Literal Israel, versus Spiritual Church

Follower777 · Jul 5, 2025

I'll have AI outline a theological, literal Israel vs. spiritual church, biblical analysis, which might help to evolve a less chaotic understanding, among us here in these CC forums. I pray this will be a blessing this Sabbath, as it seems most CC thread discussions inevitably devolve into a literal / spiritual, obedience vs. disobedient, spirit of Abel vs. spirit of Cain, controversy. One might call it "The Great Controversy" "The Cosmic Conflict" between Good and Evil, between Christ and His Angels and Satan and his angels. Ya' Think?
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There is distinct theological distinction between literal Israel of the Old Testament and spiritual Israel, or the spiritual church, of the New Testament era. This distinction is foundational in understanding of God's dealing with His people across time. Here's a summary of that distinction:
1. Old Testament Israel as the Literal, Physical Church

A. Literal Israel was a nation chosen by God
“Notwithstanding their errors, their disobedience, and their rebellion, they were still God’s chosen people”.
They were a physical, visible nation tasked with preserving the oracles of God (Romans 3:1-2).

Exodus 19:5-6 – “Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 – “The Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people…”
Amos 3:2 – “You only have I known of all the families of the earth…”
Matthew 23:37–38 – Christ laments over Jerusalem, saying, “Your house is left unto you desolate.”

B. Literal Israel was defined by external lineage and national covenant
“Ancient Israel… were the literal seed of Abraham” and the covenant was sealed with circumcision and law given at Sinai.

Genesis 17:7-10 – God made a covenant with Abraham’s descendants through circumcision.
Romans 9:4 – “To whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants...”
Exodus 24:7-8 – Moses took the book of the covenant and read it before the people

C. Their identity was tied to physical signs (Sabbath, circumcision, temple)
The Sabbath was “a sign between Me and you throughout your generations” (Exodus 31:13).
The Sabbath marked them as God's denominated people.

Exodus 31:13 – “It is a sign between me and you throughout your generations...”
Leviticus 23:2 – Describes feast days and holy convocations.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – Commands visible signs of covenantal faith.

2. Post-Christ Believers as the Spiritual Church (Spiritual Israel)

A. Spiritual Israel is composed of believers in Christ, not by descent but by faith, Spiritual Israel: The Church Redeemed by Christ

“Those who are trying to obey God and purify their souls through obedience to the truth are God’s chosen people, His modern Israel”.
Gentile believers are “grafted in” to the olive tree (Romans 11), partaking of the same promises.

Galatians 3:28-29 – “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed…”
Romans 2:28-29 – “He is a Jew, which is one inwardly… in the spirit.”
Romans 9:6–8 – Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
Galatians 3:28–29 – Those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s seed.
1 Peter 2:9–10 – The church is the new “chosen generation, royal priesthood.”
Revelation 7:3–4 – The 144,000 are sealed from “all the tribes of Israel,” spiritually interpreted.
Romans 11:17-24 – Gentiles grafted into the olive tree

B. The spiritual church is global and founded on Christ as the Head
The New Testament church is not tied to race or nation, but to the spiritual kingdom of God: “Come out from among them… ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…”.

Ephesians 2:19-22 – Believers are “fellowcitizens” and built on the foundation of Christ.
1 Peter 2:9-10 – “A royal priesthood, an holy nation…”
John 10:16 – “Other sheep I have… there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”

C. The spiritual church includes Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ
“Many of the Jewish people will receive Christ as their Redeemer” and join the spiritual body of Christ.

Acts 2:38-39 – The promise is to “as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
Ephesians 3:6 – Gentiles are “fellow heirs” in Christ.
Galatians 6:15-16 – “The Israel of God” includes all who are new creatures in Christ.

3. Transition from Literal to Spiritual Israel
With the rejection of Christ, literal Israel ceased to be the exclusive covenant people. The privileges and mission passed to the spiritual body of believers.

“When they [the Jews] refused to accept Christ... the kingdom of God was taken from them and given to another people” .
“God's plan was to make His people... a spiritual nation, not confined by bloodlines” .
“The Lord Jesus will again take up the shaking scepter of David and gather spiritual Israel to Himself” .

Matthew 21:43 – Kingdom taken from literal Israel and given to another nation.
John 1:11–13 – To all who received Christ, He gave power to become sons of God.
Romans 11:17–24 – The olive tree: Gentiles grafted in, Jews broken off.
Hebrews 8:6–10 – New covenant based on spiritual promises.
Galatians 6:16 – “The Israel of God” includes all faithful believers.

The biblical principle that God's covenant people are not defined by lineage but by character and faith. Literal Israel had a noble calling but failed due to unbelief. Spiritual Israel, made up of all who follow Christ, has taken up the mission to proclaim God's message to the world.

