We pray and hope that this simple explanation and compilation of Bible verses will help you to clarify some questions you might have on who is the Israel of the promise, the Israel of God.
Does the flesh make us Israelites in God’s eyes? Does the Zionist secular state of Israel, as we know it today, was founded by God?
The house of Israel is left desolate
Jesus said that the house of the Jewish people was about to be abandoned and desolate for rejecting their prophets and their own Messiah, in fact until He returns:
Matthew 23:37-39 ESV
[37] “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! [38] See, your house is left to you desolate. [39] For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he (Jesus) who comes in the name of the LORD (God).’”
He also predicted the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, which in fact happened in the year 70 AC by the Roman’s army, as a punishment for the sins of the people of Israel. Since then, they were all exiled, as their house was abandoned and desolate:
Matthew 24:1-2 ESV
[1] Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. [2] But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
Jesus said that his Kingdom is not of this world
Jesus said that his Kingdom is not of this world, not an earthly kingdom. The Jews didn't believe in Jesus and killed him because they expected their Messiah to free them from Romans' occupation. But we, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, are God’s people in union with Jesus the Messiah. We are a holy, spiritual nation, but we are temporary residents and foreigners on this earth, according to the Scriptures:
John 18:36 ESV
[36] Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
1 Peter 2:9-11 ESV
[9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. [11] Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
A real Jew is the one who is circumcised in the heart
A real Jew is not the one who is only circumcised in the flesh, but the one who is circumcised in the heart in union with Jesus the Messiah:
Romans 2:25-29 ESV
[25] For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.
[26] So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? [27] Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law.
[28] For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. [29] But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
Philippians 3:2-3 ESV
[2] Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. [3] For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.
Colossians 2:11-12 ESV [11] In him (Jesus) also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, [12] having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
God has not rejected the Israelites, for He promised to save a remnant of them
God has punished but never completely rejected the Israelites for their constant rebellion and disobedience to Him, and for rejecting and killing their Messiah. The reason why is because of the promises He had made with Abraham. God has chosen and kept a REMNANT of Israelites who believe in God's promise of an offspring given to Abraham:
Romans 11:1-6 ESV
[1] I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. [2] God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? [3] “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” [4] But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
[5] So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. [6] But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
Romans 9:27-29 ESV
[27] And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a REMNANT of them will be saved, [28] for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” [29] And as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.”
Only a remnant of Israelites who believe in the Messiah will be saved
The children of God are not those who are born of a physical birth, but those who are reborn with a birth that comes from God through faith in his Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), regardless of whether they are Jews or Gentiles: John 1:11-13 ESV [11] He [Jesus] came to his own [Israel], and his own people did not receive him. [12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. Jesus said once to the Jews who were not listening to him nor the words of God, that they didn't belong to God but to their father the devil, the father of lies. This clearly proves that not all Jews will be saved just because they are genetically Jews. Only those who sincerely believe that Jesus is the Lord and Messiah sent by God: John 8:41-47 ESV [41] (Jesus:) You are doing the works your father did.” They (the Jews) said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” [42] Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. [43] Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. [44] You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. [45] But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. [46] Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? [47] Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” Moises talked to the Jewish people about the coming of another Prophet like him. In fact, he was talking about the coming of the Messiah. And he continued saying that any Jew who doesn't listen to the Messiah will be removed from being part of God's people: Acts 3:22-23 ESV [22] Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet (the Messiah) like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. [23] And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’
The apostles Peter and John spoke with conviction and boldness when they were arrested by the Jewish religious leaders for healing a cripple man, saying that there is no salvation for Jews except by believing in Jesus the Messiah:
Acts 4:11-12 ESV
[11] This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you (the Jews), the builders, which has become the cornerstone. [12] And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Jewish people's minds were hardened and that's why they cannot understand the truth of God's Word when they read the Scriptures to this day. But as soon as they believe and turn to the Lord Jesus, the veil in their eyes will be lifted:
2 Corinthians 3:14-16 ESV
[14] But their (Jewish people) minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. [15] Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. [16] But when one turns to the Lord [Jesus], the veil is removed.
