The Real Definition Of 'Replacement Theology'

It is ironic that some Christian Zionists accuse their critics of holding to a 'replacement theology'- the idea that the church has replaced Israel- when many actually believe Israel will soon replace the church as God's people on earth. They have, as Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian observed, made 'Israel the bride and the Church the concubine.*

I have been arguing a similar point to that of Stephen Sizer (the source of the above quote) since I left Dispensationalism. People may be wondering why I am coming so strong on this topic. The answer is because I've seen all the confusion that has been caused by the Dispensational folly. To teach a future replacement of the Church with Israel has caused great harm and massive confusion to the Bride of Christ. People have approached me (innocently and some arrogantly), as I've preached on certain texts, with objections and questions like "but isn't that a promise for Israel?" (the new covenant).

Confusion and the arrogant and even silly statements such as this one by John Hagee:

For 25 almost 26 years now, I have been pounding the evangelical community over television. The Bible is a very pro-Israel book. If a Christian admits 'I believe the Bible,' I can make him pro-Israel supporter or they must denounce their faith. So I have the Christians over a barrel, you might say.*

Or this one from the International Christian Embassy, Jerusalem:

This promise (Gen. 12:3) was given to the Hebrew Patriarchs Abraham and Jacob- or Israel. So whoever blesses Israel will be blessed. But how can you bless Israel? The answer is easy: prayer; finances; come to Israel as a volunteer.*

In regards to Hagee's claim- it is quite laughable. It is the second one that is very alarming. Of all the ways Christians are supposed to "bless" Israel, not one of them is the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ Jesus! If any 'replacement theology' is going on it is the replacing the proclamation of Jesus Christ to Israel with volunteering!

Covenantalists are not liberal, anti-Semitic or into 'replacement' theology. That some dispensationalists believe Israel will replace the church is another matter...*

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise... And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God" (Ga  3:28-29,6:16).  Soli Deo Gloria!

For His Glory,
Fernando


*Stephen Sizer, Zion's Christian Soldiers?, ( Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2007), p. 43
* Ibid, p. 11
* Ibid, p. 43
*Ibid, p. 17