Quote:
Originally Posted by Brother Price
I say that the Church is the Israel of God.
Paul identifies what makes a true Jew ( Romans 2:28-29).
He identifies true circumcision ( Colossians 2:9-12).
He calls us the Israel of God ( Galatians 6:16).
He says that we are of the seed of Abraham ( Galatians 3).
Peter said we are a peculiar people, a chosen nation.
I believe that the Church, united across all man-made barriers is the Israel of God, God's only chosen people.
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Please consider this passage, Bro Price.
Romans 11:28 (NLT)
Many of the Jews are now enemies of the Good News. But this has been to your benefit, for God has given his gifts to you Gentiles.
Yet the Jews are still his chosen people because of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
If you wish to go to the Greek....
As concerning the eklogē, the Jews are the agapētos--which is translated as
As concerning the ELECTION OR CHOSEN--THEY (THE JEWS) ARE THE 1) beloved, esteemed, dear,
favourite, worthy of love
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Rom 11:28-29 -
As concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your sakes — that is, they are regarded and treated as enemies (in a state of exclusion through unbelief, from the family of God) for the benefit of you Gentiles; in the sense of
Rom_11:11,
Rom_11:15.
but as touching, the election — of Abraham and his seed.
they are beloved — even in their state of exclusion for the fathers’ sakes.
Paul summarized God’s dealings with Israel and with the Gentiles. In order for God to bring the gospel to Gentiles He had to deal with Israel corporately as enemies. But in relation to God’s choice (election) of Abraham and His covenant with him and the patriarchs, Israel is beloved. Because God chose Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (cf. 9:6-13), He loves the nation and will carry through on His promises. This is another reason Israel’s hardening must be temporary (cf. 11:15, 22-25) and she must finally be saved corporately: God chose her. And God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable (lit., “for not repented of are the grace-gifts and the calling of God”). He does not revoke what He has given or whom He has chosen (“call” means election and salvation; cf. 1:6; 8:30).