Are the Jews Still God's People Today?
Spiritual Questions with Scriptural Answers.
With the recent events taking place in Israel, many have wondered, “Is that happening as a result of Biblical prophecy?” “Are the Jews still God’s people today?”
In this article, we want to answer this question from the Bible. I encourage you to study alongside me as we strive to be accurate and “study to show ourselves approved unto God” (2 Tim. 2:15).
Remember: If it agrees with the Bible, accept it. If it does not agree with the Bible, reject it!
God Chose the Nation of Israel.
The nation of Israel was the chosen people of God. We can read of this in the Book of Deuteronomy:
“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Deut. 7:6-8).
God made it abundantly clear that the Israelites were His chosen people. But why did He choose them?
Why Did God Choose the Nation of Israel?
The nation of Israel was a part of God’s plan and purpose to bring about the Messiah. God made a promise to Abraham that in his seed, all nations of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:3).
As we trace the seed line, we learn that from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob to Judah, the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10; Heb. 7:14). He would be born of a virgin (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14) and be born under the law (Gal. 4:4).
The Word took on flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1-3, 14). His name would be called “Jesus” for “He shall save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
God kept His promise and Jesus came into the world, not to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:16-17).
Bringing Us to Christ.
The nation of Israel was God’s instrument for bringing a Savior into the world.
However, since the Redeemer has come and has made atonement for all men (John 1:29; Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:1-2), there is no special role for the Jewish nation as a nation in God’s plan for human redemption.
The nation of Israel, and really the entirety of the Old Testament, had the purpose of “bringing us to Christ” (Gal. 3:24).
Who is "the “Israel of God” today?
Consider what the Bible says regarding “The Israel of God” today:
“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” (Rom. 2:28-29).
“Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham…For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:7, 26-29; cf. Gen. 12:3; Acts 2:39; Eph. 2:11-18).
“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God” (Gal. 6:16).
These passages show and teach that God’s people today are Christians!
As we close, notice the connection with our opening passage (Deut. 7:6-8) and a passage in the New Testament (1 Pet. 2:9-10) showing that the holy nation and God’s own special people today is the church for which Jesus died (Acts 20:28):
“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; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (1 Pet. 2:9-10).
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
Very glad someone has explained it as concisely and accurately as this!! Faith is what makes us Children of God, more importantly faith in Jesus Christ our Shepherd who will lead His sheep home to the Father. No one can nor will anyone get through to Him except through the Son. 👏🏾
“there is no special role for the Jewish nation as a nation in God’s plan for human redemption”
What?
Does your Bible not have Daniel and Revelation? Have you not read Romans 11? Yahweh’s promise through Abraham stands to the last day. What about Ezekiel 36? Has that been torn out as well? Prophetic promises are Yes and Amen.