The Israel of God

[Protestant]

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

In Paul’s mind there is no controversy as to the identity of the Israel of God.

Only those Jews and Gentiles who are new creatures in Christ are the Israel of God.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Only those Jews and Gentiles born of the Spirit of God are new creatures in Christ Jesus who now have the power, right and authority to worship and serve the true God.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The Israel of God is spiritual, not carnal.

For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Only those who are the promised elect according to the merciful sovereign eternal will of God are considered true Israel.

They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

The Kingdom of God is spiritual, not carnal.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Therefore, the Israel of God is the Kingdom of God since both encompass the same spiritual people.

It has always been God’s plan to graft Gentiles into Jesus Christ, the olive tree and true vine that they, too, would be included in the Kingdom of God.

18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

James explains the prophecy of Amos 9:11-12 (as well as those of several other prophets, including Ezekiel) as being fulfilled in the calling of the Gentiles:

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Paul elaborates the mystery of God’s calling the Gentiles into the household of God (Ephesians 2) whereby He no longer distinguishes Jew from Gentile.

In Christ they are one new man, one body:

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Furthermore, Paul explains that the literal Jewish OT Temple was a type of its antitype: the spiritual NT Temple of God comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers in whom God dwells:

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The truth of the Israel of God is not difficult to discern as it is explained by many pertinent examples throughout the New Testament, having been prophesied beforehand in the Old Testament.

And is it not ironic that most of the explaining is done by an ex-Pharisee who had every right to glory in his flesh?

 

[kyredneck]

Good post. But I think the real 'Israel of God' has always been the children of promise born from the Jerusalem above, Jew & Gentile, OT & NT. It's simply brought to light with the removal of the old covenant.

15 for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation;
16 and as many as by this rule do walk -- peace upon them, and kindness, and on the Israel of God! Gal 6 YLT

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:
3 for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh: Phil 3

 

[Getting it Right]

And is it not ironic that most of the explaining is done by an ex-Pharisee who had every right to glory in his flesh?

Nice post......

Galatians 6:15-16 ~ ~ In verse fifteen Paul states that the important thing for salvation is faith. He then pronounces a blessing on two groups who would follow this rule of salvation by faith alone. The first group is the Gentile Christians, the second group is the Israel of God. The latter are Hebrew Christians who confessed salvation by Grace through Faith alone, not the mechanics of the Hebrew Bible.

A distinction between the two groups is pointed out: Hebrew Christians alone are the Israel of God. See as well Galatians 2:7-8 and Romans 2:28-29.

:godisgood:

 

[kyredneck]

Nice post......

Galatians 6:15-16 ~ ~ In verse fifteen Paul states that the important thing for salvation is faith. He then pronounces a blessing on two groups who would follow this rule of salvation by faith alone. The first group is the Gentile Christians, the second group is the Israel of God. The latter are Hebrew Christians who confessed salvation by Grace through Faith alone, not the mechanics of the Hebrew Bible.

A distinction between the two groups is pointed out: Hebrew Christians alone are the Israel of God. See as well Galatians 2:7-8 and Romans 2:28-29.

:godisgood:

...blows my mind how overpowering one's own presuppositions can be, particularly with the dispies when it comes to their most holy, sacred, precious, adored Golden Calf, Israel after the flesh. There is no longer any 'distinction' between the two. Most of the context of the epistle to the Galatian Churches was all about refuting the efforts of the Judaizers, and clearly Paul was letting these Churches know that THEY were the 'Israel of God' (Gal 6:15,16), just as in the epistle to the Saints at Phillippi (Phil 3:3).

You're insisting on the distinction of two entities where the scriptures say there's now only one:

14 For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition,
15 having abolished in the flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; Eph 2

And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no distinction...Acts 11:12

and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Acts 15:9

even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction; Ro 3:22

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: Ro 9:12

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: Ro 10:12

where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. Col 3:11

There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:28

For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Cor 12:13

15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Gal 6

 

[RLBosley]

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

In Paul’s mind there is no controversy as to the identity of the Israel of God.

Only those Jews and Gentiles who are new creatures in Christ are the Israel of God.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Only those Jews and Gentiles born of the Spirit of God are new creatures in Christ Jesus who now have the power, right and authority to worship and serve the true God.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The Israel of God is spiritual, not carnal.

For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Only those who are the promised elect according to the merciful sovereign eternal will of God are considered true Israel.

They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

The Kingdom of God is spiritual, not carnal.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Therefore, the Israel of God is the Kingdom of God since both encompass the same spiritual people.

It has always been God’s plan to graft Gentiles into Jesus Christ, the olive tree and true vine that they, too, would be included in the Kingdom of God.

