Category: Israel

Israel’s Ongoing Rebellion against the Lordship of Christ

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Israel’s ongoing rebellion against the lordship of Christ means that God’s judgment still rests upon it. 

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36 (NKJV)

In fact, modern Judaism, which is largely based on the Talmud, does not resemble the practice and faith of the people of God in the Bible. The following video will most likely shock anyone who is only familiar with a sugar-coated version of modern Judaism.

The Old Testament scriptures pointed toward the coming Messiah, Jesus the Lord, starting with God’s promise in the Garden that one of Eve’s descendants would crush the head of the serpent. (Genesis 3:15) The next great promise was made to Abraham that one of his descendants would be a blessing to the entire earth, not just a relatively small group of people who later became known as Israel. (Genesis 12:3) God’s plan was always to bless the entire earth. (I have written a series about this entitled The Cosmic War.) The next highly significant messianic prophecy came to Moses, who prophesied that God would one day raise up a prophet like him who must be heeded or the consequences would be fatal. (Deuteronomy 18:18-19) The last significant promise that I will mention is the one God made to King David, which guaranteed that one of his descendants would rule on God’s throne forever. (2 Samuel 7:12-13) Jesus’ miraculous birth, prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14), ended the waiting. His advent fulfilled the longing of many generations who lived in the expectation that God would keep the promises he made regarding the coming Messiah King (Isaiah 9:2).

Satan violently opposed our Lord’s coming because he understood it was the beginning of his complete defeat. He inspired King Herod to attempt to murder the baby boy. God foresaw this and ordered Joseph, his father by adoption, to take his family to Egypt for safety. After Herod died, an angel instructed Joseph to return to Israel, fulfilling an ancient prophecy and identifying Jesus as God’s true Israel.

When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. Hosea 11:1 (NASB95)

He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.” Matthew 2:15 (NASB95)

The Holy Spirit inspired Matthew to connect Hosea’s prophecy to Jesus.

This identification of Jesus as Israel is hugely important in deciding if the modern day Jewish nation is the true Israel. 

The first time God called anyone Israel was when he renamed Jacob following his overnight struggle with God’s angel prior to meeting his brother Esau after many years of separation. 

So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:27–28 (NASB95)

Jacob’s struggle with God, which ended in his being defeated by the angel and surrendering to God, resulted in his receiving God’s blessing. Such surrender, however, has not typified the relationship the nation of Israel has had with God. In fact, it has been just the opposite, as Stephen, the first Christian martyr, stated so powerfully just before being stoned to death.

“You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. 52 “Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; 53 you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.” Acts 7:51–53 (NASB95)

This event ended the seven-year period prophesied by Daniel the prophet, about which I have written in my article, “The Prophetic Significance of the Stoning of Stephen.” From this point forward, the gospel went primarily to the Gentiles.

Dispensational theology is a serious error because it undermines essential New Covenant truth.

The New Covenant has nothing to do with nationality or genetics. It is based solely on the new birth, making participation in God’s kingdom available to people from every nation and ethic background. (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11)

The rejection of the Lord Jesus by the Jewish nation, as exemplified by most of its leaders over the years, began in earnest during Jesus’ public ministry, climaxed at the crucifixion, and continued unabated after his resurrection up until the present day. Since the Lord Jesus could no longer be harmed, their hostility against the lordship of the risen Christ was taken out on his followers who were violently persecuted. This attitude continues, as shone in the video above.

Significantly, Saul of Tarsus, a prominent Pharisee who adamantly opposed the gospel and persecuted followers of Christ, was present at Stephen’s death and heard that man ask his Lord to forgive his murderers. (Acts 7:60) A short time afterward, Saul was intercepted by our Lord himself as he traveled on horseback to Damascus to punish disciples of our Lord in that city. Saul understood immediately that the one who appeared to him was and is the Lord, even before he knew his name. Saul, who became Paul the apostle, later recounted what happened to King Agrippa.

“And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 ‘But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; 17 rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:15–18 (NASB95)

When Paul understood it was the risen Jesus who spoke to him, without hesitation he surrendered his entire being to the Lord and became a fearless trumpeter of the gospel message.

Such a turnaround should be present in every person to whom God reveals that Christ is Lord. Those who reject this revelation of the lordship of Christ sentence themselves to eternal damnation.

Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you [the Jews] first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 “For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.’ ” 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. Acts 13:46–48 (NASB95)

The majority of Jews rejected Jesus claims to be the Messiah and Lord. Nothing has changed. That ethnic group of people largely are still hostile to the gospel, as are many others. The reason I point this out is because Dispensationalism causes many people to view Jewish people through rose colored glasses.

God the Father punished the nation of Israel in 70 AD for murdering his Son, just as Jesus said he would.

“But when the vine-growers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ 39 “They took him, and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 “Therefore when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vine-growers?” 41 They said to Him, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end, and will rent out the vineyard to other vine-growers who will pay him the proceeds at the proper seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES’? 43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it. 44 “And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust.” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them. Matthew 21:38–45 (NASB95)

God indeed brought that nation to a wretched end at the hands of the same Roman army that they used to kill their Lord. In addition, he removed the kingdom of God from having anything to do with national Israel. It has been given to another nation, those who are born again, the church of our Lord.

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 1 Peter 2:9–10 (NASB95)

The city of Jerusalem and the temple were both destroyed, thus signifying the official end of God purposes with Israel.  

The sacrificial system ended because Christ’s perfect sacrifice as the Lamb of God eliminated the need for any future animal sacrifices. In fact, to re-institute that system would be an abomination. Jesus fulfilled the purpose of the Law, ending its significance as a means to gain or maintain a right standing with God.

The New Covenant officially abrogated the Old (Hebrews 8:13). Going forward, the New Covenant is God’s only means of reconciling humanity to himself.

There is no other name under heaven beside Jesus whereby anyone can be saved. I have written more in detail about these things in my article, “Are the Jews God’s Chosen People?”

Under the New Covenant, the kingdom of God is made up of those who acknowledge Jesus’ lordship. The only admission into that kingdom is through the new birth. T

Many believe that God’s end time plan is to restore the nation of Israel to worldwide prominence and rule the earth through a redeemed Jewish kingdom. This is a result of believing the teaching of dispensationalism introduced by the proven scoundrel, Cyrus Scofield. 

I have written a series of articles relating to this deception, the first of which may be accessed by clicking here. This doctrine contradicts the New Covenant and syncretistically blends Old with New, something that cannot be done without sacrificing the truth of the gospel.

Jesus’ purpose was to redeem those God chose before the foundation of the world and to reestablish God’s rule upon the earth.

God’s kingdom advances as people acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Everyone who confesses Jesus is Lord becomes a “living stone” in the New Covenant temple which God is constructing out of human beings who provide a habitation for the Holy Spirit.

“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23–24 (NASB95)

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19–22 (NASB95) 

The key confession of all who receive forgiveness, justification, reconciliation, sonship, and become part of God’s kingdom is that Jesus is Lord. (Romans 10:9-10) All those who refuse to acknowledge his lordship are excluded. Those who fight against those who make this confession are antichrist.

It is a sadly peculiar observation that those who are most used or elevated by God often succumb to pride. Satan, who was an anointed cherub and close to God, fell into such arrogance and pride that he was no longer content with his assigned role and tried to usurp God’s throne. (Isaiah 14:12-14) In similar fashion, the nation of Israel, whom God elevated to the glorious privilege of stewarding the inspired words of God and providing the human pedigree for the coming messiah, fell into pride. When the actual Messiah arrived, it could not tolerate another having the preeminence. Out of jealousy and a determination to have the kingdom for itself, it’s leaders, supported by the people, put the Lord of life to death.

In a parable, Jesus summed up Israel’s attitude toward him.

But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ Luke 19:14 (NASB95)

Later in the same parable, Jesus laid out what God’s response would be.

“But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.” Luke 19:27 (NASB95)

Today the Jewish nation of Israel continues its rebellion against Christ’s lordship and  is attempting presumptuously to fulfill its ambition to rule Palestine and the world without  submitting to Jesus the Lord.

They still await a messiah who they believe will assist them to accomplish their ambitions. Whoever this messiah may turn out to be, it will not be our Lord.

The only hope for any Jewish person is to recognize that the true messiah has already come and to proclaim him as Lord.

Therefore, it is wrong for Christians to blindly support the nation of Israel’s misguided efforts whose ultimate purpose is to defeat the West and Christianity. (See the first two videos above.)

