Israel is a subject on which Christians are sharply divided. Many Christians have said that God is finished with Israel. They claim that all the promises to Israel are finished, now that God is working through the church. They see Israel as the cause of many of the problems in the Middle East. In the past, some Christians with these views have actually persecuted the Jews.
Over the last few decades, another group of Christians have really grown to love Israel. They have begun to look for ways to support and bless the Jews. This is good, but many of these Christians have become so supportive of Israel, that they give blind support. Some have been declaring that Israel's judgement has come to an end and that Israel has returned to a place of blessing. A few are saying that Israel has never been under judgement.
Each of these views is only partly correct, but the full truth is far more complicated. For example, the Bible makes the following statement about Israel.
As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs (Rom 11:28).
They are enemies of the gospel, but are loved by God. These two ideas seem to be in contradiction, but both statements are part of God's word. Scriptures about Israel include messages of judgement and mercy, tribulation and blessing. Any teaching on Israel must include all these apparent contradictions. The increasing love and compassion for the Jews among Christians is good, but if it leads to denial of Israel's sins, it is dangerous. On the other hand, to speak of Israel's judgement without giving hope is wrong. Read this parable to first to understand how judgement and mercy, tribulation and blessing can all fit together.
The following articles explain how Israel got to where it is now and where it is going in the future.
You may want to read the good news first, but to understand the blessing you will need to read about the judgment first.
Return to Keywords.
