My Fathers House Ministries

Israel Body of Moshiach

Romans 9:6 (NIV)
6 It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.

How often have we read this verse and zoomed right passed it. Never really stopped to think about what Paul is actually referring to in this verse “not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.” What does this mean? Let’s go back and look at the scriptures starting from verse 1 through 9.

Romans 9:1-9
1 I speak the truth in Christ--I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit--
2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.
3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race,
4 The people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.
5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
6 It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned (called)." (NIV)
8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring.
9 For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son."

These 3 verses, 6, 7, and 8 are an indication pertaining to the Body of Moshiach (Christ) or to the Bride of Moshiach, as it is also referred to in the New Testament, meaning that the body of Moshiach is Israel. Contrary to popular belief, the Body of Moshiach is not the Gentile Church as many theologians and churches teach today.

Romans 9:6 (NIV)
It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.

In verse 6: Here “descended from Israel” refers to the biological descendants of Jacob. Remember that God changed Jacob’s name to Israel in Genesis 32:28 (read Genesis 32:24-31).

NOTE: Notice that in Genesis 32:30 Jacob recognizes that the man he had wrestled with was Elohim (God in the plural sense). Here Jacob sees the same person that Abraham saw (from the three visitors) while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent (Genesis chapter18). This is a clear reference to Yahshua, the visible part of Elohim, or the physical manifestation of God that was later to be sent as His Son, since no mortal man can see God (the father) and live.

In verse 6: The succeeding “Israel” is a clear indication to the Body, or the Bride of Moshiach (God’s spiritual children the children of faith).

In verse 6: Therefore, the expression “not all who are descended from Israel are Israel,” applies to anyone who may be biological Israel (descendants of Jacob), but have not been regenerated by the Spirit, or by faith as are born again believers. In simpler terms, not all who are descended from Jacob are God’s spiritual children or belong to the Body of Moshiach (Israel).

In essence, what Paul is saying here is that some Israelites did not receive the living Word, but there are other parts of Israel that have. Meaning that some have accepted Moshiach as their Messiah by faith and some have not.

NOTE: Here the word “Israel” or “Israelites” consist of all 12 tribes (all of Israel) both scattered and dispersed houses, not just the Jews (James 1:1; John 11:49-52). After the Babylonian exile the house of Judah and the house of Ephraim were dispersed through out the nations. The majority who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the city after the exile was the house of Judah (see the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Haggai). The house of Judah consists of 2 tribes, Judah and the Levites (the priestly tribe). The house of Ephraim consists of the rest of the 10 tribes (see Genesis 35:23-26 for a full list of names). Before the Babylonian exile the house of Judah, also referred to as the Jews, was known as the Southern Kingdom of Israel, and the House of Ephraim, also referred to as Israelites, was known as the Northern Kingdom of Israel (for more information on the separation of these two houses read 1^st and 2^nd Kings).

Romans 9:7 (NIV)
Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned (or called)."

In verse 7: Whose descendents is Paul talking about in this verse? Again, Paul is talking about Jacob’s (Israel’s) biological descendents.

In verse 7: Here “Abraham’s children” is a reference to the children of the promise, or the spiritual children by faith in God. Not the natural children or the biological children from his genealogy. The children of the promise like Isaac.

In verse 7: Isaac was a child of the promise made by God to Abraham (Genesis 17:16-19; 18:10, 14).

These patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) lived by faith. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (see Romans 4:1-25; 5:1-2; Hebrews 11). By faith Isaac was a regenerated individual in covenant relationship with God, the chosen offspring of Abraham. By faith Jacob was also a regenerated individual in covenant relationship with God (read Genesis chapters 12 thru 35 for a full understanding of the story).

NOTE: Being a descendent of Abraham does not mean someone is a physical or biological Israelite. Rather physical Israelite descent must be found to be through the genealogy of Jacob. For example, Ishmael, and Esau are descendants of Abraham, but they are not biological Israel, because they are not descendents of Jacob (the 12 tribes). Besides, the covenants and the promises were made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob not Ishmael and Esau.

Romans 9:8 (NIV)
In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring.

NOTE: This verse is widely miss-interpreted by the church today so let’s not do the same.

In verse 8: In this verse Paul is not saying that the nation of Israel or “the natural children” (the biological descendants of Jacob) is not God’s chosen people. He is referring to “God’s children” as being the “children of the promise” those who by faith are believers in Yahshua. Like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who by faith believed God.

