Romans 11:25 “Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentile has come in.”
Anytime the Bible speaks of Fullness, it means “done,” “complete,” or “finished.” The Church age began with the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus the Messiah, and the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to indwell believers as Jesus promised (John 16:7-15). Through the shedding of His blood, ALL mankind is eligible to be forgiven their sins and receive eternal salvation (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.
The Church (Christians) has not replaced the Jews, but is grafted in to God’s covenant – if the people accept Jesus as their Savior. Those Jews who have not accepted Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah at the time of the Rapture will enter the tribulation, and will be in for a very rough time. The Bible says 2/3 will be killed, but the remaining few will all believe (Zechariah 13:8).
As I have posted before, this has always been God’s plan for us, and it was sealed with Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary. The Israelites (Jews) have been God’s chosen people from the time of Abraham; continuing through his son Isaac; and then through Jacob whose name was changed to “Israel.” This is defined “triumphant with God,” given after he wrestled with the angel (Genesis 32:28, 35:10) The Lord confirmed His covenant with David and promised that, through His seed, the Messiah would sit on the throne in Jerusalem forever.
God has special plans for His chosen people, and He will give His full attention to them after the Church is removed. Please note: The Church is not a building, and not a particular religion. It is ALL people who have accepted Jesus and are called Christians. This is explained throughout the New Testament, and Christians have not replaced the Jews as some believe. When God said “forever,” He meant just that.
God knows that the Israelites today have not fully accepted Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah. It is estimated that only about 1% have done so and are known as “Messianic Jews.” By the end of the tribulation, the Bible says All His People will believe (Philippians 2:10-11 and Romans 14:11). Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Now, the main topic – what happens when the Fullness of the Gentiles comes in? As with every war, there is one final victim. With every sport, one final play and then the end. This is the same with God. He has one final Gentile in mind before sending Jesus to take His Church home (Rapture). Meanwhile, Jesus is waiting for all to call on Him to be saved from the Wrath to come. Sadly, this number will slow down as time progresses.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 “For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of an archangel and with the sound of the trumpet of God [Not the 6th Trumpet Judgment, but an announcing trumpet]. The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and so will we always be with the Lord.”
This refers to the “Church age” people who believe in Jesus – Jews, Gentiles – EVERYONE. However, Romans 11:25 is saying that, when the last Gentile that God has in mind gives his/her life to Jesus, the rapture will take place. Just as God gave the world time before closing the door to Noah’s ark, He’s giving us time right now to accept Him through His Son – Jesus. He will not wait much longer. I believe we are at the very threshold of this event.
Are you that Gentile? Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Do you want to go through the tribulation? All prophecies leading up to the Rapture are done. Now it’s a matter of when the “fullness” is done. The best part of all is you get to choose whether or not you are one to be taken in the Rapture.
To put off accepting Jesus is to not accept Him; to say maybe is a NO; to say anything but yes is to be lost. You don’t have to stand in line for this; He’s listening right now and always. You may not have another chance. After your last breath on this earth, or when the trumpet sounds, your destiny is set. Like a TV commercial years ago said, “Smoking or non-smoking – your choice!”
The only unforgivable sin is to not accept Jesus. (Period!) The door is about to close. Please be onboard and enjoy the trip “up” with the rest of the Christians. Hope to see you there!