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No. The Church and Israel are distinct entities. Of the 73 references to “Israel” in the NT, not one identify the church as Israel. The “Israel of God” reference in Gal 6:15-16 is referring to Jewish believers. The rule was equity in God, not being superseded by the church. In Romans 2, Paul does not teach no one is a Jew any longer. He says no one is a Jew -who is merely one outwardly- This does not imply that Jews are no longer, but that being one is not merely an outward show of obedience to Torah. Notice he then states, “But a Jew is – one inwardly. He’s not saying anyone can be Jewish by the indwelling of the Spirit. Nor is he teaching that no one is a Jew any longer. He’s saying everyone must experience God within the heart. Both Gentiles AND Jews. Other passages like 1 Pet 2:9-10 show similarities between Israel and the church, but similarity does not mean he was teaching Israel was replaced by the church.Do you see the Church as the new Israel?
No, many are called, few are chosen. Do you believe Israel/Jews were 'un-chosen'?Would that mean Christians or the Church is not chosen?
Salvation is otherwise known as exaltation. Nobody can receive salvation without exalting the holy one of Israel. But how can one exalt Him AND denigrate Israel in the same breath?Can one be "saved" if one is a Jew but not a believer in Jesus? Does being a messianic Jew mean one has more responsibilities than the Church?
And where do you find our God testifying of this? Who's witness are you using to believe such things? Jews have a greater inheritance than Christians? Christians become Israel? Are you familiar with replacement theology? Or do you even know that you are promoting it's fallacy?I think you are too deep for me. Maybe someone else.
I find myself wondering if Christians should also become Jews for a greater inheritance? That way Christians would be Israel.
And where do you find our God testifying of this? Who's witness are you using to believe such things? Jews have a greater inheritance than Christians? Christians become Israel? Are you familiar with replacement theology? Or do you even know that you are promoting it's fallacy?
He was being sarcastic.And where do you find our God testifying of this? Who's witness are you using to believe such things? Jews have a greater inheritance than Christians? Christians become Israel? Are you familiar with replacement theology? Or do you even know that you are promoting it's fallacy?
This can't be right. In this passage of Scripture, Paul is specifically speaking about unsaved Jews. In fact, he even says, "they are enemies of the gospel for your sake."I view "All Israel will be saved" as a reference to the spirit of Israel, which includes Jews who have received Jesus Christ, but not those who have made themselves into non-Jews in God's eyes. It also includes non-Jews who are "Jews" in spirit in God's eyes.
You make a very good point. My explanation of what the spirit of Israel refers to is dumbed down, because I can't give a single cohesive explanation of all of what it means. I think different aspects of this spirit are referred to in different passages.This can't be right. In this passage of Scripture, Paul is specifically speaking about unsaved Jews. In fact, he even says, "they are enemies of the gospel for your sake."
Do you see the Church as the new Israel?
the Christian Church is Israel
and we Christians are Jews in the purest meaning.
You make a very good point. My explanation of what the spirit of Israel refers to is dumbed down, because I can't give a single cohesive explanation of all of what it means. I think different aspects of this spirit are referred to in different passages.
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. (Romans 11:25-26, 1984 NIV)
In this passage Paul is referring to things happening over a long period of time. In context, "Israel has experienced a hardening in part" indicates a part of Israel will die in their sins. "He will turn godlessness away from Jacob" indicates the Jewish people will have godlessness. As a result, Paul is indicating there are Jews that will be lost, so the other parts of the verse ("all Israel will be saved") must be reconciled with that fact.
This passage is part of a long discourse by Paul that starts in Romans 9:1 and doesn't end until around Romans 11:32, so there's a lot there. Near the beginning, Paul writes something that needs to be reconciled with whatever else one thinks on this topic:
It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” In other words, it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. (Romans 9:6-8, 1984 NIV)