This article explores the biblical perspective on whether the modern nation of Israel is the same as Old Testament Israel, God's chosen nation. It explains that the Church, through faith in Jesus Christ, is the continuation of God's chosen people, and that faith, not ethnicity, defines God's people today. The article also discusses the New Testament teachings on Israel, the Church, and the hope for Jewish salvation.
Recently, a conversation with a newer believer in Jesus raised an important question: Given the troubling events in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, does God want these things to happen? More specifically, is the modern nation of Israel the same as the Israel described in the Old Testament, and if so, are Christians obligated to stand with them?
To address this, it's essential to understand the relationship between Old Testament Israel and the Church under the New Covenant. Israel in the Old Testament was God's chosen nation under the old Covenant, but the Church today is seen as the restoration of Israel under the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.
This means there is not two separate peoples of God—Israel and the Church—but one organic people of God throughout redemptive history. The Apostle Paul in Galatians states that by faith, Christians are children of Abraham, linking the Church directly to the promises made to Israel.
How we interpret the Bible (hermeneutics) greatly influences our understanding of Israel today. If one concludes that modern Israel is the same as Old Testament Israel, it might lead to the belief that Christians must support Israel unconditionally.
For example, a missionary in Mexico once had impoverished indigenous people crochet clothing to send to Israel, believing in Genesis 12:3's promise: "I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse." He applied this promise directly to the modern nation of Israel.
There are significant issues with this view:
New Testament Application of Old Testament Language: The New Testament writers apply the language used for Israel as God's chosen and holy nation to the Church. For instance, Moses told Israel in Deuteronomy 7:6-7 that they were God's treasured possession. Paul uses similar language to describe the Church in Ephesians 1:3-5, emphasizing that believers are chosen and holy.
Peter also calls the Church a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" in 1 Peter 2:9, quoting Old Testament texts originally about Israel. This shows the Church is the continuation of God's people.
Faith, Not Ethnicity, Defines God's People: Romans 9-11 explains that not all ethnic Israelites are God's children. Paul clarifies that being a child of Abraham is by faith, not by lineage. In Romans 11, Paul discusses how some Jews rejected Jesus, and salvation was extended to the Gentiles. He uses the analogy of an olive tree, where Gentiles are grafted in by faith, and some natural branches (unbelieving Jews) were broken off.
Paul warns Gentile believers not to be arrogant toward the Jewish branches and reminds them that God can graft them back in if they come to faith.
Christians should not assume that modern Israel is automatically God's chosen nation in the same way as Old Testament Israel. Nor should they arrogantly consider themselves superior because of their faith. Instead, there should be sober-mindedness and humility, recognizing that faith in Jesus Christ is the key to being part of God's people.
Paul's heart's desire and prayer in Romans 10 is for the salvation of Israel, and this should be the prayer of all believers today.
The modern state of Israel is not the same as Old Testament Israel under King David. However, this does not mean God has abandoned them. Like all nations and individuals, they are called to faith in Jesus Christ. Through faith, believers—Jew and Gentile alike—are grafted into the one people of God, with Abraham as the father of faith.
This understanding brings hope for the Jewish people and all nations, emphasizing faith in Christ as the foundation of God's chosen people throughout history and today.
This biblical perspective encourages believers to approach the topic of Israel with humility, faith, and prayerful hope for salvation for all people.
