Lost Israel and the Gentiles
The subject of "lost" Israel and who are the "Gentiles" is a very interesting and challenging study. I believe this subject is perhaps the most misunderstood subject of the Bible by our modern day denominational church system. It is my desire to allow the Holy Bible to explain and expose the truth concerning this very important subject. The Bible must be the final authority in determining the answer to this very important question of who are the Gentiles. This booklet will explain what happened to the Israelites that were taken captive under the old covenant, and if they truly became "lost". This booklet will also show a complete different explanation of who the Gentiles are, than what is commonly accepted and taught by the modern day churches. Who are these people that are mentioned so many times in the scriptures, and what does the word "Gentiles" really mean? This booklet will guide you through the scriptures, and there need be no confusion concerning this very important subject if we allow the Holy Bible to teach us the truth!
Most of us in our early years have been told by the modern churches who the Gentiles are. We were told that these people were "non Jewish" (whatever that means). This booklet will also address and attempt to explain the reason for the biblical use of the word "Jew(s)". We were also told that after the death of Christ, the believing "Gentiles" automatically have salvation and the blessings of God. This "reasoning" goes something like this.... it's good that the Jews rejected Christ, otherwise the Gentiles would not have a chance for salvation. We were also told that anyone that is a "non Jew" can be "adopted" into the Christian family. I will get to the word "adoption" later and show how this word is biblically interpreted, and it might surprise some to learn who and what people this word is applied to. It is also accepted by our "spiritually enlightened" Christian world that what is left of the Israelites of old are now the people known, as what we call today, the "Jews". The strange thing is most of us never questioned these theories!I want to show from the Bible that these theories are not correct! We were also told that the Gentiles could become "spiritual Israelites" or "spiritual seed of Abraham". Never mind that these phrases are nowhere found in the Bible! For many years I have accepted these theories as being valid and truthful, not realizing that our "learned" Bible authorities could be wrong! We have got to understand that we live in a deceived world, and the Bible is no longer regarded as determining what is truth and what is not truth. Most believing Christians simply do not care, or they "reason" that it does not matter who the Gentiles are. This booklet will show that it matters very much who the Gentiles are, because this understanding is directly linked to the death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Jews and Gentiles
The problem people seem to have is with the biblical meaning and intent of the words "Jews" and "Gentiles" as used in the context of scripture. Words have meanings, and it is very important to know why the translators have chosen certain words that are biblically used to explain a certain meaning. The word "Gentiles" is found one hundred twenty one times in the Bible, and it is always plural except in two scriptures. In the Old Testament the word "Gentiles" (gowy) is no. 01471 in Strong's Lexicon.
01471 gowy {go'-ee} rarely (shortened) goy {go'-ee} apparently from the same root as 01465; TWOT - 326e AV - nation 374, heathen 143, Gentiles 30, people 11; 558 n m
1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig. n pr m 1c) Goyim? = "nations"Generally speaking it means nation or people, and it is interesting to see that this meaning could apply to the descendants of Abraham and Israel, as well as to the non Hebrew people (1a2, 3). This fact is very important to understand as we progress in this booklet! The only time in the Bible that the word "Gentile" is singular is found in Rom. 2:9-10. What this means is that the apostle Paul referred to a "Gentile" on a personal and individual basis, instead of on a national basis.
Romans 2:9-10 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: (KJV)
Whenever the words "nation" or "nations" appear in scripture, generally it could also be translated "Gentiles". It means the same thing, and it is the same word. The translators of our Bibles chose to interchange these two words, and they used the word that was best suited to "fit" with a particular scripture. For instance, Gen. 12:2 could read "I will make of thee a great "Gentile", instead of "I will make of thee a great nation". This truth could be shown in other scriptures as well.
Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (KJV)
The translators used "nation" in this verse since this sounded better than "Gentile", and was best suited for this scripture; however it is the same Hebrew word. In the New Testament the majority of times the word "Gentiles" (ethnos) is used is no. 1484 in Strong's Lexicon, and essentially means nation or people; which is the same meaning as used in the Old Testament.
1484 ethnos {eth'-nos} probably from 1486; TDNT 2:364,201; n n AV - Gentiles 93, nation 64, heathen 5, people 2; 164
There is also another kind of "Gentiles" that is found in the New Testament, and it is no. 1672 in Strong's lexicon which is pronounced "Hellen" instead of "ethnos". It is found twenty seven times in the New Testament.
1672 Hellen {hel'-lane} from 1671; TDNT - 2:504,227; n m AV - Greek 20, Gentile 7; 27
1) a Greek either by nationality, whether a native of the main land or of the Greek islands or colonies 2) in a wider sense the name embraces all nations not Jews that made the language, customs, and learning of the Greeks their own; the primary reference is to a difference of religion and worshipNo. 1672 (Hellen) has somewhat a different meaning than "ethnos" and is generally translated "Greek", which refers to a Greek speaking person or anyone that is not a "Jew" (2). The purpose of this booklet is not to trace who the Greek speaking people were in the New Testament. However as we progress in this booklet, it will become obvious who these Greek speaking people were that were called "Gentiles". The word "Jew(s)" can be very confusing the way the translators have used this word in the scriptures, and this will become obvious as we continue in this study. In my opinion, the word "Jew(s)" can not be properly interpreted, and should never have been used by the translators. However since we must deal with this word, we have to allow the Bible to explain how and why this word is used. I want to say at the beginning of this study, "Jew(s)" can biblically mean anyone dwelling in the land of Judea, or anyone born an Israelite. There is also another very important usage of the word "Jews" that Christ himself repeatedly used, as we shall see. It is also very interesting that "Jew(s)" could mean people that could be called "Gentiles", as the Bible will show. It will become obvious that biblically speaking, the word "Jew(s)" has a very broad and uncertain meaning.
As we progress into this study, you will see from the Bible itself who the Gentiles really are. The Bible interprets the Bible, and it leaves no doubt as to the true identity of these people. However our translators have decided to "improve" on the understanding of who the Gentiles are, therefore this will explain why the word "Jew(s)" is biblically used. Our so-called Christian society is mentally "programmed" to think in terms that the "Jews" are not Gentiles and vise versa. We have seen the definition of "Gentiles" according to Strong's Lexicon no. 01471, which included the physical seed line of Abraham and Israel with non Hebrew people. This is important! To assume that the "Jews" cannot be called Gentiles is generally correct; that is if we allow our thinking to be consistent within the guidelines of modern day Christian thought. However in order to be consistent with the Bible, it is very important to understand how and why the words "Jews" and "Gentiles" are used in scripture! For instance, in Acts 2:5 it states that there were "Jews" dwelling at Jerusalem out of every "nation" under heaven.Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. (KJV)
The word "nation" in this verse is no. 1484, which is the same word used for "Gentiles"! Which means by implication; biblically speaking these Jews at Jerusalem came from the Gentiles! My question therefore would be; if the Jews are only of Israel, how could they come out of every nation under heaven? Acts 2:5 will be discussed again as we continue in this study. The word "Jew(s)" biblically could mean in a geographical sense, and therefore should read "Judean"; which means anyone living in the land of Judea. Also the word "Jew(s)" could simply be translated as "Israelite(s)", plain and simple. The apostle Paul called himself a "Jew" of Tarsus, as it states in Acts 21:39.
Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man [which am] a Jew of Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. (KJV)
We know that Paul was an Israelite born of the tribe of Benjamin as it states in Rom. 11:1. Paul can correctly be called a "Jew" of the Israelite seed of Abraham, however he could not be called a geographical "Jew" of Tarsus.
Romans 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin. (KJV)
The city of Tarsus was nowhere near the land of Judea. Therefore Paul could not be called a "Jew" in the same sense as the Judeans could, however Paul did not call himself a Gentile. Christ was born of the tribe of Judah and can correctly be called a "Jew", geographically or racially. There is also another biblical application for the word "Jews", and this meaning is used in several examples in the New Testament by Jesus Christ himself. This certain application that Christ used repeatedly for the "Jews" is very important, and will be discussed later. Notice the statement found in Acts 10:22.; "...and of good report among all the nation of the Jews".
Acts 10:22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. (KJV)
This is very interesting because Cornelius was obviously included with the nation (Gentiles) of the "Jews". Why would the "Jews" want a good report of this man if he was not included with them? According to this scripture Cornelius could be called a "Jew" since he no doubt was a citizen of the "nation of the Jews". It would almost be blasphemous for the modern day Christians to consider Cornelius a "Jew". Cornelius will be discussed later. Remember we have seen according to Strong's Lexicon, and also from the scriptures, that the Gentiles could also include the Hebrew seed of Abraham (Israel). Therefore as we continue in this study, please keep in mind of the fact that the Gentiles could also biblically be called "Jews".
Israel Into Captivity
In order to unravel the mystery of who the Gentiles are, we must first understand some of the history of Israel. Please keep in mind, it was clearly seen that "Gentiles" could be applied to the Israelites. Therefore the key that will unlock the understanding of who the Gentiles are is to simply believe what the Bible has to say about God's chosen people called Israel. To any Bible student or anyone that is at all familiar with the Bible, it is obvious that the Bible was written to, for, and about a people called Israel. The Bible is Israel's book, and is the recorded history lesson of these people. The Bible (as Israel's book) also explains in detail what the inheritance and destiny will be for the believing Israelites through Jesus Christ. It will become obvious why the history of Israel must be addressed as we progress into this study. The first time the word "Israel" is found in the Bible is in Gen. 32:28, and this is when God changed the name of Jacob to Israel.
Genesis 32:28 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. (KJV)
As we can see from this scripture the word "Israel" literally means a "prince" having power with God and to prevail (rule) with God. It also shows this meaning in Strong's Lexicon nos. 03478 and 08280.
03478 Yisra'el {yis-raw-ale'} from 08280 and 0410;; n pr m AV - Israel 2489, Israelites 16; 2505 Israel = "God prevails "08280 sarah {saw-raw'} a primitive root; TWOT - 2287; v AV - power 2; 2
1) contend, have power, contend with, persist, exert oneself, persevere 1a) (Qal) to persevere, contend withThe word "Israel" is found nearly twenty five hundred times in the Bible! This fact must not be ignored, and it is very obvious that these people are very important to God! This thought and theme must be upheld as we continue in this study, and we must be honest with the Bible if this study is to shed light on the question of who are the Gentiles. As was mentioned before, anyone that has ever read the Old Testament should know that God's people were a people called Israel during the rule of the old covenant. There are many scriptures that prove this fact. I want to cover just a few that show beyond a doubt, who God's people were in the Old Testament. Deut. 7:6,10:15, 14:2, 26:19 are scriptures that are self explanatory, and are very easy to understand.
Deuteronomy 7:6 For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth. (KJV)
Deuteronomy 10:15 Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, [even] you above all people, as [it is] this day. (KJV)
Deuteronomy 14:2 For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that [are] upon the earth. (KJV)
Deuteronomy 26:19 And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken. (KJV)It would be wise to simply believe what these scriptures are saying, and as you can see, God was indeed selective in choosing Israel above all other people and nations on the face of the earth. It is interesting that the word "peculiar" is used in Deut. 14:2 to show that Israel was indeed special to God. The word "peculiar" is no. 05459 in Strong's Lexicon, and it shows that God looks on Israel as a special jewel and treasure, and as a possession or valued property.
05459 c@gullah {seg-ool-law'} from an unused root meaning to shut up; TWOT - 1460a; n f passpart AV - peculiar treasure 3, peculiar 2, special 1, jewel 1, particular treasure 1; 8
1) possession, property 1a) valued property, peculiar treasure 1b) treasureIn Deut. 26:19 it stated that Israel was to be "high" above all nations, and were to be a holy "set apart" people to show the praise, the name, and honor of God. This prophesy is very important to understand when we discuss the question of who are the modern day Israelites. It was these people that were destined throughout history to uphold and proclaim the praise, honor, and the name of the God of Israel. This understanding will therefore provide a very important clue in explaining who the modern day Israelites are. Psl. 135:4 properly identifies who God's "peculiar treasure" really is.
Psalm 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, [and] Israel for his peculiar treasure. (KJV)
It is a people called Israel, and God chose this people for himself. It is important to understand that the sons of Jacob (Israel) have always been and always will be God's "peculiar treasure", since God does not change. See Mal. 3:6.
Malachi 3:6 For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (KJV)
Amos 3:2 says; "You (Israel) only have I known of all the families of the earth". It is only Israel that God will punish for all her iniquities (lawlessness), since it was only Israel that was given the law as outlined in the old covenant.
Amos 3:2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. (KJV)
No other nation or people other than a people called Israel are held accountable for keeping the laws and the commandments of God. This is very important to understand! Keep in mind that all the promises of God were given to this people called Israel. God started his plan of redemption with his people Israel through the covenant and promises as given to Abraham. Gen. 17:7 states that this covenant was given to Abraham and to his seed after him (Israel) in their generations.
Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. (KJV)
This was to be an everlasting covenant with God being the true God to Abraham and to Abraham's physical seed after him. This is important, since this was the covenant and the faith that the New Testament Church was established and built upon! This fact is clearly shown by many New Testament scriptures as we shall see, and is also explained in detail in my booklet "Abraham's Covenant and Baptism". Gal. 3:17 says this Abrahamic covenant was confirmed before of God in Christ! This of course means that Christ was the God of the Old Testament. This fact will be discussed later.
