"Christians in the ancient world knew what it was to have accusations and ridicule directed at them for their religious convictions and practices. The report of Jesus' resurrection was taken as an idle tale (Luke 24:11), a lie (Matthew 28:13-15), an impossibility (Acts 26:8). For preaching it, believers were arrested by the Jews (Acts 4:2-3) and mocked by the Greek philosophers (Acts 17:32). On the day of Pentecost the disciples were accused of being drunk (Acts 2:13). Stephen was accused of opposing previous revelation (Acts 6:11-14). Paul was accused of introducing new gods (Acts 17:18-20). The church was accused of political insurrection (Acts 17:6-7). Experts openly contradicted what the Christians taught (Acts 13:45) and prejudicially vilified their persons (Acts 14:2). So, on the one hand, the Christian message was a stumblingblock to Jews and utter foolishness to Greeks (I Corinthians 1:23)." (Greg Bahnsen)
John UK wrote: I don't understand it, but it does seem like God has a plan yet for the Jewish people, which he will carry out in his time and way.
The plan God has is the same for both Jew and Gentile, salvation by faith. The verses Rom 11:30-32 tell us that no difference nor special favour is owed by God to any particular nation. All nations are now embraced together in "unbelief" that all might be saved only by the mercy of God, regardless of nationality. Ro 11:23 And they [Israel] also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again"
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
2/6/14 9:45 AM
