A question…  When you say

"6. He died for the ‘sins’ of a recalcitrant nation, but the realignment
of the people
around Jesus himself – as king, son, word, temple, high priest – meant
that the door was now open for Gentiles to become part of the people of
God. Indirectly, therefore,
this was a death for the whole world."

What gentiles where there?  Are you speaking of the people of other nations, of other beliefs?  You are basically saying that god only accepts the faith of people who believe in the torah and the new testament?  I doubt that Jesus, or God, would have not acceptted anyone.  Afterall, isn’t God and Jesus all about love and respect?