Galatians 3:17 And this I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. (KJV)
This covenant that is mentioned in Gal. 3:17 was only for a people called Israel starting with Abraham. Four hundred and thirty years later God raised up Moses, and revealed his plan of redemption to his people Israel by the laws of the old covenant. This redemption process was dependent on Israel obeying the laws of this covenant. The word "covenant" has a profound meaning, and it is important to understanding the meaning of this word. It is no. 01285 in Strong's Lexicon.
01285 b@riyth {ber-eeth'} from 01262 (in the sense of cutting [like 1254]); TWOT - 282a; nf AV -covenant 264, league 17, confederacy 1, confederate 1, confederate + 01167 1; 284
1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violationGod deals with his people through covenants, and take the time to study all these meanings and how they can be applied in covenant relationship between God and his people Israel. A covenant is an pledge and an agreement, and must be honored by both parties! God will always keep his part in honoring a covenant since it is impossible for God to lie! See Heb. 6:18.
Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: (KJV)
Israel promised faithfully to honor and obey the old covenant as given by Moses as it states in Exod. 19:8. By agreeing to the old covenant, Israel entered into a "marriage" agreement with God. This truth is very important to understand and will be addressed later.
Exodus 19:8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD. (KJV)
Please keep in mind the history of Israel was nothing more than a record of them of either obeying or disobeying the old covenant. If Israel chose to obey the covenant they were then blessed, and if they chose to disobey they were then cursed as it states in Deut. 11:26-28.
Deuteronomy 11:26-28 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: 28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. (KJV)
God always sent prophets to warn Israel to turn from their wicked way if they disobeyed the covenant as given by Moses. This is the correct theme and story flow throughout the Old Testament starting with Moses. During the rule of king Solomon, Israel became divided into two nations. The ten northern tribes were called the "house of Israel", and the two southern tribes were called the "house of Judah". This truth is shown in 1 Kings 12:21, and notice how it states that the two separate nations (houses) are about to go to war with each other!
1 Kings 12:21 And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. (KJV)
1 Kings 11:30-31 explains when Israel became divided into two nations. Notice that the ten "pieces" (tribes) were taken from Solomon and given to Jeroboam. These ten tribes made up the northern nation which was called the house of Israel. King Solomon kept the two southern tribes which were called the house of Judah.
I Kings 11:30-31 And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces: 31 And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee: (KJV)
Notice this division, and how the two separate houses are stated in 2 King 17:13. It states; "Yet the LORD testified against Israel and against Judah". Notice the word "and" in this verse.
2 Kings 17:13 Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. (KJV)
Both Israel and Judah were being warned by all the prophets to turn from their evil ways. Later on as a result of the house of Israel rejecting the covenant and departing from God, God removed the house of Israel out of his sight. They were carried away captive out of their own land, and taken to Assyria as it shows in 2 Kings 17:15, 23.
2 Kings 17:15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were] round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. (KJV)
2 Kings 17:23 Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day. (KJV)Only the tribe of Judah was left and was not taken into captivity at that time. However it is important to understand that later on Judah also kept not the commandments of God. Then God rejected all the seed of Israel, and cast them out of his sight. Read and study 2 King 17:18-20, and notice "all the seed of Israel" in verse 20.
2 Kings 17:18-20 Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only. 19 Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made. 20 And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight. (KJV)
The prophet Daniel understood from the writings of Jeremiah that Jerusalem was to be in desolations for seventy years after the captivity of the house of Judah. See Dan. 9:2.
Daniel 9:2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. (KJV)
After seventy years, some of Judah returned to Jerusalem and were in great affliction and reproach (Neh. 1:3). The books of Ezra and Nehemiah record how the "Jews" once again established Jerusalem, and brought back the covenant as commanded by Moses. Ezra 2:1 and Neh 1:2-3 show the return to Jerusalem of some of the house of Judah seventy years after the captivity.
Ezra 2:1 Now these [are] the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city; (KJV)
Nehemiah 1:2-3 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and [certain] men of Judah; and asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province [are] in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also [is] broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. (KJV)2 King 19:30 and Isaiah 37:31 also show how the house of Judah would again be established. It says; "again take root downward, and bear fruit upward".
2 Kings 19:30 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. (KJV)
Isaiah 37:31 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: (KJV)This is the history of Israel, and this is how it was when Christ was born, and during Christ's ministry. The people that were in the land of Judea when Christ came on the scene, were parts of Judah, Benjamin, and some of Levi. However the ten northern tribes which made up the house of Israel were not in the land of Judea! Because of transgressions, the northern ten tribes were scattered among all people from one end of the earth even to the other, as it explains in Deut. 28:64 and Neh. 1:8. Please note that they also served the gods of these other people.
Deuteronomy 28:64 And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone. (KJV)
Nehemiah 1:8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, [If] ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: (KJV)The word "scatter" in these verses is no. 06327 in Strong's Lexicon and means to disperse or spread abroad.
06327 puwts {poots} a primitive root; TWOT - 1745,1746,1800; v AV - scatter 48, scatter abroad 6, disperse 3, spread abroad 2, cast abroad 2, drive 1, break to pieces 1, shake to pieces 1, dash to pieces 1, retired 1; 67
Remember the word "disperse" when we get in the New Testament. Amos 9:9 states that God was to "sift" the northern ten tribes among all nations (Gentiles), yet not the least "grain" was to fall upon the earth.
Amos 9:9 For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as [corn] is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. (KJV)
Keep in mind it does say the house of Israel, and not the house of Judah. This is important! The house of Judah was not "sifted in a sieve" as was the house of Israel. I believe this means God was not to lose the location of any of the least of his people, since the least "grain" was not to fall on the earth. The word "sift" is no. 05128 in Strong's Lexicon and these are the meanings that could be used to show how God "sifted" the house of Israel.
05128 nuwa` {noo'-ah} a primitive root; TWOT - 1328; v AV - shake 6, wander 6, move 6, promoted 3, fugitive 2, sift 2, stagger 2, wag 2, misc 13; 42Hosea 2:23 says; "I will sow her unto me in the earth". Notice that God stated that he was to "sow" Israel for himself (unto me).
Hosea 2:23 And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my God. (KJV)
This is so that God could have mercy on her, and some time later call Israel his people once again when they were previously not his people. They would then say "Thou art my God". This is important! The word "sow" is no. 02232 in Strong's Lexicon, and means to actually "sow" or bear and conceive seed.
02232 zara` {zaw-rah'} a primitive root; TWOT - 582; v AV - sow 47, yielding 3, sower 2, bearing 1, conceive 1, seed 1, set 1; 56
God "planted" and "sowed" his people Israel, which means he honored his covenant with Abraham in multiplying Abraham's seed as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is upon the seashore, as it explains in Gen. 22:17.
