Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Israel, the Church and Replacement Theology:

Most of you have head of a doctrine known as replacement theology. This theology actually began in early all-Gentile Christian churches that presented the idea that all the blessings of the Bible were somehow transferred to Christians; and that all the curses in the Bible fell upon Jews.

While this may remain as a popular Christian belief, it is nevertheless very unscriptural.

Take a look:

Isaiah 49:13-17: “Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For YHWH has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their sorrow. Yet Jerusalem says, "YHWH has deserted us; YHWH has forgotten us." Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on my hand. Ever before me is a picture of Jerusalem's walls in ruins. Soon your descendants will come back, and all who are trying to destroy you will go away.”

Romans 3:1-4: “What then is the superiority of the Jew? Or what is the advantage of circumcision? Much in every way. And first, because to them were entrusted the words of Elohim. For if some of them have not believed, have they, by their not believing, made the faith of Elohim inefficient? Far be it: for Elohim is truthful, and every man false: as it is written: That you might be upright, in your declarations; and be found pure when they judge you.”

Obviously, both of these passages refer to Jews and not Gentile Christians, since Christians are assumed to be Paul’s audience in Romans. Also please read Romans 11:1, 11-17 and verses 25-29.

Paul clearly attacked hypocrites (who happen to be Jewish), rather than all Jews (which would include himself). What is also clear is that Jewish sinners are not the only people Paul rebuked in his writings. (See 1 Corinthians 5:1-13)

So, if all Israel is saved, where is the “Church” in all this?

Well, the answer can be found in Ephesians 2:11-14.

But, the reality is, there never was such thing as the “Church” in the days of the original Apostles only a renewed Israel that Gentiles were welcome to join!

Gentiles do not “replace” Israel; they become part of Israel! Read Jeremiah 31:31 which very clearly references the recipients of the Renewed Covenant.

1 comment:

  1. Replacement Theology is a dangerous and deadly teaching. I wish people would open their eyes that it's not biblical.

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