Chapter 4 of the book of Hebrews tells us that Israel never achieved the spiritual rest that God intended them to have and it was because of their unbelief. And they seldom achieved the land rest in Canaan during their history either. Joshua valiantly had led them into Canaan, but after his death there were still many areas in which pagan tribes still held control of the land.
Paul is telling us that it was their unbelief that prevented their accomplishing their goals. But God had clearly told them that He would be their God and be responsible for giving them their victories in Canaan. However, their unbelief caused them to lose battles and to become discouraged.
In Jesus’ day Israel was in deep bondage to the Romans. The leaders still did not believe that God was the answer to their needs.
They were trying to do it their way and in their own strength. When Jesus came He still had a great future for the Jews. nearly 100 percent
Jesus explained to them in various ways that He had come to manifest the true God and then to suffer and die for all mankind by being the sacrificial Lamb of God. Jesus hoped they would believe His message and after His death and resurrection, they would be God’s spokesmen to take the “good news” to the whole world.
But, as we know, the Jews as a nation refused to believe the gospel. Near the end of Jesus’ ministry this becomes obvious to Him. In Matthew 21:43 Jesus tells them plainly that Israel as a chosen nation was coming to a close. He said this privilege would be given to a nation who would bring forth fruits, referring to the fruits of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22, 23. The nation to receive this chosen status was the Christian church. If we read the first chapters of Acts these fruits of the Spirit were clearly seen in their works of love.
In 1 Peter 2:9 Peter specifically says to the Christians that they are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation”.
But individual Jews today are still to be invited to accept Christ and His salvation, just as Peter invited them on the day after Pentecost. Jesus says in John 3: 16 that “whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” This wonderful promise is still for everyone today.
