Humility in God’s Election (Romans 9)

It seems as though much of the world is in distress due to conflicts between and within nations, governments, social frameworks, faith groups, and families. There are many converging issues while approaching a dimly seen pinnacle from a human temporal perspective.  Dissatisfaction is rampant because so many people’s reasonable expectations are confronted by opposing strategies, policies, and ideologies foisted at them. It’s not that everyone held the same beliefs in the past. Take the current conflict in the Middle East. Tensions and distinctions between the descendants of Abraham have existed since 2067 B.C.  Worldwide, there are strong opinions on what should happen in Israel and the surrounding areas.

As you may be aware, I am committed to the methodical study of Romans. In Chapter 9 of the letter to the Romans, Apostle Paul begins his narrative concerning Israel. In reviewing what he attributes to Israel, we find information relevant to current conflicts and a believer’s assurance in Christ.  I have long ago stopped asking who is right in a conflict; and, I have started asking what is God’s purpose and plan. Individuals have to decide what authority the Word of God has in their lives and whose narrative they will follow on any issue or ideology that confronts them.  What a time we live in!

For the past number of months, I have been examining ancient texts that contain over 2,100 years of human history (from approximately 2067 B.C. to 95 A.D). You see, when studying New Testament books like Hebrews and Romans, it is important to understand what the human authors were referring to; the context around their referenced Scriptures, terms, and the setting.  The Divine Author, the Holy Spirit, ensured the human writer captured truths for every age.   

The letter to the Romans was written around 57 A.D. to Christians who spontaneously and organically formed local congregations in homes shortly after some of the people who had come to faith on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10) either returned to Rome or took up residence there. Also, there is no historical or Biblical proof that Paul or Peter founded the Church in Rome; there is evidence that Paul met and influenced new converts in approximately 51 A.D. (Acts 18:1-3, Romans 15:20-22).  Paul would later fulfill his appointment in Rome (Acts 9:8-16, Acts 25:22- 27:24) to testify about Christ before kings in 62 A.D.  Because Paul nor Peter originated the actual congregations in Rome which consisted of Jews and Gentiles, there was a need for the Churches to understand the full gospel through the apostle’s teaching. This is why Romans is a comprehensive presentation of the Gospel of God which includes: the depravity of the human heart because of original sin; the future judgment of all people; the way to salvation and its stages (justification, sanctification, and glorification); the doctrine of election; the past, the present and future state of the children of Israel; and, then practical application for all believers.  

Remember, in Chapter 8, God’s sovereign election and the assurance of His eternal saving grace are made plain. Now, let’s get started with Chapter 9! The first five verses made me question two things for personal application: (1) what is my level of love for others, and (2) what confidence do I have in God’s covenants if Paul viewed his compatriots as lost?  I hope you grab your Bible to look up the references on points that grab your attention because there’s so much in the details to dive into.  Each believer is responsible for knowing God’s Word for themselves rather than blindly accepting the words of others.  

• “I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.” (Romans 9:1-2)

While the use of these terms is standard to Paul (examples: 2 Corinthians 11:10, Galatians 1:20, 1 Timothy 2:7), within the introduction statement to Romans 9, he emphasized that he was speaking the truth three times in one statement concerning his ongoing feelings about what he was going to say.

In the next verse (verse 3), Paul explained that he would prefer to be separated from Christ than to see his countrymen (the Jews) estranged from Christ. At first reading, one might question this statement. I certainly would not want to be separated from Christ over anything. I wondered which is better: to hold your love for Christ above all; or, to love the lost above your relationship with Christ. This is still a contemporary question since believers are frequently asked to make compromises in their faith to support the choices of others. Which response is a true sign of Christian maturity?

Scripture tells us to keep the LORD as preeminent for sure (Deuteronomy 6:5) which is echoed in the New Testament! And, Jesus also told us that the second command of loving your neighbour as yourself is like unto the first command to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30-31). The emphasis and the similarity between these two commandments is “love”; however, Christ does not tell us that the love of one replaces the love of the other.  He says love is the primacy of Scripture; and, that the first command to love God has a greater priority over loving others including oneself. Consider Luke 14:26-27, 33.

Christian love for others flows out of love for God. 

Elsewhere Paul said, “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22).  Considering that I would not trade my relationship with Christ for anyone, I was relieved to know that God, expects us to love Him as the first place or position in our hearts.  

Jesus said:

• “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends”. (John 15:13)

Was that talking about mortal death and not spiritual death? Paul also wrote that Jesus became a curse for us so that we would not have to be anathema.

