Gentiles can be included in the covenant by believing in Christ, reconfiguring the concept of election.
Paul sees the story of Israel's election finding fulfillment in Christ, resulting in the inclusion of all who believe.
Deep dives
The Concept of Election and Gentile Inclusion
Paul reconfigures the concept of election and argues that Gentiles can be included in the covenant by believing in Christ. He quotes Hosea to emphasize this point and shows that Gentiles pursue covenant status by faith, just like the patriarchs. Paul emphasizes that belief in Jesus is vital for covenant membership and that Israel's disobedience has brought about the inclusion of the Gentiles. He also highlights that Israel's disobedience should not lead to arrogant boasting among the Gentiles, as they too are dependent on faith in Christ for belonging to the covenant.
The Controversial Interpretation of Hosea
Paul's interpretation of Hosea, particularly the passages about calling Gentiles 'my people' and 'beloved,' would have been controversial to his Jewish readers. However, Paul's interpretation is consistent with his Christology, as he sees Jesus as the fulfillment of messianic expectations. He believes that anyone associated with Christ can be considered a part of the covenant. This interpretation depends on understanding the significance of Christ as the axis around which the concept of election revolves.
Israel's Election and the Role of Hardening
Paul affirms the high status of Israel as the chosen nation entrusted with the covenants and the Messiah himself. However, he emphasizes that true covenant membership is based on faith and not merely ethnic lineage. Paul addresses the hardening of Israel, understanding it as a response to ongoing rebellion rather than deterministic selection. He highlights the temporary nature of the hardening and the potential for individuals to be saved, avoiding eternal reprobation. Paul asserts that Israel's hardening has led to the inclusion of the Gentiles, who, by their faith in Christ, become a blessing and provoke Israel's re-inclusion.
Gentile Inclusion and the Fulfillment of the Story of Scripture
Paul highlights how Gentiles, by their faith in Christ, participate in the rescue plan initiated by Abraham's family. Gentiles, like Abraham, are included in the covenant by faith, and just as Israel stumbled over the stone, Gentiles can believe in Christ and become a part of the covenant. Gentiles' inclusion also leads to Israel's jealousy and eventual re-inclusion. Paul sees the story of Israel's election and the Messianic promises as finding their fulfillment in Christ, resulting in the inclusion of all who believe. Paul reconfigures the concept of Israel around the Messiah and emphasizes that all Israel, both ethnic and Gentile believers, is saved through their faith in Christ.
In the preceding episodes, we’ve seen how Paul reconfigures Old Testament faith, faithfulness, and Torah keeping in light of the work of Jesus and his own encounter with the risen Christ. In this episode we look at how Paul recontextualized Israel’s election in light of Christ as the risen messiah. Specifically, we’ll look at Paul’s use of Hosea in Romans 9, and how Paul sees Hosea’s words describing God’s election of Israel as including Gentiles, thus reconfiguring the concept of election.
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