How God Has Rejected His People - Coursework Example

Has God rejected His people? Critically discuss Pauls response to this question with particular reference to Romans in chapters 9-11. The Book of Romans is a beautiful study of systematic theology, getting into the details of deep doctrines of the faith in Christ Jesus and the righteousness of God the Lord. Paul, in his epistle to Roman Church, navigates through the topics of faith in God, final redemption of Israel, study about Jesus Christ (Christology), the state of Church at Rome, spiritual gifts, the Christians mind, attitude, the election and the spiritual perseverance of Christian saints. The Roman church people were mostly Gentiles. The Christians at Rome had to undergo several horrible persecutions and torture during those periods (Meeks 2003). Despite suffering all these tortures, Christians at Rome matured and became bold and stronger in the faith. God in his wisdom could see the miseries and struggles of people of Rome and knew that they would really appreciate good counseling. He sent them heavenly manna showered through the pen of Paul (Roetzel 1999). Paul’s letter to the Church at Rome (Church mostly constituted by Gentile population likely founded by Paul himself) was in AD 58 prior to his trip to Jerusalem in order to distribute the alms given to be delivered to the poor over there. He had planned to visit Rome followed by Spain (Romans 15: 24). This epistle was intended to prepare way for Paul’s visit to Christians at Rome in order to give necessary counsel to idolatrous, backsliding, unbelieving population there (Hooker 2003). The formal nature of this epistle announces its significance and appropriateness. The book of Romans proclaimed the theory of justification by faith. Paul introduces the approach and concept of sinners receiving the experience of salvation, through the grace acquired through faith in Christ Jesus, irrespective of their physical, spiritual and racial background. God is merciful unto all. Paul opens his heart through this epistle affirming that he is a bondservant of Jesus Christ. Johannes Munck in his book, Paul and the Salvation of Mankind, tries to explore Paul’s position and attitude in the light of his missionary works. He watches Paul right from his calling at Damascus. The experience of Paul regarding the heavenly call was found similar to that experienced by Jeremiah and Servant of II Isaiah (a similar call bringing salvation to Gentiles). The kingdom of God is waiting for the fulfillment of the proclamation of gospel to Gentiles. The point of completion of the quota of Gentiles is a crucial factor in redemptive history as given in the book. There begins the Israel redemption and the arrival of antichrist followed by the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for his chosen ones, bringing judgment according to human deeds. According to the book, Peter and Paul had different approaches to gospel. Peter approached Israel directly whereas Paul concluded that Israel is unyielding and approached Gentiles (Evans & Porter 2000). Munck watches the Jewish community at the time of Acts. Jesus’ and his disciples’ mission were centered in Jerusalem, as Jerusalem was the centre and gospel may spread from there (Munck 1960). But Israel showed negative attitude to gospel. They were rebellious to the word of God and refused to believe that Jesus is from heaven and he is the Messiah whom they were waiting for. Because of this attitude of Israel, Paul went to Gentiles for proclaiming gospel expecting that winning Gentiles will help winning Israel. Paul thinks that the number of Gentiles would be fulfilled very soon. Not all the Gentiles were evangelized, but they were given options to be for or against Christ, which is explained by Munck as ‘representative universalism’. In the closing chapters, Munck watches Paul coming to Jerusalem to gather the Gentile church representatives (that is the Gentile fullness according to him), to Jerusalem. But Paul was imprisoned in Jerusalem (made appeal to Rome) and was unable to go to West as a free missionary. Paul somehow wanted to gain Gentiles of West to fulfill the number and met the Emperor of West as the Emperor is the representative of that area. So Paul expected the fullness of Gentiles to be completed paying the way for the salvation of Israel (Stendahl 1977). So Paul at his death bed, seeing the fullness of Gentiles, and his mission completed, told that “Now salvation is near, and Christs coming is at the door.” Paul’s epistles continually gave the message that neither works nor circumcision (or law) will contribute positively towards salvation (Horrell 2004). He is the one who made Gospel of Jesus Christ accessible to Gentiles, and is named as the apostle of Gentiles. He introduced the concept of salvation through faith in Jesus to Gentiles. Epistles of Paul could depose all Jewish beliefs, practices and traditions and could establish the fact that all these never help in bringing out the experience of salvation. Paul had a strong Jewish background and he felt for the cursed and unsaved situation of Jews. He had great love for his brethren that he told, “I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren.” But the teachings of Paul had given good chastening to Jewish minds. His ministry was useful not only for Gentiles but also for Jews. Epistles of Paul served this double purpose. God knows the appropriate way, favorable time and the best manner through which he can accomplish his purpose of dispensing valuable salvation. Paul’s epistle to Church at Rome revealed many hidden facts that are significant equally for Jews as well as Gentiles. Chapters 9-11 of the epistle is the core portion that reveal many deeper truths. Paul opens Chapter 9 revealing his concern for his brethren, (in the flesh) the Jews. Paul is mourning over the fallen status of Israel, even though he is called as the Apostle of Gentiles. He declares his origin from Benjamin tribe and starts worrying about the lost condition of Israel (who is away from God because of hardheadedness). He brings the attention of Israel people by telling that covenants are actually meant for spiritual people as Israel was apostate in that time. Lord the God loved Israel in the Old Testament times, as