'Invincible ignorance' inquires

[Masters_Servant]

I have heard it said that God can make good out of any choice we make. I do not believe that only Catholics find salvation. People who didn’t know about Christ but instinctively followed His path I believe can find salvation. A person who does the best with the truths that he/she is given, who follows the corporeal and spiritual acts of mercy I would think will also find salvation. Remember, that Christ did not come to condemn us but to save us. His mercy is great.

i noticed you use the phrase “I believe, I believe, I believe”, what does God say about these issues? Isn’t that what you desire to know? Are these questions hidden? Romans 8 will answer most of those “I believe’s” and Romans 1 & 2 will answer most of the rest in clear and certain terms…do you believe that I am telling you the truth?

God bless,

MS

 

[Masters_Servant]

You’re right – so spread the word!! This devotion can save thousands of souls! Let’s all try to pray at least one Divine Mercy Chaplet daily and meditate on Our Lord’s Passion at 3:00. It’s a good Lent idea too.

i thought only God can save souls; did I miss something? Perhaps you are speaking of purgatory, but they a=would not be lost souls, just waiting for purification before entering into heaven…right or not?

MS
Romans 8:28

 

[Truth_Seeker17]

If we, as Christians, are unable to understand God’s ways, then why did He bother to give us the Scripture so we can not only know Him, but know salvation’s path, which is Christ?

Please answer that…thanks.

MS

Romans 8:28

Good point. While we can never understand God in the sense that we can get a one-up on Him, we can still know His character by searching His Scriptures. The way I see it, ‘invincible ignorance’ doesn’t exist. Trust me, I feel so compassionate and empathetic towards those who will never hear about Jesus and thus will not have a chance to be saved. I want EVERYONE to go to heaven. But the Bible clearly says that this is not that case - that the voice of God has been made known throughout the world (Psalm 19:4) and that unbelief is inexcusable (Romans 1:20).

For those of you that disagree with me, I have a question for you: What did Jesus mean when He said, ‘Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it’ (Matthew 7:14)? How about, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me’ (John 14:6)?

 

[Masters_Servant]

Good point. While we can never understand God in the sense that we can get a one-up on Him, we can still know His character by searching His Scriptures. The way I see it, ‘invincible ignorance’ doesn’t exist. Trust me, I feel so compassionate and empathetic towards those who will never hear about Jesus and thus will not have a chance to be saved. I want EVERYONE to go to heaven. But the Bible clearly says that this is not that case - that the voice of God has been made known throughout the world (Psalm 19:4) and that unbelief is inexcusable (Romans 1:20).

For those of you that disagree with me, I have a question for you: What did Jesus mean when He said, ‘Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it’ (Matthew 7:14)? How about, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me’ (John 14:6)?

What does God’s word say; this is the place where the answer concerning ignaorance of Christ exists and God explains it very clearly. Here is the text and the purpose of this text is to explicitly answer the question. So no matter what one says they “think or what they believe” as we see in many bible studies, God not only has something to say, but what He says is the way it is and will always be.

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible manand birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Romans 1
God’s Righteous Judgment

The Fairness of God’s Judgment

1Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: F5 7eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousnessindignation and wrath, 9tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11For there is no partiality with God.

12For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13(for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. Romans 2

 

[Atemi]

I am no longer Roman Catholic, so I cannot speak to what you ask. I have noted you will get just as many different answers to this question as the number of Catholics you ask.

I have not found any Catholics able to say what the RCC actually teaches on this matter because they merely formulate their own opinions and then believe those.

As to who is saved who are not believers, that is ultimately none of our business. Scripture says nothing about any “invincible ignorance.” Speculating on such things is NOT the Christian commission.

If the “invincibly ignorant” were saved, then there would not have been a need for the Apostles to travel all the world so they could preaching the Gospel to them. Those saved don’t need to be saved.

No.

Only the sick need a Doctor.

All sinners need to be saved. No one is condemned for never hearing the Gospel. All those condemned are condemned for one reason and one reason alone: they are sinners.

That is it.

The problem is I have never heard of a sinless African native or secluded islander. I would love to meet one if someone would finally find one.

Anyone God calls us to preach the Gospel to, we can assume is lost and needs to be saved.

The question is: who does God call us to preach the Gospel to?

…

 

[Masters_Servant]

I am no longer Roman Catholic, so I cannot speak to what you ask. I have noted you will get just as many different answers to this question as the number of Catholics you ask.

I have not found any Catholics able to say what the RCC actually teaches on this matter because they merely formulate their own opinions and then believe those.

