By Randall E. Pickens, Sr.
Our opening question, Hath God cast away his people?, has fueled a debate that has existed since the 1st century A.D. church emerged. One of the answers to this question has been the foundation for a false teaching referred to as the “replacement theology“. This teaching claims that the Gentile church has replaced Israel in God’s final prophecies. This teaching is dangerous and threatens the understanding of the role of Israel and the church in the fulfillment of prophetic events. What one believes about this subject, “replacement theology”, will skew what one believes about eschatology or end time prophecies regarding the Church Age, a Rapture Event, 7 Year Tribulation events and the over all purpose of (Jacob’s trouble), and then the millennial kingdom.
“Replacement Theology” Is a source of antisemitism from within the early church to present day.
There has been a growing conflict between Christendom and Judaism since the 1st century A.D. This was confirmed by the Apostle Paul. Much is revealed in scripture regarding this conflict and we are WARNED specifically not to entertain such false teachings. The Apostle Paul had much to say of this matter. Of all people, the Church should understand the special relationship between God and the Jewish people. God used them to convey His character and covenant relationships throughout time. Everything we have is due to this special relationship. Israel is the “object lesson” for the world!
The Remnant of Israel
Paul speaks specially to the disposition of the Jews of his time as well as the future of Israel. The entire chapter of Romans 11 has been dedicated to this subject. Paul doesn’t dance around this issue. I can’t believe anyone could dispute this clear instruction. All of Old and New Testament prophecy was addressed to the Jew first! The Jew must acknowledge Jesus as the Lord of salvation just as do the Gentiles. There is no difference here at all.
Rom_1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone believing, both to Jew first, and to Greek;
Let’s take a look at Romans chapter 11
Rom 11:1-10 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. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
Gentiles Grafted In
Rom 11:11-24 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? For I speak to you Gentiles, 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 be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 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, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed 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 graffed 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. 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. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed 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?
The Mystery of Israel’s Salvation
Rom 11:25-36 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Voices of the Reformation!
Luther and Calvin, two of the most prominent voices of the Protestant Reformation, contributed significantly to the development of antisemitism in Europe and the Church as a whole. Luther and Calvin’s expressions of anti-Jewish sentiment remained major influences in the centuries well after the 1500’s Reformation. Modern day antisemitism movements and organizations are based firmly on their radical teachings and expressed hatred for the Jew.
Is it any mystery then that teachings and translations emerging from the Reformation era on would reflect this sentiment of antisemitism in the church. Teachings and prophetic interpretations will no doubt need to be viewed with some skepticism due to the potential for these false teachings to alter the truth of God’s relationship with us all. Is there any surprise how the German people could then be influenced so easily by a skillful antagonist to Jewry. These doctrines are wide-spread in the literature; since the Second World War it has understandably become the prevailing opinion. An opinion that will bring judgement on the enemies of Israel both secular and religious.
Every kingdom or nation that has meddled in Israels right to exist has themselves lost status in the world. This can be seen throughout ancient as well as modern historic accounts. From the time of Abraham, the rise and fall of the kingdoms of this earth in Daniel’s prophecies and on to the participants of the post World War II, Balfour Declaration. Everyone meddling in Israels affairs has paid a heavy price! The best source for developing a nations foreign relations policy regarding Israel is the BIBLE. The lesson to learn is; DON’T MESS WITH GOD’S BELOVED ISRAEL!
Bless or curse Israel at your own risk!
Views: 223