Nowhere in the Old Testament do we find it hinted that God may have withdrawn the covenant into which he has entered on his own initiative in favour of the people whom he has chosen for himself. On the contrary, a New Covenant is announced which, through the forgiveness of sins, brings out the fulfilment of the first alliance. Through the election of his people, the God of Israel reveals himself as the God who, whilst keeping faithful to his word, ventures into the history of mankind. This had led the Apostles to recognize the death and resurrection of Jesus as the seal of the New Covenant through the forgiveness of sins. When addressed to the Gentiles, the Apostolic preaching could not but take into account their particular status: although concerned by the salvation offered to all mankind, they were not included in the Covenant initiated on Mount Sinai. But this does not in any way cancel the specific vocation and election of the Jewish people.