In verse 8: Therefore, it is not the unsaved Israelites (the natural children) who are heirs of the promise and of the kingdom, but it is the “children of faith” (Israelites from both houses saved by faith, Ephesians 2:8-9) who are the heirs of the kingdom, and are thus regarded as Abraham’s offspring.

In verse 8: In other words it is not the “natural children” but the “spiritual children” of the promise who are God’s children and regarded as Abraham’s offspring.

NOTE: This verse has nothing to do with replacing the nation of Israel as God’s elect whatsoever, or that a new Israel has replaced the old Israel, or that the Gentile church has replaced Israel as God’s elect because we (Gentiles) are also regarded as children of the promise. This is one of the many verses that are miss-interpreted today and where the Gentile church gets Replacement Theology from. Folks Replacement Theology is anti-Semitism, and we can not fall as victims to it because God does not like it. God is not done with the biological nation of Israel yet, and they are still to this day His elect.

In verse 8: So, one may be a biological Israelite like those in Judah for example, and yet not be regenerated like Isaac was. And if one is merely physical he can not be part of, or belong to the Body of Moshiach.

In verse 8: Therefore, being born as biological Israel, is just step one in a two-step process that must be followed up by the new birth (faith in Messiah).

The “Israel” of Elohim is both physical and spiritual Israel, the Body of Moshiach is spiritual Israel in which He is the head (Colossians 1:18-20). This is what Paul meant by “not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.”

How does all this pertain to us? Well, we Gentiles are not Israelites because we are not biological descendents of Jacob. But through Moshiach the door has been opened for us to join and dwell with “Israel” (God’s children) and at the point of being born again we are to be considered part of “Israel” (the body of Moshiach) both physically and spiritually, because by faith in Yahshua we become children of the promise like Isaac.

Now, do not miss-understand what I am saying by “at the point of being born again we are to be considered part of Israel.” This does not mean that we physically become biological descendents of Jacob. By no means is this possible because as I mentioned before we are not from the bloodline of Jacob, Isaac, or Abraham for that matter, even though Abraham was technically a Gentile. We are from Gentile descendents whether Anglo, Hispanic, Asian or Black , born of Gentile parents, but by faith in Yahshua ha Moshiach we as Gentiles, who were once strangers to God, become children of the promise and heirs of the kingdom just like Isaac and Jacob who by faith were considered righteous before God. By faith in Moshiach we cease to be pagan Gentiles and become physically and spiritually one with Israel in the Body of Moshiach, His “Israel.” We see this confirmed in Galatians 4:28, Galatians 3:28-29, and Romans 10:12-13.

Galatians 4:28
Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.

Galatians 3:28-29
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 10:12-13
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”.

NOTE: Before continuing with the study; you need to understand that when these Epistles were written there was no such thing as the Gentile church like we see today, it was non existent. The churches that existed in cities outside of Jerusalem, which is where Paul concentrated his ministries, were actually called Israelite congregations. The majority of the congregation was made up of Jewish and Israelite believers in Messiah. The minority were Gentile believers. The number of Gentiles that were converted into “the faith” would go and worship in these Israelite congregations and they would worship in the Jewish tradition, or culture, and not in a Gentile manner as we see in today’s churches. The Gentile churches began to form or segregate themselves from the Jewish Christians after the apostolic age, or after the first century, because of anti-Semitism. In the beginning of the second century anti-Semitism began to show its ugly face by the so called church fathers, which later led to the doctrine of Replacement Theology.
Replacement Theology is the belief that the Gentile church has replaced Israel as the bride of Moshiach. This is taught by many theologians and Pastors in many different churches today. This teaching is a result of orthodox Christianity throughout the centuries, and is considered false doctrine because this teaching does not come from the Holy Spirit it comes from man. (All this information is accessible on the web or in the public library; look it up)

Through the promise and through salvation by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) we become children of the free woman, which is the Jerusalem that is in Heaven (Galatians 4:22-31).

Galatians 4:22-31
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.
23 His son by the slave woman was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a promise.
24 These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar.
25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.
26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.
27 For it is written: "Be glad, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband."
28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.
29 At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.
30 But what does the Scripture say? "Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son".
31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

In verse 22: The son of the slave woman was Ishmael and the son of the free woman was Isaac.

In verse 24: The covenant here is “the law” (Torah) the one God made with Moses and the Hebrews at Mount Sinai found in the book of Exodus.

In verse 25: The phrase “she is in slavery with her children” refers to being slaves to the power of sin and eternal death (Romans 6:23).

In verse 26: This represents the new covenant, the promise of redemption in Yahshua ha Moshiach by grace through faith. Yahshua came to set the captives free, “free” from the power of sin and eternal death.

