God's unconditional promise to Abraham, confirmed by Jesus Christ, included both grace and race: spiritual salvation and eternal life by grace through Jesus Christ, and national greatness and prosperity to the descendants of Abraham. His descendants, the progeny of Jacob (Israel), have grown into great nations in these latter days. God promised David his throne would always exist, and Christ would occupy that throne when He returns. Since it must exist continuously on earth, the only extant throne that matches God's promise among all the modern nations resides in Great Britain. The twelve families of ancient Israel are today scattered in northwestern Europe, the state of Israel and the English-speaking nations of America and the British Commonwealth. Joseph and Judah have historically been the dominant tribes. Though knowledge of Israel's identity is not essential to salvation, it nonetheless provides a much clearer understanding of biblical prophecy. It in no way implies racial superiority, but on the contrary, imposes greater responsibility.
Scripture References:
Genesis 12:1-3; 13:14-16; 17:2-8; 24:60; 25:29-34; Romans 4:13; Genesis 27:27-29; 35:9-13, 23-26; 48:1-22; 49:1-33; Deuteronomy 33:1-29; II Kings 17:18-24; II Samuel 7:8-16; Psalm 89:19-37; Jeremiah 33:14-26; I Chronicles 5:2; Deuteronomy 7:6-11; Luke 12:48; Romans 11:1-29
From the Library: Israel, Identity of
The Nation of Israel—Biblical Israel? (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat HigginsWho is the Israel of the Bible? It is not solely the house of Judah or the modern nation of Israel, but rather, God applies the names Israel and the house of Israel to what has become known as the Ten Lost Tribes. Judah is included only when those names identify all the tribes descended from the patriarch Jacob, whom God later …
The Nation of Israel—Biblical Israel? (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat HigginsGod first uses the name Israel to identify Jacob, the progenitor of the twelve tribes, as seen in Genesis 32:28 where He declares, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed." From this point, the Bible uses Jacob and Israel interchangeably. In Genesis …
Searching for Israel (Part Seven): Seven Years' Punishment
Article by Charles WhitakerThe mass expulsion of the children of Israel from Canaan by Assyrian and Babylonian kings left the land nearly devoid of Israelites, with the theocracy and monarchy gone, and the people enslaved to Gentile nations as a consequence of their habitual rejection of God's law. God established a specific time to terminate Israel's …
Searching for Israel (Part Eight): The Scattering of Ten-Tribed Israel
Article by Charles WhitakerWhat happened to the northern tribes of Israel after their captivity by Assyria? The Bible tells us where they were driven — and from where they will return.
Israel: Future
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughWhat is in store for the nations of Israel? Is their future promising or bleak—or both? This article concludes a three-part series on the people of Israel.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Ten): Where Is Israel Today?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNo matter how scattered Israel is, God will not lose the smallest grain. Using Jerusalem as a reference point, Israel dispersed north and west into Europe.
Is British-Israelism Racist?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughBritish-Israelism teaches that the 'lost' ten tribes of Israel are the Anglo-Saxon peoples, particularly in Northwestern Europe and North America. Is this racist?
Israel: Present
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible gives many clues as to the location of the 'lost' Ten Tribes of Israel. With God's Word, along with historical records, only one conclusion is possible.
For more resources, please see the library topic for Israel, Identity of