08:22 04Apr08 anonymous -
I appreciate your informative article providing an overview and historic
perspective to replacement theology. Regretably, some in the messianic movement
exhibit a subtle trait of superiority in assuming because they have a
torah-observant lifestyle, they have gained more favor with God compared to
those who live otherwise thus replacing Evangelicals. We have lost a sense of
God coming to save the world in each side of the body of Messiah perhaps; each
side seeking the lost for their respective perspective. It plays out in
creating division between those who do the big 3,(observe Shabbat on Saturday,
maintain dietary strictures, and observe the Levitical feasts), and those who
focus on their God-given liberties as a result of being justified by faith
alone. Perhaps replacement of any kind is a defense mechanism to ensure
continued survival and existance which in reality only serves to thwart one's
hopes.
08:55 04Apr08 anonymous -
I have experienced replacement theology in the church for many years on smaller
scales because the truth is not taught in the church. The Jewish roots of
Christianity are minimized and little understood. Christians forget that Jesus
was Jewish. There tends to be a pride factor of the Christian over the Jewish
people. I make these statements as a Messianic Jew for the past 25 years. I
maintain my Jewishness in a replacement theology atmosphere.
09:11 04Apr08 Alan Kirkham -
You don't say who this 'apostolic' leader is, or what church, but I would say
your friend needs to find another church. You cannot submit to a leader who
holds such views.
10:35 04Apr08 anonymous -
The LORD called me 6 years ago to share Yeshua with my Jewish friend and then
later to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I was completely blindsided by this
call; I had no idea why, what, how. I was a member of the Presbyterian Church
USA - a lukewarm Laodicean like many others. Since then, I have been educated
by numerous Messianic Jews who I believe are bringing truth back into the
Ekklesia. Not only is Israel being restored but the Ekklesia right alongside of
her. Just as Jews brought truth into the world the first time, so they still
continue to fulfill their mission to be a light to the nations. Gentiles
planted their own tree about 1700 years ago but in this day, we are seeing the
spirit of Elijah grafting the wild branches back into the Jewish root again. I
am reading the book by Daniel Gruber "Copernicus and the Jews". Just as in the
day of Copernicus, many folks refused to give up their belief in a faulty
system of the planets revolving around the Earth, so today many cling to a
false unbiblical worldview where the "church" is the fulfillment of G-d's plan.
The Ekklesia (the assembly of called out ones both Jew and Gentile) is supposed
to be G-d's instrument in bringing about G-d's plans and purposes for the
salvation of the world. Instead in thinking the "church" is the fulfillment,
the church is thwarting G-d's purposes. G-d's plan is to bring Jew and Gentile
together, and the church has historically worked toward the opposite end. If
there are those who are intimidated by the biblical Jewish lifestyle, study
Torah (the very Words of God) and then determine what lifestyle we gentiles are
called to lead. Are we goats who have a mind of our own or sheep who want to
follow the shepherd? What did Ruth do? What did the aliens living among the
Israelites do? What did G-d command them to do? May G-d bless you all, and may
the religious leadership in Israel soon say "Baruch Haba B'Shem Adonai!"
10:42 04Apr08 Evangeline Sasaguchi -
I continually pray for the salvation of the Jewish people.
10:42 04Apr08 Bob Colver -
Daniel, you have upated the problem well, concerning the facts presented in
Dispensational theology which exhalts the rapture and places the coming
triumphal restoration of the Messianic Movement in Israel to a "post
tribulation event". Acts 3:21 destroys Dispensationalism, but they are to
blind to "see" the evidence. G-d is too jealous for Israel and the Jewish
people, not to allow "life from the dead" to mean what it says. The book of
Romans and the hundreds of verses in the Old Testament scream out for
vindication of the Salvation of Israel in this generation, so eloquently spoken
by Asher Intrater at the "Starting The Year Off Right" conference at Glory of
Zion Ministries on Jan. 3rd 2008. The word the Lord just spoke to me; "A
better word for Replacement is Misplacement Theology". Daniel, you made me a
believer at the Atlanta Kingdom of God Congress in 1990, and many thanks.
