Christ for Jews: Chapter 11 - The Future of Israel in God’s Plan

As we delve into the future of Israel within the framework of God’s divine plan, it is essential to acknowledge the significant role that Israel has played throughout biblical history. Israel’s identity and destiny are deeply rooted in the covenants God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the promises to Israel stretch across the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. These promises are not abandoned but are seen as being fulfilled in a broader redemptive plan of God through Jesus Christ. This chapter will explore the biblical promises to Israel, the teachings of Jesus as the Messiah, the restoration of Israel, and the future role of Israel and the Church within God’s ongoing covenantal plan.

The Biblical Promises to Israel

The narrative of Israel begins with God’s covenant with Abraham, where the promise of a great nation, descendants, and a land flowing with milk and honey is established. God says to Abraham:

“And I will make you a great nation,

And I will bless you,

And make your name great.

And so, you shall be a blessing.

And I will bless those who bless you,

And the one who curses you, I will curse.

And in you, all the families of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:2–3).

This covenant is expanded in Genesis 15, where God promises the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants. The Torah and the prophetic writings repeatedly reaffirm this covenant, highlighting God’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s future.

These promises are not nullified but find their ultimate fulfillment in a new and profound way through Jesus Christ. The New Testament presents Jesus as the heir of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants. As the Messiah, He fulfills the law and the promises given to Israel. However, this fulfillment expands the covenant, inviting all nations—Jews and Gentiles alike—to partake in the blessings originally promised to Israel. This expansion does not replace the Jewish identity but rather affirms the ongoing significance of Israel in God’s redemptive plan.

The Apostle Paul reaffirms this connection in Romans 9-11, where he discusses the irrevocability of God’s promises to Israel while also emphasizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the blessings of Abraham’s covenant through faith in Christ. In Romans 11:29, Paul reminds his readers: “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.”

This indicates that God’s promises to Israel remain intact, even as they are expanded to embrace the Gentiles through Christ.

Jesus and the Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jesus’ teachings often reference the Hebrew Scriptures, affirming their enduring significance and showing how they pointed to the coming of the Messiah. As the Messiah, Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the prophetic promises given to Israel. He consistently positions Himself within the Jewish tradition and emphasizes His mission’s rootedness in Israel’s history. In Matthew 15:24, Jesus declares: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

This statement highlights the specific Jewish context of Jesus’ mission. His ministry was a continuation of God’s covenantal relationship with Israel. Throughout His teachings, Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets by not only adhering to them but by revealing their ultimate purpose. He fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death and resurrection and inaugurated the Kingdom of God, which both includes and transcends Israel.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, the prophets, such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah, spoke of a coming Messiah who would restore Israel. Isaiah 11 speaks of the “Root of Jesse” (a descendant of David), who will bring justice and peace to Israel and the nations. Jesus is identified as this Davidic Messiah, whose kingdom will restore Israel’s spiritual purpose while extending God’s blessings to the Gentiles.

The Restoration of Israel

A key aspect of God’s plan involves the restoration of Israel. The Hebrew prophets often speak of a future time when God will gather His people from the nations and restore them to their land. This restoration is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, reflecting God’s covenantal faithfulness to His chosen people. For example, in Ezekiel 36:24-28, God promises:

“And I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you, and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to do My judgments. And you will inhabit the land that I gave to your fathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God” (Ezekiel 36:24-28).

This passage, and many like it, describes a future time when Israel will experience both national restoration and spiritual renewal. This restoration is fulfilled in and through Jesus Christ, who opens the way for the reconciliation and healing of Israel and the entire world. Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection are seen as pivotal events that not only redeem individual believers but also serve as the foundation for Israel’s future redemption.

Christian eschatology often interprets the future restoration of Israel as part of God’s end-time plan, in which Israel will be brought to faith in the Messiah. Paul, in Romans 11, speaks of a future time when “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26), indicating that Israel’s restoration remains central to God’s purposes.

The Role of the Church

In this context, the role of the Church becomes significant. Many Christians see the Church not as a replacement for Israel but as a continuation and fulfillment of God’s redemptive work through Israel. The Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, is understood as being “grafted in” to the rich heritage of Israel’s covenants (Romans 11:17-18).

Paul emphasizes that Gentile believers are brought into the covenant promises through Christ but should remain humble and grateful, recognizing their spiritual indebtedness to Israel. He writes in Romans 11:18:

Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast against them, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you (Romans 11:18).

This image of grafting reflects the idea that God’s covenant with Israel remains intact, and Gentiles are invited into this covenant through faith in Christ. The Church’s role is to honor Israel’s ongoing significance while proclaiming the Gospel to all nations, Jew and Gentile alike.

The Unity of Jews and Gentiles in God’s Plan

The future of Israel in God’s plan is characterized by hope, reconciliation, and unity. The dividing walls between Jews and Gentiles are broken down in Christ, as Paul expresses in Ephesians 2:14:

For He [Christ] Himself is our peace, who made both groups one and broke down the dividing wall of the partition [hostility] (Ephesians 2:14).

In Christ, both Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to God and to one another, forming one people united in faith. This unity does not erase the unique identity of Israel but honors it as part of God’s plan for bringing salvation to the world.

An Invitation to Hope and Unity

As we reflect on the future of Israel in God’s plan, I invite you to consider the profound hope that this vision offers. God’s faithfulness to His promises inspires a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. This future is characterized by reconciliation, unity, and the flourishing of all people. The restoration of Israel, along with the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s covenant, serves as a clear indication of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes, demonstrating His plan to bring both Jews and Gentiles into unity under His grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. This fulfillment reveals God’s faithfulness to His promises and His desire for all people to be reconciled to Him as part of His eternal kingdom.

In embracing the teachings of Jesus and recognizing His role in God’s plan for Israel, we open the door to deeper understanding and connection between Jews and Christians. The biblical narrative offers a shared foundation, inviting both communities to engage in meaningful dialogue and mutual respect as we look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of Israel in God’s plan is intricately tied to the promises made throughout Scripture and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The restoration of Israel involves both physical and spiritual renewal, inviting all people—Jews and Gentiles alike—to partake in God’s redemptive work. The Church’s role is not to replace Israel but to continue the work of God’s covenant, recognizing that Israel remains central to His plan.

Thank you for exploring this important topic with me. May this chapter inspire you to reflect on the significance of Israel in the context of faith, hope, and unity, fostering a spirit of understanding between our traditions as we look forward to a future that honors God’s promises.