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According to the Bible in the OT Israel was composed of 1) the descendents of Jacob (Ex. 1:1, Josh. 13:6) and 2) those who joined Israel by circumcision and upholding the law. (Ex. 12:48) Caleb (Joshua 14:6-7) was the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite is an example of one who joined Israel. The two questions becomes: A. How do we know Israel is God’s chosen people? And B. Are Christians grafted into God’s promise to Israel? But first a comment on Scripture comparison and isolation... 1. Scripture Comparison: To obtain the correct teaching of any passage we must compare all (or at least a majority) other Scriptures that pertain to the same subject or verse in question. When all Scriptures pertaining to the same subject agree, then we have the correct teaching of that subject or verse. If not, then we have a wrong interpretation or application of the verse or subject in question. This would then lead to a false teaching perpetuated upon the unsuspecting congregation or audience. Since all Scripture is given by "inspiration of God" (2nd Timothy 3:16), there can be no error or contradiction in God's Word. This is why Peter declared… 2 Peter 1:20 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,” I question what others teach and I'm comparing what people say to the Bible (Acts 17:11, 1 Thess. 5:21). We should all do this do you agree? Please feel free to do this for me as well. The Bareans did this. Perhaps I've become somewhat of a Barean in searching the Scriptures. (Acts 17:11) Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 2. Isolation Of One Passage and Context: This does not mean that one cannot understand the Scriptures for themselves. It does warn against anyone building a doctrine on one, isolated, verse without comparing all other verses on the same subject. This is why the Holy Spirit inspired Paul in 2 Tim. 2:15 to emphasize the value of studying the Word of God for one's self as a “worker” for the Lord so we might understand the truth found in the Bible. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Plus we're told to question everything and hold onto what is good. (1 Thess. 5:21) 1 Thess. 5:21 Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Thoughts? Do you agree or disagree? Anything to add?