Genesis 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; (KJV)
The Marriage of God
God married Israel at Mt. Sinai when the people agreed to keep the old covenant. Israel became God's wife. In Jer. 3:14, God is saying; "I am married unto you" (Israel). Notice also in Jer. 3:20 that God compared Israel to a wife departing from her husband. Jer. 31:32 and Isa. 54:5 also show God being a husband to Israel. Read these verses carefully.
Jeremiah 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: (KJV)
Jeremiah 3:20 Surely [as] a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD. (KJV)
Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: (KJV)
Isaiah 54:5 For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. (KJV)God is speaking in Jer. 31:32; "which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them". Israel departed from her husband by breaking the marriage vows she made with God at Mount Sinai. As a result of Israel breaking her agreement with her husband, God sent messengers which Israel mocked; and she also misused God's prophets (2 Chr. 36:16).
2 Chronicles 36:16 But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy. (KJV)
God did this out of mercy and love toward his wife in warning her to turn and repent of her adulterous ways. However through many years of warning his wife, God finally realized that there was no remedy for Israel's sins as we have seen in 2 Chr. 36:16. God finally had to put Israel away, and he wrote her a bill of divorce. See Jer. 3:8
Jeremiah 3:8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. (KJV)
In Hosea 1:9-10, God stated that Israel was to lose her identity and would no longer be called God's people. This simple truth is very important to understand if we are to identify who the gentiles are.
Hosea 1:9-10 Then said [God], Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your [God]. 10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God. (KJV)
For Israel to not be called God's people anymore would generally classify them as "heathen". Many times the Bible does talk about the "heathen", which generally could be called the Israelites that God had divorced and put away in punishment. However "lost Israel" would continue to grow in number which could not be measured or numbered (verse 10). Then at some future time, they would be called the sons of the living God. This is very important to understand, and this fact will explain much of the mystery of who the Gentiles are. Israel was now divorced and was no longer called God's people, and God was no longer her God. In spite of all this, Israel was alive and well. Hos. 1:10 confirms the fact that the covenant given to Abraham was also alive and well, because Abraham's seed (Israel) was as the sand of the sea shore which could not be numbered, as was promised by God as we have seen in Gen. 22:17. As was shown earlier, Christ was the God of the Old Testament. It was Christ that was the spiritual Rock that followed Israel, and it was Christ that they also "drank" from. Read 1 Cor. 10:4 and Heb. 11:25-26 very carefully.
1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (KJV)
Hebrews 11:25-26 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. (KJV)Moses chose to be with God's people and suffered their afflictions, and he considered the reproach of Christ to be greater riches then the treasures of Egypt. Most people are not aware that it was Christ himself that was Israel's husband, and it was Christ that also divorced Israel. These verses prove that it was actually Christ who was married to Israel. There are other scriptures that show this truth. This fact explains why Christ declared in Matt. 15:24, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep (northern ten tribes) of the house of Israel".
Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (KJV)
However this of course included the southern tribes of Israel since Christ was already there. The important truth explained in Matt. 15:24 is that Christ did not take the gospel to no other people than his divorced wife, which were the "lost" Israelites. Christ knew where these lost sheep were, since they were his wife at one time. Christ correctly stated that the northern ten lost tribes were "not of this fold". The "fold" that Christ referred to were of course the southern tribes of Judea that consisted of Judah, Benjamin and some of Levi. See John 10:16.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd. (KJV)
Christ was sent to his divorced wife to give his life for her and to become her redeemer. The word "lost" in Matt. 15:24 is no. 622 in Strong's Lexicon, and as we can see, lost and divorced Israel was as if they were destroyed and had perished!
622 apollumi {ap-ol'-loo-mee} from 575 and the base of 3639; TDNT - 1:394,67; v AV - perish 33, destroy 26, lose 22, be lost 5, lost 4, misc 2; 92
Christ came to die for lost Israel so he could remarry her. His death allowed him to again marry his bride (Israel). Christ was born under the law that had dominion over him all of his life. He lived a sinless life; therefore in order to avoid sin and to again claim Israel as his wife, he had to die as her husband. His death loosed Israel from the law that prevented her again to be his bride. See Rom. 7:1-2.
Romans 7:1-2 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband. (KJV)
The Bible is a documented book about a love story between Christ and his bride. What a beautiful love story it is if we have eyes to see and hearts to perceive! The second Adam (Christ) died for his wife in much the same way that the first Adam died for his wife. Now what does this beautiful love story have to do with the question who are the Gentiles? It has everything to do with it!! This truth is very important to understand, and it is the heart and core of the gospel message of the New Testament. Israel was now in legal standing to once again become the wife of Christ. I must say, anyone that is not touched by this love story cannot really comprehend the call of God and the gospel message. I can also say, anyone that fails to have some understanding of the marriage, the divorce, and remarriage of Christ is not able from the heart to respond to the call of God and repent of sin. In order to remarry his bride, Christ had to became the perfect sacrifice for his bride's sins (Israel), and was under what is known as the law of "kinsman redemption". See Lev. 25:48-49
Leviticus 25:48-49 After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him: 49 Either his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem him, or [any] that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be able, he may redeem himself. (KJV)
It is very important to understand that Christ had to be a lawful redeemer for his wife Israel. It is clearly demonstrated in the gospels of the New Testament that Christ's genealogy was of the physical seed of Abraham. It was required by the law that Christ had to be a kinsman of the seed of Abraham in order to redeem Israel. The word "redeem" is no. 1350 in Strong's Con., and means to "buy back" property of the same next of kin or relative.
1350 ga'al (gaw-al'); a primitive root, to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e. to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.): KJV-- X in any wise, X at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk (-man), purchase, ransom, redeem (-er), revenger.
This is important since Israel was the property of Christ at one time. The price or payment that was required to "buy back" his bride was with his own blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins (Heb. 9:22). Christ purchased (bought back) the Church of God (Israel) with his own blood (Acts 20:28).
Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (KJV)
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (KJV)This was the Church that was in the wilderness during the time of Moses when the living laws and commandments were given to Israel, which of course Christ's wife (Israel) failed to keep. (Acts 7:38)
Acts 7:38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and [with] our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: (KJV)
This is the same people that Christ purchased with his own blood. The Church in the wilderness were of course Israelites, therefore the Church that Christ purchased would also have to be Israelites. According to the law of kinsman redemption, Christ could only remarry a bride of his own "next of kin" or of the seed line of Abraham. Regardless of what many Christian people have always believed, that seed line is a physical seed line as we shall see.