10:47 04Apr08 Dr. Richard Lawson -
I think part of the problem regarding an understanding of the place of Israel
vis-a-vis the Church lays in the fading acceptance of dispensational theology.
As you stated, the restoration of Israel is a teaching one can trace throughout
Church history. However, currently many see this as a teaching unique to
dispensationalism. This is unfortunate as dispensationalism is a rather new
system, dating from the 1840's while the uniqueness of Israel predates our
Lord's nativity. The Church would be well served with a clear "uniqueness of
Israel" statement separated from dispensationalism.
My first post-seminary ministry was as an assistant pastor for a converted
Jewish pastor. I remember his comments regarding this issue. Why would
Christians want to claim as exclusively their own the promises given to Israel?
The promises to the Church are far more glorious than anything given to Israel.
11:25 04Apr08 anonymous -
Romans 11 is so clear, it begs the question "How can believing Gentiles who
have the Holy Spirit embrace replacement theology?" Replacement theology is a
deception that the enemy needs to have in place. Many believers are deceived,
and they have not understood the MYSTERY that Paul explains in Rom. 11:25. In
fact, Paul expresses concern that we are ignorant of the mystery, and if we are
ignorant, it will result in conceit. "Israel has experienced a hardening in
part - UNTIL THE FULL NUMBER OF GENTILES HAS COME IN." Upon return from my
second trip to Israel last year, I have been telling people: "if you know any
Gentiles who are not saved, you better pray and witness to them NOW." I could
see that the veil is being removed from the eyes of Jewish people, and when the
full number of Gentiles has come in, Paul says: "And so ALL ISRAEL WILL BE
SAVED..." quoting from Isaiah - an OLD TESTAMENT prophecy, as we Gentiles call
it.
Hello!?! To embrace replacement theology is to reject explicit scriptural
explanation of how God worked to bring in the Gentiles at all! When He's done
with us, He will save ALL the Jews. In the meantime, it is astonishing to see
God at work bringing His people in His nation to salvation and faith in Yeshua.
You are forerunners in His redemptive work before the second coming of Yeshua!
Blessings on you and your ministry!
11:30 04Apr08 Eliza from Central New York -
God bless Dan Juster and all who take his uncompromising stand on the truth.
Our local Messianic Jewish congregation faces incredible apathy from the
churches and more than a little resentment from some of them because of this
poisonous heresy. Thank God for the individual non-Jewish followers of Yeshua
who stand with us and support us, overjoyed to find the Jewish roots of their
faith.
11:47 04Apr08 Andre Tavares -
R. Juster, did your article hint that replacement positions are related to
Israel's condition in History? When Jews were broken, as in the second century
EC, the Church rejected them because of Israel's dishonour; when the efforts to
evangelise Jews failed throughout Middle Ages, even by force, they were
reckoned as pariah and "godforsaken". Not at all, but between XVII and XIX
centuries Jewish condition and role in Western culture were growing (mainly in
England, Netherlands, Germany and Denmark) - I am thinking what this has to do
with positive Puritan views of Jewish people - even earlier in XVII century. At
the end of XIX century, with anti-Semitic feelings increasing, the success of
"apostate" Jews had to be explained: how can they prosper without Jesus? I
guess dispensationalism gave an theological "answer".
The Holocaust changed things because it was perpetrated by the Christian World
(not Ancient Rome), so it was necessary to recognize the guilt and reaffirm
Israel's position as G-d's people and elected one, like a excuse I say. Also
the modern Israel State showed Jewish "actuality" and importance - and made
sense in the Dispensational scheme.
However, when Israel's enemies arose and started a ideological and information
guerrilla war accusing Israel, the "left wing" Church fell back before
political correctness pressure, and denied or diminished her relations and
support for Israel. The "right wing" Church, once more, chose replacement
theology by Dispensationalism as a palliative: we believe in Israel's election
to a earthly role as G-d's mundane agent; Israel will survive by G-d's
providence and Church can't and/or must not (or little) concern in this issue
but to concentrate in saving souls and preaching the Gospel.
