In our study this morning, we enter into a section of Scripture regarding the mystery body of Christ, composed of Jews and Gentiles in Messiah Jesus. By comparing Scripture with Scripture, we learn that God gave to the nation of Israel the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the law and the promises, and from the fathers of the nation, Jesus Christ, Who is the blessed God forever, was born (Romans 9:4-5).
We also learn in Romans 11 that the nation of Israel is the natural branch, the good olive tree, and the very holy root with whom the covenant of God was made. Sadly, because of their unbelief in Jesus as their Messiah, the vast majority (not all) of those Jewish people were cut off from the covenant with God. However, any who embraced the faith of Christ and placed faith in Christ were saved.
All of this was according to the election of grace, that salvation would not be of works, or ritual, or good deeds, but by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. It is said of the believing Gentiles through faith in Christ that they have been grafted into this glorious covenant relationship with God.
While it is difficult for us to reconcile the doctrine of election with human responsibility to repent and believe on The Lord Jesus Christ, one thing is clear. By faith in Christ we are grafted into the body of Christ, and unbelief in Who Christ is and what He did on our behalf is what keeps people lost and apart from entering into covenant fellowship with God.
Through Christ’s shed blood on the cross (Ephesians 2:13,16), sinners are reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:19-21). But reconciliation accomplished is not personal reconciliation until you reach out with the hand of faith and place all of your trust in Jesus Christ as Lord. ‘Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.’ (Revelation 22:17)
