First the Jew, then the Gentile

One of the many things I've learned through my recent study of Romans has been the true reason why Salvation was given to the Gentiles. I was studying Romans to learn more about Justification and Sanctification. Specifically I'm looking for the answer of how to live a Godly life. That study continues for me, and I'll be visiting it here soon. However, while I was looking for that knowledge the answer to why the Gentiles can now be saved was revealed to me. In simple terms the Gentile is saved to make the Jew so jealous he'll seek the grace that saves. The Word describes the Jews as "Law Keepers" speaking of spiritual law which has the purpose of showing us we are not worthy of salvation and moving us toward belief and trust in God for our salvation. However, many believe if you "keep" the law then you will be sinless. This is not the case.

For me, the reveal started in Romans 4:7

"Blessed and happy and to be envied are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered up and completely buried."

Now the Word is saying those of us who are Saved, (our sins covered by the Blood of Christ and buried in death)are to be "envied". The word "envied" stood out of the text like it was highlighted.

Then Romans 11:11-12 reveals

11 "So I ask, Have they (the Gentiles) stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their false step and transgression salvation [has come] to the Gentiles, so as to arouse Israel and so to make them jealous"

12 "Now if their stumbling has so enriched the world, and if [Israel's] failure means such riches for the Gentiles, think what an enrichment and greater advantage will follow their [Israel's] full reinstatement!"

In Romans 11:14 Paul goes on to make it perfectly clear.

"In the hope of making my fellow Jews jealous, and thus managing to save some of them."

Isn't it incredible? God has forever pursued the Jew. He has loved them from the begining and constantly given them everything they needed to stay with or return to Him. He is forever working for their good! Some have said it is an inconsistancy that the Gentile was not saved before but now is. However, this is God's expression to the Jew that Salvation doesn't come from the person but from God. That no matter how good or bad we think we are, God is the one who Saves. For even though the Gentiles were never given the Law, and so never kept it God's grace saves none the less! Thank you Jesus! We are saved by Grace, as all men have always been. Grace is simply, as the Amplified version repeats over and over, "unmerited favor". We do not deserve it, nor could we. It is given in and out of love.

That's all for today,
Kev