As to who is saved who are not believers, that is ultimately none of our business. Scripture says nothing about any “invincible ignorance.” Speculating on such things is NOT the Christian commission.

If the “invincibly ignorant” were saved, then there would not have been a need for the Apostles to travel all the world so they could preaching the Gospel to them. Those saved don’t need to be saved.

No.

Only the sick need a Doctor.

All sinners need to be saved. No one is condemned for never hearing the Gospel. All those condemned are condemned for one reason and one reason alone: they are sinners.

That is it.

The problem is I have never heard of a sinless African native or secluded islander. I would love to meet one if someone would finally find one.

Anyone God calls us to preach the Gospel to, we can assume is lost and needs to be saved.

The question is: who does God call us to preach the Gospel to?

…

Interesting comments. no one will be without excuse before God; people go to hell for rejecting what God has revealed to them about Himself, for the majority it is the rejection of Jesus directly, for the bushman it will be the things spoken in Romans 1 & 2. you are absolutely correct; go and teach the good news and for those that reject be sure to give the warning for rejection, then we have done what we are called to do and God will always do what He has purposed…amen

MS
Romans 8:28

 

[glenconnor]

i noticed you use the phrase “I believe, I believe, I believe”, what does God say about these issues? Isn’t that what you desire to know? Are these questions hidden? Romans 8 will answer most of those “I believe’s” and Romans 1 & 2 will answer most of the rest in clear and certain terms…do you believe that I am telling you the truth?

God bless,

MS

Firstly, I will say that as Catholics we believe (or should believe in) Sacred Scripture AND tradition. So here is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say on salvation:

CCC 1021: Death puts an end to human life as the time open to either accepting or rejecting the divine grace manifested in Christ.

Nothing there says if you aren’t Catholic you aren’t able to be saved.

Rather than toss up dozens of notations, I sum it up with points from Dominus Iesus document (2000) written by then-Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI

Cardinal Ratzinger describes the status of non-Christian religions:
------- The Church of Christ is the instrument by which all humans are saved.
------- Salvation is accessible to some people who are not members of the “Church” – (i.e. not Roman Catholics or Eastern Orthodox Christians). It comes through grace which originates with Christ and “enlightens them in a way which is accommodated to their spiritual and material situation.”
-----The prayers and rituals of other religions may help or hinder their believers. Some practices may prepare their membership to absorb the Gospel. However, those rituals which “depend on superstitions or other errors… constitute an obstacle to salvation.”
------ Members of other religions are “gravely deficient” relative to members of the Church of Christ who already have “the fullness of the means of salvation.”

Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus (Outside of the Catholic Church, there is no salvation) went out ages ago, and rightly so. I would rather trust in His judgment and mercy then to believe that so many people would be damned to eternal suffering. Before you bandy about such comments as how many people go to hell, think about what that really entails.

 

[CentralFLJames]

…
Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus (Outside of the Catholic Church, there is no salvation) went out ages ago, and rightly so. I would rather trust in His judgment and mercy then to believe that so many people would be damned to eternal suffering. Before you bandy about such comments as how many people go to hell, think about what that really entails.

Contraire, Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus is as true today as it was when it was first solemnly and infallibly proclaimed many centuries ago. It has NEVER gone “out” of Church teaching. It is an eternal teaching that can not be revoked - ever. What we have today is a greater exposition on that same divine truth that is re-expressed in the catechism in more positive language. What we have is a deeper teaching for what it means - and that is that all grace comes to humankind through Christ as head of The Catholic Church and like a river flows THROUGH the Church to its formal members and also in some cases to those who are not formal members. Baptised Protestants for example are joined to The Catholic Church by that baptismal rite (trinitarian formula). They just do not understand it - but that does not change the truth of the matter. What makes it exceedingly hard for non-Catholics so baptised in a deficient informal relationship to the Catholic Church is that they are very susceptible to grave post baptismal sins without the sacraments (principally Sacrament of Repentance and Eucharist). At death, anyone who is still in grace but not a formal member of The Catholic Church is brought into a full membership and is perfected (Including those who gain baptism by desire or by martyrdom/blood).

Then Cardinal Ratzinger was not kidding when he stated that non-Catholics are in a deficient faith. It is extremely risky to be anything other than Catholic. That said, we can all see by exterior behaviors and lack of pious attitude in mass by some “cultural Catholics” that many Catholics are also likely going to hell for not truly entering into the sacrament of The Church (e.g. in mass) to love God with all their heart, mind, body and soul. Therefor these are essentially “missing” their Sunday obligation and are only present in body but absent in mind, heart, soul. So being a Catholic in name only is not going to cut it either if one is not conforming to the disciplines and teachings.

