What does the Bible say?

Will Jews automatically go to heaven

because they are the seed of Abraham?

Their fleshly birth has some honor (Rom. 2:17), but also responsibility (Rom. 2:23,25,28). The flesh is rejected of God, even the most moral of mankind, which were the Jews. They claim national privilege, that they are the people of God and keepers of His Law. Yet when God sent His Son to them, they did not know Him and sought to kill Him (Jn. 1:11 & 7:1).

Jesus covered this question thoroughly in John the 8th chapter. He plainly told them He was the Messiah (Vs. 12, 18, 23) as He had told them from the beginning. They did not believe Him, for they really did not know the Father (V. 19). Jesus declared their fleshly boast (V. 33) was not enough. It did not give them any title to be free from sin. Verse 24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” He pointed out their need of personal salvation. He speaks of their bondage in sin, which is the greatest slavery (V. 34). A bondman (servant) cannot abide in the house (V. 35), not in God’s house nor man’s house. For servants are not sons. Sons only have a right in the home (V. 36).

The Apostle Paul illustrates this in Gal. 4:22-31 with reference to Hagar and Ishmael. Two seeds of Abraham are in view Ishmael and Isaac. The casting out of the bondmaid was soon to come to pass. The cross was the place of separation. For it is the Son that abides forever. Isaac in type the spiritual Seed is the Son. The fleshly line is the servant. The Son is free, not in bondage to sin. He is God’s free man. Christ is the seed, the Son through whom all freemen are brought into being. Christ alone delivers men from the bondage of sin and gives them right to sonship

Jesus did not deny they were born of Abraham, but showed them their true character and likeness (Jn. 8:37 & 38), and how far removed they were from their profession. If they had been men of faith like Abraham, they would have recognized the Son who proceeds from the Father (Vs. 39-40 & 42). Jesus said in Verse 56, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day and he saw it, and was glad.” Verse 58, ]”Verily, Verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”

E. J. D.