The New Testament Gentiles
The apostles knew all about the northern house of Israel being divorced from God and cut off from the promises. The apostle Peter in his heart looked on these lost Israelites as being "unclean". Peter thought the gospel was not to go to these (separated from God) people. God had to show Peter in a vision that he was not to judge these people as being common or unclean. See Acts 10:12-14, 28, 34, 36.
Acts 10:12-14, 28, 34-36 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (KJV)
Most of the modern churches are deceived to believe this was a vision to explain that God had "done away" with the unclean food laws, or had cleansed all manner of meat to be fit for food! In verse 28, Peter realized that he was not to call any man common or unclean, which means the purpose of this vision had nothing to do with unclean animals. Peter finally had to proclaim that God is Lord of "all" (verse 36). All of the tribes of Israel, if you will. You should read the entire chapter of Acts 10 to understand the context and story flow. Cornelius no doubt was an Israelite that feared God, gave alms and prayed to God always (Acts 10:1-2).
Acts 10:1-2 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. (KJV)
Acts 26:7 explains that the twelve tribes of Israel understood the promise that God gave to Abraham, and were instantly serving God day and night. Wouldn't you say Cornelius was someone of these twelve tribes?
Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. (KJV)
I realize many people will argue that it does not say that Cornelius was an Israelite. However let's use logic and common sense, and realize that the hope of the promise that the apostle Paul mentioned in Acts 26:7 is only applied to the twelve tribes of Israel. This was why Cornelius was a devout man and always prayed to God, since he also hoped for this promise. If there is a book in the New Testament that proves who the gentiles are, it is the book of Romans. Starting in Rom. 1:13, Paul called the Romans Gentiles. Since he refers to other Gentiles, it would make the Roman Church Gentiles also.
Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. (KJV)
In Rom. 2:14-15, Paul says that the Gentiles do by nature the things contained in the law, and they were showing the work of the law "written in their hearts". It also states their conscience was bearing witness of this fact. Who were these Gentiles?
Romans 2:14-15 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) (KJV)
Who did God write the law in their hearts? According to Jer. 31:31 and Heb. 8:8, 10 God stated; "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, and I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts".
Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: (KJV)
Hebrews 8:8, 10 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 10 For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: (KJV)Now notice what God states in verse 10; "I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people". This statement could only apply to a "people" called Israel, since these were the "people" that the covenants were made with and belonged to. Notice the new covenant was made to both the houses of Israel and Judah. These verses alone should show who the Gentiles are. However there's much more and it gets better. In Rom. 4:1, Paul refers to Abraham our father "as pertaining to the flesh".
Romans 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? (KJV)
What did Paul mean by this statement? The phrase "as pertaining to the flesh" could only mean that Abraham was a real flesh and blood biological father to the Roman Gentiles! Paul stated "Abraham our father", which included the Roman Gentiles! In Rom. 4:16 Paul says that the promise might be sure to "all the seed".
Romans 4:16 Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (KJV)
This verse simply means that the promise of God might be sure to all the seed of Abraham, however this seed was only through Isaac. See Gen. 21:12 and Heb. 11:18. This is very important to understand!
Genesis 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. (KJV)
Hebrews 11:18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: (KJV)Therefore when Paul refers to "all the seed" he meant all of Israel, (both the houses of Israel and Judah). Read and believe these verses since they explain that only through the seed line of Isaac would the promise be sure. The promise might be sure to all the seed of Israel starting with Abraham, and it is a physical seed line and not a "spiritual" seed that is talked about in Rom. 4:16. It includes both houses of Israel (all the seed). In Rom. 9:3-5, Paul repeats the phrase; "according to the flesh". Also in verse 5, Paul again states; "as concerning the flesh Christ came".
Romans 9:3-5 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 Who are Israelites; to whom [pertaineth] the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises; 5 Whose [are] the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ [came], who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. (KJV)
It seems like Paul is trying to tell us something! Paul stressed the fact that this seed was a physical seed line, "...according to the flesh". It is not and could not mean something spiritual! Pay close attention to verse 4, in which Paul says the adoption, the glory, the covenants, giving of the law, service of God, and the promises all belong to Israel. This is very important since only Israelites can be adopted, have the glory, the covenants, and promises, etc. If the Gentiles are non-Israelites (which many sincere people of today assume that they are), then this verse makes no sense because this verse excludes non-Israelites. Regardless of what some might believe "adoption" means, it is always wise to know why and how this word is used in scripture. Strong's Lexicon definition of the word "adoption" is no. 5206, and means "adoption" of sons, or as sons. Notice that Israelites are preferred over all other nations (1a), which means by implication; God preferred to call only Israelites as his sons by the "adoption" method.
5206 huiothesia {hwee-oth-es-ee'-ah} from a presumed compound of 5207 and a derivative of 5087; TDNT - 8:397,1206; n f AV - adoption 3, adoption of children 1, adoption of sons 1; 5
1) adoption, adoption as sons 1a) that relationship which God was pleased to establish between himself and the Israelites in preference to all other nations 1b) the nature and condition of the true disciples in Christ, who by receiving the Spirit of God into their souls become sons of God 1c) the blessed state looked for in the future life after the visible return of Christ from heavenHowever this definition of "adoption" is not complete! We must allow the Bible to complete this definition for us. Rom. 8:23 explains the Bible definition of the word "adoption". According to this verse, "adoption" means the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body. (KJV)
It is something that Paul states; "we groan within ourselves, waiting for the "adoption", to wit, the redemption of our bodies". Adoption has not yet happened for us since it is something that we are waiting for; and it has to do with the resurrection according this verse. The redemption of our bodies means the resurrection! More important, adoption only applies to Israelites according to Rom. 9:4 as we have previously seen. Rom. 9:25-26 are verses quoted from Hosea 1:10, and it means the Israelites that were put away in punishment (lost and divorced from God) were not called God's people.
Romans 9:25-26 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. (KJV)
Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God. (KJV)Now under the new covenant, since Christ has "bought back" and redeemed his people, they are now called the sons of the living God. Rom. 11:1-2 states that God did not cast away his people. Modern-day churches believe and teach the opposite! The churches of today teach that since the "Jews" rejected Christ, God then went to the Gentiles (non-Israelites) with the gospel.
Romans 11:1-2 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, (KJV)
Therefore this caused the Abrahamic covenant not to be in effect anymore (as the modern churches believe); which caused God to disregard Israel since the Israelites were the "people of the covenant". God then had to go to "plan B", so to speak, and start his Church under a different covenant (whatever that means). Paul stressed the fact that he was also a racial Israelite of the seed of Abraham of the tribe of Benjamin. This is why God did not cast away Israel, including Paul! Please understand what Paul said! No, God does not change his covenant with another people that he swore by himself to uphold! Read and believe Heb. 6:13-14.