• “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith”. (Galatians 3:13-14)

In reviewing the word Paul used in verse 3, I consulted a concordance for accursed or ”anathema” which is Strong’s G331. It states that this word is employed in Scripture as “a votive offering, a thing devoted to God; a curse, the thing cursed”. In the Septuagint (or Greek translation of the Old Testament), this word is used 15 times. The following Scriptures provide examples of its use:  Leviticus 27:28-29, Joshua 6:17, Joshua 7:12, and Deuteronomy 7:26.   We can see that anything that was anathema was something dedicated to God without hope of being redeemed (an animal, object, or place and even a person doomed for God’s purposes or will). This raises some questions, doesn’t it? 

In the book of the law, it was written:

• “If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, “his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.” (Deuteronomy 21:22-23)

Think about our suffering Saviour’s atonement.  It is written:

• “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” … After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” (John 19:23-37)

Think about this. Jesus, the Christ, became accursed (2 Corinthians 5:21) for obedience to (and the love of) His Father who loved humanity! Jesus became the curse on the tree for me! Was it also for thee?

Could I be willing to be forsaken by God to save others? I don’t think so! 

When I think about Christ, He knew He was sinless and had the power to rise from the dead; He knew He would be reunited with His Father because it was the Father’s plan! (John 10:17-18, John 2:19-21, Isaiah 53:10-12, John 6:38).   The pain of separation was extreme, and He overcame every power that would try to hold Him down so that He would reunite with His Father and ensure the first resurrection for all who were to be redeemed (Acts 2:24-28, Romans 6:4, Romans 8:11, 34, Romans 14:9, Ephesians 1:20, Revelation 1:18, Revelation 20:5-6.) Jesus trusted the Father’s purpose and plan completely regardless of His human experience.

Now let’s turn our gaze to Paul. Paul understood sovereign election (Romans 8:29-30). As such, when he said he was willing to be accursed, I am confident he felt that strongly about his companions while knowing that such a trade would not be possible.  Paul may have considered how he had been saved by God’s grace through faith because of God’s election but other Jews were blind to Jesus (Galatians 1:13-16, Romans 2:4, 17-20).  

Paul’s statement demonstrates the leadership qualities required for those whom God chooses to be overseers of His flock:

There is an Old Testament example of a human mediator who likewise petitioned the LORD on behalf of his countrymen; namely, Moses. He pleaded with the Lord to spare the Israelites based on God’s covenant with Abraham (Exodus 32:13).  To see the similarity of Moses’ and Paul’s prayer for their people, please read Exodus 32:30-32.  The LORD is merciful so He did not wipe out the entire nation; and, in God’s righteousness, when the appointed time came, the LORD took the life of those rebelling against His commands.  

He honoured His covenant while remaining true to His nature (merciful, gracious, loving, just, and righteous).

Paul, who was the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13), understood the “ages” and their purpose (1 Corinthians 2, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Ephesians chapters 2 – 3) so while he preached to the Gentiles, his heart longed for the Jews to embrace Christ before the Church age ended.  He knew the great tribulation would be horrible!

In considering these first three verses of Romans 9, I see that God’s desire for those who have already come to know Christ is to:

When things don’t go as we hope, we should (1) be humbled and thankful for the LORD’s grace in our lives; and, (2) seek His will in all things. Jesus did come to save that which was lost as called by the Father (Matthew 18:11, John 6:45, John 6:65)

How could I have confidence in the new covenant and sufficiency of Christ’s atonement for all my sins if God’s covenant with Israel would not be honoured? You see, in both the Old and New Testaments, God had established that the shedding of blood was a requirement as an atoning sacrifice (Genesis 3:21, Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22). Furthermore, Jesus was the atonement for my sins through His final (once and for all) shedding of His blood which is the blood of the everlasting covenant. This is how Jesus said it:

• “for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:28-29 NASB95)

In the letter to the Hebrews, it is written about Christ:

• “ Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Now, if you search the Bible for the words “everlasting covenant” you will find that 99 – 100 % of your results (depending on your translation) will point to the Old Testament that primarily pertained to the children of Israel. So, as a person redeemed through faith in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, what confidence do I have that God will keep His covenant with me when, like the children of Israel, I can be disobedient to His Word whether in thought, speech, or deed? Does disobedience nullify God’s covenant with me? What if I die before I have confessed my current sin?

Please read Romans 9:4-5. The people Paul was mourning for were the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; specifically, Israelites (as princes of God) who were given oracles of God (Romans 3:1-2).

• “And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28 KJV).

Let’s break this down and examine some cross references because some things may seem redundant, but I am confident there are necessary distinctions. And remember, we are looking at what this list means about the surety of God’s election and promises in conjunction with Paul’s mourning for the Jews who had not accepted Christ.

The Word of God states in Romans and Ephesians that any person who by God’s grace has been regenerated to faith in Christ has the Holy Spirit and has been adopted into God’s family ((Romans 8:11, 14-15 & Ephesians 1:5).  But that’s not what Paul is addressing in Romans 9. Paul was specific about mourning over his natural brothers, the Israelites (verses 3 & 4).

