January 2, 2023

For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. Isaiah 56:7

The house of God is set upon the earth as a fortress and a refuge. Made up of His people (1 Corinthians 3:9), it is the assembly of witnesses to the Way of salvation: an invitation that reveals His great heart for all people. Enfeebled as the church may appear, it is nevertheless earth’s embassy for Heaven. Through every century, through every conflict and persecution, the church has never been forsaken by God nor has the world ever been left without a witness.

The cohesion and stability of God’s word, paralleled only by the unchanging nature of God Himself, is the reason behind the continual survival of the faithful remnant through the ages. These watchmen are consistently provided necessary preparation for the deceiver’s treachery. Every point of opposition to the truth that has ever—or will ever—come against the church is answered—ahead of time—in the Bible, which never fails to provide the heads-up!

And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” Romans 11:26-27

The name Israel, understood to mean Overcomer with God, can be applied to the true followers of the Lord today. Remember when Jacob, who had been a deceiver, wrestled all night with God (Genesis 32:26-28); he was renamed Israel*, having entered upon the path of redemption powered by a personal relationship with his Maker.

Any name or symbol can be misused to mislead others by misrepresenting the Savior. This is one of the main snares repeatedly employed by Satan. The early New Testament church was made up of Jews—from the nation of Israel—when Paul wrote to the Gentile believers in Rome. He explained, “For they are not all Israel who are of Israel…” (Romans 9:6b).

Another way we might say it: for they are not all Christians who bear the name Christian. It is essential for every soul who bears the name of Christ to be fully surrendered to Him. This is what it means to be betrothed to Him. In a lifelong process of growth, the spirit of obedience by faith must accompany every new ray of light from Heaven, otherwise that which has been gained could be lost (see Matthew 25:29). We must remember that we are twice His: He created each of us and He has bought each of us back from Satan’s kingdom with His own life. As our Creator and Redeemer, we must make Him our Lord and our King! It is within this relationship that we have glorious assurance of salvation.

Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant will be saved.” Romans 9:27

*first mention of the name Israel