It is rather disconcerting that the outcasts of Israel (the church) come from a broken relationship with God. There is no corporate identity. Christians who are Gentiles seem to understand salvation as a personal thing. Every man for himself. This of course is the opposite of the reality of the kingdom.
The Jewish understanding of redemption and salvation is from a national viewpoint. This is closer to the truth. It is not a "me," but a "we"!
Consider this, What army will conquer through self-preservation?
One needs a corporate viewpoint in order to lay down one's life for another. Paul said he would be willing to be damned if his brethren could be swayed over to the truth.
So the greatest challenge for we Gentiles in the church is to abandon the personal salvation stance and look to being members of One Body. Together. Salvation is corporate. We are not saved to have personal freedom of choice and the pursuit of our own happiness. The kingdom of God is NOT a democracy. We have been in a democracy for too long methinjs. It colours our perspective of God.
Anyone who seeks to save his life will lose it regardless. Gentiles do not understand this. Gentiles believe that Jesus died personally for individuals..."for ME" ...not for "all who would believe and obey."
We are far too precious in our own eyes!
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