Gal 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." ~~ By His Grace, I am spiritually Israel, His Church, IN CHRIST Alone - 𝝞𝝬Θ𝝪𝝨
~~~ Blessed Sabbath, Folks ~~~

Planetmalla · Jul 7, 2025

Literal Israel & the Spiritual Church: Two Paths in God's Redemptive Plan
🔹 Literal Israel

📜 1. Covenant Israel

Literal Israel first and foremost refers to the ethnic nation physically descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with Jacob being renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28).
This nation became “Covenant Israel” when they received the Law (Torah) through Moses at Mount Sinai.
Their relationship with God was legal and conditional: Obedience brought blessings, disobedience brought curses (Deuteronomy 28).
This covenantal status separated Israel from Gentile nations, setting them apart as God's chosen people.

🏛️ 2. Literal Israel in National History

Refers to the historical nation-state of Israel established in the Promised Land.
Under kings Saul, David, and Solomon, the 12 tribes were united under a monarchy.
After Solomon, the kingdom split:
- Northern Kingdom: Israel (10 tribes)
- Southern Kingdom: Judah (2 tribes: Judah & Benjamin)
Literal Israel here includes:
- Physical cities, wars, dynasties, exile, return
- Real rulers (e.g. David, Hezekiah, Josiah)
- Recorded in 1 & 2 Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles

📜 Key Scriptures Affirming Literal Israel’s Role
Despite their errors, disobedience, and rebellion, Israel remained God’s chosen people.
They were a physical, visible nation tasked with preserving the oracles of God (Romans 3:1–2).

🔹 Divine Calling and Separation

Exodus 19:5–6 – “Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”
→ God declares Israel’s special status as a holy, priestly nation.
Deuteronomy 7:6–8 – “The Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people…”
→ Emphasizes God's unique choice of Israel out of all nations.
Amos 3:2 – “You only have I known of all the families of the earth…”
→ Highlights the exclusive covenant relationship between God and Israel.
Matthew 23:37–38 – Jesus laments over Jerusalem:
“Your house is left unto you desolate.”
→ A sorrowful expression over Israel’s resistance and future judgment.

📘 Covenantal Identity and Responsibilities

Genesis 17:7–10 – God establishes a covenant with Abraham’s descendants through circumcision.
→ Marks the eternal, generational covenant sign with Abraham's lineage.
Romans 9:4 – “To whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants…”
→ Reaffirms Israel's divine privileges, including the giving of the Law.
Exodus 24:7–8 – Moses reads and seals the Book of the Covenant with the people.
→ A legal and spiritual confirmation of Israel’s commitment to God's law.
Deuteronomy 6:6–9 – Instructs Israel to visibly display and internalize God's commandments.
→ A model for generational teaching and remembrance.

Planetmalla · Jul 7, 2025

Planetmalla said:

👑 Israel’s National Identity and Uniqueness

2 Samuel 7:23–24 – “What other people on earth is like your people Israel…?”
→ Declares God’s eternal bond with Israel, setting them apart from all nations.
Judges 10:11–12 – Israel's repeated disobedience despite divine intervention.
→ A reminder of their calling and tendency to stray.

🔮 Prophetic Restoration and End-Time Significance

Zechariah 8:7–8 – “I will save my people… they shall be my people, and I will be their God.”
→ A future vision of redemption and renewed relationship with God.
Ezekiel 34:23–24 – Promise of a Davidic shepherd-king:
“I, the Lord, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them.”
Jeremiah 16:14–15 – “I will bring them back to their own land.”
→ Restoration from exile and divine regathering.
Ezekiel 37 & 38 –
→ Prophecies of national resurrection (dry bones), regathering, and divine defense in the end times.

🔮 3. Prophetic Literal Israel

In biblical prophecy, Literal Israel takes on end-time significance:
- God is said to restore Israel physically and spiritually (e.g. Ezekiel 37: dry bones prophecy).
- Literal Israel’s national identity is preserved, even after exile, dispersion, and modern restoration.
- Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah speak of:
- - Israel’s tribulation
  - Future repentance
  - Recognition of the true Messiah (Zechariah 12:10)

✅ Summary:
Literal Israel includes:

The ethnic nation born of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
The covenant community under Moses
The historical kingdoms of Israel and Judah
The subject of end-time prophecy
A distinct identity from the Gentiles and the Church, though interrelated

It remains a central figure in the Bible's narrative—past, present, and future—and serves as both a symbol and reality in God's dealings with humanity.
Literal Israel is the nation of covenant—descended from the patriarchs and entrusted with God’s laws. Their role in history has never been replaced. They remain distinct, not because of their power, but because of God's eternal promise.
Though nations have risen and fallen, Israel still stands. Their suffering and mistreatment through generations reveal not abandonment, but a deeper spiritual battle surrounding their identity.
To understand God's redemptive plan, one must understand Israel's role in it. The same God who called them out of Egypt continues to call them back to Him.

Planetmalla · Jul 7, 2025

Planetmalla said:

📖 What Is the Spiritual Church?
The Spiritual Church (Spiritual Israel) refers to the true, invisible body of believers who are united not by ethnicity, denomination, or geography, but by genuine faith in the One True God. It is not defined by buildings or institutions, but by hearts transformed and led by the Spirit.
The Spiritual Church can be understood in the following ways:

🌏 1. The Multinational, Multiethnic Family of God
The Spiritual Church transcends race, culture, and national identity. It includes both Jews and Gentiles, the rich and the poor, people of every tribe, language, and background who have placed their faith in God. Unity in the Spirit replaces division in the flesh. This Church forms a global, diverse, and spiritually unified family of God.
📖 Key Scriptures:

Galatians 3:28–29 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 2:11–22 – “He hath made both one… and hath broken down the middle wall of partition.”
Revelation 7:9 – “A great multitude… of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.”

✡️ 2. The New Israel (Spiritual Israel)
The Spiritual Church is also seen by many as the spiritual continuation or fulfillment of Israel. Membership in God’s people is no longer based on physical descent from Abraham, but on spiritual rebirth and covenant faithfulness.
Believers become heirs to the promises of God not by blood, but by the Spirit—grafted into the spiritual olive tree of Israel.
📖 Key Scriptures:

Romans 2:28–29 – “He is a Jew, which is one inwardly… in the spirit.”
Romans 9:6–8 – “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel… the children of the promise are counted for the seed.”
Galatians 6:16 – “Peace be on them… and upon the Israel of God.”

This understanding of the Spiritual Church emphasizes that God’s people are no longer defined solely by lineage, but by a spiritual identity rooted in faith, obedience, and covenant love. It includes those from all nations who have entered into relationship with God through His truth—forming one unified body, one spiritual nation, and one eternal family.

