37 lines
4.5 KiB
HTML
37 lines
4.5 KiB
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<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
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Day By Day By Grace
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Bob Hoekstra
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July 30
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<h1>The Gentiles Included as Children of Promise</h1>
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<div class="block"><i>That the <b>Gentiles</b> should be <b>fellow heirs</b>, of the <b>same body</b>, and <b>partakers</b> of <b>His promise in Christ</b> through the <b>gospel</b>…that the <b>blessing of Abraham</b> might come upon the <b>Gentiles</b> in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the <b>promise of the Spirit</b> through <b>faith</b>.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Eph', 3, '6-6');">Ephesians 3:6</a> and <a onClick="return mV('Gal', 3, '14-14');">Galatians 3:14</a>)</div>
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<p>There are monumental implications when we become <b>children of promise</b> through <b>faith</b> in the <b>promises of God</b>. One of the consequences of outstanding significance is highlighted in our present verses. It involves the Gentiles.</p>
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<p>It is quite obvious in the Old Testament that God had great plans for the Jews (for Israel, His chosen people). <i>"'And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the <b>children of Israel</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Exd', 19, '6-6');">Exodus 19:6</a>). God's plans ultimately included the Gentiles (the nations of the world). <i>"Oh, praise the LORD, all you <b>Gentiles</b>! Laud Him, all you peoples!…The <b>Gentiles</b> shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Psa', 117, '1-1');">Psalm 117:1</a> and <a onClick="return mV('Isa', 60, '3-3');">Isaiah 60:3</a>). Nevertheless, the Jewish people would have a special place in God's purposes. <i>"For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a <b>special</b> treasure <b>above all the peoples</b> who are on the face of the earth"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Deu', 14, '2-2');">Deuteronomy 14:2</a>).</p>
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<p>In light of these Old Testament truths regarding Israel, imagine what an astounding revelation it was when the Holy Spirit began to unfold, through the Apostle Paul, the <b>full participation</b> that the Gentiles would have in the promises of God: <i>"That the <b>Gentiles</b> should be <b>fellow heirs</b>."</i> By believing in the promises of God, the Gentiles would have full partnership shares (<i>"<b>fellow heirs</b>"</i> ) in the inheritance of God for His people. The Gentiles would also be <i>"of the <b>same body</b>."</i> This body that included Gentiles and Jews was the church of Jesus Christ. <i>"And He is the head of the <b>body</b>, the <b>church</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Col', 1, '18-18');">Colossians 1:18</a>). Jew and Gentile would comprise one new unit, the church. There is no longer a separation. Also, the Gentiles would be <i>"<b>partakers</b> of <b>His promise in Christ</b> through the <b>gospel</b>."</i> Through the promises of the gospel of grace, Gentiles would share fully in eternal life, daily blessing, and intimate access to the Lord. By faith in the God of Abraham, the Gentiles would also enjoy (along with any Jew who believed in Jesus as Messiah) the promise of the Spirit: <i>"that the <b>blessing of Abraham</b> might come upon the <b>Gentiles</b> in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the <b>promise of the Spirit</b> through <b>faith</b>."</i> Yes, now the Holy Spirit would dwell in the lives of all who would believe—not only the Jew, but also the Gentile!</p>
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<div class="dbdbg_prayer">Lord God of Israel, I praise You for being the God of believing Gentiles as well. How glorious is Your grace—how mighty are Your promises—Jews and Gentiles sharing in common the realities of God that are freely given to all who believe in Jesus Christ!</div>
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<a href="./devotions/daybyday/07/0729.html">Yesterday's Reading</a>
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<a href="./devotions/daybyday/07/0731.html">Tomorrow's Reading</a>
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