Does Israel Still Matter Biblically?

[andrewsaba]

I have recently joined a Christian group and would like to open a respectful discussion—perhaps even a debate—on the nation of Israel from a Christian perspective. The events of October 7 deeply divided global opinion, particularly over whether support should be given to Israel. In response, strong anti-Jewish sentiments surfaced, with some university protests and street demonstrations accusing Israel of genocide under the banner of “Free Palestine.”

From a Christian viewpoint, how should we understand Israel today? Do the Jewish people still have a place in God’s redemptive plan? Are they still, in any sense, God’s chosen people?

I personally believe that God has not abandoned the Jews and that His covenantal purposes for them continue. Scripture states, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3). The early spread of the Gospel was carried out almost entirely by Jews. Jesus Himself was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, and fulfilled Jewish Scripture. The Apostle Paul also teaches that Gentile believers are “grafted in” to the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11), not as replacements but as participants in God’s unfolding plan.

For these reasons, I believe Christians should support the Jewish people, even while acknowledging that not all actions of a modern nation-state are beyond criticism. I am aware that not all Christians share this view, and I would genuinely like to hear differing perspectives—grounded in Scripture—on how Israel should be understood within Christian theology today.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Yesua888]

I have recently joined a Christian group and would like to open a respectful discussion—perhaps even a debate—on the nation of Israel from a Christian perspective. The events of October 7 deeply divided global opinion, particularly over whether support should be given to Israel. In response, strong anti-Jewish sentiments surfaced, with some university protests and street demonstrations accusing Israel of genocide under the banner of “Free Palestine.”

From a Christian viewpoint, how should we understand Israel today? Do the Jewish people still have a place in God’s redemptive plan? Are they still, in any sense, God’s chosen people?

I personally believe that God has not abandoned the Jews and that His covenantal purposes for them continue. Scripture states, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3). The early spread of the Gospel was carried out almost entirely by Jews. Jesus Himself was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, and fulfilled Jewish Scripture. The Apostle Paul also teaches that Gentile believers are “grafted in” to the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11), not as replacements but as participants in God’s unfolding plan.

For these reasons, I believe Christians should support the Jewish people, even while acknowledging that not all actions of a modern nation-state are beyond criticism. I am aware that not all Christians share this view, and I would genuinely like to hear differing perspectives—grounded in Scripture—on how Israel should be understood within Christian theology today.

What are your thoughts?

Hi A, this is another very interesting and important topic ... hope to hear more input on this ... I am pretty "brain dead" as it is past my bedtime : )

 

[andrewsaba]

Indeed, an interesting topic. The Jewish people have endured immense suffering throughout history—from persecution in the early Islamic period, the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and ultimately the horrors of Nazi Germany. Even today, they remain targets of terrorism and intense hostility, particularly when defending their nation. From a biblical perspective, this persistent animosity raises a serious question: if Satan continually seeks to destroy the Jewish people, does it suggest that they play a unique role in God’s redemptive plan and therefore pose a threat to him? What, then, is that role, and how does it fit into the unfolding of the end times? That is the question that deserves careful and biblical reflection. - Andrew

 

[bobinfaith]

Good morning, Andrewsaba;

I also pray for the Jewish people and have friends who hold to their Judaism faith with God alone, and those who have converted from Jews to Jesus as our Lord, Savior and Messiah.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments the Jewish people would face persecution, suffering and scattering, and explicitly those who abandoned their covenant with God, during the then and now times.

Daniel 12:1, “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time; but at that time your people shall be delivered, every one whose name shall be found written in the book.

I personally believe the Word of God and His promises, that His people will not perish from the hand of Satan.

In Romans 11:25-27, 25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27 “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” - ESV

Revelation 21:1-4, 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; 3 and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” - RSV

Other's thoughts?

God bless you, Andrewsaba, and your entire family.

Bob

 

[David]

What are your thoughts?

Does Israel Still Matter Biblically? YES. Biblically, Israel still matters because God’s promises to them have not been revoked. “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew” (Romans 11:2). He promises a future turning to Christ whereby “all Israel shall be saved” when the Deliverer comes and takes away their ungodliness (Romans 11:26-27).

