Who Is Israel?
Is the defining of Israel to be determined by man or by God?
Rev. Timothy P. Cotton, B.Th
Truth and Way Minisries
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Who Is Israel ?
Is Israel defined and determined by God, or is this to be done by man? This is one of the most
important questions of our age. I am amazed how often, upon a clear exposition of what God has to say
on this subject, people still respond with remarks like, “well that’s not what I believe.” Oft times they
will take a scripture or two out of context and build a new meaning to it. Their theology ends up with
holes and does not add up to the whole council of scripture, but hold on to it anyway.
“Moreover, I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee in their
generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” Genesis
17:7
The question we must raise is this… Was God’s promise of an everlasting inheritance made to a
Middle Eastern nation called Israel, or was that promise made to an Israel which is the elect, diverse,
and spiritual people of God?
Is it even possible that such a promise can be fulfilled in an earthly kingdom?
Herein we shall attempt, by the guidance of His Holy Spirit, to glean the truth of this question. We will
explore through sound exegesis the source of all truth, namely the Word of God.
We will begin with chapter 9 of the book of Romans where the Apostle Paul has already dealt with this.
Paul is sorrowful for his brethren, the Israelites, because their rejection of Jesus as Christ has left them
in blindness and without a Deliverer. To some it would appear that God has abrogated His promise,
however Paul answers this in Verse 6
“Notwithstanding it cannot be that the word of God should take none effect: for they are not all Israel,
which are of Israel.” Romans 9:6
With this key biblical verse God is painting a picture that identifies that the characteristics of the Israel
of God are not in the flesh Judaism, but in the Spirit. The covenant is with the people Israel, those who
are chosen and set apart.
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a people set at liberty…” 1 Peter
2:9
To fully understand the covenant we must understand with whom it is made.
Carnal Israel, the Jews who have turned away from the Messiah are in darkness without God’s light.
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this secret (lest ye be arrogant in yourselves)
that partly obstinacy is come to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in” Romans 11:25
As a nation they no longer typify God’s covenant congregation. This ended at the cross as the veil of
separation was torn in two. Christ’s flesh is the new temple which fulfills and replaces the old Temple.
Only by this new temple would God’s people Israel enter the kingdom.
“By the new and living way, which he hath prepared for us, through the veil, that is his flesh:” Hebrews
10:20
The Israel of God is not in temples made with hands but fulfilled in the body of Christ. If we be in
Christ, then we are in Israel. It is He that has the mouth of a sharp sword, not a nation in the Middle
East. As you read previously to the following passage, all nations are being exhorted to believe his
promises.
“And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword: under the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and
made me a chosen shaft, and hid me in his quiver.” Isaiah 49:2-6
The nation was merely the shadow of the true inheritance in Christ, just as the Holy temple was a mere
shadow of the true temple, which is Christ. It is a spiritual inheritance, not a plot of land
“…Jerusalem shall be inherited without walls, for the multitude of men and cattle therein. For I, saith
the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of thee.”
Zechariah 2:4-5
Those who are in Christ are truly the Israel of God, those not in Christ are not Israel. Remember “they
are not all Israel that are of Israel.” This is a clear declaration that Israel is not a geopolitical nation, or
even a genealogical one; it is a remnant people.
“And if ye be Christ’s, then ye are Abraham’s seed, and heirs by promise.” Galatians 3:29
“And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:” Exodus
4:22
The nation Israel was the type which represented the Christ, the firstborn Son of God, through whom
deliverance from bondage would come. The nation was called the first fruits because Christ was the
first fruit. The nation was called Chosen because Christ was the Chosen One. His fulfilling of the OT
scriptures brings to fruition all of those titles in Him. Because Christ is Israel those who are in Him are
Israel.
The nation of Israel was a visible representation of the true Israel.
