Gentile Israel
“And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19:6
A Holy Nation – What is the difference between a Jew and a Gentile? Don’t be too quick to answer. You might be surprised. The distinction between Jew and Gentile is one of the fundamental distinctions of this world. It is listed with two other demarcations that remain indisputable separations between all people. Jew-Gentile, slave-free and male-female divides all Mankind. Technically, the difference between Jew and Gentile is about birth. You and I have absolutely no say about who we have as parents. I suppose some of us wish we did, but genetics doesn’t work in reverse. At least it doesn’t seem to – until we take a very close look at this verse in Exodus and a verse from Peter’s first letter.
The Hebrew phrase for “holy nation” is goy kadosh. But goy is the word for a Gentile, isn’t it? The goyim are the Gentiles, not the Jews. Of course, in this context goy means nation, but usually Israel is referred to as a “people,” using a different Hebrew term. This verse implies that God makes these people into His holy nation, His goy kadosh. So, the real determination is God’s choice, not genetics.
Peter recognized this important revision when he wrote, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession . . ,” quoting the Exodus passage but applying it to both Jew and Gentile followers of the Way (1 Peter 2:9). So, are you a Jew or a Gentile? Of course, you are either one or the other – and you have no choice in the matter – but, as far as God is concerned, the real distinction in life is not Jew-Gentile, slave-free or male-female. It is Israel or not Israel. All who are chosen, all who are called, all who enter into a faithful commitment to the ways of the Lord are Israel. That’s why Sha’ul can thrust away the world’s classifications: “neither Jew nor Greek . . . bond nor free . . . male nor female; for you are all one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28). Every follower of Yeshua is part of the goy kadosh. All other distinctions are cast aside.
Adoption into Israel is the only way into Israel. God adopted Israel at Sinai, and He continues to adopt into His family. That doesn’t erase our worldly classifications. We are still Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. Those classifications have implications for our roles and responsibilities within the goy kadosh. But none of those classifications affect God’s adoption policy. If you are Jewish, thank the Lord that your ancestors were adopted into His Kingdom at Sinai. If you are a Gentile, thank the Lord that He made a way for you to be adopted into His Kingdom too. Same Kingdom. Same process. To belong to the Lord is to be part of the goy kadosh.
Now, if this is true, then why are there so many divisions within the Kingdom? We all get there the same way. We all have the same status before the Lord. We all share the same constitution under the same theocratic government. Don’t you think we need to take our similarity seriously?
Topical Index: holy nation, goy kadosh, adoption, Exodus 19:6, 1 Peter 2:9
The beautiful thing about adoption is that, according to the Torah laws of adoption, the inheritance of an adopted son is that of the firstborn – a double portion! And an adopted son cannot be disinherited. So every one of us that are adopted in through Messiah Yeshua are the firstborn of Israel, redeemed, set free and with a double-portion inheritance that is ours.
Praise be to His Name.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:15
In the words of Monte Judah (a Torah teacher whom I respect – original at http://www.lionlamb.net/v3/YAVOHArchives/Volume12/03):
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As a Jewish believer of Yeshua the Messiah, I do not assert my position as a firstborn natural Jew. I assert God’s choice of me (my adoption) into His family. Consider this the next time you take your seat at Passover. Remember the commandment to see yourself, to consider yourself there in Egypt being passed over. I remember struggling with this commandment. I asked myself, “How can I go back to Egypt and pretend I am there in the room with the blood on the door with my father or with my son?” I have learned it is really is about seeing yourself as the firstborn at the Passover. It is what God did for me at the Passover.
1. The firstborn are covered by the blood of the Lamb.
2. The firstborn are passed over from death to life.
3. The firstborn are the redeemed.
4. The firstborn belong to the Lord; they owe their lives to God.
5. The firstborn are the first fruits of the kingdom, the best part.
6. The firstborn are the “chosen people;” they are adopted by God.
7. The firstborn are those who draw near to the Lord.
And when our children ask us why this night is different from all other nights, tell them that we are the firstborn of God, by His merciful choice. Tell them how the blood of the Lamb covers us. Tell them how we are passed over from death to life. Tell them how we are the first fruits, the best part. Tell them how they too are the firstborn of the Lord. And teach them how to “draw near” to the Lord to serve Him. And remind them that their inheritance is not here among mortal men; it will be brought to all of us when the Master returns. Tell them that this is the “blessing of the firstborn.”
