Israel (The Garden Olive) In The Plan Of God - Part II
- by Lewis Hrytzak
First of all, I would like to point out that there are seven axioms of Bible Interpretation. Any Interpretation of the Scriptures, to be true, must be harmonious: 1) With itself. 2) With every Bible passage. 3) With every Bible doctrine. 4) With God’s character of wisdom, justice, love and power. 5) With the Ransom by Christ. 6) With facts. 7) With the purposes of God as disclosed in Scripture.
I believe what follows is presented with these axioms in mind.
This brief article will deal with the “unbelieving branches” that were broken off the olive tree, and how God will show mercy to such ones.
The Interlinear Bible, Greek English (by Jay P. Green) translates Romans 11:28 in the following way: “Indeed, as regards the gospel, enemies for you; but as regards the election, beloved for the sake of the fathers.”
Paul explains what he means by this in the following verses:
Verses 29 - 32: “For the free gifts, and the calling of God, are without repentance. For as you also then disobeyed God, but now have obtained mercy by the disobedience of these; so also these now have disobeyed, so that they also may obtain mercy by your mercy.”
The RVIC 2000, (a translation of the Greek text by J. B. Parkinson), translates the above verses as follows: “As touching the gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake.
For the gifts and the calling of God are not repented of. For as ye in times past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience even so have these also been disobedient, that by your mercy they also may now obtain mercy.”
The explanation Paul provides in his letter to the Romans is really quite simple. Gentiles “disobeyed God,” but later “obtained mercy by the disobedience of these,” (i.e., unbelieving branches). In the same way, the “unbelieving branches” that refused to accept Christ (by their disobedience), will also be shown mercy. How? Paul answers: “by your mercy.” Both translations quoted above bear this out very clearly. The RVIC is even more emphatic, for it states: “that by your mercy they also may now obtain mercy.”
Paul’s last remark in verse 31, “by your mercy,” can only be understood correctly if we carefully follow what he is saying in the context. To get a clear picture of this, we must ask the following questions: How were the Gentile believers shown mercy? Was it not by God drawing them to his Son, Christ Jesus, and granting them forgiveness of their sins? Yes, indeed! Furthermore, God’s “calling” went out to them for a very good reason. According to Paul’s illustration of the “garden olive,” God grafted them in as “believing branches” so that Israel might continue to function for God’s purpose, even as God intended. In other words, just because natural Israel proved unfaithful, God did not feel “repentance,” or regret, for having called a people to be the promised seed. Why is this? It is because he determines to carry out his will regardless of the unfaithfulness of the greater majority of Jews according to the flesh.
In God’s eyes, the natural branches that were unfaithful had withered and died, even as Jesus testified in a similar illustration, in the parable of the vine. (John chapter 15) This meant that the natural, unfaithful branches that were broken off, ceased to exist as a nation, for they were replaced with a “nation,” a “land” “born in one day” as foretold by the prophet Isaiah, who said: “Zion …has given birth to her sons.” That is what happened on the day of Pentecost. The sons of Zion are faithful branches in the olive tree. What is more, the “garden olive tree” continues to grow without most of her original branches for, as mentioned, those were broken off because of their unfaithfulness. Therefore, the olive tree continues to grow and flourish without them. This basic truth cannot be over-emphasized.
Paul tells us that “God shut up (natural) Israel in disobedience,” and that such condition will prevail upon them “until the fullness of the nations comes in.” He continues in verse 26 saying: “and so all Israel will be saved.” But how are they saved? They are saved from sin, and resultant death, by expressing faith in Christ Jesus! Israel, the garden olive tree, is saved because the natural branches that were broken off were replaced with Gentile believers. Nevertheless, both the original branches that remained in the tree (i.e., a remnant thereof), and the gentile “branches,” were believers, all of them. Therefore, the true Israel, the garden olive tree, continues to grow, and to flourish, and to bear fruit. Its branches now consist of believing Jews, and Gentiles. As Peter puts it, “the temple, is being built with ”living stones,” and the true Israel, the “garden olive,” continues to function as a “holy nation.”
In this age, it is still possible for the “lopped off” branches to be grafted in again, provided they exercise faith in Christ Jesus. However, when that “holy nation, the temple” (which Peter speaks of in 1 Peter 2:4-9) is fully built, then our Lord will return, and begin his rule over all the nations of the earth, including the State of Israel, (i.e., the unbelieving branches).
Now then, how will God show mercy to these unbelieving branches? Will it be by forgiving them, and making them a special nation, as an outstanding example for other nations, as some Christians believe? Is that Scriptural? Is it reasonable? What such Christians tend to forget is that God already has a nation, “a holy nation”, as Peter shows. Moreover, this was foretold by the prophet Isaiah (66:8), as already mentioned above.
The prophet asks: “Who has heard of a thing like this? Who has seen things like these? Will a “land” be brought forth with labor pains in one day? Or will a ”nation” be born at one time? For Zion has come into labor pains as well as given birth to her sons.”
