ICEJ on Replacement Theology - 7 Apr 06

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings All,

I thought this was of sufficient interest to post:

With Israel or Without Her

By Malcolm Hedding

No issue arouses heated debate in the Church like the question of Israel. Much of this discussion is provoked by theological differences, not just political ones. Some believe that because of Jesus' finished work on the cross, Israel no longer enjoys a national destiny before God, especially after they rejected his Messianic credentials.

The 'People of God' are now exclusively the Church and any biblical references to a future for Israel in the Land of Canaan are taken in a spiritual sense as referring to the New Testament Church. This is called Replacement Theology. Although this belief is built upon a very shaky theological foundation, it is nonetheless tenaciously held onto by many "streams" of Christianity.

A Closer Look

In all honesty, Replacement theology is nowhere supported in the Bible. It is a mere presupposition; a theory and nothing more! However, its destructive impact has been all too clear. It has been long used by anti-Semites to legitimize their hatred of Jews. In addition, much of the anti-Israelism that exists in the wider Church today springs from this root and in many ways it is the 'new brand' of anti-Semitism.

Replacement theology can only be sustained if one can in some measure prove that the Abrahamic Covenant has been abolished. Yet this a hopeless task, because Paul's epistle to the Galatians asserts that all the blessings that Jesus purchased for us are given to the world so as to fulfill the demands of the Abrahamic Covenant (Galatians 3:8-9; 13-14; 29).

In addition, the book of Hebrews encourages us to keep trusting in the New Covenant because God is faithful and never breaks a promise. In this case, the promise referred to is the Abrahamic Covenant, which not only declares God's promise to bless the world but also His promise to give to the Jewish people the Land of Canaan as an "everlasting possession" (Hebrews 6:13-20; Genesis 17:7-8).

A New Theory

To prove then that the Abrahamic Covenant has been abolished is thus well nigh impossible. Given this reality, some Replacement theologians then assert that while it has not been abolished, it has been reconstructed! That is, the part of the Covenant that promises an eternal homeland to the Jews has been removed. We need to note four things in this regard:

1. It is pure presupposition, as the Bible nowhere teaches or endorses this point of view.

2. It attacks the character of God. In Genesis 17:7-8 God says that the Land of Canaan is given to the Jewish people as an everlasting possession. If Replacement Theology were true then this makes the God of the Bible a liar! Even the perverse prophet Balaam knew that, "God is not a man that he should lie" (Numbers 23:19).

3. It contradicts scripture everywhere. Even Jesus spoke of a latter day regathering of the Jews to the Land of Israel and to Jerusalem, affirming that the Kingdom would be restored to Israel in Zion, but at a time that only His Father knew (Luke 21:24; Acts 1:6-7). Jeremiah affirms that Israel would be regathered after correction and exile and exist as a nation forever before God (Jeremiah 31:10-12; 31:35-37). All the Hebrew prophets speak very plainly about this future day of restoration to the land and glory for Israel (Joel 3:18-21).

4. It is disproved by historical events. The restoration of Israel in our time enjoys remarkable biblical validation. To ignore this is to play the ostrich and put everything down to remarkable coincidence! I have met many theologians who have been quite prepared to do this. One even wrote, "Modern day Israel is indeed a remarkable miracle with biblical credentials that appear to be amazing. However, in all honesty this miracle is an immoral one!"

Such is the blindness of replacement adherents. Their minds are made up and we should not confuse them with facts! Facts like the return of the Jews from all over the world, the recovery of Jerusalem, the recovery of the land's agricultural potential, the return of the Jews from "the North", the global dispute over Jerusalem and the worldwide phenomenon of Christians who love Israel and pray for her. All these facts are in the Bible!

"Judah will be inhabited forever and Jerusalem through all generations...

The LORD dwells in Zion!" Joel 3:20-21

The Incompetent Messiah

According to Zechariah, a time will come when all nations will come against Israel to disinvest her of Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:1-3). At that time the Messiah will come to destroy those nations and to defend Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:7-9). But why would the Messiah come to defend what for Replacement theologians is an historical accident without biblical foundations? Is He incompetent or is the modern-

day restoration of Israel evidence of God's hand and purpose?

