You are making some really interesting points! In the New Testament, the New Covenant does graft in the gentiles and Jesus is a stumbling block for the jews, but I cannot shake the significance of Israel. Such as from Romans:
“do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.” Romans 11:18 ESV
“Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” Romans 11:25 ESV
I was thinking recently of Revelation and the 144,000 of Israel, which as it says would be those that truly belong to God. There is still significance to the land it would seem, but I do agree that the "nation of Israel" seems distinct from the "Israel" described in the New Testament as it not a people group, but rather a heart, faith, Holy Spirit situation comprised of both Gentiles and Jews.
So I wonder what this all means for the land of Palestine and the land of Israel? Although we have the New Covenant it does not necessarily mean that the Abrahamic covenant ceases per se? How does this all play out in the end?
Great article, Hank. It’s all about what is written in the book of Hebrews: the deity of Jesus Christ—nothing more nothing less.
Thank you, Tim. It's all throughout the NT. And it is all very plain to anyone who reads and asks for understanding.
You are making some really interesting points! In the New Testament, the New Covenant does graft in the gentiles and Jesus is a stumbling block for the jews, but I cannot shake the significance of Israel. Such as from Romans:
“do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.” Romans 11:18 ESV
“Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” Romans 11:25 ESV
I was thinking recently of Revelation and the 144,000 of Israel, which as it says would be those that truly belong to God. There is still significance to the land it would seem, but I do agree that the "nation of Israel" seems distinct from the "Israel" described in the New Testament as it not a people group, but rather a heart, faith, Holy Spirit situation comprised of both Gentiles and Jews.
So I wonder what this all means for the land of Palestine and the land of Israel? Although we have the New Covenant it does not necessarily mean that the Abrahamic covenant ceases per se? How does this all play out in the end?
Is the United States, not Babylon the great?