LA-girl

First of all thank you for replying. I think it is really important for all of us to find out what the Bible really says. It is so important that we study his word carefully so that we won't be deceived. Remember the enemy (Satan) will deceive the whole world, so please do not trust what a preacher says, do not trust a biblical view because it is what the majority believes! The only way for us not to be deceived is to study Gods word very carefully.

Now, to the werse you were quoting. Yes, this speaks of the literal nation of Israel. (the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.) v.1. But what Paul is saying here is that the Gentiles should not view the literal Jews and the literal Israel as an enemy. Paul says that we should love the Jews just as much as the Gentiles, not more, not less. We have a responsability to share the gospel with the whole world, not just the Gentiles, but the Jews as well.

For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. verse 16
For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. v.21

This means that to God we are all, both Jews and Gentiles the same. Paul is saying to the Gentiles, that since he did not spare the Jews, he will not spare the Gentiles either.

28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.

Remember Paul is saying that the Gentiles should not look down on the Jews because they failed to embrace Jesus as the Messiah.

30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

How can Paul be any clearer? God has included us all, both Jews and Gentiles. We are all just as worthy, just as holy if we accept Jesus as our saviour and choose to walk with Him!

Don’t forget that “they are not all Israel, which are of Israel” (Romans 9:6). And remember, “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3). Share with others the truth that now “there is neither Jew nor Greek, ... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:28, 29).