Who Are God's Chosen People?

By Todd Dennis

Galatians 3:7 "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham."

What became of the national Israel upon the advent of Christ? Who today constitutes the Biblical nation of Israel?

    Are Jews God's chosen people based simply upon their physical lineage?  Many Christians, primarily Dispensationalists, would agree that the nation of Israel will always be God's chosen nation.  Louis Chafer, a Dispensationalist author, clarifies:

"The Dispensationalist believes that throughout the ages God is pursuing two distinct purposes: one related to earth with an earthly people and earthly objectives involved which is Judaism; while the other is related to heaven with heavenly people... which is Christianity." - Systematic Theology, Chafer, p.107

     The Dispensationalist, as well as the Zionist, believes that the nation of Israel after the flesh (I Cor. 10:18) are God's chosen people, the sole inheritors of God's promises, and that to be a part of Israel, one must be of the proper lineage and nationality. Seeing, however, that Judaism seeks the destruction of Christ's doctrine (See Is Judaism a Biblical Religion?), this creates a confusing conflict.

    An interesting twist to this discussion is the response brought by a recent system of doctrine has greatly grown in popularity.  Christian Identity teaches that Israel is, instead, actually composed of the descendants of the ten 'lost tribes', which became the Anglo-Saxon and Germannic peoples.  According to this view, to be a part of 'Israel', one must be of this fleshly lineage. This is unbiblical as well, for, just as with Dispensationalism, the emphasis is placed upon the flesh and temporal, instead of upon the Spirit and the eternal. Put another way, according to these systems of doctrine, the focus is taken from the glory of Jesus Christ, and is instead placed upon the merits of man.

     The Bible teaches that God's only 'chosen people' are those who are born again (Rom. 8:11-14).   According to Galatians chapter three, "to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ."   This means that the promises of eternal inheritance or adoption, delivered by Abraham's physical descendants, can only be claimed through Jesus Christ, as Galatians 3:29 concurs.

     After ministering among the Judahites for over three years, Christ declared to the nation, "The Kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." What did He mean? Did Christ really take away from the "Jews" the national blessings of a Messianic kingdom? And to whom was the kingdom of God given? First of all, we can confirm that the inheritance was taken away from the nation of Israel after the flesh.

     In a statement that can only be taken as meaning addition, or subtraction, God reveals that something has indeed been subtracted from the 'nation of Israel after the flesh'. Romans 9:6-8 reads, "... For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." These verses confirm that something has been taken away... and that not everyone that is a racial part of national 'Israel' are the true eternal Israel, nor are they the children of God. What we are discovering when we try to relate the Old Testament 'nation of Israel' (which is a possessive phrase) to the New Covenant, is that the fleshly nation of the fleshly man Israel was but a shadow of the heavenly nation of the spiritual Israel, which can only be entered into by Spirit, not by water. Therefore, physical Israelites, could, from then on, have no place in the nation of Israel (which is after the Spirit), except on the basis of personal salvation, through their faith in Christ Jesus (Hebrews 11:13,39-40).

     We know that a Gentile is only blessed through Jesus Christ, on account of grace by faith, not on account of race/nationality. This is confirmed, in relation to Israelites as well, in Romans 2:28-29, which states, "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." The inheritance of a people, therefore, is clearly not based upon nationality, but upon a Spiritual measure. Galatians 3:6 and 3:29 tells us, "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham." And we are also taught, "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise"

     For another confirmation of who 'God's chosen people' really are, Galatians 6:15-16 tells us, "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." Paul is certainly not saying that the Old Covenant nation of Israel walks after that "rule" (salvation), as he knows clearly that they are lost, and will perish in their sins without Christ. Neither is Paul wishing peace upon the lost nation, for, having "great heaviness and continual sorrow in (his) heart" (Romans 9:1) regarding them, he knows the only peace is in Jesus Christ. Therefore, it appears, according to Scripture, that the only Biblical Israelite is the individual, regardless of lineage, who is 'in Christ' through salvation.

     This fact is confirmed in the rest of Scripture, most notably by the very definition of who is Israel. The typological role of Israel as a temporal picture of Christ is declared early in the Bible, and is maintained throughout.  Exodus 4:22 establishes this principle at the very birth of the nation:

• Exodus 4:22 "Israel is my son, even my firstborn" Obviously, Christ is the only begotten son of God, and his firstborn.

• Isaiah 41:8-9, likewise looking ahead to Jesus, refers to Israel as "my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend."