In verse 28: Paul is talking to the Gentile believers and that includes us today.

In verse 30: Sinners and non believers in Messiah will not be heirs of the kingdom or have eternal life.

In Acts 3:22-26 Peter also talks about the promise and the covenant God made with Abraham, just like Paul mentioned it to the congregation at Rome. This same teaching by both apostles confirms God’s word to be justifiable.

Acts 3:22-26
22 For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.
23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'
24 "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days.
25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.'
26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

In verse 22: This “prophet” Peter is talking about is Yahshua ha Moshiach.

In verse 25: Peter is preaching the same thing to the Jews that Paul was preaching to the congregation at Rome.

In verse 26: Here “His servant” is also in reference to Yahshua ha Moshiach.

In verse 26: From the start, the Body of Moshiach was first to include as heirs the Jews or the people of Israel and not the Gentiles. This is another verse that proves why the Gentile church is not the Body of Moshiach.

Paul also confirms this in Romans 1:16: I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

NOTE: the “blood of the everlasting covenant” (Heb 13:20), which is the heart of the gospel, is inseparable from the “everlasting covenant” as it pertains to both the people and the land of Israel Therefore, the everlasting covenant is inseparable from the everlasting gospel.

The parable of the olive tree is a clear representation to the Body of Moshiac, and is unmistakable proof why the Gentile church is not the Body of Moshiach.

Romans 11:11-26
11 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.
12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring!
13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry
14 In the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.
15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
16 If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.
17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,
18 do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in."
20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.
21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.
26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

The olive tree represents all of Israel, both scattered and dispersed houses. That is the house of Ephraim and the house of Judah. This olive tree therefore is not just a Jewish olive tree but it is composed of both Jewish and non-Jewish Israelites. The Root of the olive tree is Yahshua because it is holy and according to Revelation 22:16, Yahshua is both the Root and the Offspring of David. The first fruits and the unbroken branches are the saved or Messiah believing Jews and Israelites. The wild olive shoot are the born again Gentile believers.

In verses 11-15: Paul talks about the glory of Israel’s Elohim coming upon non-Israelites or Gentiles in the earth. The reason for this is the stumbling of both houses of Israel, the natural branches (Isaiah 8:13-15), therefore subsequently being broken off from the olive tree. In other words, being cut off from the Body of Moshiach because of unbelief (Acts 3:23).

In verses 16-20: Paul explains how the Gentiles, who are referred to as the wild olive shoot, by faith become part of “Israel” or are grafted into the olive tree which represents the Body of Moshiach.

In verses 20-22: Paul zealously condemns the boldness of the Gentile believers in Rome for “boasting against the natural branches” (the descendents of Jacob). This message is just as appropriate for today’s anti-Semitic Gentile churches and believers.

So, what we see here is an olive tree that represents “Israel.” The root is holy which represents Yahshua. So, if the root is holy then the branches are holy, which represents the Messiah believing Jews and Israelites. Then branches were broken off because of unbelief in Messiah. Therefore, this made way for Gentile believers in Messiah to be grafted in and become part of “Israel” or part of the Body of Moshiach. Technically, the Gentiles have obtained its mercy because of unbelieving Israel and not the other way around.

NOTE: The truth is whether we like it or not, that God’s chosen people are the nation of Israel and not the Gentiles. Salvation comes first for the Jews then for the Gentiles. God elected the nation of Israel for the purpose of His plan; to bring salvation to His people and His world. This starts with the covenant and promise God made to Abraham and his descendents and ends with Yahshua’s sacrifice on the cross. Although Abraham was a Gentile, by faith he was a righteous man and God chose him to bring forth His plan of salvation through his offspring. We should be honored and thankful that we have been given a chance to become part of spiritual Israel or part of the promise. But, instead many Gentile believers and congregations boast about how the Gentile church has replaced the Jews. That is non-scriptural, and is not taught by the Holy Spirit, it is taught by unholy spirits.

We see that Paul preaches this mystery to the congregation at Ephesus also. In Ephesians 2:11-22 Paul gives a clear explanation regarding this mystery and there can be no doubt that the Gentile church is not the body of Moshiach, it is “Israel.”

Ephesians 2:11-22

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)--
12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14 For He himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
15 By abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,
16 And in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
17 He came and preached peace to you (Gentiles) who were far away and peace to those who were near (Jews).
18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow CITIZENS with God's people and members of God's household,
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

In verse 12: This verse can not be any clearer “excluded from citizenship in Israel.” Which Israel? The Israel of Romans 9:6, the spiritual Israel, the olive tree, the Body of Moshiach, and the Israel of the free woman, not the slave woman.