Colliding Thoughts

Israel's journey, which includes her restoration to her ancient homeland, will always be a contested one. Such is her history. This journey according to her prophets will conclude with her meeting her Messiah. This will bring in the "Age of Redemption" as the Jewish Sages put it (Zechariah 14).

Those who subscribe to Replacement theology cannot connect with the Purpose of God and, in many cases, find themselves working against it. In their refusal to stand with Israel, they end up standing with her enemies and this can mean supporting Islamic terrorism! A church in this position is far from the heart of God and has forgotten the warning of the Abrahamic Covenant, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you! " (Genesis 12:3).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The writer is the Executive Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

[Pilgrim7]

The 'church' did not replace the Jewish people or the Jewish church. The 'church' was the remnant of the faithful Jewish church. The Church was a completely Jewish movement from the beginning. They were the faithful Jewish people who received their Messiah. The only reason they were eventually called christians was to distinguish them from the official 'Jewish church' which was cast off, or left desolate by Christ. The Apostles were all Jewish and that is why they sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.

We Gentiles were added to this remnant of faithful Jewish people. Just because we out number the Jewish converts does not make us a different or gentile church. It is still the faithful remnant of Israel even though the Gentiles have taken it over. As the scripture says, the Jews can still be grafted into their faithful people for they are the natural branches. It is we gentiles who are unnatural branches who can be broken off and burned.

Rom 9:6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel:

9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Here Paul makes it pretty clear about who are the real children of God.

Rom 2:26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

2:27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

2:29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

Here He makes it very clear who are the real Jews to whom belong the promises and the kingdom. It has always been a kingdom of the Spirit but is even more so since the descent of the Holy Spirit.

It is better to trust what God says rather than what man says. The reason the official Jewish church rejected their own Lord and Messiah was that they listened to their 'Religious experts rather than the word of God.

God bless,

Dennis

[Guest raptureready]

Read John Hagee's new book Jerusalem Countdown, it pretty much says it all.

[wildernesscry!]

A friend of mine, who is a Jewish Christian (or, Completed Jew, as he likes to call himself) explained to me that the nation of Israel is the bride of the Father, and the Church is the bride of Christ. The Father sent the Son to make the way so that both brides could be saved simultaneously. I thought it to be an interesting viewpoint.

This brother has a very deep understanding of scripture. His name is Howard Katz from London, Ontario. If you are ever there, you should look him up. He has (or had, it's been a while) a church in his home. He would send me teaching tapes galore, no charge.

[Pilgrim7]

Jesus and the Father are one. They don't have separate brides or churches. God has one family, one church, those who are faithfull to Him. All are saved through the blood of Jesus, from Adam down to the coming of Jesus. Those in the 'Old Testament' were saved by faith just as those in the 'New Testament'.

Only one fold, one shepherd:

Jn 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

10:29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

10:30 I and [my] Father are one.

Only one God:

1Jn 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

Only one body:

1Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.

Only one family:

Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

This is why the 'New Jerusalem' is called the Bride. When it descends from heaven itsit complete, filled with the ransomed of the whole earth, the righteous dead from Adam to the Resurrection of the dead and those who are translated when Jesus comes. This is why it is called the bride. They are all the bride of Christ, all the 'kingdom of God'.

Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband..................

Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

God Bless,

Dennis

[ruah brit]

Greetings All,

I thought this was of sufficient interest to post:

With Israel or Without Her

By Malcolm Hedding

No issue arouses heated debate in the Church like the question of Israel. Much of this discussion is provoked by theological differences, not just political ones. Some believe that because of Jesus' finished work on the cross, Israel no longer enjoys a national destiny before God, especially after they rejected his Messianic credentials.

The 'People of God' are now exclusively the Church and any biblical references to a future for Israel in the Land of Canaan are taken in a spiritual sense as referring to the New Testament Church. This is called Replacement Theology. Although this belief is built upon a very shaky theological foundation, it is nonetheless tenaciously held onto by many "streams" of Christianity.

A Closer Look

In all honesty, Replacement theology is nowhere supported in the Bible. It is a mere presupposition; a theory and nothing more! However, its destructive impact has been all too clear. It has been long used by anti-Semites to legitimize their hatred of Jews. In addition, much of the anti-Israelism that exists in the wider Church today springs from this root and in many ways it is the 'new brand' of anti-Semitism.