Hebrews 6:13-14 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. (KJV)
The people that rejected Christ were no other people than some of the two southern tribes of the house of Judah. They refused to believe who Christ was, and what the death of Christ accomplished for both of the houses of Israel. The covenant that God promised to Abraham was an everlasting covenant with a people called Israel, and it will always be with the same people. The biblical theme and truth that must be upheld is that God keeps his promises, and he does not change! God does not and could not change the covenant that he himself swore to uphold, and apply it to a different people other than Israelites! See Mal. 3:6.
Malachi 3:6 For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.(KJV)
Rom. 11:16-17 shows that some branches of the olive tree were broken off. What was Paul referring to by talking about this "olive tree", and what does the "olive tree" biblically represent?
Romans 11:16-17 For if the firstfruit [be] holy, the lump [is] also [holy]: and if the root [be] holy, so [are] the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; (KJV)
This olive tree represented the house of Israel and the house of Judah according to Jer. 11:16-17. It was God that "planted" this olive tree and pronounced evil against it because this "olive tree" had done evil in provoking God to anger. Therefore some of the branches were broken off which is what the apostle Paul said, and it also states this in Jer. 11:16.
Jeremiah 11:16-17 The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, [and] of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken. 17 For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal. (KJV)
The correct premise of what Paul was saying, is that these branches that were broken off were at one time part of the olive tree. Paul stressed the fact that this olive tree was holy. This fact simply means that God's people Israel (both houses) were holy, which is what the olive tree represented. In verse 20 it states that they were broken off because of unbelief, and in verse 23 Paul says; "for God is able to graft them in again". Notice the word "again". In verses 25-26, Paul explains what he meant in all the preceding verses.
Romans 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: (KJV)
Romans 11:23-26 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural [branches], be graffed into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: (KJV)Paul said "blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in, and so all Israel shall be saved". Paul said a "part" of Israel was blinded until the rest of Israel (fullness of the Gentiles) be come in (the new covenant). Paul just said who was grafted into the olive tree! It was all of Israel! Both houses which includes all of Israel, can now be saved (verse 26). The northern ten tribes that were put away in punishment (or broken off), and the southern tribes once again make up the olive tree. It is very common for the modern churches to explain that the "Gentiles", through belief in Christ, are the people grafted into the olive tree. This is very true! However it is very important to understand who these Gentiles were. Rom. 11:20-26 explained without a doubt who was grafted into the olive tree. It was all of Israel! It is very strange why the modern churches refuse to understand this truth! In Eph. 2:12-18, Paul stated that these Ephesian Gentiles had no hope, were strangers from the covenants of promise, being "aliens" from the commonwealth of Israel, and were without God in the world. Read these verses carefully and try to understand exactly what these verses are saying.
Ephesians 2:12-18 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (KJV)
The word "aliens" in verse 12 is no. 526 in Strong's Lexicon. It is a interesting word and means "estrange", and to no longer share in fellowship and intimacy.
526 apallotrioo {ap-al-lot-ree-o'-o} from 575 and a derivative of 245; TDNT - 1:265,43; v AV - be alienated with + 5607 2, be alien 1; 3
1) to alienate, estrange 2) to be shut out from one's fellowship and intimacyI believe what Paul is saying to the Ephesian Gentiles is that they were at one time with the commonwealth of Israel, however they later became "estranged" which is what the word "aliens" means (Eph. 2:12). The Ephesian Gentiles were at one time Christ's wife, and were in fellowship and intimacy with him. This is important! As a result of Christ's divorced wife being scattered and "sown" among all nations, these Ephesian Gentiles had become Christ's "estranged" wife. Therefore they no longer shared in what was promised to Israel through the Abrahamic covenant. Who are the "afar off" and the "nigh" in verse 17 that peace was preached to? In Daniel 9:7, it explains who the "near" and the "far off" Israelites were. Read this verse carefully.
Daniel 9:7 O Lord, righteousness [belongeth] unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, [that are] near, and [that are] far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. (KJV)
Daniel was praying for his people Israel, and he knew and understood why God had driven the northern ten tribes to the "far off" countries. The "near" were the Israelites at Jerusalem and Judea. The "far off" were the northern ten tribes scattered through all the countries. Notice that Daniel mentioned, all Israel! The "near" and the "far off" make up both the houses of Israel. I believe Paul quoted these verses in Eph. right out of the book of Daniel. Go back to Eph. 2 and notice the word "both" in verses 14, 16, 18. It means both the houses of Israel! The enmity that's talked about in verse 15 was the hostility that the "nigh" had toward the "afar off", because they had the law of ordinances that Christ abolished in his flesh at his death. The "nigh" did not want to part with these ordinances that Christ abolished which separated the two houses. This is important! The Israelites at Jerusalem (the nigh) understood that God had divorced and cut off the ten northern tribes (the afar off) from sharing in the promises that were given through Abraham. Therefore they looked on these rejected "afar off" Israelites as "unclean", hence the enmity and hostility. In Acts 28:20, Paul says, "for the hope of Israel I'm bound with this chain". What did Paul mean by this statement?
Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see [you], and to speak with [you]: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. (KJV)
My question is, why did Paul go through all this suffering and imprisonment for the hope of Israel? Why didn't Paul say, "for the hope of the Gentiles I am bound with this chain"? I thought Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles, which he was! Paul was an apostle to the "dispersed" Israelites which were called "Gentiles". He proclaimed and preached to them that they now also shared in the covenants and the promises of God, which was the "hope of Israel"! The letter of the apostle James was addressed to the twelve tribes scattered or "dispersed" abroad (James 1:1). James wrote to the twelve tribes of Israel! These were the Israelites in "dispersion" or scattered abroad (throughout the nations).
James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. (KJV)
John 7:35 is an interesting verse, however it was not a good translation. The word "Gentiles" in this verse is no. 1672 in Strong's Lexicon and it means the "Greeks", as we have seen previously. This verse should read "will he go to the lost sheep in dispersion that are among the "Greeks" and teach them"?
John 7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? (KJV)
The Apostle Peter called the people he wrote to a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation and a "peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9).
1 Peter 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (KJV)
Peter quoted these statements directly from Ex. 19:5-6 and Deut. 26:18. Read these verses and realize who the people were that Peter wrote to.
Exodus 19:5-6 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (KJV)
Deuteronomy 26:18 And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that [thou] shouldest keep all his commandments; (KJV)Who are these people that God calls a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation? Isn't it obvious by now who the Bible is talking about when it's talking about the Gentiles? Biblically speaking, the Gentiles were non other than the northern tribes put away in punishment. Acts 15:17 is another scripture proving who the Gentiles are. It is a biblical fact that God placed his name on no other people than Israel, which this scripture states were all the "Gentiles"!