We have been duped into believing that support for antichrist Israel, which hates Jesus the Lord, is required by the Bible. This is one of the great deceptions of our time. 

The true Israel of God is the Lord Jesus, and because we are in him through faith, we who believe, have become the Israel of God. Everyone outside of Christ, has no part whatsoever.

Just as John the Baptist willing receded from the picture after he introduced Jesus to a waiting world, the Jewish people, having accomplished the purposes of God, should have acknowledged the Lord’s rule, stepped aside, and welcomed the nations into God’s kingdom. Instead, they continue to try to jealously cling to what no longer belongs to them.

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 (NASB95)

Nothing made the Jews in Jesus’ day more angry than to be told that God’s kingdom now includes Gentiles. They are like the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son who resented the Father’s generous mercy toward the profligate brother. Until we understand that God always planned to reach the entire world, we will not understand Israel’s place in the scheme of things.

He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6 (NASB95)

Not only does God’s kingdom include people from every ethnicity, the land promised under the new covenant is the entire earth, not just Palestine. The New Covenant is superior to the Old in every respect. To continue to believe that God is still working to fulfill land promises to Israel misses the fact that those promises were already fulfilled in David’s and Solomon’s time. 

I do not embrace or encourage any form of antisemitism, but I do not endorse blind support either. 

We will continue to love and pray for the Jewish people and share the gospel with them, just as we would for any people group. However, I believe it is a mistake to label them “God’s chosen people.” Nothing could be further from the truth, except for the remnant who become part of the elect through faith in Christ.

Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL BE LIKE THE SAND OF THE SEA, IT IS THE REMNANT THAT WILL BE SAVED; 28 FOR THE LORD WILL EXECUTE HIS WORD ON THE EARTH, THOROUGHLY AND QUICKLY.” 29 And just as Isaiah foretold, “UNLESS THE LORD OF SABAOTH HAD LEFT TO US A POSTERITY, WE WOULD HAVE BECOME LIKE SODOM, AND WOULD HAVE RESEMBLED GOMORRAH.” Romans 9:27–29 (NASB95)

The only way for Jews or anyone else to be saved is by confessing that Jesus is Lord.

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Are the Jews God’s Chosen People?

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torahToday many in the body of Christ believe that ethnic Jews are God’s “chosen people.” They also may believe that the promises made to Abraham and Israel in the Old Testament still await fulfillment in present day national Israel. Do the Jewish people who are biologically descended from Abraham have special status with God? Does the Bible say that the nation of Israel will be of primary importance in Christ’s governmental rule over the earth? These questions are quite important. The only way we can rightly answer them is if we properly understand the New Covenant. Confusion comes when we view things through the lens of the Old Testament or try to blend the Old Covenant with the New, which is called syncretism. Unless we understand that everything in the Old Covenant pointed to Christ, we will fail to grasp that he is the fulfillment of all of its promises and symbols.

The New Covenant leaves no doubt as to who are God’s chosen people.

God never chose people due to genealogy. From the beginning the Lord made it clear that he chooses some but rejects others purely on the basis of his sovereign will. We can see this truth illustrated in his choice of Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau. This is called the doctrine of election.

Paul summarized this important truth in his letter to the church in Rome.

That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. 9 For this is the word of promise: “AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON.” 10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; 11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, 12 it was said to her, “THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER.” 13 Just as it is written, “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED.” 14 What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.” 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. Romans 9:8–16 (NASB95)

For some reason, many of us detest and refuse to believe in God’s sovereignty because we think that it violates our free will. It is interesting to me that when we are faced with choosing between God’s sovereignty and our free will, many of us insist that the freedom to assert our will requires us to reject God’s sovereignty. We often redefine sovereignty as mere foreknowledge, believing that God’s sovereignty is limited to his knowing ahead of time what our choices will be. That is not sovereignty. That is having good intel. Sovereignty is different from foreknowledge, which is proved by both words being in the same sentence.

...this Man [Jesus], delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. Acts 2:23 (NASB95)

Choosing to assert our freedom over believing God’s Word about sovereignty is a repeat of Adam’s sin.

