Are you a Spiritual Jew or a Redeemed Gentile?
Who are Jews? According to the https://www.ajc.org/news/who-are-the-jews The Jewish People are an ethno-religious group and nation originating in the Land of Israel, which is the current location of the State of Israel.
In a document posted on https://www.jewfaq.org/who_is_a_jew we learn the following: The word "Jew" (in Hebrew, "Yehudi") is derived from the name Judah, which was the name of one of Jacob's twelve sons. Judah was the ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel, which was named after him. Likewise, the word Judaism literally means "Judah-ism," that is, the religion of the Yehudim. Other sources, however, say that the word "Yehudim" means "People of G-d," because the first three Hebrew letters of "Yehudah" are the same as the first three letters of G-d's four-letter name.
One fact that stands out in both statements is that the people who are called Jews are a group of people who are specially connected to Almighty God.
SPIRITUAL JEWS
A spiritual Jew is an individual from the lineage of Abraham who believes and accepts that Jesus is the Messiah.
PHYSICAL JEW
Being a physical Jew speaks to ethnicity. This is a person who is a direct descendant of Abraham. It is possible to be a physical Jew but not a spiritual one.
Can you be a spiritual Jew while being a non-Jew?
Let us examine a few verses from Romans chapter 2
Romans 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
Apostle Paul was making a direct distinction between two groups of people by telling the Jews that due to their emphasis on fulfilling the Mosaic ordinances which Jesus had blotted out they were causing the non-Jews to stumble. The non-Jews (Gentiles) were being forced to adhere to the Jewish Old Testament ordinances which were fulfilled in Christ. Such rejection by those who would have known better is termed blasphemy by Apostle Paul.
The Mosaic Laws are different from the Ten Commandments. The Mosaic Laws are likened to a schoolmaster. Galatians 3:24-25 -Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Galatians 3:19 explains the purpose of the Mosaic Laws. It reads, Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
The Ten Commandments are now written on the fleshy tables of our heart. They are the guideposts that points us to righteousness. They abide forever and we are judged by them.
Romans 2:25-29 - For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
Apostle Paul was pointing out that it was not the act of physical circumcision that makes one righteous but the relationship with God. Therefore, if the physically uncircumcised is obedient to God then that individual is more righteous that the physically circumcised who is living in disobedience to God.
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
In these verses Paul was telling the Jews who claimed an exalted position through their ethnicity that they were now in a new era and being of Abraham’s lineage and being only circumcised in the flesh is not the true definition of a Jew. A Jew is one who is a descendant of Abraham and possesses a circumcised heart.
The ordinance of circumcision was first given to Abraham. It was a sign to differentiate between the physical descendants of Abraham and others. Although others who were not direct descendants of Abraham adjoined themselves to the Abrahamic group. These people were enjoined to enjoy the blessings of those who were faithful to God. They never took unto themselves the title of - spiritual Jew.
We ought to be very clear as to who we are. Revelation 2:9 tells us, I know thy works and tribulation and poverty but thou art rich and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews and are not but are of the synagogue of Satan.
This is a statement that should cause us to tread carefully when claiming identity.
Since there is so much controversy about whether one is a spiritual Jew or a Gentile. Let us closely examine the Scriptures to learn the truth bearing in mind that Christ said there are those who say that they are Jews but instead they are of the synagogue of Satan.
When was the name Israel first used in the Scriptures?
Genesis 32:27-28 - And He said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
And He said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
At this initial meeting the name Israel was given to a man named Jacob
When Moses was sent by God to Pharaoh what was he instructed to say to Pharaoh?
Exodus 4:22 - And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
At this time God was not referring to Jacob but to his descendants who had then become the nation of Israel.
To what was Israel likened in Isaiah 41:8? But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
The relationship between God and Israel was that of a Master and a chosen servant bound together by a bond of friendship.
Genesis 45:5 tells us about a young man named Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob. He got dreams about him and his family which indicated that he was especially blessed. This was a factor which fueled jealousy in his siblings. They sold him as a slave and he was taken to Egypt. The siblings thought that they were doing him harm but instead God used his presence in Egypt to preserve his family lives. This can be linked to the New Testament account of another Joseph, who also had dreams before going into Egypt to preserve his family’s lives.
Matthew 2:13-14 - And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
God preserved the nation of Israel while they were in bondage in Egypt and He preserved Jesus, His Only Begotten Son and our Redeemer by sending the family into Egypt.
Jesus came to bring a common salvation to everyone. He came to break down the middle wall of partition. Ephesians 2:13-16 –But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.
When Jesus died the curtain in the Temple was torn from top to bottom and for the first time everyone could see into the Holy of the Holiest. This was symbolic of the unification which was made available through Jesus' sacrifice. No longer would we be bounded by the laws of rituals, ceremonies and sacrifices but we were presented with the chance to be saved through grace and obedience to the perfect will of God.
