Introduction – Why This Matters
In the opening essay of this guide, it explores the impact and the inner tension that can arise when a Christian begins to discover the Jewish roots of their faith. Many find that what was once a peripheral issue—Israel—is actually foundational to the entire biblical story. If the Church misaligns its understanding of Israel, it inevitably misreads key themes across both the Old and New Testaments. A failure to acknowledge Israel’s enduring role in God’s redemptive plan leads to theology built on a faulty foundation.
“How you view God’s relationship with Israel (Abraham’s physical descendants) determines how you read and interpret the Bible.”
In the text that follows, I will present the case that Israel remains God’s chosen people. This includes not only those who have accepted Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah, but also those who have not. Their status as God’s elect nation is not contingent on belief in Yeshua; it is anchored in God’s covenantal promises to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These promises are eternal, initiated by God, and not subject to human performance.
Paul affirms this reality with clarity in Romans 11:28–29:
"As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:28–29)
This declaration is not metaphorical. Paul is describing a present reality. Despite their current unbelief, Israel remains beloved by God—not because of what they do, but because of who God is and what He has sworn. The word irrevocable (Greek: ametamelētos) speaks to God’s unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. The divine calling of Israel has not been nullified by their rejection of the Messiah; rather, it is still active and intact.
This view stands in sharp contrast to the theological system known as Replacement Theology (or supersessionism), which asserts that the Church has supplanted Israel as God’s chosen people. But if divine election could be revoked on the basis of unbelief, then grace would cease to be grace. Paul’s words undermine this assumption, affirming instead a profound mystery: God holds Israel in covenant love while also using their resistance to advance salvation among the Gentiles.
This passage invites the reader into that mystery—a tension between unbelief and faithfulness, between judgment and mercy, between the present hardening and the future redemption. At the heart of it is the character of God: one who keeps His promises and remembers His covenants, even when His people forget theirs.
Interestingly, while this study will highlight Israel’s ongoing covenant relationship with God—from the pages of Scripture into modern times—I also believe this topic holds particular relevance for new believers. As we walk through the Bible, I will offer a sweeping overview of key passages that demonstrate the enduring bond between God and Israel. In doing so, this journey may also serve as a valuable introduction to the broader biblical narrative. Sadly, I am convinced that one major reason the Christian Church has drifted from sound biblical theology is its neglect—or outright dismissal—of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). Today, some prominent pastors have even gone so far as to call for the removal of the Old Testament, viewing it as irrelevant to the Christian message. What a tragic misunderstanding! Without the foundation laid in the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings, we lose the very context that gives the New Testament its meaning.
As an active member of the Christian Church, I’ve witnessed countless believers whose lives have been deeply transformed by their encounter with Jesus, the Messiah. At the same time, through my journey within the theological framework of Messianic Judaism, I’ve come to see the Bible through a richer, more cohesive lens—one that has deepened my faith and sharpened my understanding of Scripture.
I believe with all my heart that every follower of Jesus would be enriched by this perspective. If you’re reading this, my prayer is that you would begin to taste this understanding for yourself—and that it would draw you into a deeper, more grounded walk with Yeshua.
After years of conversation and study, I’ve become convinced: if we do not understand Israel’s relationship with God, we will struggle to understand much of the rest—be it the Torah, the Prophets, the New Testament, or the gospel itself.