Replacement Theology part 2 Ironically, over its long history, the “Church” – “Church” being used in its broadest terms, not including every blood-brought, Bible-believing Christian – which has been blessed with the clear light of the Gospel, has failed to present herself as a light to the world, particularly regarding its treatment of the Jewish people. Three such examples of the Church’s persecution of the Jewish people include: • In the second century and beyond, many of the notable “Fathers” of the Church began to refer to the Jews as a “rejected people” who were doomed to a life of unimportance and misery. Jews were to exist as a “despised people.” This image has persisted in Christian preaching, art, and popular teaching for centuries. Other Christian leaders who spoke venom against the Jewish people include St. Jerome who said of the Jews that they “grow like worms” (in terms of repopulating areas from which they had been expelled); St. Ambrose (the Bishop of Milan) who rebuked Emperor Theodosius for wanting to rebuild the burned-out synagogue at Callinicum in Babylonia; St. John Chrysostom who forbade Christian fraternizing with the Jews; and Cyril, patriarch of Alexandria, who expelled the Jews from this ancient community. • During the Middle Ages in Europe many in the Church accused the Jews of being responsible for killing Christ. The Church accused the Jews of “blood libel” – the false accusation that the Jews (and some other religious minorities) murdered children in order to use their blood in religious rituals. The Middle Age Church persecution of the Jewish people included expulsions, forced conversions, and massacres. • Jews were persecuted in Eastern Europe as well as Western Europe as hundreds of thousands of Jews were murdered in Christian pogroms in Eastern Europe over the centuries. Pograms, basically, were violent mob attacks sanctioned by the Church and local government. Pograms resulted in the deaths and arrests of thousands of Jews whose only “crime” was being Jewish. These violent and merciless attacks occurred from the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century. With this track record, why would the Church consider herself a suitable “replacement” for Israel and the Jewish people? This is nothing other than rancid, pompous audacity. Let’s look at specific statements reflecting the Replacement trend of thought (all theologian statements in italics). Chuck Colson The founder of Prison Fellowship Ministry who died in 2012, Mr. Colson was a valiant soldier for Christ. A Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973, Colson served a seven-month prison term for his role in Watergate. He came to faith in Christ in 1973 and went on to faithfully serve the Lord. From his “Colson’s Breakpoint Commentary” (No. 030218) comes this excerpt: As a Christian and believer in the Abrahamic covenant, I’m a strong supporter of Israel and the Jewish people. I take Genesis 12:3 literally. I also believe that Jesus will return and rule the earth for one thousand years from Jerusalem – pre-millennial perspective on the second coming. I believe that God has a special plan for the Jewish people and the land of Israel (breakpoint.org/commentaries/3320-covenant-and-conflict). On this point, Colson is to be commended. However, he continues: But I think it is problematic to relate prophecy to current events unfolding in the nation-state of Israel. There may be some relationship, of course. Only God knows. But the secular state of Israel created in 1948 is not, in my understanding, identical with the Jewish people as God’s chosen and called-out covenant people. However, Ezekiel’s “vision of dry bones” (Ezekiel 37:1-14) tells us that today’s Israel indeed IS “identical with the Jewish people as God’s chosen and called-out covenant people.” Using the Ezekiel passage as a guide (again, please read it, it’s too long to print here), we see the “dry” bones (v. 2) as the dispersed Jewish people of the world. God asks the prophet, “can these bones live?” (v. 3). These are the bones of Judaism through the ages. God answers His own question by rattling the bones, joining them together (v. 7), and covering them with sinew and skin (v. 8). This is the gathering of the Jewish people to Israel in the middle of the twentieth century. However, “there was no breath in them” (v. 8). This indicates Israel regathered as a nation, but without salvation in Christ. Ezekiel then says, “So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army” (v. 10). This “army” is Israel of the millennial kingdom, back in the land and living in belief. These Jewish people are the covenant people of God, and include some who now live in the land (and most certainly many of their descendants). Mr. Colson then says: God clearly has a distinct plan for the Jewish people that the secular state of Israel helps carry out. I don’t rule that out, of course. And I strongly support Israel because it is a haven for persecuted Jews – not because I think it fulfills biblical prophecy. However, the Jewish people being back in the land IS fulfilled prophecy. Is it pure coincidence to believe that Israel has been “reborn” as we near the end of the age? This is too wondrous to dismiss as “coincidence” or the work of men’s hands. Also, if Israel being back in the land is but a secular occurrence, then what of the surrounding Arab nations’ desire to destroy Israel? Israel being back in the land is a spiritual phenomenon – God’s mighty work – and not secular happenstance, hence Satan’s desire to destroy God’s plan by destroying the Jewish people, and the spiritual warfare afflicting the Middle East. Mr. Colson continues: I also support a Palestinian state both from historical and prudential considerations. Given the state of affairs in the Middle East, a Palestinian state is the only