In this context it is curious that the Vatican has recently supported Israel
politically - maybe because the Pope knows that the enemies of Israel are
enemies of the Church too.
I think Dispensationalism is a sophism and a distortion of Brit Hadash's
teachings, as you said. I read your article in a '89 MISHKAN issue about
positive aspects of Dispensationalism (as its positive view and place to
Israel), and although you criticize it, it is not clear to me if you perceive
some value in it ... (and I really learn and respect your position), because I
suppose it is a "false positive". Finally, is it an anachronism to recover
Puritan view and teachings to our days without risk of another sophism?
11:57 04Apr08 Amy Hocking -
Romans 11
12:05 04Apr08 Jennifer Smee -
I have often thought that the story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan has a
great "picture" of Jewish-Gentile relationship as overseen by the "teacher"
(Annie/ Holy Spirit figure). When Annie wants to teach Helen to sign in order
to open a world of communication up to her, she has to take her away from her
familiar enviornment. Helen is upset and doesn't want to learn from Annie.
She doesn't know what it all means anyway. Annie decides to get Percy (a young
household slave-boy) and a piece of cake. She teaches Percy the sign for cake
and then feeds him cake. Helen can smell the cake and is jealous of Percy
receiving the attention and sweets from Annie. To further tempt Helen, Annie
seemingly pushes her away when Helen attempts to participate while she is busy
with Percy. Of course this serves to make Helen "demand" to be taught the sign
and have the cake that goes with it. It is cause for delight to the "teacher"
that her student has finally expressed a desire to learn to communicate. Just a
wonderful picture of the "jealousy" we Gentiles were meant to portray. It is a
priviledge to be grafted into your beautiful tree. I do not know if my few
words convey the richness of the scene. I could not tell you how deeply it has
moved me. I recommend watching it for yourself( there are at least two great
film versions) if you have not. You will be blessed.
12:14 04Apr08 anonymous -
I am an evangelical Christian and a Zionist. I have a strong love for the
Jewish people. Our Lord has placed me in many positions to gently witness to
these wonderful people. My question: I am so confused - Are ALL Jews saved both
(Old and New testament) because they are the chosen ones OR will only a
remanant be saved at The End Times?
Recently, a Christian friend declared we don't have to witness to the Jews
because they are all saved in the end anyway because they are the chosen ones.
I've always believed that unless you have faith and believe that Jesus is the
Messiah, Yesuha, God's son; you will not have eternal life.
I asked my Messianic Jewish friends and I really didn't get a clear answer. I
take this VERY seriously. Can you PLEASE clarify this for me. I would so
appreciate this. I so want my Jewish friends to be with me in Paradise.
-- Dr Juster replies:
I did a long paper on this topic for a conference some weeks ago. It is
available on a UMJC-Kesher Web site, I think. Basically, I argue that
the Abrahamic Covenant provides access for Jews but not automatic
salvation. Furthermore, the condition of our people and the teaching of
Scripture is such that we should not be optimistic about the salvation of
anyone without an explicit response to the Gospel and bringing forth good
fruit. However, at the end of this age, the Jewish people living, will
as a whole nation, embrace Yeshua. That is the massive consensus of
exegetes.
12:17 04Apr08 Roger Staley -
Two years ago I found out that a close friend of mine, who prior to my
salvation had witnessed to me, believes in Replacement Theology. Since then I
have really struggled in my relationship with him. He now refused to discuss
Scripture, taking as he says "the high road", as he does not want to get into
Scriptural arguments with me. He has found that he can not justify his beliefs
using Scripture alone so he avoids any detailed joint study of the texts. I
think of Matt 5:19 and apply it to him. The text is referring to the breaking
of the Torah and teaching others to do so, it says they will be called least in
the Kingdom. He is a believer, yet in error, and I don't see God disqualifying
him from the Kingdom.
-- Dr Juster replies:
That is right. This is a "least in the Kingdom" issue for one in the
Kingdom. However, it is sad that there is such closed mindedness that he
will not just read the numerous texts in context with you. Then what
does the text say?
