How should Christians understand God’s promises to Israel in light of the modern nation-state? Many believe modern Israel directly inherits these promises, but a closer look at scripture, particularly through the lens of the Apostle Paul, suggests a different perspective. This article argues that modern Israel is not the sole inheritor of God’s promises to ancient Israel, emphasizing that these promises extend to all believers in Jesus Christ.
The Distinction Between Ancient and Modern Israel
It’s crucial to differentiate between ancient and modern Israel. Ancient Israel was a theocratic nation bound to God through the Mosaic Law. Modern Israel, while founded as a Jewish homeland, functions as a secular liberal democracy. Its laws are not based on the Torah, and it doesn’t claim a divine covenant with God. While modern Israel provides a haven for the Jewish people, its secular nature distinguishes it fundamentally from ancient Israel. Furthermore, the demographics of modern Israel include a significant Arab population, many of whom are Muslim, and a substantial portion of secular Jews who identify Jewishly by ethnicity rather than religious practice. This further complicates equating the modern state with its ancient predecessor.
Reinterpreting the Promises to Abraham
God’s promises to Israel originate with Abraham. God promised Abraham descendants, land, provision, and protection. Crucially, God also promised to bless all nations through Abraham’s lineage. This establishes a pattern: God blesses a few to bless the many. This principle continues in the Mosaic covenant, where God promised blessings to Israel contingent on their obedience, expecting them to act as a “holy nation and a royal priesthood” mediating God’s blessings to the world. However, scripture tells us that Israel broke this covenant through disobedience and idolatry.
The New Covenant in Christ
Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God remained faithful, promising a new covenant based not on obedience but on God’s unwavering love. The New Testament identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of this new covenant. He is the descendant of Abraham through whom both Jews and Gentiles become heirs to Abraham’s promises.
Paul emphasizes this inclusivity:
- Romans 9:6-8: True belonging to Israel is not determined by physical descent but by being a “child of the promise.”
- Galatians 3:28-29: In Christ, distinctions of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female are erased. All believers are one in Christ and heirs to Abraham’s promise.
- Ephesians 2:11-15: Through Christ’s sacrifice, Gentiles, once separated, are brought near and become part of the new humanity, transcending old divisions.
The Promise of Land Redefined
While the New Testament frequently mentions Abraham’s promises, it notably omits explicit mention of the land promise. This suggests a reinterpretation: the “land” promised to Abraham’s descendants—all believers—is not a specific geographical location but extends to the entire earth. This aligns with God’s original intention for humanity: to reflect God’s image and extend His kingdom of love and justice throughout the world.
Conclusion
The phrase “Do Not Compare Old Times To Now Bible” encapsulates the crucial understanding that God’s promises, while originating with ancient Israel, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This new covenant extends to all believers, Jew and Gentile alike, making them heirs to the blessings promised to Abraham. The promise of land is not limited to a physical territory but encompasses the whole earth as the realm of God’s kingdom. Therefore, understanding God’s promises requires looking beyond a purely literal interpretation of the Old Testament and embracing the inclusive message of the New Covenant in Christ.
