Exposing
Replacement Theology
Russell
Earl Kelly, PHD, November 10, 2015
Replacement
Theology is the opposite of Dispensational Theology. Whereas Dispensational
Theology teaches that the O. T. prophecies about national Israel were
ultimately to be fulfilled literally to believing Hebrews, Replacement Theology
teaches that God completely abandoned national Israel after it rejected Christ
and replaced many of the O. T. promises with spiritual fulfillment by the
Church.
The
following texts are either completely ignored or interpreted differently by
replacement theology.
GENESIS
12:1-4 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from
thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
Gen
12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make
thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Gen 12:4 So Abram departed …
Dispensational
Theology teaches that the Abrahamic Covenant had but one condition – “Get thee
out” which Abram fulfilled – “so he departed.” Therefore God unconditionally
promised (“and I will”) to (1) make a great nation from Abraham, (2) make
Abraham’s name great, (3) bless those who bless Abraham and (4) bless all
nations through Abraham’s seed (Christ).
Replacement
Theology teaches that this covenant was only made with Abraham and Christ; it
was not made with Isaac and Jacob.
This
is easy to disprove with any good exhaustive concordance and a computer search
of the words, “Abraham + Isaac + Jacob” in the same verse. Many texts reveal
that God considered His covenant with Abraham to be the same as His covenant
with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. See Exodus 2:24, Lev 26:42 and 2 Kings 13:23.
GENESIS
13:15-17 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy
seed forever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a
man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for
I will give it unto thee.
While
Dispensationalists teach that God will literally give the land of Canaan
forever, Replacement Theology teaches that God’s promise here was conditional
and the land of Israel is no longer important.
GENESIS
15
15:6
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.15:8 “Whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
15:17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land …
Dispensationalists
teach that God’s promise of the land to national Israel was unconditional
because God alone walked among the cut covenant. This was part of Abraham’s great
faith which was accounted to him for righteousness
in 15:6. God would be a liar if this clear prophecy failed.
Replacement
Theology often uses 15:6 but either ignores its context or calls it a
conditional covenant.
EXODUS
19:5-6 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant,
then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the
earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy
nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Dispensationalists interpret Exodus 19:5-6 as the conditional for national Israel to live under the jurisdiction of the Law. It is not the same as the Abrahamic Covenant. It did not apply to Gentiles. It was totally conditional and applied only to national Israel until Christ would come (Gal 3:10, 19; Heb 7:18-19; 8:13).
Replacement
Theology quotes Exodus 19:5-6 to prove that the Abrahamic Covenant was
conditional. They ignore the literal text itself.
DEUTERONOMY 9:4-6 Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the
LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness
the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of
these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy
righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess
their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive
them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand therefore, that
the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy
righteousness; for thou art a stiff-necked people. Compare Ezekiel 36:22-26.
Dispensationalists interpret this literally. God did not promise
or give the land of Canaan to Israel because of its own righteousness. Also,
God did not bring Judah back from captivity the first time because of its own
righteousness. And, God has not brought Israel back into the land in 1948
because of its righteousness! 1948 is not a fulfillment of prophecy. God is
merely setting the stage for its later repentance.
2
SAMUEL 7:16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever
before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
Dispensationalists
interpret this as a reference to the Messianic Kingdom on Earth as in
Revelation 20. David’s house is also mentioned in Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:24-25;
Hos 3:5; Amos 9:11; Zech 12:7, 10, 12; 13:1.
ISAIAH 1:26 [Jerusalem] will “again be called the city of
righteousness, the faithful city.”
ISAIAH 2:2 [Jerusalem temple] And it shall come to pass in the last
days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of
the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow
unto it.ISA 2:3 [Gentiles go to worship in the temple] And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
ISA 11:1 [Jesus will rule] “a rod out of the stem of Jesse, Branch
ISA 11:4 [Jesus will judge]
ISA 11:6 [Animals] will be tame and live together
ISA 24:23 the LORD will rule from Jerusalem, Zion
ISA 25:8 death swallowed up; tears wiped away
ISA 49:16 God will not forget Israel; it is graven on His palms
ISA 51:2-3 the wilderness of Israel will be like Eden
ISA 54:3 Israel’s seed will inherit the land of the Gentiles
ISA 60-66 MESSIANIC REIGN ON EARTH
Dispensationalists interpret these text literally for national
Israel because there are no conditional “if” clauses controlling these them.
