110 Is the Church Spiritual Israel?

Anchor of Truth

Episode 110 Is the church Spiritual Israel?

Is the church Spiritual Israel? We know that God has used Israel in a very significant way in His working in the past. In our time the instrument of His choice is the church. Is the church an extension of Israel in a spiritual way, or is the church a completely new work of God? This question seems to be a very critical issue in our time. Perhaps because the nation of Israel is the focus of much attention in the Mid-East today, many are directing their attention to Israel. In so doing, many are also going back to the Old Testament and becoming convinced that we should be keeping the Law of Moses as much as possible. A key issue at the heart of this debate is whether the church is a completely new working of God begun at the day of Pentecost, or whether the church and the New Covenant are really just an extension of God’s working in Israel but in a spiritual way. Today we want to look at this subject, seeking to bring clarity that we may all walk in truth and love for God’s purpose and glory.

• First the natural, then the spiritual (I Cor. 15:45-49)
  • In Christ there is a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:16-19)
  • There is an “old man” (Adam), and a “new man” (Christ) (Rom. 6:5-7, Eph. 4:20-24)
  • The working in Israel was very physical or natural
  • The foundation and expression of the church is spiritual
• God’s purpose in Israel
  • To reveal that He was the only true God (Exodus 7:5)
  • To reveal Himself and His ways to all the nations
  • To have a people through whom Christ would come
• God’s purpose in the church
  • A Holy Nation (people) (I Peter 2:9-10, Mat. 21:43)
  • The Body of Christ (I Cor. 12:27)
  • The Household of God (Eph. 2:19)
  • A Temple of God (Eph. 2:21-22)
  • The Bride of Christ (Eph. 5:22-33, Rev. 21:1-3)
• The purpose of the Law of Moses
  • Specify God’s moral requirements for mankind (law was good)
  • Laws which structured Israel as a nation
  • Minister Christ before Calvary (Tabernacle, sacrifices)
• The righteousness (of law, and of faith)
  • Mankind was dead in sin
  • The Law of Moses restrained sin and revealed the need of a Savior
  • The provision of God in Christ at Calvary brought the life of God within man
  • God in man gives ability to keep the righteous requirements of the law
• The use of the Law of Moses today
  • To instruct in the ways and character of God (brings out new and old, Matt 13:52)
  • To bring conviction of sin to the unbeliever (I Tim 1:8-10)
  • To minister Christ and the New Covenant (must be by spiritual men)
• The church is a new working of God in a New Covenant by the same God (2 Cor. 5:18)
• The church embodies spiritual truth spoken to Israel but is not a “spiritualized Israel” (Gal. 6:14-15)

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [e-mail]