[stop_killing_unborn_babies]

Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands -- remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph. 2) {Notice that Paul calls the older covenant a "covenant of promise". Paul bring gentiles close to the "commonwealth of Israel" by their faith in Christ. Why would he confuse people with this sort of language unless to make a point about the true meaning of "Israel"?}

Thank you.

Paul and the entire NT uses the exact same covanental and ecclesiastical language as the OT, most pronounced in Hebrews. Paul additionally says in Romans, "Not all are Israle that are of Israel(meaning the unbelieving Jews)".

Also the writers of the NT apply the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants to the Church, including Gentiles, as well as the Messianic promises. The early Church was covenantal, as was the Church until Dispensationalism came along in the 19th century, a real late comer in theology.

[topcat54]

It is strange that so many have been smitten by the new teaching of Darby and Scofield. Perhaps it is, as Paul warned, that "the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires," The market for pop prophecy preachers was growing, esp. during the '70s and '80s.

There is no denying that when you put exciting spin on a theology ala the Left Behind series it is hard to complete when all you have is the simplicity of Bible truth. Dispensationalism makes things "relevant". It's easier to get your theology from LaHaye novels than from the Word of God.