Daily Devotions
It Is Written
"There is neither Jew nor Greek..."
Text: Galatians 3:28
THEOLOGY OF THE PLACE OF GENTILES IN GOD’S KINGDOM
The Apostle Paul was greatly persecuted because of his ministry to the Gentiles. One of the most significant texts he wrote to explain the theology of the place of Gentiles in the Kingdom of God may be found in his epistle to the Galatians. Thank God for the written word. Because of the Word of God, we are assured of our position in Christ.
FEATURES
The following features are offered as a summary of the main tenets of Paul’s teaching about Gentiles who become believers in the Lord Jesus Christ!
1. Are Gentiles included in God’s plan of salvation?
The answer is an assured “Yes!”
2. Let us consider how Paul presented this doctrine
a) The place of faith
i) Abraham needed to exercise faith in God.
ii) Through faith righteousness was accounted to him (Galatians 3:6).
iii) All who exercise faith also have righteousness accounted to them (Galatians 3:6).
iv) In fact, they are called “sons of Abraham” because they share the same faith (Galatians 3:7).
b) According to the Scriptures
i) The Scriptures foresaw that God would justify Gentiles by faith (Galatians 3:8).
ii) The gospel was preached to Abraham beforehand (Galatians 3:8).
iii) All nations would be blessed in Abraham (Galatians 3:8).
iv) Those who are of faith are blessed as Abraham was blessed (Galatians 3:9).
c) The place of the Lord Jesus Christ
i) The blessing of Abraham comes upon Gentiles through Christ (Galatians 3:14).
ii) Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13).
iii) Christ was Abraham’s Seed (Galatians 3:15-18).
3. The place of the Holy Spirit
a) God had promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who believe.
b) The Holy Spirit was given to all through Christ (Galatians 3:14).
c) Gentiles were given the Holy Spirit too (Acts 10).
4. There is neither Jew nor Greek in Christ
We are all truly one in Christ and we are indeed Abraham’s seed too (Galatians 3:28-29).