Spiritual Israel - the Remnant of God

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How many "TYPES" of Israel's are in the bible?

Romans 9:6-9 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

The name Israel is given to two types of people.

First there is a "physical Israel", which refers to the Jewish people or their nation.

Secondly there is "Spiritual Israel". And as these verses plainly teach, just because a person is a part of physical Israel, it doesn't necessarily mean they are a part of Spiritual Israel. In fact, the vast majority of those who are "Jews" in the flesh, are not a part of Spiritual Israel.

How does a person become a part of Spiritual Israel? Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Only those who have received a new heart, by the indwelling of the holy Spirit is a part of Spiritual Israel. Today only those who have received Christ as Messiah are a part of Spiritual Israel.

What has that small group of Jews that have trusted in God been known as?

Romans 11:1-5 ¶ I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Spiritual Israel is also known as the Remnant.

We can illustrate the teaching in this manner.

The Covenants that God made to Abraham is represented as a tree. Through which the blessings of God flows.

The branches on this tree represent the descendants of Abraham.

And upon this tree are two types of branches.

One type, is merely Israel in the flesh, or Jews by birth and they do not bear the fruit of the Spirit

The other branches bear fruit, because they are Jews not only outwardly, but inwardly.

What does God do with the branches that don't bear fruit.

John 15:1-2 ¶ I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

So we see that the branches that did not bear fruit, because they did not by faith receive Christ was broken off.

Now if you would, please imagine an olive tree, having many, many branches, but the vast majority of those branches are bad. So the gardener comes and strips away all the bad branches, leaving only the few, the remnant, that continued to bear good fruit. The once lush tree, now looks rather sickly, but only for a moment! The gardener is a Master, and he goes to another tree, a wild tree, and he pulls from it the branches that are bearing good fruit, and to the limbs he applies a crimson wash, and he grafts it into his own olive tree. He replaces the bad branches, with fruit bearing branches. And the tree is both full, and producing the fruits it should.

This is what GOD has done.

Romans 11:16-24 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

The unbelieving Jews were broken off, and the believing gentiles were grafted into the same tree.

They are then recognized as the decedents of Abraham, and they partake of the blessings of the tree.

Ephesians 3:5-6 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

How are the gentiles grafted in? Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

So we see that the TREE, which represents SPIRITUAL ISRAEL is made up of both Jews and gentiles who have received Christ by faith, who have had their hearts circumcised by the holy Spirit. Those without the Spirit, are not a part of this tree (Romans 8:9).

SPIRITUAL ISRAEL IS THE CHURCH

Did Christ's death create another tree? Or did he make it so we all could be a part of the same?

Ephesians 2:12-14 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Those who are a part of this tree are called what? Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God

The Israel {spiritual] of God is made up of all who have trusted in Christ; both Jew and Greek. Or in other words Spiritual Israel is CHRIST'S CHURCH.. Christ's church is made up of all who have his Spirit.

How are they described in Revelation? Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Here the woman represents Spiritual Israel, the symbols come from (Genesis 37:9). Christ, who was born a Jew, is the man-child, Satan began to attack him as soon as he was born. After Christ's death and victorious resurrection, Satan turned his attention to Christ's beloved, the Remnant, Spiritual Israel, who is also the Church. Her two attributes are mentioned. She keeps the Commandments and she has the testimony of Jesus.

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Again, the Saints, or the Church is described the same way. They keep the commandments and have the faith of Jesus. You see, many in Physical Israel profess to keep the Commandments, but they don't have the faith or testimony of Christ. They deny he is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

On the same token, there are many who profess to be a part of the "Church", who profess Christ, but do not obey the Commandments. Neither are truly a part of Spiritual Israel (1st John 2:4).

So we see that the Gentile believers did not replace the Jews, but they were joined by adoption into the family of God [spiritual Israel]. There are not two trees, but one tree; and each branch clings to the trunk by faith. If you are not a Jew inwardly, if you are not a Son of Abraham by faith, if you are not a part of Spiritual Israel, the Israel of God, then you are lost. Plain and very simple.

THE NATION OF ISRAEL – Jewish Nation.

