See in Reader
1.1 KiB
People of God
The "people of God" are the people whom God chose. They have a special relationship with him. These people are “holy” or “set apart” (see: Exodus 22:31; Leviticus 20:24; Ephesians 1:18). God makes a covenant with his people (see: Exodus 24:8; Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:15). He promises to be their God. He cares for them. And the people promise to honor and obey him (see: Exodus 6:7; 24:7; Hebrews 8:10).
The people of God are also called God’s children and his inheritance (see: Deuteronomy 4:20; 14:1; John 1:12).
In the Old Testament, the "people of God" are the nation of Israel. Some scholars think that in the New Testament, the "people of God" are all those who believe in Jesus. This is both Jews and Gentiles. Other scholars think that only the nation of Israel remains the “people of God.”
See: Elect (Election); Holy (Holiness, Set Apart); Covenant; Children of God; Inherit (Inheritance, Heir); Israel; Gentile