Paul explains that even though they are currently rejected because of their unbelief, “as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:28-29). God does not nullify what He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

But that does not mean they are spiritually safe living in rejection of Christ. God really did set apart Abraham’s physical offspring to be a nation in space and time. That still stands. “You only have I known of all the families of the earth”(Amos 3:2). All the covenants and promises came through that nation’s bloodline. Paul says they are “Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants” (Romans 9:4).

However the Bible makes a distinction clear. Ethnic lineage does not equal salvation. “they are not all Israel, which are of Israel” (Romans 9:6). Throughout their history there have always been a minority who believed and a majority who did not.

Following Christ’s coming, God’s people are defined by Him. “if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed” (Galatians 3:29). For the believer, our true citizenship is in heaven, even while we live faithfully under earthly authority. Without Christ no Jew is saved, and in Christ no Gentile is excluded. Jesus was blunt about it. “if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).

Does that mean the Jewish people are still chosen?

As Abraham’s descendents through whom the Messiah came, absolutely yes they are still chosen historically.

Does that mean they will all go to heaven because they are Jewish? Absolutely not.

Is most of Israel currently in rebellion against God? For the moment, yes. Scripture labels it a temporary spiritual disability. “blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). Many branches were cut off because of their unbelief (Romans 11:20).

However God is not done with Israel! He promises a future day of turning to Christ. “they shall look upon me whom they have pierced” (Zechariah 12: 10), and even states “all Israel shall be saved” when their Deliverer removes their sinfulness (Romans 11:26-27). The verse is not teaching automatic salvation by ethnicity. It teaches a future large-scale repentance and faith in Christ among Israel.

 

[Yesua888]

Indeed, an interesting topic. The Jewish people have endured immense suffering throughout history—from persecution in the early Islamic period, the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and ultimately the horrors of Nazi Germany. Even today, they remain targets of terrorism and intense hostility, particularly when defending their nation. From a biblical perspective, this persistent animosity raises a serious question: if Satan continually seeks to destroy the Jewish people, does it suggest that they play a unique role in God’s redemptive plan and therefore pose a threat to him? What, then, is that role, and how does it fit into the unfolding of the end times? That is the question that deserves careful and biblical reflection. - Andrew

Hi A, my quick response to this is that Jesus told his disciples to go out into the World and preach to the gentiles (us) ... as I see it, we are all His "Jerusalem" (His people). My belief is that the Gvts of today are heavily working on the side of anti-Christ, and that anything "Jerusalem" is a threat!
It will be interesting to hear more views and scripture explained, on this : )

 

[Yesua888]

Thank you Bob, this particular verse is so powerful:

Daniel 12:1, “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time; but at that time your people shall be delivered, every one whose name shall be found written in the book.

I personally believe the Word of God and His promises, that His people will not perish from the hand of Satan. Amen! NB: I have noticed that this word is not used on BTF ... can anyone shed more light on the word "Amen"?

In Romans 11:25-27, 25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27 “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” - ESV
Looked up this verse in BibleRef.com (interesting): "Here's the picture Paul has painted in the previous verses: As a nation and, in large part, as individuals, God's chosen people Israel have refused to believe in Christ as Messiah and the only way to be saved. In fact, God Himself has caused them, the nation and most of her people, to become hardened in this unbelief. Why has God done this? In part, Israel's rejection of Christ created room for the rest of the world (Gentiles) to come to God themselves through faith in Christ. In the previous verse, Paul wrote that when the "fullness" of the Gentiles has come to Christ, God will remove the hardening on the nation and people of Israel.
Revelation 21:1-4, 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; 3 and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” - RSV Lovely!

Other's thoughts?

God bless you, Andrewsaba, and your entire family.

Bob

 

[Yesua888]

Thank you David : )

Does Israel Still Matter Biblically? YES. Biblically, Israel still matters because God’s promises to them have not been revoked. “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew” (Romans 11:2). He promises a future turning to Christ whereby “all Israel shall be saved” when the Deliverer comes and takes away their ungodliness (Romans 11:26-27).

Paul explains that even though they are currently rejected because of their unbelief, “as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:28-29). God does not nullify what He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

But that does not mean they are spiritually safe living in rejection of Christ. God really did set apart Abraham’s physical offspring to be a nation in space and time. That still stands. “You only have I known of all the families of the earth”(Amos 3:2). All the covenants and promises came through that nation’s bloodline. Paul says they are “Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants” (Romans 9:4).

