Does God have two separate peoples?
The teaching that God has two separate peoples—the Jews and the Church (Christians)—is a central tenet of dispensational theology, but it is a serious error that contradicts the plain teaching of Scripture. This “two peoples of God” philosophy divides what God has united, undermines the gospel, and promotes confusion regarding the purpose and plan of God. Here is why it is wrong:
1. Scripture Teaches One People of God, Not Two
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible teaches that God has one covenant people, made up of all who are united to Him by faith—whether Jew or Gentile.
Ephesians 2:14-16
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”God is not working with two distinct peoples. He has made one people through the reconciling work of Jesus on the cross.
2. It Undermines the Gospel of Grace in Christ Alone
This philosophy implies that ethnic Jews can still be God’s people apart from faith in Jesus. But Scripture is clear: no one can come to God except through Jesus.
John 14:6
“No one comes to the Father except through Me.”Galatians 3:28-29
“There is neither Jew nor Greek... you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”God has one way of salvation—by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Jews who reject Jesus are not a separate people of God—they are in need of salvation.
3. It Perpetuates a Defunct Distinction
Under the old covenant, national Israel was God's chosen people. But that covenant has passed away, and all its ceremonial distinctions are fulfilled in Christ.
Hebrews 8:13
“By calling this covenant ‘new,’ He has made the first one obsolete.”The veil was torn at the crucifixion, and the earthly temple system was abolished. To insist on a continuing distinction between Jews and the Church is to cling to what God has abolished.
4. It Contradicts the Fulfillment of God’s Promises in Christ
All of God's promises—including those made to Abraham—are fulfilled in Christ and applied to His Church.
2 Corinthians 1:20
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.”Galatians 3:16
“The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed... meaning one person, who is Christ.”Those who are in Christ—whether Jew or Gentile—are the true heirs of the promises, not because of their ethnicity, but because of their union with the promised Seed.
5. It Destroys the Unity of the Church
God’s plan is to gather together His people into one body, one flock, one temple, one household. Teaching that God has two peoples contradicts this glorious unity.
John 10:16
“There shall be one flock and one shepherd.”Ephesians 4:4-5
“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope... one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”Dividing God’s people into two separate groups opposes the oneness for which Jesus prayed and died.
6. It Misreads the Nature of Israel
The New Testament redefines “Israel” in spiritual terms—not ethnic. The true Israel of God is composed of all who are born again by the Spirit and trust in Jesus.
Romans 2:28-29
“A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly... No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly.”Galatians 6:16
“Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—even to the Israel of God.”Ethnic Israel was a shadow; the Church is the substance. God’s promises to Israel are not unfulfilled—they are fulfilled in the redeemed people of God.
Conclusion:
God does not have two separate peoples. He has one redeemed people, chosen in Christ, united by the Spirit, and called by grace. To teach otherwise is to fragment the gospel, dishonor the work of Jesus, and misinterpret the purpose of Scripture. All who are outside of Christ—whether Jew or Gentile—are outside of God's people. All who are in Christ—whether Jew or Gentile—are the true people of God. Let us not divide what God has joined together.