The concept of the Jews being God’s chosen people originates in the Old Testament, where God chooses Abraham and his descendants to be His special people. This has several important implications:
1. God’s Promise to Abraham
In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (later named Abraham) and promises to make him into a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. In Genesis 15:18-21, God makes a covenant with Abraham promising him the land of Canaan for his offspring. In Genesis 17:7-8, this covenant is made eternal and everlasting. So God uniquely chose Abraham and his descendants as His covenant people.
Later, in Exodus 19:5-6, God reaffirms this covenant with Abraham’s descendants, the Israelites, stating that if they obey God fully they will be His treasured possession and a kingdom of priests. So God chose Israel for a special covenant relationship and to be a light to the nations.
2. God’s Sovereign Choice
Deuteronomy 7:6-9 makes it clear that God did not choose the Israelites because they were greater than other peoples. Rather, He sovereignly chose them out of love to be His people. So Israel’s status is based on God’s gracious choice, not anything inherently special about Israel.
In a similar way, God’s choice of those who believe in Christ for salvation is not based on human merit but His sovereign grace (Ephesians 1:3-6). Yet, being chosen requires a faithful response.
3. Israel’s Mission
God chose Israel for a mission – to be His vehicle for revealing Himself and His purpose to the world. Israel was to reflect God’s holy character (Leviticus 19:2), proclaim His truth (Isaiah 43:10), and be the channel of divine blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3).
Though Israel failed in this mission, Jesus came as the true Israelite who fulfilled this role (Isaiah 49:3-6). Through Christ, believers of all nations now share in Israel’s mission (1 Peter 2:9-10).
4. A Continuing Place for Israel
Though Israel failed to walk in obedience as God’s chosen people, God’s call and gifts are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). So Israel still has a unique place in His plan.
In Romans 11, Paul explains that though most of Israel rejected Christ, God preserved a remnant of believing Jews through election by grace. And in the future, Israel as a nation will turn to Christ and participate in His salvation.
5. Chosen for Service, Not Salvation
Being chosen as God’s people was about Israel’s role, not individual salvation. Most of the chosen Israelites were unfaithful. Likewise, Jesus warned many who were among the chosen people that being Jewish would not guarantee entrance to the Kingdom (Matthew 8:10-12).
So God’s choice of Israel was about their corporate role, not eternal destiny of individual Jews. Only those who personally put faith in Christ receive salvation.
6. No Basis for Anti-Semitism
Tragically, some Christians have used the idea that the Jews are God’s chosen people to persecute Jews. However, nothing in Scripture supports anti-Semitism or mistreatment of the Jewish people.
The blame for Jesus’ death is placed on all humanity (1 John 2:2). And during times of hostility between Jews and Gentiles, Paul maintained that God still has a purpose for Israel (Romans 11:11-21).
Believers should show only love and kindness toward God’s chosen people.
7. A Blessing and a Responsibility
Being chosen by God is both a blessing and a responsibility. God promised to bless Israel, but only as they walked in faithful obedience to Him. When they disobeyed, they experienced punishment and exile.
In the same way, being chosen and saved by grace comes with the responsibility to live in a way honoring to Christ (Ephesians 2:10). Though we can take comfort in our security in Christ (Romans 8:38-39), God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).
8. All Peoples Blessed Through Israel
God chose Israel so that all nations would be blessed through them (Genesis 12:3, 22:18). Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel, came to redeem people from every tribe and language (Revelation 5:9). Through Him, the barrier between Jew and Gentile is broken down (Ephesians 2:14-16).
Though Israel was chosen from among all peoples, God’s ultimate purpose was to bless all peoples through them. Now, all people who put faith in Jesus share equally in the blessings promised to Israel.
9. A Reminder of God’s Sovereignty
God’s sovereign choice of Israel highlights His freedom and power. He has the right to have mercy on whom He wills (Exodus 33:19). God’s choices are for His glory, according to His wise plan and purposes.
We may not fully understand all His reasons, but we can take comfort in knowing that our sovereign God superintends all things for the ultimate accomplishment of His good ends.
10. Foreshadows Election in Christ
God’s choice of Israel foreshadows His sovereign election of those who would believe in Christ for salvation. Just as Israel was chosen, though all were undeserving, so those who come to faith do so only by God’s gracious election and calling.
Understanding God’s sovereign choice of Israel helps us grasp the wonder of our own election in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). As sinners, no one deserves to be chosen. But by His mercy, God has chosen and called believers to be His people in Christ.