God’s sovereignty is not limited by our choices. If that were the case, we would be sovereign, not God. But the Bible makes it clear that God is indeed sovereign and we are responsible to him for our choices. If we cannot accept this biblical truth, we will not be able to move forward.

God chooses those who will belong to him, and it is never merely a matter of genetic inheritance.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12–13 (NASB95)

The new birth takes place because God wills it, but we have a responsibility to participate by receiving Christ as the Lord. God’s sovereignty does not cancel human cooperation and responsibility, and our responsibility does not rule out divine sovereignty.

Jesus said:

...“For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.” John 6:65 (NASB95)

This simple truth will likely offend us if we insist that we are the deciding factor when it comes to our own salvation. If we require our will is the deciding factor, it means that Christ actually saved no one, but only made salvation possible. It means that God put in every single person an inherent ability to choose to believe the gospel or not, thus making us responsible to save ourselves, in a sense. This is Armenian theology that does not agree with the Bible. The only thing that comes naturally to unredeemed people is to sin. Faith originates in God.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:8–10 (NASB95)

To deny God’s sovereignty in salvation means that the only difference between me and an unsaved person rests in me, not God.

In other words, we have cause to boast because we were smart or wise enough to choose life, but others were not. But that contradicts the Bible, which says we have no room to boast, since faith is a gift, not an inherent ability.

Jesus taught that we do not make the choice for him. He initiates. We respond by grace alone.

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:44 (NASB95)

The Bible teaches us that all people before responding to the gospel are dead in sin. Dead people are not able to respond to anything; therefore, for any person to respond to the gospel in a positive way requires the Holy Spirit to first enliven us. If Christ’s words are true, and they are, the Holy Spirit does an internal work in each person who is drawn to Christ. Otherwise, we never would be able to respond in faith, since spiritually dead people are not able to do so. 

Therefore, God’s chosen people are those whom God sovereignly elects and draws to Christ and who demonstrate their election by believing the gospel and proclaiming that Jesus is Lord. Anyone who believes the gospel participates in the same faith in God and his promises as did Abraham. 

It was never sufficient simply to be a physical descendant of Abraham. Those who are part of God’s elect, whether Jew or Gentile, also must walk in the same faith as did Abraham.

For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; 15 for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation. 16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 (as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. 18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.” Romans 4:13–18 (NASB95)

Paul described the elect quite clearly in Ephesians.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:3–6 (NASB95)

Nothing could be clearer than this. God chose us before he created the world. Therefore, election, just as Paul wrote in Romans 9:16, is solely dependent on God’s choice which was made before we breathed our first breath or made any choices whatsoever.

We either believe this or we do not. If we do not, we are guilty of elevating our own understanding above God’s Word, which is always destructive and deceptive. If we do believe it, it makes it plain that biological descendants of Abraham are not God’s chosen people – unless they are part of God’s election who demonstrate their calling by putting their faith in Christ. 

The second great truth contained in the passage from Ephesians is that all blessings are found in Christ.

Unless we are in Christ, we are estranged from God’s blessings because that is the only place they exist. Being a genetic Israelite has no blessing attached to it, since every blessing is in Christ.

If we are in Christ, it shows that we are God’s chosen people. Outside of Christ, there is no salvation at all and no blessing.

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NASB95)

If we think of the kingdom of God as being a tree or vine (the vine and branches analogy), the only way to become part of the tree or vine is for us to be “grafted” in.

We become part of the kingdom of God when the Holy Spirit makes us one with Christ at the new birth.

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 (NASB95)

All who have believe the gospel and acknowledge Christ’s lordship, whether we are Jew of Gentile, are grafted into the “vine” or “olive tree,” which symbolize Christ. Paul describes this in Romans 11:16-24.

Before being grafted in, Gentiles likely did not even know there is a tree. We were outside of God’s covenantal promises and probably were totally ignorant of them. Biological Jews who are not grafted in through faith in Christ are said to be “cut off through unbelief.” In other words, Jews had the advantage of knowing the Old Covenant promises, which all pointed to Christ, but still did not believe, which will bring upon them an even stricter judgment.

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. Romans 2:28–29 (NASB95)

It really makes no difference whether we are biologically descended from Abraham or not, unless we are born again we are not part of Christ (the vine or olive tree). In the New Covenant, genetic inheritance does not matter one bit. The only thing that counts is the new birth.

