𝗜𝗦𝗥𝗔𝗘𝗟 𝗩𝗦. 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛

𝗜𝗦𝗥𝗔𝗘𝗟 𝗩𝗦. 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛

(Rightly Dividing God’s Two Program)

Introduction

One of the greatest confusions in Christianity today is the failure to distinguish Israel and the Church. Mixing God’s program for Israel with His program for the Body of Christ leads to false doctrine, false hope, and false practices. Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, reveals the mystery that the Church is not Israel, but a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). To understand the Bible, we must rightly divide (2 Timothy 2:15).

Promise to Israel vs. Position of the Church

Israel’s Promises are Earthly (Genesis 12:2–3; Deuteronomy 28:1–3)

Church’s Position is Heavenly (Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 3:20)

Program is Different by Design (Romans 9:4–5)

Israel was promised land, kingdom, and blessing; the Church is promised spiritual blessings in Christ.

People of Covenant vs. People of Christ

Israel Chosen as a Nation (Deuteronomy 7:6)

Church Called as a Body (1 Corinthians 12:13)

Christ the Head of the Body (Ephesians 1:22–23)

Israel is God’s earthly nation; the Church is Christ’s spiritual body.

Prophecy vs. Mystery

Israel Guided by Prophecy (Isaiah 9:6–7; Acts 3:21)

Church Grounded in Mystery (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:3–5)

Paul Given the Revelation (Colossians 1:25–26)

What was foretold for Israel was never hidden, but the Body of Christ was a secret until revealed to Paul.

Kingdom Program vs. Grace Program

Israel Promised a Kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Matthew 19:28)

Church Preaches Grace (Acts 20:24; Romans 11:6)

Kept Separate by Design (Galatians 2:7–9)

Israel awaits her kingdom; the Church enjoys grace in this present age.

Law of Moses vs. Liberty in Christ

Israel Under the Law (Exodus 20:1–17; Galatians 3:19)

Church Under Grace (Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:1)

Christ is Our Freedom (Colossians 2:13–14)

The Law governed Israel, but the Body of Christ lives in liberty by grace.

Temple Worship vs. Spiritual Worship

Israel’s Temple Made by Hands (1 Kings 8:27–30)

Church is God’s Temple (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4:23–24)

Israel went to the temple, but the Church is the temple.

Priestly Nation vs. Priesthood of Believers

Israel a Kingdom of Priests (Exodus 19:6)

Church Believers All Priests (1 Peter 2:9)

Christ Our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)

Israel had priests by tribe; the Church has direct access through Christ.

Signs for Israel vs. Scripture for the Church

Signs Promised to Israel (1 Corinthians 1:22; Mark 16:17–18)

Scripture Sufficient for Church (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

Sight vs. Faith (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Israel needed signs; the Church walks by faith in the written Word.

Circumcision of Flesh vs. Circumcision of Heart

Israel Circumcised in Flesh (Genesis 17:10–11)

Church Circumcised in Spirit (Colossians 2:11)

No Difference in Christ (Galatians 3:28)

Israel’s mark was fleshly; the Church’s mark is spiritual.

Earthly Inheritance vs. Heavenly Inheritance

Israel Given the Land (Genesis 15:18)

Church Given Heaven (Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 3:1–4)

Future Glory Different (Romans 8:17–18)

Israel inherits the earth; the Body of Christ is seated in heavenly places.

Second Coming vs. Rapture

Christ Comes for Israel at Second Coming (Matthew 24:30–31; Revelation 19:11–16)

Christ Comes for the Church at the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)

Two Different Events (Titus 2:13)

Israel looks for Christ to come to earth; the Church waits to be caught up.

Restoration of Israel vs. Rapture of the Church

Israel Restored in Millennium (Ezekiel 37:21–22; Acts 1:6)

Church Raptured Before Wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9)

Rightly Divided Hope (2 Timothy 2:15)

Israel restored in her land; the Church removed before tribulation.

Conclusion

God has a program for Israel and a program for the Church. They must not be confused. Israel awaits her kingdom on earth, the Church awaits her calling in heaven. If we fail to rightly divide, we rob both groups of their promises and create confusion.

Call to Action

Study the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15) – Don’t just read; rightly divide.

Stand in the Gospel of Grace (1 Corinthians 15:1–4) – Hold fast to Paul’s gospel.

Share the Truth Boldly (2 Corinthians 5:18–20) – Be an ambassador for Christ.

Final Thoughts

Satan does not care if you read the Bible, as long as you fail to rightly divide it. The difference between Israel and the Church is the key to unlocking God’s plan. Mixing them brings bondage; dividing them brings clarity, liberty, and truth.