The Spiritual Restoration and Future of Israel

The restoration of Israel as a literal nation on earth is not supported by the divine plan; rather, the true gathering and establishment of Israel occur at the second coming of Christ when He establishes His eternal theocracyEP 551.3+1. While earthly kingdoms have risen and fallen, including the literal kingdom of Israel that was overturned due to iniquity, the final and perfect fulfillment of the promises to Israel belongs to a spiritual and immortal state Ezekiel 21:25-27ARSH September 8, 1853, page 68.19+1.

The Nature of True Israel

• A Spiritual People: The identity of "Israel" is not determined by literal descent from Abraham but by faith and obedience to GodPTUK July 19, 1894, page 453.8. Those who are Christ's are considered Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise Galatians 3:29SC3 211.1.

• A Holy Nation: God views His church, composed of those who keep His commandments and have the faith of Jesus, as the "holy nation" and the true house of Israel today 1 Peter 2:9ARSH October 20, 1863, page 161.25+1.

• No Earthly Theocracy: Since the days of the ancient kings, God has not delegated His authority to any earthly government; the separation of church and state remains until Christ returns to establish His kingdom Matthew 22:17-22EP 551.3.

The Final Gathering

• The Second Coming: The "fullness of the Gentiles" must come in before the blindness of literal Israel ceases, indicating that their ultimate offer of salvation coincides with the second advent of Christ Romans 11:25-26ARSH November 13, 1856, page 11.17.

• A Nation Born at Once: The prophecy regarding a nation being born in a day refers to the resurrection of the righteous at the last trump Isaiah 66:8ARSH March 23, 1852, page 110.47+1. At this time, the "outcasts of Israel" and the "dispersed of Judah" are gathered from the four corners of the earth to inhabit the New Jerusalem Isaiah 11:11-12ARSH January 3, 1856, page 106.18+1.

• The Everlasting Kingdom: This future kingdom will be one nation under one King—Christ, the antitypical David—and they shall never be divided or defiled again Ezekiel 37:22-24EVCO 518.3.

Lessons from History

The history of ancient Israel serves as an example for us today 1 Corinthians 10:11GSAM 8.1. Their desire for an earthly king led to a rejection of God’s direct leadership, ultimately resulting in monarchy and ruin 1 Samuel 8:7GCB April 7, 1901, page 102.4. We are encouraged to trust in the "Strength of Israel" rather than human organization or worldly power1T 622.1. While literal Israel was scattered among the nations as a result of their transgressions, God continues to use the record of His dealings with them to guide His people toward the final, heavenly homeSDP 86.4+1.