There is a great misunderstanding of Israel today.  While this is true socially and politically, it is especially true religiously.  What was taught by the Lord’s church in the first century concerning physical Israel being the people of God?  We are not surprised that the Jews thought they were the people of God, even as they continue to believe today, but what about the church?  What was it taught by their inspired teachers? 

What the apostles taught is what the church accepted and taught.  We know this because Acts 2:42 tells us that the early disciples continued in the apostle’s doctrine.  This pertained to what they practiced and preached.  So, whatever the apostles taught is what the church taught. 

The church did not teach that the Jews were the special people of God because that is not what they were taught.  They were taught that the gospel was the power of God for salvation for both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16) and that whoever obeyed the gospel would be justified, not by works of the law, but by faith. 

Romans 3:28–30 (ESV)
²⁸ For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. ²⁹ Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, ³⁰ since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

The Jews were once the people of God, chosen to be the nation from whom the Messiah would come.  God separated them from the world for that purpose, making them His special treasure. 

Exodus 19:4–6 (ESV)
⁴ ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. ⁵ Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; ⁶ and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

This promise of God to the Jews was conditional. God told them they would be His treasured possession if they would obey His voice and keep His covenant.  They failed to do that, so Jesus, speaking to the chief priests and elders of the people, told them that because they did not obey God, culminating in their rejection of Him, they would lose the kingdom. 

Matthew 21:43 (ESV)
⁴³ Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.

The people the kingdom was given to was the church made up of those saved by faith in Christ.  The church is now the special people of God and the same language that was originally used to describe Israel, now describes the church.  Listen to Peter. 

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
⁹ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Peter is, at least in part, quoting Exodus 19 and applying it to the church.  The church is now God’s holy nation, and this will continue to be so until Christ returns to get it and deliver it up to God (1 Corinthians 15:24). 

Being a part of God’s people today has nothing to do with whether a person is a Jew or not.  It has nothing whatever to do with ethnicity, gender, or any social condition.  It has only to do with one’s acceptance of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. 

Galatians 3:27–29 (ESV)
²⁷ For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

What part does Israel play in God’s plans now?  Absolutely none.  Those who belong to Christ today are those who do the will of God, whether they be Jews or Gentiles (Matthew 12:49-50).   

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.