Chapter 7: "Unveiled" in Christ (Who are the Israel of God?)

By Hazel Holland

It seems that many in the church have forgotten that Abraham wasn’t looking to possess the land of Canaan as his inheritance at all. For his eyes were on the Jerusalem that is above, the city of the living God, the church of the first born, the Promised Land of the saved (See Hebrews 12).

“By faith he (Abraham) lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” Hebrews 11:9-10 (NASB).

Furthermore, Hebrews 11 goes on to say that there were many other "heroes of faith" besides Abraham who died without seeing the promises, but welcomed them from afar by faith.

“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them” Hebrews 11:13-16 (NASB).

There are many references besides the one mentioned above that refute the idea that God wants His land. More to the point, didn’t Jesus clearly said that His kingdom was not of this world? If it had of been I feel certain that other disciples besides Peter would have been out on the front lines brandishing swords, ready to cut off more than high priest’s servants ears!

Moreover, since the old covenant has been fulfilled in Christ, it is now obsolete! So what would be the purpose of hanging on to literal land in the Middle East that was given to Abraham’s offspring when God’s primary purpose was not the land that was important, but the lives of the people in the nations that God wanted to bless with His salvation?

Why have so many in the church forgotten that God’s goal in giving ancient Israel the land of Canaan in the first place was so they might freely worship Him, and in so doing become a witness to the nations around them that the God of Israel loved all men and wanted all men to know Him.

By failing to let the New Testament interpret the Old, our understanding of ancient Israel’s mission as being a call to service, NOT privilege, has been tragically misunderstood by the church and the nation of Israel alike. Many in the church today have joined Israel in her blindness. My prayer is that the “veiled” Scriptures that cause men to stumble will become “unveiled” in Jesus Christ!

(Next: Chapter 8: Go here.