The New ISRAEL of God?

One of the most debated topics in Christian theology today is the doctrine of replacement theology or supersessionism, which involves the idea that the Church has replaced Israel and is now “the new ISRAEL of God.” This doctrine distorts the relationship between the Church and Israel, as well as the Church’s relationship with the God of the Bible, who is the God of Israel.

The relationship between the Church and Israel is of utmost importance. The Bible must be understood and accepted as the Word of God in its entirety, without partiality. If we read it carefully, we will see that the Bible does not view the Jewish people as “enemies of God.”

There is a purpose for everything, and prophetically, the Jewish people were scattered throughout the world, as described in passages such as Zechariah 9, 10, and 11, so that the Word of God would be carried wherever they went.

The Jewish people have survived through the centuries because the Lord has preserved them in order to fulfill His word and the oath made to Abraham, as stated in Hebrews 6:13-14 and Isaiah 45:23. The Church, through Yeshua (Jesus), must walk in unity with Israel. It can be considered as the Jewish people’s sister, sharing in the promises made to Israel, which extend to the nations through the covenant in the blood of Yeshua.

The Church is not the new Israel. The promise given to Abraham, that all the families of the earth would be blessed, is fulfilled through the blood of Yeshua, making the families of the earth part of the Church. Meanwhile, the “land that I will show you” refers to Israel, both spiritually and territorially, according to God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Any opposition to God’s promises for His people is rebellion or manipulation. Yeshua came to fulfill all the promises of the Torah and the Prophets, making it possible for all believing families among the nations to receive the light and be called Children of God.

It is important to emphasize that even in perfect unity, Israel and the Church are treated distinctly by God in the last days, as mentioned in Revelation 7:4 regarding Israel and Revelation 7:9-10 regarding the Church.

This distinction is fundamental to understanding the divine promises and plans that unfold throughout salvation history. In the context of the book of Revelation, filled with symbolism and revelations concerning the final events, we find specific references that help outline the unique position of each of these groups. In Revelation 7:4, we are told about the sealing of 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel. This number symbolizes the totality of God’s people within Israel, indicating that despite suffering and trials, there is preservation and a promise of restoration for the nation of Israel.

This passage highlights Israel’s importance in God’s redemptive plan, showing that He has not forgotten His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The emphasis here lies on the ethnic and spiritual identity of Israel, which continues to have a significant role in the unfolding of end-time events.

On the other hand, in Revelation 7:9-10, we find a vision of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God and before the Lamb. This multitude represents the Church, composed of all those who have believed in Christ, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.

The description of their white robes and palm branches symbolizes purity, redemption, and victory over sin and death, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus. The Church, therefore, is seen as a spiritual body that transcends borders, uniting believers from various origins in a new covenant. This distinction between Israel and the Church is crucial for Christian theology, as it helps us understand how God interacts with humanity in different eras.

While Israel is often associated with the promises of the old covenant and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, the Church is seen as the realization of the new covenant, based on faith in Christ and grace. Thus, even though both share unity in Christ and the hope of salvation, their identities and roles within God’s divine plan remain distinct yet complementary.

Therefore, the analysis of Revelation 7 reveals not only the diversity of God’s people but also God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to both Israel and the Church. This understanding leads us to a deeper recognition of divine sovereignty and the way God has orchestrated the events of the end times, ensuring that both Israel and the Church have their rightful place and purpose in the consummation of history.

This dual perspective is essential for a proper interpretation of Scripture and for understanding God’s redemptive work throughout human history.