• Hebrews 2:16, in reference to Jesus Christ, states that he "took on him the seed of Abraham."

• Isaiah 49:1-3 reads, "...The Lord hath called me from the womb... and hath made my mouth like a sharp sword...and said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified." In verses 5-6, this same servant, Israel, is identified as raising up the tribes of Jacob, restoring the preserved of Israel, and being given for a light to the Gentiles, that he may be the Lord's salvation unto the end of the earth.

• In John 1:8, and 9:5, This 'light', Israel, is referred to as Jesus Christ.

• In Matthew 2:15, we read of the fulfillment of a verse of Scripture, which reads, speaking of Jesus Christ, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." Hosea 11:1 is the verse referred to, which reads, "when Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt."

• For yet another confirmation that Jesus Christ is the true Israel, Hebrews 12:23 refers to the saved as the "church of the firstborn" (who is Israel).

     Just as the Old Covenant nation of Israel was after the flesh, named after a fleshly man, the New Covenant nation of Israel is a heavenly nation, named after a heavenly man, who is Christ.   Jacob/Israel is therefore a picture of Jesus/Israel.

   The ONLY 'nation' that the kingdom of God belongs to is the same nation of I Peter 2:9, which reads, "But ye (those in Christ) are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation.." And Christ Himself clearly identified that "nation" by the word He spoke to His disciples, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

CONCLUSION: God's Only 'Chosen Person' is Jesus Christ, and those in Him

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Date:

18 Nov 2001

Time:

06:47:46

Comments

Thank  you for saying precisely what you believe - no matter how controversial - instead of hiding the real beliefs like all the others do! 

Date:

05 Mar 2002

Time:

22:05:16

Remote User:

Comments

Having just come across your website, and being a Jewish person who is also a student of Ancient History, I wondered if you might be willing accept my own definition of what (or who) is Jewish. First and foremost, the Jewish people are a family group originating from Abraham and Sarah. This is central to everything that can or cannot be termed as Jewish. If you were not born into that family, then marrying into it is the next option which, over a 4,000 year period, has happened countless times. Many different peoples and families have married-into the faith from many different countries at all times of our history. It was only those who preserved the laws and customs of this particular family though who maintained those ties with each other, and now call themselves Jewish. To see us as simply a race is no more accurate than it would be to see the Todds as a race. It is pretty certain that many thousands of different families will mingle with your own in the years to come, so the potential to preserve the story of you and your children is also there - as long as it's memorable or significant enough to them all, that is. In short, our group is an extended family which includes many other extended families, but who remember the original patriarchs and matriarchs who began it all and feel the connection to each other even today. Don't forget, this was the family and faith of Jesus too, which he was trying to rescue from terrible corruption when he fought against the powerful Temple priests and their unholy political structures. Even as long ago as the 1st Century AD Jesus too knew that he was a descendent of Abraham and Sarah's, and shares that with all Jews today as well. We are a related family who know who the original Grandparents were. So, in truth there never was a 'race' as such - just a family - and that family still survives today. Swap the word 'race' for 'family' and the answer to your own question has to be "no, there is no Jewish race today, but there is a Jewish People who are descended from a single family group of 4,000 years ago". Regards, Lesley PS. I don't think the word 'Israelitic' actually exists, and I doubt it will ever catch-on. Nice try though!   [Thanks for your astute comments.  I am your student when it comes to many of these things.  As far as 'Israelitic', it is in the King James Bible]

Date:

15 Aug 2002

Time:

08:21:28

Remote User:

Comments

True Todd. The Remnant Israel were the 1st century Hebrew Christians who accepted the new covenant into the messianic kingdom, now there is none born of the FLESH justified by God.  Colossians 3: 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. . Christianity is Israel after the flesh(after Jerusalem and the Temple fell in AD70,Malachi 4:5 "the great and terrible day of the Lord came") rev 21 "I saw a NEW JERUSALEM coming down from heaven" the spiritual born again believers in christ,  THE CHURCH Thanks

Date:

30 Oct 2003

Time:

10:16:54

Comments

I think you're wrong. And I remind you that misinterpreting Gods word is a dangerous thing. You are walking on thin ice when you try to change what God is saying......... The truth is clear as crystal, it's too bad your hatred and anti-semitism won't let you see it......

