What is the relationship between Israel and the church? Introduction The question of how Israel and the church fit together spans the entire biblical narrative. Both entities figure prominently in Scripture, and their relationship is central to understanding God’s overall plan. The Old Testament focuses heavily on the life, history, and covenantal calling of Israel, while the New Testament reveals Christ’s establishment of the church as the community of all who believe in Him. Many passages address how these two communities relate in the outworking of God’s purposes, covering topics such as promises, covenants, and eschatological fulfillment. The following entry explores the historical, theological, and eschatological facets of this important subject. 1. Israel’s Foundational Role Israel’s national identity traces back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Archaeological evidence, such as the Merneptah Stele (13th century BC), provides extra-biblical confirmation that a distinct people known as “Israel” existed in the land, matching the biblical timelines. From a scriptural perspective: 1. The Covenant with Abraham God’s covenantal promises to Israel began with Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3). These promises included the gift of land, the formation of a great nation, and the blessing that would extend to all peoples on earth. 2. The Mosaic Covenant After God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, they received the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19–24). Israel was called to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Archaeological finds, including ancient tablets and inscriptions, have been used to illustrate the plausibility of a nation governed by divine statutes, further reinforcing the historical dimension of these biblical events. 3. National Identity Preserved Despite exile and dispersion, the people of Israel maintained a distinct identity. Textual, archaeological, and historical records (e.g., the Babylonian chronicles describing the fall of Jerusalem in 587/586 BC) demonstrate how Israel’s identity endured, underscoring the central theme of God preserving His covenant people. 2. The Church’s Origin and Identity The church is founded upon the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and inaugurated by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4). Scripture affirms that the church is built on Christ, who is described as the “cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). Important features include: 1. Called Out by the Gospel All who repent and believe in Christ become part of the church, regardless of ethnic background (Romans 10:12–13). Many early believers were Jewish, fulfilling the prophecy that salvation would come first to the Jews, then also to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16). 2. The “Body” of Christ The New Testament employs the image of the body to describe unity among believers (1 Corinthians 12:12–13). Cultural, ethnic, and social distinctions do not negate membership in the church. The key requirement is faith in the resurrected Christ. 3. Spiritual House and Holy Priesthood The church is portrayed as a spiritual temple composed of living stones (1 Peter 2:5). This new community inherits spiritual blessings and stands in continuity with the promises first given to the patriarchs, now extended to all who are in Christ. 3. Shared Roots, Distinct Identities Although the church finds its roots in the faith legacy of Israel, the two also retain unique identities. Scripture depicts continuity and discontinuity: 1. Continuity: The Fulfillment of Promises Jesus, Israel’s Messiah, fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and founded the church, drawing on Israel’s transformative heritage. Romans 9:4–5 states: “Theirs are the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; … and from them proceeds the Messiah, who is God over all.” The Messiah’s arrival birthed a new phase in salvation history, incorporating non-Jews into the divine covenant. 2. Discontinuity: New Covenant Community The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Luke 22:20) introduces a transformed community no longer defined primarily by ethnic lineage but by faith in Christ. Ephesians 2:12–14 clarifies that Gentiles “once separated” from Israel have now been “brought near by the blood of Christ.” The church is thus made up of people from every tribe and nation. 3. Historical Development The church did not replace Israel in the sense of erasing Israel’s unique role; rather, it embodies the broadening of God’s covenant promises to all nations. Israel’s historical experiences—from the monarchy to the exile—remain relevant and instructive to believers today (1 Corinthians 10:11). 4. Theological Perspectives on “Israel and the Church” Interpretations on how exactly Israel and the church relate can vary, but common threads appear in Scripture: 1. Promises to Israel Passages such as Romans 11:1–2 teach that God has not “rejected His people.” This indicates ongoing significance for ethnic Israel in God’s redemptive timeline. 2. Inclusion of the Nations Galatians 3:28–29 confirms that those in Christ are “Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” This expands Israel’s blessing to a global community. 3. Future Fulfillment Romans 11:26 highlights a future time when “all Israel will be saved.” Exegetical discussions often focus on whether this refers to ethnic Israel as a whole returning to God in a culminating event, indicating that Israel’s corporate identity still bears prophetic importance. 5. Practical Implications Believers grapple with how to apply these truths in worship, ecclesiology, and their view of God’s plan: 1. Gratitude and Humility Paul’s analogy of grafted branches (Romans 11:17–21) urges humility among believers. The Gentile church is exhorted not to boast, recognizing that its spiritual life flows from the original covenantal root. 2. Evangelism and Prayer Scripture advocates prayer and outreach toward Jewish people and all nations alike (Romans 10:1). Recognizing Israel’s historic calling fosters an understanding of God’s heart for restoration and reconciliation. 3. Unity of Believers Ephesians 2:14–16 explains that Christ Himself “is our peace, who has made the two one.” The dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is broken, forging a united fellowship. This unity should manifest in how believers worship together and serve the world. 6. Archaeological and Historical Corroboration Archaeological findings continue to confirm key elements of Israel’s biblical record, such as the discovery of ancient city gates and inscriptions mentioning the “House of David,” highlighting the existence of Israel’s monarchy. The New Testament Gospels and early church writings are similarly backed by manuscript evidence exhibiting remarkable consistency. While these data points do not force belief, they provide a bedrock of historical plausibility that supports biblical testimony and calls for further consideration of Scripture’s claims. 7. Conclusion The relationship between Israel and the church weaves together God’s promises to His chosen people and His inclusion of all nations through Christ. Israel’s foundational role centers on the covenant established with Abraham, elevated at Sinai, and preserved despite exile. The church’s role emerges from the Messiah who arose from Israel and extends the blessing of salvation to every corner of the globe. Scripture paints a harmonious picture of God’s faithfulness in both Israel’s calling and the church’s commissioning. While Israel retains a future in the redemptive plan, the church currently displays the global reach of the New Covenant. Ultimately, this relationship reflects a unified story of redemption—a tapestry where Israel’s history, Christ’s work, and the Spirit’s formation of the church converge to fulfill God’s timeless promises. |