Are followers of Christ Israel by faith?
Social Media Question: Followers of Christ are grafted into the vine, correct? So that would mean that followers of Christ are Israel by faith, would it not? Jesus fulfilled the law. His disciples enter into the New Testament of Jeremiah 31, receive the Holy Spirit (Joel 2). So, under the new covenant we, gentiles, are technically Israel, sons of Jacob. Whereas the ethnic Jews who reject their Messiah are technically not God's Israel until they repent, like the rest of us. Do you agree? My Reply: One must take into account that there are two completely distinct programs in God’s redemption plan. The nation of Israel as per the Old Testament and gospels, and the Body of Christ as per Paul’s doctrine. Israel was under law, prophecy, and covenants. The Body of Christ is not under law or connected to prophecy and covenants. Thus, where many modern denominations today mix up and blend together all of the bible, thinking that since Israel has been blinded (Rom.11:25), that they are now t...