The apostle Paul explains in Romans chapter 9 that the Gentiles, who were not following God's Law, were made right with God because of their faith in Jesus. But the Israelites, who were keeping the Law, were not made right with God for not trusting in the Messiah:
Romans 9:30-33 ESV [30] What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; [31] but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. [32] Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone (the Messiah), [33] as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
The apostle Peter writes that when we (whether Jews or Gentiles) believe and come to Jesus—who is the living cornerstone of God's temple, rejected by his people, but chosen by God for great honor—, we are then transformed into living stones, chosen people, and holy priests of God the Father, to offer him continual spiritual sacrifices through the mediation of Jesus, his Son and Messiah:
1 Peter 2:4-8 ESV
[4] As you come to him (Jesus), a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, [5] you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
[6] For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
[7] So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” [8] and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
The complete remnant of Israelites will be saved after the complete remnant of Gentiles has been saved
Paul writes in Romans 11:25-26 that “some of the people of Israel (those who have yet to repent and be saved by faith in Christ Jesus) have hardened their hearts.” But they will be saved after the number of the Gentiles (the remnant of non-Israelites who repent and are saved by faith in Jesus) has come in. That is why Paul goes on to say that “then all Israel (the whole remnant of Israelites who repent and believe in Christ) will be saved.” And then he adds that God has not rejected the people of Israel, because He chose the ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Romans 11:1-10, 28-29) Romans 11:25-27 ESV [25] Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. [26] And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; [27] “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” Not all Israel will be saved. Only a REMNANT of Israelites will repent and be saved, just as only a remnant of Gentiles will repent and be saved. In fact, Paul says in Romans 9:26, quoting the prophecy of Isaiah 10:22, that “though the children of Israel are as numerous as the sand on the seashore, only a REMNANT will be saved.” Here is a good passage in Micah 2:12 which confirms and clarifies what Paul was referring in Romans 11:26 that “all Israel will be saved”, which in fact is saying that ALL the REMNANT of Israel who repent and believe in Christ will be saved: Micah 2:12 ESV [12] I will surely assemble ALL of you, O Jacob; I will gather the REMNANT of Israel; I will set them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in its pasture, a noisy multitude of men. Paul continues writing in Romans chapter 11: Romans 11:28-32 ESV [28] As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. [29] For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. [30] For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, [31] so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. [32] For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all (Jews and Gentiles). Here above it says that God will have mercy on ALL, yes, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. But this doesn't mean that all Gentiles and Jews will be saved. Only those of poor spirit, the meek, the merciful, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers will be saved and called children of God. (See Matthew 5:1-9.) Only those whether Jews or Gentiles who believe and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Savior, will be adopted as children of God. (See John 1:12-13; Romans 10:8-13.)
When will the complete remnant of Gentiles and Israelites be saved?
The following verses confirm that this will take place at the moment of the Rapture just after the Great Tribulation or Anguish perpetrated by the Antichrist, when EVERY PERSON in the world will SEE JESUS CHRIST coming from the clouds of heaven and mourn, including those who pierced or crucify him—the Jews. Isaiah 59:20-21 ESV [20] “And a Redeemer (Jesus) will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression (sin),” declares the Lord. [21] “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the Lord, “from this time forth and forevermore.” Zechariah 12:9-10 ESV [9] “And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. [10] “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him (Jesus) whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. Matthew 24:29-31 ESV [29] “Immediately after the [great] tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [30] Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man (Jesus Christ), and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. [31] And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect [from all over the world], from the four winds [of the earth], from one end of heaven to the other. Revelation 1:7 ESV [7] Behold, he (Jesus) is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced (crucify) him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. Revelation 14:9-16 ESV [9] And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast (the Antichrist) and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, [10] he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. [11] And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” [12] Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. [13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” [14] Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man (Jesus Christ), with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. [15] And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” [16] So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Christians must preach the Gospel to Jews and non-Jews now and wherever they are
There is no Scripture that says we must currently help Jews, so that they may believe and be saved, to return to the land that God had promised to the Israelites in the Old Covenant or Testament. In fact, when Jesus the Messiah returns, everyone will see him coming, including Jews, wherever they are.
