A Call for Humility and Truth: Unpacking the Debate on Israel and the Church
There is a subtle—and sometimes not-so-subtle—tone of condescension and superiority that often creeps into theological debates, especially when long-held traditions are challenged. This is evident in some modern discussions about God’s plan for Israel, where those who disagree are dismissed as “ignorant,” “arrogant,” or “deceived.” Such rhetoric breeds pride and division rather than discernment. It creates an atmosphere of theological fisticuffs instead of the humility Christ commands.
Yet the Scriptures call us to a higher standard.
“The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.” — 2 Timothy 2:24–25
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” — 1 John 4:1
Our goal is not to win arguments, but to uphold truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We must test every doctrine against the Word of God, no matter who teaches it — for even religious leaders can deceive, whether knowingly or not (Matthew 7:21–23).
This article seeks to do precisely that: to respond to the dispensationalist view that divides God’s people into two groups — “Israel” and “the Church” — and to present the unified, Christ-centered revelation of Scripture.
We will address three vital questions:
- What is Israel?
- Who is Israel?
- What is God’s plan for Israel?
Through the whole counsel of God’s Word, we will see that the Bible reveals one people, one covenant, and one Savior — Jesus Christ, who fulfills every promise made by God.
1. What Exactly Is Israel? A People, Not Merely a Place
Israel began as a physical nation, descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But the Scriptures progressively reveal that this name carries a spiritual identity far deeper than ethnic descent.
The term ekklesia (“church” or “assembly”) was not invented in the New Testament.
“This is he, that was in the church [ekklesia] in the wilderness…” — Acts 7:38
Israel was God’s called-out assembly under the Old Covenant. Yet even then, Israel’s national story pointed beyond itself to something greater.
“Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn.” — Exodus 4:22
“Out of Egypt have I called my son.” — Hosea 11:1
“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken… Out of Egypt have I called my son.” — Matthew 2:15
Matthew’s inspired interpretation shows that what was true of national Israel finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true Israel, the perfect Son who obeyed where the nation failed. Every promise, every pattern, and every prophecy points to Him.
“For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen.” — 2 Corinthians 1:20
2. Who Exactly Is Israel? The Children of Promise by Faith
If Christ is the true Israel, then those united to Him by faith become the true people of God.
Paul makes this plain:
“For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.” — Romans 9:6
“That is, 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.” — Romans 9:8
Ethnic lineage never guaranteed covenant standing — faith did.
“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” — Galatians 3:29
The “Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16) refers not to a geopolitical entity, but to the redeemed people of God, the new creation in Christ — composed of both Jew and Gentile believers.
This is not replacement theology; it is fulfillment theology. The Church does not replace Israel — it is the faithful remnant of Israel, fulfilled in Christ and expanded to include all nations who believe.
Jesus Himself corrected those who trusted in their lineage:
“If ye were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham… Ye are of your father the devil.” — John 8:39, 44
And in Revelation He exposes those who “say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie” — Revelation 3:9.
Faith, not ancestry, defines God’s people.
3. What Exactly Is the Plan for Israel? One Body, One Hope, One Future
Dispensational theology teaches that God has two parallel plans — one for Israel and one for the Church. But this view overlooks how the apostles themselves understood the Old Testament promises.
The Olive Tree (Romans 11)
There is only one olive tree, representing God’s covenant people. Some Jewish branches were broken off through unbelief, and believing Gentiles were grafted in by faith.
“Boast not against the branches… be not high-minded, but fear.” — Romans 11:18, 20
When Paul says “all Israel shall be saved” (Romans 11:26), he is describing the full number of God’s elect — Jew and Gentile alike — saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the Deliverer who “shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.”
The Land, the Temple, and the Kingdom
Each Old Testament symbol finds its spiritual and ultimate fulfillment in Christ:
- The Land:
- The Temple:
- The Kingdom:
Ezekiel’s Prophecy (Ezekiel 36–37)
The valley of dry bones is not about geopolitical restoration but spiritual resurrection.
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” — Ezekiel 36:26
This promise finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant, realized in the rebirth of every believer through the Holy Spirit (John 3:3).
Conclusion: The Danger of a Divided Gospel
To claim that God has two peoples — an earthly Israel and a heavenly Church — divides the body of Christ and undermines the unity of the Gospel. It risks creating two gospels, two hopes, and two destinies — when Scripture teaches only one.
The truth of Scripture is clear:
- All have sinned, Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 3:9).
- Salvation is through faith in one name only — Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).
- All believers, from every nation, are one body and one Israel of God (Ephesians 2:14–16).
- Our hope is not in political restoration or national revival, but in the return of our King and the glory of the New Jerusalem, where Christ reigns forever.
Let us therefore test every doctrine with humility, not pride; with Scripture, not tradition. Let us not be deceived by those who use the name of Christ to divide His body or to elevate earthly kingdoms.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…” — Matthew 7:21
The story of the Bible is one story — the story of redemption through Jesus Christ, the true Israel, the Son of God, the King of all nations. In Him alone, the promises are fulfilled, the covenants complete, and the people of God made one forever.
Posted in Religion by PE Van Blerk with comments disabled.