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With regard to Jews and Gentiles, if Israel was special to God, what about the Gentiles?
We know from God’s Word that both Jews and Gentiles are part of his plan and that he has guaranteed a bright future for everyone. One of the most prominent scriptures which includes hope for both Jews and Gentiles is the promise made to the patriarch Abraham and repeated variously several times in both the Old and New Testaments: "In thee and in thy seed shall all families of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 12:3, 18:8, 22:18, 26:4, 28:14, Acts 3:25; Rom. 4:17; Gal. 3:8, 25.)
In the book of Isaiah there are many scriptures which not only address the nation of Israel but also how they will be a light to the Gentiles, e.g: Isa 11:10 "And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek." Isa 49:6 "I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth." Isa 60:1-3 "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.�the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light." Before Simeon died, he was permitted to see the babe Jesus and quoted from Isaiah: �For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:30-32)
This same question regarding Jews and Gentiles was asked by the early church: �Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.� (Rom. 3:29, 30) Since the time of Christ, God has "visited the Gentiles �to call out a people for his name." (Acts 15:14). A special work has been going on with faithful Christians. The Apostle Paul, �of the stock of Israel...a Hebrew of the Hebrews� (Phil. 3:5) was given a special commission to take the gospel to the Gentiles: �the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.� (Act 9:15)
Already we see that God is gathering together Jews from the diaspora into Israel as had been prophesied. From this we may have assurance that God is still dealing with the nation of Israel and that in the near future we may expect that Israel will indeed be a light and example to the world. The future is as bright as the promises of God: For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. (Mal 1:11)
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