Romans 2:28-29; 9:6-8; Galatians 6:12-16

Introduction:

1. This is a common question in light of the troubled middle-east and the widespread evangelical belief that modern Israel is still God’s chosen people/nation.

2. We will consider the biblical promises at the root of this belief, the NT description of the true Jew/Israel, and the everlasting nature of the covenant Christ established.

Discussion:

I. God’s Special People

A. The promises to Abraham are the lynchpin of this concept (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-19; 17:1-7; 22:17-18).

B. At Sinai, Israel fulfilled the promise of a nation coming from Abraham (Exodus 19:5-8; Deuteronomy 7:6-12).

C. The land promise was fulfilled in the conquest led by Joshua (Joshua 21:43-45; 23:14-15).

D. The promise of an earthly dynasty was fulfilled in David and Solomon (Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 7:12-15).

II. Israel’s Fall and Captivity

A. Sadly, beginning with Solomon, Israel’s kings led them into all manner of evil deeds (1 Kings 11:1-8).

B. Solomon’s folly split the nation (1 Kings 11:9-13).

C. Continuous rebellion led to captivity (2 Kings 24).

D. The national promises above were conditional (Deuteronomy 8:18-20; 28:1-68; 29:25-28; 1 Kings 2:1-4; 9:1-9).

III. God’s Promised Restoration

A. The universal elements were unconditional (Genesis 12:3; 22:17-18; 2 Samuel 7:12-15; 23:5).

B. Therefore, God promised to restore Israel.

1. To the land (Jeremiah 24:6-7; 29:11-14; 32:40-44).

2. To unrivaled peace (Isaiah 11; Zechariah 8:1-8).

3. To prosperity like that known in the time of David (Isaiah 61:1-4; Jeremiah 30:18-22; Amos 9:11-15).

4. With “David” raised and seated on his throne (Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Ezekiel 37:24-25).

C. In light of the ongoing plight of national Israel, it appears these promises are yet to be fulfilled.

D. Or were they fulfilled in some different kind of way?

IV. The True Jew and the Israel of God

A. The NT indicates “Israel” underwent a transformation.

B. Consider briefly the evidence regarding the above.

1. The return from exile fulfilled Jeremiah 24, 29, 32.

2. Paul applied Isaiah 11 to Jesus (Romans 15:8-12; cf. Revelation 5:5; 22:16 on the root of Jesse/David).

3. Jesus applied Isaiah 61 to Himself (Luke 4:16-21).

4. James applied Amos 9 to the gospel being carried to the Gentiles (Acts 15:13-18).

C. As for the Messiah sitting on David’s throne:

1. Gabriel applied it to Jesus (Luke 1:30-33).

2. John and Jesus said the kingdom was near at hand (Matthew 3:1-2; 4:13-17; Mark 1:14-15).

3. Peter declared Jesus’ enthronement (Acts 2:22-36).

D. The NT declares Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies (Luke 24:26-27, 44-49; Acts 3:18; 13:22-27, 32-39; 15:14-18).

E. What of Israel then? What of the Jews, God’s chosen?

1. Paul said a true Jew is marked inwardly, not outwardly (Romans 2:25-29; Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6).

2. He also showed citizenship in Israel was not a matter of bloodline (Romans 9:6-8; cf. 4:12-16).

3. Abraham’s offspring, heirs of the promises, are those in Christ (Galatians 3:25-29; cf. John 8:39-40).

4. In Galatians 6:12-16, he spoke of the Israel of God while referencing the church of our Lord.

5. Peter applied the election language of Exodus 19:5-6 to the church as well (1 Peter 2:4-10; Hosea 2:21-23).

Conclusion:

1. In view of this, it is correct to say that Israel, the Jews, are still God’s “chosen people.”

2. Only if we allow God to define a true Jew and His Israel about which He was clear that:

a. Israel is no political entity.

b. And a Jew is one born, not of Abraham’s physical descent, but of faith (John 8:39-40).