Topical Bible: Naturalization: General Scriptures Concerning

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Naturalization, in the context of the Bible, refers to the process by which a foreigner becomes a member of the community of Israel, embracing its laws, customs, and faith. The Scriptures provide various insights into how foreigners were to be treated and integrated into the Israelite community, reflecting God's inclusive plan for all nations.

Inclusion of Foreigners:

The Old Testament contains several passages that address the inclusion of foreigners within the Israelite community. One of the foundational texts is found in Exodus 12:48-49, which states: "If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the Passover to the LORD, all the males in his household must be circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land. No uncircumcised male may eat it. The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you."

This passage highlights the requirement for foreigners to undergo circumcision, symbolizing their full acceptance of the covenant and their commitment to the God of Israel. It also emphasizes the equal application of the law to both natives and foreigners, underscoring the principle of equality before God.

Treatment of Foreigners:

Leviticus 19:33-34 further elaborates on the treatment of foreigners: "When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."

This commandment calls for compassion and love towards foreigners, reminding the Israelites of their own history as strangers in Egypt. It establishes a moral and ethical standard for the treatment of those who seek to join the community, reflecting God's justice and mercy.

Ruth as a Model of Naturalization:

The account of Ruth provides a narrative example of naturalization. Ruth, a Moabite woman, chooses to leave her homeland and embrace the people and God of Israel. In Ruth 1:16, she declares to Naomi, "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God."

Ruth's commitment to Naomi and her God exemplifies the spiritual and communal integration that naturalization entails. Her acceptance into the community is further affirmed by her marriage to Boaz and her inclusion in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.

Prophetic Vision of Inclusion:

The prophets also speak to the inclusion of foreigners in God's redemptive plan. Isaiah 56:6-7 proclaims: "And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants, all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it, and who hold fast to My covenant—I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations."

This prophetic vision anticipates a time when all nations will worship the Lord together, highlighting the inclusivity of God's kingdom and the ultimate fulfillment of His promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed.

New Testament Perspective:

In the New Testament, the concept of naturalization is expanded through the work of Christ, who breaks down the barriers between Jew and Gentile. Ephesians 2:19-20 states: "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone."

Through faith in Christ, all believers, regardless of their ethnic or national background, are integrated into the household of God, becoming part of the spiritual Israel. This reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for unity and reconciliation among all peoples.

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Acts 22:28
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
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Ephesians 2:12,19
That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
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