Gentiles Do Not Become Israelites They Become Citizens

The concept of being grafted into the vine, with Israel and the Gentiles as two unique branches, can be understood through the analogy of adoption within a family. Imagine a family with a firstborn son named Jacob and an adopted child named Billy. Jacob, as the firstborn, has a special status. According to biblical law, the firstborn son receives a double portion of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). This law highlights the honor and responsibility given to the firstborn, who is seen as the primary heir and leader in the family.

Billy, while fully loved and included in the family, does not replace Jacob. He receives an inheritance and is cherished, but Jacob’s unique role remains intact. This analogy helps us understand the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles in Father Yah's family. Just as Billy is adopted into the family without displacing Jacob, Gentiles are grafted into Father Yah’s family through faith, without replacing Israel. Paul describes this in Romans 11:17-24, where he talks about wild olive branches being grafted into a cultivated olive tree.

In the grafting process, we see that there are still two unique branches: one representing Israel and the other representing the Gentiles. This demonstrates that while the Gentiles are included in Father Yah’s family, they remain a distinct entity from Israel. They are not merged into a single bloodline but remain independent entities within the same family. This distinction underscores that the chosen people, Israel, retain their unique identity and role, while the Gentiles also maintain their distinctiveness.

In Ezekiel 47:22, it's written, "You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the aliens who reside among you and have children. You shall treat them as native-born Israelites; along with you, they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel." This verse shows that Gentiles (referred to as strangers) are to be treated as part of the family, receiving an inheritance among Israel. However, their inclusion doesn’t replace Israel’s special position.

The promises made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 22:18 indicate that through Abraham's descendants, all nations (including the Gentiles) would be blessed. Through faith, Gentiles become part of Abraham's family (Galatians 3:29), but Israel retains its identity and calling. 1 Peter 2:9 describes Israel as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Father Yah’s special possession," emphasizing their unique role.

The family analogy continues with the idea that the firstborn has a special responsibility. In Exodus 4:22, Israel is referred to as Father Yah’s firstborn, called to lead and instruct the Gentiles. Isaiah 49:6 says, "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." This highlights Israel’s role in guiding the Gentiles in the ways of Father Yah.

Gentiles, when grafted in, become citizens of the Kingdom of Father Yah and His son Yahshua, enjoying the full rights of those who have obtained citizenship. But, like in a family where the firstborn oversees the family’s affairs, Israel retains its role as the primary leader. Deuteronomy 15:6 and Revelation 2:27 support this idea, showing that Israel would rule over the nations of the earth.

In essence, just as an adopted child doesn’t replace the biological firstborn but is fully part of the family, Gentiles, adopted into Father Yah’s family through faith, do not replace Israel. Israel, as the firstborn, keeps its special status and responsibilities, including a double portion of inheritance and the role of leading and teaching the Gentiles. This analogy honors the inclusion of the Gentiles and the enduring significance of Israel's covenantal relationship with Father Yah, while also recognizing that both branches remain unique and distinct within the family.