practicable solution for peace. We disagree with Mr. Colson’s sentiments. First, which “historical” events is he referring to? The Palestinians are a twentieth-century creation. Their ancestry goes back many generations, but as a national entity, the Palestinians are historically a “new” people. Second, “prudential considerations” are naturally wise, but who determines prudence? Basically, Palestinians want the Jews destroyed, as is proclaimed in their infamous PLO charter of 1964. This death wish for Israel has not been officially and uniformly rescinded. Is it prudent to create a nation for a people whose declared purpose is to obliterate their neighbors from the face of the earth? Two side-by-side states is not a “practicable” and “prudential” solution for peace if one of the states (the Palestinians) detests the idea of creating peace with its neighbor (Israel). Dr. John Piper Dr. Piper has been the Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis (he is currently the Associate Pastor for Preaching and Vision). He will step down in 2014 following thirty-four years of service. A powerful preacher, inspiring author, and astute theologian, Dr. Piper has impacted lives for Christ. However, we disagree with his views regarding modern Israel. The following excerpts are from Dr. Piper’s sermon, “Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East” (Romans 11:25-32, March 7, 2004). Here is the first excerpt (additional emphasis added): So the promise to Abraham that his descendants will inherit the Land does not mean that all Jews inherit that promise. It will come finally to the true Israel, the Israel that keeps covenant and obeys her God. By faith in Jesus Christ, the Jewish Messiah, Gentiles become heirs of the promise of Abraham, including the promise of the Land (desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/israel-palestine-and-the-middle-east) Simply put, this is not what Genesis 12:3 says. Yes, Bible-believing Gentiles are most certainly spiritual descendants of Abraham, but where does the Bible say that Gentile believers (we’re assuming that when Dr. Piper says “Gentiles,” he is referring to believers) have a right to the land of Israel? It doesn’t. Gentile believers are promised glorious spiritual blessings (see Ephesians 1:3-14), but nowhere do these promises include the land of Israel. Quite frankly, this comment by Dr. Piper is startling. “Gentiles become heirs of the promise of Abraham, including the promise of the Land”? Scripture simply does not support this statement. The second excerpt is as follows: Israel has broken covenant with her God and is living today in disobedience and unbelief in his Son and her Messiah. Therefore, the secular state of Israel today may not claim a present divine right to the Land, but they and we should seek a peaceful settlement not based on present divine rights, but on international principles of justice, mercy, and practical feasibility. We agree that Israel today is living disobediently and in unbelief of God, but this does not undo God’s promise to the nation. This truth is beautifully worded in Isaiah 43:4-7: Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honourable, and I have loved you: therefore will I give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not: for I am with you: I will bring your seed from the east, and gather you from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. God’s promises to Israel are often twofold – applying to the time they were made and the future. The above promise most certainly applies to Israel’s Babylonian captivity, from which the Lord brought her back. However, according to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, only a small percentage returned. The above verse speaks of a mass, worldwide influx into the land, which partners well with Ezekiel 37. God still loves Israel, therefore the nation can lay claim to the land the Lord has brought her back to. This does not mean that salvation will come to all Jewish people, but only to those who have accepted Christ. However, God’s final judgment has not yet come. His end-times program includes the Jewish people being back in the land of Israel. They are there now – and still coming – by divine right. (And for the record, in deference to Dr. Piper’s comment, Israel would love nothing better than to have peace based on “international principles of justice, mercy, and practical feasibility.” However, surrendering land to a people who despises them will not accomplish this goal.) Dr. Joseph F. (Skip) Ryan Dr. Ryan was the Senior Minister at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas from 1991-2006. He, too, has been an influential voice in Christian circles. The following quotes are from the message, “Certain Promises in Uncertain Times” – Joshua 21:43-45, March 23, 2003: And here I must say [something] that run[s] against the grain of what we have been taught. Geo-political Israel today is not to be understood as God’s promise of Abraham and Joshua [Joshua 21:43-45]. IT IS NOT! It is fair to say, the world owes them a homeland. But, and this is important, there is no biblical right that geopolitical Israel has today to that particular piece of geography in the Middle East (watch.org/showart.php3?idx=62726&rtn=/index.html&sh) To say that that the Jewish people living in Israel today have no right to “that particular piece of geography in the Middle East” is flat-out wrong. Again, if this is the case, then the current Jewish homeland is a coincidence. Back in 1897, the Jewish people of the world considered other locations for their homeland, including parts of Argentina, Uganda, and even the former USSR. (See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_a_Jewish_state.) The Jewish people were not even pushing Palestine as their homeland. However, God