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Many years ago I was in deep prayer with a group of men. Many were repenting sin in their lives. Abruptly this thought , including a word I had never heard nor used popped into my mind — “Die to denoninationalism.” It took months of prayer and spiritual rumination for me to get the point — the same point you made so well today, Skip. Where we all too easily see divisions among us (often of relatively minor doctrinal points) we should more clearly see our unity in Christ.
Steve – “Die to denominationalism”. I think there is a very real negative-side to denominationalism which precludes true unity in Christ that must be opposed. If you look closely, its demarcation is usually housed in spiritual pride (self-righteousness). And frankly, we must all “contend for the faith” on those points which must be “hills to die for.” We must agree on those essential points which cannot be subject to differences of opinion. But here is a curious thing that popped into my head a few months ago when I was considering why God allowed so many denominations – many which as you say distinguish themselves based upon minor doctrinal points – and it was this curious thought: While “denominationalism” as a function of historical Christianity is something man-made, what if God allowed it for our own protection somehow? – Meaning that, since when, this side of heaven of course, is our “unity in Christ” supposed to be easy? To have different opinions or viewpoints but to have to strive to reach unity with someone who may not entirely share the same opinion or viewpoint about this or that doctrinal point, might actually help us all to grow and to focus on Christ rather than on merely being “right”? And then think of the converse proposition: What would happen if “unity in Christ” was seemingly not something we had to work for and work at…what would that look like? My thinking is that, because of our sin nature and “pride in our own accomplishments” we would be or become nothing more than another model of a spiritual “Tower of Babel.” Rather than a “common language” we would have a common belief system in what was “right” doctrinally and then what would we have? Thinking that only this one way was “right” and only this view was the “right” view and only this and that was “right” and we would end up not with “unity” but “uniformity” and for the sake of that uniformity, we would end up devouring one another up in our “one-ness” of being “right” (and wholly excluding all others who obviously weren’t “right”) and somehow believing that only we were holding God’s banner of truth for Him….I actually see denominationalism as having aspects to it that are actually quite good and protective for us all. Keep us from our own spiritual pride perhaps in believing that only “we” have the “right” answers? Rather than to really wrestle with the implications of perhaps laying down our own “truth grids” or “doctrinal viewpoints” or “pet differences” long enough to really love that person that doesn’t quite agree with me “on all fours?”
Any wonder that Christ said they would know who His disciples were not by their doctrinal differences, their worldview, their differences of opinions…but rather, by their love? Perhaps this unity is less about “being right” (which plays to my self pride) and more about “being righteous” (which crushes my self pride and exalts God’s grace and love through Christ) which then offers us the opportunity to be “united in Christ” despite our “denominational” differences? After all, who is ultimately, perfectly, infinitely and always “right” and “righteous” about and above all things? And aren’t we all infinitely grateful for The Truth of that Answer (Jn 14:6).
David — I agree with everything you’ve said. My particular call is to evangelism. This is one area where the playing field is interdenominationally level. If twins became evangleslists and one twin became a Christian student of John Calvin’s theology while the other became Arminian, their thoughts on predestination would oppose, but their application of the Gospel would be the same. The Presestinationalist would not be able to see the mark of predestination stamped on the foreheads of the lost, so both twins would share the Gospel at every opportunity.
Maybe God’s instruction for me to “die to denominationalism” was just for that reason. I actually don’t care so much what biblical theological position someone holds on less doctrinal issues — instead, my burden is for those who don’t know Christ. I care deeply that they find Peace with God through our Redeemer’s Grace. I’ve spoken for the cause of Christ on five continents in many diverse churches from Pentecostals to Calvanists, and His gospel rings equally true in both.
I think your insight into the similar RESULT regardless of the theological position is worth recognizing. But I would add this: presenting Christ in the typical way Christian evangelism is accomplished isn’t really the issue here. The issue is adoption into the commonwealth of Israel. Every apostle spoke the truth about Yeshua from the cultural perspective of Torah-obedience. It was never about “knowing Christ” in the since of coming to acknowledgment of sin and seeking repentance. It was about taking up the life of a disciple – following the Way. There is no “knowing” Christ without the transformed life. So, evangelism STOPS when denominational consideration (Calvin OR Arminius) take hold. The theology in the first century was absolutely uniform – TORAH. As we move further and further from this base, we find more and more particulars to argue about.