However the Bible makes a distinction clear. Ethnic lineage does not equal salvation. “they are not all Israel, which are of Israel” (Romans 9:6). Throughout their history there have always been a minority who believed and a majority who did not.
Following Christ’s coming, God’s people are defined by Him. “if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed” (Galatians 3:29). For the believer, our true citizenship is in heaven, even while we live faithfully under earthly authority. Without Christ no Jew is saved, and in Christ no Gentile is excluded. Jesus was blunt about it. “if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).

Romans 11:26: Some have read this to mean that every Israelite who has ever lived will be saved in the end. This does not seem to fit with Paul's teaching in Romans that salvation comes only by God's grace through faith in Christ. Clearly, some Jewish people—as is the case in any culture—had thoroughly and totally rejected God. God is not extending salvation to those who actively hated Him, merely based on their ethnicity. (Bibleref.com)

Does that mean the Jewish people are still chosen?

As Abraham’s descendents through whom the Messiah came, absolutely yes they are still chosen historically.

Does that mean they will all go to heaven because they are Jewish? Absolutely not.

Is most of Israel currently in rebellion against God? For the moment, yes. Scripture labels it a temporary spiritual disability. “blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). Many branches were cut off because of their unbelief (Romans 11:20).

However God is not done with Israel! He promises a future day of turning to Christ. “they shall look upon me whom they have pierced” (Zechariah 12: 10), and even states “all Israel shall be saved” when their Deliverer removes their sinfulness (Romans 11:26-27). The verse is not teaching automatic salvation by ethnicity. It teaches a future large-scale repentance and faith in Christ among Israel. there is always Hope : )

 

[andrewsaba]

Bob David and Linda

Thank you for your contributions. I have learned a lot.

I re-examined Dan. 12:1. While "your people" refers to the Jews, Daniel adds a qualifier: “Everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.”

So, yes, I agree, this language widens the scope beyond ethnicity.

The New Testament also clarifies that God’s true people include believing Gentiles:

Romans 9:6 – “Not all who are descended from (ethnic) Israel belong to (the true) Israel”
[Brackets mine.]

Galatians 3:29 – those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s offspring

However, some hold that ethnic Israel, as a distinct people, has been permanently set aside, and that only the Church—made up of Jews and Gentiles in Christ—now stands as God’s sole people in His plan of salvation. The Church is the new or true Israel, and any reference to Israel is to this.

Those who are strongly opposed to the nation of Israel argue from a theological position often called replacement theology, which holds that ethnic Israel permanently forfeited its covenant role through unbelief, and that all biblical promises now belong exclusively to the Church.

From this view, modern Israel is seen as having no continuing place in God’s redemptive plan, with passages like Matthew 21:43 and Hebrews 8:13 emphasised, while texts such as Romans 11 are interpreted symbolically or as already fulfilled.

I do not believe this to be the case. This is what I believe :

• Jewish suffering is a tragedy of human sin, not divine cruelty​
• God has not rejected Israel​
• Israel’s story is unfinished​
• The Church must respond with humility, love, and gospel witness​
• Any theology that fuels hatred of Jews has departed from Christ​

Andrew

 

[Yesua888]

Hi again Andrew,

You are bringing up very important scripture ... and it is so good to be a part of this learning.

I completely relate to the misinterpretations of some, and some of whom are saying that land of Israel (Jacob's name, and referred to as the church), is and will always be protected and belongs to the Jewish Nation, no matter what.

There is so much evidence to clarify this : )

Genesis 35:10 states: "God said to him, 'Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.'" This verse records God renaming Jacob as Israel, signifying his new identity after wrestling with God.

I re-examined Dan. 12:1. While "your people" refers to the Jews, Daniel adds a qualifier: “Everyone whose name shall be found written in the book."

However, some hold that ethnic Israel, as a distinct people, has been permanently set aside, and that only the Church—made up of Jews and Gentiles in Christ—now stands as God’s sole people in His plan of salvation. The Church is the new or true Israel, and any reference to Israel is to this. Agreed : )

Those who are strongly opposed to the nation of Israel argue from a theological position often called replacement theology, which holds that ethnic Israel permanently forfeited its covenant role through unbelief, and that all biblical promises now belong exclusively to the Church. Yes, I have been caught up in this argument, which can get rather headed ... I much prefer how BTF handles the Truth, in a dignified and graceful way, taking straight from Scripture. There is text that can be difficult for some of us to fully understand, and the more we learn, the better we become : )

Regarding Israel referring to Christ’s Church, the Bible does not explicitly state that "Israel" in the Old Testament refers directly to the Church. However, New Testament authors interpret the spiritual descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the true Israel, which includes Gentile believers in Christ.

