A question surfaced in Paul’s writings: Who can be saved? 

I’ve heard several podcasts and interviews this year discussing Israel, her relationship with the Church, and her place in modern history. In one discussion on social media, there was a halting comment that because Israel was set apart as God’s special possession, they were saved. It sounded like Israel was different and yet parallel to Christianity.

Paul and Peter had a riff while making that same clarification. When Paul was called by God to reach the Gentiles, some Jewish believers were offended. They were trying to convince the Gentiles to return to the observance of Jewish Law and its requirements, even circumcision, declaring that it was the way of salvation.

Peter was also holding onto the Law and its requirements, giving the impression that his message was part of the gospel of grace, and causing some confusion. Paul reiterated the truth to help Peter by saying: 

“And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law. I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So, I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God” (Galatians 2: 15-16, 18-19).

The Gospel is a message of grace. It applies to everyone, regardless of their natural origin or personal history. Jews and Gentiles can only be saved by their belief in Jesus the Messiah.

God is sovereign, and His word is true. His word is true about the Messiah and salvation only through Him. God’s word is also true concerning the unfolding of prophecies spoken centuries ago over Israel and their land. We have seen some major fulfillment of prophecy in our time, regardless of Israel being a secular nation. We are waiting to see them recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

The Jews (derived from the word “Judah”) and their land of Israel will always hold a special place in the Church. Abraham is our father in faith. Jesus is our Messiah. The Scriptures are deeply treasured as the Word of God. We love Israel, we pray for them, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem. 

Israel failed in their mission to be a shining light, to draw all the nations to God. And they failed to recognize the Messiah. “But God so loved the world…” His plan to save the world did not fail. A remnant of Jewish believers turned the world upside down.

Instead of looking to place blame on a party, a group, or a nation in the name of what is right, I desire to speak the truth in love. I want to use every division and state of confusion as a catalyst to draw my focus upward. Everything that comes from the Father is good and right. We, too, are called to improve the condition of this world.

Like Paul and Peter, I want to be a reconciler. I want every person to encounter God. I want to be part of the remnant, ushering in a worldwide great awakening and revival. Revival will turn the world upside down and usher in a cultural renaissance and reformation.