Skip, I’m going to “tweak” your reply just a bit. Just so you know, I do this with (gasp!) Oswald Chambers as well.. lol!- your comment: “There is no “knowing” Christ without the transformed life.” My “tweaking”- There is no transformed life without knowing Christ! And how do we know Him? How do you know me? Some dude way out yonder in South of the Mason-Dixon line cyberspace.. How do I know you? Not nearly as Roxanne would for she lives in close proximity to you. Neverless we know each other by the words we share with each other. You, by your teaching-me, by my response to your words. How do we know G-d? lol!- Primarily, by His words. Secondarily, by the Ruach Hakodesh- the Holy Breath, our Comforter and Strengthener living in each follower of the way.
Before I go to far, my “tweaking” of O.C. Not “My Utmost For His Highest” (a noble sounding title) but rather “His Utmost For My Highest”.. (I know.. write your own book.. lol!!)
One word concerning “denominationalism”.. I think in Hebrew it is pronounced, “yuck.” This is an “ism” that needs to be a “wasm.” If we will hearken and heed to the written word of G-d, not a particular translation such as KJV, NIV, ESV, ETC.. but rather, let us in the days to come enjoy learning some of the “Bible words” we all have been repeating for years, but don’t have a clue as to what these words represent! (did I make any sense to anyone?.. lol!).
I was so excited to learn what “righteousness” actually meant. It was a revelation! for that matter “revelation” is a “bible word” isn’t it? Folks, we have work to do here. There are some ten cent words, being bandied about the corridors of the churches that need to leak-out into the mainstream. “Holiness” would be a great start.. I would love to live holed-up in a monastery somewhere..- isn’t that what holiness is all about? (see what I mean?)
Precept upon precept, line upon line, (and yes, day-by-day)- we (all) have miles to go, don’t we? lol! But I’ve got to say this- “it’s all good!” Amein. (that was a Hebrew amen!!- oy!- can a goy say oy? lol!!
Brethren (and sisteren..)- there is unity in diversity. I’m glad you’re not like me, I want you to be different. Please, -be who G-d made you to be.. Is it that hard? G-d made us different, that He might make us one! I need you as you need me. I’m not a mechanic, nor a poet. I’m good with math, not so good at English- etc. Hey, take a look at Moses, Noah, and David. Notice anything about these three? -woah- they are all different! -Cool beans.. Diversity- it’s a good thing.. unless you’re really,really fond of vanilla..
One last remark. Christianity is Christ. It is not a religion, it is a relationship. If the very word Christianity offends, I could shelve it for you, but not Christ. He, my friends, is the Center, the Circumference and the Compass of all we do. In Him, we live and move and have our being.. We will never know G-d apart from Christ. He (Himself) is the Way, (and the Truth, and the Life) Yeshua is LORD. Oh how we need to “know” this word, LORD. Our Sovereign Savior, Blessed Redeemer, Reigning King, Monarch and Master.. -He lives! Name above all names- Blessed be the name of ADONAI! our soon coming Bridegroom!
As for Jew or Gentile- I prefer the book of Ruth- G-d’s foreshadowing of those who now belong to our heavenly Boaz- our Kinsman Redeemer.. (I wonder who that could be?). Cut the word of G-d anywhere and it bleeds. The blood covenant runs the length of G-d’s book. (Suggested reading: “The Blood Covenant” by H.Clay Trumbull and also his trenchant work- “Friendship: The Master Passion”. It give a whole new meaning to “what a Friend we have in Jesus!” (David and Jonathan were “covenant friends..”)
We (all) are either “saints” or “aints”. Those who are “in Christ” and those who are still “without.” His words? -“whosoever will may come.” The words of Rabbi Sha’ul? “This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1.5) I’m so glad, YHWH loves sinners, aren’t you?
“The firstborn are covered by the blood of the Lamb.”
Hi Rodney,
I enjoyed reading your comments in general and the section on the firstborn in particular.
