(Faithful1;11363)
Then how do you read that when Jesus says to the Jews they are not Abraham's decendants because they dont believe in Jesus?
Goodness me, I'm not meaning to suggest that a spiritual Israel isn't biblical. However, a deep study of scriptures will reveal that the title 'Israel' has more than just a duality to it.For example, it's interpreted as analogous to Messiah in Hosea 11:1 {Matthew 2:15}, and in Isaiah the Term "My servent" is frequently used speaking of Isreal, and being analogous of Christ. For example Isaiah 41:8,44:1,44:21,49:3. However, Servant was used to indicate Messiah as well; Isaiah 42:1-9, Isaiah 52:13 {52:13-53:12}.Paul taught on this as well. See Romans 9:4-11:31. Notice especially 9:5, 11:1, 11:25. Read it through and you will see that the analogy of ingrafted Branches in Romans 11:11-21 is speaking of us as spiritual Israel. The entire context, however, is of Paul's people; the Jewish Nation; Israel. The truly Biblical term for spiritual Israel is 'Zion'.Jesus was, in the instance you bring up, rebuking their lack of faith. He is asserting that they are not believers. Just as Messiah is to yield many sons [Isaiah 53:10] But has no sons [Isaiah 53:8], so also here the claim is that they are not spiritually Abraham's sons because if they were, then they would produce fruits in accordance with that.Read Carefully: John 8:37-40Notice how Jesus, on the one hand, claims that he knows that they are the children of Abraham?Now, let's look closer at what Paul teaches us. Romans 11:25-28Ok, Now let's observe another scripture; Revelation Revelation 14:1-5Who are these 144 thousand? Revelation 7:3-11So, there are two interpretations. First, is that this is spiritual Israel, as the people from every nations are all holding palm branches. The Second is that these people, who have been scattered throughout the Earth by the Sword the Lord Promised in the Torah {Scattering Israel}, are all the Jews. Just as Isaiah 11:10-12 would confirm.Here's another prophetic passage I hope will help make it clear. Zechariah 12:10-13:1Remember, do not be ignorant about this mystery; All Israel will be saved.~Shalom Elechem{No I am not Jewish}.