overruled consideration of any other nation as the future residence of the Jewish people; God chose geographical Israel, and this is where the Jewish people settled. Dr. Ryan continues: But do they have a biblical right to that particular piece of geography? It is not in the Bible. For Israel is not a nation state anymore; Israel is the church. Israel is the people of God, Jew and gentile from every nation and every tribe, and every tongue who confesses faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – the new people of God. Ancient Israel is a preview of what God intends for the new Israel. To say that Israel is not a nation anymore is simply nonfactual. In Luke 13:34, Jesus says, “Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Notice the phrase, “until the time come when ye SHALL say” (emphasis added). Jesus knew that the Jewish people would deny Him at His first coming, but would one day acknowledge Him. Jesus prophesied that Israel – as a violable geopolitical entity, specifically, the Jewish people (not the Church) – would claim faith in Him. Jeremiah 31:35-37 says this: Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD. God promised Israel in powerful terms that she would never cease to exist as a viable entity. To claim that this glorious passage has been transferred to the Church is absurd. The context of Jeremiah is the nation of Israel. Yes, God did – and will again – severely punish Israel, but will never abandon her. The only exception is if someone can figure out how to count all the stars of the sky and wipe out the sun and the moon. If someone can do this, then God will abandon Israel. Dr. D. James Kennedy This giant of the Christian faith, who died in 2007, was pastor at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida. He championed many Christian causes and stood boldly for Christ against the corruption of our day. However, his views regarding Israel are questionable. Here is a sample: At the heart of the political commitments in question are two fatally flawed propositions. First, some are teaching that God’s alleged favor toward Israel today is based upon ethnic descent rather than upon the grace of Christ alone, as proclaimed in the Gospel (hearnow.org/ICIo.html) To label the above point – and the one to follow – as “fatally flawed” is inflammatory. Despite Dr. Kennedy’s claim to the contrary, God’s favor, in part, is based on physical descent – and there is nothing “alleged” about it (Genesis 12:1-3). Ultimately, we agree that God’s favor is based on grace. However, the final chapter has not yet been written. According to Romans 11:5, in Israel “at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.” The problem is, this remnant has not yet been revealed. As of now, both the physical (unbelievers) and physical-spiritual (Jewish believers) descendants of Abraham are living in the land. It was always this way in Israel (1 Kings 19:18; Isaiah 10:21, 37:32). The remnant has not yet been revealed, but the groundwork has been laid. Israel is back in the land, partially, by means of “ethnic descent.” There will come a time when divisions will be made between saved and unsaved Jew; but for now, Israel is back in her geographical homeland by right. Dr. Kennedy continues: Second, others are teaching that the Bible’s promises concerning the land are fulfilled in a special political region or “Holy Land,” perpetually set apart by God for one ethnic group alone. This is not true as stated by Dr. Kennedy. Yes, Israel was given primarily to the Jewish people, but this does not mean the banishment of non-Jews. Israel – even at its height of power under David and Solomon – was never void of other peoples and cultures. Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people; they are not requiring – nor is the Bible – the vanquishing or expulsion of the Arabs, Palestinians, and Gentiles who already live there. (It should be duly noted that the Arabs and Palestinians who live in Israel are full citizens with full rights, and are thriving far more than their counterparts in the Palestinian territories and surrounding nations.) Dr. Kennedy continues: Furthermore, a day should not be anticipated in which Christ’s kingdom will manifest Jewish distinctives, whether by its location in “the land,” by its constituency, or by its ceremonial institutions and practices. Here, Dr. Kennedy’s intentions are notable. His point, basically, is that all believers are similar by means of how they are saved – through Christ alone – and that God will bless both Jewish and Gentile believers identically. We agree. However, what sets the Jewish people apart is that God made certain promises to them which have not yet been fulfilled. Many of these promises concerns bringing Israel back to their land in peace and in full knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 24:6-7 confirms this: For I will set mine eyes upon them [Israel] for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart (emphasis added). Context clearly dictates that this promise refers to a future time and not the return from Babylonian captivity. How do we know this? God says, “I will plant them, and not pluck them up.” Israel returned to the land in 535 B.C. – only to be dispersed again in A.D. 70 and 135. Also, God promises He would “give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD.” Again, this has never been the case in Israel’s history. Collectively, Israel has never fully trusted in the Lord. This can only be fulfilled when Israel is back in the land, which they are now, AND believing the Lord Jesus Christ, which will occur in the millennial kingdom. Verses Supporting Israel’s Present and Future Inhabitance in the Land The purpose of the following verses is to exhibit the fallacy of deeming God’s promises to Israel as being rescinded or transferred