Church and Israel – Part 4

July 10, 2011 By Michael F. Bird 7 Comments

It is in Paul that the real hub of the debate on whether the church is the “new Israel” takes place. To begin with, it has to be acknowledged that most of Paul’s reference to “Israel” refer to his religious and ethnic compatriots who do not (yet) believe in Jesus the Messiah (e.g., 1 Cor 10:18; Eph 2:12; 3:6; Phil 3:5). Moreover, while several scholars try to take Rom 11:26, “And in this way, all Israel will be saved,” as referring to the consummated salvation of the church of Jews and Gentiles,[1] it seems fairly clear from the wider context of Romans 9–11 (Rom 9:4, 6, 27, 31; 10:19, 21; 11:2, 7, 11, 25), that Paul is looking ahead to the eschatological salvation of national Israel in the future.[2]

The central text in the debate is Paul’s benediction at the end of Galatians: “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God (Gal 6:16 ESV). The issues are: (1) Who are the “all” and “Israel of God”? (2) Is there one blessing of peace for those who walk by this rule and another blessing of mercy for the Israel of God? (3) Is the “and” (kai) conjunctive, in the sense of a further addition, or explicative, in the sense of further description? A number of scholars argue that Paul’s blessing here is for Jewish Christians who follow the rule that he lays down in the epistle and he offers a separate blessing for Israel because they are Israel![3] I want to submit three arguments as to why Paul here must mean that the “Israel of God” is the church. First, it is incredibly difficult to imagine Paul arguing so passionately for the unity of Jews and Gentiles in one church, united in Christ, with everyone as equal sons of Abraham, and then at the very end of that letter pronouncing a benediction that would serve to separate groups within his churches according ethnic categories.[4] Second, Paul takes language ordinarily used to describe Israel, like “circumcision” (Phil 3:3), “Jew” (Rom 2:28-29), “God’s chosen people” (Col 3:12), to designate Christians. These are prestige terms that demonstrate the incorporation of the church into a heritage that was once thought to be the exclusive property of ethnic Judeans. Further, in Romans Paul says that “a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart” (Rom 2:29) which essentially redefines the identity of people of God around a new set of symbolic markers defined by Spirit, new creation, and obedience. Paul can also use Israel/Israelite in a fluid religious sense designating a priviledged religious identity that is no longer defined ethnically (Eph 2:13; 3:6) and even speak of an Israel within Israel (Rom 9:6). Paul knows of two covenantal people who are in effect “Israel of the flesh” and “Israel of the Spirit” (Gal 4:29). The “Israel of God” (Gal 6:16) as an honorific title for God’s people irrespective of ethnicity naturally contrasts with “Israel according to the flesh” (Rom 9:3) as a general designation for non-believing Jews. Third, we might compare the benediction of Gal 6:16 with the benediction in 1 Cor 16:22, “If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!” (1 Cor 16:22). For Paul, there is no blessing for people irrespective of their relationship to Christ. The grace, peace, and mercy of God are from Christ for the elect in Christ.[5] For this reason, I concur with Calvin: “In a word, he gives the appellation the Israel of God to those whom he formerly denominated the children of Abraham by faith, (Gal. iii. 29,) and thus includes all believers, whether Jews or Gentiles, who were united into one church.”[6]

[1] Cf. e.g., Wright, “Romans,” 10:688-91.

[2] Cf. e.g., Moo, Romans, 722-23; Schreiner, Romans, 614-15.

[3] Cf. Susan Eastman, “Israel and Divine Mercy in Galatians and Romans,” in Between Gospel and Election: Explorations in the Interpretation of Romans 9–11, eds. F. Wilk and J.R. Wagner (Tübingen: Mohr/Siebeck, 2010), 147-170.

[4] Richard N. Longenecker, Galatians (WBC; Dallas, TX: Word, 1990), 298.

[5] Bird, Bird’s-Eye View of Paul, 50.

[6] John Calvin, Calvin’s Commentaries: Romans – Galatians (Wilmington: APA, n.d.), 1932.