In the LORD’s plan, starting from Adam (fallen progenitor of the human species) to Noah (heir of righteousness because of faith) to Abraham (who was counted as righteousness because he believed God) to Isacc, Jacob, David and right down to those who came after the birth of Jesus Christ, all who were declared righteous by God were saved by God’s grace according to His effectual call, and so, they believed what God said and responded in faith. From the beginning, God has always made His expectations clear including His remedies (Genesis 4:3-7).

This is a good place to confirm what believing God means.

God by His grace leads to (1) faith, (2) the conviction of sin, and (3) repentance to serve Him. 

Now with that in mind, let’s get into the gifts given to Israel.

1. Israel’s Adoption:

God chose this people group to reveal the knowledge of God by calling out one man (Abram whose name God changed to Abraham) who was originally from Ur of the Chaldeans (an ancient city in Southern Babylonia that worshiped other gods). Between the flood (dated around 2500 B.C.) and the calling of Abraham (dated around 2091 B.C.), all of humanity increased in their departure from the Creator. Within this period, humanity had an obscure and perverted view of God and angels. They worshipped fallen angels and man-made images.  

God then revealed Himself to Abraham and called him to separate himself from all that he previously knew.   Abraham was from Mesopotamia and there were no Israelites or Jewish people then. In God’s management of human timespans, He was very intentional in the calling of specific individuals. God used the birth of Abraham and Sarah’s son Isaac to (1) foreshadow the birth of Messiah (a miraculous birth through a supernatural intervention); and, (2) create the lineage for His incarnation. 

In both the Old and New Testaments, the concept of a God-given inheritance is by God’s election and His intervention in humanity’s actions.  

From Abraham, through Isaac to Jacob (Genesis 25:23-34).  Now Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel) had 12 sons who went to Egypt because of a famine where they multiplied into a people group (Genesis 46:2-7).  Over time, a new king enslaved the Israelites (Exodus 1:8-14) because he did not know or value what Joseph (one of Jacob’s sons) had done to preserve Egypt.  He was threatened by their growth.  The LORD called Moses to be a deliverer and prophet for the Israelites in captivity.

In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus came to reveal Himself first to the children of Israel and then to others. It is written:

• “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:11-13)

Jesus specifically said He was first sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24). A few chapters earlier, we see Jesus chose to speak to many of the unbelieving children of Israel in parables to fulfill prophecy while He explained everything to His Jewish disciples. It is written:

• “And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. “And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’ “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; “for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. “(Matthew 13:10-17)

And, in John 4, Jesus directly revealed to the Samarian woman that He was the Messiah even though she was not in the set-apart, direct lineage of Israel. Consider this account:

• … “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. “You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” (John 4:21-26)

Friends, do you see it?  Salvation is from the Jews by God’s plan. God fulfilled His prophecy for the Messiah to come through the lineage of the children of Israel. There will be more on this later.   This same plan included salvation for anyone who will believe in Him through God’s effectual call.  Have you responded to His call? Are you willing to believe?

God reveals Himself to whom He wills regardless of a person’s lineage, age, nationality, sex, quantity of sin, and any other distinction.

At the same time, a reader of the Word of God must admit to themselves that adoption was first of the Jews by plan and for a purpose. Consider these passages: Genesis 22:16-18, Psalms 98:2-3, Isaiah 49:6, Ezekiel 16:4-14.  The Ezekiel 16 passages refer to Exodus 2:24-25, Exodus 3:7-8 and Exodus 19:4-6.  A few chapters later in Ezekiel it is written:

• … “On the day when I chose Israel and raised My hand in an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob, and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt, I raised My hand in an oath to them, saying, ‘I am the LORD your God.’ “On that day I raised My hand in an oath to them, to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, ‘flowing with milk and honey,’ the glory of all lands. “Then I said to them, ‘Each of you, throw away the abominations which are before his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ “But they rebelled against Me and would not obey Me. They did not all cast away the abominations which were before their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I said, ‘I will pour out My fury on them and fulfill My anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.’ “But I acted for My name’s sake, that it should not be profaned before the Gentiles among whom they were, in whose sight I had made Myself known to them, to bring them out of the land of Egypt. “Therefore I made them go out of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness.” (Ezekiel 20:5-10)

Just think about some of the amazing things the children of Israel saw which served as types and shadows (Hebrews 8:5) during the wilderness wanderings that would later point to Jesus Christ as the Messiah.  

2. The Glory Israel Witnessed:

Consider the glory cloud of the LORD that filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34, 1 Kings 8:11, Ezekiel 1:28, Hebrews 9:5).  That cloud was a physical manifestation that stimulated humans to give due praise to the LORD because of the worthiness of His majesty, magnificence, excellence, pre-eminence, dignity, and grace.  That cloud was supernatural!

