There is a separation between two interpretations of who or what is Israel. I call this denominational disunity. It is just one of Satan’s schemes. Paul stated that we know the devil’s schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:8 Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.
2:9 For to this end also I wrote, so that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.
2:10 But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
2:11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
6:13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Twice Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to warn us of Satan’s schemes against us.
A few quick comments;
Paul uses the plural.
Paul stated that these schemes are known.
Paul tells us we need the full armor of Jehovah to resist and stand firm.
It is my belief that the ‘church’ is woefully ignorant of his schemes and therefore vulnerable to being deceived. So in the example of who is Israel we find two polar opposite belief positions.
First, the Presbyterian Denominations believe that the ‘church’ has totally replaced Israel. There are many variations of this within the ‘churches’ who basically believe this.
Second, the Baptist Denominations believe exactly the opposite. Of course there are many variations within the Baptists as well.
They both can’t be right, although they both could be wrong. Godly men have not come to any agreement on this even though it divides the body of Christ. I don’t want to be deceived or be a deceiver. So we will continue to go exclusively to the Word of God and let His words lead us into truth.
I will end with a few verses for your prayerful consideration until next week.
Romans 9:6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel;
9:7 nor are they all children because they are Abraham's descendants, but: "THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED."
9:8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.
We will continue next Saturday.