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The question of whether God loves the Jews more than the Arabs is a sensitive issue. However, the Bible is clear that God’s love extends to all people, irrespective of their ethnic background. This essay will explore the biblical basis for the universal nature of God’s love, using references from the Bible. It will highlight key themes such as God’s covenant with humanity, His desire for all to come to salvation, and the inclusive nature of His kingdom.
God’s Covenant with Humanity (Jews, Arabs, and all Races)
God’s Promise to Abraham
The foundation of understanding God’s relationship with both Jews and Arabs begins with His covenant with Abraham. God chose Abraham to be the father of many nations, and this covenant is central to understanding the inclusivity of God’s love.
Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV):
“Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'”
This passage reveals that God’s covenant with Abraham was intended to be a blessing for all the families of the earth. This promise underscores the universal scope of God’s plan.
Ishmael and Isaac
Abraham had two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, who are considered patriarchs of the Arab and Jewish peoples, respectively. God’s care and provision for both sons demonstrate His love for both groups. However it was through Isaac that God’s covenant with man would be confirmed because it was based on faith in God’s promise.
Genesis 17:20 (NKJV):
“And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.”
Genesis 21:12-13 (NKJV):
“But God said to Abraham, ‘Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called. Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the bondwoman, because he is your seed.'”
These verses highlight that while Isaac was chosen to carry on the specific covenantal line leading to Israel, Ishmael was also blessed by God.
God’s Universal Love
God’s Love for All Nations
The Bible repeatedly affirms that God’s love and plan of salvation extend to all nations and peoples, not just a select ethnic group.
John 3:16 (NKJV):
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
This famous verse emphasizes that God’s love is for the entire world, encompassing all humanity. The offer of salvation through Jesus Christ is universal.
Acts 10:34-35 (NKJV):
“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.'”
Peter’s revelation that God shows no partiality underscores the inclusivity of God’s love and acceptance.
The Great Commission
Jesus’ Great Commission to His disciples further reinforces the idea that God’s message and love are intended for all nations.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV):
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”
The directive to make disciples of all nations demonstrates that the gospel and God’s love are for everyone, regardless of ethnicity or nationality.
In Christ’s kingdom, everyone (Jews and Arabs) are covered with the same garment of Christ’s righteousness, which they receive by faith in Jesus Christ. But to the Judaizing Christians of Paul’s day such an idea was a heresy. They taught that the only way into the Christian church was through Judaism, that a Gentile must first be circumcised—become a Jew, as it were—before being accepted into the Christian community.
Unity in Christ
Breaking Down Divisions
The New Testament teaches that in Christ, the divisions between different ethnic and social groups are broken down, creating a new unity among believers.
Galatians 3:28 (NKJV):
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s message to the Galatians emphasizes that in Christ, traditional divisions are erased, and all are equal and united.
The Lord wanted to teach His children that the Gentiles are their fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel “one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:6, NKJV). Jesus Christ offered His life for the entire world and He broke down the wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles. He did it through the cross. He died for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2) and now both Jews and Arabs can be of the same body, one in Christ Jesus if they accept Christ as their Savior.
By His example, Christ showed impartiality when he reached out for the Samaritan woman, even though the Jews [had] no dealings with the Samaritans (John 4:9). And again when He gave the parable of the Good Samaritan whom He commended for an act of kindness to a man beaten by robbers (Luke 10:25-39). The Savior did not favor Jews above Gentiles. He loved all His children equally. He has broken down the middle wall of separation (Ephesians 2:14-17).
Therefore, any favoritism to one group (Jews) over Gentiles (Arabs) should be considered against the teachings of Christ. Jews and Arabs should be treated fairly in God’s kingdom. Both sides have equal rights on the benefits of salvation before God. For Christianity eliminates distinctions based on race, nationality, and social standing.
Ephesians 2:14-18 (NKJV):
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.”
This passage from Ephesians explains how Jesus’ sacrifice reconciles Jews and Gentile (non-Jews) believers, creating peace and unity among all believers.
God’s Desire for All to Be Saved
Universal Call to Salvation
The Bible teaches that God desires all people to come to repentance and be saved, further affirming the universality of His love.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV):
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
This verse clearly states God’s desire for all people to be saved, highlighting His inclusive love.
2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV):
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
Peter echoes this sentiment, emphasizing God’s patience and His desire for everyone to come to repentance.
God’s Plan for All Peoples
Prophecies of Inclusion
The Old Testament includes prophecies that anticipate the inclusion of all nations in God’s plan of salvation.
Isaiah 49:6 (NKJV):
“Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'”
This prophecy from Isaiah reveals God’s plan to extend His salvation beyond Israel to the Gentiles (non-Jews), indicating His universal love.
Joel 2:28-29 (NKJV):
“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”
Joel’s prophecy about the outpouring of God’s Spirit on all flesh further demonstrates the inclusive nature of God’s love and His plan for all humanity.
Conclusion
The Bible provides ample evidence that God’s love is universal and extends to all people, irrespective of their ethnic background. While God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants (the Jewish people) holds a special place in biblical history, it is clear that His love and salvation are intended for all nations, including Arabs and every other ethnic group.
The New Testament, especially through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, emphasizes that in Christ, traditional divisions are broken down, and all are united as one. The universal call to salvation, prophecies of inclusion, and the Great Commission all underscore the inclusivity of God’s love.
In summary, the Bible supports the view that God does not love one ethnic group more than another. His desire is for all people to come to repentance and to experience His love and salvation. This universal love calls believers to reflect God’s love in their own lives, promoting unity, peace, and reconciliation among all people.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team