A Biblical Perspective on Israel

One of the most hotly debated topics right now is the nation of Israel. If we do not use discernment, we can allow political agendas or current events to color our understanding of what God says in Holy Scripture. It should be the exact opposite; we must always begin with the Bible. Addressing current questions with Bible answers requires a firm foundation in the Word of God, especially when asking if we should support Israel.

Saying that you love Israel, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and believe God is not finished with the Jewish people differs from stating that you support every decision a government ever makes. Throughout history, there have been many instances when Israel did not do exactly what God commanded. Remember, Ahab and Jezebel were in Israel! That history does not discount God’s eternal purpose for His people.

While there are many scriptures that address this, the defining passage is found in Romans 11. This is significant because it was written after the time of Christ, to the first-century church. It is written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by the very one who is called the apostle of the Gentiles. The gospel has no prejudice; it is “…to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16), and whosoever will may come to Christ. However, Romans 11 makes it very plain: God is not finished with Israel.

The Teachings of Paul in Romans 11

The apostle to the Gentiles is very clear regarding the nation of Israel. Paul writes:

“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.” (Romans 11:1)

His people here is a direct reference to Israel. Paul uses strong language to clarify that God has not cast them away. He continues:

“God hath not cast away his people, which he foreknew…” (Romans 11:2)

In other words, God is not finished with them. It is both inaccurate and theologically incorrect to say that God is finished with Israel and has no more purpose for them.

Israel’s Rejection of the Messiah

Paul elaborates on their stumbling:

“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 fullness.” (Romans 11:11-12)

Israel as a nation has rejected its Messiah and turned away from the truth and light of the Lord Jesus Christ, opening the door for the Gentiles. But Paul asks how much more glory will come when Israel’s eyes are opened, they see the Messiah, and they turn to Christ.

“And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in, for God is able to graff them in again.” (Romans 11:23)

The Mystery of the Church

Much of what is heard today among commentators, prognosticators, podcasters, and social media influencers related to Israel is marked by pride. God calls this being wise in your own conceits, and we must be very wary of that. Paul addresses this mystery directly:

“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.” (Romans 11:25)

This hearkens all the way back to the book of Daniel. We are living in the times of the Gentiles, a period when Gentiles are coming to faith and the church is made up of saved Jews and saved Gentiles. But a moment will come when the fullness of the Gentiles comes in and the last Gentile is converted.

“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.” (Romans 11:26-27)

By quoting from Isaiah 59 and referencing the second coming of the Messiah, Paul reminds us that God is not finished with Israel. When our Lord returns, they will recognize Him, and they will believe on Him, which is a very important part of our theology.

10 Biblical Considerations on the Nation of Israel

With that Bible foundation, we must address the many words currently swirling around us, such as Zionist, anti-Semites, pro-Israel, and Palestine. The bigger question is not what is political, but what is biblical. Here are 10 points to clarify a biblical stance on Israel:

1. God’s Chosen Nation

Israel was the nation chosen by God to pass on the Scriptures, to bring Messiah into the world, and to receive the promises made to Abraham.

2. Spiritual Darkness

Israel rejected Messiah and, as a nation, currently resides in spiritual darkness.

3. The Church and the Remnant

Those in the nation of Israel who will believe on Christ, along with Gentiles of all nations, are made part of the church of the Lord Jesus. Romans chapter 11 shows that God has a remnant, meaning there are Jews being saved now and believers currently in Israel.

4. Israel and the Church are Distinct

It is very important in our interpretation of Scripture to know that Israel was not the church, and the church does not replace Israel. Israel had the responsibility to make God known in the world in the Old Testament and failed to do so. The church in the New Testament has been commissioned with that task during this church age. But at the end of the age, it will again be Israel where God will demonstrate His power and show His glory.

5. Unconditional Promises

Every promise that God made to Abraham and confirmed to David will be fulfilled in His perfect time. God always keeps His word, even when men do not believe. While there are conditional promises, the unconditional promises of God are rooted in God’s character, not man’s. When Christ came the first time, Israel sat in unbelief. When He comes the second time, He will find the same. The difference is that He will reveal Himself to all.

6. The Danger of Conflating Government and Scripture

It is biblically inconsistent to make the current secular government of Israel synonymous with God’s chosen people. We do not defend every position that a secular ruler takes as God-honoring. Throughout history, God often condemned the decisions of rulers in Israel. Bible believers must view Israel through the lens of what is biblical, not what is political. We must beware of viewing Israel in any way that is not through the lens of Scripture, and beware of conflating the state of Israel with the land and the people of Israel, many of whom are still scattered around the world.

7. God’s Judgment

God will judge Israel Himself, but He always judged those who came against Israel more severely. He may use pagan nations, but then He is going to judge those pagans. It is impossible to have a right view of prophecy without a right view of history.

8. The Tribulation Age

The tribulation age is not for the church; it is for Israel. In those seven years, God is going to purge His nation and draw His people back to Himself. God promised their restoration even before their rebellion, showing this is not about what they deserve, but about what God does and His plan.

9. Rooted in Promises

Our love for Israel and our prayers for the Jewish people are rooted in God’s unconditional promises to that nation. The greatest expression of our heart for Israel is seen in gospel endeavors to point Jewish people to Christ and pray for their salvation.

10. To Bless the World

We are to bless Israel and remember that in the end, God will again use Israel to bless the world.

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

If you want a real New Testament perspective on Israel, read Romans 9, 10, and 11. This is the Holy Spirit-inspired word about Israel written by a Jew who was made the apostle of the Gentiles, revealing God’s heart for all people. Also, read Zechariah 8 and remember the prophecies revealed to the prophets.

We must pray for the peace of Jerusalem. What does that mean? It means we are to pray for the return of Christ and pray for them to come to know the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus. By allowing the Bible to be our foundation, this is exactly how we should think about Israel.

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About Scott Pauley

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