The term "Israel of God" is a significant title used to describe the Church, reflecting its spiritual continuity and fulfillment of the promises made to Israel in the Old Testament. This designation is rooted in the understanding that the Church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ, inherits the spiritual blessings and responsibilities originally given to Israel.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "Israel of God" is explicitly mentioned in Galatians 6:16, where the Apostle Paul writes, "Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God" . In this context, Paul addresses the Galatian believers, emphasizing that those who live by the principles of the new creation in Christ are the true recipients of God's peace and mercy. This suggests a redefinition of Israel, not based on ethnic lineage but on faith in Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Continuity

The concept of the Church as the "Israel of God" is rooted in the broader biblical narrative of God's covenantal relationship with His people. In the Old Testament, Israel was chosen as God's special possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). With the coming of Christ, the promises and covenants made to Israel find their fulfillment in Him, and by extension, in His body, the Church.

The Apostle Peter echoes this continuity in 1 Peter 2:9, where he applies Old Testament descriptions of Israel to the Church: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession" . This indicates that the Church inherits the identity and mission of Israel, called to proclaim the excellencies of God.

Inclusion of Gentiles

The inclusion of Gentiles into the "Israel of God" is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul. Ephesians 2:11-22 describes how Gentiles, once "excluded from citizenship in Israel" (v. 12), have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, creating "one new man" (v. 15) and reconciling both Jews and Gentiles to God in one body.

This inclusion is further emphasized in Romans 11, where Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to illustrate how Gentiles have been grafted into the rich root of Israel's promises. This grafting does not replace Israel but rather expands the people of God to include all who have faith in Christ.

Theological Implications

Understanding the Church as the "Israel of God" carries significant theological implications. It underscores the unity of God's redemptive plan throughout history, highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Covenants. It also affirms the Church's role as the bearer of God's promises and the agent of His mission in the world.

Moreover, this title challenges the Church to live out its calling as a holy and distinct people, reflecting God's character and purposes. As the "Israel of God," the Church is called to embody the values of the Kingdom of God, serving as a light to the nations and a testament to God's faithfulness.

In summary, the title "Israel of God" encapsulates the Church's identity as the spiritual continuation of Israel, united by faith in Christ and entrusted with the mission of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations.Galatians 6:16
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and on the Israel of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

To the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.
... is it for great men to have great titles on earth, when God counts their names unworthy
to ... the King's religious care, hath placed over this church, to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/to the high and mighty.htm

The End of the War
... Church,"let us sing hallelujahs to these great names! ... in Egypt the name and sounding
titles of the king ... which ascribe the events of the Church's progress to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of the war.htm

Introduction
... there are (except in one book) no names of speakers nor divisions of speeches; there
are no titles to essays or ... not of a Hebrew nation, but of a Jewish church. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/introduction.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... Isaiah 9:6, 7, who is the head of the body, the church, Ephesians 1 ... He is the Truth
in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which he ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

Jesus' Conception of Himself
... There are two names, however, that are more significant of Jesus' thought ... So understood,
the titles represent truth early recognized by the church in its ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iv jesus conception of himself.htm

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
... the Saviour." Would we could all bear our names, such as ... title; under the head of
"name" the titles of Jesus ... The blessing of the church militant is Christ, God ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ix annunciation to joseph of.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... of the congregation of God's people in the titles of many ... people is more usually
called The Church, in that it ... For by such names are most suitably figured the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm

The Pentateuch.
... The Hebrew titles of the several books are taken ... The Greek names are expressive of
their prominent contents ... government of the world without a visible church. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... Different names given to this dispensation, to show that we ... is altogether alien from
the Church of Christ ... are invested with great power and illustrious titles. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not ... True" (19:11), the epistle
to this church makes mention of the Saviour by those titles, which are ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

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