Acts 15:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. (KJV)
The New Testament Gentiles can correctly be called the ten lost tribes of Israel that God divorced and put away in punishment. This happened to them because of their disobedience to the marriage vows they had made with their God. As a result of their unbelief and disobedience they were cut off from their true inheritance, were without God in the world, became "lost" in history and were classified as "heathen". However God knew where his people were and what happened to them throughout all of history until this present day. Which brings us to the question, who are the modern day Israelites? This is a very important question that needs to be answered since the covenant and promises are still in force today for believers, just as they were given to Abraham four thousand years ago. It is very obvious, and there are scriptures too numerous to mention, that prove that this is the belief and faith that the early Church was built upon. This truth therefore demands the answer to the question; who are the true Israelites of today? The answer to this question will be addressed shortly.
The Bible is the history book of these people and explains in detail the covenant and promises that were given to them by their God. The Bible also explains why God had to divorce his people and put them away in punishment. The Bible painstakingly explains God's great love and his plan of redemption for these people, and the sufferings and the cruel death that was required to "buyback" the people of his great love. God chose Israel above all other people since these people are actually his children and are literally his offspring. Read Acts 17:28-29.Acts 17:28-29 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (KJV)
This is why it is the Israelite people that are the object of God's intimate love and fellowship. It is important to understand that the house of Judah (southern tribes) generally cannot be called Gentiles. The reason for this is because the theme and language of Paul's epistles in almost all instances is comparing Jews with Gentiles, or Jews with Greeks; therefore making a difference. However it is possible for Israelites to dwell at Jerusalem when originally they came from every nation under heaven, and were still called "Jews", as was shown earlier in Acts 2:5.
Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. (KJV)
My question is; if the "Jews" are only Israelites of Judea (as many falsely assume), how could they come from every nation (Gentiles) under heaven since all of Israel was only one nation and people? The answer is because this is where the lost Israelites were scattered (to all nations),and were also biblically called "Jews". This is important! As we have previously seen, the term "Jews" could be biblically applied to mean geographically and racially for all the tribes of Israel. As you can now understand, the word "Jew(s)" should never have used by the translators. The "Jews" can biblically have a very broad and uncertain meaning. However the southern tribes that made up the house of Judah were always biblically called "Jews" since the apostle Paul always compared these people with Gentiles, as was previously stated. The house of Judah, as we have seen, were also taken captive during the old covenant; however they were only temporally "lost" since they took root downward again and did bear fruit upward (Isa. 37:31).
Isaiah 37:31 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: (KJV)
These "Jews" were the true Israelites that were established in the land of Judea during the time of Christ. I believe the reason God allowed the house of Judah to again establish themselves at Jerusalem was to provide for the birth to Christ. However they simply did not understand who Christ was, and therefore were instrumental in his death. Some of the "Jews" of the southern tribes (true Israel) as a result of the preaching of the apostles, finally did understand who Christ was; and were cut to the heart and repented. They understood what the death of Christ accomplished, and became believers and started the early Churches that were in Judaea as it shows in 1 Thes 2:14.
1 Thessalonians 2:14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews: (KJV)
This scripture proves that a large number of "Jews" that were in Judaea (of the southern tribes) did not reject Christ. However the vast majority of Jews of the southern tribes did reject Christ which is the reason Paul and Barnabas then went to the "Gentiles" (northern ten tribes). See Acts 13:46.
Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. (KJV)
It is a strong possibility that some the "Jews" which caused the suffering of the Churches of Judea (1 Thes. 2:14) were not of true Israel. This could very well be the "Jews" that were in charge of the temple and temple service. Christ repeatedly had to deal with these people, and he correctly identified who they really were. Read John 8:44 very carefully.
John 8:44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (KJV)
Christ stated that these "Jews" were of their "father" the devil, and they did the lusts of their father who was a murderer and a liar from the beginning. Christ did not have any kind words for these people, and he also called them a "generation of vipers (snakes)"; which is explained in Matt. 23:33-36.
Matthew 23:33-36 [Ye] serpents, [ye] generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? 34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. (KJV)
In verse 35 Christ handed these people an indictment of shedding all the righteous blood upon the earth from righteous Abel to Zacharias! Some say Zacharias was the father of John the Baptist. I need not remind you who killed Abel. According to Christ this was a "generation" (race)of people from Cain on, and the devil was their father, which was the "serpent" in the Garden of Eden. This is the "serpent" that was to have physical seed starting with Cain in the same manner as the woman (Eve) was also to have physical seed. Because of Adam's sin, all of Adam-kind would have to carry and suffer the effects of this sin. Therefore God put hatred and enmity between these two physical seed-lines, which explains all the wars and the righteous blood shed throughout all of history until this present day. Read Gen. 3:15 and than compare this with Matt. 23:35 and understand what these verses are saying!
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (KJV)
What are we to understand from these statements that our Savior made about these certain people that are called "Jews"? These people also claimed that God was their Father to which Christ responded; "If God were your Father, ye would love me" (John 8:41-42).
John 8:41-42 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, [even] God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. (KJV)
Christ said that these people did the deeds of their father, which was the devil as we have seen in John 8:44. Therefore God was not their father which is what Christ stated! In John 8:33, 37 they claimed they were of the seed of Abraham which Christ did acknowledge that they were of the seed of Abraham.
John 8:33, 37 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. (KJV)
However they could not have come through the seed line of Isaac, and they also stated that they were never in bondage to any man. This is not the case of the true Israelites which were in bondage in Egypt. Since God was not their father they could not have been of the seed line of Isaac, therefore were not of the house of Judah! Christ would never have said these cruel and harsh statements about the true Israelites of God! Who were these people that claimed they were the "chosen people"? For that matter, who are the "Jews" of today that claim to be the chosen people? Rev. 2:9 and 3:9 plainly explain that these people which claim to be "Jews" (of Judah) past and present are actually of the "synagogue of Satan".
Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.(KJV)
Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. (KJV)It is very obvious and the biblical evidence is overwhelming that the Gentiles are the real "chosen people". I want to say at this time that the "Gentiles" do not have to mean only the "lost" Israelites. Since this word means "nations", it could include people and nations other than true Israelites. However the purpose of this booklet is to show how the word "Gentiles" is biblically used in relation to the "lost" ten tribes of Israel. Regardless of what some might believe who the "Jews" are, we cannot and must not ignore what Christ said about these people! We must also not ignore what the apostle Paul said about them! Please read these verses in 1 Thes. 2:14-16 very carefully.