to the Church. There is not one iota of evidence supporting this view. This is made further evident by the fact that these verses have not yet been fulfilled. • Israel chosen: “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6). • Eternal salvation for Israel: “But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end” (Isaiah 45:17). “I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory” (Isaiah 46:13). • God will abundantly bless Israel: “Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring” (Isaiah 44:1-3). • Israel’s redemption following chastisement: “For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer” (Isaiah 54:6-8). • Israel’s future salvation, according to Jesus: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, UNTIL the time come when ye SHALL say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Luke 13:34-35, emphasis added). Yes, the prophets and Jesus predicted that Israel would be disciplined for a time. However, they also foresaw Israel’s reconciliation. Though Israel’s chastening is ongoing, this is no excuse for the Church to condemn Israel by “transferring” her blessings to herself, a blatant act of audacity. Judgment is God’s work; praying for Israel is the Church’s responsibility (Psalm 122:6). What Paul Says The book of Romans has been called the greatest single document ever written. Contained within this extraordinary treatise is Paul’s assessment of Israel and the Church. In Romans 11:2, Paul pens this pointed and definitive statement: “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath NOT cast away his people which he foreknew” (Romans 11:1-2, emphasis added). This cannot be any clearer. When Paul says “Israel,” he is NOT referring to the Church. The context of Romans 9, 10, and 11 is clearly, unmistakably, and absolutely Israel. However, it is to the Church Paul asks: “Hath God cast away his people?” Replacement proponents say “Yes!” This is tragic considering Paul answers his own question by saying, “God forbid.” This term is a powerful Hebrew idiom which, in essence, means, “Absolutely not! Don’t even think such a thought!” So, Paul, has God abandoned Israel by transferring her promises to the Church? Paul’s reply: “Absolutely not! Don’t even think such a thought!” Later in the chapter, verses 13-15, Paul says: For I speak to you Gentiles [as opposed to Israel], inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them [Israel] be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? Paul’s point is that Israel has been temporarily removed as the vehicle through which salvation comes to the world. The vehicle is now the Church. The setting aside of Israel has proven a blessing for the world in a narrow sense. However, because Israel was God’s original means of salvation, her return to favor can only mean blessing upon blessing. In other words, God’s promises to Israel led to blessing for the entire world (Genesis 12:3). Paul firmly believed that Israel’s setting aside was temporary, and that she will one day be restored. God’s future favor upon her will be the ultimate blessing. The ultimate manifestation of the glory of God is the reconciliation of the Jewish people. Therefore, it is imperative that God fulfill His promises to Israel. Furthermore, please understand that the “casting away” – or “setting aside” – of the Jewish people is not permanent, allowing one day for their restoration. God is still “working” with the Jewish people, honing them and fashioning them into the people He will one day redeem. Current events are clearly proving this. Paul continues this thought in Romans 11:16-21: For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou [the Church], being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.” Ironically, Replacement proponents are doing the exact thing Paul tells them not to do! Paul calls the “firstfruit” – Israel – holy, and her holiness has spread to the Church, not the other way around. Furthermore, the Church has been “grafted in” to God’s redemptive plan for humanity and can partake of some of Israel’s promises. However, Paul warns the Church not to become “highminded,” or lifted up with pride regarding Israel. Yet, this is exactly what the Replacement adherents do. They are, in essence, proclaiming: “We are the Church, we are the promised ones! God has cast Israel off that we may be exalted. Israel is no more.” To this, we tell Replacement proponents to consider Paul’s words: “For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.” Conclusion It is both conceit and audaciousness for the Church to seek to usurp God’s promises to Israel. Israel is Israel, and the Church is the Church. In defending Israel’s claim to God’s promises, we do not blindly overlook Israel’s faults. We also acknowledge that God has chosen Israel for His own special purposes, rather than for any merit she has “earned”: For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt (Deuteronomy 7:6-9). There is no text in all of Scripture indicating this promise has been rescinded or transferred to the Church. Yet, Replacement Theology says, “If this promise has not been rescinded, then it has surely been transferred over to us, the Church.” To this, we say: “You are wrong!” The specific promises made to Israel belong to Israel, not the Church. For sure, the Church possesses multiple promises of its own that we should rejoice in. Therefore, let us be satisfied with those and let God do with Israel as He will. If the Church truly wants to reflect the heart of God concerning Israel, she will do well to meditate upon the following words from Jeremiah 23:5-6: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David [Israel] a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.”
Posted on: Sat, 10 Aug 2013 22:47:37 +0000
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