Three Beliefs—One Question: Which One Is Rooted in God’s Word?

June 21, 2025
Biblical, Christianity, Study Course

Test your view. Compare Scripture. Then decide what’s truly faithful to God’s Word.

Introduction — “Three Paths, One Question”

In today’s Christian world, many believers hold strong convictions about the Church, Israel, and God’s plan for His people—yet those convictions often come from tradition, denominational teaching, or popular theology rather than careful Bible study.

This presentation lays out three core beliefs, without labels or theological titles, and simply asks:

Which of these beliefs aligns most faithfully with the Bible?

You’ll explore:

What each belief teaches about the Church, Israel, and God’s covenant plan.
The Scriptures each belief uses to support its view.
A brief look at how these beliefs emerged historically.

No names. No pressure. Just the truth—measured by God’s Word.

Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, “receive the word with all readiness of mind, and search the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

What to expect:

Read the concise description, biblical references, and historical background for each belief.
Reflect on how each view handles Scripture, prophecy, and the identity of God’s people.
Respond at the end by choosing the belief you think is most faithful to the Bible.
- A simple three-item list lets you click your choice.
- Your click will take you to a follow-up page that begins with the heading “Which Belief is Most Biblically Faithful?” and reveals whether your selection aligns with the Scriptural evidence.

At the end, you’ll be invited to choose which belief you think is most faithful to Scripture—and be shown whether your view holds up under sound interpretation. Take your time, examine the passages, pray for insight—then make your choice.

Belief #1: One People of God Through Faith in Christ

❖ What It Teaches

The Church is not a replacement of Israel but the fulfillment and continuation of God’s covenant people.
Israel in the Old Testament served as a shadow of what was to come in Christ.
Believing Jews and Gentiles are united in one body through the gospel.

❖ Scriptural Foundation

Romans 9:6–8 – “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel… but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.”
Galatians 3:16, 28–29 – “And to thy seed, which is Christ… if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed.”
Romans 11:17–24 – Believing Gentiles are grafted into the same olive tree of Israel.
Ephesians 2:12–16 – Gentiles once far off are now “one new man” with believing Jews.
1 Peter 2:9–10 – Describes the Church with terms once used for Israel: “a chosen generation… a holy nation.”
Hebrews 8:6–13 – The old covenant is obsolete; the new covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah, is established in Christ.

❖ Historical Background

This belief was expressed in the earliest centuries of Christian thought.
Early Christian writers described believers in Jesus—both Jew and Gentile—as the true heirs of God’s covenant promises.
Many writings emphasized that the faithful, not merely the physical descendants of Abraham, were the true people of God.
This view held that God’s promises were fulfilled in Christ and extended to all nations through faith.

Belief #2: Two Separate Peoples – Israel and the Church

❖ What It Teaches

The Church and Israel are two different peoples with separate destinies.
The Church was unforeseen in the Old Testament and is a temporary “parenthesis” until God resumes His dealings with national Israel.
Israel will be restored with a future physical kingdom, temple, and sacrifices.

❖ Scriptural Arguments Used

Genesis 17:7–8 – God’s promise of land to Abraham’s seed “forever.”
Daniel 9:24–27 – Interpreted as referring to a future 7-year tribulation for Israel.
Romans 11:26 – “All Israel shall be saved” (interpreted as national Israel in the future).
Revelation 20:1–6 – Read as a literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth with Israel.

❖ Historical Background

This belief developed and gained momentum in the modern era.
It was introduced through a series of Bible teachings that emphasized literal prophetic fulfillment in a future earthly kingdom.
It spread through annotated Bibles, conferences, and teaching networks that popularized the idea of two distinct peoples and plans.
It heavily influenced popular Christian media and end-times teaching materials.

Belief #3: The Institutional Church as the New Israel

❖ What It Teaches

The visible Church has replaced Israel as God’s covenant people.
Salvation is administered through the Church’s sacraments and hierarchical structure.
Tradition and magisterial interpretation have authority equal to or above Scripture.

❖ Scriptural Arguments Used

Matthew 16:18 – “Upon this rock I will build my church” (interpreted as giving Peter primacy).
Isaiah 2:2–3 – All nations flow to the house of the Lord, interpreted as the institutional church.
1 Timothy 3:15 – “The church… is the pillar and ground of the truth.”

❖ Historical Background

This belief formed as the Church gained political and institutional power.
It emphasized visible authority, apostolic succession, and the Church’s role as the mediator of God’s grace.
Over time, ecclesiastical tradition was placed on par with Scripture as the interpreter of truth.
The Church’s hierarchy became central to defining doctrine and administering salvation.

✦ Closing Reflection

You’ve now examined three beliefs about the identity of God’s people—each offering a different view of the Church, Israel, and God’s redemptive plan. Now it’s time to step back and ask yourself:

Which belief truly reflects the message of Scripture, rightly divided and faithfully interpreted?

Don’t choose based on tradition. Don’t rely on popularity. Let the Word of God be your guide.

Take what you’ve learned, compare it with the full counsel of Scripture, and follow the truth—wherever it leads.

✦ Now It’s Your Turn: Test What You’ve Read

Which of these three beliefs do you believe is most faithful to the Bible?

We invite you to thoughtfully reflect on what you’ve read and select the belief that best aligns with Scripture as you understand it.

📩 Enter your email below to receive a response that reveals which of the three beliefs is most consistent with the whole counsel of God’s Word. You’ll also receive a link directing you to the full explanation based on sound biblical principles.

Your email: ______________________

Then, click the belief you’ve chosen:

Belief #1
Belief #2
Belief #3

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
— Acts 17:11