Are Israel and the Church the Same Thing?
This is a complex theological question that has been debated for centuries. At the heart of the matter is how we understand God’s redemptive plan for humanity revealed in Scripture, and specifically how the people of Israel relate to the later Christian church.
In summary, while there is some overlap and continuity between Israel and the church, the biblical evidence suggests they are distinct entities with different roles in God’s plan. Israel is God’s chosen national people in the Old Testament, while the church is the multiethnic spiritual body of Christ that emerges after his death and resurrection.
Let’s explore in more detail what the Bible teaches about the relationship between Israel and the church:
The Calling of Israel
In the Old Testament, Israel is called by God to be his special chosen people. God makes a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12, promising to bless the world through Abraham’s descendants. The rest of the Old Testament tells the story of this covenant relationship between Yahweh and the people of Israel. God forms them into a nation at Mount Sinai under Moses’ leadership, after liberating them from slavery in Egypt. He gives them his law to follow, tabernacle/temple worship to practice, and a land to dwell in. Israel is to be God’s treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a light to the Gentile nations (Exodus 19:5-6).
However, Israel repeatedly breaks covenant with God by disobeying his commands and worshipping idols. The prophets speak of a future time when God will make a new covenant with Israel, forgiving their sins and giving them new hearts by his Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The nation will be restored, turn back to God, and fulfill its calling. So in the Old Testament, Israel’s election and covenant relationship is grounded in God’s faithful, gracious choice.
Jesus and the Remnant of Israel
When Jesus arrives on the scene in the Gospels, he comes proclaiming the kingdom of God and calling Israel to repentance. Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about a coming Messiah/Savior, and he ministers almost exclusively to the people of Israel. At the same time, Jesus expands God’s covenant to include those marginalized under the Mosaic law (women, sinners, Gentiles). He announces salvation has come in his very person (Luke 4:16-21). A faithful “remnant” of Israel heeds Jesus’ message and follows him, while much of the Jewish establishment rejects his claims. The Gospels present Jesus as the promised King and Redeemer of Israel even as he serves as the Savior of the world.
The Church Emerges
In the book of Acts, the Messianic sect of “the Way” emerges out of Jewish and Samaritan believers in Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1-2). The apostles continue Jesus’ mission to Israel while also reaching out to Gentiles. The predominantly Jewish early church retains much of its Jewish heritage, observing temple worship and keeping kosher. However, the inclusion of Gentiles on equal footing raises questions about adhering to the Mosaic law. After debate, it is recognized that Gentile converts do not need to become ceremonial Jews (Acts 15). Through the missionary journeys of Paul and others, the church expands far beyond its Jewish origins.
Paul’s Explanation of the Church’s Place
The apostle Paul addresses directly the relationship between Israel and the church. In summary, Paul argues:
- God has not rejected ethnic Israel or revoked his irrevocable gifts and calling (Romans 9:4-5, 11:29). His covenant promises are still relevant for Israel.
- Israel has been hardened partially and temporarily so the message of salvation could go out to the Gentiles (Romans 11:7-11, 25).
- In Christ, God has created “one new man” out of believing Jews and Gentiles in the “one body” of the church (Ephesians 2:11-22). All believers are now “sons of Abraham” by faith (Galatians 3:7).
- Not all physical descendants of Israel are part of the true, spiritual Israel. Only those circumcised of heart belong to God’s people (Romans 2:25-29).
- Eventually, Paul foresees a future redemption of Israel when they will turn and recognize Jesus as Messiah (Romans 11:12, 15, 25-27).
So Paul distinguishes between ethnic Israel and the church of Jesus Christ, even while positing a mysterious future unity. The church is the recipient of God’s present working through Christ while some from Israel believe and join the church.
Different Purposes in Redemption
Drawing this together, the biblical story seems to suggest God has appointed distinct but interrelated roles for Israel and the church in his redemptive plan:
- Israel is God’s chosen national people called to witness to Yahweh in history and receive his promised blessings for the nations.
- The church is God’s multiethnic called-out people drawn from all nations who find salvation in Christ and inherit the blessings once promised to Israel.
Therefore, while God has not totally rejected Israel, the church is now the spiritual body through whom God is working to accomplish his mission on earth until Christ returns.
Implications Going Forward
This understanding that Israel and the church have distinct identities and callings should impact how believers approach various theological and political issues today such as:
- God’s Promises to Israel – God’s irrevocable promises regarding land, nationhood, kingship, etc. given to Old Testament Israel should not simply be “spiritualized” and applied to the church.
- The Role of Ethnicity – Being Jewish ethnically no longer equates to inclusion among God’s people. All believers are equal in Christ.
- Prophetic Speculation – We should be cautious about seeing current events in Israel as direct fulfillment of end-times prophecy regarding the nation.
- Jewish Evangelism – We should continue to share the gospel with Jewish people who need Christ as much as any nonbeliever.
- Political Support – We should not necessarily equate political support for national Israel with spiritual support for Jewish people.
In summary, Israel and the church share some similarities and continuity of purpose, but they are distinct agents in God’s redemptive plan. The church is called to witness to Christ in the present age until he returns to complete both Israel’s redemption and the salvation of the nations.
Whatever the future may hold for ethnic Israel, our mission as the church remains proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to all people, be they Jew or Gentile. Only through faith in Christ can anyone be included in the people of God.