For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14
In one sense, all people are God’s people. This fact rests upon humanity’s creation in God’s image (Genesis 1-2) which sets us apart in a very special way from the rest of creation. The Scriptures affirm His special care for humanity throughout. Indeed, the existence of the Scriptures intending to produce soul saving faith (Romans 10:13-17) is proof of God’s love for humanity. Still, a quick survey of some passages touching on God’s provisions for humanity should prove beneficial.
As Paul said in Acts 14:17, God left witness of His existence and love for humanity in supplying our needs through rains and fruitful seasons by which He fills our hearts with food and gladness. This is driven by His perfect care for all humanity, even the wicked (Matthew 5:43-48). All who belong to Him must likewise love and care for our enemies (vv. 43-44). The foundation of the commandment is “…that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…” (vs. 45). In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus prompted us to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, knowing that He will provide for our needs. Affirmation after affirmation may be found in the biblical narrative. For this, we echo David’s sentiments when considering God’s majestic creation saying, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit (provide for-TH) him?” (Psalms 8:3-4).
This reminder is helpful as gratitude promotes loyalty. If we keep God’s care and concern for us in view, we are less inclined to rebellion (Philippians 4:4-7; Colossians 3:16-17). Satan successfully undermined Eve’s contentment with God’s provisions, prompting her and her husband to rebel against God (Genesis 3:1-7). The saddest part of this narrative is that it broke the first couple’s relationship with God. They were God’s people in the closest of ways prior to this event, but their fallen nature forced God to drive them out (Genesis 3:8-24). If our story ended here, it would be a hopeless tragedy.
However, God was not done with His beloved humanity, so He promised to destroy the serpent through the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15). The remainder of the Bible details how God orchestrated the events of history to fulfill this promise. The promise underwent various refinements through the period of the patriarchs to the time of Moses and later the monarchy. A key concept in this whole scheme is God calling people into a special relationship with Him through various covenants.
Part of the above refinement was making Israel God’s special treasure above all people (Exodus 19:5-6). The law of Moses defined and declared this special relationship (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). Sadly, the nation rebelled as the first human couple did prompting their expulsion from the promised land. Nevertheless, God would keep His promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3; 22:17-18; Hebrews 6:13-18), and for this He promised to make a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
When we come to Hebrews 8:8-12, we see the fulfillment of this promise in Jesus, the Christ. It is this covenant for which He sacrificed His body and blood (Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:11-15; 10:5-10). Much of the language used of Israel is applied by the New Testament writers of the church (1 Peter 2:4-10). Jesus came to redeem us from our sins and empower us to become God’s children through His blood (John 1:11-12; Galatians 3:26-4:7). May we ever be thankful to be His own special people, and may this thankfulness ever motivate us to be zealous for the good works for which He redeemed us to exercise (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14).