Jesus consistently taught about the coming Kingdom for which we pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) This “Kingdom” was the theme of Jesus’ parables throughout his ministry. This Kingdom was the same prophesied by all the Prophets of Israel—a time when the nations will “beat their swords into plowshares.” In other words, instead of nations pouring their resources into military purposes—they will be diverted to agricultural and peaceful purposes, such as feeding the Earth’s billions! Only then, according to the Prophet Isaiah, will “all nations” come up to Jerusalem to learn about the “God of Jacob”—the God of Israel.

A critical question was asked by Jesus’ disciples after his death and resurrection—just before he ascended to heaven. “When they therefore were come together they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6) Notice that Jesus did not say, No! I will not restore Israel’s Kingdom—they just had me crucified! In his reply, Jesus only said:

“It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” (Acts 1:7)

First Century Christians realized that Israel’s long- hoped-for Messianic Kingdom would not be established until Jesus’ Second Advent. The Church began to understand that the purpose of the First Advent was for Jesus to first provide redemption (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14) for Adam and all his progeny. (1 Corinthians 15:22) Jesus’ First Advent opened the “call” to follow him. (John 14:6) But only a remnant of Israel responded—so then this “call” was opened to the Gentiles. (John 1:11,12; Acts 13:46) At Jesus’ Second Advent his followers would finally be gathered to him for the establishment of his Kingdom. (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Revelation 11:15)

The Apostle Paul explained very clearly that Israel as a nation would be “blinded” with “hardened” hearts—but only until the full number of the Gentile Church was completed. Paul explained that the “Deliverer”—the Christ Head and Body—would then turn “ungodliness” from Israel. Amazingly, the Apostle added that “all Israel will be saved.” Can what Paul said be counted on? Are God’s promises irrevocable—unchangeable? Yes, they are!

“What then? What Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened [blinded]….I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’ As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned; they are loved on account of the patriarchs [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob], for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:7, 25-29 NIV)

Western Wall in Jerusalem