Question: Thank
you for taking the time to address my question.
I have struggled with the concept of a chosen people for years.
Several passages from the New Testament intrigue me: the woman who
replied to Jesus that even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the
children’s table is one.
My
question is this: are God’s chosen people only those directly descended from
Jacob? If so, and if they will be
saved because they are God’s chosen, what of those Jewish converts who believe
they are God’s chosen?
And,
finally, those Jews who do not accept Jesus, and are descendants of Jacob –
where can I learn of their heritage? I
grew up attending a Church of Christ and have no intention of converting to any
other faith. I just want to understand.
Thank
you,
Ken
Answer:
Dear Ken,
It
sounds like you may have been confused by teachings of what is broadly called
the “identity” movement. Those who subscribe to this teaching believe that we are
saved by race, not by grace. There
is nothing in the New Testament, after the cross and the empty tomb, to support
such teachings, but that does not stop it from being taught.
The
teaching depends upon Old Testament foundations – when God did work through
one nation that he called out for a specific purpose.
However, the gospel of Jesus Christ changed salvation from a criteria of
race to one of grace – see Ephesians 2:11-22 and Galatians 3:1-29, among other
passages.
No
one has any special standing before God – not any race, gender, profession,
color, etc. Who we are is
not the issue. Who Jesus is
– that is the issue. The identity of Christians is not found in the flesh, not
found in accomplishments, merits, obedience, works of the flesh, racial
heritage, degrees earned, status achieved, etc., etc.
The identity of Christians is found solely in Jesus Christ – who alone
is worthy.
Please
let us know if you have further questions.
In
Christ,
Greg
Albrecht