Try to imagine yourself back in those days and consider how reverent you would be if you saw with your eyes the glory come and go at key moments. Also consider that if you knew this God was on your side and you were on His, while you may tremble at His power, you would stay near Him and reverence Him. It is written:

• “When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’s house. When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 7:1-3)

While that must have been tremendous to witness, I am filled with gratitude that the LORD would sovereignly allow me to live in this age with the manifestation of the indwelling Holy Spirit who testifies that Jesus Christ is Lord!

God spoke to us through Christ. Then He gave us the indwelling Holy Spirit who moved the Apostles along to write His Word. Now in this Chruch age, the Holy Spirit confirms for our spirits through the Word and His stirring our hearts that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes, the Messiah who reconciles the lost to Him.  God will likewise fulfill all of His plans.

3. The Covenants made with Israel:

This is a point of great contention with some believers. With the coming of the Messiah, are God’s covenants to the Jews fulfilled completely (meaning that they are invalid today)? If “the Law” has been nullified for Christians, does that nullify the covenants for the Jews?  Did the Jews forfeit the covenants because of unbelief?  If God doesn’t keep His promises to Israel, what hope do I have in God’s promises for me?  

As I study Romans chapters 9, 10, and 11, I am finding great assurance in God’s covenants.  God’s sovereign election humbles me. It drives me to my knees in gratitude for what He has done, in praise for His greatness, and worship for who He is!  The Godhead goes beyond my comprehension and words.

Let’s take a look at God’s covenants made to the children of Israel as outlined in Scripture. We will review (A) the Abrahamic covenants, (B) the Mosaic Covenant, and (C) the Davidic Covenant making sure to indicate whether they were (1) unconditional (eternal or fulfilled) or (2) conditional – subject to obedience (fulfilled or otherwise) based on what the Scripture states.

Let’s look at the responsibilities attributed to each partner of the covenant.

As we read further in Genesis, we learn Abraham departed at age 75 and came to the land of Canaan where the LORD promised his descendants that land (Genesis 12:6-7).  So, the question here is, did God keep the promises and the land covenant to Abraham? 

Fulfillment of the 7 blessings is clear, especially since over 4,000 years have passed and his name is recognized worldwide for being the father of 3 people groups from 3 women (Sarah the wife, Hagar the handmaiden of Sarah, and Keturah the concubine of Abraham after Isaac was born).   Realization continues.

1. God blessed Sarah by giving Isaac, her the promised son, just at the time God had appointed. Abraham was 100 years old (Genesis 21:1-5).  Isaac had 2 children:
   • Esau who traded his birthright (Genesis 25:31-33) and married a daughter of Ishmael (Genesis 28:8-9); and, 
   • Jacob (renamed Israel) who inherited the promise and fathered the 12 tribes of Israel. That promise included (1st) the 7 blessings above, and (2nd) the land covenant that we will look at soon (Genesis 15:1-10, 18-21).
2. God blessed Hagar’s son, Ishmael, promising that he would be a great nation and that 12 princes would come from him.  
   • God had told Abraham to release Hagar and Ishmael from living with them; Abraham sent them away knowing God would bless them.  God also told Abraham that He was going to make His covenant with Sarah’s offspring because He had purposed to bring about this child through a creative miracle and not the will or manipulation of humans. (Genesis 16:11-16, Genesis 17:18-21).  
   • Note: The consequences we pay for disobedience can be long-lasting.  While God is a merciful and redemptive God, our plans do not thwart His purposes.   In Genesis 17, we see that Abraham had wanted God to bless Ishmael because he was his son.  The LORD has certainly done so (although He was not under any obligation to do so). God kept His word to Ishmael as well!
3. Abraham gave gifts (while he was alive) to Keturah’s 6 sons before sending them eastward away from Isaac.
   • The Scripture states that Sarah’s child Isaac inherited all (Genesis 25:1-11).    

I have heard some say that the children of Israel (Jacob’s descendants) forfeited their inheritance because of their disobedience and because they rejected Jesus as the Messiah.  From my study of this subject, I see that the covenant was an unconditional covenant made to Abraham. 

• “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. … “And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. “Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” (Genesis 17:1, 7-8)

The word “covenant” (Strong’s H1285) in Hebrew is “berith” from (Stong’s H1262) in the sense of cutting like (Strong’s H1254).    Brown-Driver-Briggs states that a covenant between God and man is “a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges”. So, if the cutting of the covenant required those participating in the vow to agree, I see that God made the covenant without Abraham’s participation in “the passing through the bloody pieces of the animals” required for making the covenant. So, then God’s oath was with Himself.