“When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called My Son out of Egypt” Hosea 11:1
“And was there unto the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which is spoken of the Lord by the
Prophet saying ‘Out of Egypt have I called my son.” Matthew 2:15
Christ as a child went to Egypt and His being called out was a fulfillment of that scripture. As the Feast
of the Tabernacles foretold, Jesus Christ is the dwelling place of all of those who have been delivered
from spiritual bondage. Parallel the stories of the Israelites and Jesus in the wilderness. He is the real
Son called out of Egypt. Without Him no one can be set free from this captivity.. They must be brought
out of “Egypt” (spiritual captivity) in Him by the way through His flesh.
“And the servant abideth not in the house forever: but the Son abideth forever. If that Son therefore
shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:35-36
Christ is the seed of that Promise, without being “in him” we are cast out. Physical Jerusalem is what
Paul refers to as being still in bondage with her children, the Jerusalem from above is free.
“Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this
bondwoman shall not be heir with my son Isaac. And this thing was grievous in Abraham’s sight,
because of his son. But God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight for the child, and for
thy bondservant: in all that Sarah shall say unto thee, hear her voice: for in Isaac shall thy seed be
called.” Genesis 21:10-12
“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by a servant, and one by a free woman. But he
which was of the servant, was born after the flesh: and he which was of the free woman, was born by
promise.” Galatians 4:22
If they abide in the Son (Christ) then they abide in the house of Israel forever. Else, they abide not.
Jerusalem represents the mother in bondage, Hagar; whilst those set free in Israel (the Christ) are
represented by Sarah. “…for in Isaac shall thy seed be called” Genesis 21:12
We may safely conclude thus far that anyone who makes the claim that all of the nation of Israel
will be saved, or that this Israel in the Middle East is the Israel of God, or even that salvation is
earned by bloodline, have directly contradicted God’s Word.
So the nagging question is obvious. What can we say about all of the biblical promises God has made
to Israel. Is the Word of God mad null and void? Well, Paul answers with an emphatic NO.
“Notwithstanding it cannot be that the word of God should take none effect: for they are not all Israel,
which are of Israel.” Romans 9:6
“That is, they which are the children of the flesh, are not the children of God: but the children of the
promise, are counted for the seed.” Romans 9:8
Paul is sorrowful because he knows God will save all Israel that abides in the tabernacle of Christ.
Sadly, it has become a church passion in our day to define Israel not by God’s Word, but by history and
tradition. Jesus spoke these words to the Jews…
“I speak that which I have seen with my Father and ye do that which ye have seen with your Father.
They answered, and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus said unto them, If ye were Abraham’s
children ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye go about to kill me, a man that have told you
the truth, which I have heard of God; this did not Abraham. Ye do the works of your father…..ye are of
your father the devil” John 8:39-44
He clearly defines that though they are Abraham’s literal seed genealogically, by God’s definition they
were not Abraham’s children at all. Genealogy does not determine children of the promise. If it did we
would not need Christ.
Okay, so now you are wondering about the promises God made to the literal nation of Israel. We must
first recognize that they were ‘conditional’ promises, all of which were fulfilled. It is imperative that we
accurately distinguish between those conditional promises to physical Israel and the unconditional ones
made to the Israel of God. Every single promise God made about the inheritance of the physical land
were ‘conditional promises’
“If thou forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify
unto you this day, ye shall surely perish” Deuteronomy 8:19-20
The Covenant Promise for the land of Canaan was very conditional. The bad theology that is prevalent
today that derives its thoughts from political motivations and not biblical ones strives to teach us
otherwise. Therefore, beware of the wiles of our enemy, Satan, who constantly contradicts the Word of
God.
“So the Lord gave unto Israel all the land, which he hath sworn to give unto their fathers: and they
possessed it, and dwelt therein.” Joshua 21:43
“There failed nothing of all the good things, which the Lord had said unto the house of Israel, but all
came to pass.” Joshua 21:45
Scripture demonstrates clearly that the Promise to Abraham and his seed was not that of a literal land,
and also that the seed spoken of was Christ. This promise is unconditional in Christ because we are
justified by His work.