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  • Me

    The relationship between the church and Israel has caused much confusion. What we find in Scripture is a beautiful graciousness on God’s behalf. The gentiles are included in a passage about the restoration of Israel, while the fullness of the gentiles heralds the salvation of all Israel. This co-dependence, this mutual blessing and delight in the other, is fundamental to our witness, because it is intrinsic to the very nature of the God we witness to.
    Election is always a generous act. Moses is called to rescue Israel, David is called to be a shepherd to Israel, Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations, Paul to be an apostle to the gentiles. Put another way, election is God’s way of reaching the rest, not his way of abandoning the rest. At the same time, clearly, God has a genuine love for those he calls. Abraham was a friend of God, Daniel a man greatly beloved, John was the beloved disciple. All this is understood by the average Christian, who knows both that God loves them, and that, at the same time, because of that same love, he desires them to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. We should therefore not find it difficult to recognize the broad pattern of God’s love for Israel – chosen in love to be a blessing to others. God’s foundational promise to Abraham; “I will bless you, ..and through you, all peoples of the earth will be blessed” These are two expressions of the one love (the second promise does not negate the first, anymore than sharing God’s love with someone else would then require God to stop loving you). God’s love for Israel is the first expression of his love for all humanity – it is not some quirky side issue, it is the beginning of salvation history. Christians should have no difficulty in understanding God’s love for Israel, because it is God’s love for them.

    Israel were chosen in love to bless the world. Clearly, the messiah is central to this, he is both a descendant of Abraham, and it is only through him that God’s promises and love to both Jews and gentiles will be fulfilled. Within this, the national history of Israel is also a vessel of God’s love, both to the Jewish people, and to the gentiles. Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 1Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

    Exodus 19:5-6 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Called to be a nation of priests (again, our calling also), to show the way of salvation to the earth – the national history of Israel is a proclamation of the gospel.

    See again the graciousness of our God; Act 15:15-17 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: ” ‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’. This passage, the basis of the church, is both a promise to restore Israel, and further, a promise that this restoration is not only an end in itself, but is in fact going to be a blessing to both the remnant of men, and to all the gentiles who bear my name. Romans 15:8-12 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name.” Again, it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples.” And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.”
    In both these verses, one by James, the other by Paul, the restoration of Israel God’s way of blessing gentiles! Israel were always chosen to be a blessing to others, chosen because God loves them in their own right, and because he has chosen through them to bless the world. Genesis 12:3 “and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Zechariah 8:23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’” Romans 11:12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! Romans 11:15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

    The restoration of Israel is great news for the church!! Genesis 45:16-21 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’ “You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.’ ” So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey.

    Note that the Messiah is the one who both restores Israel, and saves the gentiles. Isaiah 42:6 “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, Isaiah 49:6 he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 2:2-5 In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

    If we turn to the New Testament, we find this duality of the Messiah both redeeming Israel and bringing salvation to the gentiles utterly affirmed. Luke 1:32-33 The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:54-55 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” Luke 1:68-73 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us– to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: Luke 2:29-32 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
    It is wonderful to look at who God chooses to write these promises – the more universal the writer, the more he loves Israel – it is the apostle to the gentiles who tells us that all Israel will be saved, the writer of the most universal Gospel who affirms that Jesus will rule over the house of Jacob. Why is it so hard for the gentile church to share their generosity and love?

    Put in the negative, a church which would disinherit Israel, which says God will not restore the Jewish people, by that act destroys the basis of its own existence – for the gentiles were included on the basis of a passage which requires the restoration of Israel! A church which poisons its own roots is committing suicide!
    The church is predicated on Jesus being the fulfilment of Jewish prophecy. That prophecy emphatically includes God’s eternal faithfulness to Israel, his forgiveness of their sins and their national restoration. If the church denies these, then Jesus is not the promised messiah, and our faith is false. The anchor of our soul is God’s promise to Abraham – we gentiles require God to be faithful to Israel, or our souls are lost. Any teaching which denies the restoration of national Israel is utterly heretical.