It includes believers from many traditions forming one unified body under Christ, the Head.
As Scripture says, "One body, many members" (1 Corinthians 12:12–13).
In many ways, the Spiritual Church:

Fulfills the spiritual calling of Old Testament Israel
Continues the legacy of early followers of God who lived outside of formal religious institutions
Includes persecuted believers, underground movements, and faithful remnants—like during Elijah’s time or in early Christianity

🔥 These members follow God sincerely, often without approval from mainstream systems—making them spiritually chosen rather than institutionally endorsed.
The Church is often described as a living organism, not an organization.
Each believer is like a cell in a divine body, spiritually interconnected through Christ.
It is:

Worshipful without political control
Often mobile or home-based
Grounded in Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit
🕊️ United not by structure, but by faith, love, and a shared inner commitment to God.

Planetmalla · Jul 7, 2025

Planetmalla said:

This Church is also called the bride of Christ in Revelation—watchful, pure, and spiritually prepared.
It spans generations, including all faithful believers across centuries.
✨ It is timeless, still growing, and waiting for the fullness of God’s kingdom to be revealed.
✝️ Spiritual Identity Over Physical Lineage

Galatians 3:28–29 – “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed…”
→ Faith in Christ makes believers spiritual descendants of Abraham.
Romans 2:28–29 – “He is a Jew, which is one inwardly… in the spirit.”
→ True spiritual identity is defined by inward faith, not outward form.
Romans 9:6–8 – “Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.”
→ A distinction between physical Israel and the spiritual people of God.
Galatians 6:15–16 – “The Israel of God” includes all who are new creatures in Christ.
→ The Church is seen as the renewed Israel, born from spiritual rebirth.

👑 Spiritual Church as a Chosen Body

1 Peter 2:9–10 – “A chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation…”
→ Believers form a new spiritual nation with divine purpose.
Revelation 7:3–4 – 144,000 sealed from “all the tribes of Israel” (spiritual interpretation).
→ Symbolizes the full number of faithful believers from every nation.

🌿 Grafted Into the Promises

Romans 11:17–24 – Gentiles grafted into the olive tree of Israel.
→ Non-Jews are spiritually integrated into God’s covenant people.
Ephesians 3:6 – Gentiles are “fellow heirs” in Christ.
→ Equal partakers in the promises once given to Israel.
Acts 2:38–39 – “The promise is to all whom the Lord our God shall call.”
→ God’s calling now extends beyond Israel to all nations.

🧱 Unified in Christ as a New Household

Ephesians 2:19–22 – Believers are “fellow citizens” and built upon Christ the cornerstone.
→ One spiritual family, breaking ethnic and religious divisions.
John 10:16 – “Other sheep I have… there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
→ Jesus unites all true believers—Jew and Gentile—into one spiritual flock.

Abraham was the foundational True Jew—both genetically pure and faithful to the One True God. His direct descendants originally followed in this path, qualifying them as Abrahamic True Jews. However, over time, some abandoned the true faith while retaining their lineage, becoming Abrahamic Lineage Non-Jews. Others stayed true in faith but intermarried with outside groups, forming Abrahamic Hybrid Jews.
Those hybrids who eventually turned away from the True God became Abrahamic Fallen Branches. With further cultural and ethnic mixing, they became Abrahamic Cultural Blends, and over generations, transformed into Abrahamic Neo-Hybrids, with little connection left to their original identity.
Similarly, not all True Jews descend directly from Abraham. Some share his ethnic background but not his direct bloodline. Those who kept the pure faith and blood are Non-Abrahamic True Jews. If they strayed from the faith but kept their bloodline, they are Non-Abrahamic Lineage Non-Jews. Mixed but still faithful? Non-Abrahamic Hybrid Jews. Those who abandoned faith? Non-Abrahamic Fallen Branches, which over time became Non-Abrahamic Cultural Blends, and finally Non-Abrahamic Neo-Hybrids—nearly unrecognizable from the original root.
Abrahamic Line (Direct Descendants):

Abrahamic True Jew: Pure in blood and faith—direct lineage of Abraham, following the True God.
Abrahamic Lineage Non-Jew: Still of Abraham's blood, but no longer faithful to the True God.
Abrahamic Hybrid Jew: Still faithful, but mixed genetically with other nations.
Abrahamic Fallen Branch: Once hybrid, now fallen into false faith.
Abrahamic Cultural Blend: Fallen and blended further into new ethnic cultures following a false faith.
Abrahamic Neo-Hybrid: Deeply mixed in ethnicity and far removed from original identity and following a false faith.

Non-Abrahamic Ethnic Line (Same Ethnicity, Not Direct Descendants):

Non-Abrahamic True Jew: Ethnically related to Abraham, pure in faith and blood.
Non-Abrahamic Lineage Non-Jew: Same ethnic background but has strayed from faith.
Non-Abrahamic Hybrid Jew: Mixed in blood, still faithful.
Non-Abrahamic Fallen Branch: Has turned to false faith.
Non-Abrahamic Cultural Blend: Mixed culturally and spiritually.

Non-Abrahamic Neo-Hybrid: Spiritually and ethnically disconnected from origins.

Planetmalla · Jul 7, 2025

Planetmalla said:

Dear one of Abrahamic descent who has wandered in false belief,
If you desire the title of Abrahamic True Jew, know that it is more than lineage—it is covenantal faithfulness.
Begin by turning to Christ in sincerity. Let God see your heart, your repentance, and your desire to walk in truth. He will welcome you into the Spiritual Church, the body of those who follow Him with integrity. Live by His Word. Practice what the Scriptures teach. Let your life be proof of your transformation.

When your faith is rooted and your conscience clear, ask the Lord,
“Am I now worthy of the name Abrahamic True Jew?”
He will give you signs, peace, and confirmation.
Remember: This title is not inherited—it is proven through faith and obedience to the One True God of Abraham.

Gentiles are those who do not descend directly from Abraham, nor share in his specific tribal bloodline. Yet, throughout history, many Gentiles have turned their hearts toward the God of Israel and followed His word with sincerity and reverence.
The term “Gentile” comes from the Hebrew “goy,” which originally described any nation, including Israel. Over time, however, it came to represent foreign nations—those outside the covenant community. While the Israelites were given a unique calling to preserve God’s laws, Gentiles remained outside the original covenant.
However, the Scriptures also speak of a time when Gentiles would seek the God of Abraham. Through figures like Ruth the Moabite, or in prophecies such as Isaiah 56, the Bible shows that God's mercy extends beyond Israel to those of all nations who love and obey Him.
In the New Testament, Paul teaches that Gentiles, through Christ, are no longer strangers, but fellow citizens of God's household. Though not Abrahamic by blood, they are Abrahamic by faith—brought into the family by spiritual adoption.