it is mentioned in Exodus (4: 22-23) that “Israel is my son, my firstborn.” In Hosea (11:1-2), we can see the words of God that “when Israel was a child, I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” But still Israel was found straying away from God offering sacrifice and burned incense to graven images. Covenants are actually the promises that God made with his people Israel; Abrahimic as well as the Davidic covenants in particular. Israel was recognized as the special chosen ones of God. Serving the lord (Priesthood, the offerings at tabernacle) was specially and exclusively assigned for Israel. However in the New Testament, the stewardship of salvation (Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ) was taken away from Israel and entrusted in the hands of Church. Salvation became completely based on belief in Christ. It became absolutely impossible to serve and worship God separating oneself from the spiritual body of Christ Jesus. ‘Fathers’ of old testament are the patriarchs, the foundation upon which Lord built up Israel nation: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. Covenants and promises that launched Israel as a steward of God, was originated from them. The genealogies explained in the New Testament established Christ as purely from King David, offering him the earthly privilege to acquire the eternal throne promised to David by God in his covenant. But Israel people hesitated to believe that Jesus is the Messiah whom they were waiting for. But majority of the Jews still believed that they can inherit the kingdom of God without believing Jesus Christ. God had promised salvation to Israel long before the coming of the Jesus into this earth. Paul came up with the thought that being physically born as Israel (physical birth) will not help inheriting the promises associated with salvation. Instead, grace originated out of the pure faith and love in Christ Jesus will help inherit the ‘new Jerusalem’, the heaven prepared for the chosen ones. Ishmael born out of the faithlessness (faithless, unsaved Israel) of Abraham could not inherit Abraham’s blessings whereas all promises pertained to Isaac, the faithful remnant (child of promise), even though both were seed of Abraham. So children of flesh who did not accept Christ as savior can no longer be spiritual heirs of God’s promises. God almighty is completely sovereign in showing his interest (compassion or anger) to anybody. It is not by will or works of people that they receive mercy, but based on the purpose of God, according to his plan. God is never obliged to any human work and will have mercy on which he will have mercy. Both Jews and Gentiles were privileged to have the merciful calling of God; anyone who believes in Christ Jesus could make use of the salvation which is free. God always has every right to choose anybody, Jew or Gentile, to salvation. Paul in the epistle explains why Israel, the rebellious nation will not be saved when Gentiles inherit the kingdom of God. Gentiles wholeheartedly accepted Jesus as their savoir and Lord, whereas, Jews among which Jesus originated, refused to accept him as the son of God. Habakkuk says, “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2: 4). Yet Israel failed under the Law, attempting to lead a life based on their precepts, denying the life of faith and thereby rejecting the free salvation. The Israel remnant who accepts Christ Jesus will bear the fruit of salvation, when the remaining population of the great nation, no matter how Jewish they are, faces the final Judgment. Even though Israel had a zeal for the truth, it was not based upon facts but on their conventions and practices. They were the steward of the covenants of God. But the stewardship of gospel of Christ Jesus was entrusted in the church constituted by the saints, and not in Israel. It is impossible to serve God outside the spiritual body of Christ as given in I Corinthians. But God was merciful unto Israel from the very beginning itself. He has promised that his blessings would never depart from them. Israel was considered and called by ‘Yehovah’ as his son. God promised Israel their share in the kingdom of God long before the coming of Jesus into earth. Redemption of the Israel remnant is supposed to the most significant event that will precede the ‘end of the ages’. According to theologians, salvation of Israel remnants will happen prior to the thousand year reign ‘Millennium’ rule of Jesus Christ. Redemption should reach Israel before the age ends, before the expected fulfillment of prophetical uttering of God. “Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. Brethren, my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel are that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” Paul desperately wished for the salvation of Israel. If God has cast way Israel fully, even Paul cannot boast of salvation as he also has got a physical origin from Israel. Israel the nation will not be completely rejected by God for salvation but the Jew who refuses to accept Jesus as Messiah will have to eat the bitter fruit of judgment. Paul still believes that God will not totally cast away Israel because of the foreknowledge of God, as he says, “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew.” This foreknowledge of God helped him look down through the ages and predestinate everything. Paul justifies that Israel occupies a significant place in the plan of God and can never be rejected by God (keeping in mind the concept of foreknowledge of God). Though he does not offer complete salvation to Israel, a remnant of Israel will enjoy salvation. This salvation will be accomplished after the great tribulation period. This saved remnant of Israel will have peace during the reign of Jesus on the earth. He says in Jeremiah 23: 3-6, “And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds.” According to prophesy concerning the God’s salvation plans, Israel is provided with the assurance that remnant of each and every tribes (12 Israel tribes) will be saved. Paul says to king Agrippa, “And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:  Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hopes sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.” According to Revelation 7: 