AUGUST RADIO SERIES
ISRAEL, GOD’S PEOPLE
by Dr. Ralph L. Keiper
I N R omans 9, 10 and 11, we find an outstanding portion of God’s Word dealing with the subject of Israel in prophecy. The entire epistle, of course, is perhaps one of the greatest sec tions of Scripture explaining the full meaning of the Gospel, containing the story of man’s complete ruin in sin and God’s perfect remedy through Christ. In the brief outline form, the open ing chapters point out how all are un der God’s condemnation because of sin. Chapters 3 to 5 reveal the won derful story of God’s merciful and gracious provision of salvation. From chapters 6 to 8 there is the signifi cance of our salvation unfolded. Chap ter 12 to the end of the book gives us the picture of our obligation in Chris tian service. We learn here bow we are to live for Him who died for us. Unfortunately there is the mistaken idea that Christianity is merely a Gentile religion. In chapter 9 through 11, however, we see beyond a shadow of a doubt how the Holy Spirit through Paul reveals God’s dealings with Israel, past, present and future. One reason the Jews did not recognize their Messiah was that, under the yoke of Roman oppression, they wanted to be free and were seeking a
triumphant king who would deliver them from bondage. They had over looked the fact that before this time a Paschal Lamb should come who was to be sacrificed for their sins. This was Christ, of whom John the Baptist spoke when he said, “Behold the lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world.” In this introductory message, we want to ask a pertinent question as to the nature of modern Israel. While this query could be answered relig iously, technically or ethically, we want to examine it Scripturally and spiritually. There are three key verses on the subject in this great epistle. In Romans 2:21-24 we have the state ment of one who is himself a Jew. He speaks with great authority and shows to the people where they failed in their religion. He quotes from the Old Testament to point out what matchless benefits the Lord has given them down through the centuries. In the light of this, three great indictments are is sued. They taught the law but they didn’t do it. They demanded purity but were not pure. They claimed to honor God, but yet dishonored Him by their lives. He showed them that they were living as “practical atheists.” That is, they professed their knowl- 3
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