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The question of whether all true believers are Israelites is a significant topic in theological discussion, particularly in understanding the relationship between the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT), as well as the concept of spiritual Israel. This issue touches upon the identity of God’s people, the fulfillment of promises, and the nature of the Church in relation to Israel. We will explore this question by examining relevant Biblical texts from both the Old and New Testaments, with a focus on NKJV references.
Understanding the Identity of Israel
Old Testament Israel
In the Old Testament, Israel refers specifically to the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. The twelve tribes of Israel, named after Jacob’s sons, form the foundation of the nation. The identity of Israel in the OT is primarily ethnic and national.
Genesis 32:28 (NKJV):
“Then He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.'”
This verse marks the origin of the name Israel and the establishment of the twelve tribes. The Israelites were considered God’s chosen people with whom He made a covenant.
Exodus 19:5-6 (NKJV):
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
Here, God specifies the Israelites as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests, highlighting their unique relationship with Him.
The New Testament Perspective
With the advent of the New Testament, the definition of God’s people expands. The coming of Jesus Christ and the subsequent teachings of the apostles introduce a new dimension to the identity of God’s people, which includes not only ethnic Israelites but also Gentiles who believe in Christ.
Matthew 21:43 (NKJV):
“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.”
Jesus addresses the Jewish leaders, indicating that the kingdom of God will be given to a people who produce the fruits of righteousness, suggesting a shift in the understanding of God’s people.
Spiritual Israel and the Church
Paul’s Teachings on Spiritual Israel
The Apostle Paul elaborates on the concept of spiritual Israel, emphasizing that faith in Christ transcends ethnic boundaries.
Romans 2:28-29 (NKJV):
“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.”
Paul teaches that true identity as a Jew is spiritual, defined by the condition of the heart rather than external rites. This indicates that spiritual Israel includes those who possess faith and obedience to God.
Galatians 3:29 (NKJV):
“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Paul affirms that those who belong to Christ are considered heirs to the promises made to Abraham, thereby including them in the spiritual lineage of Israel.
The Church as the New Israel
The concept of the Church as the new Israel is evident in several New Testament passages, suggesting that the Church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, represents the true Israel.
1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV):
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”
Peter uses terminology similar to that used for Israel in the OT to describe the Church, indicating that the Church fulfills the role of a holy nation and a chosen people.
Revelation 1:6 (NKJV):
“And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
The Church is portrayed as a kingdom of priests, echoing the OT description of Israel, signifying its role as the new Israel in the spiritual sense.
Spiritual Israel and the Church
The Fulfillment of Promises
The New Testament teaches that the promises made to Israel are fulfilled in Christ, who is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. The inclusion of Gentiles into the promises made to Israel demonstrates a continuity between the OT and the NT.
Matthew 5:17 (NKJV):
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
Jesus asserts that He came to fulfill the OT laws and prophecies, suggesting that the promises made to Israel find their ultimate realization in Him.
Acts 3:25-26 (NKJV):
“You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
Peter refers to the promise made to Abraham and emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise, extending blessings to all nations.
The New Covenant
The New Testament also introduces a new covenant.
Hebrews 8:8-9 (NKJV):
“Because finding fault with them, He says: ‘Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.'”
The writer of Hebrews explains that the new covenant, established through Jesus, is different from the old covenant made with Israel. It signifies a shift from a purely ethnic understanding to a broader spiritual inclusion.
Jeremiah 31:31 (NKJV):
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.”
Jeremiah prophesies about a new covenant, which is later understood in the New Testament context to include all people that accept Christ.
The Role of Ethnicity and Faith
The New Testament redefines the concept of being part of God’s people, emphasizing faith in Christ over ethnic lineage. While the OT Israel was defined by descent from Abraham and adherence to the Law, the NT emphasizes spiritual identity through faith.
John 1:12 (NKJV):
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
Belief in Jesus Christ grants the right to become children of God, regardless of ethnic background.
Romans 10:12 (NKJV):
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.”
Paul underscores the absence of distinction between Jews and Gentiles in the context of salvation, highlighting the inclusive nature of the gospel.
Conclusion: Spiritual Israel and the True Identity of Believers
The question of whether all true believers are Israelites involves understanding the transition from the ethnic Israel of the Old Testament to the spiritual Israel of the New Testament. While ethnic Israel was defined by descent from Abraham, the New Testament introduces a broader definition of God’s people that includes both Jews and Gentiles who have faith in Christ.
Galatians 6:16 (NKJV):
“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.”
Paul refers to the “Israel of God” in a context that includes believers who follow the new creation in Christ. This implies that spiritual identity, rather than ethnic lineage, defines the true Israel.
Revelation 7:4 (NKJV):
“And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed.”
In Revelation, the term “Israel” is used symbolically to represent the faithful who are sealed by God, indicating that the concept of Israel encompasses the faithful, transcending ethnic boundaries.
In conclusion, while all true believers are not necessarily ethnic Israelites, they are considered part of the spiritual Israel, as defined by their faith in Jesus Christ. The New Testament presents a vision of God’s people that includes all who are in Christ, fulfilling the promises made to Israel and extending them to all nations.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team