• “And he said, “Lord GOD, how shall I know that I will inherit it?” So He (the LORD) said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. … Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. … And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates” (Genesis 15:8-10, 12, 17-18)

This means that God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants was made by God alone and dependent on God alone. There were no obligations for Abraham’s descendants. Further, at Abraham’s testing (to lay down Isaac on the altar), God swore an oath about the land and a coming seed (Jesus). As it is written:

• “Then the Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, “blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (Genesis 22:15-18)

• “For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.” (Hebrews 6:13-18)

When all-knowing God made this covenant, He had told Abraham that his descendants would go into captivity for 400 hundred years (Genesis 15:13-16) and then be delivered. Jacob’s son (Joseph) brought the children of Israel into Egypt to spare them from famine 30 years before their enslavement (as briefly mentioned before).  

• This same omnipotent God knew that Israel would fail to uphold the Mosaic Covenant (which was conditional upon their obedience) which would result in their dispersion from the promised land (Deuteronomy 28:63-65, Deuteronomy 30:1-3). 
• The LORD also foretold they would be regathered before they were repentant (Ezekiel 36:17-32, Ezekiel 16:60-63).

What I see is that God made an eternal covenant with the children of Israel as a people group or nation that was not dependent on anything. He also made a conditional covenant with specific generations under the law or Mosaic Covenant.  The eternal covenant is not nullified by the conditional covenant.  

It’s absolutely brilliant!  The conditional covenant is a provision to deal righteously with disobedience while reserving the land eternally for Israel (1 Chronicles 16:17 and Psalms 105:10).

There are some things we only understand in retrospect; what will take place in time is such.

Now the boundaries described in Genesis 15 are vastly larger than they are today. Does this mean that God will at some future point restore this kingdom? Is this a part of the restoration that God will bring to fruition in the Millennial Reign of Christ? What I can say is that Israel is back in their homeland speaking their native language after over 1,900 years of diaspora.  

This included the moral, civil, and ceremonial law which was dependent on obedience. The children of Israel inconsistently obeyed; notice their disobedience was often linked to their judges and kings. Their breaking of this covenant took them into captivity for set durations before returning to the land by God’s intervention. The books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel have details concerning this; see Ezra specifically for the return.

We will review this in the “Law Given to Israel through Moses” section. All I will say here is that:

• God’s principles remain unchanging; however, He does determine the means by which humanity is to fulfill them at specific times.
• Also, it is just like God to first create boundaries for human beings, and then allow them to operate within the boundaries with choices and consequences. What good parent does not do that?

This was established with David as an eternal covenant without conditions and therefore reaches into the future when Christ returns to reign on earth. We can find the account in 2 Samuel 7:11-17 and 1 Chronicles 17:11-14. Here is a snippet of what is written:

• “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” ‘ ” According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.” (2 Samuel 7:16-17)

Reviewing David’s lineage, we see that after Solomon, the kingdom was divided. In fact, it is recorded in Jeremiah 22:30 and Jeremiah 36:30 that God would end the mortal human rule on the throne of David because of their wickedness. But God did not break His covenant with David because He had a plan for the throne of David; namely Jesus.  

• “and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa. … (refer to passage for full lineage) ... Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel. … (refer to passage for full lineage) … and Matthan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. So, all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.” (Matthew 1:6-17)

Isn’t this amazing?  God preserved the lineage of David, from the tribe of Judah through captivity, to the return from exile and up to the birth of Christ while He disciplined disobedience which was also prophesied in the conditional covenant of the Mosaic Law (please read this in Deuteronomy 28:63-65, Deuteronomy 30:1-3).

There is also a prophecy that predates the Mosaic covenant that states that the sceptre/executor of the law of the Children of Israel would pass from the tribe of Judah when Shiloh came. And then once He comes, people would become obedient to Him. Refer to Genesis 49:10.  

“Shiloh” (Strong’s H7886) comes from the word from “shalah” (tranquil). Shiloh is an epithet of the Messiah and bears the meaning of “he whose it is” or perhaps the he who owns the sceptre.

• “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
• “(For the LORD is our Judge, The LORD is our Lawgiver, The LORD is our King; He will save us);” (Isaiah 33:22)

Now consider Jesus Christ’s lineage (Matthew 1:6-17) in conjunction with these next passages: Isaiah 11:1-5, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Matthew 1:21, and Matthew 21:9). So far, we have seen prophecy fulfilled over hundreds and thousands of years by the eternal LORD. 

Why presume the other prophecies will not be fulfilled?  Because these would be dependant on God, shouldn’t we believe they will be fulfilled?

Christ’s first coming was to call people to repentance and to believe that He was the Son of God who had come to atone for the sin. 

This was when He pronounced the Kingdom of God was at hand. It is written:

• “Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:14-21)

When Jesus quoted Isaiah, He did not finish the full text which is: “To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn Isaiah 61:2. 

The day of vengeance refers to the LORD’s second coming when He establishes His earthly kingdom over all the earth.  

