Who Is Israel? (Rom 11)

What does the Bible mean when it speaks of “Israel”? Is Israel a person, a people, a nation, a remnant, a modern state, or something fulfilled in Christ? In this sermon from Romans 11, Pastor Zach helps us slow down and ask the question biblically rather than politically or sentimentally. Beginning with Jacob’s new name in Genesis 32 and tracing the story through Exodus, Galatians, Ephesians, and Romans, this sermon shows that Israel is first a real historic covenant people descended from Jacob. Yet all of God’s saving promises find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and faithful Israelite. Because the church is united to Christ, believing Jews and believing Gentiles are gathered together into one people of God—not because the church replaces Israel, but because Christ fulfills Israel. This sermon also offers pastoral clarity for modern Christians: honor the Jewish people’s place in redemptive history, refuse arrogance toward the root, avoid confusing biblical theology with geopolitical talking points, and pray for all peoples—Jew and Gentile alike—to trust in Jesus, the only Savior.