In this way, the Gentile becomes a living testimony of God's inclusiveness: while not of Jewish blood, their faith in the True God earns them a place among His people.
Literal Israel refers to the people of the Abrahamic Line (Direct Descendants) who, in any given time period, are undergoing oppression. They are known as the Chosen people because God continuously intervenes to free them from oppression. While God has, at times, identified individuals outside the Abrahamic Lineage or Non-Abrahamic Ethnic Line as His chosen people, there remains a consistent pattern of ongoing oppression toward those within the Abrahamic Line—particularly those with a purer bloodline as Abrahamic True Jews.
Spiritual Church refers to people of the Non-Abrahamic Ethnic Line, Gentiles who come from other ethnic backgrounds and people who are of the Abrahamic Line (Direct Descendants) in the transition of being an Abrahamic True Jew.

Haidabo · Jul 7, 2025

I wager
there was times when Jesus
just wanted to pull all His hair out.

None of this means anything to the Lord.

The only thing that means anything to the Lord
is if you obey Him.

OBEDIENCE

OBEDIENCE.

OBEDIENCE.

Haidabo · Jul 7, 2025

It don't matter if
you are an angel.

And came from the lineage of angels.

If you disobey
and do not overcome your flesh and the world

You will not be on the new earth.

You will not be on the new earth

ChristRoseFromTheDead · Jul 7, 2025

Literal vs. spiritual is a false framing that confuses discussion because literal can mean natural or spiritual depending upon the author's intent. In other words, what did the author literally mean with his language? Was he speaking about spiritual realities, or natural realities? Unless we make this distinction we will not be able to interpret correctly what the author was saying.

For instance, when Jesus said that no one has life in them unless they drink his blood was he speaking about natural blood ("the life is in the blood")? No, of course not. Jesus used a metaphor to describe a literal spiritual truth. So do we literally have to drink his blood to have life. Yes, we do, but it takes spiritual discernment to understand that he was talking about spiritual life purchased through his natural blood that we possess through the new covenant that is symbolized by drinking the cup of "blood" in the lord's supper, which is simply a symbolized re-enactment of the covenant meal. Without spiritual discernment no one can undertand this, or anything in the bible for that matter except at a carnal level.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

A similar situation exists in prophectic writings regarding Israel. Was the author writing about natural Israel, or spiritual Israel? Paul made clear that there is a natural Israel and a spiritual Israel.

Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel: Romans 9:6

Paraphrased, "They are not all spiritual Israel which are of natural Israel" or "Not all of natural Israel is spiritual Israel". So in God's eyes spiritual Israel is literal Isreal and the rest are IINO - Israel in name only. In another place Paul desribes literal Israel as the Israel of God, ie those who keep the commandments of God.

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 1 Corinthians 7:19

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace [be] on them and mercy upon the Israel of God. Galatians 6:15-16

So it is essential when reading prophecy that we discern by the spirit of God if he is literally referring to natural Israel, or to spiritual Israel, because if we don't then we will interpret incorrectly and wander off into error.

SomeDisciple · Jul 7, 2025

Why would you ask AI about doctrine, let alone ask it to explain doctrine someone else? Did God send AI, and fill AI with the Holy Spirit? Did AI pray and receive revelation from God? You might as well ask a Muslim to do it.

GWH · Jul 7, 2025

SomeDisciple said:

Yes, who programs AI?

Planetmalla · Jul 7, 2025

ChristRoseFromTheDead said:

A distinction has been made by God between the Literal and the Spiritual. Further clarification can be found in my previous messages.

🟦 Literal Israel
Definition:
Literal Israel refers to the physical, ethnic nation descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—a real, historical people with a covenant relationship with God.

🔹 Key Characteristics:

Ethnic Lineage: Bloodline descendants of Jacob (renamed Israel).
Covenantal Nation: Received the Law through Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24).
Physical Kingdom: Had real land, kings (e.g., David, Solomon), cities, wars, and exiles.
End-Time Role: Prophecies (e.g., Ezekiel 37) predict national restoration and spiritual awakening.

🔹 Biblical View:
The Bible consistently affirms that Literal Israel:

Was chosen by God for a special role (Deuteronomy 7:6–8)
Was called to be a kingdom of priests and holy nation (Exodus 19:5–6)
Will experience future restoration and recognition of the true Messiah (Zechariah 12:10)

Literal Israel is the visible, historic nation chosen by God, playing a unique and continuing role in both biblical history and prophetic future events. It is not replaced but complemented by the emergence of the Spiritual Church.

🟨 Spiritual Israel / The Spiritual Church
Definition:
Spiritual Israel, also known as the Spiritual Church, refers to the invisible, multinational body of true believers—people from any background who live by genuine faith in the One True God.

🔹 Key Characteristics:

Not defined by ethnicity or race, but by inner transformation.
Made up of both Jews and Gentiles united by spiritual rebirth, not physical descent.
It is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham—not by bloodline, but by faith (Galatians 3:28–29).

🔹 Biblical View:

Romans 2:28–29: “A Jew is one inwardly… in the spirit.”
Galatians 6:16: Calls believers “the Israel of God.”
Ephesians 2:11–22: Gentiles become fellow citizens in God's household.
Romans 11: Gentiles are grafted into the olive tree of Israel.

🔹 Identity & Purpose:

The Spiritual Church is a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).
It includes the faithful remnant across generations, cultures, and denominations.
It is described as the Bride of Christ—pure, faithful, and awaiting His return.

The Spiritual Church is God’s new covenant family, created through faith, not blood. It does not erase Literal Israel but reflects a broader, global expansion of God’s people, fulfilled in Christ and united by the Spirit.

🟩 The Disciples' View: Two Definitions, One Divine Plan

✝️ What the Disciples Understood:
The early disciples and New Testament writers recognized two layers to God's plan:

1. Literal Israel – The original nation, chosen and called through Abraham, the Law, and the prophets.

Paul says in Romans 9:4–5 that Israel was given the covenants, the law, and the promises.
But he also clarifies in Romans 9:6–8: “Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.”

2. Spiritual Israel (Church) – Those, whether Jew or Gentile, who believe in Christ and are spiritually transformed.

They are the “children of promise” (Romans 9:8).
They inherit the spiritual fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham.

