Yes— the New Testament affirms that God chose Israel and that his calling of them is not withdrawn, while also teaching that in Christ people of all nations are brought into God’s family. Christians hold different views on Israel’s ongoing role.
What the New Testament says
In the New Testament, Paul speaks directly about God’s continuing faithfulness regarding Israel. He writes:
Romans 11:29 — “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
This statement is commonly understood as affirming that God’s choosing and calling of Israel is not something God later cancels or takes back.
Israel and the nations
Alongside affirming God’s unwithdrawn calling, Paul also teaches that believing Gentiles are included. He describes believing Gentiles as being “grafted in,” and he teaches that in Christ there is “neither Jew nor Greek.” Taken together, these points show two affirmations held side by side: God’s faithfulness concerning Israel, and the inclusion of people from all nations into God’s family in Christ.
How Christians understand it
Because these New Testament themes are held together, Christians have interpreted Israel’s ongoing role in different ways.
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Distinct continuing role: Some Christians hold that Israel remains God’s chosen people with a distinct future role.
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Promises inherited by the church: Others hold that the church, made up of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, now inherits the promises.
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Combined emphasis: Many hold a combined view, affirming both God’s faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of all nations in Christ.
These views aim to account for both Paul’s statement that God’s calling is “irrevocable” and his teaching that Gentile believers are included and that in Christ ethnic distinction does not determine belonging.
Key verse
Romans 11:29 — “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
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This is the clearest quoted New Testament line in this discussion. It is used to support the claim that God’s calling of Israel is not withdrawn, even as the New Testament also emphasizes the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the New Testament still call Jews God’s chosen people?
The New Testament affirms that God chose Israel and that his calling of them is not withdrawn. Paul’s statement, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29), is often cited to express that continuing faithfulness.
Does Romans 11:29 mean God revoked Israel’s calling?
No. Romans 11:29 says the opposite: “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” This is commonly understood to mean God does not take back his calling.
How do Gentiles fit in, according to the New Testament?
Paul teaches that believing Gentiles are “grafted in,” meaning they are brought into God’s family through faith. He also teaches that in Christ there is “neither Jew nor Greek,” emphasizing shared standing in Christ rather than ethnic distinction as the basis for belonging.
If in Christ there is “neither Jew nor Greek,” does that cancel Israel’s calling?
Christians answer this in different ways. Some emphasize an ongoing distinct role for Israel alongside the inclusion of Gentiles. Others emphasize that the church—Jews and Gentiles in Christ—now inherits the promises. Many try to hold both themes together: God’s faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of all nations in Christ.
Why do Christians disagree about Israel’s ongoing role?
The disagreement largely reflects different ways of holding together two New Testament teachings: Paul’s affirmation that God’s calling is “irrevocable” regarding Israel (Romans 11:29), and his teaching that Gentile believers are included (“grafted in”) and that in Christ there is “neither Jew nor Greek.”