The
Distinctions Between Israel and the Church.
Lewis
Sperry Chafer has documented 24 contrasts between Israel and the Church, (Systematic
Theology, IV, 47-53).
They
show that the two groups can not be united into one. They also show that God is
dealing with each separately in special and distinctive programs.
1)
The extent of Biblical revelation: Israel—nearly four-fifths of the
Bible; Church—about one-fifth.
2)
The Divine purpose: Israel—the
earthly promises in the covenants; Church—the heavenly promises in the gospel.
3)
The seed of Abraham: Israel—the
physical seed, of whom some become a spiritual seed; Church—a spiritual seed.
4)
Birth: Israel—physical
birth that produces a relationship; Church—spiritual birth that brings
relationship.
5)
Headship: Israel—Abraham;
Church—Christ.
6)
Covenants: Israel—
Abrahamic and all the following covenants; Church—indirectly related to the
Abrahamic and new covenants;
7)
Nationality: Israel—one
nation; Church—from all nations.
8)
Divine dealing: Israel—national
and individual; Church—individual only.
9)
Dispensations: Israel—seen
in all ages from Abraham; Church—seen only in this present age.
10)
Ministry: Israel—
no missionary activity and no gospel to preach; Church—a commission to fulfill.
11)
The death of Christ: Israel—guilty
nationally, to be saved by it; Church—perfectly saved by it now.
12)
The Father: Israel—by
a peculiar relationship God was Father to the nation; Church—we are related individually to God as Father.
13)
Christ: Israel—Messiah,
Immanuel, King; Church—Saviour, Lord, Bridegroom, Head.
14)
The Holy Spirit: Israel—came
upon some temporarily; Church—indwells all.
15)
Governing principle: Israel—Mosaic
law system; Church— grace system.
16)
Divine enablement: Israel—none;
Church— the indwelling Holy Spirit.
17)
Two farewell discourses: Israel—Olivet
Discourse; Church—Upper Room Discourse.
18)
The promise of Christ’s return: Israel—in
power and glory for judgment; Church—to receive us to Himself.
19)
Position: Israel—
a servant; Church—members of the family.
20)
Christ’s earthly reign: Israel—subjects;
Church—co-reigners.
21)
Priesthood: Israel—had
a priesthood; Church—is a priesthood.
22)
Marriage: Israel—unfaithful
wife; Church—bride.
23)
Judgments: Israel—must
face judgment; Church—delivered from all judgments.
24)
Positions in eternity: Israel-spirits of just men made perfect in the new
earth; Church—church of the firstborn in the new heavens.