Genesis 15 Jacob Israel SD 480p

The original, common priesthood of Adam, that Cain as first-born son lost, was handed to Adam’s third son Seth. Generations later this common priesthood was received by Noah as the new father of all nations (Genesis 5). Many generations later the priesthood was given in a special way to the nation of Israel as the adopted “firstborn son”, as a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 4:22; 19:6 RSVCE).” The reason God favored Israel, teaches the Catechism, was, beginning with Israel “to save humanity part by part (CCC 56)”. In other words, one nation is chosen for the sake of all nations, for all peoples are called to be adopted sons and daughters of God. The one chosen nation, Israel, and all the nations that Israel is chosen for are, in different ways, called to be adopted children of God. As Ratzinger explains, the adopted “firstborn” sonship of Israel is by election, after the Fall, while the adopted sonship of all other nations is by creation, prior to the Fall. To call people back to Him, God chooses elects Israel as the one nation to have a special paternal relationship with God so that gradually through time all nations will return to God. God’s will that all be offered salvation unfolds gradually through history, by one, or a few being chosen for many until the fullness of time when the only begotten son Jesus Christ takes on flesh.