The new covenant is STILL with the HOUSE of Israel and house of Judah, meaning national Israel, not so-called spiritual Israel:
This statement is quite wrong. Many scriptures plainly say that ethnicity is of no consequence for salvation. Ephesians 2:11-18
Galatians 6:14-16
But far be it from me to boast, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…….all that counts is new [personal]
creation. All who take this principal as their guide: peace and mercy be upon them, the Israel of God. Revised English Bible
The proper interpretation and translation of the last phrase in Galatians 6:16 has become a matter of controversy in the past century or so. Formerly, "The Israel of God" was understood as a name for the Church. The καὶ ("and") which precedes the phrase
upon the Israel of God, was understood as an explicative καὶ. This understanding of the grammar is reflected in the Revised Standard Version's
Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God, and in the New International Version's:
even to the Israel of God. It is not necessary, to understand the καὶ as an explicative in order to get substantially the same sense. If it be regarded as an ordinary connective καὶ, the
all who take this principal, correctly refers to the
individual Christians, Jewish and Gentile, and
Israel of God to the same Christians, regarded collectively; being the entire messianic community."
So the rendering "
and upon the Israel of God" (KJV and others) is acceptable enough, provided it is not misapplied. In any case, it is clear that in this verse Paul cannot be pronouncing a benediction upon persons who are not included in:
All who keep the Christian rule….The entire argument of the epistle contradicts any idea that here in 6:16 he would give a blessing to those who are not Christians.
The phrase has become controversial because the traditional interpretation conflicts with principles of interpretation associated with
Dispensationalism. Dispensationalists, those who believe in a ‘rapture to heaven’, insist on maintaining a sharp distinction between "Israel" and "the Church".
They refute the idea that here Paul is using the phrase "
Israel of God" in a sense that includes Gentiles, because this undermines their contention that "the Church" is distinguished from "Israel" in Scripture. This major tenet of dispensationalist hermeneutics, is a false teaching.
The dispensationalist explanation of the meaning of "
The Israel of God" in Galatians 6:16 is contrary to Paul’s main point, in which it is said that:
in Christ Jesus ... there is neither Jew nor Greek. This central idea of the epistle, is expressed in the third chapter:
"you are all one in Christ Jesus ... if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring" Galatians 3:26-29
The fascination with the secular state of Israel which is so characteristic of dispensationalists today has led many of them to think that the restoration of the Jews as "God's people" has already occurred, despite the fact that their rapture has not yet happened and the Jews continue to reject Christ. Dispensationalists insist that this unbelieving Israel according to the flesh must be blessed by everyone. But of course this premise is totally wrong, because there is no blessing for anyone who rejects Christ.
The attempt to limit the meaning of "Israel of God" to the carnal sons of Judah betrays a fundamentally wrong approach to biblical interpretation, and to New Testament theology in particular. The ECF's and later writers more accurately express the meaning of Galatians 6:16. Even in these authors I find, however, an insufficient appreciation of Paul's teaching.
Peace be ... upon the Israel of God, is a positive blessing and affirmation of
true Christian believers as the spiritual Israel of God.