The Church of Israel holds a significant place in the history of salvation as the original custodian of the Holy Scriptures. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God chose Israel as His covenant people, entrusting them with His divine revelations and commandments. The Apostle Paul affirms this in Romans 3:1-2 : "What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God."

The Covenant Relationship

The relationship between God and Israel is established through a series of covenants, beginning with Abraham. In Genesis 12:1-3 , God promises Abraham that through his descendants, all nations of the earth will be blessed. This covenant is further solidified with the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, where Israel is called to be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). The Law, or Torah, becomes the foundational text for the Jewish faith, containing the commandments and teachings that guide the life of the nation.

The Role of the Prophets

Throughout Israel's history, God raised up prophets to call the people back to His commandments and to reveal His will. These prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, not only provided guidance and correction but also recorded their messages, which became part of the Hebrew Scriptures. The prophetic writings are rich with themes of repentance, judgment, and hope, pointing forward to the coming of the Messiah.

The Preservation of Scripture

The Jewish people demonstrated a profound commitment to preserving the Scriptures. The meticulous care with which the scribes copied the texts ensured their accuracy and transmission through generations. This dedication is evident in the survival of the Hebrew Bible, which forms a significant portion of the Christian Old Testament. Jesus Himself affirmed the authority of these Scriptures, stating in Matthew 5:17-18 , "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them."

The Fulfillment in Christ

The Church of Israel's role as the depository of Holy Writ finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, reveal how the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament are realized in Jesus. The Gospel of John opens with the profound declaration that "the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14), emphasizing the continuity and fulfillment of God's revelation.

The Transition to the Church

With the advent of Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant, the responsibility of preserving and proclaiming God's Word extends to the Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles. The Apostle Peter describes believers as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession" (1 Peter 2:9), echoing the language used for Israel. The Church is now tasked with spreading the Gospel and teaching the Scriptures to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission given by Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).

In summary, the Church of Israel, as the original depository of Holy Writ, played a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Through their preservation of the Scriptures and the prophetic anticipation of the Messiah, they laid the foundation for the New Testament Church, which continues to uphold and disseminate the Word of God to the world.Romans 3:2
Much every way: chiefly, because that to them were committed the oracles of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
... which He singled out to be the depository of His ... Christ died for "that nation," ie,
Israel, and also for ... and therefore before He commenced to build His Church! ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter four the sovereignty of.htm

The Obscure Apostles
... in obvious allusion to the tribes of Israel, proclaims the ... The one school makes it
the depository of exclusive ... and the missionary work of the Church need not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the obscure apostles.htm

Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.org

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