18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

James explains the prophecy of Amos 9:11-12 (as well as those of several other prophets, including Ezekiel) as being fulfilled in the calling of the Gentiles:

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Paul elaborates the mystery of God’s calling the Gentiles into the household of God (Ephesians 2) whereby He no longer distinguishes Jew from Gentile.

In Christ they are one new man, one body:

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Furthermore, Paul explains that the literal Jewish OT Temple was a type of its antitype: the spiritual NT Temple of God comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers in whom God dwells:

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The truth of the Israel of God is not difficult to discern as it is explained by many pertinent examples throughout the New Testament, having been prophesied beforehand in the Old Testament.

And is it not ironic that most of the explaining is done by an ex-Pharisee who had every right to glory in his flesh?

Nailed it. :thumbs:

 

[BobRyan]

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

In Paul’s mind there is no controversy as to the identity of the Israel of God.

Only those Jews and Gentiles who are new creatures in Christ are the Israel of God.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Only those Jews and Gentiles born of the Spirit of God are new creatures in Christ Jesus who now have the power, right and authority to worship and serve the true God.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The Israel of God is spiritual, not carnal.

For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Only those who are the promised elect according to the merciful sovereign eternal will of God are considered true Israel.

They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

good points all - and so also Romans 2

Rom 2
26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

There is that "New Covenant" language again.

in Christ,

Bob

 

[Protestant]

Thank you all for your kind words.

I find it quite disturbing, (as I am sure you do), how so many professed Bible believers can fall into error concerning a doctrine so clearly explained in so many ways by so many apostles and prophets.

The Israel of God comprises the same elect sheep gathered into the one fold by the Good Shepherd, Christ.

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other [Gentile] sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Ezekiel 34 prophesied the Lord’s gathering His Jewish and Gentile elect sheep from among the nations:

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

Rev. 7 is the fulfillment of John 10:

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand [out]of all the tribes of the children of [professing] Israel.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

God has eternally planned to gather a people for His name…..an elect nation, the Israel of God, one body consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers who will worship and serve their Lord and Savior in one Spirit and in one faith for all eternity.

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism [the sealing of the Spirit],
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

These same elect Sheep are also known as His Church, His Body, His Members, His Bride, His Beloved, His Temple, His city, New Jerusalem, the Sons of Abraham, the Redeemed, the Circumcision of Heart, the Called, the Faithful, the Chosen, a Remnant, a Priesthood, Saints, sinners saved by grace, the election of grace; etc; etc; etc.

 

[Getting it Right]

Originally Posted by Getting it Right

Nice post......

Galatians 6:15-16 ~ ~ In verse fifteen Paul states that the important thing for salvation is faith. He then pronounces a blessing on two groups who would follow this rule of salvation by faith alone. The first group is the Gentile Christians, the second group is the Israel of God. The latter are Hebrew Christians who confessed salvation by Grace through Faith alone, not the mechanics of the Hebrew Bible.

A distinction between the two groups is pointed out: Hebrew Christians alone are the Israel of God. See as well Galatians 2:7-8 and Romans 2:28-29.

To provide additional insight:

Gotta watch those semantics! The "Israel of God" is those Hebrew folk who converted to Christianity by Grace through Faith, a people group of ethnic Hebrews, who became born-again Believers in Jesus as Savior (one by one)....they were not "all Israel."

It is obvious to us today that converted Jews and Gentiles are all one in the Body of Christ. That does not mean that the Body is the "Israel of God." Paul's reference is to that converted Hebrew people group then. He points them out, in that day.

This was a wonderful result of his ministry in that day. Recall Paul's heart's cry in Romans 9-11, especially 10:1-7, that "all Isarel might be saved" in accordance with the message Jesus gave to Paul, Grace through Faith.

:applause:

 

[OldRegular]

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

In Paul’s mind there is no controversy as to the identity of the Israel of God.

Only those Jews and Gentiles who are new creatures in Christ are the Israel of God.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Only those Jews and Gentiles born of the Spirit of God are new creatures in Christ Jesus who now have the power, right and authority to worship and serve the true God.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The Israel of God is spiritual, not carnal.

For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Only those who are the promised elect according to the merciful sovereign eternal will of God are considered true Israel.

They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

The Kingdom of God is spiritual, not carnal.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Therefore, the Israel of God is the Kingdom of God since both encompass the same spiritual people.

It has always been God’s plan to graft Gentiles into Jesus Christ, the olive tree and true vine that they, too, would be included in the Kingdom of God.

18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

James explains the prophecy of Amos 9:11-12 (as well as those of several other prophets, including Ezekiel) as being fulfilled in the calling of the Gentiles:

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Paul elaborates the mystery of God’s calling the Gentiles into the household of God (Ephesians 2) whereby He no longer distinguishes Jew from Gentile.

