Who Is The Israel Of God ?

[Scott Hutchinson]

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing , nor uncircumcision,but a new creature.
And as many walk according to this rule,peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. GAL.6:15,16

Now there are differing views among Christians on who the Israel of God is these verses.
Whom do ye saith this is ?

Could it be Natural Israel ?
Could it be the church or Body Of Christ ?
Could it be a remnant Abraham's physical seed who have found salvation through Jesus Christ ?

[Neck]

I say the Natural Children of Isreal as defined in the Old Testement.

The word Mercy brings that to bear for me!

[Brother Price]

I say that the Church is the Israel of God.

Paul identifies what makes a true Jew (Romans 2:28-29).

He identifies true circumcision (Colossians 2:9-12).

He calls us the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16).

He says that we are of the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3).

Peter said we are a peculiar people, a chosen nation.

I believe that the Church, united across all man-made barriers is the Israel of God, God's only chosen people.

[Parson]

Hi Bro Scott

Some texts to consider:


Acts 3:12 shows that Peter viewed the church people as separate from Israel.
Act 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?


Acts 4:8,10 show distinction between the people of the church and Israel.
Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.


Acts 5:21 shows a difference between some in the church and the children of Israel.
Act 5:21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.


Romans 9:3,4 shows that Paul felt there was a difference between himself, a Jew, and his fellow Jews.
Rom 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Rom 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;


1 Corinthians 10:32 shows the distinction very nicely.

1Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1Co 10:32 Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

There is a distinction, Bro Scott.


Blessings


Parson

[Parson]

Originally Posted by Brother Price

I say that the Church is the Israel of God.

Paul identifies what makes a true Jew (Romans 2:28-29).

He identifies true circumcision (Colossians 2:9-12).

He calls us the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16).

He says that we are of the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3).

Peter said we are a peculiar people, a chosen nation.

I believe that the Church, united across all man-made barriers is the Israel of God, God's only chosen people.

Please consider this passage, Bro Price.


Romans 11:28 (NLT)
Many of the Jews are now enemies of the Good News. But this has been to your benefit, for God has given his gifts to you Gentiles. Yet the Jews are still his chosen people because of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

If you wish to go to the Greek....


As concerning the eklogē, the Jews are the agapētos--which is translated as

As concerning the ELECTION OR CHOSEN--THEY (THE JEWS) ARE THE 1) beloved, esteemed, dear, favourite, worthy of love
---

Rom 11:28-29 -
As concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your sakes — that is, they are regarded and treated as enemies (in a state of exclusion through unbelief, from the family of God) for the benefit of you Gentiles; in the sense of Rom_11:11, Rom_11:15.
but as touching, the election — of Abraham and his seed.
they are beloved — even in their state of exclusion for the fathers’ sakes.

Paul summarized God’s dealings with Israel and with the Gentiles. In order for God to bring the gospel to Gentiles He had to deal with Israel corporately as enemies. But in relation to God’s choice (election) of Abraham and His covenant with him and the patriarchs, Israel is beloved. Because God chose Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (cf. 9:6-13), He loves the nation and will carry through on His promises. This is another reason Israel’s hardening must be temporary (cf. 11:15, 22-25) and she must finally be saved corporately: God chose her. And God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable (lit., “for not repented of are the grace-gifts and the calling of God”). He does not revoke what He has given or whom He has chosen (“call” means election and salvation; cf. 1:6; 8:30).

[mizpeh]

There is an Israel after the flesh and an Israel after the Spirit.

Romans 9:6-13, 25-28 1 Cor 10:18, Eph 2:11-19 Gal 6:15,16

[Pastor Keith]

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing , nor uncircumcision,but a new creature.
And as many walk according to this rule,peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. GAL.6:15,16

Now there are differing views among Christians on who the Israel of God is these verses.
Whom do ye saith this is ?

Could it be Natural Israel ?
Could it be the church or Body Of Christ ?
Could it be a remnant Abraham's physical seed who have found salvation through Jesus Christ ?

Those Jews that turned to Christ in the 1st Century, Jews that live for him now and future Jews who will turn to him in the Tribulation.

[berkeley]

Galatians.. anyone?

[A.W. Bowman]

You have all done well up to this point. Now, add in the adoption, grafting in with the limb and root elements, and give us the conclusion of the matter.

The process, however, will still require the complete review of all scriptures (Old and New Testament) that bear on the promises, the curses, and the warnings given through the seed of Abraham, even through Moses and the prophets. For example: Who are included in the house of Israel in the O.T.? What are the conditions of this acceptance? Accommodate the teaching of Rabbi Sha'ul (Apostle Paul) in light of those original writings. Then, after all of that, the resulting doctrine will support, and be supported by, all of the other true teachings of the scriptures.

A stand alone doctrine is by definition a false doctrine, for no teaching of scripture stands alone. All scripture is combined, united, and integrated into one unified whole. Exceptions to this rule is the result of accepting the doctrines of men over the doctrines of God.

May your studies be fruitful.

Shalom Aleichem

[Pastor Keith]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

Galatians.. anyone?

You are on the path of scholarship.