Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Church of Israel" as established by God is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, tracing its origins to the covenantal relationship between God and the people of Israel. This relationship is foundational to understanding the identity and mission of Israel as God's chosen people.Covenantal Beginnings The establishment of Israel as a distinct people set apart for God begins with the patriarch Abraham. In Genesis 12:1-3 , God calls Abram, promising to make him a great nation through which all the families of the earth will be blessed. This covenant is further solidified in Genesis 15 and 17, where God promises Abraham numerous descendants and the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession. The covenantal relationship is reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob, Abraham's son and grandson, respectively. Jacob, later named Israel, becomes the father of the twelve tribes, which form the nation of Israel. This lineage is crucial as it establishes the people through whom God will work His redemptive purposes. The Exodus and the Law The deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage marks a significant moment in the establishment of Israel as God's people. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God declares to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This declaration underscores Israel's unique role and responsibility as a nation set apart for God's purposes. The giving of the Law, including the Ten Commandments, further defines the identity and mission of Israel. The Law serves as a guide for living in a way that reflects God's holiness and justice, setting Israel apart from other nations. Prophetic Witness and Messianic Hope Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets play a crucial role in calling Israel back to faithfulness to the covenant. They remind the people of their identity as God's chosen and the responsibilities that come with it. The prophets also speak of a future hope—a Messiah who will restore Israel and bring salvation to the nations. Isaiah 49:6 captures this dual mission: "It is not enough for you to be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth." This verse highlights Israel's role not only in its own restoration but also in the broader redemptive plan for all humanity. The New Covenant and the Church The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises through Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Jesus, a descendant of Abraham and David, embodies the true Israel, perfectly fulfilling the Law and the prophets. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus establishes a new covenant, extending the blessings of Abraham to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. The early church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, is seen as the continuation and expansion of the "Church of Israel." The Apostle Paul, in Romans 11:17-24 , uses the metaphor of an olive tree to describe how Gentiles are grafted into the rich root of Israel, sharing in the promises and blessings. Eternal Purpose The Church of Israel, established by God, is integral to His eternal purpose. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and sovereignty, demonstrating His desire to bless all nations through His chosen people. As the narrative of Scripture unfolds, the Church of Israel remains a central theme, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in the new heavens and new earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 4:5-14Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do so in the land where you go to possess it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 26:18 Acts 7:35,38 Library God's Purpose for his Church Argument. --It is this God, Therefore, that the Church Has Known ... The Christian Church Prayer Essential to God 'God is no Respecter of Persons' A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer Of Jesus, God and Man; and the Testimonies of the Prophets ... The Rejuvenation and Restoration of Israel. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Redeemer's Return Resources What are appropriate reasons for missing church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the church? | GotQuestions.org What is meant by High Church and Low Church? | GotQuestions.org Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Church and State: Attempted Usurpation of Ecclesiastical Functions by Civil Authorities, Reproved Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Appoints Kings Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Directs Administration Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Reproves Rulers Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Church and State: Manasseh, in Subverting, and Afterward Restoring, the True Religion Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Ahaz, in Transforming the Altars Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Hezekiah, in Reorganizing Temple Service Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jehoash, in Supervising the Repairs of the Temple Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jeroboam, in Subverting the Jewish Religion Church is Clothed in Righteousness Church of Israel in Covenant With God Church of Israel was Relatively Holy Church of Israel: A Type of the Church of Christ Church of Israel: Admission Into, by Circumcision Church of Israel: All Israelites Members of Church of Israel: Attachment of the Jews To Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of Israel Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of the Lord Church of Israel: Established by God Church of Israel: Had: A Spiritual Church Within It Church of Israel: Had: An Appointed Place of Worship Church of Israel: Had: An Ordained Ministry Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Feasts Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Ordinances Church of Israel: Had: The Divine Presence Manifested in It Church of Israel: Members of Excommunicated for Heavy Offenses Church of Israel: Members of Required to Attend Its Worship Church of Israel: Members of Required to Keeps Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Required to Know Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Separated From, While Unclean Church of Israel: Persons Excluded From Church of Israel: Privileges of Church of Israel: Proselytes Admitted Into Church of Israel: Supported by the People Church of Israel: The Depository of Holy Writ Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Praise Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Prayer Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Preaching Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Reading God's Word Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Sacrifice Church: Assembly of the Saints Church: Assembly of the Upright Church: Baptized (Immersed) Into by One Spirit Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord Church: Branch of God's Planting Church: Called the Congregation in the O. 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And Others) Church: Christian, Divinely Established Church: Church of the Firstborn Church: Church of the Living God Church: City of the Living God Church: Congregation of Saints Church: Congregation of the Lord's Poor Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished Church: Divisions In, to be Shunned Church: Family in Heaven and Earth Church: General Assembly of the Firstborn (People) Church: God Provides Ministers For Church: God's Husbandry (Farm) Church: Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Church: Harmonious Fellowship of Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Antioch Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Asia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Babylon Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Caesarea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cenchrea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cilicia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Corinth Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Ephesus Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galatia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galilee Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Jerusalem Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Joppa Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Judaea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Laodicea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Pergamos Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Philadelphia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Samaria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Sardis Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Smyrna Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Syria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thessalonica Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thyatira Church: Lot of God's Inheritance Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed Church: Mountain of the Lord's House Church: Pillar and Ground of the Truth Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Church: Salt and Light of the World Church: Sought Out, a City not Forsaken Church: Strength and Glory of God Church: Temple of the Living God Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Church: Worship of, to be Attended The Church is Edified by the Word The Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord The Church: Christ, the Foundation-Stone of The Church: Christ, the Head of The Church: Clothed in Righteousness The Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished The Church: Displays the Wisdom of God The Church: Extent of, Predicted The Church: Glory to be Ascribed to God By The Church: God Provides Ministers For The Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed The Church: Not to be Despised The Church: Purchased by the Blood of Christ The Church: Saints Baptised Into, by One Spirit The Church: Sanctified and Cleansed by Christ The Church: Shows Forth the Praises of God The Church: The Body of Christ The Church: The Object of the Grace of God The Church: The Wicked Persecute Related Terms |
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