The Israel of God

In this sermon, Norm Fields distinguishes between political prudence and biblical doctrine regarding modern Israel. While affirming the wisdom of a U.S.–Israel alliance on cultural and strategic grounds, he rejects the claim that the modern nation-state of Israel fulfills biblical prophecy. Drawing from Romans 2:25–29, Galatians 6:16, Ephesians 2, Colossians 2, Romans 11, and Hebrews 8, he teaches that:

The church is the Israel of God under the New Covenant.

Christ reigns now from the throne of David in heaven; His kingdom is spiritual, not geopolitical.

Old Testament shadows (ethnic Israel, ceremonial separations, the Mosaic Law) find their substance in Christ and His church.

The only unfulfilled prophecy we await is the Second Coming of Christ.

Key points:

Support for Israel can be wise politically; it is not a biblical mandate of prophecy.

Premillennialism’s reliance on a future earthly kingdom in Jerusalem conflicts with the New Testament’s teaching on Christ’s present reign and the nature of His kingdom.

Entry into the Israel of God is by hearing, believing, repenting, confessing Christ, and being baptized into Him.