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Israel of God

Dictionary of Biblical Words:

Individually the second name of Jacob; collectively the name of God’s ancient people; also of the ten tribes only. “Israelites” is a higher title than “Hebrews,” as seen in 1 Sam. 14:21²¹Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan. (1 Samuel 14:21), where the faithful “Israelites” are distinguished from the “Hebrews” that were at peace with God’s enemies, “Hebrews” merely being a name given by the heathen “Israelites,” referring to the promises made to them as the chosen people of God. The “Israel of God” (Gal. 4:16¹⁶Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16)) are not the earthly descendants of Jacob, but the spiritual children of Abraham (Rom. 4:11¹¹And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: (Romans 4:11)).

From Anstey’s Doctrinal Definitions:

This term refers to believers on the Lord Jesus Christ who have been saved out of the nation of Israel (Gal. 6:16¹⁶And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:16); Acts 26:17¹⁷Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, (Acts 26:17) – “taking thee out from among the people”). They are “a remnant according to the election of grace” from that nation (Rom. 11:5⁵Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:5)) and are now part of the Church of God.