InstaStudy

Gentiles Grafted In: A Study of God's Inclusive Plan

This study explores the profound truth of how God, in His infinite wisdom and love, extended His covenant of salvation to the Gentiles, bringing them into the spiritual family of Israel through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We will examine the scriptures that reveal God's singular nature and His plan to unite all believers.

1. God's Original Covenant and Universal Plan

1.1 Israel's Election and Purpose

Verses: Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6
  • God chose Abraham and his descendants to be a peculiar treasure.
  • Israel was called to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests.
  • Through Israel, all families of the earth were to be blessed.

1.2 The Law and its Limitations

Verses: Galatians 3:24; Romans 3:20
  • The law served as a tutor to bring us to Christ.
  • By the deeds of the law, no flesh shall be justified.
  • The law revealed sin but could not provide salvation.

2. The Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

2.1 Jesus: The Fullness of God Manifest in Flesh

Verses: John 1:1,14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
  • The Word, who was God, became flesh and dwelt among us.
  • God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

2.2 Christ's Atoning Work for All Humanity

Verses: Ephesians 2:13-16; Colossians 1:19-20
  • Jesus broke down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile.
  • He made peace through the blood of His cross, reconciling all things to Himself.
  • Through Him, both groups have access to the Father by one Spirit.

3. The Grafting In of Gentiles

3.1 The Olive Tree Analogy

Verses: Romans 11:17-24
  • Gentiles, like wild olive branches, were grafted into the rich root of Israel.
  • They now partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree.
  • This grafting is by faith, not by natural lineage.

3.2 Salvation by Grace Through Faith

Verses: Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10
  • Salvation is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.
  • Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in the heart leads to salvation.
  • God's grace extends to all who believe, regardless of background.

3.3 The New Birth Experience

Verses: Acts 2:38; John 3:5; Acts 19:5-6
  • Repentance and water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
  • Being born of water and the Spirit is essential for entering the kingdom of God.
  • Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, often evidenced by speaking in tongues.

4. Living as Grafted Branches

4.1 Unity in the Body of Christ

Verses: Ephesians 4:4-6; Galatians 3:28
  • There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.
  • In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, but all are one.
  • Believers are called to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4.2 Bearing Fruit and Continued Faithfulness

Verses: John 15:5; Romans 11:20-22
  • Abiding in Christ enables us to bear much fruit.
  • Do not be high-minded, but fear, considering God's severity and goodness.
  • Continue in His goodness, lest you also be cut off.