  • Me

    The relationship between the church and Israel has caused much confusion. What we find in Scripture is a beautiful graciousness on God’s behalf. The gentiles are included in a passage about the restoration of Israel, while the fullness of the gentiles heralds the salvation of all Israel. This co-dependence, this mutual blessing and delight in the other, is fundamental to our witness, because it is intrinsic to the very nature of the God we witness to.
    Election is always a generous act. Moses is called to rescue Israel, David is called to be a shepherd to Israel, Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations, Paul to be an apostle to the gentiles. Put another way, election is God’s way of reaching the rest, not his way of abandoning the rest. At the same time, clearly, God has a genuine love for those he calls. Abraham was a friend of God, Daniel a man greatly beloved, John was the beloved disciple. All this is understood by the average Christian, who knows both that God loves them, and that, at the same time, because of that same love, he desires them to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. We should therefore not find it difficult to recognize the broad pattern of God’s love for Israel – chosen in love to be a blessing to others. God’s foundational promise to Abraham; “I will bless you, ..and through you, all peoples of the earth will be blessed” These are two expressions of the one love (the second promise does not negate the first, anymore than sharing God’s love with someone else would then require God to stop loving you). God’s love for Israel is the first expression of his love for all humanity – it is not some quirky side issue, it is the beginning of salvation history. Christians should have no difficulty in understanding God’s love for Israel, because it is God’s love for them.

    Israel were chosen in love to bless the world. Clearly, the messiah is central to this, he is both a descendant of Abraham, and it is only through him that God’s promises and love to both Jews and gentiles will be fulfilled. Within this, the national history of Israel is also a vessel of God’s love, both to the Jewish people, and to the gentiles. Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 1Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

    Exodus 19:5-6 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Called to be a nation of priests (again, our calling also), to show the way of salvation to the earth – the national history of Israel is a proclamation of the gospel.

    See again the graciousness of our God; Act 15:15-17 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: ” ‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’. This passage, the basis of the church, is both a promise to restore Israel, and further, a promise that this restoration is not only an end in itself, but is in fact going to be a blessing to both the remnant of men, and to all the gentiles who bear my name. Romans 15:8-12 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name.” Again, it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples.” And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.”
    In both these verses, one by James, the other by Paul, the restoration of Israel God’s way of blessing gentiles! Israel were always chosen to be a blessing to others, chosen because God loves them in their own right, and because he has chosen through them to bless the world. Genesis 12:3 “and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Zechariah 8:23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’” Romans 11:12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! Romans 11:15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

    The restoration of Israel is great news for the church!! Genesis 45:16-21 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’ “You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.’ ” So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey.

    Note that the Messiah is the one who both restores Israel, and saves the gentiles. Isaiah 42:6 “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, Isaiah 49:6 he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 2:2-5 In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

    If we turn to the New Testament, we find this duality of the Messiah both redeeming Israel and bringing salvation to the gentiles utterly affirmed. Luke 1:32-33 The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:54-55 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” Luke 1:68-73 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us– to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: Luke 2:29-32 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
    It is wonderful to look at who God chooses to write these promises – the more universal the writer, the more he loves Israel – it is the apostle to the gentiles who tells us that all Israel will be saved, the writer of the most universal Gospel who affirms that Jesus will rule over the house of Jacob. Why is it so hard for the gentile church to share their generosity and love?

    Put in the negative, a church which would disinherit Israel, which says God will not restore the Jewish people, by that act destroys the basis of its own existence – for the gentiles were included on the basis of a passage which requires the restoration of Israel! A church which poisons its own roots is committing suicide!
    The church is predicated on Jesus being the fulfilment of Jewish prophecy. That prophecy emphatically includes God’s eternal faithfulness to Israel, his forgiveness of their sins and their national restoration. If the church denies these, then Jesus is not the promised messiah, and our faith is false. The anchor of our soul is God’s promise to Abraham – we gentiles require God to be faithful to Israel, or our souls are lost. Any teaching which denies the restoration of national Israel is utterly heretical.

