How is the Church connected to Israel? To understand this question, we need to look to the Bible for the answer. God’s desire is not for us to be unaware or confused about Israel. There is such a great need to be scripturally sound in our understanding of God’s plans for Israel and the Church.
It’s A Mystery
“For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” Romans 11:25
Paul urges us in Romans 11 that we shouldn’t be ignorant of the mystery so that we should become wise in our own eyes. This mystery is that blindness in part has come the Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. When that happens the promise is that “All Israel will be saved”.
To enter more fully into this mystery we must address the fact that the Church has not replaced Israel in the promises and plans of God, even in their rejection. Yes, we do inherit the promises of God as we have been welcomed into the family tree. But we must not come into agreement with the idea that God is finished in regards to Israel. Paul echoes that sentiment with an emphatic, “Certainly Not!”
“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. ”
God’s plan was to bring the gospel to the whole world through the Jewish people’s rejection of Jesus.
The Gifts And Callings Of God Are Irrevocable
“Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:28-29
God has not cast off or forgotten about Israel. He has a plan to bring them back into the family of God again. This portion of Scripture speaks to the enduring covenant between God and the Jewish people, emphasizing their irrevocable calling and election. The divine promise is outlined in these verses asserting that despite Israel’s historical disobedience, God’s covenantal commitment remains steadfast. These verses affirm God’s unchanging love and sovereign purpose for the Jewish people, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of their role in God’s redemptive plan.
The Plan is Us
“I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!” Romans 11:11-12
There is an intricate connection between the Church and Israel within the framework of God’s redemptive plan. This passage highlights God’s overarching purpose. It extends salvation to the Gentiles, provoking Israel to jealousy and ultimately leading to their reconciliation. As Gentile believers embrace the Jewish Messiah and partake in the blessings of salvation, they become grafted into the olive tree of Israel. They then share in the spiritual inheritance promised to God’s chosen people. Romans 11:11-12 underscores the inseparable bond between the Church and Israel. It highlights God’s sovereign plan to unite all believers. Both Jew and Gentile are under the banner of His grace and mercy.
“Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:11-13
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