Israel, Origin and Significance

1. Upon one occasion in what do we find Jacob engaged?

“And Jacob was left alone; And there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day,” Genesis 32:24.

2. In what way did Jacob prevail upon this man (or angel)?

“And he [the angel] said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he [Jacob] said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me,” Genesis 32:26.

3. After prevailing upon the angel for a blessing, was he successful in receiving it?

“And he [the angel] said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel,” Genesis 32:28.

4. Why was he given the name Israel?

“For as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed,” Genesis 32:28.

5. What is the meaning of the word Israel?

Soldier of God, or overcomer.

NOTE: Here, we find, originated the word Israel, and it was given to Jacob, after he had proved to the angel that he had power as an overcomer. The word Israel itself, signifies an overcomer, or one who is the seed of Abraham through Christ. When Christ was on the earth, the Jewish people seemed to think, or believe, that they were the only people who had a right to be called Abraham’s children. But Christ gave them to understand, that though they were the literal seed of Abraham, they were not the children, or true Israelites, unless they did the works of Abraham. In other words, by their fruits they would be known. If their fruits were good, they would be accounted for the seed. But if their fruits were bad, they were servants of Satan.

6. How did Christ answer the unbelieving Jews when they claimed to be the children of Abraham?

“Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham,” John 8:39.

7. Upon one occasion how did John the Baptist talk to the literal Jew?

“And think not to say within yourselves, we have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham,” Matthew 3:9.

8. And how did he compare them to an unfruitful tree?

“And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire,” Matthew 3:10.

9. In what light did Paul understand this subject?

“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel. Neither because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but in Isaac shall thy seed be called,” Romans 9:6, 7.

10. Are the children of the flesh counted for the seed?

“That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed,” Romans 9:8.

11. In fact, who are the real seed of Abraham?

“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed which is Christ,” Galatians 3:16.

12. If we be Christ’s, then whose seed are we, and to what do we fall heir?

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise,” Galatians 3:29.

13. Who is the real Jew?

“For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly: . . . 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,” Romans 2:28, 29.

14. Is it possible for flesh and blood to inherit the kingdom of God?

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption,” I Corinthians 15:50.

15. How does Isaiah express himself concerning those to be saved with an everlasting salvation?

“But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with everlasting salvation: Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end,” Isaiah 45:17.

16. What determines whether one is a child of Abraham?

“Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham,” Galatians 3:7.

17. In what scripture are Christians recognized as Israel?

“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God,” Galatians 6:16.

I saw a way worn pilgrim

In tattered garments clad,

A struggling up a mountain

It seemed that he was sad.

Upon his back a burden,

His strength was almost gone,

And praying as he journeyed,

Deliverance to come.

I saw him in the evening

The sun was wending low,

He’d overtopped the mountain,

And in the vale below,

His eyes were looking forward

As onward still he run,

He shouted as he journeyed.

By faith the victory’s won.

I saw him in the morning

When all the saints did raise,

Still shouting out hosanna,

To God in loudest praise.

And then he glancing backward

As o’er the path he’d come

He shouted out more loudly,

I see the victory won.

_ L. O. Van Nostrand

Spread the love

By JSD-COG|2016-02-21T23:36:19+03:00February 21st, 2016|The Bible Home Instructor|0 Comments

About the Author: JSD-COG

Terms & Conditions

Introduction: Each group member that joins agrees to abide by and defend the guiding principles shared below. We do this in order to make everyone feel welcome, but in particular, to level the playing field. When the playing field is uneven, the road tends to be bumpy and steep. The group was created specifically to create an environment where everyone can be free to

a) Debate spiritual issues of concern,
b) Share own knowledge
c) Learn from others.

We do this fully aware that some of us do not have such opportunities in the churches or congregations they come from. In fact most churches or congregations avoid teaching the Scriptures and worse, some teach wrong doctrines.

In short, here are the core principles by which members are expected to abide, defend and to promote:
1. Members join in their individual and private capacity, i.e. no one may represent their church or assembly.

2. No member may use his/her title to intimidate/bully or impose views on others – the idea is to share knowledge, not to tell others what to know or think.

3. None of the members claim to be experts on religious or any topic discussed on this platform. We aim to share the little we know for the mutual benefit of everyone.

4. All members are expected to participate actively so that there is joint ownership of the outcomes of the discussions.

5. No member may discriminate against any other member on any grounds, including race, gender, age, religion, nationality, etc.

6. Members have the right to propose a topic or ask questions. However, questions must be relevant to the topic being discussed at the time. New topics should only be proposed when the current topic is formally closed or has become stagnant.

7. Members accept to be addressed as brother or sister without any intention to disrespect anyone. Mutual respect is expected and implied in all interactions in this platform.

8. Membership in this group is open to everyone irrespective of the denomination, race, gender, age, nationality, title, etc.

9. Members accept that, from time-to-time, we may need to call one another to order should members digress from the topic or create other problems. This is necessary so that we maintain order and ensure progress in line with the mandate of the group.

10. Members who deliberately undermine the group principles and show no repentance after attempts to correct them maybe sanctioned by the group administrator by way of suspension or permanent expulsion from the group.

11. Given that this is an international platform, members are requested to use and stick to English as language for the purposes of discussions and questions.

12. From Friday evening until Monday evening, the group takes a break from discussing formal topics. In this time, members are free to share none topical issues of common interest, e.g. messages, warnings, information of common interest, etc.

13. No internal issues that are specific to a particular church or congregation may be shared, e.g. members from a particular church or congregation discussing issues that are not of common interest to the group unless it’s an open invite to everyone the group in general. Otherwise, such issues should be handled offline between the individuals involved.

14. Although not desirable for the group, members are free to peacefully exit the group at any point in time when they feel like doing so.

15. The group principles are subject to review from time-to-time through the group administrator.

Spread the love

JERUSALEM 7TH DAY CHURCH OF GOD

Israel, Origin and Significance