Others in this community, including Skip, have referred to being covered by the blood of the Lamb.
I’m wondering what exactly this means in Biblical terms and what it means to you and others.
Thanks,
Mike
Michael,
When I was studying the passover scriptures with the little bit of Hebrew that I know, I saw this:
Exd 12:22 “You shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and apply some of the blood that is in the basin to the lintel and the two doorposts; and none of you shall go outside the door of his house until morning.
The hebrew letter dalet signifies a door. – ד
The Hebrew letter Chet – ח is the first letter in the word “chai” which means “life”.
So…. the doorway to life is through the blood of the Lamb.
Am Yisrael Chai !
Hi Antoinette,
That’s a very interesting and “concrete” answer to my question, down to the minute detail of the letter D; makes me think of Jim Morrison’s Doors concert back in 1968 (Light My Fire).
And I like your concrete, historical allusion that the “doorway to life is through the blood of the Lamb”; makes me think of the Torah, Israel, and the animal sacrifices.
But when you capitalize the Lamb, I’m assuming you are linking it to Jesus, and I’m still wondering what it means to be covered with the blood of Jesus, except as some very abstract Biblical metaphor.
BTW it has been quite a while since I visited your wonderful website and listened to Rabbi Gorelik; for those of us who can’t visit Israel, it might be the next best thing 🙂
I found a site that explains quite nicely (and in depth) the significance of the “blood of the Lamb” I hope you will look at it.
http://yeshuahamashiach.com/pesach.htm
Hi Antoinette,
I just read through the content on your link and can now see what you were saying.
My Bible is back at my condo so I couldn’t look up the references to the New Testament, but my first impression would be that the interpretation of Passover in terms of the Messiah is a kind of allegorical reading.
We start with a concrete historical event and a specific group of people:
Historically, the children of Israel were delivered from the bondage in Egypt (Mitzrayim) by putting the blood of a lamb upon the doorposts of their houses (Exodus [Shemot] 12:2,6,13).
Then someone adds a layer of abstract universal interpretation:
Spiritually, this is a picture of the Messiah Yeshua and how those who believe in Him are delivered from the bondages of sin and the rule of satan (Ha satan) in their lives.
There are several problems with this interpretation IMO. For starters, I don’t think the Bible says we are saved because we believe in Jesus.
Michael, to your comment at 3:01 pm
It is your interpretation of “belief” that is the problem.
Believing is acting on that belief. Our Lord was a torah observant Jew, and a fulfillment of the law in every way. That means if we believe Him we must be discipled by the way that He lived, died and rose again. Our Mashiach’s life was a “perfect work”.
We can never be perfect, but we can, follow torah, and be a blessing to His people. Read James 2:14-23 about faith and works.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jam&c=2&v=1&t=NASB#comm/14
After reading Skips TW and then the comments, I am reminded of these verses.
Rom 11:30
For just as you once were disobedient to God , but now have been
shown mercy because of their disobedience ,
Rom 11:31
so these also now have been disobedient , that because of the
mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy .
Rom 11:32
For God has shut up all in disobedience so
that He may show mercy to all .
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 !
Rom 11:34
For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD,
OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR ?
Rom 11:35
Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN
TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN ?
Rom 11:36
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all
things . To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
Question: Is Paul referring to Gentiles as “you” in Rom. 11:30 and then as “these” in Rom.11:31 ?
Hi Antoinette,
I agree with your interpretation of belief and have no problem with it.
My original question, as I recall, was about the meaning of being covered with the blood of Jesus.
Now I have a sense of where that “discourse” is coming from: an allegorical reading of the Torah.
Thanks,
Mike
Michael, to your comment at 3:01 pm
It is your interpretation of “belief” that is the problem.
Believing is acting on that belief. Our Lord was a torah observant Jew, and a fulfillment of the law in every way. That means if we believe Him we must be discipled by the way that He lived, died and rose again. Our Mashiach’s life was a “perfect work”.
We can never be perfect, but we can, follow torah, and be a blessing to His people. Read James 2:14-23 about faith and works.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jam&c=2&v=1&t=NASB#comm/14
Hi Antoinette,
Good to hear from you from Israel.
