Introduction
The term "church," traditionally used in Christian doctrine, often strays from its original biblical meaning, as Paul described. The Greek term ekklēsia, or "church," more accurately means "the called out ones" or the "elect," indicating a group chosen by Yah. This concept aligns closely with Israel's identity in the scriptures as Yah's covenant people. Here, we will clarify Israel's role in Yah's plan, focusing on the physical promises and the spiritual aspects of Yah's kingdom as taught by Yahshua Hamashiach and Paul, with a specific look at the distinct roles of Israelites and Gentiles within this framework.
The Elect in Yah's Salvific Plan
Paul refers to "the called out ones" to mean a group specially chosen for a role in Yah's plan of redemption, echoing the Old Testament's portrayal of Israel as a chosen nation. This is not just about a general assembly but highlights a unique relationship and role among nations designed by Yah. While the New Testament broadens this identity to include a wider community through faith in Yahshua Hamashiach, it still upholds the distinct covenant roles and promises given specifically to Israel.
Old Testament Promises: The Foundation of Israel's Future Kingdom
The Old Testament clearly promises a future where Israel is at the heart of Yah's kingdom. The covenant with Abraham marked Israel as the nation through which all others would be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3). Prophetic visions in Isaiah 60-61 and Ezekiel 36-37 not only foresee a restored Jerusalem and Israel but also depict Israel as a beacon of Yah's justice and peace to the world.
These prophecies suggest a physical and political restoration for Israel. The promise of a kingdom under a descendant of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16) underlines the physical realization of Israel's leadership and sovereignty in the world.
New Testament Elaboration and the Kingdom of Yah
Yahshua Hamashiach's declaration that the kingdom of Yah was near (Mark 1:15) and His insights into its nature (John 18:36) expand our understanding of the Old Testament promises. Yahshua highlights the kingdom's current spiritual reality alongside the anticipated physical restoration and sovereignty of Israel, distinguishing the separate covenantal roles of Israelites and Gentiles.
Yahshua's statement, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of Yah is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15), announces a new phase where Yah's rule is spiritually present in believers' hearts and will ultimately manifest physically, confirming Israel's prophesied leadership.
In John 18:36, Yahshua clarifies, "My kingdom is not of this world... but now My kingdom is not from here," indicating a realm beyond earthly politics while affirming Israel's future leadership and restoration as foretold by the prophets.
Paul and other apostles address Yah's promises, emphasizing the steadfast nature of His commitments to Israel (Romans 11:29) and noting the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith community. This inclusion, through faith in Yahshua Hamashiach, does not equate the Gentiles' role with that of Israel but extends Yah's blessings, highlighting distinct but complementary roles within Yah's plan.
The Literal Fulfillment of Israel's Promises
Scripture supports a direct interpretation of Yah's promises to Israel, including the nation's future leadership and restoration. Yahshua Hamashiach's teachings and the apostles' writings reiterate that Israel's physical promises will be completely fulfilled in the future, encompassing both the spiritual renewal of the elect and the physical restoration of Israel as a sovereign leader.
Conclusion
The biblical narrative, from the Old Testament covenants to the New Testament revelations, presents a unified vision of Israel's critical role in Yah's kingdom. This vision includes the spiritual regeneration of the elect and anticipates the physical restoration of Israel as a nation. Recognizing the distinct covenant roles of Israelites and Gentiles affirms the depth of Yah's plan for His chosen people and, through them, the entire world. Yah's kingdom, as revealed in scripture, involves the spiritual realities initiated by Yahshua Hamashiach and leads to the physical restoration of Israel, showcasing the full extent of Yah's redemptive work.