Revelation 1:5-7 NIV
[5] To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, [6] to him who has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
[7] Look, he is coming on the clouds! Everyone will see him with their eyes, even those who pierced him (the Jews). And all the peoples of the earth will mourn over him. So it will be! Amen.
The present-day Israel of God is not a physical land called Israel. Israel is actually God's chosen people from among Gentiles and Jews who repent of their sins and give their lives to Jesus the Messiah in baptism.
Galatians 3:26-29 NIV
[26] You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
[29] And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring and heirs according to promise.
Jesus will return to reign for 1,000 years over the whole earth, not just over a small land like the present-day state of Israel. God does not need us to bring Jews to the physical land of Israel. This is not biblical, but simply a dogmatic biblical interpretation.
What God truly wants is for us to preach the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ to as many Jews as we can, wherever they are. The gospel is what Jews need to hear so that some may be saved now. In fact, they must hear it now so that many may believe that Jesus is the Messiah when he comes and descends from the clouds.
Romans 10:14-17 NIV
[14] How then will they [the Israelites] call on him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without someone preaching? [15] And how will they preach unless they are sent? For it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
[16] However, not all Israelites accepted the good news. Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
[17] So faith comes from hearing the message [that is preached] and the message that is heard is the word of Christ.
God's children are only those who repent and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior
According to God's Word after Jesus’ resurrection, not all Israelites in the flesh are the children of God, but only those who repent and believe in the promise are counted as offspring. And the "offspring" that God promised to Abraham is in fact God's own Son and Messiah:
Galatians 3:16 ESV
[16] Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.
We must clarify that ONLY those Gentiles and Israelites who will repent and receive the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be saved:
Acts 2:37-41 ESV
[37] Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
[40] And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” [41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Romans 10:5-13 ESV
[5] For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them.
[6] But the righteousness based on faith says…[9] if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
[11] For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. [13] For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
According to God's Word after Jesus’ resurrection, not all Israelites in the flesh are the children of God, but only those who believe in the promise are counted as offspring. And the "offspring" that God promised to Abraham is in fact his Son Jesus the Messiah:
John 1:11-13 ESV
[11] He (Jesus) came to his own (the Jews), and his own people did not receive him. [12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Galatians 3:16 ESV
[16] Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.
Jews and Gentiles are justified before God only through faith in Christ Jesus According to the Scriptures, we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God, whether Jews or Gentiles. We are made right with God only by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, whether Jews or Gentiles. God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight when we believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Romans 3:9-12, 21-26 ESV [9] What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks (no Jews), are under sin, [10] as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; [11] no one understands; no one seeks for God. [12] All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” [21] But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— [22] the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction [between Jews and Gentiles.] [23] For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [25] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [26] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Jews and Gentiles in Jesus are both part of the heavenly Jerusalem
As born-again believers in Jesus, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, we are all part of the same spiritual Israel. So we should not put our eyes on the physical Israel, as we are temporary residents on this earth, and we are looking for a better country, a spiritual one--the heavenly Jerusalem:
John 10:16 ESV
[16] And I have other sheep (the Gentiles) that are not of this fold (the Jews). I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Acts 10:25-35 ESV
[25] When Peter (a Jewish Apostle) entered, Cornelius (a Roman Officer) met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. [26] But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” [27] And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered.
