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Question 5

In describing Old Testament Israel, Dean says national pride and elitism were “a historical and biblical fact,” but that in Christ the promises and even “genealogical lineage” reside in Jesus; what does this imply about how God relates to nations now, and where do you feel resistance to that implication?

Another way to ask: If God’s promises and family line are now centered in Jesus instead of a nation, what does that mean for how God relates to nations today, and why might you resist that?

Direct Answer Dean implies that God’s kingdom is no longer tied to one nation’s geography or bloodline, because the promises now center in Jesus and are offered to “every person, nation, and tribe” through faith—something our nationalism may resist.

Support from Transcript:

He says in the Old Testament era Israel’s identity was uniquely national: the land was “God's country,” and “national pride and elitism…was a historical and biblical fact.”
He explains the shift: “when Christ came, God…expanded His kingdom to include all who by faith believe on His Son.”
He says “the fulfillment…of all the promises…blessings, and even the genealogical lineage…came to reside in the person of Jesus Christ.”
He adds that “every person, nation, and tribe is offered citizenship in God's kingdom” through Christ.
He testifies this truth weakened his “entrenched sense of patriotism and nationalistic pride,” showing where resistance often appears emotionally.

Discussion Follow-ups Where do you still treat your nation as if it has a special spiritual status? What part of your identity reacts defensively when you hear “every nation and tribe” offered equal citizenship in Christ?

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