1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews: 15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. (KJV)
Paul made some very serious accusations toward these people that are called "Jews". The apostle Paul did not and could not have made these kinds of accusations against God's chosen people called Israel! Verse 15 states that these "Jews" killed their (own) prophets. The words "their own" were added by the translators therefore should not be in this verse. It should simply read "killed the prophets". According to Christ as we have seen in Matt. 23:35, it was these "Jews" that were responsible for shedding all the righteous blood; especially the true Israelite prophets.
In Conclusion
Where and who are the modern day true Israelites? Keep in mind the covenant of promise is still in full force and effect, and belongs only to these people. First of all, I want to address how other people and other "Gentiles" belong in relation to the Abrahamic covenant and promises of God. In a sense, Christ died for them also as John writes in his gospel (John 3:17 and 4:42). We cannot ignore that Christ is the Savior of the "world" according to these verses.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (KJV)
John 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (KJV)Yet Christ stated that this world cannot receive the truth, and also Christ did not pray for this world as it explains in John 14:17, 17:9.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (KJV)
John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. (KJV)What are we to understand from this? Again, the Bible has the answer. God's chosen people (Israel) were given the Abrahamic covenant and promises of God. It is very important to know just what was promised to Abraham and to his physical seed after him. Abraham was promised to be a father of many nations (Gen. 17:5).
Genesis 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. (KJV)
However there is much more! Look at these verses in Gen. 18:18, 22:18, 26:4. These verses show that through Abraham and his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed. This truth is very important to understand!
Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? (KJV)
Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. (KJV)
Genesis 26:4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; (KJV)Christ will indeed "save" and restore the world through this covenant. At the return of Christ and the Kingdom of God here on the earth, the "restitution" of all things will take place. Eventually all people and nations will truly be blessed and be restored the way God intended all nations and all people to be (Acts 3:21).
Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. (KJV)
Christ will indeed be the Savior of the world (the world to come) through his people Israel. Notice in Luke 12:32 that it is the Father's good pleasure to give the kingdom to the "little flock". The words "flock" or "sheep" are always biblically used to represent God's chosen people Israel.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (KJV)
God will give the kingdom to those Israelites that have qualified themselves in this life to rule in the world to come, and they will restore the world the way God intended it to be. Yes, other nations and other people will experience their kind of salvation. However God also intended to bless all nations through Abraham's seed (true Israel) during this present age. This is very important! This covenant made with Abraham and his seed is not some spiritual "feeling" or some promise that God "conveniently" forgot about! Who are the people that have truly blessed the world? It is the western Christian people and nations that have brought the prosperity and the high standard of living that we all enjoy. It is this Christian culture that has helped feed the world, come to the aid of many nations, and has defended freedom and liberty around the world.
It is the United States of America that has brought the age of inventions and built the industrial machine that is used for the benefit and good of all people and nations. Our founding fathers understood the calling and destiny of this great nation, and proclaimed that this nation was founded on the Ten Commandments and the gospel of Jesus Christ! Quotes of this nature were made by men that no doubt understood something about the Abrahamic covenant. The "marks" of biblical Israel are all around us, and most of our culture, religious, and educational system was originally built on biblical principals as given to ancient Israel. This obvious historical fact cannot be ignored, and it is very important to understand! However now, this nation and people are blinded to their true heritage and origin, as the Bible also said this would happen. See Deut. 28:37 and 1 King 9:7.
Deuteronomy 28:37 And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee. (KJV)
1 Kings 9:7 Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: (KJV)They were to become a "proverb" and a "by-word" among all nations, if they departed from their God. True Israel did indeed become "lost" (but not from God), and became what could be called a "fantasy" or a "mystery" among all people and nations. This is what I believe God intended the words "proverb" and "byword" to mean when Israel was scattered to all nations. This prophesy was designed to span all of history from the time God originally divorced and cast Israel out of his sight. The vast majority of deceived Christian people of this nation would consider this indeed a fantasy if told who the modern day Israelites really are. However in so doing, they are unknowingly fulfilling the prophesy of these scriptures found in Deut. 28:37 and 1 King 9:7. True Israel at the present time remains a "fantasy" and a "mystery" simply because most of modern day Christianity has refused to believe and teach the truth regarding a people called Israel. God's true chosen people are indeed kept "hidden" in spite of the obvious fact that true Israel could only apply to no other people than those that make up the majority of this great nation.
We can in all honesty say that this nation has truly departed from the God of Israel. This I believe is due to the modern clergy that are determined to uphold and teach the false "God's chosen people" theory. The modern churches are in gross error to claim that the so-called "Jews" of today are what is left of the captivity of the Israelites of old. I have always wondered why the "Jews" were called God's chosen people. If they are indeed the chosen people, why is it in their nature to oppose the righteous things of God? It is also very obvious that they hate the Christ of the Bible. It is my belief that many of the modern day clergy know the truth regarding who the true modern day Israelites are. However they will refuse to teach this understanding because of the "fear of the Jews", and also are more concerned about church attendance. It is indeed a shame and a disgrace for the denominational church system to blindly ignore the facts of this very important subject of who are the Gentiles. It would be unthinkable to most people if told that this great nation was founded on the promise of God that was given to Abraham centuries ago. This is why most sincere Christian people will refuse to understand the truth regarding the true heritage and inheritance of this great nation. It is very obvious that the United States of America, as a blessed nation of God, has fulfilled what Abraham's descendants were divinely destined to do! It is very strange why this truth is totally ignored by the modern churches!
The origin of the Anglo-Saxon kindred people can be traced in history back to the very area where the northern ten tribes came out of their captivity. They were taken captive in 730 B.C., and some sources have it that an estimated ten to twenty million Israelites were taken captive. What happened to these people, and if they truly disappeared and became "lost"; how can you lose this many people in history? Those that hold to the non-Israelite Gentile theory have lost these people. They have lost these people willingly, I must say! Keep in mind the Bible foretold that "lost Israel" would be scattered in all the world. The Anglo-Saxon and kindred people of the United States, Canada, Britain, Europe, and other parts of the world can correctly be called "Gentiles". However in the same sense that the lost Israelites of the New Testament were also called "Gentiles". Please understand this truth!
This booklet has explained how lost Israel is biblically called the "Gentiles", and the Bible foretells what will happen to these people in the "latter days"; if these people do not return to their God. Most Bible prophecy is primarily focused on lost Israel, and the punishments and judgments that these people are to endure for departing from their God. Prophecy also explains the salvation and the eternal inheritance promised through Jesus Christ for these people; if these people (please note the word "if") return to the God of their fathers and believe what Abraham believed. We have been given precious promises of national greatness through our father Abraham, and personal salvation through Jesus Christ. We need to share this precious truth with others and pray to the God of Israel to enlighten us as to who we really are, and what our national and personal responsibility ought to be!Questions or comments?... Email: wickey777@verizon.net