Who Is the True Israel According to Paul: Those Who Believe and Are Circumcised in the Heart
The concept of “true Israel” has been a topic of theological debate for centuries. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul offers a unique perspective on this issue. According to Paul’s writings in the Bible, the true Israel is not solely defined by physical lineage but by a spiritual transformation, characterized by faith and a circumcised heart.
The Significance of Circumcision
To understand Paul’s perspective, we must first grasp the significance of circumcision in the Old Testament. Circumcision was a physical ritual performed on male descendants of Abraham as a sign of God’s covenant with Israel (Genesis 17:10-14). It marked them as God’s chosen people, but Paul argued that this outward sign alone was insufficient to determine one’s true status as an Israelite.
Faith as the Key Criterion
Paul emphasized that faith in Jesus Christ was the defining criterion for true Israel. In Romans 9:6-8 (KJV), he wrote, “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.”
Here, Paul makes a clear distinction between physical descendants of Abraham and those who share in the promise through faith. In other words, being a physical descendant of Abraham does not automatically guarantee one’s status as a child of God or true Israelite. True Israel is defined by those who believe in Christ, embracing Him as the fulfillment of God’s promise.
Circumcision of the Heart
In Romans 2:28-29 (KJV), Paul delves further into the concept of the true circumcision: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
Here, Paul introduces the idea of circumcision of the heart, a spiritual transformation that occurs when one accepts Christ. It signifies a deep inward change, where one’s heart is set apart for God. This internal transformation, Paul argues, is what truly distinguishes a person as a member of the true Israel.
According to Paul’s teachings in the Bible, the true Israel is not determined by physical lineage or outward rituals alone. Instead, true Israelites are those who have faith in Jesus Christ and have experienced a circumcision of the heart. This spiritual transformation, characterized by a deep, inward change and a relationship with Christ, is the key criterion for identifying the true Israel, as Paul emphasizes in his writings. In embracing this perspective, we recognize the universal and inclusive nature of God’s covenant, open to all who believe, regardless of their physical heritage.
The Inclusion of Gentiles in the Promised Inheritance
Paul’s teachings not only emphasized that true Israel was defined by faith and a circumcised heart but also included a profound theological shift: the inclusion of Gentiles in the promised inheritance given to Abraham. This was a revolutionary idea in his time and is crucial to understanding the expansive nature of God’s covenant.
The Promise to Abraham:
In Genesis 12:2-3 (KJV), God makes a significant promise to Abraham: “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
At first glance, this promise appears to be directed solely at Abraham and his physical descendants. However, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, saw a broader implication: that God’s blessing would extend to all families of the earth, not just those of Jewish descent.
Gentiles Included through Faith:
Paul explains this inclusion of Gentiles in Galatians 3:7-9 (KJV), “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”
Paul emphasizes that through faith in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles become children of Abraham and are included in the promise of blessing. The promise was never limited to ethnic Jews; it was always about faith.
The Mystery of the Gospel:
Paul further elucidates this mystery in Ephesians 3:6 (KJV): “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.”
Here, Paul highlights that Gentiles, through their faith in Christ, become fellow heirs and partakers of God’s promise. This was a profound revelation—the Gentiles were not just guests at the table but full participants in the inheritance.
Conclusion
In the teachings of the Apostle Paul, we see a radical expansion of the concept of true Israel. It’s not limited to a specific ethnic group but extends to all who have faith in Jesus Christ. The inclusion of Gentiles in the promised inheritance given to Abraham underscores the universality of God’s plan for salvation. Through faith in Christ, all people, regardless of their background, can become part of the spiritual lineage of Abraham and share in the blessings of God’s covenant. This message of inclusion and grace continues to be a cornerstone of Christian theology, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the boundless love of God for all humanity.