Jan 6, 2009

Israel: God's Chosen People

By Tim King

The state of Israel is nothing short of a miracle. Their very existence could not have come about if not for the providence of God. God chose them and has used them to demonstrate to the world who He is and what His plan for mankind was all about. It was foretold long ago that Jesus, our Savior would come through this chosen race of people (Deut 18: 18). However during modern times such errors like Replacement Theology and Preterism have sought to minimize the importance of Israel and transfer their God given eternal promises to the New Testament Church. But through careful study of scripture and applying the common sense literal meaning to it, one must come to the conclusion that Israel and the Church are separate entities. Israel has no other form of salvation than what Christ has provided for all peoples of the earth through His death on the cross. Some believe Israel does [have another form of salvation] through the law and Moses, this is another error called dual covenant theology. They have been chosen for God’s special purpose to display Himself before the world through them. This is wonderfully described by Moses to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4: 32-35.

Part 1: Forming of a Nation for God

God calls Abram: In Genesis 12: 1-3, 15: 1-6 & 17: 1-8 God makes a binding and eternal promise to Abram to make him a great nation and provide his descendants with a land of their own. This nation would have the distinction of being God’s chosen or elected people and this Promised Land is the only section of real-estate in the world with which God Himself would designate its borders. God could have chosen any people in the world to demonstrate His divine nature, but through one man of faith, Abraham, God raised up a separate and individual people who have withstood the test of time. In fact, Abraham is known as the father of those who have faith. (Hebrews 11: 8-12, Romans 4: 1-5)