13:00 04Apr08 Todd -
I didn't realize that there was growing movement with this theology. It just
doesn't make any sense that a believer could read his bible and arrive to that
conclusion. Believers need to be reading their bibles and not rely on someone
else to teach them about the Word of God. In John 14:26 Yeshua said "But the
Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach
you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you". I am not
saying that we don't need teachers but we need to search the Scriptures to test
everything that is taught to us and ask our Helper from our Father to lead us.
I know so many believers today that say they are too busy to read or to spend
time with the Lord each day. It saddens me because I think a lot of people will
stand before the Lord and say "but I did all these things in Your name", but
the Lord will say "Depart from me for I never new you". We as His bride need to
be praying for Israel more than ever. I wish people knew that it is all about
LOVE, this is the most important thing to remember. All through scripture God
screams that He wants us to choose Him (Love Him with all our hearts and to
love His children as we love ourselves).
14:40 04Apr08 Bill Bledsoe -
Question re: Replacement Theology. In Psalm 80, God refers to Israel as the
Vine. But in Jeremiah 2, God says that Israel has become a wild (alien -
Amplified version) to Him. Then in John 15 Jesus calls Himself the TRUE Vine.
Would not this mean that ethnic Israel MUST accept Yeshua as their Messiah and
KING since it seems Yeshua says that HE is True Israel ?
-- Dr Juster replies:
I can only say that it is not helpful to over push metaphors to literal
meaning. Yes, Israel needs Yeshua and needs to abide in the Vine, but at
the same time Israel remains chosen as a nation though not in Yeshua
explicitly according to Romans 11:28,29.
15:10 04Apr08 Charles Reece -
Unfortunately, Dr. Juster, for the past 2,000 years, we Gentile Christians have
been fooled with the false propaganda that God has "done away with" the
Israelite people as a "chosen race" and that "jewishness" has no "place" in the
Body of Messiah. Since God's original Hebraic "version" of Christianity has
long been stripped of its "Jewish roots", and has been infiltrated with
paganism, and pervaded with the alien Greek ideas of Western Civilization's
Hellenism, it is no wonder that Gentile Christians continue to err - in spite
of Romans 9, 10, & 11 - in thinking that God has "forgotten" about Israel; with
the tragic consequence of the Gentile believers continuing in dividing
themselves according to "denominations", and thus cannot come together in true
unity of the Faith; since Gentile believers continue to MISTAKENLY read the New
Testament through Western/Ancient Greek "eyes" - INSTEAD OF correctly reading
the Scriptures from the original ancient Middle Eastern/Hebraic point of view.
Even when Gentile Christians are asked to explain to "unbelievers" the reasons
for denominational divisions within the Body of Christ, they have no idea that
the false anti-Semitic doctrines of Replacement Theology [i.e., the Church
"supersedes" Israel] and Anti-Nomianism are the two leading causes for the
Gentile Church, during the Protestant Reformation, having divided itself into a
multitude of isolated sects, independent congregations, and separate
ecclesiastical bodies - all because these European "believers", down through
the centuries, DID NOT learn the New Testament from the original ancient
"Hebraic" point of view; but instead, were reading the Gospels and the Epistles
from their own Western frame of reference; and thereby causing themselves all
kinds of problems in trying to understand and interpret a "Holy Writ" whose
linguistic, historical, and cultural background was deliberately suited by God
- for a people, such as His "own", who happened to be Middle Eastern, in
general; and Israelite, in particular. Since the Lord Himself had ordained the
Children of Abraham - being Middle Eastern and Hebrew - to be the primary
bearers of the "Oracles of God", then it should be no surprise that our
Creator, "Yahweh Elohim", would have His oral and written instructions for
Mankind, to come primarily out of this SAME region of the Middle East - i.e.,
"Palestine"; where, through the Lord's will, Abraham's descendants - unto this
day - have always resided for nearly four thousand years.
-- Dr Juster replies:
I do think there are signficant Jewish Roots in the churches, but often
veiled. This includes some holidays, Temple rooted furniture and liturgy
with the Psalms and more, but there is much that causes this veiling.