In the prophecy of the dry bones, the prophet Ezekiel is asked in chapter 37 to prophesy about the time when Israel would be regathered to their land as one physical kingdom with David as their King. This is the future. In the future when the resurrected David (no longer mortal) will rule as King under Jesus (the KING of kings) over the nation of Israel in perpetual peace. Refer to the yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecy in Ezekiel 37:21-28 and observe the words “forever”, “eternal” and “everlasting”; observe who is king over the children of Israel and where they are dwelling.  

Israel’s regathering in unbelief as a nation began to transpire in 1948. Here are some other passages that confirm God’s plan to fulfill this covenant (Psalms 132:11, Psalms 89:3-4, 33-34, Jeremiah 31:33).  The following one makes it very clear that the LORD has no intention of breaking His covenant with David.

• “This is what the LORD says: If you can break my covenant with the day and the night so that one does not follow the other, only then will my covenant with my servant David be broken. Only then will he no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne. The same is true for my covenant with the Levitical priests who minister before me.” (Jeremiah 33:20-21 NLT)

Did the Genesis 49:10 prophecy about the execution of the law being held by the tribe of Judah until the Messiah came come true? 

Secular history indicates that this occurred sometime between 6 and 7 A.D. when Coponius (a Roman leader given the power of capital punishment by Caesar) was sent to ensure the management of all imperial interests, especially concerning (1) taxes and (2) obedience to Caesar above the Jews belief systems. This meant that the Sanhedrin’s legal authority to execute capital punishment was restricted and needed approval from Roman leadership. You can read about this in Josephus, Wars of the Jews, Book 2, Ch.8.  

The wonderful thing is regardless of one’s view of when the Sanhedrin lost their power (6 – 7 A.D. or 70 AD), the prophecy was precise because Jesus Christ from the tribe of Judah had already been born! The Genesis 49:10 prophecy concerning the coming of Shiloh before the ruler’s staff passed from Judah’s descendants had been fulfilled.  

Just for context, Jesus said this in response to being accused of the blasphemy of equating Himself with God. They had asked Him, are you the Messiah, the Christ? Read the account that led up to Christ’s statement that Scripture cannot be broken:

• “Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. “I and My Father are one.” (John 10:24-30)

When Jesus said Scripture can not be broken, He was referencing Psalm 82 which was a plea for justice for the poor and fatherless; for the deliverance of the afflicted and needy; and to free them from the hand of wicked judges who were set as “gods” or “judges” over them according to the law. This is precisely what Jesus had come to do by giving them the ability to become children of God through faith in Him (John 1:12)

I am certainly not an expert on the Sanhedrin or the works of Josephus. I found a great article on The Scepter of Judah which provides more information and provides a list of Jewish documents you can track down on your own. 

Jesus spent much time using the Old Testament Scripture to illuminate the children of Israel’s temporal mindset; to help them embrace the eternal covenant keeping God’s fulfillment of His promises. Jesus said to them:

• “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ‘? “If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.” (Matthew 22:42-46)

When I consider the eternality of God who exists outside of time and intervenes in time on behalf of humanity to fulfill His plan, I can certainly see how God can (1) make eternal unconditional and conditional covenants, (2) foretell them, and (3) bring them to pass regardless of humanity’s choices and while still allowing the freedom to choose and experience the rewards or consequences of their choices.  

This is a good time to refer you to Isaiah 46:10; note the ending of this verse “‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure‘”.

This means God will still honour His covenant and fulfill all prophecies because that was His will.  

God certainly had a way of disallowing human reign on David’s throne (Jeremiah 22:30, Jeremiah 36:30); bringing about Messiah the God-Man from the tribe of Judah, the Son of David. Talk about foreknowledge down to the details! And, if that troubles you, think about God’s immanence. This means He is present and actively interacting in His world to the effect that no place, situation, or time is beyond the reach of God’s goodwill, purposes, love, and grace. Praise God! 

Here’s how this aspect of God arranged for the Messiah’s birth within the covenants with Abraham and David:

• Christ’s birth from Mary qualified Him to inherit the title of King because of the counsel that the LORD gave Moses (which became exception clauses in law) for managing the inheritance of a man who did not have sons (Refer to Numbers 27:1-23).  
• Additionally, Mary was the descendant of David through Nathan (Luke 3:31, 2 Samuel 5:14, 1 Chronicles 14:4) whose bloodline was not subject to the prophecies against the sons of Solomon realized with Jeconiah forward.  
• And just to solidify this claim to David’s throne with anyone who would dispute the exception Moses gave for a Jewish daughter’s inheritance, Joseph (Mary’s husband) was also a direct descendant of David. 

Notice how God arranged human events to fulfill both the “disallowing “and the “qualifying” legal technicalities of fulfilling His Word. 

This is not happenstance, it’s very intentional and the odds of this happening by chance are most improbable. 