Replacement theology either ignores them or interprets a few of them
spiritually for the Church (as they choose).
Dispensationalists admit that there are many conditional “if”
clauses in prophecies, but teach that they only delay the fulfillment and do
not cancel the unconditional prophecies. They interpret the above texts unconditionally
and literally for national Israel. God would not need to rule “with a rod of
iron” in the heavenly Jerusalem.
Replacement Theology either ignores these texts, calls them unconditional or re-interprets a few of them spiritually as they choose.
JEREMIAH 14: 7, 21 Do not forsake us “for thy name’s sake;
remember your covenant with us.”
JER 23:3 [God will gather the remnant.]JER 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
JER 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
JER 24:7 [Israel is called God’s people.]
JER 30:3 For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.”
JER 30:7 “the time of Jacob’s trouble”
JER 30:9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
JER 30:11 God will never “make a full end” of Israel.
Dispensationalists interpret these texts literally for national Israel. Replacement Theology either ignores them, calls them unconditional or re-interprets a few of them spiritually as they choose.
JEREMIAH
31:33 / HEBREWS 8:10
Jeremiah
31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;
After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and
write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Heb
8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after
those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them
in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.
Dispensationalists
teach that both the Old and New Covenants were primarily made with the two
“houses” of Israel – northern Israel and southern Judah. The Church is a
spiritual “house” but it is not a literal king’s ruling “house” like David’s.
The Church exists because it partakes of the overflow blessings rejected by
national Israel (Romans 11).
Replacement
Theology interprets Jeremiah 31 as literal Israel but interprets the same text
in Hebrews 8 as spiritual Israel, the Church.
Jeremiah
31:35-37 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the
ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth
the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: If those
ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also
shall cease from being a nation before me forever. Thus saith the LORD; If
heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out
beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have
done, saith the LORD.
Dispensationalists
interpret this literally. Even though national Israel sins, it will still not
be cast off forever – temporarily, but not forever. God’s promise is as sure as
the existence of the sun, moon and stars. This s repeated in Jeremiah 33:20-26.
National Israel shall never cease to be a “nation” before God.
Replacement
Theology has serious hermeneutic problems (principles of interpretation) when
they reinterpret literal prophecies to O.T. Israel as spiritual prophecies to
the Church which they call spiritual Israel. Secondary applications cannot and
do not replace the original context.
EZEKIEL 11:17-20 [A remnant will return to Israel before it
believes.]
EZE 16:60-62 God will remember His covenant with Israel and will
again establish them.
EZE 20:44 God deals with Israel “for my name’s sale” (because of
His unconditional promises) and not because of its actions.
EZE 36:23-24 Gather “into your own land.”
EZE 36:25-26 Cleanse Israel and give them a new heart.
EZE 36:28 And ye shall dwell in the land
that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
EZE 37:24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they
all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe
my statutes, and do them.
EZE 37:25 And they shall dwell in the
land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt;
and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their
children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince
forever.
EZEKIEL
36:21-25 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had
profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Therefore say unto the house of
Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of
Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the
heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned
among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen
shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified
in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and
gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then
will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your
filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
Dispensationalists
interpret Ezekiel 36:21-25 to prove that Israel will return to its land in
unbelief and not because of its own righteousness. God will bring them back
because of His unconditional oath and they will not be cleansed until after
they return. Replacement Theology ignores texts like this and mock
Dispensationalists by pointing out that Israel retuned in unbelief.
DANIEL 2:34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without
hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and
brake them to pieces.
Dan 7:35 … and the stone that smote the image became a great
mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Dan 2:43 And whereas thou
sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of
men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with
clay.
Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings
shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and
the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and
consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Dan 2:45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that
the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in
pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God
hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is
certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
Dispensationalists do not see the Church
in Daniel; it is about national Israel (9:24). The stone hits the image on its
feet which represent a weakened Roman Empire confederation. They interpret the
stone as the literal Messianic Kingdom of Christ on Earth in fulfillment of the
O. T. prophets as seen in Revelation 20. All kingdoms, include the stone
kingdom, are literal.
Replacement Theology interprets stone of
Daniel 2 as the Church which came in the first century. This is wrong because the
Church came during the time of the iron legs when Rome was strongest. strongest
and did not peak until AD 180. Rome was not in an iron-clay weakened
confederation in AD 70 and will not be until a future Antichrist reestablishes
it in the future.
DANIEL 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the
kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of
the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall
serve and obey him.
Dispensationalists interpret this as a literal Messianic Kingdom
on earth per Revelation 20. The O. T. does not promise heaven for O.T.
believers. Replacement Theology says there will be no future literal Messianic
Kingdom on earth because all saints go to heaven.
DANIEL 9:17 [Daniel’s prayer for restoration of the Temple.]
DAN 9:19 [Daniel’s prayer for people of Jerusalem.]
Dispensationalists teach that Daniel 9:17, 19 prove that the
context for 9:24-27 is national Israel and not the church. Replacement Theology
ignores the context of Daniel 9:1-26 and interprets 9:27 as a reference to the
Church.
DANIEL 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon
thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to
make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness,
and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. [Compare
8:11-14.]
Dispensationalists also use Daniel 9:24 as an extremely important
text to prove that Daniel is about national Israel and not the church. Replacement
Theology ignores this context.
DANIEL
9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for
himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city
and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end
of the war desolations are determined.
DANIEL
9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst
of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the
overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the
consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Dispensationalists
interpret Daniel 9:26-27 in order: (1) death of Messiah (v26), (2) AD 70
destruction of the Temple (v26), (3) (he) Antichrist makes a 7 year covenant
with Israel (v27) and (4) a future temple is desecrated. Replacement Theology
makes the order out of sequence and (he) Messiah desecrates the temple of God
with abominations.
JOEL 3:1-14 [After the scattered of Israel return, God will gather
all nations.]
JOEL 3:15 [Signs in the sun, moon and stars.]
JOEL 3:16 [Heavens and earth shake.]
JOEL 3:17 Know that God dwells in Zion, Jerusalem.
JOEL 3:18 [Wine, milk; fountains out of the Temple.]
JOEL 3:19 Egypt and Edom shall be desolate.
JOEL 3:20 ‘But Judah shall dwell forever and Jerusalem from
generation to generation.”
Dispensational Theology admits that a secondary fulfillment of
this occurred in Acts 2, but adds that a primary final fulfillment is yet
future as seen in Revelation 6. Replacement Theology teaches that the secondary
fulfillment in Acts 2 is the only one.
AMOS
9:8-15 Israel would be destroyed from “the face of the earth.” “A few
would be sifted among all nations. Israelites who do not believe this prophecy
will be killed. The “tabernacle of David” will be raised and rebuilt “as in the
days of old.” Israel shall rule all nations. The land shall be incredibly
fertile. Israel will return and rebuild the cities. Israel will “no more be
pulled up out of its land.”
Dispensationalists admit that a secondary fulfillment is seen in
Acts 15 but teaches that a final literal fulfillment is future as in Revelation
20. Since there are no conditional “if” clauses controlling these texts, they
are not conditional. The spiritual secondary application does not annul an
unconditional promise of God.
MICAH 4:1 In the last days God will establish his throne in
Jerusalem and other nations will come to it.
MIC 4:2 JERUSALEM is the focus of worship in the last days.