19:19 04Apr08 anonynous -
Dear Church of the Living God, please read Romans 9-11 with an open heart. God
showed me truth as I had never seen it before. I had been taught from my youth
that the Church had taken the place of God's people Israel. As I made a study
on Isreal in relationship with God throughout the Old Testament, and His Son
Jesus Christ (Yeshua) in the New Testament, my heart was opened to truth, I
could feel the depth of God's Love for His people Israel. It won't be long and
their eyes will be open with Yeshua's coming, that excites me!
19:34 04Apr08 anonymous -
My whole family (except a sister and I) have Jewish roots and a long history of
Christian workers and missionaries. But ... they believe in the 13th tribe
which I know is a branch of replacement theology. Fortunately for me, I seem to
have missed this family trait, but no insufficient about it to discuss with
them. Are you able to clarify it for me?
-- Dr Juster replies:
Some years ago John Powledge did his masters thesis on this when he was a
student with Messiah Biblical Institute. The 13th tribe refers to the
conversion of the Kazars. John Powledge is today a Colonel Chaplain with
the US Army in Iraq. Generally, he argued that the demographic evidence
simply does not support the idea that Jews are mostly 13th tribe people.
00:59 05Apr08 Mary Bryant -
In the 1980's, I heard replacement theology and rejected it after a time, even
though I heard it from an anointed teacher. Reading in the Word about the
promises of God's everlasting covenant with Israel led me to believe that
replacement theology was error. I trust that many will listen to the Holy
Spirit as the Church revives. Your teaching is a blessing to the Body of
Christ. Thank you for communicating the truth. Blessings in the name of
Yeshua.
06:39 05Apr08 Apostle Amani Tshimenga -
He who believes the replacement theology is blind in his mind. God Himself is
comparing his covenant with Israel with the laws governing the motion of Sun,
Moon and celestial bodies. The covenant will last as long as these celestial
bodies motion last. The trouble of all this, is that most teachers are not
established by our Lord for his ministry. They claim themselves to be
ministries as only by men's will and not with the agreement. There are some
evidence occuring after centuries of time and these are proof evidence of
lasting relationship between God and Israel. The re-gathering of Israel to his
land is one of these proofs. I am sorry I cannot present my arguments in a
correct english because I speak merely french. I believe Holy Ghost make you
understand what I want to mean.
Apostle Amani, DR Congo
10:54 05Apr08 a sister in Christ -
My sister sent this article to me and has given me a couple of your books. I
have homeschooled my 4 children since 1994 and I have worked very hard to pick
and choose the materials they study from simply because much of reformed or
Calvinist teaching does have this replacement theology in it and I did not want
my children to be taught these lies.
In reading through the scriptures together there are so many promises and
covenants that God made to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that
are so clearly made and understood. God would have to be thought a liar in
order for this "replacement" theology to be true and since HE is not a liar nor
ever could be, the replacement theology clearly shows itself to be what it is:
complete and total error diametrically opposed to the Word of God. It is false
doctrine.
I do love my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who believe this false
doctrine and they have done much good in bringing others to Christ but I grieve
at the way they mislead so many to believe that God's promises to Israel, to
the people and with regard to the land, are not relevant for our day and age.
I pray that they will repent of this false doctrine and as they read and listen
to the news and realize that truly "Jerusalem is a cup of trembling" for all
nations of the world today. I pray the error of this belief will flee from
their hearts and minds. Thank you for speaking the truth.
Dave Hunt of the Berean Call is doing a wonderful work in trying to show this
doctrine for what it truly is. I am grateful for what he has taught me and
others using the scripture to show this doctrine as being false.
11:10 05Apr08 Daniel Lang -
The gospel preached to Abraham is "in thy Seed all the nations of the earth
shall be blessed." And the Deed is one and the Seed is Hamashiach: Yeshua of
Nazareth is ha Mashiach. This interpretation is true and sure. God loves all
men without partiality, of Yudah and of the nations (Gentiles). For the purpose
of God to be accomplished Israel had to be blinded. Through their unbelief
faith went to the nations. But God has not forsaken His people. For though they
were partially blinded through the time of the Gentiles, now in this last time,
"all Yisrael shall be saved." And thus the gospel preached to Abrham be
completed, "in thy Seed ALL THE NATIONS SHALL BE BLESSED" equally without
partiality. Whether you be the natural olive branch or the wild olive branch,
boast not in yourself, O man. For only one is worthy of all praise, it is the
Lamb of God, Yeshua.
