Answer to middle east blog
Hears what the pastor at my church thinks about the matter...
The key Scriptures to consider on this matter are Romans 9-11.
Here Paul asks the question, Has God rejected Israel [because they rejected the Messiah and refuse to believe in Him]
His answer is, No.
Israel [and it is clear that Paul is speaking about actual Israel – not a spiritual Israel] has been cut out of the olive tree for a time to allow the Gentiles to come in. When the days of opportunity for the Gentiles come to an end.. then God will do a work of grace among Israel and all Israel will be saved [probably means.. a vast number of the Israelites – a major revival among them].
In talking about the future revival in Israel, the Apostle sources his teaching from chapters such as Jeremiah 31-34 and Ezekiel 36-38 – where this revival, return to faith is foretold. Along with this turning to God are predictions about a return to the land and a rebuilt nation and rebuilt Jerusalem and temple [Ezekiel 40-48].
It seems to me that the picture is something like this..
In the latter days.. the Gentiles will have had their chance..
Israelites will return to their land.. and there will be a mass turning to God among them.
I hold this view without getting caught up in the radical Zionism of some movements.
Is the current Israel the Israel of the latter days? May be.
My practical response to all of this is to pray for God to work among the Israelites ie among the Jewish people.
I believe our focus should be evangelistic rather then speculative and getting caught up in the politics of it.
Hope that gives you some food for thought.
God bless
Linton
The key Scriptures to consider on this matter are Romans 9-11.
Here Paul asks the question, Has God rejected Israel [because they rejected the Messiah and refuse to believe in Him]
His answer is, No.
Israel [and it is clear that Paul is speaking about actual Israel – not a spiritual Israel] has been cut out of the olive tree for a time to allow the Gentiles to come in. When the days of opportunity for the Gentiles come to an end.. then God will do a work of grace among Israel and all Israel will be saved [probably means.. a vast number of the Israelites – a major revival among them].
In talking about the future revival in Israel, the Apostle sources his teaching from chapters such as Jeremiah 31-34 and Ezekiel 36-38 – where this revival, return to faith is foretold. Along with this turning to God are predictions about a return to the land and a rebuilt nation and rebuilt Jerusalem and temple [Ezekiel 40-48].
It seems to me that the picture is something like this..
In the latter days.. the Gentiles will have had their chance..
Israelites will return to their land.. and there will be a mass turning to God among them.
I hold this view without getting caught up in the radical Zionism of some movements.
Is the current Israel the Israel of the latter days? May be.
My practical response to all of this is to pray for God to work among the Israelites ie among the Jewish people.
I believe our focus should be evangelistic rather then speculative and getting caught up in the politics of it.
Hope that gives you some food for thought.
God bless
Linton
posted by Accidental Academic at 9:10 am
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