Being a Unified Force is How this Gets Done!
There is only ONE Israel. There is only ONE Creator. There is only ONE Son. There is only ONE Spirit of GOD. That is, it!
If we are to speak of this Creator GOD, we must never discount or ignore the fact that He is One (echad).
The word we followers use the most is “Unity” to describe being on the same page. …of course, there IS MORE to it than that.
Unlike the English idea of “one” as meaning just singular, echad can also mean a united one, something made of multiple parts forming one whole. Yep. This is where our journey begins to form and take root. It did for me, as I prepared to collect my notes and pull them all together.
EXAMPLEs:
“One flesh” for husband and wife (Genesis 2:24) — two persons forming one unity.
“The LORD is One” in the Shema (Deut. 6:4), where echad expresses GOD’s unique and ABSOLUTE Oneness.
I’ve recently learned this particular word and application for “one”— yachid. This means “ONLY ONE,” “solitary,” or “absolute singularity.” You know… It’s like saying, “There is ONLY one True GOD” or “There is only one Israel” or “There is only one body of Messiah (in English, that would be church.”)
This Word (yachid) is never used in the Shema to describe GOD though. How could it ever?!
The Nations “ger” — (the sojourner/foreigner) are included into that “one Israel” by faith and obedience to the Covenant‑GOD of Israel. There is no such thing as them and us. There is but one Chosen People; that people is Israel and the faithful who attach themselves to them, by obedient faithful submission. Anything else is total unbiblical nonsense!
GOD, the Creation ELOHIM, made Israel One People—to be “His” Covenant Nation.
Israel begins as one Covenant nation through Abraham → Isaac → Jacob:
“In Isaac shall thy Seed be called” –Genesis 21:12
Jacob is renamed Israel and becomes the father of the twelve Tribes –Genesis 32:28
“You shall be for Me a kingdom of priests, and a holy Nation” –Exodus 19:6
NOTE: When you read this in Peter, think of the Exodus reference FIRST and who He was talking about/and to.
NOTE: It is ONLY by our obedient faithful submission can we claim their Yeshua (Jesus). It is their call to follow and obey. It is their mission to invite us into their belief Structure. There is One Covenant Nation; that is Israel—not multiple Israels.
The word “church” came along after the use of Ecclesia. The derivation of the word “church” is of Greek origin, which is to mean, “belonging to the lord”.
The Greek phrase kyriake or kyriakon doma means “the lord’s house.” It was used for Christian worship spaces as early as the 3rd–4th century.
While the English word church derives from kyriake, the Biblically used translated Greek term was rendered as church in English Bibles as ekklesia, meaning “called‑out assembly.”
Based on historical sources, the Greeks did not normally call their gods “lord” in the same way the 12 Tribes (eventual Judea & Benjamin) and later Christians used the term, but they (Greeks) did use titles that could be translated as “lord,” “master,” or “queen/king,” depending on the deity and context. They did have many gods.
REMINDER: Paul was fervent in explaining to them (Greek speakers) the GOD of Israel, His Son and the culture.
Here are some “body of Messiah” terms used by many. I was able to locate a few that would hopefully support your growth, understanding and maturation for years to come.
Kahal — “Assembly / Congregation.” This is the most common Biblical word for an assembled community. It describes people gathered for worship, hearing GOD’s Word, covenant ceremonies, or even public action. It is the Hebrew word most closely matching the translation attempt into Greek—often translated as church.
Kehillah — “Community / Assembly.” Used in Hebrew today to describe a community of believers, such as a synagogue community or spiritual fellowship. This word emphasizes a joined, purposeful community, not just a casual gathering.
NOTE: In spiritual contexts, “kehillah” often refers to a faith‑based community, much like a local congregation. A spiritually unified community gathered for a common purpose.
Edah — “Congregation / Witnessing Community.” Signifies a community with shared identity, testimony, or mission. Often used for “the congregation of Israel”, united by shared Covenant and experience.
What did Yeshua mean when He prayed “Make them one as We are One?”
I am certain you’ve noticed this request in your daily reading, located in John 17:20–23. Jesus (Yeshua) is about to be arrested. His final request to the Father is not about power, safety, or victory — but oneness/unity among His disciples (talmidim).
What do you perceive? Does the terms unity and oneness reflect the Holy and indivisible bond between the Father and the Son? When Yeshua says, “as We are one,” He does not mean His followers would become identical, merged, or lose individuality.