Bottom Line: In all of history ONLY the Catholic Church has any evidence (post death miracles of its saints) that a single soul ever gained heaven. Not one single Protestant has ever come back to ratify the neo-Christian teachings of “sola fide” and the other reformer theories. Not one. We should not necessarily take utter silence as indicative that all are in hell but it should be clear that “invincible ignorance” is not the normative means to salvation nor is blatant disobedience to follow Jesus’ appointed ecclesial leaders going to gain anyone a shred of saving grace.

James

 

[glenconnor]

James, although I respect your reasoning and your basis for it, I will continue to believe that He is working to save all of us and that His mercy is great. There are countless people throughout history who have had no opportunity to know Christ. Though I can only speculate as to what it is, I am nevertheless certain that there is a plan for such as those.

 

[CentralFLJames]

James, although I respect your reasoning and your basis for it, I will continue to believe that He is working to save all of us and that His mercy is great. There are countless people throughout history who have had no opportunity to know Christ. Though I can only speculate as to what it is, I am nevertheless certain that there is a plan for such as those.

I concur that God has a plan for all humanity - that was evident from the very beginning when He did not destroy the human race for its transgression and when He did not permit Cain to be killed for murdering Able. But we all know that the Catholic Church teaches that there is no valid concept in universalism - no universal salvation. God does not force Himself on anyone - many will reject God just as 1/3 of the angels did. God’s plan of salvation is The Catholic Church. God will not permit error to compete with truth. No one is saved by Protestantism’s errors - not a single soul. The only Protestants that will be saved are those who are joined to the Catholic Church by baptism and who by mitigated culpability viz invincible ignorance are able to retain their baptismal grace or make perfect contrition for post-baptismal sins (impossible without supernatural grace). Those other peoples who never had the opportunity to become Catholic due to life circumstance yet who are able to conform themselves to the natural moral law that God gives all people and not gravely sin (impossible unless responding to God’s call of grace) may also be saved directly by divine action outside of the sacraments. As well, we Catholics are offering up daily masses and prayers (esp. the Divine Mercy chaplet) for the conversion of all such souls - and we must assume that our prayers are efficacious and much grace flows to these others through The Catholic Church’s offerings and petitions to God.

James

 

[glenconnor]

I guess that it could be that I am more than a little biased. We have few Christians in my family’s recent history. That is something that weighs heavily on me. Most of the time when I think of someone going to hell, I imagine that it is one of my loved ones, and it makes me very fervently hope in His Mercy.

 

[CentralFLJames]

I guess that it could be that I am more than a little biased. We have few Christians in my family’s recent history. That is something that weighs heavily on me. Most of the time when I think of someone going to hell, I imagine that it is one of my loved ones, and it makes me very fervently hope in His Mercy.

Trust me - I agonize over this too. But we also must remember that God loves humanity. He wants everyone of us to come to Him and live in Eternity with Him. I think many people, think of God as the terrible Judge that we me shake in fear over as if He is just waiting to toss us all into hell unless we are absolutely pure and holy. The truth is that God wants to give us every consideration of mercy that He can that is consistent with His Justice since He must be fair to all the billions of other human souls in existence from the time of History. But I think an even more healthy way to think of this is that God really does not condemn anyone - He just judges what our true choices were in how we wanted to spend our eternity - in love with Him or in love with our own selfish desires. God could let everyone into heaven - pure as well as evil. The problem is that God is so profoundly Holy and unapproachable that unless a soul is absolutely and utterly pure it could not bare to even kneel before God. The spiritual pain and shame would be worse than hell. In a strange sence hell while being “just” is also a mercy since it constrains the pain to a level proportional to the damned soul’s wickedness rather than opening it to the severity implied in the infinite majesty of God above the low levels of His created creatures.

We Catholics need to take more faith in our ability to intercede for others. We need to remember that we are a Holy Nation, a royal priesthood and people set apart for God’s own. We are here to help these others - by prayer and evangelizing. I don’t doubt for an instant that God does not consider part of our spiritual works to be bound to helping these others gain salvation. We have no way of knowing just how much grace is channeled to these others by our own prayers and sacrifices. It is prudent to assume that honors His people by granting us our petitions. We won’t know until after death - but we should anticipate good things. Also, God being Eternal is timeless. Even if we have departed friends and relatives we can still pray for them and God can and does hear our prayers independent of time. Therefor a Divine Mercy chaplet prayed for each deceased loved person could be just the thing that brings these others to grace in the moment of their passing.

