Last week’s blog explored the historical connection between Manifest Destiny and today’s Christian Nationalism. I mentioned at the end that I would write further concerning Replacement Theology (supersessionism). In a nutshell, this philosophy teaches that the Church replaced Israel as God’s chosen people. We will explore what that means, the result of this thought, and why I believe it is a heretical stance.
If you live in the Western world, you are keenly aware of the rise of antisemitism. In one way, that seems very odd, growing up in a post-World War II world. My grandfather fought in North Africa and Southern Europe behind General Patton. My generation is very aware of the horrors perpetrated against the Jewish people following WWI. Hitler partially blamed the Jews for Germany’s defeat in WWI. Couple that with the punitive blame placed on Germany following WWI, and you have the seed of fascism rise in Germany.
Hitler grew up in a nominal Catholic home. He was baptized in the church, but his family did not actively practice their faith. Perhaps the lack of theological training contributed to many of his misguided ideas and, indeed, his evil motives. Hitler was also a product of his antisemitic culture. Many within the Lutheran Church and other mainline denominations in Germany held to replacement theology. There is evidence that Martin Luther believed and taught this theology, which led to antisemitic accusations being made against him.
The crux of this theology is that the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah and in so doing, sent Him to the cross. While this is true, blaming the Jews for Christ’s crucifixion seems counterproductive at best. Yes, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day rejected Him, but many ordinary people embraced Him. Yes, the Jewish leaders played a significant role in Jesus’ crucifixion, but to blame them is not to view the entirety of Scripture.
Let’s break down a few of these thoughts. First, when Adam sinned, man needed a Savior. In actuality, God knew man would sin before He created Adam and Eve. Revelation 13:8 states, “And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made.” (NLT) God’s redemptive plan existed from the beginning…no, before the beginning.
Second, to be angry and blame the Jews is counterproductive and, frankly, stupid. What would the alternative be? Jesus does not go to the cross. In that scenario, we are all still lost in our sin. I am thankful that Jesus was willing to go to the cross at the hands of the Romans or the Jews. As Paul writes in Colossians 3:1-4, his death is equal to my life.
Third, it is not valid or logical to assume that because God’s hand of blessing is on the Church, it can no longer be on the Jewish people/nation. That seems to limit God. I’m pretty sure He is big enough and powerful enough to bless the Church and preserve the Jews, especially in light of end times theology. The Nation of Israel cannot be separated from the return of Christ. The reestablishment of Israel following World War II and the subsequent migration back to their historical homeland all play into God’s ultimate plan for humanity.
Third, we are instructed to pray for Jerusalem, as seen in Psalm 122. Do I believe the Jewish people are saved simply because they are Jewish? No. They must come to know and accept Jesus as their Messiah and Savior, just as we do. There is a prophetic promise concerning Israel in the book of Romans. It says, “And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say, “The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem, and he will turn Israel away from ungodliness.” (Romans 11:26 NLT)
Finally, and perhaps most clearly, two verses before, Paul writes, “You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong.” (Romans 11:24 NLT) The key word here is “grafted.” This is a horticultural term that is used when one plant species is connected to another and yet continues to grow. That is us. We are grafted into the tree of the Jews. We did not uproot them, nor did we replace them. We joined in the blessing of God that is theirs.
Replacement Theology is, at its core, antisemitic. It leads to the hatred of the Jewish people and, all too often, violent acts against them. Antisemitism has always existed. It was very evident in the 1200s (see the expulsion of Jews under Edward I in England), during the American Civil War, and during the WWI – WWII era, to name a few. It is sinful that crimes and hatred against the Jews came at the hands of “believers.”
In this atmosphere of rising antisemitism, the Church must support the Jewish people. That does not mean we support every policy and action of the Israeli government. Yet, history proves again and again, God will protect people. The Davidic covenant still stands. “Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16 NLT) The eternal King from David’s line is unmovable from His royal throne. Jesus Christ’s reign will remain forever!
For additional reading on Replacement Theology, see the following resources:
Diprose, Ronald. Israel and the Church: The Origins and Effects of Replacement Theology, InterVarsity Press, 2004.
Grenz, Stanley J. Theology for the Community of God, Broadman & Holman, 1994.
Meyers, Jeff. Should Christians Support Israel?, Summit Ministries, 2024.
Many articles may also be found on the internet, both for and against.
Through Time 