I am not certain that my understanding is waaaaaaay off or not, but I trust that He referred back to the Hebraic concept of echad — a plural unity as used in “one flesh” or “the LORD is One”. Maybe.
Echad unity is what is used to describe the ELOHIM GOD. Many people joined together in perfect harmony of purpose. Yeshua is praying for His disciples to share the same:
Purpose
Love
Obedience
Mutual Indwelling –through the Spirit
This reflects the Father and Son’s inseparable unity, which as I understand it, is relational, not mathematical.
In the concept of "the Nations" (often referred to as Gentiles - ger) being considered one with “Israel" or part of GOD's people, primarily transition from the TANAKH (first 39 Books) into the Brit Chadashah (27 Books) through the themes of Covenant, faith, and “grafting” in (of the Gentiles through obedient faith and submission).
NOTE: While the ‘Old Testament’ TANAKH identifies Israel as the literal descendants of Jacob (renamed Israel), the New Testament redefines "true Israel" based on faith rather than biological lineage.
Referring to the "Israel of GOD" detailed in Galatians 6:16, Paul uses the phrase "the Israel of GOD” to describe the unified body of believers, which included both Jews and Gentiles who obediently follow Christ.
We can’t forget the children of Abraham. The Bible records that those who employ the faith given are the "true children of Abraham" regardless of their language, ethnicity or land they are from (Galatians 3:7 & 3:29). This is where I remind the reader that, the “children of Abraham are those of faith, obedience and belief.”
NOTE: Words ALONE are UNBECOMING for the faithful. We must put active progress and forward movement to words.
NOTE: The grafting description of Romans 11 is a really quaint, simple and pivotal metaphor for how the Nations relate to Israel is found in verses 17–24 of chapter 11, where the people of GOD are compared to an olive tree.
The “Branches” are those unbelieving Judeans who are described as branches that were "broken off" due to lack of faith.
NOTE: As some would like to believe and proclaim, not all of the (12) tribes (nor the 2 Tribes of Joseph) waivered in their faith. If they did, the Nations (us) would still be living in our Pantheon-like religious lifestyles and lost for all generations!
The implanting/inserting of Gentile Nations is described as "wild olive shoots" that have been "grafted in" to the ORIGINAL tree (Israel) to share in its nourishment and promises. In Scripture, especially Romans 11:17–24, “wild olive shoots” refers to the Nations that are not naturally born into Israel, who are introduced (baptized) and have migrated into GOD’s cultivated olive tree (Israel) through faith and obedience.
NOTE: The point Paul makes is that Gentiles do not become a separate tree. They are joined to Israel’s tree, becoming part of the same Covenant family through faith in Israel’s GOD.
There is ONLY one Israel
One Covenant,
One People of GOD
…and the Gentile Nations (Ger) enter not as a replacement, but as participants in the existing Covenant community.
Yeshua explicitly connects unity to eyewitness, when He said, “That the world may believe that You sent Me.” In other words, disunity weakens the power of the witness of GOD’s people. However, unity reveals His character and confirms Jesus’ Identity.
NOTE: The unity of His people is part of the Besorah’s (Good News’) credibility.
The New Testament (Brit Chadashah) points out that the work of the Messiah "broke down” any kind of a partition that once separated Israel (Judah & Benjamin) from other Nations. Sadly enough, with our focus on denominations and skin color, we keep trying to build BIGGER and STRONGER ways to be separated.
As a military affiliate, I have acquaintances, friends and brothers all over the USA and world. It is always good to catch up with them, when I am able.
Imagine the joy of having one flock under one Shepherd –Ezekiel 37:22–24
Yeshua is asking the Father to bring this unity into reality through the Spirit so that His people (10 Tribes of dispersion & two in Judah) and Gentiles will eventually be united.
Imagine the joy of having disciples of differing personalities, backgrounds, and weaknesses.
Imagine the joy of having a single body, like Paul later describes in 1 Corinthians 12.
NOTE: Differing theological perspectives can be and often are destroyers of the will and progress of the Father among His people. …ALL of us!
From the very beginning of Scripture, Israel and the Nations exist in a dynamic relationship shaped by GOD’s Covenant, His redemptive purpose, and His plan to bless all men through Abraham.
NOTE: “Covenant Theology is the basis for interpreting Scripture that sees the entire Bible as a unified story structured around GOD’s Covenants with His creation. Rather than viewing Biblical events as isolated, it understands GOD’s redemptive plan as unfolding through a series of interconnected covenants—most commonly the Covenant of works, Covenant of grace, and Covenant of redemption—which together reveal His ongoing relationship, promises, and purposes for His people.”
