'Israel' is still the 'Chosen People'.

'Israel' is still the 'Chosen People'.


The belief that "Israel is still the Chosen People" reflects a theological concept rooted in the Bible, where Israel, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were chosen by God to fulfill a special role in His divine plan. This theme is present throughout both the Old and New Testaments.


Here are some scriptures that support this concept:


1. **Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV)**:

   "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession."


   - This verse affirms Israel’s special status as God’s chosen people.


2. **Exodus 19:5-6 (NIV)**:

   "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."


   - God’s covenant with Israel establishes them as a unique nation, called to a special purpose.


3. **Isaiah 41:8-9 (NIV)**:

   "But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you."


   - This passage reiterates God’s choice of Israel as His people and His ongoing relationship with them.


4. **Romans 11:1-2 (NIV)**:

   "I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew."


   - The Apostle Paul affirms that God has not rejected Israel and that His covenant with them still stands.


5. **Romans 11:25-29 (NIV)**:

   "I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved... for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable."


   - Paul explains that although Israel may experience temporary hardness, God’s call on them remains unchanged, and His promises to them are irrevocable.


### Two Theological Views:


1. **Covenant Theology (Replacement Theology)**: Some Christians believe that the Church has replaced Israel as God's chosen people, meaning that the promises to Israel are now fulfilled in the Church. 


2. **Dispensational Theology**: This view holds that God’s promises to Israel remain in effect, and the nation of Israel still holds a unique place in God's redemptive plan. This includes the belief that Israel will play a central role in future prophetic events.


### New Testament Perspective:

In the New Testament, the concept of being "chosen" extends to all believers in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles:


- **1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)**: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

  

This shows that, in Christ, believers are also chosen by God. However, this does not necessarily negate the special role of Israel in God's plan.


The ongoing status of Israel as the chosen people can be seen as part of God’s eternal covenant, while the Church also participates in the blessings of being chosen through Christ. The two ideas can coexist in various interpretations of Scripture.

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