Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

Again, the importance of Gentile inclusion is the central truth undergirding the global and worldwide reception of Jesus among the nations. It is clear from the reading of the Scriptures that the Gentiles were to be excluded from Israel’s privileges, in terms of election and covenant, at least on the face of it through the Israelite’s history (Eph. 2.11-12). Gentiles were not allowed to enter the temple (see Acts 21.28-29), but were restricted to the outer court (Eph. 2.14; Rev. 11.2). Through the redemption, however, that Christ won through his death and resurrection, the Gentiles are now given as an inheritance to Christ (Ps. 2.8), who, according to prophetic testimony, shined as a light to them for their salvation (Isa. 42.6; Luke 2.32). The conversions of the Gentiles is alluded to in the Scriptures in Isaiah 2.2 and 11.10, and the distinction between Jew and Gentile is eliminated in the person of Jesus Christ (cf. Col. 3.11; Gal. 3.28). While the Gospel was not preached to them until after the Jews had heard the good news in Christ (Matt. 10.5; Luke 24.47; Acts 13.46), the Gospel did come to them, as recorded in Acts 10.34-45 and Acts 15.14. Paul identified himself in his role in the salvation scheme as the Apostle of the Gentiles in Acts 9.15 and Galatians 2.7-8. God, in his own time and manner, determined that he would not leave the Gentiles on the outskirts of his love and grace, but would include them in his salvation plan. This recognition of God’s inclusion of the Gentiles lies at the very heart of our understanding of taking the Gospel into the entire world for Christ (Acts 1.8; Matt. 28.18-20). These questions are designed to ensure that the students understand the critical aims and facts presented in the first video segment. You will have to gauge your time well, especially if your students are intrigued with the concepts, and want to discuss their implications at length. Allow for the proper time to focus in on the main points, and still have enough time for a break before the next video segment is started. It is highly important that you help the students to see the radical and revolutionary character of God’s love in his covenant with Abraham, as well as the revelation of the mystery to include the nations in his new people of God. The weight of this teaching cannot be measured; its implications touch on every part of our

9 Page 20 Outline Point III-B

10 Page 22 Student Questions and Response