James

 

[Truth_Seeker17]

Glenconnor: Are you saying that God can save pretty much any non-Catholic who believes in a monotheistic God - including Orthodox Jews and Muslims? Or are you saying that God will save only those who believe in the triune God of the Bible - both Catholics and Protestants (although Catholicism is the surest way to salvation)?

Thanks,
TS17

 

[glenconnor]

Truthseeker—

Even the Catholic Church acknowledges that the Jewish people and Islamic people worship the same God of Abraham. Whereas I firmly believe that the Catholic Church has the fullness of Truth and the most effective/numerous avenues to Grace, I believe that other Christians (and possibly non-believers, if they never had a way to Christ but followed His teachings instinctively) can certainly find salvation.

I feel blessed to be entering the Catholic Church. I really think anyone who attended a few masses and tried RCIA would join if they gave it a fair shot.

As I admitted earlier, this may be because of my horror of thinking of anyone going to Hell (I was atheist/agnostic for 27 years, only became a Christian last august) especially as there are very few Christians in my family. That weighs on me. But I trust in His Mercy.

That sounds rambly even to me, but I think that’s the best way to sum up where I am coming from.

 

[Bengoshi]

Truthseeker—

Even the Catholic Church acknowledges that the Jewish people and Islamic people worship the same God of Abraham. Whereas I firmly believe that the Catholic Church has the fullness of Truth and the most effective/numerous avenues to Grace, I believe that other Christians (and possibly non-believers, if they never had a way to Christ but followed His teachings instinctively) can certainly find salvation.

I feel blessed to be entering the Catholic Church. I really think anyone who attended a few masses and tried RCIA would join if they gave it a fair shot.

As I admitted earlier, this may be because of my horror of thinking of anyone going to Hell (I was atheist/agnostic for 27 years, only became a Christian last august) especially as there are very few Christians in my family. That weighs on me. But I trust in His Mercy.

That sounds rambly even to me, but I think that’s the best way to sum up where I am coming from.

I’m sorry but the Allah of the Muslims is different from the God that Jews and Christians worship and serve. Their description of Allah’s characteristics and circumstances as found in the Qur’an and in the Hadith are way different than the God of the Bible. It’s like saying I know you but when asked to desacribe you, I describe a totally different person.

 

[glenconnor]

I’m sorry but the Allah of the Muslims is different from the God that Jews and Christians worship and serve. Their description of Allah’s characteristics and circumstances as found in the Qur’an and in the Hadith are way different than the God of the Bible. It’s like saying I know you but when asked to desacribe you, I describe a totally different person.

You of course are more than entitled to whatever view your reason and experience deem to be true.

However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states (pertaining to both Jews and Muslims)

The Church and non-Christians

839 "Those who have not yet received the Gospel are related to the People of God in various ways."325

The relationship of the Church with the Jewish People. When she delves into her own mystery, the Church, the People of God in the New Covenant, discovers her link with the Jewish People,326 "the first to hear the Word of God."327 The Jewish faith, unlike other non-Christian religions, is already a response to God’s revelation in the Old Covenant. To the Jews “belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ”,328 "for the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable."329

840 And when one considers the future, God’s People of the Old Covenant and the new People of God tend towards similar goals: expectation of the coming (or the return) of the Messiah. But one awaits the return of the Messiah who died and rose from the dead and is recognized as Lord and Son of God; the other awaits the coming of a Messiah, whose features remain hidden till the end of time; and the latter waiting is accompanied by the drama of not knowing or of misunderstanding Christ Jesus.

841 The Church’s relationship with the Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day."330

So as a Catholic, I am obviously going to go by these teachings of the Church.

 

[jmcrae]

Interesting comments. no one will be without excuse before God; people go to hell for rejecting what God has revealed to them about Himself, for the majority it is the rejection of Jesus directly, for the bushman it will be the things spoken in Romans 1 & 2. you are absolutely correct; go and teach the good news and for those that reject be sure to give the warning for rejection, then we have done what we are called to do and God will always do what He has purposed…amen

MS
Romans 8:28

I totally agree with this. We need to evangelize.

 

[CentralFLJames]

As I admitted earlier, this may be because of my horror of thinking of anyone going to Hell (I was atheist/agnostic for 27 years, only became a Christian last august) especially as there are very few Christians in my family. That weighs on me. But I trust in His Mercy.

That sounds rambly even to me, but I think that’s the best way to sum up where I am coming from.

God Bless you glenconnor!
Welcome to The Catholic Church. You are right to trust in God’s Mercy - this is central to the Divine Mercy Devotion as revealed by St. Faustina that you might want to look into if you have not yet done so.

