Messianic Judaism: Israel: Still God’s People?

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Main ideas:The new covenant is for all believers, not just the Jews. In fact, the Jews have no special status before the Lord, and more than male Christians are in a different category from female Christians (Gal 3:26-29). To be Abraham's descendant is not an ethnic matter, but a matter of faith.Jesus speaks of the rejection of the Jews as God's people (Matt 8:8-12; 21:33-43).Paul clarifies that not all descended from Israel are Israel (Rom 9:6), but only those who have faith. It is to them that God's gifts and call (Rom 9:29) are transferred.Peter's teaching agrees with Paul's (Acts 3:22-23; also 1 Pet 2:9-10 [re: Exod 19:4-6]).The phrase "the house of Israel and the house of Judah" (Heb 8:8) is fulfilled in the church. The house of Israel are not the "lost tribes," let alone the Gentiles. Paul himself is an Israelite (his term), even though he hails from the tribe of Benjamin (historically part of Judah). The doctrine of the two houses is roundly rejected by the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, as well as by the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. Eph 2:12-22, an other key passage in our examination of Messianic Judaism, prohibits a "two house" interpretation.