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. 15 It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. Galatians 6:14–15 (NLT)

Once we are grafted in through the new birth, however, Jews and Gentiles have equal status because we are one in Christ. Nothing else matters at all.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:26–29 (NASB95)

This is similar to Jesus’ words to Peter: “Upon this rock I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18) The rock is our faith confession of Jesus’ lordship. There is no other way into the body of Christ other than through faith in Christ and confession of his lordship. (Romans 10:9-10)

Abraham believed God, which was the proof that he was and is part of the elect. God’s chosen ones always will exhibit faith. Those who believe God are called children of promise, which shows they have been grafted into Christ through believing God’s promises, the gospel being chief.

Biological descendants are not automatically included and never have been, only those who believe. 

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. Galatians 5:6 (NASB95)

All those biological children of Abraham over the centuries who had no faith in God and his promises were never part of the chosen people. Genetic inheritance has nothing to do with it, only faith. 

Therefore, when people say that biological Jews are God’s chosen people, whether they believe in Christ or not, it reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the new covenant and is a false statement.

Abraham’s physical descendants had a special calling and responsibility to preserve God’s Word and keep the bloodline pure. The Messiah eventually would be born miraculously, just like every new birth in Christ, from this pedigree. Jesus is “the seed” that God promised would be a blessing to the entire earth (Genesis 12:3). Jesus was also descended from King David in the line of Abraham, of whom it was promised that he would rule on David’s throne forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

If we must talk about any chosen person, it is Christ. All the rest of God’s elect are so    because we are included in him.

Everything in the Old Testament points to Christ. All the types, symbols, and shadows found in the Old Covenant were fulfilled in Christ and then faded into insignificance, since they are no longer needed. (Hebrews 8:13)

Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life? 9 If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! 10 In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. 11 So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! 2 Corinthians 3:8–11 (NLT)

This includes the nation of Israel’s role as a chosen nation. Since the resurrection of our Lord, God is raising up a new nation, those who are born again.

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 1 Peter 2:9–10 (NASB95)

God has established a new temple, one built out of people, the church or body of Christ, which the Bible calls “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). There is no longer any need for a nation of Israel made up of biological descendants of Abraham because God has established his new Israel of God composed of all who believe.

For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Galatians 6:15–16 (NASB95)

Let us not make the serious mistake of trying to hold on to what God has set aside, lest we be guilty of idolatry.

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The Prophetic Significance of the Stoning of Stephen for Israel

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IsraelThe stoning of Stephen had tremendous prophetic significance concerning the nation of Israel. Stephen began his final speech to the Jews by giving a short account of Israel’s history with God. Suddenly, he switched gears to pronounce a scathing judgment upon the Jews.

“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.” Acts 7:51–53 (NKJV)

We must assume that the Holy Spirit prompted him to pronounce this indictment. His death, witnessed by Saul, who later became the apostle Paul, fulfilled the timing found in one of the prophet Daniel’s visions.

Stephen’s wording was exact. He did not use hyperbole when he said the Israelites always resist the Holy Spirit and never kept the Law. Yes, there were significant men and women during her history who walked with God, but the nation as a whole was steeped in idolatry and did not submit to God. We now know that it was impossible for them to do so and still is, apart from being reborn in the Spirit, for no one is able to keep the Law.

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Romans 3:21–24 (NKJV)

The window of opportunity for the entire nation of Israel to repent and confess that Jesus is Lord came to a close when the Jews killed Stephen.

The more complete outworking of that judgment was fulfilled years later when the Roman army sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the temple in 70 AD, thereby ending the sacrificial system forever. 

When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. Hebrews 8:13 (NASB95)
 
Daniel’s Vision

I wrote another article about the partial preterist interpretation of Daniel’s seventy weeks, which you can read, if you like, by clicking on the link above. I believe this interpretation better agrees with scripture and history. You can click here to read more about my position regarding dispensational theology. Below I will summarize a section of my article on Daniel’s vision. 

“Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. 25 “Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. 26 “And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.” Daniel 9:24–27 (NKJV)

A generally accepted convention for interpreting prophecy is making a day into a year. Below is a breakdown of how the partial preterist position interprets the 70 weeks.