“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to the seeds, as speaking of
many: but, And to thy seed, as of one, which is Christ.” Galatians 3:16
Christ alone is that seed of the promise. Those who abide in the true vine that grows from that seed are
the branches, thus the fruit of it, therefore become heirs of the promise made
to the seed which they abide in.
Christ is not interested in an earthly kingdom. The inheritance he offers is far more valuable than any
Holy Land. David sat upon a worldly throne of men, one which foreshadowed Christ’s new kingdom, a
spiritual kingdom where he has risen to as a result defeating Satan on the cross. We, having been risen
with Him in the first resurrection after dying to self (born-again), have been translated into the
dominion of this kingdom.
“Jesus answered, My Kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, my servants
would surely fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”
John 18:36
In speaking to Israel about its unbelief…
“And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath, I am from above: ye are of this world, I am not of this
world.” John 8:23
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his
dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, that is forgiveness of sins:” Colossians
1:13-14
Satan offered up the kingdoms of this world to Jesus because they are within his domain; his to offer.
Christ rejected them for his kingdom is far superior. cf Luke 4:5-7
The promise cannot be made null by the law because Christ came to complete it. In this seed Israel we
are not under the law, we are under grace. We are made the children of the free woman, not the bound.
“For sin shall have no dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under grace.” Romans
6:14
Whosoever puts on Christ, has put on Israel and is an inheritor of the promises made to Abraham.
“For ye are all the sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For all ye that are baptized into Christ, have
put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor
female; for ye all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26-28
The seed by which “all the nations shall be blessed” is of Isaac in Israel (Jacob), is it not? The only
alternative seed would be Esau. In fact God told Rebecca she had two nations in the womb.
“And the Lord said to her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be divided out
of thy bowels, and the one shall be mightier than the other, and the elder shall serve the younger”
Genesis 25:23
The two nations represented here are the kingdom of God (Jacob/Israel) and the kingdom of this world
(Esau). One would be ruled by the Christ, the other by Satan.
“…know ye not that the amity of this world is enmity of God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of
the world, maketh himself the enemy of God.” James 4:4
With this in mind we may gain a better understanding of the following verse.
“As it is written, I have loved Jacob, and have hated Esau.” Romans 9:13
Jacob as a type of Christ and prefigures this true Israel. Even his name testifies (supplanter) that he was
the last, then was chosen (or Elect) and made the first by the power of God alone. This is what
necessitated the need for the name of Israel to be given to him. (power of God). The expectation that
the ‘type’ continues after the anti type is a disservice to the true. It is this worldly thinking that
genealogy means everything that the Jews misunderstood in Jesus’ own time. They too were looking
for an earthly king and missed the point completely.
He came to bring them to set the captives free, creating a peace, one defined by God, not man. They did
not understand what held them captive nor of which he would set them free, but at Pentecost they were
given the power to discern these things by the Holy Spirit as the truth poured forth.
“And there is no new thing under the sun” Ecclesiastes 1:9
In an alarming number of churches across the land today people are again looking for the literal
kingdom of Israel to be fulfilled. They await the rebuilding of the temple and other such fallacies. They
seek the shadows of what was prefiguring what has already come in Christ Jesus.
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
And as many walk according to this rule, Peace shall be on them, and Mercy, and upon the Israel of
God.” Galatians 6:15
If you are in Christ, you are a Jew, Chosen of God and heirs according to the promises. You are
circumcised in the heart and the seed of Isaac, not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. Christ came to physical
Israel first, then to the Gentiles reconciling all peoples to himself in one holy nation, God’s Israel.
There is nor respect of persons in God.
“For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without the Law, shall perish
also without the Law: and as many as have sinned in the Law, shall be judged by the Law” Romans
2:11-12
It is definitely true that Israel has special promises, and that they are the Children of God. Where many
have gone wrong is in the defining of Israel.