For example:

• Galatians 3:29 says: "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." This redefines spiritual Israel beyond ethnic lineage.
• Romans 9:6–8 clarifies: "Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children." True descendants are those who are children of the promise, including believers in Christ.
• 1 Peter 2:9 calls believers "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession," echoing the language used for Israel in Exodus.

Thus, while the name Israel originally refers to Jacob, the New Testament redefines spiritual Israel as the Church—those who are united with Christ by faith.

From this view, modern Israel is seen as having no continuing place in God’s redemptive plan, with passages like Matthew 21:43 and Hebrews 8:13 emphasised, while texts such as Romans 11 are interpreted symbolically or as already fulfilled. So the scriptures are revealing, over and over again : )

A bit more ...

Genesis 26:5 states: "because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." This verse highlights that Abraham’s faithfulness and obedience were central to God’s promise of the land. His obedience was not optional but a condition of the covenant.

Later, Deuteronomy 30:15–19 expands on this principle, stating: "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil... in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply..." The passage warns that disobedience leads to perishing and not prolonging your days in the land.

I do not believe this to be the case. This is what I believe :

• Jewish suffering is a tragedy of human sin, not divine cruelty​
• God has not rejected Israel​
• Israel’s story is unfinished​
• The Church must respond with humility, love, and gospel witness​
• Any theology that fuels hatred of Jews has departed from Christ​

Andrew

"Modern Israel" (the land/nation) consists of Christians too (like all countries in the World), and imho God is patient with most (everyone in the World), as He wants more to come to Him.

Thanks again Andrew ... lovely study!

 

[andrewsaba]

Hey Linda...err..who/what is BTF?

 

[Yesua888]

Hey Linda...err..who/what is BTF?

Biblical truth forum . com ... here : )

 

[andrewsaba]

Aha... I am enlightened!

 

[Yesua888]

7
The Bible says:

Israel and Jerusalem rejected the Messiah and YAHWEH worship
The original religion.

They study the Talmud man Laws
Not the Yahweh Laws
Bible 613 total Bible Laws

Deacon, could you please quote the bible verses that you refer to? thanks : )

 

[David]

I do not believe this to be the case. This is what I believe :

• []Jewish suffering is a tragedy of human sin, not divine cruelty[/]
• []God has not rejected Israel[/]
• []Israel’s story is unfinished[/]
• []The Church must respond with humility, love, and gospel witness[/]
• []Any theology that fuels hatred of Jews has departed from Christ[/]

I think you’re making a good point about trying to maintain a balance here. Scripture certainly does teach against both positions. It doesn’t allow us to say ethnicity automatically confers covenant standing, but neither does it allow us to say God is unconcerned for the Jewish people.

Paul seems to affirm both points. He declares, “They are not all Israel, which are of Israel” and explains that the children of promise are counted by faith (Romans 9:6-8). Belonging to God has never depended on ancestry alone. Yet at the same time he rhetorically asks, “Hath God cast away his people?” And answers, “God forbid” (Romans 11:1). He then explains the true dividing line is faith or unbelief, since natural branches “shall be grafted in again, if they abide not still in unbelief” (Romans 11:23).

That puts the dividing line where the NT always puts it, on the removal of sin. “There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him” (Romans 10:12-13). No one is justified by being Jewish, and no one is rejected for being Gentile. Each stands or falls with Christ.

Which I think makes the proper posture toward these issues what you said it is: humility and gospel witness. Paul did not merely formulate political theory in response to this. His response was prayer and evangelism: “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1).

 

[andrewsaba]

Well summarised. Thank you.

 

[David]

Deacon, could you please quote the bible verses that you refer to? thanks : )

FYI, Deacon was removed for false teachings.

 

[Yesua888]

FYI, Deacon was removed for false teachings.

Thank you David, you are still there (I was wondering where you were : ) ... those posts were rather disturbing, to say the least xx