The second chapter of Ephesians has been the source of much debate (especially between dispensationalists and covenantalists) as to the exact nature of the relationship between
I begin with Paul’s expression in Ephesians 2:19, where he tells his gentile readers, So then you are no longer strangers and aliens… Here Paul indicates what we presently are not. We are not strangers and aliens. What he does not answer in this sentence, however, is the question, strangers and aliens from what? We are given a little help, however, in the phrase no longer. That from which we are no longer strangers and aliens must be that from which we previously were strangers and aliens. And what was that?
Here, Paul is very clear; for he has already specified in verse 12 that, before Christ, gentiles were alienated from the
If then, this is the sense in which gentiles were strangers and aliens at one time, it is precisely in this same sense that we are strangers and aliens no longer. Therefore, viewing verses 12 and 19 together, we must conclude that gentile believers are no longer strangers and aliens specifically with respect to the commonwealth and covenants of
4 comments:
We are. Gentiles, that is. Fellow-partakers with Israel. Isaiah said that there would come a light to lighten the Gentiles. Does that mean that Gentiles lose their distiction and become Israel? I think not. They simply share in the covenants of promise. Of which, some are still darkened to the citizen of Israel.
I am beginning to wonder if some of my differences with some of you folks are more matters of degree or emphasis rather than substance. I know I have read some things from Dr. Shearer that have surprised me.
I'm happy to hear you acknowledge, for example, that we gentiles share in Israel's covenants. I really do think this is an important point, and I hope to elaborate on it later.
Does that mean that Gentiles lose their distinction and become Israel?
It means that both the Gentiles and Israel lose their distinctions and together become something totally different, a new man, created in Christ--dare I say--in place of the two (Eph. 2:15).
Hi Brad . . .
"become something . . . different"? Yes!! "totally" what do you mean - no aspects of Israel in the Church? "a new man, created in Christ"? Yes!! "in place of the two"?? what do you mean - no ethnicity in the Church?
Consider Revelation 7:9; it seems that national/tribal/ethnic distinctions will still exist around the throne of God in heaven. These distinctions are not totally obliterated in Christ, except to the extent that they keep us from being one in Christ (Galatians 3:28).
I've been enjoying our dialog.
Howdy Sir, very glad you stopped by.
Perhaps "totally" (my choice of words) was too strong. I do acknowledge that Israelites maintain a distinct ethnic identity, even after coming to Christ, and I do not think that God is finished dealing with them as an ethnic group.
As far as "in place of" (Paul's choice of words) I confess I'm not entirely certain what that means. I take it to mean at least that there is no more ethnic-basis for making distinctions with respect to covenant standing.
But this to me is the most important point in this whole matter. I have no desire to downplay God's future plans for Israel, but I think it is crucial that Christians understand their inheritance, an inheritance which, in my understanding, is defined by God's covenants with Israel, the New as well as the Old.
You seem compelled to stress the discontinuity (and I'll confess that some of my fellow-campers could use a dose of that) but these days, in my estimation, there is a much greater need to emphasize the continuity.
As I said before, perhaps some of our differences are more matters of emphasis than substance (though certainly, some are not). And I agree, discussions like this are a very helpful way of pounding these questions out. I appreciate the time you've put forth to that end. I do hope we can continue.
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