St. Peter repented when he rejected Christ and trusted that some how Christ would give Him the opportunity to repent and tell Jesus to his face that he loved Him and be forgiven ( John 21). This is what sacramental confession is all about. Whereas Judas sinned but then despaired that his sin was greater than God’s Mercy (a blasphemy in itself) and killed himself as an unforgivable. Is is only those who so despair and who do not trust and who fail to sincerely repent from the heart who will perish.

James

 

[Truth_Seeker17]

You of course are more than entitled to whatever view your reason and experience deem to be true.

However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states (pertaining to both Jews and Muslims)

The Church and non-Christians

839 "Those who have not yet received the Gospel are related to the People of God in various ways."325

The relationship of the Church with the Jewish People. When she delves into her own mystery, the Church, the People of God in the New Covenant, discovers her link with the Jewish People,326 "the first to hear the Word of God."327 The Jewish faith, unlike other non-Christian religions, is already a response to God’s revelation in the Old Covenant. To the Jews “belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ”,328 "for the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable."329

840 And when one considers the future, God’s People of the Old Covenant and the new People of God tend towards similar goals: expectation of the coming (or the return) of the Messiah. But one awaits the return of the Messiah who died and rose from the dead and is recognized as Lord and Son of God; the other awaits the coming of a Messiah, whose features remain hidden till the end of time; and the latter waiting is accompanied by the drama of not knowing or of misunderstanding Christ Jesus.

841 The Church’s relationship with the Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day."330

So as a Catholic, I am obviously going to go by these teachings of the Church.

Okay, I can definitely understand why you would believe that. I have Catholic and Protestant friends alike who believe that Jews and Muslims can go to heaven. I want to challenge you, though - what does the Bible say about this topic? Did not Jesus say that the road to salvation is narrow, and few find it (Matthew 7:14)? Did He not say that salvation can ONLY be given to those who acknowledge God the Son (Jesus) as well as God the Father (John 14:6)?

Must we dogmatically rely on the Catechism even when Scripture says otherwise? Or is it the case that the CCC compliments, rather than contradicts, the Bible?

God bless,
TS17

 

[Bengoshi]

You of course are more than entitled to whatever view your reason and experience deem to be true.

However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states (pertaining to both Jews and Muslims)

The Church and non-Christians

839 "Those who have not yet received the Gospel are related to the People of God in various ways."325

The relationship of the Church with the Jewish People. When she delves into her own mystery, the Church, the People of God in the New Covenant, discovers her link with the Jewish People,326 "the first to hear the Word of God."327 The Jewish faith, unlike other non-Christian religions, is already a response to God’s revelation in the Old Covenant. To the Jews “belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ”,328 "for the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable."329

840 And when one considers the future, God’s People of the Old Covenant and the new People of God tend towards similar goals: expectation of the coming (or the return) of the Messiah. But one awaits the return of the Messiah who died and rose from the dead and is recognized as Lord and Son of God; the other awaits the coming of a Messiah, whose features remain hidden till the end of time; and the latter waiting is accompanied by the drama of not knowing or of misunderstanding Christ Jesus.

841 The Church’s relationship with the Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day."330

So as a Catholic, I am obviously going to go by these teachings of the Church.

So what does the Bible say about it? Should the CCC still be followed when it contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture? “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one goes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus was clear on this. Any person who has not put their faith (pistis) in Christ will not be saved, except maybe of course those who the Catholic Church considers invincibly ignorant. The Bible also tells us that one day, all the Jews will accept Jesus as the Christ and thus will be saved.

As for the Jews, Israel was set aside, temporarily and partially. And in their setting aside, the riches was turned to the Gentiles. After the Gentiles fullness has come in, after the church is complete (that’s what that means) God will go back and redeem Israel. Zechariah tells us exactly how. He says, “They will look on Him whom they have pierced and they will mourn for Him as an only son.” That is an indication that their salvation comes about directly as a relationship of their focus on Jesus Christ. At that point, they will be saved. And, then He will fulfill His covenant, verse 27, He will take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, now, they have become enemies for your sake. In other words, their setting aside affected the salvation of the Gentiles. But, as touching the election, in other words, in God’s eternal purpose, they are the beloved for the Father’s sake, for God cannot change His covenant. His gifts and callings are without repentance, and so, He will bring them back. There is no question that He will bring them back. But, the bringing back has to be around the truth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Moreover, it speaks to the nation as a nation, not to individual Jews today. An individual Jew today is saved like anybody else is, by grace through faith in Christ. And, apart from that, there is no salvation.