In verse 12: We were “foreigners to the covenants of the promise” because we did not worship God by faith like the patriarchs did, and back then the Gentiles worshiped idols of pagan gods (demons) not Yahweh.

In verse 14: “Made the two one” is referring to Jew and Gentile. The two have become one in the Body of Moshiach.

In verse 16: In Yahshua’s sacrifice at the cross both Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to God.

In verse 19: The Gentiles are no longer foreigners and aliens but fellow citizens of “Israel”. By believing that Yahshua ha Moshiach is the Son of the living God, that He is the Messiah, our savior, our redeemer, by faith, through His sacrifice on the cross, the door has been opened so that we can enter and become heirs of the promise.

In verse 19: Here Paul clearly identifies the nation of Israel “God’s people” (both houses) as being God’s elect.

In verse 19: “Members of God’s household” is an indication that the gentile believer becomes part of the family of God, and if you are part of a family you automatically become an heir.

Ephesians 3:1-11
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you,
3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
5 Which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.
6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.
8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
11 According to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In verse 10: Here Paul is referring to the “church” as the body of Moshiach as a whole, including Jews and Gentiles. He is not talking about the “Gentile church” only as we see today; he is referring to Yahshua’s church or better yet His congregation of believers (the called out ones), that which is “Israel.”

Note: Remember that we have been grafted into “Israel” not the other way around. Therefore, Paul is referring to a “church” like the olive tree, holy without spot and blemish.

In verse 10: The phrase mentioned by Paul in this verse “the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” should not go un-noticed, and is worth looking into (see Spiritual Warfare Part 1).

Since Yahshua is God in the flesh, He is the eternal God of Israel, who gave all holy things only to Israel and promised them for all time. He did not come to reject Israel or to take back what He promised, but only to fulfill what He promised, without taking away any promise to Israel. Since He is God of all creation, Yahshua also came to allow anyone of the Gentiles who trust in Him as the Messiah of Israel to be grafted into “Israel” by way of that same new covenant in Him. This promise was of a new covenant, which would put the Torah and the Spirit of God into Israel as an indwelling new creation.

Jeremiah 31:31-32
31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, declares the LORD.

This spiritual Israel Yahshua called His “Miqra” in Hebrew, which means “Called Out.” It is the word “Ekklesia” in the Greek for “church” found in the English translation of the New Testament.

In the Greek New Testament (Textus Receptus) the “called out ones” is the church, the Assembly of God’s people, the ideal elect of God called to salvation. Hence “ekklesia” became the term for the Christian congregation, the “church” as seen in the KJV and NIV Bibles.

The Church is the term used most frequently in the New Testament to describe a number of “born again” believers professing trust in Yashuah ha Moshiach (Jesus Christ), meeting together in various locations to worship Him, and seeking to enlist others to become His followers. But what happens today is that many churches and theologians teach that the “church” as the Body (Bride) of Moshiach is the Gentile Church and they leave the Jews out. Why? Because their elders, pastors, deacons, bishops, or what ever title they call themselves by, are taught to be anti-Semitic. I strongly believe that fallen angels (unholy spirits) throughout the ages have infiltrated the high positions of the Gentile church, specially the Catholic Church, and have implemented doctrines of demons as part of their institution; but that is a different study that I will not get into right now. Don’t get me wrong I am in total disagreement with their doctrines not the people, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12-13).

The “Gentile church” can never be the Body of Moshiach, not back then or today. The Gentile church of today is full of paganism and sin. According to scriptures the Body, or the Bride of Moshiach has to be a congregation of believers without spot or blemish. According to scriptures paganism can not exist in the Body of Moshiach, because the root is holy. God detests paganism, and idolatry, it is written in His word from Genesis to the book of Revelation. But, paganism is found in most of the Gentile churches of the past and of today. Therefore, the Gentile church can not be the Body of Moshiach. It’s that simple folks you don’t have to hold a PHD degree in theology to figure that out, all you have to do is read His Word. God has only one church or one body on earth, His bride, and that is “Israel.” The apostles did not set up a new organization; under their ministry disciples were “added” to the body of Moshiach already existing (Acts 2:47). Yahweh’s word or promises was never divided into two covenants, one for the Jews and one for the Gentiles, it was to reconcile all into one through Yahshua’s sacrifice (Colossians 1:20). So why does the Gentile church today continue to distinguish between Jew and Gentile, and between Israel and the Church? Because these teachings are not of the Holy Spirit, they are doctrines of demons.