This prophecy, like the one in Joel 2:28,29, was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when God poured out his holy spirit upon those believers. This is what Paul was speaking of when he wrote to the Corinthians, (2 Cor. 5:17) “Consequently, if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation, the old things passed away, look! new things have come into existence.” The “land,” the “nation” that was brought forth in one day was the Christian congregation that was built on the original “root stock” or “stump.” Meanwhile, the garden olive tree had received a severe pruning. Unbelieving branches were “broken off” and believing branches, from the Gentiles, were grafted in to take the place of such broken off branches.
The reason why the Jews refused to accept Christ Jesus as Messiah was due to their failure to see that God was about to establish a new “nation,” as foretold by Isaiah. Furthermore, they failed to see the new requirements for this nation, as foretold by the prophet Jeremiah many centuries earlier. By means of his prophet, God introduced a new covenant, for the law would now have to be written on one’s heart in order to qualify as a member of that new nation. (Jeremiah 31:31-33) Unfaithful Israel failed to see that. Why? Paul says they were blinded, and that God had “shut them all up together in disobedience.” Therefore, they failed to appreciate that the new nation was the real Israel and that they were no longer a part of it, for to be of part of this ”Israel,” this “land,” this new “nation”, they had to be in union with Christ Jesus. Nevertheless, it was just as Jesus had told them, they “would die in their sins.”
Well, then, how will the Jews who were “shut up in disobedience” be shown mercy? In Romans 11:31 Paul wrote: “so also these now…may obtain mercy by your mercy.” What does Paul mean when he says, “these…may obtain mercy by your mercy?”
Surely, this can only mean one thing. Paul clearly says that the unbelieving branches will “obtain mercy by your mercy.” The gentile believers were shown mercy because of their faith in Christ Jesus. Moreover, they have been grafted into the garden olive tree. That olive tree is Israel in the true sense of that word, for it is the “seed of promise” by whom the families of the earth will “bless themselves,” even as we have already considered in Part I. Yes, the garden olive tree is, in fact, true Israel. It is the new nation, the land, the temple, the Bride of Christ that will rule with him as kings and priests. These are the “sons of Zion.”
The families of the earth, including the natural, unbelieving branches of Israel (according to the flesh), must come to Christ with the help and service of his “Bride.” (Read Revelation 21:1-3) It is by this means that mercy will be shown to them. They will obtain mercy by means of those who have already been shown mercy. Of course, they will have to repent and seek God’s forgiveness. They will have to express faith in Christ Jesus. Is that not so? Is that not how everyone is shown mercy? Why, of course! However, in this case they will be shown mercy by means of those who have (already) been shown mercy, even as Paul wrote. And if they believe in Christ, and their sins are forgiven, will they not be in line for life? Why, yes!
Jesus compared the kingdom of the heavens to a man who hired workers for his vineyard. The parable shows that workers were hired at different times of day. Even in the eleventh hour, workers were still being hired. When it became evening, each worker received exactly the same pay, despite the fact that some had worked all day, while others worked for a very short time. (See Matthew chapter 20) The point of this illustration is that the ultimate gift we get from God, through Christ, is life, and it’s the same for everyone, because life is the greatest gift we can get. It is not life for some, and life plus something else for others. Mind you, as regards the Church, it may appear to be that way, because they are privileged to be the “seed of promise,” by whom the families of the earth will bless themselves. But even so, the reward is the same for everyone – life.
Paul laments that natural Israel was given so many favors by God but spurned everything. Not only that, but they finally were responsible for the death of his Son. In another parable of a vineyard (Matt 21:33-41), Jesus speaks of the vineyard being let out to cultivators, but they abused the owner’s slaves who had been sent to them and, finally, they killed the owner’s son, for they wished to get his inheritance. Jesus then asked them this question: “When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those cultivators?” They answered him: “He will bring an evil destruction upon them.” At this Jesus said to them: “Did you never read in the Scriptures, “The stone that the builders rejected is the one that has become the chief cornerstone? He then added: The kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits.”
Jesus makes it obvious that God would shift his focus to a new “nation,” or “land,” even as foretold by Isaiah. However, Jesus did not tell them they would be destroyed for their wicked behavior.
Therefore, as Paul states: “(It is) for the sake of their fathers God will show them mercy.” What a wonderful God! No wonder, after saying God will show them mercy, Paul exclaims: “O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge. How unsearchable his judgments are! For who has come to know his mind, or who has become his counselor?” (Romans 11:33, 24)
Although God will show them mercy by drawing them to his Son, and forgive their sins, there is no indication in Scripture, whatever, that God will set them apart from other nations, (making them a special nation), when Christ Jesus begins to reign. Why would God do that? After all, God caused Daniel to prophecy that the kingdoms of the earth would cease, and be replaced by his kingdom, whose dominion will cover the globe. What is more, God’s kingdom consists of Christ Jesus the King and his Bride, the true Israel of God, also called the new “nation” or “land.” They are the real nation of Israel, built on the original “root-stock” of the garden olive tree. For this reason, one must either be part of that nation, by being in union with Christ, or be ruled by that kingdom. Those who are not in union with Christ, when he arrives, will obviously be ruled by the real Israel, with Christ Jesus as King.
