InstaStudy

God's Everlasting Covenant: From Israel to the Church

This study explores the continuous thread of God's redemptive plan, revealing how the spiritual identity and promises given to ancient Israel find their ultimate fulfillment and expansion in Jesus Christ and His body, the Church. We will examine the spiritual nature of God's covenant and the unified purpose of His people throughout history.

1. God's Eternal Purpose and Covenant

1.1 The Call of Abraham and the Promise

Verses: Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:8
  • God's singular call initiated a covenant with a spiritual intent.
  • The promise of a spiritual seed was meant to bless all nations.
  • This covenant established the foundation for God's chosen people.

1.2 The Law and the Covenant at Sinai

Verses: Exodus 19:5-6; Romans 7:7; Galatians 3:24
  • The Law served as a guide, revealing the standard of God's holiness.
  • It highlighted humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's commands.
  • The Law pointed to a greater need for a spiritual transformation and a new covenant.

2. The Spiritual Identity of Israel

2.1 Not All Israel is Israel

Verses: Romans 9:6-8; John 1:12-13
  • There is a distinction between physical descent and spiritual adherence to God's covenant.
  • God's true people are those who respond to His call with faith.
  • Spiritual birth, not just natural birth, defines true sonship.

2.2 Circumcision of the Heart

Verses: Romans 2:28-29; Deuteronomy 30:6
  • True obedience and covenant relationship are inward, not merely outward rituals.
  • God desires a transformed heart, not just external conformity.
  • The spiritual reality of the covenant transcends physical markers.

3. Jesus Christ: The Embodiment of Israel

3.1 Jesus as the True Son of God

Verses: Matthew 2:15; Hosea 11:1; John 1:1; John 14:9
  • Jesus perfectly fulfills Israel's calling and identity as God's Son.
  • He is the one God of Israel, manifested in human flesh.
  • In Him, all the hopes and prophecies concerning Israel are realized.

3.2 The New Covenant in Christ

Verses: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6-13; Luke 22:20
  • The old covenant is made new and perfected through Jesus' sacrifice.
  • His blood establishes the new and everlasting covenant.
  • This new covenant is written on the hearts of believers, enabling true relationship with God.

4. The Church: God's Redeemed People

4.1 Ingrafting into the Olive Tree

Verses: Romans 11:17-24; Ephesians 2:11-13
  • Gentiles are brought into the spiritual blessings and covenant of Israel through Christ.
  • There is one unified body of believers, whether Jew or Gentile, in Christ.
  • God's plan has always been to include all who believe in His spiritual family.

4.2 The Spiritual Temple and Priesthood

Verses: 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 2:19-22
  • Believers are living stones, being built into a spiritual house for God.
  • The Church is a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God.
  • This new spiritual temple replaces the physical temple as God's dwelling place.

4.3 Heirs of the Promises

Verses: Galatians 3:29; Romans 8:17
  • Through Christ, believers become spiritual descendants of Abraham.
  • We are heirs according to the promise, inheriting all of God's blessings.
  • The Church inherits the spiritual promises made to Israel.

5. One God, One People, One Spirit

5.1 The Name of God and Salvation

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11
  • Salvation is found in the singular, powerful name of Jesus Christ.
  • There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
  • Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

5.2 Baptism and the Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 19:1-6; Ephesians 4:4-6
  • Believers are commanded to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit is the seal and power of the new covenant.
  • There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Spirit uniting God's people.