Name: Marlene Johnson
Question: A pastor said that before the cross God would have no connection with gentiles, I thought he loved all men? Were Adam and Eve Jew then?
Marlene,
Good morning!
I’ll discuss each point…
Gentiles
If you read the Old Testament, God did deal with other people at times, though primarily only the Hebrews. For example, God dealt with the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. Yet, that was to chastise the Israelites for their many sins.
Israelites And Jews
- Adam and Eve were not “Israelites…”
- Adam and Eve were not “Hebrews…”
Unfortunately, these words have been confused over the years. Adam and Eve were the founding members of what later would become, the Hebrews. In fact, Abraham, a descendent of Adam and Eve was the first individual called an “Hebrew,” (Genesis 14:13). The term Israelites didn’t come into existence until God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, (Genesis 32:28). Jacob was the son of Issac, who was the son of Abraham.
Later, Jacob had twelve sons, who became known as the Twelve Tribes of “Israel.” To remove any confusion, these are essentially the Twelve Tribes of “Jacob.”
So that’s where the term “Israelites” comes from.
As for the term “Jew,” in Scripture, it describes someone from the Tribe of Judah. That would be one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Unfortunately today, the word “Jew” has become synonymous with “Israelites.” However, they’re not the same…
As I explained earlier, the Israelites were twelve individual tribes, not just one. So to call everyone in the Bible of Israelite descent, a “Jew,” is Biblically inaccurate. Moreover, it creates a whole lot of unneeded confusion.
Outside of the example above, today, someone can be considered a “Jew” depending on their national affiliation with Israel, converting to the religion of Judaism, or being a descendant of the tribe of Judah.
Now, you cannot change your race by adopting a religion, right? Of course not. So then, my race cannot be “Christian” just because I adopted that faith. In turn, one cannot be considered a “Jew,” unless they have lineage with the Tribe of Judah.
God’s Love
As for God loving everyone, that’s not necessarily true.
God loves those who love Him.
Proverbs 8:17
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
And…
Proverbs 15:9
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Now, it’s true, God does love the world as John 3:16 explains. God loves everyone so much, that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to perish on the cross for our sins. However, it’s conditional here. You have to accept Jesus Christ. Essentially, God provided an opportunity — out of love — for everyone to obtain salvation and live with Him, forever, in peace.