God was gracious to Adam and Eve, to Cain, to Noah, to Abraham, to Moses and Israel, to mankind; and, to you and me. God blessed Israel to be a blessing to all, but Israel became proud and disobedient. They became sectarian in their religious endeavors. When Jesus Christ came into the world, one of the gifts of grace he brought was re-union with God through faith; first to Israel then to people everywhere. Historically, instead of blessing others by introducing them to the One True God, Israel would leave her devotion to Him to follow other gods. Jesus showed, time and time again, that, not only was it possible to bring Gentiles to faith, it was commanded and encouraged. He, then, raised up, disciplined and commissioned others to go and be a blessing to every tongue and tribe in the world. He sent them to their own and sent them to the stranger; and, He gave them the grace to “bring about obedience of faith” to “as many as would receive Him.”

Grace is intended to bring about obedience of faith not to augment religious pride and prejudice or encourage licensciousness. Faith in God through Christ makes us children of God, obedience make us worthy sons and heirs of His kingdom. Saint James said in his letter, “Faith without works is dead.” But the “works” he was speaking about is simple obedience. The Jews had many laws and demanded the works of those laws as proof of religious devotion. Jesus Christ came to exemplify devotion by His obedience to God’s purpose and will; and, invite others to do the same. To some of the Jews it was too costly. Is it too costly for you? Selah.