15:05 05Apr08 anonymous -
Thank you for continuing to inform. We must all realize that God is not and
will not be finished with the Jews until the His glorious Second Coming. As
believers, we must rejoice in the return of the remnant of Israel--it means our
Lord is close at hand!!
21:11 05Apr08 Ken MacNeil -
Very thorough! Although replacement theology has occasionally reared its ugly
head for me, I have encountered more Christians asserting the passing of Torah.
The so called "Grace" that has supposedly replaced Torah, has been suported by
misinterpreting the book of Galatians. If you find the time and inclination I
would love to see your explanation to this. Toda.
-- Dr Juster replies:
This false theology is always a concern. It is addressed in my book
Jewish Roots but we may be able to schedule an article on this in the
future.
10:32 06Apr08 John R. Peacher -
The Creator of all things both seen and unseen is aware of the false teachings
and attitudes of major Christian denominations. In His time He will cast them
aside. A simple word from His throne and all false teachings will come to
nought. This is a time of decision for the people of planet earth. Hearts are
being revealed and exposed for what they believe and desire. Is His desire
being fulfilled or do we have agendas of our own? One man anointed of God
parted the Sea! One man anointed of God called fire from heaven! In the near
future two Witnesses from the heavens will do likewise and bring to nought all
of the plans of man that are opposite of God's plans. It is time to awaken and
rend the heavens that His Kingdom of righteousness and truth expose the lies of
the enemy over the centuries. A new day approaches. The glory of the LORD WILL
cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.
21:32 06Apr08 anonymous -
I appreciate this because the facts are true and biblical; the underlying
assumption, however, worries me a little ... not too much, just a little :). I
guess I get a little curious and skeptical whenever I see a lot of negative
focus and teachings coming out at the same time the Lord is energizing a
movement or revelation/revival with a powerful and positive message such as the
Church stepping into a fulfillment of scripture. I'm sensitive to it because I
feel that the heart of prophetic discussions about the Church fulfilling
prophecies in scripture that in the text refer to Israel is inclusive of all
who are saved in the end times, including Israel. The Lord is really revealing
some awesome powerful stuff in parallel to what Israel went through and will
come into - such as crossing the Jordan and what that means for the church
coming into promises God has for her and leaving Egypt and how that applies to
the church today overcoming a lot of slavery and bondage to major sin and
ultimately stepping into a place of victory and purification - as the Lord is
coming for his pure and spotless bride, etc.
It seems, occasionally, the heart of all this teaching and attention to
replacement theology stems from more of a critical, hurt and bitter place. And
if not that, certainly reactionary. We definitely need watchman on the walls
to call people's attention to clear error being taught. However, I feel that
the attention being given to replacement theology error in the Messianic
movement towards all non-Messianic believers is often misplaced because the
majority of charismatic and evangelical believers know that all God's promises
about Israel still apply to Israel (This is True - it really is). I think that
the Messianic movement is partially a little hurt by watchman who have called
attention to the error of going back to a circumcision of the flesh (required
sacraments, diets, etc.) when the true circumcision and religion is of the
heart and solely based on our relationship and friendship with Yeshua alone. I
believe a majority of Messianic believers know this but have become hurt by a
lack of understanding from the other side. So now we have a reaction to the
other side when it comes to those who Truly Love and Stand with Israel and the
rest of the Christians. I think it comes in the form of an assault on what is
perceived as a slight to Israel and the promises due her. Most true lovers of
God, Christians, regardless of their denomination, love Israel and believe all
that is prophesied about her will come true. Some really need to hear this
message. For many, it's really not an issue that needs pressing because we are
already with you.