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outward; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh;
but he is a Jew, which is one within, and circumcision is of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter;
whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
Romans 2:28
Satan has perpetuated a spiritual identity theft of the name of Israel, the very identity of the people of
God. Calling oneself a Jew, or the calling of one a Jew must be truly those whom God calls by this
name.
“Behold, I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie;
behold, I say, I will make them that they shall come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I
have loved thee.” Revelation 3:8-9
Truth is not in church, in a pastor, a denomination, or a rabbi; it is in God’s Holy Word. A Jew is who
God’s holy word says he is, not whom we say. Christ did indeed come to be King of the Jews and He
did establish His kingdom. He said, “It is finished” because he accomplished his task, he did not fail.
He came to set up a Jerusalem from above with a spiritual government and did so. We must stop both
the ignoring of His kingdom and the awaiting of its arrival. The kingdom is now and our role in it is to
advance by the preaching of the gospel.
“But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then is the kingdom of God come unto you. Matthew
12:28
“I, John, even your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus
Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the witnessing of Jesus
Christ.” Revelation 1:9
The New Covenant is the new covenant in Christ, the seed to whom the promises contained within it
are made. Christ is the House of Israel and the church is the corporate and visible representation of it.
“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days, saith the
Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and
they shall be my people” Jeremiah 31:33
Christ is the mediator of this new covenant.
“But now our high priest hath He obtained a more excellent office, inasmuch as He is the Mediator of
a better covenant, which is established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been
unblameable, no place should have been sought for the second..”
Hebrews 8:6
By now, my expectation is that is seemingly clear. To drive the point home with an illustration here
would be most beneficial. Since there is no greater illustration of all of this than that given by Paul, let
us take a look at how he drives the point home at Romans 11. This illustration is most frequently
misrepresented and seldom examined carefully in the light of scriptures. In this the visible
representation of Covenant Israel, both the old and new, is pictured as an olive tree. The Jewish people
are the natural branches, that is, the visible covenant people of Israel.
Further on we read of some of these branches being broken off and some branches from the gentiles
being grafted into this same covenant tree. The broken off branches are broken off and are not part of
the covenant, even though they are natural to it. Ones natural self has no bearing on the covenant. This
is a simple illustration of God’s Israel. Those who remain with the tree, either by natural means or
otherwise are the “fellow citizens with the saints” of Ephesians 2:18. This tree is the Body of Christ.
Once all of these have come into the tree as the new Israel, “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26).
As we have shown previously, “they are not Israel which are of Israel” for many have broken off,
however there is a remnant Chosen by Grace that remain in the tree and are children of God, but in the
same manner as all in the body of Christ (the tree). The Israel of promise is an elect remnant people,
not a physical nation.
The time of salvation for all mankind is now! To tell those of natural Israel this fable or myth of
salvation is cruel. True love is in the truth, not in words that soothe. To preach this untruth and use it as
a political pawn is both bad politics and bad theology, doing a disservice to the person and work of
Jesus Christ. Few in our day with all readiness of mind receive God’s Word as truth.
The new Premilleniallist and Dispensational doctrines of an earthly kingdom are based on old Judaic
legends, Jewish pride, lazy hermeneutics and poor exegesis. Most that arise from the Darby/Schofield
teachings only exist to tie up sloppy ends to their own loose theology. When our Lord returns as exalted
Christ it will not be to save a parcel of land in the Middle East, or to establish a kingdom. He already
sits on the throne and reigns over it. His return will be to “rapture” that kingdom established at the
cross and deliver unto the Father. We should always be true to scripture and take out of it what is there,
never adding what is not.
“ For I protest unto every man who heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall
add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book”
Revelation 22:18
To God alone be all glory !
Compiled by Rev. Timothy P. Cotton
Truth and Way Ministries
http://truthandway.org
All scripture verses are taken from the 1599 Geneva Bible
Restored..2006
Published..Tolle Lege Press
