FRIDAY August 21, 2020
God’s People Receive Salvation by Faith
“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 7:6-11
In the book of Romans, Chapter 9 will begin a new section. The Apostle Paul will speak about Israel’s past, present and future state. Paul was a man of the Word and prayer. In the previous chapters, Paul had taught people about justification by faith. Even though the New Testament was not written yet, in Romans 9-11, Paul, as he was so well versed in the knowledge of God’s Word, would quote many Scriptures to God’s people. He wanted Israel to know that they could receive salvation only by faith.
Paul’s study of the Scriptures showed how God’s people meticulously memorized the Word of God. The Lord loves the Jewish people. If you study the Old Testament, you will see for yourself how God had chosen the nation of Israel for Himself. God is righteous in His dealings with Israel. Yet so many people have hatred toward them.
Remember, God delivered the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, and they journeyed toward the Promise Land; but because of their unfaithfulness to God, they had to wander in the wilderness (Numbers 14:20-35). Throughout Israel’s history, they continued to be disobedient to God and idolatrous. In judgment, He scattered them throughout the lands (Ezekiel 36:17-19).
Israel had rejected God, and salvation was given to the Gentiles (Acts 28:27-28). Has God cast away Israel? The answer is, “No.” God has not forgotten them; as promised, He has brought them back to their land (Ezekiel 11:17). Once again, He will again turn to deal with Israel, and although just a remnant, eventually they will turn back to God.
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
~Acts 2:36~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!