The Christian Israelite Church is a community of believers in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who seek to live according to God’s promises revealed through both the Old and New Testaments.
We follow both the law and the gospel, believing that Jesus Christ fulfilled the sacrificial laws and offers soul salvation through grace, while the laws still have a key role in the New Covenant for Israel. We also hold to the hope of the full redemption of spirit, soul, and body as promised in Scripture.
Our faith is grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and built on the everlasting covenant God made with Israel, a covenant that includes the ingathering of the lost tribes.
Our mission is to uphold the New Covenant God has given to Israel, seeking the ingathering of the lost tribes and the hope of full redemption of spirit, soul, and body to life in the Kingdom of God. In this, we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, which offers salvation of the soul through grace, while also upholding the laws of God as part of His new covenant with Israel.
The Christian Israelite Church began in 1822 as part of a prophetic visitation movement in England, following an outpouring of the Holy Ghost. This movement was characterised by evangelistic pre-millenarian messengers and prophets who preached the imminence of the second coming of Jesus Christ.
In 1839, the Church reached Australia, where it has maintained a continuous presence ever since.
Throughout its history, the Church has remained dedicated to the message delivered through this movement: the role of the Godhead, including the Messiah Jesus Christ; the salvation of the soul and the redemption of the body; the identity and gathering of the Israelites; and the connection between the law and the gospel.
We believe that Jesus Christ fulfilled the sacrificial laws and offers salvation of the soul through grace. We also believe that the moral and spiritual laws of God remain in effect, and that the redemption of the body, being preserved alive at Christ’s return, is among the promises God has given to Israel under the New Covenant.
Wherever you are in your journey of faith, we welcome you to learn more, visit a congregation, listen to a message, or reach out with any questions.
We invite you to discover the Biblical promises made to Israel: the hope of salvation, the promise of the redemption of the body, and the calling to be part of God’s everlasting covenant with Israel.
Some members of the Church have Jewish heritage and are believers in Jesus Christ the Messiah. Other members are Christians who may not be aware of Jewish heritage but feel called to be of Israel. Of the twelve tribes of Israel in the Bible, 10 have been scattered and lost their identity as Israelites, whilst the two tribes of Benjamin and Judah retained their identity and are commonly referred to as Jews. As the message of this Church is to the whole twelve tribes of Israel, the term Israel or Israelite is used instead of Jew.
Christian Israelites observe the commencement of the Sabbath with a private meeting of members on Friday evening (as the Sabbath starts at sunset on Friday evening). Another private service is held on Sunday mornings for members to honour the Christian Sabbath. Exodus 20:8, 10, Matthew 26:40, Mark 14:37.
Christian Israelites view the land of Israel in the Middle East as significant in Biblical history and prophecy. However, our primary mission is centered on entering the Kingdom of God through a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ, the Messiah. We do not engage in geo-political activities. Our emphasis is on spiritual transformation and redemption of our ‘earthly’ bodies (Genesis 2:7, 1 Corinthians 15:50-54). We eagerly anticipate the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the realisation of the new heaven and new earth as prophesied in the Bible, and the transformation of our bodies to be like His (Isaiah 66:21-22).
Some members of the Church have made a personal dedication to the Lord similar to the Nazarite vow taken by Jesus, John the Baptist, Samson and Samuel in the Bible (Numbers 6:1-21). This includes not cutting their hair or beard. The instruction to not shave or cut one’s hair was also a commandment given to the Israelite priests in Leviticus 19:27.
During our service we use the Lord’s Prayer which was given by Jesus in Luke 11:2-4 and Matthew 6:9-13. We tend not to use personal prayer in public in response to Jesus’ command to pray in secret (Matthew 6:6), instead we use personal prayer as a means of talking personally and privately with God.
Women play a key role in the Church. Historically, Israel have always had Prophets and Prophetesses, Judges and Judgesses. Women and men are equally represented at each level of our structure with a key female role at the highest level of governance. Women and men are both eligible to preach in accordance with the Church criteria.
Most congregations hold a service or Bible study each Sunday morning from 11.30am. Some congregations livestream their services. Service details are advertised on local Church websites. Links to these sites can be viewed here.
A typical service includes a reading of the Lord’s prayer, Bible readings, singing and a message from one of our preachers. Services are typically 45 minutes in length. We do not take an offering during these services.
The Christian Israelite Church follows the Biblical commandment found in Exodus 20:4, which instructs believers not to make or display graven images or likenesses of anything in heaven, on earth, or in the waters below. This is interpreted to include images of people and living creatures. We uphold this principle to maintain a focus on spiritual matters and avoid any distractions or potential idolatry. By refraining from displaying such images, we aim to keep our attention directed towards God and the teachings of the Bible.
Yes. We encourage researchers, historians and academics to contact us directly with your needs so we can assist as best we can.