I have concluded that every word of prophecy God has given must be fulfilled. Our views of God’s plan are limited to what He has revealed in Scripture. Knowing He would be resurrected and seated in Heaven with His Father until an appointed end of days, Jesus prophesied about His second coming saying:

• “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! “See! Your house is left to you desolate; “for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!‘ ” (Matthew 23:37-39)

There is a hint in that verse. Their house will be restored when they say ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!‘ which happens in Jacob’s trouble, the tribulation period.

After Christ’s ascension, the disciples were gathered to discuss the first Church, James said (referencing the Amos 9 prophecy):

• “Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. “And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.’ “Known to God from eternity are all His works.” (Acts 15:14-18)

So, the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D., the children of Israel were disbursed again, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the coming Kingdom spread throughout the world providing all people groups the opportunity to acknowledge the Son of God as King of kings, Saviour, and Lord of all. 

Then In 1948, Israel was declared a nation in one day. It is written:

• “Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God.” (Isaiah 66:8-9)

Incredible! God reveals His eternality in prophecy, types, and patterns, with near and far fulfillments.

4. The Law Given to Israel through Moses:

Many people view the Mosaic Law as the 10 commandments. While they are part of the Law, the whole of the Law is contained in the first 5 books of the Bible called the “Pentateuch” (or the Torah). The Law expands into a series of civil and ceremonial laws. Even before there were tablets of stone, God gave commandments to His elect. We just don’t classify them as such. God confirmed to Isaac long before Moses was born that His covenant was with him because Abraham obeyed the LORD’s laws. It is written:

• “because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” (Genesis 26:5)

I found this verse particularly interesting and looked up the terms mentioned along with the English similes provided by the definition:

So, even before the book of the Law or Torah was instituted, Abraham responded with obedience to God’s directions, teachings, appointments, obligations, and terms. God spoke to Abraham; and, because Abraham believed God, he followed what God said (Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6).   Imagine that: because of Abraham’s obedience, the Creator of the universe made Abraham His friend forever (2 Chronicles 20:7, James 2:23); and, in being God’s friend, God blessed him, directed him, and warned him of things to come. Being God’s friend meant that Abraham separated himself from things of this world that God saw as unrighteous because friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God (James 4:4).

As we study Romans, it is increasingly clear that Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit taught freedom from works of the law and justification by faith because of God’s grace (Romans 3:28, Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16).  He also taught obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ (Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:18), Christ’s teachings (Romans 10:17, Romans 10:14, Romans 1:16), and a denial of worldly desires that oppose God’s ways (Romans 6:6, Galatians 5:24, Ephesians 4:22, Romans 8:13).

With all of that said, let’s just briefly review an outline of what the 5 books of the law contain:

Thank God for the gift of the Law to the children of Israel.  It pointed to Christ and preserved the line of Judah, and David. The law was fulfilled by Christ our Redeemer. And now I serve in the newness of the Holy Spirit because of Christ (Romans 7:6).

• “What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. … Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:16, 19, 24-29)

5. The Service and Worship of God Practiced by Israel:

The Tabernacle service was instituted by God including the roles and lineage of the Priesthood. In its design (because of the state of fallen humanity), the perpetual daily Priests’ sacrificial service to God on behalf of those who were repentant (Exodus 40:1-38, Leviticus 8:1-36, Hebrews 10:11-13) was important for God to be among His people under the Mosaic Covenant (Leviticus 1:1-17, Exodus 29:38-43, Numbers 28:1-10).  These lamb sacrifices were offered twice a day; morning and evening and doubling on the Sabbath day.  

In terms of the worship of God, the High Priest and his sons were commanded to keep the fire continually burning on the altar of burnt offerings (Leviticus 6:12-13, Leviticus 9:1-24); the first fire was started by God with fire from heaven at the installment of the Tabernacle service. Along with that, the golden lamps in the Holy Place had to be burning continually (Leviticus 24:1-3) and the showbread was “set in order before the Lord continually” (Leviticus 24:5-9).

God had also instituted Holy Convocations which were public meetings of His people at a designated place to perform acts of worship. These were considered rehearsals (assemblies of the called-out ones which included worship and readings of God’s words). All the males were required to appear before the Lord three times a year: at the Passover, Pentecost (feast of weeks), and Tabernacles (Exodus 23:14-19, Leviticus 23:1-44).

These feasts of the LORD for Israel pointed to the work Christ did at the cross and the giving of the Holy Spirit to the Church. What a time it will be when the feast of Tabernacles is fulfilled!

Jesus Christ, the Passover lamb of God, fulfilled the final atonement for sin (1 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Isaiah 53:7-10, John 1:29, Leviticus 16:34) yet so many do not accept God’s gift to humanity.  

• “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:16-19)

Today, the observant Jews who do not recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah, still keep the day of Atonement and the other feast days; but they have had to adapt the Old Testament’s requirements to a revised ceremonial adherence. The worship in the Temple ceased when the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. 

