I hope you enjoy this series from John Walvoord as much as I do. I try to post a new part every Sunday. I figure that gives us a week to read it (they are long) digest it and make comments.
I had some time to peruse the thread resulting from part 8.
The question of “what (or who) is Israel” is a fascinating one. (To me). I’m sorry I don’t see where that was specifically addressed in part 8.
Regardless I’d like an answer to it too. But here are my thoughts:
I think it’s pretty clear that Israel (as a nation, in the OT) was comprised of a chosen people. Favored by God. That is, they were set apart, or called out from the rest of humanity for a special task.
Now the word “church” means “called out or set apart” I believe. (I’d appreciate some correction there or anywhere needed). I’m pretty sure it means that though, as well as “the Body of Christ”. The two meanings aren’t dissimilar or conflicting. Those who are chosen by God, set apart by God, are then in the Body of Christ.
So I’m not sure why it’s so “bad” to believe that Israel, even as a nation is the Church. The church being those called out by God, chosen by Him.
This is seen in the OT with the Jews. It’s seen more clearly in the NT when the church is revealed to have a broader meaning than that which was understood by the Jews.
This doesn’t exclude the Jews. Indeed, to those who remain in the church by accepting the entire revelation of God to man, i.e., basically becoming Christians, they will indeed receive the promises made to Israel in the OT, as well as any other Christian.
So no promises are broken by believing the Church is Israel. All the promises due the bride of Christ will be fulfilled to Jew and Gentile alike, who are part of the Body of Christ, i.e., the called out ones, the chosen.
How is this wrong? (This question is for anyone not just you WM). I don’t see how it could be wrong. It does seem to me though in explaining how it’s wrong, one must explain what Israel is, if *not* the Church.
Thanks,
"All the promises due Israel in the OT will be fulfilled to Jew and Gentile alike, who are part of the Body of Christ, i.e., the called out ones, the chosen."
The bold portion is the correction. Thanks.