📘 This dual understanding helps explain:

Why Jesus came first to Israel (Matthew 15:24) but then sent His disciples to the nations.
Why Paul said “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Why there are still prophecies for ethnic Israel (Romans 11) and a call for Gentile inclusion.

The disciples did not see a contradiction between Literal Israel and the Spiritual Church. They understood them as two parts of God's redemptive plan:

Literal Israel was the foundation, the people through whom God revealed His law and the Messiah.
Spiritual Israel (the Church) is the expansion, drawing all nations into the covenant through faith.

Both are important, and both are involved in God's ultimate purpose—redemption, unity, and the establishment of His Kingdom.

"Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you."

(John 6:53, KJV)

Reference to the Lord’s Supper (Communion)

Meaning: This prefigures the Eucharist (Communion) where believers symbolically partake of Jesus’ body and blood through bread and wine.
“No life” implies spiritual deadness without participation in the redemptive work represented in Communion.

True Life Is Found in Spiritual Union with Christ

Jesus says without eating His flesh and drinking His blood, you have no life in you.
This speaks to the Spiritual Church’s identity: not just attending rituals, but having spiritual life through inward faith in Christ.
Communion reflects that inner reality—symbolizing ongoing dependence on Jesus for spiritual nourishment.

So what Jesus is referencing is for the people in the Spiritual Church and not Literal Israel.

Pilgrimshope · Jul 7, 2025

Follower777 said:

I'll have AI outline a theological, literal Israel vs. spiritual church, biblical analysis, which might help to evolve a less chaotic understanding, among us here in these CC forums. I pray this will be a blessing this Sabbath, as it seems most CC thread discussions inevitably devolve into a literal / spiritual, obedience vs. disobedient, spirit of Abel vs. spirit of Cain, controversy. One might call it "The Great Controversy" "The Cosmic Conflict" between Good and Evil, between Christ and His Angels and Satan and his angels. Ya' Think?
********************************************************************************************************
There is distinct theological distinction between literal Israel of the Old Testament and spiritual Israel, or the spiritual church, of the New Testament era. This distinction is foundational in understanding of God's dealing with His people across time. Here's a summary of that distinction:
1. Old Testament Israel as the Literal, Physical Church

A. Literal Israel was a nation chosen by God
“Notwithstanding their errors, their disobedience, and their rebellion, they were still God’s chosen people”.
They were a physical, visible nation tasked with preserving the oracles of God (Romans 3:1-2).

Exodus 19:5-6 – “Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 – “The Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people…”
Amos 3:2 – “You only have I known of all the families of the earth…”
Matthew 23:37–38 – Christ laments over Jerusalem, saying, “Your house is left unto you desolate.”

B. Literal Israel was defined by external lineage and national covenant
“Ancient Israel… were the literal seed of Abraham” and the covenant was sealed with circumcision and law given at Sinai.

Genesis 17:7-10 – God made a covenant with Abraham’s descendants through circumcision.
Romans 9:4 – “To whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants...”
Exodus 24:7-8 – Moses took the book of the covenant and read it before the people

C. Their identity was tied to physical signs (Sabbath, circumcision, temple)
The Sabbath was “a sign between Me and you throughout your generations” (Exodus 31:13).
The Sabbath marked them as God's denominated people.

Exodus 31:13 – “It is a sign between me and you throughout your generations...”
Leviticus 23:2 – Describes feast days and holy convocations.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – Commands visible signs of covenantal faith.

2. Post-Christ Believers as the Spiritual Church (Spiritual Israel)

A. Spiritual Israel is composed of believers in Christ, not by descent but by faith, Spiritual Israel: The Church Redeemed by Christ

“Those who are trying to obey God and purify their souls through obedience to the truth are God’s chosen people, His modern Israel”.
Gentile believers are “grafted in” to the olive tree (Romans 11), partaking of the same promises.

Galatians 3:28-29 – “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed…”
Romans 2:28-29 – “He is a Jew, which is one inwardly… in the spirit.”
Romans 9:6–8 – Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
Galatians 3:28–29 – Those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s seed.
1 Peter 2:9–10 – The church is the new “chosen generation, royal priesthood.”
Revelation 7:3–4 – The 144,000 are sealed from “all the tribes of Israel,” spiritually interpreted.
Romans 11:17-24 – Gentiles grafted into the olive tree

B. The spiritual church is global and founded on Christ as the Head
The New Testament church is not tied to race or nation, but to the spiritual kingdom of God: “Come out from among them… ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…”.

Ephesians 2:19-22 – Believers are “fellowcitizens” and built on the foundation of Christ.
1 Peter 2:9-10 – “A royal priesthood, an holy nation…”
John 10:16 – “Other sheep I have… there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”

C. The spiritual church includes Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ
“Many of the Jewish people will receive Christ as their Redeemer” and join the spiritual body of Christ.

Acts 2:38-39 – The promise is to “as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
Ephesians 3:6 – Gentiles are “fellow heirs” in Christ.
Galatians 6:15-16 – “The Israel of God” includes all who are new creatures in Christ.

3. Transition from Literal to Spiritual Israel
With the rejection of Christ, literal Israel ceased to be the exclusive covenant people. The privileges and mission passed to the spiritual body of believers.

“When they [the Jews] refused to accept Christ... the kingdom of God was taken from them and given to another people” .
“God's plan was to make His people... a spiritual nation, not confined by bloodlines” .
“The Lord Jesus will again take up the shaking scepter of David and gather spiritual Israel to Himself” .

Matthew 21:43 – Kingdom taken from literal Israel and given to another nation.
John 1:11–13 – To all who received Christ, He gave power to become sons of God.
Romans 11:17–24 – The olive tree: Gentiles grafted in, Jews broken off.
Hebrews 8:6–10 – New covenant based on spiritual promises.
Galatians 6:16 – “The Israel of God” includes all faithful believers.

The biblical principle that God's covenant people are not defined by lineage but by character and faith. Literal Israel had a noble calling but failed due to unbelief. Spiritual Israel, made up of all who follow Christ, has taken up the mission to proclaim God's message to the world.

Gal 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." ~~ By His Grace, I am spiritually Israel, His Church, IN CHRIST Alone - 𝝞𝝬Θ𝝪𝝨
~~~ Blessed Sabbath, Folks ~~~

