"To the Jew First. . ."

 

Romans 1:14-17 "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."

     Many of the Scriptures dealing with the first advent of CHRIST relate to promises GOD made to Israel that will yet be fulfilled when JESUS returns to inaugurate HIS millennial kingdom on Earth. As a matter of fact, the passages that detail the birth of JESUS in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke are primarily announcing peace and good will to the Jewish people, as prophesied in the Old Testament -- but this was contingent upon their receiving the newborn MESSIAH as their LORD and KING.

     The SON of GOD offered HIMSELF to the Jews first, but they refused HIM. However, now "the Greek" (v.16) -- that is, anyone -- can be "grafted" into the family of GOD (Romans 11:17) by salvation through the LORD JESUS CHRIST: "HE came unto HIS OWN, and HIS OWN received HIM not. But as many ['whosoever'] as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD" (John 1:11-12; 3:16 both pictured above). JESUS' death, consequent to the Jew's rejection of HIM, opened the way for all men, not just the Jew, to become members of HIS body by way of the new birth. Now, both Jew and Gentile can know the peace and goodwill of GOD if they will receive HIS gift -- this is why 1st.Timothy 3:16 is such a blessed verse, for it declares the good news that resulted from the birth of the incarnate LORD of Glory. Praise GOD for the wonderful Gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone ! Because JESUS CHRIST came, "whosoever will" may partake of "the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). In this dispensation, Jew and Gentile alike have equal opportunity and access into the family of GOD. We must proclaim to all mankind, regardless of race, the glorious message of salvation by faith in our LORD JESUS. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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