Regarding Israel and the Jews: The whole purpose of Christ’s Return is to redeem Israel and the Jews, right? Isn’t that the sole purpose? Yes, the Gentiles also reap the benefits, but that is the ultimate purpose, right?
2nd question: During the time of the Great Tribulation, are the Jews exempt from making the decision to take the mark of the beast or not? I’m confused because it says “let those flee to the mountains.” That makes it sound like they won’t have to make that decision. What about Jews here in the US or anywhere else who don’t make it to Israel to flee to the mountains?
I believe it’s reasonable to say that the redemption of Israel is the Lord’s primary purpose in returning. But through Israel, He will bring his salvation to the Gentiles as well. He wanted to do it this way when He came the first time, but their rejection forced Him to go around them instead, and thus the Church was born. The goal was always to bring His offer of salvation to the whole world.
In Isaiah 49:6 God said to His Son, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light to the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the Earth.”
During the Great Tribulation, no one will be exempt from the consequences of taking the mark. The believing remnant that will flee from the anti-Christ will be protected and won’t have to face the “take the mark or die” choice, but I believe they will be the only ones protected from this.