Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "All His People" is a significant biblical expression that underscores the collective identity and unity of those who belong to God. This term is often used to describe the covenant community of Israel in the Old Testament and extends to the Church in the New Testament, encompassing all who are called by God and have entered into a relationship with Him through faith.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, "All His People" primarily refers to the nation of Israel, whom God chose as His special possession. This is evident in passages such as Exodus 19:5-6, where God declares, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Here, the collective identity of Israel as God's people is established through the covenant at Sinai. The phrase also appears in contexts of deliverance and judgment. For example, in Exodus 8:1, God commands Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD says: 'Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.'" This highlights God's protective and redemptive relationship with His people, as He seeks their freedom from bondage in Egypt. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of "All His People" expands to include Gentiles who have come to faith in Jesus Christ. This is a fulfillment of the promise to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). The Apostle Paul emphasizes this inclusion in Galatians 3:28-29, stating, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise." The unity of "All His People" is further illustrated in 1 Peter 2:9-10, where believers are described as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This passage reflects the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people, now extended to include all who are in Christ. Theological Significance Theologically, "All His People" signifies the communal aspect of salvation and the corporate nature of God's redemptive plan. It emphasizes that God's dealings are not just with individuals but with a people collectively called to reflect His glory and purposes in the world. This collective identity is marked by shared faith, worship, and mission. The phrase also underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel, as God's people are drawn from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Revelation 7:9-10 provides a vision of this diverse multitude, stating, "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands, and they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" Practical Implications For believers today, being part of "All His People" involves a commitment to live in community with other believers, to participate in the life and mission of the Church, and to bear witness to the world of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. It calls for unity, love, and service within the body of Christ, as well as a shared responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. In summary, "All His People" is a profound biblical concept that encapsulates the identity, unity, and mission of those who belong to God, both in the historical context of Israel and the expanded community of the Church. |