In stark contrast to the divisions fostered by circumcision, dietary boundaries, and national covenantal identity under the Mosaic system, Paul proclaims in no uncertain terms that all who are in Christ form one unified covenant people. This is not a mere sociological shift or ethical plea for tolerance; it is a theological reconstitution of covenant identity in the wake of Christ’s redemptive work.

Galatians 3:26–29 provides the clearest declaration:

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

This statement does not erase real-world distinctions in role, responsibility, or function (Paul elsewhere affirms distinctions between men and women, and between various societal roles). Rather, it obliterates all distinctions as criteria for covenant membership. Nationality, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status are not avenues to divine inheritance. The singular path is faith in Christ, demonstrated by baptism into union with him.

Paul’s argument climaxes in verse 29: those who belong to Christ are the true “seed of Abraham”—not by genealogical descent, but by participation in the covenantal promises through faith. This is a decisive theological point: the covenant does not continue along ethnic lines; Christ is the singular seed (Galatians 3:16), and only those “in Christ” inherit the promises.

Ephesians 2:11–22 further clarifies the implications of this truth, especially for Gentiles who were once excluded from Israel’s covenants:

“Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh… were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise… but now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (vv. 11–13)

Under the old covenant, Gentiles were alienated—covenantally and spiritually. But now, through the death of Christ, the middle wall of partition (the Mosaic law with its ritual and civil code) has been abolished:

“For he himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall… so that in himself he might make the two into one new man.” (vv. 14–15)

This does not mean Gentiles become Jews, nor that Jews retain privileged access. Rather, both are redefined: a new humanity emerges, composed of believers from both groups, equal in access, reconciled in one body. There is now “one new man”—a single, unified covenant people.

Paul concludes:

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (v. 19)

There is no dual-track salvation—no ongoing redemptive distinction between Jew and Gentile. National Israel no longer constitutes God’s covenant people; only those “in Christ” do. Any doctrine asserting a continuing salvific covenant with ethnic Jews apart from Christ contradicts Paul’s inspired teaching (cf. Romans 11:23, Galatians 1:6–9).

Paul’s doctrine of one covenant people has these implications:

1. Covenantal identity is no longer genealogical – Righteousness, inheritance, and sonship come through faith, not descent or circumcision.

2. The Mosaic law no longer defines the people of God – Its ordinances served a preparatory purpose and have been fulfilled and set aside in Christ.

3. Unity in Christ is spiritual, not sociopolitical – God forms one new humanity, not a continuation of old ethnic categories under a new name.

4. There is no ethnic restoration apart from Christ – No biblical basis exists for asserting a future Jewish covenant restoration outside the gospel.

Paul’s vision is not an inclusive rebranding of Judaism nor a Gentile usurpation. It is a radical redefinition of covenant identity based entirely on the crucified and risen Christ, who makes one body of believers—Jew and Gentile alike—through the cross (Ephesians 2:16).

Thus, the covenant people of God are those united to Christ by faith, clothed with him in baptism, and led by the Spirit—not those with ties to Sinai, lineage, or Torah.

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