The True Israel of God by Clarence Santee

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 27, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 29.

The True Israel of God

By Clarence Santee

The Grafting-In Process—Distinctions Between Jew and Gentile Swept Away

By CLARENCE SANTEE

“AND so all Israel shall be saved.” Rom. 11:26. “And so” evidently means, and in this way.

The way has been given in preceding verses in this chapter from Romans, under the figure of the grafting process of the olive tree. There are three kinds of branches mentioned as finally making the complete olive tree. In verse 17 we read, “And if some of the branches be broken off.” “Some” were broken off, not all. Those which were not broken off remained as a part of the tree. He continued, “And thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them.” This brings in a second part. Those from among the gentiles who, accepting of Christ, become new creatures in Christ, are “grafted in among them.” Then the branches once broken off, which “abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in.” Verse 23.

WHENCE DOES ISRAEL COME?

This lesson teaches that the true Israel of God will be composed of those Jews who were not broken off because of unbelief, of whom Paul said that he was one (verse 1); those who, from among the gentiles, accept and stand by faith; and those who, though broken off, accept of the gospel and are brought in again. This embraces all who accept the plan.

“And so,” says the apostle, “all Israel shall be saved,”—those who did not turn away in unbelief, those who accept and stand by faith, and those who turn from their unbelief to the faith. The decision rests entirely upon the acceptance by faith.

We found, in an article last week, that the faith which avails is a living faith, manifested by “works” in keeping the commandments of God. All will agree that the “all Israel” who will be saved, must constitute the true Israel of God. These, as we have seen, are to be taken from both Jews and gentiles, and are children of faith. John saw them standing out distinct from the world. He said, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14: 12.

DISTINCTION OF JEW AND GENTILE SWEPT AWAY

“There is neither Jew nor Greek [gentile—see Mark 7: 26, margin], there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3: 28.

The same is expressed in the anthem of praise that will fill the courts of the great temple of God. John heard the words, “For Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Rev. 5: 9, last part. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,” was the parting commission of the Saviour. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matt. 24: 14.

When from all these nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, God’s scattered sheep are gathered in, the end will come, the subjects of the kingdom will have been made up. They are called by the apostle, “the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven.” Heb. 12: 23.

THE VISIBLE CHURCH

That there is and must be a visible church in the earth, which will be known by the acceptance of the Bible standard of faith and Christian duty, is a Bible truth. A few texts of Scripture will make this plain.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Col. 3: 15. The Lord has called His people into “one body,” not many bodies. This body is the church. “And He is the head of the body, the church.” Col. 1: 18. “For His body’s sake, which is the church.” Verse 24, last part.

The test of obedience is exercised here as elsewhere; and many who have not been willing to follow their Saviour in this call, will loudly assert that they can live as good a life out of the church as in it. This is impossible, as we shall see.

In John 10: 27 you will read, “My sheep hear My voice.” This is short, terse, positive. They do not hear that voice as a passing sound, but they hear it in the sense of heeding, or obeying. Many in this great dark world are hearing, and have heard repeatedly, the sound of the gospel call, but they have only heard without heeding. His sheep heed. They will obey. This will determine our right to claim a part with God’s sheep. He has called us into one body. That body is the church. Christ’s sheep will heed. Will you?