NOTE: “The spread of the work of ‘dispensationalism’ maintains a distinction between Israel (the ethnic/national group) and the ‘Church’ (the nations), believing GOD has separate future plans for each, including a national restoration for the modern state of Israel.”
NOTE: People, we must come to believe that Israel was chosen for the sake of the Nations. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel) were chosen as a Covenant People, not for privilege alone but for a mission. His Mission.
Israel is called to be “a light to the nations”—a People through whom GOD’s character (name/shem), Covenant, and Salvation would be made known.
Here is a fun-fact—David’s multi‑ethnic servant-army prefigures this mission. Have you EVER noticed the foreigners joined themselves to GOD’s anointed king, foreshadowing the gathering of many nations into GOD’s kingdom. With THIS in mind—Israel exists for the blessing of the Nations, not for separation from them.
NOTE: The Nations were always in sight in GOD’s Promises to Israel. GOD’s Covenant with Abraham explicitly includes ALL Nations.
“His Kingdom is to be filled not only by Jacob’s children (tribes), but Abraham’s seed (by faith — the Nations).”
NOTE: GOD intended for one Law and one household for Israel and the Nations who joined them. The Law was given with the expectation that foreigners (nations) who joined Israel would live under the same Covenant Standard.
“There shall be one Law for the stranger and the native… One manner for you and the stranger that sojourns with you.” This shows that GOD’s plan was ALWAYS inclusion, not exclusion.
Don’t you just LOVE Him?
Don’t you just LOVE it?
We were always on His mind. The Nations who sought the GOD of Israel were (and still are) welcomed into Israel’s Covenant life, worship, and identity. Israel IS GOD’s Covenant people, chosen to reveal Him to the world.
The Nations are those who were always meant to be drawn into GOD’s Covenant—through Israel.
GOD’s intention is one unified people, made up of Israel and the Nations, living under ONE Covenant and ONE King.
The prophets, the Writings, the Teachings of Yeshua, and the apostles all affirm that Israel’s purpose is fulfilled when the Nations come in.
ONE LAW for Israel and the Ger…
EXAMPLEs:
“One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger (ger) that sojourns among you.”—Exodus 12:49
“Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger (ger), as for one of your own country.”—Leviticus 24:22
“One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger (ger)… One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourns with you.”—Numbers 15:15–16
GOD did not send His Son with a printed, nor verbal, retraction to apologize to the Gentiles for a mistake He made in the Torah about “one Law for ALL” who chose to trust Him. Jesus is still the Law of GOD, just as the Gospel is the Truth of what GOD has always said in the TANAKH.
Jesus came to show how It (Law of GOD) is to be lived out, to train His emissaries, so they can show the others how to reach YOU and me.
There is NO second people, NO second Covenant, NO second Israel.
When the Nations submit to Israel’s GOD, they become part of the same Covenant family. The ger who wants to participate in GOD’s Kingdom development MUST keep the Covenant made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
“When a stranger (ger) shall remain/sojourn with you… and will keep the Passover to the LORD, he shall be as one that is born in the land”—Exodus 12:48
“As one born in the land” = counted as Israel.
Do you trust the words of the Prophets? They (Words) were inspired by the Father of Israel Himself.
“…and the sons of the stranger… will I bring to my holy mountain… for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people”—Isaiah 56:6–7
NOTE: The comforting and educational words in Isaiah 56:1-8 teaches that “foreigners who join themselves to the LORD are accepted as His people.”
Where did this notion arise that Paul established another covenant and was elevated above the Missiah (Christ)? When Jesus tells you something, trust it. Paul submitted to the Lord.
Ephesians 2 explains how Israel is and will become a New Man. Paul went about not only encouraging the dispersed of the synagogues, but the natives of the city/land. Every Gentile Nation (city) he went to, he did the same thing. …recruit, instruct and remind. All were invited, as they trusted Yeshua.
“You were strangers from the people of Israel” (v.12)
“…but now, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of GOD” (v.19)
Once more, we can pull in the “faith father”, Abraham. Galatians 3:29 mentions Abraham’s seed when Paul shares, “If you be Christ’s, then you are you Abraham’s seed (Israel), and heirs according to the promise.”
NOTE: Believing Nations are counted as that seed.