First Glory To Greater Glory
- When God changed Jacob's name to Israel (Genesis 32:28), He gave a name that would become the generational identity of His covenant people.
- The next chapter records Jacob building an altar and calling it El-Elohe-Israel, meaning "God, the God of Israel.” — Genesis 33:20
What began with one man and his family would grow into a great nation, a kingdom through which God would reveal His power, His holiness, and His faithfulness to the world. - Under King Solomon, Israel reached a height of wealth, wisdom, and influence that drew the attention of rulers from distant lands.
- The Queen of Sheba came to test Solomon's wisdom and was overwhelmed by what she witnessed, declaring that the reality exceeded even the reports she had heard. — 1 Kings 10:1-9
- Yet, for all its splendor, Israel's kingdom was never the final destination of God's redemptive plan. In 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, Paul describes the old covenant ministry as one that came with glory, yet that glory was destined to fade in the presence of something greater.
- The first glory was real, but it was preparatory; it pointed beyond itself to the greater glory that would come through Jesus Christ.
- The law could reveal God's holiness, but it could not transform the human heart.
- The earthly kingdom could display God's blessing, but it could not bring lasting righteousness to the world.
- What Israel experienced in part, Christ came to fulfill in full. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus established the new covenant, and through the Spirit He transforms His people from the inside out, moving them "from one degree of glory to another. “ — 2 Corinthians 3:18
- God's purpose was never merely to build a nation admired by the kings of the earth, but to create a redeemed people from every nation who bear the image of His Son.
- Israel's first glory was not the end of the story; it was the signpost pointing toward the greater glory of a people made new in Jesus Christ.— Galatians 6:14-16
- However, don't give up on the nation of Israel. In Christ, before His return, He still has a revival for His Old Testament people and we will see their salvation on grand display. — Romans 11
Who Are The People Of God?
- God fulfilled His promises of salvation to Israel. — Acts 2:36-39
- Jesus was born of the right family and brought His message to the Jew first. — Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:16
- Jesus tells His disciples to begin building the church in Jerusalem first. — Luke 24:47
- The Church indeed begins in Jerusalem. — Acts 2:41-42, 47
- People being saved were from all nations in Jerusalem. — Acts 2:8-12
- Big Question: Are Gentiles still unclean? — Acts 10:9-16
- Jerusalem Council Meeting: Gentiles are part of the people of God. —Acts 15:6-11
- Jews & Gentiles "One in Christ," with no wall of hostility between then any longer. — Ephesians 2:11-22
- The church is now called the "Israel of God.” — Galatians 6:14-16
- Has God rejected His people? Don't be arrogant. All Israel will be saved. — Romans 11
- Salvation is now only through the name of Jesus Christ for the Israel of God. — Acts 4:12
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