Do you see how this relates to your post at all ?

“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons,

the one by a bondmaid,

the other by a freewoman.

But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh;

but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants;

the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

…Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: ( old covenant based on flesh and blood ) for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman,

but of the free.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4:22-26, 28, 30-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I’m not sure that will register but to me it fits in with your post there

Planetmalla · Jul 7, 2025

Pilgrimshope said:

Galatians 4:22 (KJV)
"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman."

Covenantal Symbolism

Hagar (bondwoman) represents the Old Covenant: Mount Sinai, the Law, and slavery.
Sarah (freewoman) represents the New Covenant: grace, promise, and freedom.
Ishmael symbolizes fleshly inheritance through human effort.
Isaac symbolizes spiritual inheritance through faith.

🕊️ Unified Covenant in Abraham’s Time
During Abraham’s time, there was a unified covenant, which included:

The Ten Commandments
Other teachings from God
Historical events and divine knowledge

These were preserved in the Torah. Abraham’s two sons (from different mothers) represented two expressions of this covenant:

One aligned with Mount Sinai, law, and bondage
The other aligned with grace, promise, and freedom

Yet both came from one covenantal origin.

✝️ Jesus and the New Covenant
Jesus preached the Old Covenant but also rephrased it to help people understand its deeper meanings. He introduced new teachings, guided by God, which together with the old formed what He called the New Covenant.

🔹 Some of Jesus’ New Teachings (Not Found in the Old Covenant)

Love your enemies
→ Not just “love your neighbor” — go beyond tribal or national limits (Matthew 5:44)
Forgive endlessly (70×7 times)
→ Radical, unlimited forgiveness (Matthew 18:21–22)
Inner purity equals outward righteousness
→ Lust = adultery, anger = murder (Matthew 5:21–30)
Redefined blessing
→ Blessed are the poor in spirit, meek, peacemakers, persecuted (Matthew 5:1–12)
Go the extra mile / turn the other cheek
→ Go beyond justice — respond with grace (Matthew 5:38–41)
Do not swear oaths — let your yes be yes
→ Total honesty without legal binding (Matthew 5:33–37)
Give, pray, and fast in secret
→ God honors humility and sincerity (Matthew 6:1–18)
Do not judge others hypocritically
→ Righteous judgment requires self-awareness (Matthew 7:1–5)
Salvation through faith in Him, not ancestry or law
→ (John 3:16, John 6:29)

⚖️ The Covenant Misunderstood
Jesus didn’t discard the Old Covenant — He fulfilled and expanded it. The New Covenant includes both the old moral laws and the new teachings, forming one complete system.

Yet today, many Christians believe they only need to follow Jesus' "new teachings" and can ignore the Old Covenant entirely. This is a misunderstanding.

It's inconsistent to claim the Ten Commandments no longer apply, or that the new teachings alone are enough, especially since Jesus referred to and upheld the moral law repeatedly.

Around three centuries ago, the belief emerged that Jesus’ new teachings alone defined the New Covenant, leading to evolving interpretations.

