### Bible Study Outlines

Volume 3, Lesson 4
by C.I. Scofield

## Israel and the Church

The Scriptures separate the human family into three grand divisions -- the Jew, the Gentile and the Church. Each has a distinct place in the counsels and purposes of God (1Corinthians 10:32). To apply the promises, prophecies, and responsibilities of one of these groups to another, is to wholly lose sight of the divine order and beauty of the plan of God, and to hopelessly confuse the interpretation of His Word. The comparative position of Israel and the Church may be seen in the Scriptures, as well as the striking contrast between each in respect to promise, calling, conduct, worship, and future.

1. Israel (the Jew)

1. Position
   - Romans 9:4,5 - "Who are Israelites; to whom... adoption"
   - Romans 3:1,2 - "Unto them were committed the oracles of God"
   - John 4:22 - "Salvation is of the Jews"
2. Promise
   - Genesis 13:16 - "As the dust of the earth." Promise to Abraham of innumerable earthly seed.
3. Calling
   - Genesis 12:1,2 - "Make of thee a great nation"
   - Deuteronomy 28:8 - "Bless thee in the land"
   - Deuteronomy 28:13 - "Make thee the head"
4. Conduct
   - Deuteronomy 7:11 - "Keep the commandments, and the statutes"
5. Worship
   - Leviticus 17:4 - "Unto the door of the tabernacle"
   - Luke 1:10 - "Without [outside]"
   - Numbers 3:10 - "Aaron and his sons." Only the priests could enter.
6. Future
   - Isaiah 11:11,12 - "To recover the remnant of His people"
   - Isaiah 14:1,2 - "Will yet choose Israel." Earthly glory.
   - Jeremiah 23:7,8 - "Led... Israel... from all countries"

- The Church

1. Position
   - Ephesians 1:22,23 - "Which is His body"
   - Ephesians 5:29-33 - "Nourisheth and cherisheth it"
   - Acts 2:41-47 - "Continued stedfastly... the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved"
2. Promise
   - Genesis 15:5 - "The stars, if thou be able to number them." Promise to Abraham of a heavenly seed.
3. Calling
   - James 2:5 - "Chosen the poor of this world"
   - Philippians 3:20 - "Our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven"
   - Luke 18:22 - "Shalt have treasure in heaven"
   - 1Corinthians 4:11-13 - "Persecuted"
4. Conduct
   - Matthew 5:44 - "Love your enemies"
   - 1Corinthians 4:12,13 - "Being reviled, we bless"
5. Worship
   - Matthew 18:20 - "Where two or three... am I in the midst"
   - Hebrews 10:19,20 - "Boldness to enter into the Holiest"
   - 1Peter 2:5 - "An holy priesthood." All true believers are priests.
6. Future
   - 1Thessalonians 4:16,17 - "Ever be with the Lord"
   - John 14:1-3 - "Where I am, there ye may be also"
   - Revelation 19:7,8 - "Marriage of the Lamb." Christ's bride.
   - Revelation 20:6 - "Shall be priests... reign with Him"

In the above verses, we see the contrast. Israel was called to an earthly inheritance, and the Church to a heavenly. Israel's faithfulness and obedience were to be rewarded with earthly greatness, riches and power, while the Church, if faithful, is promised heavenly riches, but, on earth, persecution, poverty, and hatred. Israel could worship in but one place, and at a distance from God -- only approaching Him through a priest; the Church worships wherever two or three are gathered, has boldness to enter into the holiest, and is composed of priests. In the future, the Church will be taken away from the earth entirely, but restored Israel is yet to have her greatest earthly splendor and power.

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