The Secret of the Lord Part 5: Blinding of Israel and the Dispensation of Grace

Based on Scott Mitchell's Bible Message The Secret of the Lord Part 5: Israel Blinded, Grace Revealed

Understanding the blinding of Israel and the dispensation of grace is essential if we are going to stand firm in a time when apostasy is spreading rapidly. Social media has become a platform where influencers make bold, heretical claims for attention. Many present themselves as teachers of the Word, yet they deny the truth of scripture and lead others into confusion. The answer has never changed: we must understand the mysteries of God and rightly divide the Word of Truth.

Psalm 25:14 declares, “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” God has revealed a hidden truth reserved for those who enter a covenant relationship through Jesus Christ. This secret includes His plan for Israel, the Gentiles, and the present age of grace.

The Blinding of Israel and the Dispensation of Grace

The blinding of Israel and the dispensation of grace did not begin as a random shift in God’s dealings with mankind. It was prophesied long before Christ. Romans 11:7-8 explains that Israel, seeking righteousness through the law, stumbled when they rejected their Messiah. Their blindness was both judicial and spiritual, allowing God to extend salvation in a new way.

Paul writes in Romans 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Israel sought righteousness through works. The Gentiles, who were never under the law, received righteousness by faith. God used Israel’s rejection to open the door for the nations.

Paul’s Unique Ministry to the Gentiles

Galatians 2:9 records that James, Cephas, and John recognized Paul’s distinct calling: “the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me.” Paul did not receive his message from the twelve nor from tradition. It was given directly by the risen Lord (Ephesians 3:1–7).

This revelation included the mystery that Gentiles would become “fellowheirs, and of the same body.” The apostles to the circumcision preached the gospel of the kingdom, looking toward Israel’s national salvation. Paul preached the gospel of grace—individual salvation through faith in Christ apart from the law.

The distinction caused conflict, even with Peter. Galatians 2:11-13 records Paul confronting him over hypocrisy when certain Jewish believers pressured him to separate from Gentile converts. False teachers attempted to bring Gentiles back into bondage under Mosaic requirements, but Paul refused to compromise the truth.

Prophecy of Israel’s Blindness

The blinding of Israel and the dispensation of grace were foretold in scripture. Matthew 13:10-17 reveals that Jesus spoke in parables because Israel’s heart had grown dull. Isaiah 59:20-21 and Zechariah 12:9-10 foretold a future national repentance when they will look upon the One they pierced.

Romans 11:25-27 summarizes the mystery:

“blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”

Israel’s blindness is temporary. God has not cast them away. Their national restoration will take place when the Lord returns, and they enter a new covenant relationship through Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hosea 5:15).

Salvation Offered to All Through Grace

For now, God is reconciling sinners individually through the gospel of grace.

Romans 5:8-10 reminds us:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

The message Paul received was revolutionary. Instead of salvation flowing through Israel to the nations, God now saves both Jew and Gentile through faith alone. Any Jew today can be saved, not by returning to the law, but by believing the same gospel given to the Gentiles.

God flipped the script on the Christ-rejecting nation. The kingdom program has been paused for nearly 2,000 years. The church has not replaced Israel, but serves as God’s vessel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in.

Why Rightly Dividing Matters

Failing to recognize the blinding of Israel and the dispensation of grace leads to confusion. Mixing the gospel of the kingdom with the gospel of grace results in contradictory teachings about law, works, and salvation.

Paul urged believers to stand fast in the liberty Christ provided and to avoid those who twist scripture for profit or influence. False messages continue today, often wrapped in spiritual language but rooted in error.

Conclusion

Sinners and enemies have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. This is the message entrusted to Paul, and it remains the only hope for mankind. Israel is temporarily set aside, blinded to the truth about Jesus as Messiah, yet any Jew can be saved today through the same gospel given to the Gentiles.

The nation will one day turn to the Lord, and He will then return and establish His covenant with them. Until then, believers must hold fast to the truth, understand the mysteries of God, and rightly divide the Word.

Next time, we will look at the distinctions between the kingdom gospel and the gospel of grace to understand why this division is essential. Ignoring the secret of the Lord only leads to confusion.

If you have never trusted Christ as your Savior, call upon Him today. Salvation comes by faith, not by works or law. Redemption is available because of His finished work on the cross.

Be watchful, and remember—our redemption draws near.