The next key event in chronological sequence that must take place before our Lord’s return is that natural Israel must once again be restored as a nation to the land of Israel. Before we look at this key event, I need to explain the difference between natural Israel and spiritual Israel. For there is a natural Israel and there is a spiritual Israel. Natural Israel are all the descendants of Abraham after the flesh. The New Testament refers to them as the circumcision (Ephesians 2:11) or Jews. The world refers to them as Jews, and they refer to themselves as Israelis or Jews. Spiritual Israel on the other hand, are all those who have believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes both Jews and gentiles alike (Galatians 6:15-16). Natural Israel falls under the old covenant while spiritual Israel falls under the new covenant. Within natural Israel, there has always been a remnant which have also become a part of spiritual Israel. They are the descendants of Abraham after the flesh who have also believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. As an example the apostle Paul would fall into this category. For now however, the clear majority of natural Israel do not believe the gospel, and thus still fall under the old covenant. Only those who are part of spiritual Israel however, are saved and go to heaven when they die. For the old covenant was never a covenant of salvation, but rather a covenant of laws pertaining to this life only. So what purpose does the old covenant serve today? God uses the old covenant to bring natural Israel to the place where they can believe the gospel, and thus be saved. Michael E.B. Maher
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