Being grafted into Christ means that Gentiles now share in the promises that were originally given to Israel—promises of blessing, salvation, and eternal life. The concept of being “grafted into Jesus” comes from the Apostle Paul’s teachings in the New Testament, particularly in Romans 11, where he uses the metaphor of an olive tree to describe the relationship between Israel, Gentile believers, and Jesus. Being grafted into Jesus signifies becoming part of God’s covenant people through faith in Christ, regardless of one’s ethnic or religious background. It emphasizes that through faith in Jesus, people from all nations and backgrounds are united with Him and become part of the people of God.
1. The Olive Tree Metaphor in Romans 11
- In Romans 11:17-24, Paul uses the image of an olive tree to explain how Gentiles (non-Jews) have been “grafted” into God’s people. The natural branches represent the Jewish people, who were part of God’s covenant, and the wild olive branches represent Gentiles, who were once outside of this covenant.
- Paul explains that some of the natural branches (unbelieving Israelites) were broken off because of their unbelief, and wild olive branches (Gentile believers) were grafted in through faith in Jesus. However, Paul also emphasizes that the natural branches can be grafted back in if they come to faith.
- Romans 11:17:
“If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches.”
2. What It Means to Be Grafted into Jesus
- Union with Christ: To be grafted into Jesus means to be united with Him in a spiritual and covenantal way. It means being connected to Christ as the source of life, grace, and salvation, just as a branch depends on the tree for nourishment.
- Inclusion in God’s People: This grafting signifies that, through faith in Jesus, Gentiles (non-Jews) are included in the people of God. They are now part of the “tree” of God’s covenant promises, alongside believing Jews. In Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; all who believe in Him are part of the same family.
- Galatians 3:28-29:
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
- Galatians 3:28-29:
- Access to God’s Promises: This is absolutely amazing that, we who are Gentiles, now share in the promises that were originally given to Israel—promises of blessing, salvation, and eternal life.
3. Nourishment and Growth in Christ
- Just as a branch receives life and nourishment from the tree it is grafted into, believers receive spiritual life and sustenance from Christ. Jesus Himself used the metaphor of the vine and branches to describe this life-giving connection:
- John 15:5:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - Being grafted into Jesus means that our spiritual growth, strength, and fruitfulness come from abiding in Him. It is through this connection that we can live a life that pleases God and bears fruit in love, holiness, and service.
4. Salvation by Grace Through Faith
- The grafting process emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or by birthright. Paul reminds the Gentile believers that they were grafted into God’s people not because of their own merit, but because of God’s mercy.
- Romans 11:20:
“Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.” - This teaches that both Jews and Gentiles are saved through faith in Jesus Christ, and that no one should boast about their standing before God. It is a gift of grace available to all who believe.
5. Unity in the Body of Christ
- The grafting metaphor also points to the unity of believers in Christ. Whether Jew or Gentile, all believers are now part of one body, one tree, with Christ as the root. This unity transcends cultural, ethnic, and national boundaries, bringing all believers together as one family in God.
- Ephesians 2:13-14:
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”
6. Humility and Gratitude
- Paul warns Gentile believers against arrogance toward the Jewish people, reminding them that they are not the root but merely branches grafted into the tree. This metaphor encourages believers to remain humble, recognizing that they are recipients of God’s grace and not superior to anyone.
- Romans 11:18:
“Do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.” - The grafting teaches that all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are dependent on God’s mercy and grace, and they should respond with humility and gratitude.
7. God’s Faithfulness and Plan for Israel
- Paul’s discussion of grafting also highlights God’s faithfulness to Israel. Even though some of the natural branches (unbelieving Jews) were broken off, Paul insists that they can be grafted back in if they come to faith in Christ. This shows that God has not abandoned His promises to Israel and that there is still hope for their inclusion in the salvation plan.
- Romans 11:23:
“And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.” - This speaks to God’s all-embracing plan of redemption, where both Jews and Gentiles are brought together through faith in Jesus.
8. Living as Grafted Believers
- As believers grafted into Christ, Christians are called to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Him. This includes:
- Bearing Fruit: As branches in Christ, believers are called to bear fruit in their lives—fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Remaining in Christ: Believers are to remain connected to Jesus through prayer, studying God’s Word, and living in obedience to His teachings (John 15:4).
- Living in Unity: Recognizing that all believers are part of the same tree, Christians are called to live in unity, showing love and respect for one another regardless of background.
Grafted into Jesus as Part of God’s Plan
The image of being grafted into Jesus is a powerful metaphor that speaks to the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s covenant people through faith in Christ. It shows that salvation is a gift of grace, available to all who believe, and that through this grafting, believers become part of the rich spiritual heritage of God’s people. It emphasizes unity in the body of Christ, the need for humility and gratitude, and the call to bear fruit through a life rooted in Jesus. Ultimately, being grafted into Jesus is a symbol of belonging, growth, and eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
Have you accepted Jesus as YOUR Saviour? If your answer is yes, claim the promises, that were originally given to Israel—promises of blessing, salvation, and eternal life.
If YOUR answer is no read the article…https://justordinarymen.com/can-ordinary-people-be-saved/