(By Brandon Shirkey) Throughout Scripture, it is evident that God loves the Jewish people and the nation of Israel, even referring to them as His children (Jer. 3:19). In fact, the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, the Psalms and Jesus Himself detail the ever-powerfully beating, loving heart of God for His chosen people: the nation of Israel. All children inevitably make mistakes and are then subsequently disciplined. This occurred for the nation of Israel many times. When we, as parents discipline our children, we don’t stop loving them. We don’t banish them from the family, disinherit or disown them.The same can be said about God’s relationship with Israel. When He disciplined them, He never stopped loving them. Never. Yet, there seems to be something amiss stirring in the fabric of the church and the posture of some people towards our Jewish brothers and sisters.
A message circulating through the church today is a mode of thought called replacement theology. Its basic premise is that Christians through the New Covenant of Jesus Christ have replaced the Old Covenant made only with the Jewish people and the nation of Israel as God’s newly chosen people. Jesus distinctly states in John 14:6b that He is “the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Those of us who have placed our faith in Him as our Lord and Savior are therefore blessed and redeemed. 1 Peter 2:9a declares we are, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. ” This distorted belief that we, Christians, now replace the Jewish people and the nation of Israel is as much anti-Semitic as any other anti-Israel propaganda. CONTINUE
One verse from the NEW TESTAMENT clarifies this issue. Galatians 3:29 “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Plain and simple.