The Gospel of Israel: Necessity of the Positive Relationship Between Israel and the Church

Although widely held, a common misconception asserts that Jesus came to establish the Christian Church as His chosen people and to reject the Jewish people, thus creating between the Old Testament and the New Testament a dualistic division in which Israel is seen as a representation of sinful rebellion. This belief does not recognize a positive connection between Israel and the Church but instead holds that Jesus Christ is the advent of a new covenant with a new elect people. Looking at the suffering of Israel, many conclude that the plight and trials endured by the Jewish people were the consequences of their rebellion against God. Thus, the Israel of the Old Testament and the Jewish people are a symbol of God's judgment of sin, and Jesus comes to reject the Jewish people in favor of a new "Israel." However, instead of separating the Church from Israel, Jesus establishes a continuity between the two by following the paradigms set forth in the Old Testament and by coming in Jewish flesh, creating a living relationship with Israel and becoming, like Israel, a vicarious representation for all humankind.