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Spiritual Israel: Then & NowA fresh look at the ageless continuing Covenant people and how they relate to the biological race and nation.
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IntroductionMy understanding of this subject may be somewhat different from what you have heard before. I only ask that you consider it with an open mind. As you read this study, please understand that even though some conclusions are stated as fact, I don’t for a minute presume to think I am infallible in my research conclusions. Some might question why the subject of “Israel” needs special consideration, but I believe it is very possible to come to incorrect conclusions about many things in Scripture, if one does not first have a good grasp on understanding the SPIRITUAL nature of God’s ageless, continuing covenant people. This becomes even more significant now that the year 2000 has passed, but that will be discussed at the end of the study. For now, we need to start at the beginning. I used to believe exactly as the majority of Christians on the subject of “Israel,” but I kept seeing things in the Book of God which didn’t support my belief. This frequently caused me to search further. I studied for truth on this subject off and on for about eight years. Some readers may immediately agree with my conclusion, even though they never noticed this Bible concept before; some will find my conclusion interesting, but won’t agree; and some will adamantly disagree with my conclusion. That’s normal! Most of us who study diligently are doing our best to correctly understand information that was written at least 2000 years ago, in a language and a cultural setting foreign to us. Add to this the fact that, in the 21st century, we are so far removed from the “Jewishness” of our spiritual roots. It’s not an easy pursuit. I’m convinced the answers to everything are contained in the written Word of God, but it sure takes a lot of “digging” to put all the pieces together correctly. Sometimes, I think I could study diligently for the rest of my life and still not have everything figured out, but I keep trying. And, like all human beings, I am definitely not infallible! As searchers for truth, we all have choices when we encounter a new concept or understanding. We can accept it, reject it, or decide to investigate it further. When I first read this concept of “Israel” presented in a brief article, I thought it sounded somewhat “off the wall.” However, as I investigated the Scriptural evidence, I came to agree with it. I wrote the original version of this study, over a period of about eight years, as sort of an “exercise” in clarifying the concept for myself. Since that time, the study has been re-worked and expanded several times, mainly because I kept finding more scriptural evidence. I decided it was time to finally share it with others. A good portion of this study deals with the concept of God’s covenants with mankind. When reading from various Bible translations, keep in mind that the words “covenant,” “testament,” and “agreement” are all synonymous with each other. In everyday conversation, the word “agreement” is most commonly used, but several Bible translations still use the words “testament” or “covenant.” In Christian terminology, the word “covenant” is most commonly used and understood. Considering this, I have chosen to use the word “covenant” throughout this study. I have tried very hard never to cite a Scripture reference, unless it very clearly supports the statement I have made. If you find any instance where I have “goofed” in this regard, please forgive me and know that I did not intend to mislead you or waste your time. Scriptures substantiating various statements are provided (in parenthesis or lists), to allow the reader to study further, if desired. Unless otherwise stated, Old Testament Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version, and New Testament Scriptures are quoted from The Simple English Bible. Within quoted Scriptures, any capitalized words are intended for emphasis, and words in parenthesis are mine for clarification and understanding. May God bless you as you “examine everything carefully” (I Thess. 5:21—NASB), while reading the thoughts contained herein. Marti Mikl (pronounced “Michael”) |
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