4, “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.” Paul openly says that the divinely guaranteed remnant of Israel will have salvation; God has not denied his firstborn the precious salvation that he offers. The favorable time for the Gentiles will conclude after seven years of church age, when the tribulation period ends (before the millennial rule of Jesus Christ). God will bring the Israel remnant till the finishing of tribulation period. “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded” (Romans 11: 7-10). Here the ‘election’ mentioned is meant for the Israel remnant. The Israel remnant, the first born has always received, and will continue to receive the special privilege of salvation. But Israel the nation (physical Israel) will loose the experience of salvation since they rejected the grace that comes out of the belief in Jesus Christ. God threw judgment upon the rebellious Israel and shut the door of salvation to them. Their spiritual eyes were further blinded by God since they hardened their hearts (as happened to Pharaoh). Even today only one percent of Jews are found to believe Jesus, and the rest has hardened their hearts. In chapter 11, Paul explains the plan of God concerning the dispensation of salvation again. Since the beloved race of God refused to heed his heavenly calling, the lord decided to offer the stewardship of salvation (out of grace) to the Gentiles who accepted Christ Jesus as their savior and lord. This move of God was also intended to generate a feeling of jealousy in Israel (about the salvation obtained by the Gentiles) so that they will repent over their action and will reexamine their stand concerning faith in Jesus Christ. Paul expected that Israel will repent and accept Christ seeing the work of Holy Spirit in Gentiles. Paul says that if the fall of Israel can positively contribute for the enrichment (salvation) of Gentiles, what influence fullness (restoration) of Israel will have on the Gentiles. That is, the salvation of Israel can bring much more blessings on Gentiles. “Some of the branches be broken off,” Israel refused to believe God’s plan of sending Jesus to earth and were driven away into the experience of dispersion in A.D 70. Paul explains how the branches got removed from its place and the wild olive tree (representing Gentiles) was grafted in the tree (in the place of Israel) together with the remnant. Paul warns Gentiles that they should not boast about the free gift of salvation that was offered unto them by God (which happened as a result of the faithless stand of Israel. Church has its origin from Israel only. Christ as well as gospel has its origin in Israel as the lineage of Christ was from Israel alone. Paul exhorts that Gentiles has no base to speak as they are the inferior stock that were artificially grafted to the promises whose root is nothing but Israel. Israel was partially cut off from the salvation since they refused to hear gospel and this helped Gentiles to get an offer for salvation. If Israel can lose their stewardship of salvation, how easy can Gentiles get into the same predicament if they allow themselves to be proud of the salvation? (Nanos 1996). Gentiles should be vigilant enough as God could remove the salvation from them and go back to establish salvation among Israel, his first born. It is obvious that the natural root can very well adapt themselves to the experiences than the wild Gentiles. Israel has a very deep fellowship with God since the very beginning. Paul encourages and exhorts Gentiles to maintain a healthy attitude with God without hating Jews. He says that if the fall of the Jews can turn as a blessing of Gentiles, how blessed it will be if Israel believes! This reasoning of Paul is little bit confusing, but Paul does not want the Gentiles to worry about the security of their salvation even if Jews turn to Christ at some point of time. God is unchanging; he can never forget his people whom he redeemed through the precious blood of his son Jesus Christ. When God finishes his work in Gentiles, Israel will be called again. Israel remnant who believes in Christ will be saved as God loves Israel always, for the sake of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Hawthorne, Martin & Reid 1993). “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion, the deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob” (Romans 11: 26). All Israel does not mean the whole Israel nation, but the remnant from all the 12 tribes. Blinded or hardened stage of Israel is a mystery and it became a boon to Gentiles. This blindness will prevail till the Gentile quota is saturated. Israel will remain rebellious to the word of God till this fullness of Gentiles gets accomplished. ‘Fullness of the Gentiles’ is the period of completion of the spiritual body of Christ when everything is ripe and ready for his arrival. This is the church that is composed of both Jews and Gentiles. God will change the disobedient hearts and eliminate all sins from Israel making them restored in grace and bringing them back as the first born of God once again. That is his covenant unto them. References Evans, C.A. & Porter, S.E. (eds) 2000, Dictionary of New Testament Background, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL. Hawthorne, G.F., Martin, R.P. & Reid, D.G. (eds) 1993, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters/a Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL. Hooker, M.D. 2003, Paul: A Short Introduction, Oneworld Publications, Oxford. Horrell, D.G. 2004, An Introduction to the Study of Paul (Approaches to Biblical Studies), Continuum International Publishing Group - T & T C. Meeks, W.A. 2003, The First Urban Christians: The Social World of the Apostle Paul, Yale University Press, New Haven, CT. Munck, J. 1977, Paul and the Salvation Of Mankind, John Knox Press. Nanos, M.D. 1996, The Mystery of Romans: The Jewish Context of Pauls Letter, Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Minneapolis, MN. Roetzel, C.J. 1999, Paul: The Man and the Myth (Personalities of the New Testament Series), Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Minneapolis, MN. Stendahl, K. 1977, Paul Among Jews and Gentiles and Other Essays, Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Minneapolis, MN. Read More