In Christ they are one new man, one body:

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Furthermore, Paul explains that the literal Jewish OT Temple was a type of its antitype: the spiritual NT Temple of God comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers in whom God dwells:

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The truth of the Israel of God is not difficult to discern as it is explained by many pertinent examples throughout the New Testament, having been prophesied beforehand in the Old Testament.

And is it not ironic that most of the explaining is done by an ex-Pharisee who had every right to glory in his flesh?

Long post, lot of Scripture, but I believe you have it right!

 

[BobRyan]

Romans 9 and Romans 2 seal the deal - the church is the Israel of God and thus the New Covenant "with the House of Israel" is in fact for all saints in all ages.

good points all - and so also Romans 2

Rom 2
26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

There is that "New Covenant" language again.

 

[savedbymercy]

To provide additional insight:

Gotta watch those semantics! The "Israel of God" is those Hebrew folk who converted to Christianity by Grace through Faith, a people group of ethnic Hebrews, who became born-again Believers in Jesus as Savior (one by one)....they were not "all Israel."

It is obvious to us today that converted Jews and Gentiles are all one in the Body of Christ. That does not mean that the Body is the "Israel of God." Paul's reference is to that converted Hebrew people group then. He points them out, in that day.

This was a wonderful result of his ministry in that day. Recall Paul's heart's cry in Romans 9-11, especially 10:1-7, that "all Isarel might be saved" in accordance with the message Jesus gave to Paul, Grace through Faith.

:applause:

There is no race distinction in Christ, that is contrary to the Work of the Cross ! The Israel of God is strictly a Spiritual People born of the Spirit !

 

[savedbymercy]

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

In Paul’s mind there is no controversy as to the identity of the Israel of God.

Only those Jews and Gentiles who are new creatures in Christ are the Israel of God.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Only those Jews and Gentiles born of the Spirit of God are new creatures in Christ Jesus who now have the power, right and authority to worship and serve the true God.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The Israel of God is spiritual, not carnal.

For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Only those who are the promised elect according to the merciful sovereign eternal will of God are considered true Israel.

They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

The Kingdom of God is spiritual, not carnal.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Therefore, the Israel of God is the Kingdom of God since both encompass the same spiritual people.

It has always been God’s plan to graft Gentiles into Jesus Christ, the olive tree and true vine that they, too, would be included in the Kingdom of God.

18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

James explains the prophecy of Amos 9:11-12 (as well as those of several other prophets, including Ezekiel) as being fulfilled in the calling of the Gentiles:

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Paul elaborates the mystery of God’s calling the Gentiles into the household of God (Ephesians 2) whereby He no longer distinguishes Jew from Gentile.

In Christ they are one new man, one body:

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Furthermore, Paul explains that the literal Jewish OT Temple was a type of its antitype: the spiritual NT Temple of God comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers in whom God dwells:

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The truth of the Israel of God is not difficult to discern as it is explained by many pertinent examples throughout the New Testament, having been prophesied beforehand in the Old Testament.

And is it not ironic that most of the explaining is done by an ex-Pharisee who had every right to glory in his flesh?

This is a pretty good post !

 

[savedbymercy]

...blows my mind how overpowering one's own presuppositions can be, particularly with the dispies when it comes to their most holy, sacred, precious, adored Golden Calf, Israel after the flesh. There is no longer any 'distinction' between the two. Most of the context of the epistle to the Galatian Churches was all about refuting the efforts of the Judaizers, and clearly Paul was letting these Churches know that THEY were the 'Israel of God' (Gal 6:15,16), just as in the epistle to the Saints at Phillippi (Phil 3:3).

You're insisting on the distinction of two entities where the scriptures say there's now only one:

14 For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition,
15 having abolished in the flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; Eph 2

And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no distinction...Acts 11:12

and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Acts 15:9

even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction; Ro 3:22

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: Ro 9:12

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: Ro 10:12

where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. Col 3:11

There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:28

For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Cor 12:13

15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Gal 6

Israel after the flesh are not the Children of God and have no part in the Inheritance Rom 9:8 !

 

[savedbymercy]

Who God views as a Jew !

Rom 2:28-29

28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Now basically,essentially what Paul is teaching here is that being a Jew in God's reckoning and estimation has nothing to do with racial ethnicity, but most certainly has to do with a inward change of the Heart by the Spirit, in fact this was intimated in the OT, for David writes Ps 73:1

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

None by nature has a clean Heart, thats a New Creation from God Ps 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Now any person born again of the Spirit is a Jew, as when Jesus said Jn 3:7-8

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.[is a Jew]

Everyone Born of the Spirit is in God's reckoning a Jew, it has nothing at all to do with bloodline. Remember whom Jesus said it was that believed on Him and or received Him ? Lets read Jn 1:12-13

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

It was those, not born of blood, but of the Spirit of God !

