Paul's point is that we...
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Paul's point is that we Gentiles have been grafted into the tree that is Judaism. We are
adopted Jews! This entails that their rich heritage belongs to all Christians. It also means
that, despite their faithlessness, God has not given up on or renounced his covenant with the
Jews. Works and lack of faith it seems do not matter when it comes to God's faithfulness to
his promises. On this matter Martin Luther wrote:
For the counsel of God is not changed by either the merits or demerits of anyone. For he does not repent of the gifts and calling which he has promised, because the Jews are now unworthy of them and you are worthy. He is not changed just because you are changed, and therefore they shall turn back and be led again to the truth of the faith.
(Luther's Works, Vol. 25, p. 432)
Jews are still the chosen people. But as adopted Jews this means so are all Christians. We have previously noted that the Jews are chosen, not to special privileges, but only in the sense of being an example to humankind (Leo Trepp, Judaism, p. 7). With our Jewish siblings in the faith, we are now called to be beacons of service to all humanity. It is all part of the family heritage into which all the followers of Jesus now share.
For the counsel of God is not changed by either the merits or demerits of anyone. For he does not repent of the gifts and calling which he has promised, because the Jews are now unworthy of them and you are worthy. He is not changed just because you are changed, and therefore they shall turn back and be led again to the truth of the faith.
(Luther's Works, Vol. 25, p. 432)
Jews are still the chosen people. But as adopted Jews this means so are all Christians. We have previously noted that the Jews are chosen, not to special privileges, but only in the sense of being an example to humankind (Leo Trepp, Judaism, p. 7). With our Jewish siblings in the faith, we are now called to be beacons of service to all humanity. It is all part of the family heritage into which all the followers of Jesus now share.
