I have just read your very intelligent contribution to the series of articles at Theopolis on the relation of Israel to the Church. I would describe myself as supersessionist, but in the sense that Israel and the Church are one, because the Church, rather than a newly created covenant people in parallel with ethnic Israel, is the crucified and resurrected people of the covenant established in the calling of Abraham, which has been brought to a greater level of glory and maturity in Christ. In this way of thinking, the only supersession, or replacement, which has taken place, is the substitution of believing Gentiles for unbelieving Jews in the olive tree of Israel.
I nevertheless believe that Romans 8-11 speaks of a national conversion of the Jewish people at the end of this age. It is also quite apparent that in spite of their rejection of Christ, Paul believes that they are loved of God and retain their uniqueness as the appointed messengers of his salvation for the sake of the nations.
But insofar as they have rejected Christ, who is the yes of the Father unto all the promises made unto Israel, how are we to understand Paul’s assertion about the “gifts and callings of God” to them being “irrevocable”? It is difficult, for example, to comprehend how their “callings”, if we are to understand that as a reference to their priestly vocation as a light to the nations, is capable of being realized so long as they reject Christ.
Any light you can shed for me on this mystery would be greatly appreciated.
Tag: Abraham
The Genesis of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1)
In my new series on the Gospel according to Matthew, I discuss Matthew 1—Jesus’s genealogy and birth.
Puzzling Further About Lot and His Daughters
I discuss further curious details of the perplexing story of Lot and his daughters in Genesis 19, following up my earlier episode.
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Lot’s Daughters Revisited
What is the significance of Lot’s daughters sleeping with their father after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah? It is clear to me that this is not presented as commendable, but why is it included?
Transcript for The Family of Abraham: Part 9—The Destruction of Sodom
This transcription of the ninth part of my series on the story of the family of Abraham was transcribed by Lorraine O’Neal. If you would be interested in her transcription services—for sermons, lectures, talks, or something else—you can contact her here.
I would very much like to provide transcripts for all of my videos, but I will require more support for this to be affordable. If you would like to help to make this possible, please consider supporting or donating using my Patreon or PayPal accounts. New sponsorship and donations are being earmarked for this specific purpose.
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Transcript for The Family of Abraham: Part 8—The Visitation of the Angels
This transcription of the eighth part of my series on the story of the family of Abraham was transcribed by Lorraine O’Neal. If you would be interested in her transcription services—for sermons, lectures, talks, or something else—you can contact her here.
I would very much like to provide transcripts for all of my videos, but I will require more support for this to be affordable. If you would like to help to make this possible, please consider supporting or donating using my Patreon or PayPal accounts. New sponsorship and donations are being earmarked for this specific purpose.
Continue reading “Transcript for The Family of Abraham: Part 8—The Visitation of the Angels”
The Family of Abraham: Part 42—Our Story?
In this, the final part of my series on the story of the family of Abraham, I discuss what relevance it might have for us today.
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The Family of Abraham: Part 41—The Continuing Adventures
Today, I discuss a few of the echoes of the Genesis narrative in later stories in Scripture.
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The Family of Abraham: Part 29—Joseph in Potiphar’s House
Today, I discuss Genesis 39, the story of Joseph in Potiphar’s house and Joseph’s resistance of Potiphar’s wife.
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The Family of Abraham: Part 22—Wrestling With God
Today, I discuss Genesis 32, where Jacob prepares to encounter Esau and wrestles with God at the Jabbok.
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