I speak the truth in Christ – I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit – I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons, theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. (Romans 9:1-5)
Paul lists 8 advantages that Jews have over Gentiles. They are the chosen people, they were given the glory of God (the cloud of glory marking the presence of God), the covenants, the law, temple worship, promises, patriarchs for ancestors, and the Messiah came from their ancestry; but the Jews didn’t believe that Jesus was their Messiah. Before Paul understood Jesus, Paul murdered Christians. He loved his own race, the people of Israel. If God hadn’t convicted Paul on the Road to Damascus, Paul would not have been a Believer. He was truly distraught that other Jews would not listen to his message of the Good News of Jesus. He felt the great sorrow and unceasing anguish that we feel for a loved one who has taken the wrong path. Paul read the Torah and knew that Jesus filled the prophecy of being the Messiah. Paul felt so strongly about his new life with Christ that he would be willing to go to hell for all of the Jews if only they would take his place and find Christ.
The Jews were the chosen people and some listened to the word of Jesus Christ and followed. The Messiah did come from their ancestry but many chose not to believe. I believe that they will meet Christ upon their death and be given a choice.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who believes that but the Bible clearly states that they were His chosen people and that they will all go to heaven.