📆 Historical Shift: 1700s–1800s
During the Enlightenment and Protestant revival, key theological shifts occurred:

🔹 1. Rise of “Grace Alone” Theology

Focus on salvation by grace alone — biblical, but
Some misapplied it to mean the law was obsolete, rejecting the Old Covenant

🔹 2. Marcion-like Thinking Resurfaced

Marcion, a 2nd-century heretic, rejected the Old Testament as harsh
Some modern Christians echo this:

“We only need Jesus’ words,” dismissing the Old Covenant entirely

🕰️ Impact on Society (Then to Now)
⚖️ 1. Rise in Moral Relativism

Without the Old Covenant’s structure, morality became subjective
Replaced absolute right/wrong with “personal truth”
Examples: Shifting views on gender, marriage, life ethics

📉 2. Weakened Church Discipline

Early church used Old Covenant laws for discipline and guidance
Removing law led to loss of accountability
Example: Sin tolerated in leadership without correction

🧠 3. Decline in Moral Education

Old Covenant instructed daily teaching of God’s law (Deuteronomy 6)
Modern secular education removed God from schools
Result: Generations with little to no biblical awareness

✡️ 4. Loss of Hebrew Roots

Christianity became disconnected from its Jewish foundation
Led to:
- Misunderstanding of feast days
- Prophetic misalignment
- Even anti-Semitism

📖 Galatians 4:24–26 (KJV)
"Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants;
the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all."

🛑 Interpretation Note
⚠️ This passage is corrupted and the original translation was two branches.
The original idea likely referred to two expressions of one covenant, not a complete rejection of the original. The sons of Abraham represented two branches:

One = law, bondage (Mount Sinai)
One = grace, promise, freedom & Jesus’s new teachings
Together = The Original covenant, which included Jesus’ new teachings titled the New Covenant.

📖 Galatians 4:26, 28 (KJV)
“But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.”
“Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.”

✨ What This Describes

"Jerusalem above" = The spiritual system of the True God, based on:
- Faith
- Freedom
- Inner truth
- Not physical descent or ritual law
"Mother of us all" = This covenant brings spiritual life to:
- Jews and Gentiles
- Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic followers
- Anyone who aligns with the True God’s will through faith and obedience
Like Isaac, all who walk in truth become children of promise, not by lineage but by heart and faithfulness.

ChrisG33 · Jul 7, 2025

I stopped reading at “I’ll be using AI”

but literal Israel

Pilgrimshope · Jul 7, 2025

Planetmalla said:

what’s Paul using that verse to say though ?

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:31-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“In that he saith, A new covenant,

he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭8:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ,

the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul,

that it should make the promise of none effect.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭

“Which things ( Abraham’s two sons ) are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. ( the covenant made at sinais children )

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. ( who belong to the gospel and the new heaven and earth he promised long ago for the faithful )

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. ( new covenant )

….Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. ( cast out the old covenant because it’s been broken and he made a new and better covenant with Jesus as mediator of the word)

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, ( the old covenant made with israel at Sinai which engenders bondage )

but of the free.”( the new covenant that gives us freedom in Christ )
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4:24-26, 28, 30-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

By reading and considering his explaination with the story in genesis he’s referring to of ishmael and Isaac you can immediately see what Paul’s saying .

it’s really an informative section regarding the old covenant made by Moses with the children’s of Israel regarding earthly land that was broken and the new covenant made by Jesus Christ built upon far better promises of a new earth that we shall inherit

the new covenant is far better

“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, When I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭8:6-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

like when God told Abraham he would have Isaac with his barren wife bearing him and from his own loins ….it was promised first and then came to pass a year later . The new covenant was promised for hundreds of years and then came Jesus speaking the new and far better word of promise with a far better promised land where israel actually will be restored with its renewed people of all nations in the world to come

SomeDisciple · Jul 7, 2025

GWH said:

Computer nerds.

tablet123 · Jul 7, 2025

Some people believe the Church replaces Israel but Israel is the Church for both Testaments were given to them.

Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Jer 31:35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:
Jer 31:36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.
Jer 31:37 Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

Rom 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Rom 11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
Rom 11:3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
Rom 11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Rom 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

God has not cast away His people and the New Covenant is with them, and Israel will not cease to be a nation which God always restores them.

Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Act 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Act 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Eze 39:21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.
Eze 39:22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward.
Eze 39:23 And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.
Eze 39:24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.

Eze 39:25 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;
Eze 39:26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid.
Eze 39:27 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations;
Eze 39:28 Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.
Eze 39:29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Rom 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Rev 11:4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Israel as a nation has 70 weeks, 490 years, to be in the truth that Jesus is their Messiah.

69 weeks have passed with on more week to go 7 years.

Israel is blinded in part so the last week could not have happened.

Which the last week, 7 years, that God gives the world 7 years to go against the truth and brings Israel to the truth.

The New Age Christ, antichrist, will negotiate peace in the Middle East resulting in a 7 years peace treaty, and it will pave the way for all Hebrews to go to Israel for the Gentile nations will see to it.

In the middle of the 7 years the fulness of the Gentiles will have come in.

God will send Israel 2 witnesses to turn them to the truth and at the end of the 7 years period Israel as a nation will be in the truth.

Jer 46:27 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.
Jer 46:28 Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.

The kingdom on earth will be restored to Israel.

Israel is the Church.

Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

When a Gentile is saved they are a Jew inwardly and belong to the commonwealth of Israel because it is Israel all the way and the New Covenant is with them and the Gentiles were included.

God is not going to cast Israel away because some Jews did not receive Christ like He is not going to cast Gentiles away because some do not receive Christ.

God always restores Israel.

Rev 21:12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.

Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

At the New Jerusalem the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles are written there.

Israel is the Church.

Follower777 · Jul 9, 2025

Planetmalla said:

As I read your Part#1 .. where you are using AI to present Truth, making the OT point of who Israel was .. I was in agreement, and thanking God for another witness, I could call "a brother, in Christ".
But then in part #2, you diverge from using AI to organize Truth and inserted your own "truth side-tracked agenda". Your point #3 is promoting "Literal Israel's national identity is preserved". ..... BUT .....