To what was Jesus likened in Galatians 3:16? Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
This was an explanation to the prophecy about Jesus in Genesis 12:3. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
While nations are blessed because of Abraham’s faithfulness to God it is Christ alone who is our Saviour and has the ultimate power to bless the families of the whole earth.
What did God call Israel? Psalm 80:8 Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
A vine is expected to bear fruit good for food. Jesus likened Himself to a vine but He stated that He was the True Vine. John 15 verse one- I am The True Vine, and my Father is the Husbandman. This statement tells us that there are other kinds of vines.
How did Jesus refer to non-Israelites and what opportunities are offered to them? John 10:16 - And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one-fold, and one shepherd.
Who is justified through faith? Romans 3:29-30 - Is He the God of the Jews only? is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Jesus told the woman at the well in Samaria that salvation is of the Jews. He was pointing out that Abraham was instrumental in the plan for a common salvation. A common salvation points to God’s lack of partiality and the offering of salvation to all nations regardless of their spiritual state.
Romans 4:2-4- For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
It was not works that propelled Abraham into the position of being a friend of God it was his faith in God. He believed God always. We cannot work to appease God and to gain entry into His Kingdom. We must exercise faith knowing that God never fails or disappoints.
What else did Apostle Paul say about Israel and the Gentiles?
Romans 9:30-33- 30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.
Israel stumbled when they rejected Jesus as their Messiah. In their blindness they continue to believe that they can be saved by their works according to the Laws of Ordinances. The same laws that Jesus had blotted out.
While they are stumbling the Gentiles are pushing on by faith. This is not an opportunity for the Gentiles to boast against the Jews because non-Jews as a wild olive plant are engrafted into the true olive plant. Thus, again there is a clear distinction between the behaviour and position of Jews and Gentiles.
Romans 10:1, 12-13,21- Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 But to Israel He saith, all day long I have stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
Paul desire was the salvation of Israel. He desired that the people who were called to lead the world to God would arise from their slumber and by faith do the will of God. This is also God's desire.
As stated, God has not put any differences between Jews and non-Jews it is the people who have caused a barrier to be in place. That barrier is sin. Today and always, we ought to pray that everyone will accept salvation.
Romans 11:18-25 - 18 - Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.
24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
The branches refer to Israel. There are many who speak ill of that nation. This ought not to be done. Salvation came to us through them. Abraham's faith caused a great spiritual transformation on this earth. We are grateful that he withstood amidst the challenges. However, just being physical descendants of Abraham does not guarantee eternal life. In order for one to inherit everlasting life the individual must be justified in Christ.
Is Israel condemned, NO. There is hope for Israel and in the 1000 years reign of Christ, the partial blindness of Israel shall be removed. The 1000 years period is a teaching period and all who had no knowledge of God's truth and those who were partially blinded shall be taught. It will be a glorious time for the nation of Israel. There will be the opportunity to reinstate their friendship with God and their final reward will be according to their choice during this period.
We are now in the era for salvation to non-Jews. Non-Jews are not partially blinded and the Holy Spirit is present to guide all those who seek the undiluted truth which is contained within the Scriptures.
it is important that non-Jews take heed because if Israel the nation specially chosen by God for His divine purpose was put aside because of their disobedience shall we not be rewarded similarly.
Why did Paul reprove Peter? Galatians 2:11-14 - But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Peter got carried away with the Jewish laws and lost sight of the acts of justification which was revealed in Cornelius’ house. At Cornelius’ residence God demonstrated to all that His salvation is inclusive; the only barrier to being a recipient is – SIN.
What is the new covenant? Galatians 3:26-29 - For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Alleluia!!! praise the Lord!!! There is freedom in Christ. Jesus is our Emancipator!!!
Why are we forcing ourselves into the yoke which He has cast away from us?
Let us bask into the richness of His salvation. We are not yoked to man's philosophies and ideologies but we are yoked in freedom to Christ.
Ephesians 2:18-22 - For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Abraham’s seed as used in Galatians 3:29 is not telling us that Abraham is our spiritual father. This would be a contradiction to Jesus' command in Matthew 23:9- And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
It is referring to the fruit of Abraham's faith in God. Abraham believed God and anticipated a Holy City. Due to his confidence in God, Jesus came through his lineage. Thus, Jesus said salvation is of the Jews.
We also believe God through Jesus and are looking forward to that City. However, we will only enter that City through the grace of our Lord and Saviour and not through the patriarch Abraham. Both Jews and Gentiles must exercise the same faith in God.
We, the Gentiles, are engrafted into the True Vine which is Christ our Redeemer and have the opportunity to become heirs of Christ.
We are not spiritual Jews neither are we Hebrew. The JEWS/HEBREWS are still partially blinded but non-Jews spiritual eyes are open.
Writer: A. E. Fisher
We welcome your questions and feedback. You may contact us at
Comentarios