What has come upon the Nation of Israel since their rejection of Messiah? Romans 11:7-10 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

The bible teaches that as a nation, Israel has been given a spirit of slumber and they have been blinded. The Great Majority cannot see that Messiah has come, and his name is Jesus Christ.

Yet out of this Nation, God has reserved a remnant, who are saved by Grace. The Messianic movement is a rapidly growing movement in Christendom today (Romans 11:5-6)..

Though God broke off Israel, and ended their special position that they held as his chosen nation, is God able to graft them back in? Romans 11:23-24 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

Is this general blindness that is over the nation of Israel for ever? Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

The bible plainly teaches that this blindness, this spirit of slumber that leads Israel to reject their Messiah is temporary. It will continue until the "fulness of the Gentiles" is completed.

2nd Corinthians 3:13-16 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it [the nation of Israel] shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

Notice verse 16 in the Weymouth translation: "But whenever the heart of the nation shall have returned to the Lord, the veil will be withdrawn." (Weymouth)

Why is it impossible for GOD to simply cast off the Nation of Israel forever? Romans 11:28-29 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Also see Jeremiah 31:35-37)

God made an unconditional covenant with Abraham promising him multitudes of descendants and ownership of the land of Canaan (Genesis 15, 17: 6-8). This promise was confirmed with Isaac (Gen.26: 1-5), Jacob (Gen 28: 13-15) and with the children of Israel (Exodus 6: 6-8). Even after the giving of the new covenant, Israel is to remain an identifiable nation (Jeremiah 31: 35-
37).

Yet Israel rejected the Messiah, and lead him to be crucified, and called for the guilt of his shed blood to be upon them, and thus God brought vengeance upon their rebellion and unbelief.

Luke 21:22-24 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

In 70AD Jerusalem was destroyed, and the nation of the Jews scattered toward the four winds. They have been persecuted as a people since, and looked down upon by many (Ezekiel 5:11-13). Yet in Jesus' prophecy, he tells us that this punishment, and this trodden down of Jerusalem was temporary, and it would only continue UNTIL the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. So by the words of Jesus and Paul we see that the blindness of this nation, and the loss of their nationality would both end when the time of the gentiles are fulfilled. God promised that scattered Israel would be regathered (Jeremiah 31:7-11)

Jeremiah 30:9-11 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. (Also see: Ezekiel 37:21-28)

So many of the last day prophecies that are found in the bible center around the nation of Israel, and the City of Jerusalem. Bible students for centuries have taught that the prophecies teach that Israel would be restored as a Nation shortly before the Messiah returns, and so it was in 1948. In 1967Israel captured Jerusalem.

What good came out of Israel's rejection of Christ? Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

When Israel rejected Jesus Christ, and persecuted the Apostles, it caused the gospel to be spread to all the world; and notice that this grace that has been extended to the Gentiles is given to provoke the nation of Israel to Jealousy.

The bible teaches that their rejection and fall were in reality good for the gentile world, and then what question does Paul ask?

Romans 11:12 and if their lapse is the enriching of the world, and their overthrow the enriching of the Gentiles, will not still greater good follow their restoration? (WEY)

What "GOOD" thing was Paul looking forward to at the restoration of Israel? Romans 11:15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

How does Paul relate the restoration of Israel to the resurrection (life from death)? Romans 11:25-26 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Because the restoration of the nation of Israel to God occurs, when the Deliverer, which is the Messiah returns. And we know when Christ returns all those who are dead in Christ shall rise! (1st Thessalonians 4:16)

Did Jesus teach there would come a time when the Nation of Israel would call him blessed? Luke 13:34-35 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

The Jews still await the coming of Messiah, and when he comes the second time, they shall recognize him.

Did the Apostles believe that the Nation of Israel would be restored? Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Notice the Apostles believed in the restoration of Israel, and their question was not rebuked by Christ, neither was their thinking corrected.

What the bible teaches is simply this:

In the last days the Jew would be gathered into their own land, from the different nations in which they were scattered (Jeremiah 31:7-11). This process is going on today.

When Israel sees the returning Messiah, they will realize he is Jesus and mourn for the evils that they had committed against him: Zechariah 12:10-11 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

The Nation of Israel, who had been the bitter enemy of the Gospel for so long, will repent, and they will be 'grafted' back into the "olive" tree.