Scripture

Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standard, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place.

Observation

The prophet Hosea wrote that those who were not God’s people are now called His people and that they, the Gentiles, would be called God’s children.

On the other hand, Isaiah had prophesied that the people of Israel would be reduced to a remnant.

Even though the Gentiles had not been living by God’s Law they were made right with God through faith. But the people of Israel had failed to be right with God because their focus was on keeping the law instead of trusting in God.

Application

God’s way of salvation for Jews and Gentiles was always the same – namely through faith and relationship.

The Law, which was given to show how God wanted His people to live, had become a stumbling block because the people turned it into an idol. Instead of recognising that they had been chosen by God’s grace, they made obedience to the Law the sign or the means of God’s acceptance.

Gentiles, on the other hand, had no such impediment. When Jesus died on the cross, we understood that we were sinners saved by grace. In faith we receive God’s promise of salvation.

We don’t need anything else to be made right with God – just an understanding that Jesus’ death on the cross has defeated our sin.

Prayer

Than you, Father, for the knowledge that you accept all people by faith. Amen.