Back-to-Basics #1 - 'ISRAEL of GOD'

There seems to be much confusion in the ranks so I’m hoping no-one will be offended if we go Back-To-Basics. What have we got to lose?

Let’s start with this favourite that often gets mis-quoted...

“...the Israel of God” in Galatians 6:16

Many say: ‘There you are, that’s proof that the Church is the 'Israel of God’

Hang on a minute...not so fast... let’s check the context:

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but a NEW CREATURE...” in verse 15 that gets skipped over!                                                                                            

There’s the Church right there, with no recognition of Jew or Gentile!                

Reading on...“and as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy,  A N D... on the Israel of God”

There you have it – the Church AND Israel, not the Church is Israel.