  • 7 weeks (49 years) – 457 BC (the decree of Artaxerxes to rebuild Jerusalem) to 408 BC, during which time were the ministries of Ezra (rebuilding the temple) and Nehemiah (rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem).
  • 62 weeks (434 years ) – 408 BC to the baptism of Jesus in AD 27 (The anointing of the Holy One.) He was baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit to carry out the work of the ministry.
  • 1 week (7 years)
    • AD 27 to AD 31: 3.5 years – The time from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry until his crucifixion. He was the the Anointed One who was cut off. The Messiah will be cut off, but not for himself, ending the need for any more animal sacrifices. He, the Messiah, shall confirm a covenant – the New Covenant.
    • 31 AD to 34 AD: 3.5 years from the crucifixion to the stoning of Stephen, after which the door was officially opened to the Gentiles and a door of opportunity shut for the Jews as a nation. Paul was called and commissioned shortly thereafter.
  • 70 AD: the destruction of the Temple by Titus and the Roman army (the people of the prince), effectively ending all animal sacrifices.

The partial preterist view does not put a 2000-year gap between the 69th and 70th week, as does dispensational theology. Therefore, Daniel 9 does not predict what will happen at the very end of time just prior to the Second Coming. If we accept the partial preterist interpretation, it is quite understandable why Daniel was so upset by the vision. God showed him that Israel would reject and murder their Messiah and Jerusalem and the temple destroyed!

Jesus’ Prophetic Warning to Israel

Jesus also foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple (Matthew 24:2, Mark 13:2, Luke 21:6, Luke 21:20, Luke 19:43-44), which signified the end of God’s purpose for Israel.

Israel had the glorious role of stewarding God’s promises and the scriptures as well as providing the human pedigree for the Messiah. However, just as John the Baptist’s role was concluded when he introduced Jesus to the nation, Israel’s role sadly reached its end when it fulfilled the scriptures by crucifying the Messiah! 

In Acts chapter two, on Pentecost, the apostle Peter offered those present in Jerusalem for the great feast an opportunity to repent of this great evil, and 3000 did! Unfortunately, the preponderance of the people and leaders continued to resist the Holy Spirit, just as Stephen said in his last sermon.

Jesus prophesied that all this would happen and that the kingdom of God would be given to another people, one that would embrace him as Lord.

“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it. 44 “And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust.” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them. Matthew 21:43–45 (NASB95)

This new people was later revealed to be the Church, the “one new man” (Ephesians 2:15) composed of elect Jews and Gentiles who are born again by the Holy Spirit, a new nation and people springing forth from the second or last Adam. (1 Corinthians 15:45-49)

God’s Plan All Along

The surprising emergence of the church had been God’s intention all along, contrary to the claims of dispensationalism. The church was not a “plan B,” but was God’s original intent as revealed in several places in Scripture.

...to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Ephesians 3:10–13 (NKJV)

From the beginning of Israel’s history, God revealed that he would eventually destroy that nation for its blatant rebellion and raise up another people who would fulfill his will.

The first example was at Mount Sinai. Moses ascended to mountain to receive the ten commandments. Upon his return, he found that the people had quickly abandoned their devotion to God and made an idol for themselves to worship. Here is God’s pronouncement of judgment.

The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. 10 “Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.” Exodus 32:9–10 (NASB95)

Why did God say this? Did he have a “short fuse” which made him prone to utter rash words in anger? Of course not! God knew that the nation of Israel, like all fallen humans, had zero ability to keep his commandments and remain devoted to him.

In the passage above God prophetically foreshadowed his plan to raise up another prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15) from whom he would bring forth another people capable of serving him wholeheartedly. This new people would be the New Covenant church, who would be indwelled and empowered by God’s own Spirit. (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

Again, when the Israelites rebelled against God in the wilderness on their way to the promised land, God pronounced a judgment that revealed his future plan to raise up the church through Christ.

The LORD said to Moses, “How long will this people spurn Me? And how long will they not believe in Me, despite all the signs which I have performed in their midst? 12 “I will smite them with pestilence and dispossess them, and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they.” Numbers 14:11–12 (NASB95)

When Israel came to edge of the Promised Land the first time, once again they rebelled against God’s command to enter the land and conquer the inhabitants. Only Joshua and Caleb had faith in God’s promises. The rest were sentenced to die in the wilderness over the next forty years of wandering. Only Joshua, Caleb, and the new generation were able to eventually obtain the promises of God.

