The Jew, The Law, And Then Gospel Series

Dr. Bradford Reaves

CrossWay Christian Fellowship

Hagerstown, MD

www.mycrossway.org

It is undoubtedly true that you cannot do a full study of Romans without digging deep into the issue of the relationship between the Law of Moses, Israel, the Church, and Salvation. This is a deep and complex issue that many pastors avoid because of the complexity of the topic. Ultimately, we will come to a place where we must address the issue of ‘Replacement Theology.’ Replacement theology (also known as supersessionism and fulfillment theology) essentially teaches that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan. This is most common in reformed circles and those promoting Kingdom-Now Ideals.

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if an uncircumcised man keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. (Romans 2:17–29)

There is too much on this topic to cover in 1 or 2 studies. Rather than try to break the topic of Judaism and salvation down here, we will continue to address these issues as Paul addresses the questions throughout the Book of Romans. Suffice it to say from the beginning that the Bible teaches throughout the New Testament that the Church and Israel are two distinct entities and should never be confused or used interchangeably. Even though, as a church, there is much to be learned from Israel regarding God’s character, blessings, spiritual warfare, principles of godliness, prophecy, and the Kingdom. Scripture teaches us plainly that the Church was born on the Day of Pentecost and will continue in its Great Commission until the Rapture (cf. Ephesians 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

Still, this begs the question, what is God’s purpose for Israel now and in the future? Clearly, the Bible teaches us that Israel plays a prominent role in the coming time and that the restoration of Israel as a nation is significant to the end times. Although the Church and Israel are distinct, we are also not separate in the Kingdom of God, as Christ is the unifier of all things. In Romans 11:11-24 Paul talks about how Gentile believers are grafted into the natural branches (Israel). Although Jesus was rejected by Israel as prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 52-53) we know that when Jesus returns, he will be revealed to the Jews as the promised Davidic King who will fully restore Israel (cf Matthew 11-12, Acts 3:19-22)

For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ (Matthew 23:39)

So clearly, this will be an ongoing topic and essential for us to understand fully. But there is another issue we need to understand. Israel is God’s chosen nation, but being a Jew does not automatically bring salvation.

“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6)

The question is does this qualify them as automatically saved

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:1–8)