What defines a true Israelite? It doesn't depend on a direct lineage from Abraham but, rather, on unwavering faith in God.
The Bible underscores this fundamental truth in Galatians 3:7 “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” And again in Romans 9:6-8 “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children … but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” According to the Apostle, not all who descend from Israel are genuine Israelites; instead, it's the children of promise, those who place their faith in Jesus, who are counted as the true seed. Galatians 3:29 beautifully encapsulates this, “And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
This transformation applies to both Jews and Gentiles, as God regards those with renewed hearts as true Israelites. Here it is in Romans 2:28-29 “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Again, Philippians 3:3 reaffirms this, “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
God's covenant with true, spiritual Israelites is a profound one. It’s the New Covenant spoken of in Hebrews 8:10-12 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” This covenant signifies an intimate relationship with God, where all shall know Him. Comparisons with Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Ezekiel 36:26-28 further illustrate this divine covenant.
The true Israel of God deeply understands the power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice to redeem humanity from sin. Ephesians 2:11-13 “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” They are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints. Revelation 7:1-14 further elaborates on this spiritual transformation.
The true Israel of God deeply understands the power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice to redeem humanity from sin. Ephesians 2:11-13 “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” They are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints. Revelation 7:1-14 further elaborates on this spiritual transformation.
The genuine Israel of God have experienced a profound transformation through the power of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. They are firmly embraced by His love and grace. This is clear in Galatians 6:14-16 “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” Spiritual Israelites have been regenerated by the power of Christ's cross, becoming a new creation. This transformation anchors them in the love and grace of the cross.
True Israelites have their citizenship registered in the New Jerusalem in heaven, a city founded by God. Hebrews 13:14 and 11:10 emphasize this heavenly city with enduring foundations. Hebrews 12:22 speaks of the heavenly Jerusalem, the future spiritual capital of the universe. Galatians 4:26 depicts it as the Jerusalem "above," the mother of all who have faith in Christ.
When God creates a new heaven and a new earth, His spiritual Israelites will inherit the New Jerusalem, a city of eternal peace and purity, untouched by apostasy or ungodliness. Revelation 21:1-4, 27 vividly describes this future, where God's faithful dwell in the New Jerusalem. God will transport this city to earth and make it the spiritual capital of the universe.
While spiritual Israelites respect earthly laws and governments, they do not regard any earthly authority as supreme. Their ultimate citizenship and allegiance are to heaven. Philippians 3:20 “Our citizenship, however, is in heaven, and it is from there that we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus, the Messiah.” (ISV) reiterates their citizenship in heaven, and 1 Peter 2:9 underscores their royal status and mission.
While respecting human laws, God's spiritual Israelites hold divine law above all else. Romans 13:1 emphasizes submission to governing authorities, but Acts 5:29 clarifies that when human law contradicts divine law, obedience to God takes precedence.
In essence, being a true Israelite centers on love for God, faith in Christ as a personal Savior, and receiving a new heart that joyfully obeys His laws. These individuals, regardless of their heritage, have their names inscribed in the Lamb's book of Life, as attested to in the Bible (Revelation 21:27).
Let us join this eternal family of God by exercising firm and steadfast faith in Jesus, His only Son, and our glorious returning king who will soon come to take us home.