Jesus saying;

Matt23:38 "Behold, your house is left to you desolate."
1 John 4:3 "And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
Rev 2:9 ... I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Rev 3:9 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. (This "you" is spiritual Israel, Christ's Church)

I'm sorry Sir, but I'm afraid, you have been deceived, by .... You know who, mentioned above.
As to your reference to Ezekiel 37, "dry bones", et al ... this prophecy has a dual application, as do many, most prophecies and historical events concerning Israel. In the OT, ( OT Natural, literal Israel and then NT, spiritual Israel, the Church) and deals not only with Israel’s historical restoration but especially with spiritual revival among God’s professed people in the last days, the Church.

Spiritually discerned;
Ezekiel 37 can be understood as a dramatic representation of God’s power to bring spiritual life to His sleeping church. The bones symbolize lifeless Christians. The breath is the Holy Spirit. The Word is the instrument of revival. And the final result is a mobilized, consecrated army to carry forward the final message of mercy to the world, the Three Angels Message, of Rev 14.

FYI to the folks reading... Reminds of Ephesians 6:6 11 "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." One of tactic he uses, is mixing just a little deception, error, into a bunch of Truth, to get us to swallow it. Like taking a nice big glass of cold orange juice on a hot day and mixing in just a few drops of arsenic poison.

I pray we are not gullible, cuz time is shortly ending, Folks ~~ Amen!

Planetmalla · Jul 9, 2025

Follower777 said:

Firstly, it's important to understand that AI doesn’t always provide fully accurate interpretations of Scripture, especially since its responses often reflect mainstream Christian perceptions—which can sometimes be theologically incorrect. When I use AI, I don’t rely on the first answer it gives. Scripture requires deeper searching, and the correct meaning is often not found at surface level. The part you agreed with in my original post was developed with input from my team, and they’ve confirmed it aligns with our understanding. From a young age, I’ve believed this truth, and through continued study and confirmation, I now grasp it with greater clarity and confidence.

Although you appear to disagree, I believe that perspective is based on a misunderstanding. A normal response to move the conversation forward, would have been helpful if you clarified exactly what you’re disagreeing with and referenced the specific points I've made. What I’ve shared has been reviewed and confirmed by my team as accurate.
To help bring clarity, here’s a brief explanation of the difference between Literal Israel and the Spiritual Church

🟦 Literal Israel:
Literal Israel refers to the ethnic descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—a physical nation chosen by God to receive the Law and play a unique role in biblical history and end-time prophecy.

🟨 Spiritual Church (Spiritual Israel):
The Spiritual Church is the global body of believers in Christ—both Jew and Gentile—united by faith, not bloodline, and fulfilling God’s promises through the new covenant.

Below is a breakdown of the passages you brought up, with clear identification of whether each relates to Literal Israel or the Spiritual Church. While AI and online sources may offer a range of definitions, they often reflect popular interpretations that aren’t always biblically accurate. The insights I’ve provided are the result of deeper analysis and confirmation by my team, who have helped ensure a correct understanding.

📖 Matthew 23:38 (KJV)
"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate."

“Your house” symbolizes the entire Mosaic covenantal Spiritual Church structure — temple worship, sacrifices, priesthood — being left desolate. This means it is no longer the center of God’s redemptive plan, as the new covenant in Christ has fulfilled and replaced it.

📖 1 John 4:3 (KJV):
"And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:
and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come;
and even now already is it in the world."

Warning About Religious Systems That Reject Christ’s Identity

In this view, literal Israel, when it resists or denies Jesus as the Messiah, is included in the scope of John’s warning — not in a hateful or anti-Semitic sense, but as a theological position regarding unbelief.

This show that the descendants of Abraham who deny the True God is not part of Literal Israel and is not of the True God.

📖 Revelation 2:9
✅ King James Version (KJV):
"I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan."

Warning Against Religious Hypocrisy
This interpretation sees the verse as addressing religious people who appear righteous, claiming God's name or covenant status (like being "Jews"), but whose hearts and actions are against Christ and His body, the Church.
They may belong to religious systems, but their actions oppose God's work — thus labeled the “synagogue of Satan.”

This show that the descendants of Abraham who deny the True God and even perform blasphemy acts have a worse outcome.

📖 Revelation 3:9
✅ King James Version (KJV):

"Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie;
behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee."

A Rebuke to Unbelieving Jews in the First Century (Historical View of Literal Israel)
Some scholars view this as a direct rebuke to ethnic Jews in the first-century synagogue in Philadelphia, who were opposing Christian believers—especially Jewish Christians who followed Jesus as Messiah.

The phrase “say they are Jews, and are not” refers to ethnic Jews who reject Christ, and thus are no longer considered spiritually faithful and not part of Literal Israel.
Though ethnically Jewish, by rejecting Jesus, they have broken covenant with God and stand in opposition to His work.
The passage is still referring to literal Israel, but those who are in disobedience.

This show that the descendants of Abraham who deny the True God and even perform blasphemy acts have a worse outcome.

If you reject what I’m saying, you're not just disagreeing with me—you’re opposing what Scripture teaches. You are free to ask questions and seek understanding, but disagreeing with biblical truth because it doesn't align with your views doesn't give you license to spread your own version. Doing so amounts to creating your own faith, which is spiritually dangerous. If you persist in promoting teachings that aren’t found in Scripture, understand that it is simply wrong. Phrases like “you’ve been deceived” or calling others “gullible” actually applies to your own position here. My team exists to clarify truth and provide proper biblical understanding.

Literal Israel, versus Spiritual Church

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