🌿THE Bible views only two types of people: Israel (orig. root, Hebrews) and Gentiles (orig. Pagans or heathens).
There's no in-between. You can't be a Christian believer and remains a Gentile; nor can a non-believer Pagan calls himself Israel.
Paul was inspired to write:
"And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16)
The root of this distinction started with God's calling of Abram (later, Abraham), the first to be called a "Hebrew" (Gen. 14:13). And out of this Hebraic heritage, the nation of Israel was born.
Two interesting names: The word Hebrew means “one from beyond”. And the name Israel means "one who wrestle with God".
Abraham (the Hebrew) came from the other side of the River Euphrates and settled in the plains of Mamre. Therefore, one who comes across or 'comes from beyond' is a 'Hebrew'. This prophetically illustrate how God calls His people, and the need to 'move out' to a new land.
But our Calling is only the beginning. We must consistently seek, walk and even wrestle after God. The other meaning of Israel is "Let God prevail", so instead of just struggling, the idea is to win a victory with God (Gen. 32:29)!
Therefore, the most important characteristic of Hebrew/Israel is our willingness to cross over from our former lives, but in faith we must claim the victory that is also ours for God's kingdom!
God's Chosen people were identified themselves as Hebrews/Israel both in the Old Testament (Exo.9:13; Jonah 1:9) and in the New Testament (2 Cor.11:52; Eph. 2:19; Phil. 3:5).
Paul was very emphatic here,
"If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:29).
This is the mystery of the Gospel. When saved, Gentiles 'cross over' and leave Paganism to become Israel. Ultimately, it’s God's desire to reach all nations with salvation and His plan was to use the example of the Hebrew/Jewish nation (Deut.7:6-7;Isa.42:6). It’s through the unbroken link of Hebrew-Israel-Jews that salvation comes. Jesus declared,
"You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews." (John 4:22).
But we only have one root, ALL must be grafted-in to become the 'Israel of God':
"But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in (to believing Israel) among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches (Israel). If you are, remember it is not you who support the root (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), but the root that supports you" (Romans 11:17-18).
| RDH
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