Israel is my Firstborn

 

The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” (Gen 25:23) Many people interpret this prophecy out of its original context and extend it to all families, parties, and groups. Firstly, the prophecy concerns a specific historical event and is not applicable universally. Secondly, Jacob, that is, Israel, was supposed to come out first, but due to the struggle between him and Esau in the womb, he became second. Even so, Jacob received a direct affirmation from God, who changed his name to Israel, as the firstborn. God says, "Israel is my Firstborn." (Exodus 4:22). This sets the foundation for understanding Israel's role in the broader biblical story.

Building on this foundation, Jesus, the last Adam, died on a cross and rose again to forgive the sins of Israel and humanity, to remove the curse of death and decay from humanity. (1 Cor 15:45-50) Thus, he ended humanity's and Israel's exile from God and started a new humanity in him. Now, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1). We can confidently access God’s sanctuary because our hearts are sprinkled clean by Jesus’ blood. The new and living path Jesus inaugurated for us through the curtain – his earthly body – grants us permanent access to the heavenly sanctuary. (Hebrews 10:19-22) After Jesus returns, we will receive immortal bodies like his resurrection body and reign with him in God’s new garden paradise.

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