Topical Bible: Salvation: Came to the Gentiles Through the Fall of the Jews

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The concept of salvation extending to the Gentiles through the fall of the Jews is a profound theme in the New Testament, particularly emphasized in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This theological development is rooted in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which, while initially centered on Israel, ultimately encompasses all nations.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul addresses this theme most explicitly in his Epistle to the Romans. In Romans 11:11-12 , Paul writes, "Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. But if their trespass means riches for the world, and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring!"

Here, Paul articulates a divine strategy where the transgression of Israel—specifically their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah—serves as a catalyst for the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's salvific plan. This inclusion is not merely a secondary plan but is integral to God's overarching purpose.

The Role of Israel's Fall

The "fall" of the Jews refers to their widespread unbelief and rejection of Jesus Christ, which is seen as a temporary hardening. This hardening is not total or final, as Paul emphasizes that a remnant of Israel remains faithful (Romans 11:5). The fall is portrayed as a means by which the Gentiles are grafted into the spiritual blessings originally promised to Israel.

Paul further explains in Romans 11:25 , "I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel until the full number of the Gentiles has come in." This partial hardening serves a dual purpose: it opens the door for Gentile inclusion and sets the stage for a future restoration of Israel.

Theological Implications

The extension of salvation to the Gentiles underscores the universal scope of the Gospel. It affirms that God's covenantal promises are not limited by ethnic or national boundaries but are available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. This inclusivity is a fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise that "all nations on earth will be blessed" through his offspring (Genesis 22:18).

Moreover, the dynamic between Israel and the Gentiles highlights the mystery of God's wisdom and sovereignty. The Gentiles' reception of the Gospel is intended to provoke Israel to jealousy, ultimately leading to their own acceptance of the Messiah. This interplay is a testament to God's redemptive purposes, which transcend human understanding and historical contingencies.

Practical Application

For believers, the inclusion of the Gentiles serves as a reminder of the grace and mercy of God. It calls for humility and gratitude, recognizing that salvation is a gift not based on heritage or works but on faith in Christ. Additionally, it encourages a spirit of evangelism and reconciliation, as the Church is called to be a witness to all nations, embodying the unity and diversity of God's kingdom.

In summary, the fall of the Jews and the subsequent salvation of the Gentiles is a pivotal aspect of God's redemptive history, revealing His faithfulness, justice, and mercy. Through this divine orchestration, the Gospel is proclaimed to all, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a redeemed humanity united in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 11:11
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Salvation to the Jews
... and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is ... replies: "God forbid: but
rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 35 salvation to the.htm

Rom. xi. 7
... Hence it is that he says, "through their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles,
for to ... Jesus came to them; they did not receive Him, though He did ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xix rom xi 7.htm

Because of Its Bearing Upon the Gentiles.
... God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come ... more will Israel's
latter-day blessing enrich the Gentiles). ... But just as blessing came to us when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 because of its bearing.htm

John i. 11
... of the approved, to be pained at the salvation which cometh to the Gentiles through
grace ... sufficient to cast down even from heaven itself, came this way ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily ix john i 11.htm

Whether Christ Should have Preached to the Jews Without Offending ...
... offense to the Jews, and to the Gentiles, and to ... doctrine, which was the only way
to salvation, and because ... Because when the people came to know the vices of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have preached 2.htm

Psalm XLVI.
... seeing ye put it from you, we turn to the Gentiles;" [1494] then ... A great hope of
salvation; a great Physician hath taken him up ... For how came we to that mountain ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlvi.htm

Acts xv. 1
... Here came into decisive conflict two opposing tendencies ... which insisted that the
Gentiles must enter ... with the freedom and completeness of Christ's salvation. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxii acts xv 1.htm

Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. )
... what the prophet says, not to Gentiles, who had not ... and spiritual; but because when
"faith came," and the ... not be observed unless they contributed to salvation. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxv a d 404.htm

The Breaking Out of Discord
... They did not question that Gentiles could be received into ... the centuries since Moses,
all who came into the ... comes to be recognised as the means of salvation. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the breaking out of discord.htm

Refutation of the Jews
... body to death, His life for ours and our salvation. ... Was it not when Christ came,
the Holy One of ... with the knowledge of God, and the Gentiles, forsaking atheism ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 6 refutation of the.htm