Israel & God’s Unrelenting Grace
I found the article Israel & God’s Unrelenting Grace by Charles Bing this morning. I enjoy his GraceNotes. After writing Resting this article reminded me again of God’s grace even in the midst of disbelief and sin. God made promises to Israel He is planning to still fulfill even though they sinned time and time again and as a nation still have not changed their mind that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Paul in Romans and the prophets of the Old Testament tell of God’s continued faithfulness towards Israel. To apply it to us, we are now a special people with a new identity.
I Peter 1:9-10
…a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
‘Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.
Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.’
God gives us (the Church) grace and mercy just as He has and will continue to do with Israel. He is faithful and His promises still stand.
Article Snippet: Israel & God’s Unrelenting Grace
GraceNotes – no. 71 by Dr. Charlie Bing
God’s unrelenting grace toward His people Israel is just as unrelenting toward His people in the church, both Jew and Gentile. The experience of Israel can picture the experience of the individual Christian (1 Corinthians 10:1-11; Hebrews 3:7-4:10). Christians today have the same assurance of God’s blessings because they have become sons of Abraham through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They are covered by the very same grace.
While it is possible for Christians, like Israel, to be unfaithful to God, God will be faithful to Himself and His Word. He cannot deny Himself (Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 2:13; Titus 1:2). Christians are secure in the same divine grace that out-measures their sins (Romans 5:20). This amazing and unrelenting grace should lead Christians to offer themselves to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) and to offer praise to Him (Hebrews 13:15-16). God will never give up on His people. Ever.
