On a solo episode for this week’s quest, not even a brave Retrobot to lend a servo motor, Keith goes it alone to examine the reality of God’s promises, and why they aren’t intended for everybody. In some cases, even the people who claim them are mistaken. First we need to determine who God makes his promises to, and who he doesn’t. Then we need to see how he has different things in store for his favored people groups. The following notes are extracted from the public domain book by C.I. Scofield, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth.

The Jew, the Gentile, and the Church of God

“Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:32

Over half the Bible pertains to the Israelites. They have a distinct place with God. They have a unique covenant, and promises not given to anyone else. If obedient, the nation is promised earthly greatness, riches, and power;

The church also has a special relationship to God. It has also received specific promises. Similarity ends there, and a striking contrast begins.

the Gentiles are distinct from either the Jew, or the church.

Comparisons:

the Jew (Romans 9:4-5; John 4:22; Romans 3:1-2);

* To the Jew belongs glory, covenant, promises, and from them Messiah comes.

* Salvation from the Jews.

* Entrusted with God’s word.

the Gentile (Ephesians 2:11-12; Ephesians 4:17-18; Mark 7:27-28);

* Without Christ, excluded from Israel, foreign to covenant of promise, without hope, without God.

* They have futile thoughts, dark understanding. Excluded from God due to ignorance, and stubbornness.

* Even dogs get crumbs.

the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:29-33; 1 Peter 2:9).

* Head and body, comparing relationship between Christ and the church.

* One flesh, marriage relationship used in comparing Christ and the church.

* A race, priesthood, nation, a possession to proclaim His glory.

The only real promises of hope along with Israel and the Church. All points contrast

Origins are different.

Israel began with the call of Abram. (Genesis 12:1)

The church doesn’t begin with Adam or the patriarchs. It doesn’t even begin during the time of Christ.

(Matt. 16:18), “Upon this rock I will build my church.”

Not, have built, not am building, but will build.

the church is not once mentioned in Old Testament prophecy, but was, in those ages, a mystery “hid in God.”

Ephesians 3:5-10,

Verses 5,6 (ESV)

5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.

6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Differences in calling and promise. (Mission and Vision)

Differences in worship and principles of conduct. (Strategy and Tactics. Dependant on the degree of obedience.)

Differences in future destiny

Calling of ISRAEL

Summary:

* To be separate from the rest of the world, given a promised land. (Genesis 12:1)

* Earthly abundance. (Deuteronomy 8:7-9; Genesis 24:34-35)

* Protection from enemies. (Deuterronomy 28:7)

* To be a privileged race. (Deuteronomy 28:13)

Calling of the CHURCH

* Are partakers of heaven. Have citizenship in heaven. (Hebrews 3:1; Phillipians 3:20)

* No promise of earthly home or comfort. (Matthew 8:20)

* Enduring hunger, thirst, nakedness, homelessness, and persecution (John 16:2).

* Poor in wealth, strong in faith. Difficult for the wealthy to inherit. ((James 2:5; Mark 10:23)

* The least are great. Humble faith as a child.