Replacement theology can only be sustained if one can in some measure prove that the Abrahamic Covenant has been abolished. Yet this a hopeless task, because Paul's epistle to the Galatians asserts that all the blessings that Jesus purchased for us are given to the world so as to fulfill the demands of the Abrahamic Covenant (Galatians 3:8-9; 13-14; 29).

In addition, the book of Hebrews encourages us to keep trusting in the New Covenant because God is faithful and never breaks a promise. In this case, the promise referred to is the Abrahamic Covenant, which not only declares God's promise to bless the world but also His promise to give to the Jewish people the Land of Canaan as an "everlasting possession" (Hebrews 6:13-20; Genesis 17:7-8).

A New Theory

To prove then that the Abrahamic Covenant has been abolished is thus well nigh impossible. Given this reality, some Replacement theologians then assert that while it has not been abolished, it has been reconstructed! That is, the part of the Covenant that promises an eternal homeland to the Jews has been removed. We need to note four things in this regard:

1. It is pure presupposition, as the Bible nowhere teaches or endorses this point of view.

2. It attacks the character of God. In Genesis 17:7-8 God says that the Land of Canaan is given to the Jewish people as an everlasting possession. If Replacement Theology were true then this makes the God of the Bible a liar! Even the perverse prophet Balaam knew that, "God is not a man that he should lie" (Numbers 23:19).

3. It contradicts scripture everywhere. Even Jesus spoke of a latter day regathering of the Jews to the Land of Israel and to Jerusalem, affirming that the Kingdom would be restored to Israel in Zion, but at a time that only His Father knew (Luke 21:24; Acts 1:6-7). Jeremiah affirms that Israel would be regathered after correction and exile and exist as a nation forever before God (Jeremiah 31:10-12; 31:35-37). All the Hebrew prophets speak very plainly about this future day of restoration to the land and glory for Israel (Joel 3:18-21).

4. It is disproved by historical events. The restoration of Israel in our time enjoys remarkable biblical validation. To ignore this is to play the ostrich and put everything down to remarkable coincidence! I have met many theologians who have been quite prepared to do this. One even wrote, "Modern day Israel is indeed a remarkable miracle with biblical credentials that appear to be amazing. However, in all honesty this miracle is an immoral one!"

Such is the blindness of replacement adherents. Their minds are made up and we should not confuse them with facts! Facts like the return of the Jews from all over the world, the recovery of Jerusalem, the recovery of the land's agricultural potential, the return of the Jews from "the North", the global dispute over Jerusalem and the worldwide phenomenon of Christians who love Israel and pray for her. All these facts are in the Bible!

"Judah will be inhabited forever and Jerusalem through all generations...

The LORD dwells in Zion!" Joel 3:20-21

The Incompetent Messiah

According to Zechariah, a time will come when all nations will come against Israel to disinvest her of Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:1-3). At that time the Messiah will come to destroy those nations and to defend Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:7-9). But why would the Messiah come to defend what for Replacement theologians is an historical accident without biblical foundations? Is He incompetent or is the modern-

day restoration of Israel evidence of God's hand and purpose?

Colliding Thoughts

Israel's journey, which includes her restoration to her ancient homeland, will always be a contested one. Such is her history. This journey according to her prophets will conclude with her meeting her Messiah. This will bring in the "Age of Redemption" as the Jewish Sages put it (Zechariah 14).

Those who subscribe to Replacement theology cannot connect with the Purpose of God and, in many cases, find themselves working against it. In their refusal to stand with Israel, they end up standing with her enemies and this can mean supporting Islamic terrorism! A church in this position is far from the heart of God and has forgotten the warning of the Abrahamic Covenant, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you! " (Genesis 12:3).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The writer is the Executive Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

Both positions are off. Christ transferred the whole thing from the flesh to faith for anyone who would believe. And in the power of the Spirit of God we have our faith not in the wisdom of men.

Denise

[HUBIE]

Good post Dad Ernie,

Replacement Theology is Anti-Semetisim, plain and simple.

If I wasn't avoiding Key Life, I'd post it over there for Thor!

God's Covenant with the Nation (people) of Israel is everlasting. I can't believe anyone could try to say anything else. If you get nothing else from study of the Scripture, you should understand how utterly faithful and consistent our Father is.

