Whosoever believe in Christ and claims to be a follower of Christ is a spiritual descendant of Abraham and therefore a spiritual jew. The Chosen people now are those who will go therefore and teach all nations. baptizing them in the name of the father, son and holy spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever God has commanded. God's plan is to save the whole world.

God's church is suppose to spread the good news of Salvation to the world, not be responsible for saving the jews. God did not chose the nation of Israel because he wanted a people to save. The whole idea that Jesus must save all the jews at any cost is really flawed because their purpose was to bring the world to salvation. Some believe God is going to spend an extra 7 or 1000 years trying to save the Jews but that is pure racism. I have just my life time to accept Jesus, yet he going to give jews more than just their lifetime? Thats completely unfair. People must really take some time to give it more thought. Look at the reason that Israel was chosen, look at the reason the Gospel was taken from the Jews and given to the gentiles and then answer the question.

Exo 33:19 Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." (NKJV)

For created beings to judge the ways of the Creator is the height of arrogance.

Rom 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! (NASB)

Job 36:22 "God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?
Job 36:23 Who has prescribed his ways for him, or said to him, 'You have done wrong'?
Job 36:24 Remember to extol his work, which men have praised in song.
Job 36:25 All mankind has seen it; men gaze on it from afar.
Job 36:26 How great is God—beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out. (NASB)

 

[PROPHECYKID]

Did Paul consider himself a gentile. When Paul said that he is a jew inwardly, what was he speaking about?

 

[DaBronx]

OK... great... thank you all for your responses... Let me ask this:

If a Jew came to faith today - would he stop being a Jew or is it pointless to witness to them anymore?

Blessings,
Lorry

 

[Faith.Man]

Did Paul consider himself a gentile. When Paul said that he is a jew inwardly, what was he speaking about?

Paul considered himself a Jew (Acts 21:39) and a Roman (Acts 22:25-28). His remark about being a Jew inwardly (Romans 2:29) is part of his argument against circumcision. From the Believer's Bible Commentary, I quote the following:

Romans 2:29 A real Jew is the one who is not only a descendant of Abraham but who also manifests a godly life. This passage does not teach that all believers are Jews, or that the church is the Israel of God. Paul is talking about those who are born of Jewish parentage and is insisting that the mere fact of birth and the ordinance of circumcision are not enough. There must also be inward reality.

True circumcision is a matter of the heart&#8212;not just a literal cutting of the body but the spiritual reality of surgery on the old, unregenerate nature.

Those who thus combine the outward sign and the inward grace receive God's praise, if not man's. There is a play on words in this last verse that is not apparent in the English. The word &#8220;Jew&#8221; comes from &#8220;Judah,&#8221; meaning praise. A real Jew is one whose character is such as to receive praise from God. (The Believer's Bible Commentary)

Right or wrong, this is where I stand on the issue.

 

[Adoniram]

OK... great... thank you all for your responses... Let me ask this:

If a Jew came to faith today - would he stop being a Jew or is it pointless to witness to them anymore?

Blessings,
Lorry

First and foremost, being a Jew is an issue of parentage. A person born of Jewish parents, particularly the mother, is considered to be Jewish. In those terms, a Jew is a Jew even if he lives an unGodly life.

When a Jew becomes a Christian, he does not cease to be a Jew. Jesus' disciples were Jewish and Christian, as was Paul. Most of the early Christians were Jews, and through their efforts the message soon spread to Gentiles.

No, it is not pointless to witness to them. God loves them the same as anybody, and many do come to believe in Jesus. Sadly, many Jews today are not particularly religious. Those who do practice their religion, Judaism, would not be very open to witness about Jesus though.

 

[wayfaring man]

There are basically three ways to be a Jew .

1. Genealogically

2. Religiously

3. Spiritually

Some individuals combine two or all three of these ways of being a Jew .

There are " Jew's for Jesus " or Messianic Jews who profess faith in Jesus ( Yeshua ) .

In The Old Testament the Jews ( as a nation ) were somewhat distinguished under God as a chosen people , in The New Testament the focus shifted somewhat away from The Jews ( as a nation ) unto the Gentiles , with the foretelling that shortly before the end , the focus will shift back ( somewhat ) to those ethnically Jews .

See Romans Chapters 10+11- esp. 11:25

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. <-----> Romans 11:25

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. <-----> Luke 21:24-27

Yet as was referenced in previous posting - the most significant way to be a Jew ( one who receives / shows forth God's praise ) is inwardly , or spiritually . For without the inward , or the spirit - the outward doesn't amount to much on it's own .

Ultimately , all the redeemed through Christ will be one .

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. <-----> Colossians 3:9-11

May The Lord Be Praised !

wm

 

[DaBronx]

Awesome... thanks, guys!!

res-Torah-tion ... I couldn't click on thelink but will visit the Messianic site maybe I'll find it there?