A thought...

[Bold Believer]

There is a large camp within Christianity who believes that the Church (invisible) is now Israel. There is another who doesn't believe that. The two butt heads a lot. Is it possible that the Church is Zion spiritually? I know the Scripture in Revelation 20 seems to indicate that the New Jerusalem and the Bride-Church are the same. Hebrews states that we have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.

What if the Church is spiritually Zion and New Jerusalem? (Or one or the other) The Word of the Lord certainly does go forth from the Church (Isaiah 2 says from Zion) invisible.

No theology here, just a thought I think may have merit.

[xero]

Galatians 3:26 "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Its not about genealogy anymore its by faith. There will be those who contest that fact but its clear by the use of neither Jew nor Greek. Hope thats helpful.

[xero]

Sorry I didnt answer your question. Yes it has merit. Ill see what I can find in scripture which will support the notion.

[He giveth more grace]

I am a dual-covenant believer and gentile believers will never replaced Israel. It is a doctrine spawned by demons that suggest we are spiritual Israel, Zion, or usurp the children of Abraham in any fashion, spiritually or not.

[nChrist]

God made separate promises to Israel and separate promises to the Church which is the Body of Christ. The two are not the same, and one did not replace the other. God will keep his promises to each separate entity at His appointed time.

[He giveth more grace]

God made separate promises to Israel and separate promises to the Church which is the Body of Christ. The two are not the same, and one did not replace the other. God will keep his promises to each separate entity at His appointed time.

I stand with you, nChrist, that is the truth and I love it.

[xero]

Heres a few verses which are supportive.

Revelations 21:2 "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Jeremiah 6:2 "I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman."

Isaiah 51:16 "And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people."

Edited June 21, 2012 by xero

[angels4u]

There is a large camp within Christianity who believes that the Church (invisible) is now Israel. There is another who doesn't believe that. The two butt heads a lot. Is it possible that the Church is Zion spiritually? I know the Scripture in Revelation 20 seems to indicate that the New Jerusalem and the Bride-Church are the same. Hebrews states that we have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.

What if the Church is spiritually Zion and New Jerusalem? (Or one or the other) The Word of the Lord certainly does go forth from the Church (Isaiah 2 says from Zion) invisible.

No theology here, just a thought I think may have merit.

No, the church did not replace Israel!

[coheir]

God made separate promises to Israel and separate promises to the Church which is the Body of Christ. The two are not the same, and one did not replace the other. God will keep his promises to each separate entity at His appointed time.

Im on your side also.

[Bold Believer]

Please note VERY carefully. I didn't say the Church replaced Israel. I asked if the Church might be Zion. It is the True (invisible) Church from which proper instruction flows. You can't get proper teaching outside of the True (invisible) Church, because the Holy Spirit dwells within its members and the Holy Spirit is the ultimate dispenser of true teaching.

We are told in Scripture that the teaching (instruction or Torah if you prefer) will go forth from Zion, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Since the Church Invisible is the only carrier of true teaching, it makes sense that the Church is spiritually speaking like Zion(i.e. Where God can be found on earth and where one can find His Instruction).