Those of us saved by Grace through Jesus our Lord, could be those "grafted in" branches, but it's also possible that Jesus was talking about saved Jews. However, any theology that displaces the Jews from their rightful ownership of Cannan is dead wrong.

God's Grace and Mercy to you Bro!

Joe

[Pilgrim7]

The truth is really 'grafted in theology', and not 'replacement theology'. All Gentiles are grafted in to the Parent stock, Israel, as children of God.

No one replaced Israel. The whole Christian movement was 'faithful Israel', Israel of the 'flesh and Spirit', the True 'remnant of Israel.' Israel of the 'flesh only' was cast off, broken off from the kingdom of God by God Himself. Only those of the Spirit are truly part of God's kingdom. All true believers have been grafted in or added to 'faithful Israel'. They have not replaced 'faithful Israel' and therefore are not anti-Semitic. How can those who join 'faithful Isreal' be called anti-Semetic when they join them and become brothers and sisters in Christ. They also labor to bring 'Israel of the Flesh' back to the parent stock from which they have been severed. Seems pretty 'pro-Semetic' to me.

No need to guess or speculate, God's Word makes it abundantly clear:

Ro 11:17 And if some of the branches (Isreal of the flesh) be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree (believing Gentiles), wert graffed in among them (faithful Israel), and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree (faithful Israel, Jewish Apostles);

11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

11:19 Thou wilt say then, The branches (unbelieving Israel of the Flesh) were broken off, that I might be graffed in (added to by God).

Ro 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear :

11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches (Israel of the flesh), take heed lest he also spare not thee.

11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (notice that Gentiles who are added to faithful Israel can be broken off just as Israel of the flesh)

11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. (Notice that Israel of the flesh can still be added to 'faithful Israel' in which we Gentiles were added to)

11:24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature (Gentile), and wert graffed (added to) contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? (Notice that God still calls it their own Olive tree, faithful Israel, not a Gentile tree)

Were the Apostles 'anti-semetic'? Was Paul 'anti-Semetic'? In receiving Christ, we become one with Jesus, the king of the Semites. We become one with the vine. True 'anti-Semetism' is not recognizing that we are 'adopted Semites' of the Spirit, that we have joined the 'faithful Semites' and that all we have we owe to them, for as Jesus said, 'Salvation is of the Jews'.

To sum it all up, True Israel consists of all those of the Spirit, Israel of the Spirit and Gentiles of the Spirit, a true Spiritual kingdom filled with the Holy Spirit. Israelites of the flesh are just as lost as Gentiles of the flesh.

God Bless,

Dennis

[HUBIE]

Dennis,

Good post. How do you relate (Gentiles) being taken back out (if that is a valid interpretation) from the tree in verses 20 and 21 with Eternal Security? Do you believe we are eternally secure or that we can loose our salvation?

I'm not taking umbrage with the entireity of Replacement Theology, however, those who insist that "Israel" is now no longer God's chosen people are dead wrong. There are a lot of unsaved, condemmed Jews and Gentiles. God has a plan for Israel and he will perform the work in his time and his way. God has chastised the Nation of Israel many times in the past and I think he chastising them to some extent today.

We Christians are still Gods adopted children and heirs to the throne with Jesus, but I''m also conviced that Israel has a Great place in this plan of our Fathers. How, and when are certainly open to debate, but I think you have to start with the same assumptions to avoid misunderstandings.

The term Anti-Semitic is a strong one, and I probably should not have used it, however, many Christains look down on the Unsaved (incomplete) Jew; which is wrong.

I personally believe that once saved is always saved (Jesus's words, not mine) "Those my Father gives me, will surely in no way be cast out". I also believe that God's covenant with Abraham is eternal. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that the "normal" interpretation of Romans 11 is incorrect to some degree. I won't say I understand it any better, but by reading the whole of scripture, I can't beleive that Paul was talking about loosing one's salvation here.

Gods Grace and Mercy to you Bro.

Joe

[ruah brit]

Those of the flesh have not understood. You have not received salvation until you have received the end of your faith, "The salvation of your souls". When Christ raises you up on the last day at the last trump then you will know if indeed you qualify. Fore there is a plum line of acceptance as all of these scriptures say.

Matthew 10

37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

Luke 14

26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Luke 9

62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Luke 20

35 But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage

Luke 21

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

1 Peter 1

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.

Denise