[28] And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. [29] So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”
[30] And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing [31] and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. [32] Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ [33] So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
[34] So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, [35] but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”
Galatians 3:7-9 ESV [7] Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. [8] And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” [9] So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
Galatians 4:22-29 ESV
[22] For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. [23] But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.
[24] Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. [25] Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. [26] But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. [27] For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.”
[28] Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. [29] But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.
Hebrews 11:10 ESV
[10] For Abraham was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
[13] These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
[16] But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Jews and Gentiles are both united in one Spirit and part of the Israel of God
Now through the blood of Jesus, Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to God, making peace with Him. They unite in one Spirit and are part of one body, the body of Christ—the spiritual Israel of God. They neat together as a temple of God, whose foundation are the apostles, the prophets and Jesus as the Cornerstone:
Galatians 3:26-29 ESV
[26] For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. [27] For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
Galatians 6:12 -16 ESV
[12] It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. [13] For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. [14] But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. [15] For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. [16] And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
Ephesians 2:13-22 ESV
[13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
[14] For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility [15] by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, [16] and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. [17] And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. [18] For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
[19] So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, [21] in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. [22] In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Do we need a temple to worship God?
Do we need a physical temple made of stone to worship God? The Scriptures say that Jesus’ body is God's Temple and that He in fact is the Living Stone, and in union with him we are also "living stones" filled with God's Spirit. When we are born of God's Spirit, our body becomes a temple of his Holy Spirit. But those Jews who do not believe that Jesus is the Cornerstone of God's Temple will be offended because they reject God's appointed Messiah through unbelief and disobedience, and consequently they will be put to shame.
John 2:19-21 ESV
[19] Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” [20] The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” [21] But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
John 4:21-24 ESV
[21] Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. [22] You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
[23] But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. [24] God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
[19] Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Peter 2:4-8 ESV [4] As you come to him (Jesus), a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, [5] you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [6] For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” [7] So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” [8] and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
God restored Israel every time they repented and turned to Him
When we study the history of the Jews in the Bible, we can see that when they refused to repent of their idols, God sent the Babylonians to punish them. Eventually their temple was destroyed. Jeremiah was a prophet at that time. But after 70 years, they were able to rebuild their temple, which was a work of God because the people had repented and wanted to follow God's laws with all their hearts.
We see after this that the Jews rejected their Messiah and as a result, their temple was destroyed in the year 70 by the Romans and the Jews were exiled everywhere.
Luke 21:5-6 ESV
[5] And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, [6] “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
Luke 23:27-31 ESV
[27] And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. [28] But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. [29] For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ [30] Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ [31] For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
Was Israel as a nation founded by God in 1948?
Matthew 5:9-12 ESV [9] “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. [10] “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. [12] Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The apostle Peter wrote about it:
Zionism secular ideology is based on hate and repression The Zionists members of the present government of Israel have nothing to do with God, as they are not following Jesus’ Words of working for peace among all mankind. Instead they have continually perpetrated vengeance and killing the Palestinian people since the occupation in 1948.
Many sincere Orthodox Jews who follow the Torah and are in exile do not accept this secular government. They are waiting for the coming of their Messiah who will put everything back in order. And by the grace of God, a number of them will see that Jesus is in fact the true Messiah in lifetime, after they will experience difficult times. Hallelujah!
OUR CONCLUSION
We are strangers (foreigners) and pilgrims (nomads) on this earth waiting like Abraham for a better country, a spiritual one, the new Jerusalem from above, not the earthly Jerusalem.
Not all Jews are Jews but the ones of the promise concerning Jesus, and the ones who are circumcised in the heart.
In Jesus we are all reconciled to God and are part of the spiritual Israel–the Israel of God–, whether we are Jews or Gentiles.
This is our current understanding about the spiritual Israel of God, and we pray that we can all come to the truth and knowledge of God concerning these events.
May God our Father and Jesus our Lord give us more and more understanding as we are approaching the coming of the true King and Ruler of the whole Earth. Amen.
God's Truth about Israel (video playlist) >