That said, there is a prophecy stating that worship of God in the temple will be reestablished including the glory of the LORD in it after a time of great shaking (Haggai 2:6-9).  I believe this points to Christ’s return when the Jewish people performed their rituals in the millennium (Zechariah 14:2-21). For more on this next age please read Daniel 7:9-14, Daniel 12:1-4, Revelation 5:8-10 and Revelation 20:1-6.  There are varying fulfillment views on these passages.

It is clear that both the Old Testament saints who obeyed God and the New Testament Church (Jews and Gentiles) will have active reigning roles under Christ in the regeneration, or new millennium. During this Church age, for those who place their faith in Jesus Christ as their Messiah, the substance of these rituals is the Lord.  As such, there is no requirement for the Church to follow the Jewish rituals prescribed for the children of Israel; there is a warning about them in Colossians 2:16-23.  It is written:

• “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)
• “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:4-7)
• “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” (Hebrews 8:1-6)
• “For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another, He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him, He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” (Hebrews 9:24-28)

For added clarity, also recognize that the apostles who gathered at the council of Jerusalem stated that these practices were not for the Gentiles since God gave the Holy Spirit to Gentiles without observance of Jewish ceremonial laws. You can read more about that in Acts 15:6-29. Also note that while the book of Hebrews is for the Church’s benefit, it was written to the Christian Hebrews. There are distinctions to be made between promises to each grouping of saints.

6. The Promises Made to Israel:

There were two promises made to Israel: the Messiah, their Deliverer Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:17-19, Acts 3:18-26), and a physical Kingdom (Ezekiel 37:24-25) with the son of David sitting on their throne (Psalms 118:25-26, Mark 11:10)

After Jesus was resurrected, He met with His disciples for 40 days during which time He spoke to them about the Kingdom of God. He did not deny that the earthly Kingdom would be restored to Israel, He simply instructed them about their interim assignment alluding to the Father’s Sovereign plan. It is written:

• “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8)

Throughout the gospels, Jesus corrected and sometimes rebuked the disciples for incorrect thinking. But here, Jesus did not say that it was wrong to think the kingdom would be restored. He said it was related to “times or seasons” under the Father’s authority.

Jesus fulfilled the law for humanity and He will also fulfill the ALL of prophets for Israel and humanity. Remember what was discussed earlier in Luke 4:17-22 when Christ said He fulfilled the Scripture about proclaiming the acceptable year to the LORD. He intentionally omitted the remaining portion of Isaiah 61:2 which announces the day of vengeance of God (sometimes referred to as the day of the lord)

Before the kingdom would be restored to Israel, there would be “the day of vengeance of our God” which will then bring comfort to all who mourn. So, before Revelation 21 and Revelation 22, there has to be Joel 3 and Revelation 6 through 20.

7. The Messiah That Would Come From Israel:

Rather than repeat all of the Old Testament verses previously mentioned, let’s look at the New Testament confirmation. It is written:

• “Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.” (Luke 1:30-32)
• But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” And: “You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.” But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”? (Hebrews 1:8-13)  
  • Note: “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” is a direct quote from Psalms 110:1 – a Psalm of David; and is further cross-referenced with Christ’s conversation with the Pharisees in Matthew 22:41-46 (mentioned above).
• “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:25-29)

The more I look into these promises to Israel, the more I realize how the eternal God keeps His covenants.  All of them.

In all cases, God justifies His elect by His grace through faith in what He has said (whether that be Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Peter, John, Paul, or you and I).

He uses creation and human history to prove both His existence and His eternality. His Word is full of prophetic promises that have both near and far fulfillment. He does this to bless those who are in covenant with Him and to call to repentance those who will come into covenant. From the past He declares the future and all things He has said will come to pass.

• “But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.” (Psalm 115:3)
• “Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'” (Isaiah 46:10)
• “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,” (Ephesians 1:11)

Humanity currently has a typical life span of under 120 years and yet we so frequently accuse eternal God of not fulfilling His promises. When I survey the Scriptures, I see that God’s purposes will remain and that I have a limited understanding of time and the mechanics of how God fulfills prophecy.

Paul’s deep emotion for his fellow Israelites was for those who would go to their eternal destination in unbelief, just as we would sorrow over loved ones who likewise do not believe. And if any of us had confidence in God’s covenants, it would be Paul who by the Holy Spirit authored Romans; which is the book of doctrine about depravity, grace, faith, election, and hope. All of Paul’s books have great hope for all people groups because that’s the message of redemption.

You may think that I am wrong, but it is written:

• “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you, they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:25-33)

May we all walk in humility because not one of us knows precisely all of God’s judgments; we only know what He has revealed in His Word and His Word says He honours His covenant. He is after all the Lion and the Lamb! (Revelation 5:5-7)

All Scripture in this blog is from the New King James Version unless otherwise specified.