Inclusion Theology

Inclusion Theology is not a fully accurate term. The term means that Gentiles have been included in Israel, the household of faith, under the New Covenant. However, Gentiles were always included in Israel. Abraham was a Gentile when he was called. There were many others in the Old Testament, including Rahab and Ruth, both of whom were included in the lineage of Christ. The Old Testament law made provision for Gentiles to join Israel, to worship God and be saved.

However, during the Old Covenant Israel were not commanded to preach to all the Gentile nations. God kept a greater inclusion of all men into His household for the New Covenant age. Speaking of the Messiah’s ministry and the New Covenant the Holy Spirit said:

I the Lord have called You in righteousness and will hold Your hand and will keep You and give You for a covenant for the people (Israel), for a light to the Gentiles. (Is 42:6).

In the New Testament James shows the same understanding:

…James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken to me: Simeon has declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name. And to this agree the words of the prophets;

as it is written, After this I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof and I will set it up: That the residue of men (“remnant” [NIV]) might seek the Lord and all the Gentiles, upon whom My name is called, who does all these things. Known to God are all His works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:13-18).

James said here that the prophet’s words about the rebuilding of David’s tabernacle were fulfilled in the church. He said that the church was made up of the remnant of the nation of Israel and the elect of the Gentiles of all nations, whom the Lord would take out for Himself, according to His plan from before creation.

Dispensationalism misconstrues this passage, saying that “after this” means after the church age. James’ clear intent was to show that the gospel age is the fulfilment of the prophets. The church is David’s tabernacle.

Always in the mind of God Israel has meant God’s people, not a tribe or nation. It has always referred to God’s elect. Gentiles were included in that in the Old Covenant era, but in the New Covenant there is “much more” grace extended through Christ.