-- Dr Juster replies:
For one think as I noted, but could not expand in the article, many
promises have additional application to Christians because they are also
the children of Abraham in Messiah. I call this addition theology and it
gives place to all the dimensions you share. However, replacement is
still an enormous problem and in a moment I will share why. However, do
note that salvation and being centered in Messiah does not require
physical circumcision at all, but being part of the ethnic-national
destiny of Israel still requires it. It is foundational in the Abraham
covenant that establishes the identity of the people. As for replacement
theology there is a massive problem in these regards.
- Among Arab Christians and other Christians in Muslim countries
there is great embrace of replacement theology. This may be so as
to avoid persecution and what we call the Stockholm syndrome
identifying with the persecutors view point.
- Secondly, though many church bodies have affirmed that the Jewish
people are still elect, the idea that the land is promised to them
is spiritualized so the Jews are not replaced but the land
promises are. This is a pervasive problem of partial replacement
seen in a recent statement of Evangelical leaders calling for
Palestinian justice.
- In the Charismatic world, due to the influence of the North West
US and such writers as Kevin Conner and Dick Iverson, there is
still a sad emphasis on replacement.
I do not see things as positively as you, but thank God for the massive
numbers that are with us on this.
10:54 07Apr08 Herb Nye -
There seems to be a confusion and perhaps it is my own. As I read scripture,
the church has existed since at least Moses' time. The Church is "the
assembly", of which the Jews have always been a part. The distinction I read
in scripture is between Jews and Gentiles. The church cannot replace the Jews.
The New Testament apostles never made a distinction regarding the church and it
being Jewish or Gentile. Both Jews and Gentiles were described as being a part
of the church. Even by New Testament account, assuming the assembly of Moses'
day being a different group, the church pre-dates any gentiles being added to
it (Acts 2:47). As I read it, Gentiles have simply (but wonderfully) been
given fully access to the assembly. I oppose replacement (or fulfillment
theology) but let's use biblical language the way it was used in scripture. It
is the replacement theologians who believe the church is a gentile thing. Not
scripture or us.
14:47 07Apr08 Susan Foster -
The word "church" is not in the Messianic Scriptures (NT). The English word
church is translated from the Greek work Ekklesia. The word ekklesia is all the
way through the Septuagint, which is the Hebrew scriptures translated into
Greek. The translators of the NT should have translated this word to be
congregation, assembly, or meeting just as done by the translators of the
Septuagint. Taking into account that the word "church" first entered English
translations in the 16th century, it is not surprising that a new word would
have been used since the church had been anti-Judiac for about 1200 years.
There is no church in the Bible! So the Jews have never been members of the
church. They are the People of God in the Hebrew scriptures.
Someone wrote that most Christians support promises to Israel. I don't know
where she lives, but I personally do not know any Christians in mainline
denominations who support Israel or even have a clue what is now going on in
Israel. They do not care or know anything about Church History. I believe, as
Dr. Juster states, that replacement theology is very, very serious error! I
believe that mainline demoninations (NCC and WCC members) are the congregations
of the Adversary spoken of by Yeshua to the church in Philadelphia in Rev. 3:8
- Those who claim to be Jews but who are not. I am a docent at the Virginia
Holocaust Museum. Most people know nothing about the history of the Church.
They have no idea about how the anti-Semitic ravings of Martin Luther were
exactly to the detail carried out by the Nazis on Kristallnacht November 10,
1938, Luther's birthday. The Holocaust was allowed to happen in Christian
Europe becuase of the centuries-old teaching of "Contempt of the Jews". This is
all due to replacement theology and amillenialism (they go hand in hand).
My teenagers attend a Christian school where, in a daily Bible course, OT
promises to Israel are regularly stolen by the "church". Teachers never mention
national and current-day Israel. Why? I have to set my kids straight at home.
And, no, I am not a member of any "church". I am aligned with the Messianic
community because I am grafted in, as the scriptures teach.
23:12 07Apr08 Vivian Kovene -
Amen brother!!! The Lord's word is truth and all men be found liars. (That may
be miss quoted but it's close) But He will reveal His truth to those who seek
Him and wake the eyes of their hearts when it is Him they seek. He can only
heal the vision of the blind when pride isn't in the spit and the mud. He is
love, His word is from Gen1:1 to Rev. last period and people should believe all
of His thoughts not just the ones their pride accepts.
