What is Israel and What Is Israel’s Calling?

Today, “Israel” consists of descendants of all the tribes of Israel, and those Gentiles who have become “Israel” through their belief in Christ.

God works with a system of “Firstborn” which was revealed as part of religious organization during Law of Moses times, but which works all through mortality and continues today.

Firstborn, or Firstfruits were dedicated to God. So the firstlings of the flocks and firstfruits of the fields were taken to the temple as offerings. Also, the firstborn child could be dedicated to serve in the temple or to become a Nazarite as Sampson did.

There was an ordinance in ancient times that released the firstborn child from this kind of service in the temple, and in Hebrew, it was called “pidyon haben.” Mary and Joseph actually had this ordinance performed for Jesus. Jesus actually came to “overthrow” the kingdom of the Jews. He worked outside the traditional organization of Jewish religion.

Of Israel, the Levites were considered the firstborn. When the Israelites finally finished their Exodus from Egypt and were allowed to inherit the Promised Land, the Levites were the only ones who didn’t receive an assigned area to dwell. Instead, they received small portions in the cities, where they could perform religious services for the people who dwelt there. They would then go to the temple in turn to serve in the temple.

Israel is the “firstborn” of the world. They are meant to be a light to the world, the spice of the world. The western world continues to use biblical patterns in court justice and in governing their nations. Also, the Jews have created a list of laws for Gentiles to outline the requirements of basic morality. They are called the “Noahide Laws” and are listed below.

1. Not to worship idols.
2. Not to curse God.
3. To establish courts of justice.
4. Not to commit murder.
5. Not to commit adultery, bestiality, or sexual immorality.
6. Not to steal.
7. Not to eat flesh torn from a living animal.