July 19, 2003(34)
A NATION BROUGHT FORTH OR BIRTHED.
THE PEOPLE. There is a definite difference between a nation and a people. Isa. 66:8 The scriptures refer to the tribes of Israel as the people of God. This is important for it sets them apart, as they were, to serve and worship the Lord. Note that they are called the assembly of the people of God. Judges 20:2 This was well established under the Old Testament economy. They were repeatedly referred to as belonging to the Lord. A called out people, separated unto Him. The very special seed of Abraham. Moses made a definite choice to identify himself with the people of God while in Egypt and therefore suffered the affliction that Israel went through while in captivity. Heb. 11:25
THE NATION. In the eyes and reckoning of the Lord there was a great difference between the people and the nation. NATION, (Heb. gowy, a foreign nation, a Gentile, a heathen. Strongs) is used in regard to the heathen nations. The nation, which is to be born at once, is therefore not of natural Israel, but rather a spiritual people who are called and elevated by the Lord. The people of the Lord are they who have embraced faith in the Lord and believe on Him. Unbelief can only result in being separated from the Lord. Jude 5. Any who are accounted as the people today are saved because of grace and not by race. The Lord in using the term nation was showing, beyond a shadow of a doubt, His spiritual people are from every tongue, tribe and nation. Peter speaks of the spiritual house. Built of lively stones. A priesthood of holy people offering spiritual sacrifices unto the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:5 The headstone of the building is Christ Jesus. He was of Sion, the spiritual city of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:6 To the believer, He is the very foundation. To the unbeliever, the very same stone is a stumbling stone, and a rock which offends, because of unbelief. 1 Pet. 2:8 A mixed multitude, which were excluded by the Lord and could not be considered His people are now fully and completely acceptable. They had no standing in the eyes of the Lord, but now, through faith in the Son of the Lord they are the recipients of that abundant mercy and are included in the formation of that eternal city of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:9 Through the Lord Jesus ALL are brought into the commonwealth of the true Israel of God. By the sacrifice of Himself and the offering of His own blood He has purchased ALL men, Jew and Gentile that He might involve them in His glorious and marvelous, eternal kingdom. His covenant neither includes nor excludes any because of race. Eph. 2:12-13 Confidence, faith in the beautiful act of redemption performed for the whosoever will is the key to becoming a part of His glorious church, of which the one hundred forty-four thousand are a vital living organ. The are an integral part of the Bride of Christ and will be used in a very special way. They will bring forth that New Nation which will be the seed of the New Heavens and the New Earth. The Lord will fulfill His Divine design and will have what He has strongly desired all along. A people who are totally His and for Him.