At Mt. Sinai the nation of Israel entered into a covenant relationship with God. After receiving the commandments, and the promise of life if they kept them, their response was a resounding “all these things we will do.” (Exodus 24:7) But the law that they thought would bring them life was “found to be unto death.” (Romans 7:10) Although the Law covenant did not bring life to any Jew, it did work its intended purpose of bringing some to Christ. It pointed out their need for God’s mercy, grace and forgiveness. Paul told his fellow Jews that the Law was a schoolmaster that would lead them to Christ. (Galatians 3:25)
The death and resurrection of Jesus opened up the real opportunity for life that was not based on works. Grace provided the blood of Christ which brought forgiveness for sin to every believer, something that no one could secure for themselves. This gave Jewish believers a new standing with God through justification. With regard to those Jews who responded to the call of Jesus, Paul said that they were a minority, chosen by the grace of God. (Romans 11:5-7) By God’s grace, they were granted the opportunity to follow a higher law and answer to a higher calling. (See Romans 7:4-6)
However, God’s grace was also extended to Gentiles. In Romans 6:15 Paul told the new Gentile converts that they were “not under the Law but under grace.” He also said that we (Gentiles) were made alive together with Christ… in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace. He went on to say, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:3-10) This clearly indicates that God’s grace opened the way for both Jews and Gentiles to approach God and enter into a “covenant of sacrifice.” (Psalm 50:5) Through this covenant they are given the opportunity to become part of the “seed of Abraham” that will someday bless all the families of the earth. (Genesis 22:18; Galatians 3:29)
During Jesus’ second presence, God’s grace will be extended to all mankind. Christ will bring the “times of restitution of all things.” All that was lost through the fall of father Adam will be restored. (Acts 3 :19-21) Then mankind will be resurrected on earth. As Christ and His church heal, instruct and judge mankind, the knowledge of the Lord will fill the whole earth.(Isaiah 11:9) Sins will be forgiven. (Jere.31:33, 34) And finally, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4
