Humans spend so much time arguing over who is “chosen” or who is descended from whom. But the Bible is very clear on two things; Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 15:50) and that God is spirit and he must be worshipped in spirit. This confirms what we already learned from the Old Testament account of Moses actually looking at God. Because he was flesh, he could only see his back parts. God clearly stated that no “man” could see his face and live. So one must ask, “why” do we insist on arguing and hurting each other with the controversy over ancestry and race? Why do we profess the love of God with our lips but continue to judge and behave based upon ethnicity?
The New Testament book of Revelations ends with clear references to the 12 tribes of Israel and the place that they will hold in eternity. So when one thinks of “tribes” we think of physical traits. But if God is spirit and flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, then the criteria used to determine who belongs to what tribe must be based upon something other than physical flesh.
When we read the beatitudes, we find that Christ gives the “criteria” of the “types” of people who are considered for roles in God’s Kingdom and eternity.
There is the tribe of the “poor on spirit” theirs is the kingdom of God
There is the tribe of “those that mourn” for they shall be comforted.
The tribe of the “meek” who inherit the earth.
The tribe who “hunger and thirst after righteousness” they shall be filled.
The tribe of the “merciful” who obtain mercy.
The tribe of the “pure in heart” they shall see God.
The tribe of the “peacemakers”: they are called the children of God.
The tribe that are “persecuted for righteousness' sake” for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Now to these eight let us add the four tribes who are filled with faith, hope, love and charity in the name of the Lord God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the World.
God is not a respecter of “persons” but he is a respecter of “spirit”. These are the characteristics that identify the “truly chosen people of God”.