10:09 08Apr08 Herb Nye -
I truly am sorry Susan (Foster), my intention was not to upset you. You may
come across people like me who do not associate themselves with the theologies
that may be responsible for exchanging the word assembly with the word church.
I suppose the great number of translations we use today create the possibility
for confusion. When I was using the word church I was using it as the English
translation for "ekklesia" as most of the translations I read do. I was most
specifically referring to Dan Juster's statement, "It robs the Church of its
glorious role in making Israel jealous." found in his last paragraph of this
article. It is not the church (or ekklesia) that brings the Jewish people to a
place of jealousy, but the gentiles (or the nations). Romans 11:11 And, as I
mentioned, Acts 2:47 makes it clear that the Jews who were followers of Jesus
and a part of the "ekklesia" long before any gentiles. In fact, I don't
believe the Jewish followers of Jesus thought they were joining anything, but
rather, they were walking in the fulfillment of promise. Romans 11 is
referring to a national status of being broken off, and yet God reserved an
elect remnant. (Paul was one of many) And you also are among that elect
remnant for which I am glad. And one day soon God shall graft in His people
once again.
I am truly sorry you live in community where replacement theology is prevalent.
I want you to know that I come from a city in Ontario, Canada where the Jewish
community is largely pleased with the relationship they have with followers of
Jesus and have publicly honoured those followers for their care for the Jewish
community. Most of the evangelical churches reject replacement theology here.
13:06 08Apr07 David Adeola -
Thank you so much for this article which will be a great resource for me to use
in further teachings to highly placed and influential ministers who are sadly
still embracing replacement theology. May the Lord remove the blindness from
their eyes in Yeshua's name. Amen
13:30 08Apr08 anonymous -
This is an excellent article. Not only does replacement theology need
replacing! With the truth! The church as a whole in the U.S. is receiving a
major overhall in many areas! One recently is being discussed is the walls of
prejudice being torn down between ethnic groups, for the church to arise as ONE
NEW MAN! This is a great challenge to Americans and the Lord is definitely
shaking all that can be shaken at this hour!
10:37 24Apr08 Jack -
Whenever I hear somebody say to me something about replacement theology, then I
always ask them in this order the following questions: "Does God change or is
He the same yesterday, today and tomorrow?" The answer from Bible believers is
invariably "Always the same." Then I ask: "Was there a Christian church in the
Old Testament?" Answer is usually: "No!" "Is the Book of Jeremiah in the Old
or New Testament?" Those who know anything about the Bible say: "Old!" "Then
what is Jeremiah 31:35 - 37 trying to say?"
Jer 31:35-37 Thus saith Jehovah, who giveth the sun for a light by day, and the
ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirreth up
the sea, so that the waves thereof roar; Jehovah of hosts is his name: If these
ordinances depart from before me, saith Jehovah, then the seed of Israel also
shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. Thus saith Jehovah: If
heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out
beneath, then will I also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they
have done, saith Jehovah.
01:14 26Apr08 Joseph Johnson, MA, MDiv -
Just a side note, before this gets out of hand, the term "church" is the
Anglicized form of the Scottish "Kirk," from the German "Kirche", from the
Greek "Kuriakos" (also found in the Septuagint). It simply means "that which
belongs to the Lord." Hence, the church (read Heb. "adah" or "kehilah") has
been since Adam, with various covenantal administrations. It is this people /
congregation that is called or identified as "Israel" in the TaNaKh.
The Bible distinguishes between elect Israelites and those that are not (see
Rom. 9.16), that is, the children of the promise and those like Esau, are
children of the flesh. Since the promise is Yeshua Himself, those (as Rav
Sha'ul says in Galations 3) with the faith of Father Abraham--whether Jewish or
not--are the sons and daughters of Abraham, for if we have been baptized (en
tou christou) "into Messiah" we are the children of Abraham and heirs according
to the promise (which comes by faith alone apart from the Torah). Shalom.
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