I think “these” refers to Jews, but don’t really know.
If I think of the Greek relationship to gods, I think of adult to adult (Odysseus and Athena).
If I think of the Hebrew relationship to God, I think of Father with recalcitrant children (Israel).
I feel it may refer to us gentiles, as Paul was talking earlier in the chapter about not being proud, and that the root supports you etc…
In Rom.11:31 Paul goes on to say: so these “also now” have been disobedient , that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy.
We gentiles proved to be no more obedient then they, the Jews, so they can now be shown mercy.
Well I think with Paul the main lesson is that when it comes to Scripture we can never be too sure of ourselves 🙂
Skip asks: “Don’t you think we need to take our similarity seriously?” GREAT QUESTION!
So what do the citizens of the kingdom share in common and what are the temporal manifestations that declare our bond?
There should be little to zero debate as to what adoption into Israel means …. the question is not all that complex is it …. “what should Israel look like?”
Perhaps the bigger question is …. “do we look like Israel or have we simply rationalized this citizenship as being a member of some abstracted spiritual community that can not be identified in a temporal context?
Regarding purpose and unity …. the answer to the question speaks to the core of our mission in response to the awesome salvation wrought by Yeshua!
Shalom
Shalom to all! -Peace, unity, wellness. Let’s just go ahead and throw in (for good measure)- love, joy, longsuffering, goodness, patience. And since we’re near, let’s go to the Source. To the Fountainhead, to the Root, to the Spring. These are just of a few of the things that are ours, who are “in Christ.” “Christ” is the centre point, the compass and the circumference) He is the great Unifier. (2 Corinthians 5.19) He is the One who made possible “the union of two houses”, – the human and the divine.
There is a physical Israel and there is a spiritual Israel. I’ll quickly add for the sake of the theologs among the readership, we, “the goyim” are adopted into this “spiritual Israel”. The old Israel has not been replaced by the new. The Jewish people (according to the flesh), are (forever) the recipient’s of G-d’s covenant love. We (the goyim) through the precious blood of the new covenant shed for all on Calvary’s cross are now adopted into all these “foreordained” covenant blessings and we who were once enemies have now become (and are learning how to be), the sons of the Father and co-heirs with Christ. I am persuaded, if we ever ‘get a glimpse’ of what we have “in Christ” it would be a giant leap forward in our journey home.
For those who may read these words and are the descendants of Abraham (according to the flesh), these are Rabbi Shaul’s recorded words: “Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved.” (Romans 10.1) In Yeshua’s conversation with Nicodemus (a ruler of the Jews), He said: “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ (John 3.7)
Consider this critical conversation: Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) No man (Jew or Gentile, bond nor free, male or female) comes to the Father but by me. The blood of Jesus Christ G-d’s son (and G-d the Son!)- cleanses from all sin. (I John 1.9) What can wash away my sin? -nothing but the blood of Jesus. And what can make me whole (shalom) again?- nothing but the blood of Jesus. “Behold, the Lamb of G-d that taketh away the sins of the world. (John 1.29) “For G-d so loved the world.” (John 3.16) But God has made clear his love to us, in that, when we were still sinners, Christ gave his life for us. (Romans 5.8) Christ died for all! (2 Corinthians 5.15) The gospel is for “whosover will.” “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelations 22.17)
This is an open invitation (to all). (“Sinners only, welcome here”..) -The wonderous Gift has been given. “Unto us- a Son is given”.. (Isaiah 9.6) Now this “gift” of love from above must be received (by faith). -For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2.8) “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16.31)
“For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” (Romans 10.10)
“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that has heard, and has learned of the Father, comes to me.” (John 4.46) . -And the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. (John 6.37)
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life,and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5.13) A Psalm of David. A Maskil. How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! (Psalm 32.1)
Ruth, the bride of Boaz, was a Moabite. (Ruth 1.4) Neither Jew nor Greek, but the beloved of her Kinsman Redeemer. We are Ruth. (2 Corinthians 5.17) There is a wedding celebration yet to happen. It’s gonna be good! (I guarantee it!)-(I Corinthians 2.9) -I hope to see you there!
Love Jesus (Yeshua) = act Jewish
Pretty much right on. Of course, that means “act Jewish” according to God’s direction.