  • Me

    It is great that the Bible gives us God’s perspective on the history of Israel. Called to be a blessing to others (Gen 12:1-4), called not because they were so great, but because God loved them, (Deut 7:7-8 – just like how he saved you and me), called to be a nation of priests, to show the world the way to God, what happened? He rescued them from Egypt, gave them perfect laws, a good land, a king after his own heart, prophets to correct them, he gave them every help imaginable, yet they sinned. They sinned to the point of killing his own dear son.
    Israel teaches me that we cannot get to God, even when he gives us every help to do so. It isnt just about getting a better president, or better laws, Israel had the best, and still fell. Now the wages of sin is death, and Israel had a living death among the nations for 2,000 years, but that verse continues, that the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus! God’s love does not know how to quit (amen!), even after what they had done, his love continued towards them – his love is greater than our sin. In every generation, there were a remnant saved by grace, and finally, all Israel shall be saved (Romans 11:26). We see how this happens in Zech 12:10-13:1. They look on him whom they have pierced (conviction of sin), mourn for him (repentance), and God washes them clean (baptism). That is, they are saved just like you and I were. Having shown the world that we cant be saved by works, that the wages of sin is death, and that God’s love is greater than our sin, they finally show the world the only way to salvation, living out their calling as a nation of priests, because the gifts and calling of God are irreversible! (Rom 11:29)
    This is wonderful. I sin, I let God down, and wonder if he could still love me and use me in his will, then I remember Israel, and am comforted. God’s love for Israel shows me the nature of his love for me also. And their history, from beginning to end, is recorded in Scripture to be a blessing (1 Cor 10:11). Romans 15:8 says Jesus came to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs (see Psalm 105:6-11 for some of these – and remember, in Jesus, all the promises of God find their yes). See Luke 1:54-55.

    We have a good God. I am glad his love never fails, and his promises can be trusted. At present, Israel have been re-gathered in unbelief, are still sinning (like the rest of us) and need the Gospel (like the rest of us), but we can see through the eyes of Scripture in that regathering the first blossomings of redemption (Rom 11:15). Praise God Israel have come home.

  • Me

    It is great that the Bible gives us God’s perspective on the history of Israel. Called to be a blessing to others (Gen 12:1-4), called not because they were so great, but because God loved them, (Deut 7:7-8 – just like how he saved you and me), called to be a nation of priests, to show the world the way to God, what happened? He rescued them from Egypt, gave them perfect laws, a good land, a king after his own heart, prophets to correct them, he gave them every help imaginable, yet they sinned. They sinned to the point of killing his own dear son.
    Israel teaches me that we cannot get to God, even when he gives us every help to do so. It isnt just about getting a better president, or better laws, Israel had the best, and still fell. Now the wages of sin is death, and Israel had a living death among the nations for 2,000 years, but that verse continues, that the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus! God’s love does not know how to quit (amen!), even after what they had done, his love continued towards them – his love is greater than our sin. In every generation, there were a remnant saved by grace, and finally, all Israel shall be saved (Romans 11:26). We see how this happens in Zech 12:10-13:1. They look on him whom they have pierced (conviction of sin), mourn for him (repentance), and God washes them clean (baptism). That is, they are saved just like you and I were. Having shown the world that we cant be saved by works, that the wages of sin is death, and that God’s love is greater than our sin, they finally show the world the only way to salvation, living out their calling as a nation of priests, because the gifts and calling of God are irreversible! (Rom 11:29)
    This is wonderful. I sin, I let God down, and wonder if he could still love me and use me in his will, then I remember Israel, and am comforted. God’s love for Israel shows me the nature of his love for me also. And their history, from beginning to end, is recorded in Scripture to be a blessing (1 Cor 10:11). Romans 15:8 says Jesus came to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs (see Psalm 105:6-11 for some of these – and remember, in Jesus, all the promises of God find their yes). See Luke 1:54-55.

    We have a good God. I am glad his love never fails, and his promises can be trusted. At present, Israel have been re-gathered in unbelief, are still sinning (like the rest of us) and need the Gospel (like the rest of us), but we can see through the eyes of Scripture in that regathering the first blossomings of redemption (Rom 11:15). Praise God Israel have come home.

  • Andreas

    Well said! Have you ever read the comments by Ulrich Wilckens on this issue in Vol. 2, Subvolume 2 of his Theologie des Neuen Testaments (http://www.amazon.de/Theologie-Neuen-Testaments-Grundlage-kirchlicher/dp/3788722592/ref=pd_sim_b_3). The Chapter ist called Der heilsgeschichtliche Horizont der Kirche (121-163)? It belongs to the best stuff I have read on the problem of Israel and the Church.

  • Andreas

    Well said! Have you ever read the comments by Ulrich Wilckens on this issue in Vol. 2, Subvolume 2 of his Theologie des Neuen Testaments (http://www.amazon.de/Theologie-Neuen-Testaments-Grundlage-kirchlicher/dp/3788722592/ref=pd_sim_b_3). The Chapter ist called Der heilsgeschichtliche Horizont der Kirche (121-163)? It belongs to the best stuff I have read on the problem of Israel and the Church.