The principle is simple, the old fallen fleshly order cannot inherit the promises of God. Only those born of the Spirit can enter by faith.

Interestingly, once Israel heard God’s pronouncement of his rejection of their generation, they rebelled once again and decided they would after all enter and conquer the Canaanites. But it was too late. The door had been shut. Their attempt to enter in their own strength did not have God’s support or blessing. It was doomed to failure. (Numbers 14:39-45)

I believe that the nation of Israel today is like that group of rebels. Until the people of Israel submit to Jesus as Lord, they will not succeed. 

When it came time for Moses to die, he again warned the Israelites of what was to come.

Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you. 27 “For I know your rebellion and your stubbornness; behold, while I am still alive with you today, you have been rebellious against the LORD; how much more, then, after my death? Deuteronomy 31:26–27 (NASB95)

Once again, God pointed out that Israel was incapable of pleasing him because that nation was of the flesh, born of Adam, and part of the old fallen order. No flesh can inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50), but only that which is born of God by the Spirit. (John 3:5).

Neither the nation of Israel nor any other human institution or people is capable of pleasing God or inheriting his kingdom outside of the New Covenant transformation caused by the new birth.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB95)

Those whom God so transforms from within are part of God’s elect, the church, the Israel of God. (Galatians 3:7, Galatians 3:29, Galatians 6:16, Romans 2:29, Romans 9:6, Philippians 3:3)

When Joshua was near death, he, too, warned Israel that it was impossible for them to be faithful to God, to which they objected, as we all do before God shows us how hopelessly lost we are without Christ.

Then Joshua said to the people, “You will not be able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgression or your sins. 20 “If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you.” 21 The people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.” 22 Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen for yourselves the LORD, to serve Him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” Joshua 24:19–22 (NASB95)

The Jews who reject Christ will be judged by the Law, as will we all. (John 5:45)

The law’s purpose is to reveal how hopelessly lost we are. It was never a viable means for us to save ourselves through obedience to it. It only showed how badly we need a Savior.

But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:22–29 (NASB95)

It is so difficult for us to admit that we cannot save ourselves, but until we come to the end of thinking we can, we are not ready to receive God’s offer of eternal life through his Son. If we reject the Son, we do not have the Father either. (1 John 2:23) Jesus warned the Jewish leaders that, rather than being children of God, they were offspring of the devil. (John 8:44) Later in Revelation, he calls them the “synagogue of Satan” in two different places.

I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Revelation 2:9 (NASB95) 

Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. Revelation 3:9 (NASB95)

These are not my words, but our Lord’s. He was not antisemitic, and neither am I. Jesus spoke the truth, and I attempt to follow in his steps.

The nation of Israel today claims to be God’s chosen people, but they are not. God has only one chosen people, the elect, who are known by their faith and allegiance to Christ.

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; 7 nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED.” 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants...11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, Romans 9:6–8, 11 (NASB95)

For us to believe that the nation of Israel is God’s chosen people is to misunderstand the New Covenant.

We cannot have it both ways. There are not two tracks for salvation, one that pertains only to Israel after the flesh and another that pertains to all other humans through God’s Spirit. God has only one way to be saved, which is through the new birth by faith in Christ’s resurrection and by declaring allegiance to him. (Romans 10:9-10)

To back Israel now as God’s chosen people is akin to when the northern tribes backed Absalom against God’s chosen king.

Those tribes were deceived into supporting a rebel and pretender to the throne. It did not end well. Many died in a vain rebellion against God’s true king. We dare not fall into that trap today by supporting the nation of Israel as it attempts to regain what God stripped from them in 70 AD. They will not succeed.

God will be glorified in Christ and his church through all eternity, not in the nation of Israel. 

Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:21 (NLT)

Only those descendants of Abraham who acknowledge that Christ is Lord will be included in what is called the Israel of God.

When all the elect Jews and Gentiles are finally born again into the church, the end will come and all Israel (the true Israel of God) will be saved. (Romans 11:26)

The stoning of Stephen was a prophetic marker that closed the door to the nation of Israel. Thereafter, the true born again Israel of God would be assembled from every nation under heaven.

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” Revelation 5:9–10 (NASB95) 
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