Date:

30 Oct 2003

Time:

12:04:57

Comments

There is no hatred or anti-anything here, except profaning the name of Jesus Christ by announcing salvation in any other. Any Christian who hates Jews (even the corrupt leadership which is willing to sacrifice the masses for their purposes) is in sin.  Jesus Christ is going to take over Jerusalem with His Gospel by peaceful methods, and Jerusalem will become an undivided Christian lighthouse. Now, would you rather be told the view straight out like this, or have the arm of the evangelicals around you, whispering sweet words in your ear, while believing that most Jews must convert or die?

It's naive to play the "anti-semitism" card here anyway, thinking it will persuade.  This is a thoughtful view of the chosen people question, based upon the writings in the Jewish scriptures themselves.  Let's see what Old testament scriptures you wish to present (I'm assuming you reject the New), and let the third parties decide for themselves which is more honest with the Word of God.

Date:

25 Dec 2003

Time:

06:38:47

Comments

Hate is a sin. If you have hate of any kind in your heart you are a sinner. But then again every one is a sinner so who am I to tell you right from wrong? I regret and doubt. I am a sinner. Faith is all you need. If you have faith in the lord our savor, even a very small amount, you can do all things. Listen! Don't you hear him speaking to you. Be quiet and open your minds! Hear what he is saying and have faith that he is saying it

Date:

25 Dec 2003

Time:

17:22:18

Comments

To say that Jesus is the only chosen person -- the only seed of abraham -- al a Galatians 3:16 is not hate. Refusing to acknowledge Jesus just may be, though. Did Saul hate David? Did those in Matthew 21 who sought to steal his inheritance hate Jesus?

Date:

09 Jan 2004

Time:

15:45:21

Comments

That was the most incredible explanation of God's chosen people. I would like to commend you on your wisdom of the Bible.

Date:

12 Feb 2004

Time:

03:16:44

Comments

when you sit by yourself alone .and you think about god every thing will be clear for you and you know the truth. But you are afraid to say it cause you are human

Date:

16 Feb 2004

Time:

13:04:21

Comments

Thanks Todd. It does not get any clearer than that. Your use of Scripture to prove your point is without question. TCG

Date:

05 Dec 2004

Time:

14:09:08

Comments

This article and your CONCLUSION are like an oasis in the dry thirsty desert of the profilgate abundant teachings today that the antichrist nation of "israel" are the chosen people of God, Thankyou. YHVH bless you. from Joseph Burnett (wehop@televar.com)

Date:

12 Jan 2005

Time:

02:05:51

Comments

I have been a born again Christian for almost 4 years and I had always been troubled by who "God's Chosen People" are. God revealed this to me several nights ago and what you have said is the same thing God revealed to me. Some Christians I have told this to looked at me kind of skeptical as I couldn't quote scripture to them, but I knew that we were all of the seed of Abraham so therefore if we were born again Christians then we had to be "God's Chosen People". Thank you for the scripture that supports this.

Date: 28 Mar 2005
Time: 23:34:45

Comments:

Thanks for the opportunity that you give to the readers to express about your work, I think is very well done and show a lot of effort, but i think that you are a little bit lost and confused about all the ideas that you try to express, how can you use the new testament to affirm something and use it as your base of argument when nobody knows where the original texts are, many issues in the new testament that you like to use were written many years after they happened ,example, the destruction of the 2nd temple by the romans (which i imagine that you can affirm that that was a prophecy). with all this i want to show you that the only serious books of the bible is the OLD TESTAMENT, nobody can affirm that what the people  say in the new testament is really what they said.  u can't affirm something 100% if your source isnt 100% credible. I wrote this with all the respect that i have for the people that believe in the new testament. 

Date: 06 Apr 2005
Time: 16:34:35

Comments:

I believe that black people are God's chosen people because I believe that Jesus was black. Everything started in Africa, where black people live.Even in the bible, in the book of revelations 1:14-15 it gives the description of Jesus and throughout the bible.Black people are the only one's who have hair lke sheep's wool and are the color of refined brass.Besides, the original Jews were black also.Black people are the original man and woman.Black is the essence from which all colors are made.That is a sign.It is biologically and gentically impossible for the recessive white,asian,indian,and hipanic genes  to produce the dominant black gene.If you look among black people, you can find the likeness of every race there. We produce all, no other race on earth can do that.I also believe that we are God's chosen people because in the bible, God speaks of how his chosen people would be lost in strange land with strange people for 400 years.He also speaks of how his chosen people would be mos
 ve that
God's chosen people are the original black man and woman.