Despite what has been stated above, some Christians insist that there are many prophecies yet to be fulfilled on natural Israel. Zechariah is often quoted by people who believe that. After a careful study of this topic, however, I think such prophecies are actually misapplied. Let us consider some examples.
Zechariah 2:10,11 Here the prophet looks beyond what the Jews were then building. He is looking to a temple and a city that are to be far more glorious! For that reason, God states: “I will reside in the midst of you.” This is what we are told in Revelation 21:1-3. We have already considered Peter’s words at 1 Peter 2:4-9 where he speaks of the new temple being built with “living stones.” The prophet Zechariah also says that “many nations will certainly become joined to Jehovah in that day, and they will actually become my people…” The apostle Peter clearly shows that this applies to the Christian congregation. They are the olive tree. They are the “temple” that is being built with “living stones.” What physical temple could even begin to compare with that? Absolutely none! Peter also says they are the “holy nation.” Indeed, both Paul and Peter apply this to their day, i.e., this age, the gospel age.
Zechariah 6:12-15 refers to the “man whose name is sprout” (some translations use the word branch),”who will build the temple of the Lord,” and it says of him: “He shall sit and rule upon his throne.” Hebrews 8:1 shows fulfillment (or beginning thereof) in this gospel age. Christ Jesus is the “stone that the builders rejected” and he has become “the chief cornerstone.” He is both the foundation stone, and the headstone of the new temple. (1 Peter 2:7)
Zechariah 8:23 “…It will happen in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of a man who is a Jew, saying: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.” This prophecy is speaking of a Jew, not according to the flesh, but according to circumcision by spirit, even as Paul shows at Romans 2:28,29. That people of the nations of the earth will come to such ones for help is obvious for such ones are the “promised seed” by whom the families of the earth will bless themselves. Indeed, the “unbelieving branches” that were “broken off” will themselves “take hold of a man who is a Jew,” that is, a member of the Bride of Christ. Although this prophecy has fulfillment now, in this gospel age, (in a limited way), it will be fully realized when Jesus and his Bride begin their rule.
Zechariah 9:9 Jesus said he was fulfilling this prophecy in his day.
Zechariah 13:7-9 This is the prophecy of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. “Smite the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.”
Zechariah 13:8 “Two parts shall be cut off” Some Bible Scholars believe this could have reference to the two great Jewish parties, the Scribes and Pharisees. The third part would, quite likely, be the believing Jews, for he says: “It will be left remaining.” Remaining where? Obviously, in the garden olive, for it is not broken off as the unfaithful branches were broken off. At any rate, one third is a remnant, at most, and it is only an approximation of those being saved. That’s what the Scriptures foretell, i.e., that only a remnant would be saved of Israel, (according to the flesh).
Zechariah 13:1 “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.” This is the atonement of Christ. Incidentally, that expression, “in that day” occurs 20 times in the book of Zechariah, and has reference to this age, the gospel age. Even as Paul said: “now is the day of salvation”. (2 Cor 6:2) Also in the book of Acts (3:24) Peter said: “all the prophets from Samuel…, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold these days.”
Zechariah 14:8 Foretells “living waters shall go out of Jerusalem.” In Revelation 21 and 22 we find similar imagery.
In Acts 13:32-34 Paul stood up in a Jewish synagogue and said: “And so we are declaring to you the good news about the promise made to the forefathers, that God has entirely fulfilled it to us, their children in that he resurrected Jesus, even as it is written in the second Psalm, “You are my son, I have become your Father this day.” It is interesting to note that Paul says such promises, made to the forefathers, is entirely fulfilled in Paul’s day.
There are many, many other examples that can be given, but one fact should remain very clear to us: The apostles themselves, under inspiration, wrote to the effect that these things have been fulfilled. (In my previous article on this, I have already given many examples). This must be so, because the “garden olive” (true Israel) is still with us, faithfully carrying out God’s purpose under the direction of Christ Jesus. The temple is being built, even as Peter shows in 1 Peter 2:5. The new Israel (nation) is a reality, but it functions differently than “old” Israel did. Every believer, every branch in the olive tree, must be in the new covenant and have a “circumcised” heart. God’s law must be written on that one’s heart, even as God foretold by Jeremiah.
Two helpful publications:
I would like to recommend two publications that provide a “worth-while read,” The first is called, The Hope of Israel, by Russell H. Collins, (Produced by New Covenant Fellowship, Box 797, GOP, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia), and the other is called, New Creation The End of All Things According To Flesh by Daniel Anderson (Scripture Research Inc., PO Box 51716, Riverside, Calif. 92517)