“And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD. “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from this time forth and forevermore.” – Isaiah 59:20, 21

And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” – Romans 11:26, 27

Isaiah 59:20, 21 is a prophetic passage. Like so many other prophetic passages, its understanding and interpretation divides people, nations, churches.

It divides many because some take eschatological positions that are the basis for their entire worldview. It affects their politics, religious beliefs and sadly, even serves as a litmus test of fellowship between true believers in Christ.

When you read this passage in Isaiah, what do you see? Better yet, let me ask you a few questions about it. I ask that you not take them lightly, because upon your answer to them hangs your entire understanding of all prophetic passages and even affects your view of the Church of Jesus Christ. It’s that important.

Who is Israel in this passage? Who and where is Zion? What covenant is being referred to here?

Before you answer me, take a look at what John MacArthur says in his study bible:

59:20,21 The Redeemer will come The Messiah, the Suffering Servant, will redeem Zion and all faithful Israelites. This unalterable promise to the nation was the basis for Paul’s reassurance of the future salvation of Israel (Rom. 11:26, 27). (emphasis mine)

Now listen to me, for here is what you must understand.

According to God in His infallible, inerrant Word to mankind, through the Apostle Paul, the only Israel is the Israel of the New Covenant. Zion is the New Covenant Zion, the Church, the body of Christ, the entire company of the Redeemed from every tribe, tongue and nation, and the covenant referred to here is none other than the New Covenant.

We have already established and learned from our Lord that earthly Jerusalem is no longer spiritually significant, and John MacArthur agrees.

In regards to this prophetic passage, however, John MacArthur contradicts himself. He is wrong. Also mistaken, along with MacArthur,  is everyone who holds to the belief that Christ Jesus will return to this earth to reign for 1000 literal years. Yet, it’s not just that they are wrong, such a belief actually attempts to rob true believers of many Gospel blessings, promises and edification, and that is a shame.

All distinction between Jew, Gentile has been abolished forever (Ephesians 2:15; 3:6), thus all prophecies having the same ancestral language, of like nature as that of Isaiah 59:20, 21 must obviously be interpreted in the same manner.

The question here, as we will examine (Lord willing) in future posts, is not necessarily whether natural (so-called) jews will be converted in the future, but whether all prophecies regarding the Gospel and the kingdom of Jesus Christ were written for the natural jew and regarding earthly Jerusalem, or for the entire body of the redeemed, the Church made up of both believing jew and gentile from every nation, tribe and tongue.

Your habit of biblical interpretation and comfort of biblical exposition hangs on your answer. If, like MacArthur, you surrender this passage of Isaiah 59:20 and like passages to the so-called natural jew, you must hand over all other like passages to the natural jew, and deny the body of the Redeemed in Christ it’s glorious, prophetic, historical heritage.

Here is the problem indeed:

In the seed of Abraham, one elect body of believers comprised of both jew and gentile, there is the Israel of God, indifferent of racial origin.

Will you continue to have the audacity to separate them?