The Jewish Race - God's Chosen People

The Jews, the descendants of Abraham, are at the centre of God's purpose with mankind. They received God's written revelation (the Holy Bible). From this race God raised up his Son, Jesus Christ. The Jewish people were selected because they were the descendants of the faithful fathers of their race.

"You only have I known of all the families of the earth" [Amos 3:2 NKJV]. These inspired words in the Bible tell us the reason why the Jews have been described as 'God's Chosen Race'.

The nation of Israel can trace its beginning to one man, Abraham, who was chosen by God for his faith: "He believed in the LORD, and he accounted it to him for righteousness." [Gen 15:6 NKJV]

Because of his faith, God told Abraham, "I will make you a great nation." [Gen 12:2 NKJV]

Abraham was also told that, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates." [Gen 15:18 NKJV]

This land area today covers part of Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, and it was possessed by Israel in the reigns of King David and King Solomon.

The Bible gives us the detailed history of Israel as God's chosen people; even the choice of these early kings was by direct divine command.

God chose this people to show his plan of salvation. Israel became the guardians of true religion. "To them were committed the oracles of God." [Rom 3:2 NKJV]

We must look at this nation and its sacred writings, The Bible, to understand God's purpose with us.

Out of this nation has come the greatest Jew who ever lived, the Saviour of mankind, Jesus Christ.

Jesus made it quite clear that "Salvation is of the Jews." [John 4:22 NKJV]

Israel's history shows they did not live up to their responsibilities. They not only wandered from God's commands, but they also rejected their Messiah, Jesus, when he came.

For this they were punished and ejected from the Promised Land as Jesus foretold: "They will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations." [Luke 21:24 NKJV]

But Jesus also said there would be a time limit on their rejection. "Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles (other nations) until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." [Luke 21:24 NKJV]

The important point to note is that this return of God's chosen people to their land also heralds the Second Coming of Jesus to earth. "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." [Luke 21:27.NKJV]

God's hand in their affairs makes the nation of Israel a powerful witness to the truth of God's Word, the Bible. "Therefore you are my witnesses" [Isaiah 43:12 NKJV]

We can, by belief, faith and baptism, become 'spiritual Jews' related to Abraham and the promises God made to him. "For as many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ...There is neither Jew nor Greek...neither male or female...And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." [Gal.3:27-29]