April 27, 2007
It has been a number of years now since I have started using this introduction (namely "fellow Israelite"), to reinforce our identity as a redeemed Jewish or Gentile person in Messiah. Many believers are coming into what is termed the "Hebraic roots". This must translate itself into a national identity, and not into a religious uniqueness of sorts. Peter, writing to both Gentiles and Jews, declares that we are a "Holy Nation" (ref Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9). Doesn't this nation have a name, or is it devoid of one? Paul gives us a clue in his Epistle to the Ephesians.
"Therefore remember, that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision " by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands-- remember that you were at that time separate from Messiah, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Messiah Yeshua you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Messiah" (Ephesians 2:11-13).
He continues to write to these two people groups (that are in Messiah), telling them that the wall of partition has been broken down, and that they have become one within the same house, through the life (blood) of the Redeemer. He goes on to say that there is no Jew or Greek (ref Col 3:11), but yet all are identified with Messiah, thus with Israel. He is calling his audience "former Gentiles" who are now Israelites. Perhaps Jewish believers need to come to the same understanding; i.e. that they too were formally Jewish but now are Israelites. This puts both parties on notice that they do not belong to themselves, but to Him who has made them one people through His divine nature and has begotten a new creation and a holy nation.
But is this commonwealth of Israel only a spiritual reality, or does its witness include being a part of the physical fulfillment of Biblical prophecy? Are the redeemed Jews the only ones in this new family that the fulfillment of prophecy is referring to, or are all Israelites included? Are we one, or are we not? Do we belong to the same commonwealth or are there two, one for the Jew and another for the Gentile-cum-Israelite? In fact, if this is the case then there must be two covenants, one with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and one with all those who are not of this genus.
While the Spirit is drawing the believing community to the roots of YHVH's plan for the redemption and restoration of His kingdom to all Israel, there are some who are falsely charging us, of telling non-Jews in Messiah that they are to become Jewish. Just to set the record straight; we are declaring, in accordance with the words of the prophets and apostles, that we are all Israelites. Those who are dividing the body of Messiah through false accusation, jealousy, or resentment are not walking in love, or in the reality of the Gospel. If our spiritual enemy and our natural ones can prevent us from becoming a royal priesthood and holy nation, they will have won the battle without too much resistance on our part. As a royal priesthood we are to offer ourselves up as a living sacrifice (ref Romans 12:1), casting down every thought and imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of Elohim (ref 2 Corinthians 10:5). It is very important that we all understand what it means to be an Israelite, YHVH's firstborn nation (ref. Exodus 4:22).
Ephraim
It has been a number of years now since I have started using this introduction (namely "fellow Israelite"), to reinforce our identity as a redeemed Jewish or Gentile person in Messiah. Many believers are coming into what is termed the "Hebraic roots". This must translate itself into a national identity, and not into a religious uniqueness of sorts. Peter, writing to both Gentiles and Jews, declares that we are a "Holy Nation" (ref Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9). Doesn't this nation have a name, or is it devoid of one? Paul gives us a clue in his Epistle to the Ephesians.
"Therefore remember, that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision " by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands-- remember that you were at that time separate from Messiah, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Messiah Yeshua you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Messiah" (Ephesians 2:11-13).
He continues to write to these two people groups (that are in Messiah), telling them that the wall of partition has been broken down, and that they have become one within the same house, through the life (blood) of the Redeemer. He goes on to say that there is no Jew or Greek (ref Col 3:11), but yet all are identified with Messiah, thus with Israel. He is calling his audience "former Gentiles" who are now Israelites. Perhaps Jewish believers need to come to the same understanding; i.e. that they too were formally Jewish but now are Israelites. This puts both parties on notice that they do not belong to themselves, but to Him who has made them one people through His divine nature and has begotten a new creation and a holy nation.
But is this commonwealth of Israel only a spiritual reality, or does its witness include being a part of the physical fulfillment of Biblical prophecy? Are the redeemed Jews the only ones in this new family that the fulfillment of prophecy is referring to, or are all Israelites included? Are we one, or are we not? Do we belong to the same commonwealth or are there two, one for the Jew and another for the Gentile-cum-Israelite? In fact, if this is the case then there must be two covenants, one with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and one with all those who are not of this genus.
While the Spirit is drawing the believing community to the roots of YHVH's plan for the redemption and restoration of His kingdom to all Israel, there are some who are falsely charging us, of telling non-Jews in Messiah that they are to become Jewish. Just to set the record straight; we are declaring, in accordance with the words of the prophets and apostles, that we are all Israelites. Those who are dividing the body of Messiah through false accusation, jealousy, or resentment are not walking in love, or in the reality of the Gospel. If our spiritual enemy and our natural ones can prevent us from becoming a royal priesthood and holy nation, they will have won the battle without too much resistance on our part. As a royal priesthood we are to offer ourselves up as a living sacrifice (ref Romans 12:1), casting down every thought and imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of Elohim (ref 2 Corinthians 10:5). It is very important that we all understand what it means to be an Israelite, YHVH's firstborn nation (ref. Exodus 4:22).
Ephraim
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