God reckons a Gentile a Jew or of the Circumcision if he is Righteous Rom 2:26

26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

See that is exactly the case with all for whom Christ Lived and died, by and through Him they have kept the Righteousness of the Law Rom 5:19

19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

That means the many have been made Keepers of the Law for Righteousness. The word righteous dikaios means:

I.righteous, observing divine laws
A.
in a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God

By this, they are the Circumcision, a Jew, thats what Rom 2:26 intimates, all whom God sees Christ acting in behalf of when He kept the Righteousness of the Law, they were of the Circumcision, but it has noting to do with ethnicity. All Believers are the Circumcision and therfore Jews, Paul when writing Believers in Phillipi wrote Phil 3:3

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Now if Paul meant this to only refer to jewish believers as some ignorantly may teach, then he immediately becomes a liar because then he would in deed be having a little confidence in the flesh !

But alas, Gods Jews have nothing to do with ethnicity and bloodline, but all to do with the Blood of Christ and subsequently the Work of the Spirit in New Birth !471

 

[savedbymercy]

The Gentiles are Israel !

That the Gentiles are Israel is revealed by the scripture if God has given us eyes to see, for instance here Hos 1:10-11

10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

11 Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.

In this verse the subject is the Children of Israel Vs 10 and in Vs 11 the Cildren of Israel and the Children of Judah !

Now in the NT the Apostle Paul by the Inspiration of God as a Minister of the New estament or Covenant 2 Cor 3:6 He under the guidiance of the Spirit of God applies Hos 1:10-11 to the Call of the Gentiles and Jews together of the Vessels of Mercy Rom 9:23-28

23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

This is as plain as the noon day sun to those who have eyes to see, that the Call of the Gentiles is included with the fulfillment of the Prophecy of Hosea regarding the Children of Israel and the Children of Judah !

 

[savedbymercy]

Who is Israel , The Israel of God ?

The Israel of God which pertaineth all the Promises of God towards them, its all them He foreknew Rom 11:2

2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying,

These God did not cast away His People, but He did cast away the nation of israel, thats stated here Rom 11:15

For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

National Israel was cast away, so evidentally they were not His People which He foreknew !

Now those God foreknew are the ones He foreknew in Christ and their conformity to the Image of Christ Rom 8:28-30

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

That word foreknow is the exact word found in Rom 11:2

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

This definitely informs us that God's People of Rom 11:2 those He foreknew are the exact same People of Rom 8:29 whom He did foreknow and predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Now from this it is easy to draw the conclusion that it is the Church the Body of Christ that is God's Israel and His People that He foreknew in Rom 11:2 !476

 

[Doubting Thomas]

Good post. But I think the real 'Israel of God' has always been the children of promise born from the Jerusalem above, Jew & Gentile, OT & NT. It's simply brought to light with the removal of the old covenant.

I concur. According to Ephesians 3, this was part of God's eternal purpose, but the mystery of the Gentile's inclusion was 'hidden' in the OT.

 

[savedbymercy]

Who is Israel , The Israel of God ? 2

And we know that the ones God foreknew as Per Rom 11:2 ; 8:29

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Those He predestinated to the conformity of Christ, so that must be the same blessing for the foreknown in Rom 11:2

2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying,

Which is Israel Elect ! Now since they are predestinated, they have to be the ones here Eph 1:4-5

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

And the ones He foreknew Rom 8:29 ;11:2 are His People Matt 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

This means the His People of Matt 1:21 is the same as His People of Rom 11:2 which is the same as the foreknown of Rom 8:29 which are the same as the predestinated ones of Eph 1:4-5 which is the Church !

 

[OldRegular]

I concur. According to Ephesians 3, this was part of God's eternal purpose, but the mystery of the Gentile's inclusion was 'hidden' in the OT.

Not really! Even Scofield in his Introduction to the Song of Solomon concedes this. {Original Scofield Bible}

 

[Yeshua1]

To provide additional insight:

Gotta watch those semantics! The "Israel of God" is those Hebrew folk who converted to Christianity by Grace through Faith, a people group of ethnic Hebrews, who became born-again Believers in Jesus as Savior (one by one)....they were not "all Israel."

It is obvious to us today that converted Jews and Gentiles are all one in the Body of Christ. That does not mean that the Body is the "Israel of God." Paul's reference is to that converted Hebrew people group then. He points them out, in that day.

This was a wonderful result of his ministry in that day. Recall Paul's heart's cry in Romans 9-11, especially 10:1-7, that "all Isarel might be saved" in accordance with the message Jesus gave to Paul, Grace through Faith.

:applause:

Exactly!

The Apostle paul meant by the term Spiritual isreal to be reference to jews who had, just like, received Yeshua as their Messiah and Lord, but not in a sense that Gentiles and jews in the Church were making up spiritual isreal...

It would be the saved jews who were and are such in the plans of God...