Is He the God of Israel Only
Is God only the God of Israel, or is He the God of all people?
In Romans 3, the apostle Paul asks a powerful question that reveals the heart of the gospel. While God chose Israel and gave them the law, salvation was never meant to be limited to one nation. Through Jesus Christ, God opened the door of righteousness to both Jew and Gentile.
In this episode, we explore how justification comes not through the works of the law but through faith in Christ. Looking at passages from Romans, Galatians, and Acts, we see that God has always had a plan to reach the nations and bring all people into His grace.
The same God who called Israel is the same God who justifies everyone who believes.
Key Verse (KJV)
Romans 3:29–30 (KJV)
“Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.”
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Show Notes
1. One God Over All People
Romans 3:29–30
Paul asks a direct question: Is God the God of the Jews only? His answer is clear: No.
There is only one God, and He justifies both Jew and Gentile through faith. The gospel removes the dividing line between nations and reveals that salvation comes the same way for everyone.
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2. Redemption Through Christ
Romans 3:24–25
All who are justified are justified freely by God’s grace through the redemption found in Christ Jesus. Jesus became the sacrifice that satisfied God’s justice. Through His blood, forgiveness and righteousness are made available to all who believe.
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3. Justified by Faith, Not the Works of the Law
Galatians 2:16
Paul makes this truth unmistakably clear: no one is justified by the works of the law. The law reveals sin but cannot save. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to be declared righteous before God.
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4. Righteousness Received by Faith
Romans 9:30–33
Paul points out a surprising truth: Gentiles who did not pursue the law obtained righteousness through faith. Meanwhile, many in Israel stumbled over Christ because they pursued righteousness through works rather than faith. Jesus became the stumbling stone to those who refused to trust Him.
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5. Zeal Without True Understanding
Romans 10:1–4
Paul expresses deep love for Israel and desires their salvation. They had zeal for God, but they attempted to establish their own righteousness rather than submitting to God’s righteousness. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
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6. A Mission to the Nations
Acts 9:15
When God called Paul, He declared that Paul would carry Christ’s name before:
• Gentiles
• Kings
• The children of Israel
This shows that God’s plan was always global.
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7. Different Ministries, Same Gospel
Galatians 2:7–9
Peter was called to minister primarily to the Jews. Paul was called to minister to the Gentiles. But both preached the same gospel of grace. Salvation is not divided by nationality—it is unified through faith in Christ.
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Application Questions
1. Why is it important that there is only one God who saves both Jew and Gentile?
2. What does it mean to be justified freely by grace?
3. Why did many people in Israel stumble over Christ?
4. How does faith accomplish what the law cannot?
5. How should this truth shape how we view people from different backgrounds and nations?
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Short Prayer
Lord, thank You that You are the God of all people and that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in Your righteousness rather than our own works. Give us hearts that rejoice in the grace You have extended to the whole world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