Date: 09 Feb 2006
Time: 08:37:36

Comments:

I agree with the last comment, but the jews that the person refer to are not call jew, the are called Israelites,because in most bible the children of god are refered as hebrews or islaelites. And the children of god are people of color.the names of the nations that are part of the twelve tribes are as follows: 1 JUDAH A.K.A NEGROES A.K.A BLACK PEOPLE,2 BENJAMIN A.K.A. WEST INDIANS,3 LEVI A.K.A HATIANS,4 SIMEON A.K.A DOMINICANS,5 ZEBULON A.K.A. GUATEMALA TO PANAMA,6 EPHRAIM A.K.A. PUERTO RICANS,7 MANASSEH A.K.A. CUBANS,8 GAD A.K.A. NORTH AMERCIANS INDIANS,9 REUBEN A.K.A SEMINOLE INDIANS,10 NAPHTALI A.K.A ARGENTINA AND CHILE,11 ASHER A.K.A. COLOMBIA TO URUGUAY, AND 12 ISSACHAR A.K.A MEXICANS. THOSE ARE ALL THE CHOOSEN PEOPLE OF GOD.

Date: 12 Mar 2006
Time: 00:11:11

Comments:

Jeremiah 2:3 Israel was holiness unto the Lord, and the firstfruits of his increase.

Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

This tells me two things: first, its not about the people, its about what God wants as fruit from His creation. Second, the number one evidence of connection to God, connection to the Vine, is drinking at the fountain of living waters. If that connection is never created, or dies, there can be no life, or fruit. Israel was the firstfruit of God's creation. God is looking for, from His creation, and getting, a people made after the image of Jesus. We can, and do, argue about what it means to be like Jesus, but our arguments don't matter to God. As the arguments go on, God's fruit is growing in His garden, producing life like Jesus. And really only God recognizes it. He doesn't really care what we think, insofar as we think we are the judge of whether others are like Jesus or not. Am I drinking at the fountain of living water? That is all that matters.

Date: 27 Apr 2006
Time: 16:18:00

Comments:

This article was truly enlightening. I was inspired by who God's chosen people really are.

Thank you, and God Bless
annmarshall@verizon.net

Date: 27 Aug 2006
Time: 19:42:44

Comments:

Remember what jesus said to the samaritan woman. that he was here to save the lost sheep of israel. who is israel? the decendants to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Get your story straight

Date: 07 Feb 2007
Time: 07:50:37

Comments:

God is great in good mind and hearts again today and he will seek and see the mens hearts who he may help with powerful hands and save and heal in Christ. Joy and joy with cheerful hearts ,for he is coming.Let us help the men that find Jesus,pray for blessed revival soon.Thanks and bless.keijo sweden

Date: 13 Mar 2007
Time: 09:04:53

Comments:

(Date: 27 Aug 2006
Time: 19:42:44

Comments:

Remember what jesus said to the samaritan woman. that he was here to save the lost sheep of israel. who is israel? the decendants to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Get your story straight)


He did save the "lost sheep of Israel". It was those who believed His message. And to this day only those who believe happen to be Israel, Jew or Gentile. The story is straight, your understanding continues to be flawed.

Date: 10 Jun 2007
Time: 04:09:11

Comments:

It seems to me,that most all of you have different points of view and understandings of the bible.So do you suppose that maybe it is possible that besides the knowledge gained in scripture is also that which the "individual" understands,whichs should say to all people"that it IS what is in your heart.The part as the person here said". It is a knowing in ones self of their own understanding of the love they receive that is already built inside of all of us. I don't believe that God/Jesus would have a chosen people or should I say "nationality" because that would mean that he was partial to only one nationality, when we are all of God, and that my friends...is the part of all of us that which is inside all, in which is of the goodness of us.You all know the differences within your selves, but the human mind allows us all to argue about who is the #1 people. So this tells me (personally) they people are missing the whole point.We are all of God and God's creation. But we seem to have a
comments?> pirateman1968@aim.com

Date: 02 Jul 2007
Time: 03:21:01

Comments:

I had a profound visit by the holy spirit at Easter 2007. The spirit called me chosen but more chosen. At the time I was not sure what that meant by after doing a lot of research have come to this conclusion. I have noticed distinct types of individuals with interesting characteristics. They are people who are more likely to be spiritual, more likely to have spiritual gifts and I am able to tell via their eyes. For some reason I can see the light or the holy spirit in these individuals, I even can often feel the energy of the spirit in them. These peeople I believe are the more chosen, who are to evangelise and turn unbelievers into believers or turn them into chosen. In other words the more chosen assist individuals to become chosen or believers. I believe the more chosen are infact the decendents mentioned in the bible. Thanks, from God's beloved Kyria