In recent times, alongside growing antisemitism, I’ve seen claims that Israel no longer represents God’s chosen people—that the descendants of all of Abraham’s sons equally share in God’s land promise to Abraham. I don’t agree. Let me show you why.
The Father of Nations
God promised Abraham he would become the father of many nations. Today, many peoples trace their lineage to him through sons born to Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah.
But while Abraham fathered many nations, God established one covenant line.
Old Covenant Verus New Covenant
God chose Isaac, Sarah’s son, as heir of the covenant promise—the blessing and the land. The Messiah would come through Isaac. His descendants would enter the Promised Land and later return after being dispersed (Ezek. 11:17; Is. 66:8). Scripture says that when Messiah returns, they will recognize the One they pierced and mourn (Zech. 12:10).
Unlike God’s unconditional covenant with Abraham (Gen. 15:12-18), the Mosaic Covenant was conditional. Its blessings and curses were tied to obedience and applied to this life (Exod. 24:3; Deut. 28:3-68). Even then, eternal life was never earned through law-keeping. Salvation has always come through faith.
The New Covenant realizes the spiritual realities the Old Testament foreshadowed. For example, physical circumcision pointed to a deeper spiritual circumcision (Col. 2:11-13). As Paul explains:
“When you came to Christ, you were ‘circumcised,’ but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature” (Col. 2:11 NLT).
Gentiles are grafted into the blessing through Christ. But does this nullify God’s promises to the nation of Israel? Paul wrote:
“For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29 NIV).
Hebrews 6:16-18 reminds us that God swore an oath to Abraham, and that it is impossible for God to lie.
God blessed the lives of Ishmael and Esau. But the covenant promises—the land and the Messianic line—passed through Isaac and Jacob (Gen. 21:10-14).
The Promised Land
Joseph reaffirmed the land oath (Gen. 50:24). God repeated it to Moses, naming Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob specifically.
“And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord” (Ex. 6:8 NIV).
What About Israel’s Disobedience?
Some argue Israel forfeited the promise through disobedience.
But when was Israel ever perfectly faithful? And when has the Church been blameless?
“The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, … I hereby confirm that I will give all these lands to you and your descendants, just as I solemnly promised Abraham, your father” (Gen. 26:2-3 NLT).
When God reaffirmed the covenant to Isaac, He tied it to His oath to Abraham. Just as our salvation rests on Christ’s faithfulness—not ours—God’s covenant faithfulness rests on His character.
And God does not change.
Conclusion
God is not willing for any to perish. He offers eternal life and blessing to Jew and Gentile alike through Jesus Christ. The whole earth belongs to Him, and He distributes it according to His sovereign will.
He chose to give a portion of land to the descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob. That choice reflects His purposes—not human merit.
That doesn’t mean Israel does everything right. Supporting God’s covenant faithfulness does not require affirming every political action of a modern government. Israel, like the Church, will not be perfected until Messiah reigns.
Scripture says Messiah will return to Israel and reign, and all of Israel will be saved (Rom. 11:25-27). So, I will bless Israel and pray for her, and all nations, to recognize Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.
Because ultimately, this is not about geopolitics.
It is about the faithfulness of God.
Does God still have a plan for Israel? Here’s what Scripture says. #GodsPromises #Romans11 Share on X
Questions to Consider
These are designed to encourage thoughtful engagement rather than argument:
- How does God’s faithfulness to Abraham strengthen your confidence in His promises to you?
- In what ways does this discussion ultimately reveal something about God’s character?
Blessings,
Sometimes I link to these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth, #SweetTea&Friends
So well explained – I’ve had this conversation with others several times over recent years.
Thank you, Ann. I think it’s important to go back to the Bible and trust His plan.
Israel will remain and those who attempt to eliminate God’s people are the ones who will be destroyed. I’ve never understood why some people think the church replaces Israel. God’s Word hasn’t changed since He said it.
Amen! If God’s oath to Abraham can be broken, how can we trust Him with His promises to us?
Amen. You have provided a wonderful and biblical explanation. May we keep Israel in prayer as well as all of God’s people, for He will keep us all.
Thanks, Joanne. It bothers me to hear anyone, but Christians in particular, continually tear down Israel.
I agree it’s all about His faithfulness. Like Israel, we’ve all strayed and fallen short, but God’s promises to Israel and to us are faithful and trustworthy.
Aren’t we thankful they depend on Him and not us!
Great explanation. Our sins do not disqualify us from His love for us.
Thanks, Yvonne. What a Savior.
All you write is encouraging Debbie. Thank you for your study and sharing with us.
Thank you, Janet. I appreciate your encouragement.
Debbie this is an amazing post. So beautifully spoken.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend. I’m so happy you’re here.
Thanks, Paula. I appreciate you.