The Israel of God

Metaphor:  Israel of God

Concept: Those therefore, who order their lives by the Holy Spirit's control, constitute the true Israel of God.
     Gal 6:16 Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule [who discipline themselves and regulate their lives by this principle], even upon the [true] Israel of God!  [Ps 125:5.] AMP

    The word walk is from ‎stoicheo ‎which means "to direct one's life, to order one's conduct." Rule is from ‎kanon ‎which here means "a principle." The principle here is the Cross and all that goes with it in the New Testament economy, including of course the ministry of the Holy Spirit which is so much in evidence in this last section of Galatians. Those therefore, who order their lives by the Holy Spirit's control, constitute the true Israel of God, not the Jews who have the name of Israel but are only children of Abraham after the flesh. The Greek word for "and" also has the meaning of "even" in some contexts. We translate here, "even the Israel of God" as identifying those who "walk according to this rule." From Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament.

God’s promises to Israel were based on the response of faith that was demonstrated as righteousness to Abraham.

 God’s promises are indeed based on faith in Him, so do not be deceived a good name and good works are not enough, simple faith and obedience that comes from faith are the pillars of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.