Israel and the Gentiles

By Dr. M. L. Glendenning

…a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; (Rom. 11:25 (NASB)

…a hardening (insensibility) has [temporarily] befallen a part of Israel [to last] until the full number of the ingathering of the Gentiles has come in, Rom. 11:25 (Amplified Version)

 The Apostle Paul points out very clearly and definitely to the Gentiles, to whom he was sent by the Lord, the great difference between them (the Gentiles) and the Israelites, by asking the following question:  “What advantage did the Jew (Israel) have over the Gentiles?”  And his answer to his question was, and I quote:  Much every way:  chiefly, because that unto them (Israel) were committed the oracles of God. (Romans 3:2).  House of Aaron doctrine is based upon the house of Israel understanding of the Scriptures, through whom the oracles of God were given, not a Gentile understanding of the Scriptures.

Literal Israel and literal Gentiles

Not all mention made of Israel in the New Testament is spiritual Israel only.  For example, on a careful reading of Romans 11:11 to 29, you will see that the Apostle Paul is speaking of literal Israel and literal Gentiles

In these verses of Scripture (Romans 11:11-29) Paul the Apostle is very carefully instructing the Gentiles not to become high-minded, but to be filled with fear.  Note verses 21 and 22: "For if God spared not the natural branches (Israel), take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them (Israel) which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shall be cut off."

Now in the 25th verse of this chapter the Apostle Paul says: ... blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.  Therefore, Paul is stating that when the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, no longer will Israel be afflicted with this partial (spiritual) blindness.  Notice that this blindness has happened to Israel not only Judah (the Jews).

The fullness of the times of the Gentiles

By careful study of prophecies, especially in Daniel and Revelation, we find information concerning the fullness of the times of the Gentiles. These Scriptures are a key to understanding the closing of the Gentile dispensation and the latter-day opening of the house of Israel. And according to these prophecies, the times or fullness of the Gentile dispensation is practically ended and the ushering in of the work of literal Israel is here. And by Israel, we do not mean the Jews. We mean the gathering of the twelve tribes of Israel.