MIC 4:3 JUDGMENT from Jerusalem; no war on earth
MIC 4:7 YAHWEH will rule from Jerusalem forever
MIC 5:3-4 MESSIAH from Bethlehem will “give up” Zion until a time
of his choosing
MIC 5:5-7 When last-day Assyria invades Israel, 7 shepherds will
defend it and conquer Assyria and Iraq.
MIC 5:8-9 Scattered Israelites among the Gentiles will devastate
them.
Dispensationalists interpret these texts literally for national
Israel. Replacement Theology interprets Micah 5:2 literally but either ignores
the other texts, calls them unconditional or re-interprets a few of them
spiritually as they choose.
ZECHARIAH 9:9 literal Zion, Jerusalem, King rides on the foal of
an ass.
ZECH 10:6-12 Judah and Ephraim are to be restored.
ZECH 12:1-2 Jerusalem to be under siege.
ZECH 12:6-9 God will destroy all nations which come against Judah.
ZECH 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the
inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they
shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one
mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is
in bitterness for his firstborn.
ZECH 13:1 [Israel will accept Jesus of David as Messiah.]
ZECH 13:2 God will cause prophets and unclean spirits to leave.
[ZECH 13:7 Messiah and His followers will be treated as false
prophets. 13:9 persecution purifies.]
ZECH 14:2 All nations invade Israel and carry half into captivity.
ZECH 14:3 YAHWEH will intervene for Israel.
ZECH 14:4 YAHWEH will stand upon the
Mount of Olives and split it.
ZECH 14:5 The inhabitants of Jerusalem will flee to the mountains.
ZECH 14:8 Living waters will flow from Jerusalem.
ZECH 14:9 YAHWEH will be king of all the earth.
ZECH 14:10 The land will become a plain.
ZECH 14:12-13 The invaders will die.
ZECH 14:16 The remnant of the Gentiles will worship in Jerusalem.
Dispensationalists interpret Zechariah’s last chapters literally
and unconditionally because they are not in the context of conditional texts.
(1) Christ will literally stand upon the Mount of Olives, (2) Israel will
literally return in unbelief, (3) God will intervene, (4) Israel will be
converted and (5) all nations will come to Jerusalem during the Messianic
Kingdom
Replacement Theology must ignore most O. T. prophecies except
those they very selectively choose to reinterpret spiritually.
MATTHEW 19:28 (Luke 22:30) That ye which have followed me, in the
regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also
shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Dispensationalists interpret this literally as something which must be
literally fulfilled in the future. Replacement Theology has yet to address this
text adequately.
MATTHEW 21:43 The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a
nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Dispensationalists do not dispute that the church is a spiritual nation
(1 Pet 2:9-10) and the spiritual kingdom of God. It disagrees that the Church
is called Israel or the Israel of God. See on Matthew 23:38-39 and Galatians
6:16.
MATTHEW 23:38-39
Mt 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Mt 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye
shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Dispensationalists point out that, after Jesus had proclaimed the
desolation of Judah, He said that it would eventually welcome him in
repentance. This will happen in Revelation 20.
JOHN 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world : if my
kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be
delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Dispensationalists point out that Jesus said “Now is my kingdom not from
hence.” It was not the time then. The literal physical Messianic kingdom was
“now” not of this earth. Someday it will be as promised to the prophets and in
Revelation 20.
ACTS 1:6 When they therefore were come
together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again
the kingdom to Israel?
ACTS 1:7 And he said unto them, It is
not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his
own power.
Dispensational Theology likes these
texts. Jesus did not tell His disciples that they were wrong and there would be
no literal Messianic Kingdom. Replacement Theology does not deal with this
text.
ACTS 26:6-7 And now I stand and am
judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Unto which
promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come.
For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
Paul did not disavow either the
existence of the 12 tribes of Israel or the promises God had made to them.
ROMANS 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it
is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew
first, and also to the Greek. [There is always a distinction between literal believing
Jews and believing Greeks.]
Replacement Theology teaches that God permanently rejected Israel
after Israel reject Christ. If that were true –if God’s obligations to Israel
have ended-- then why is He still giving them preferential treatment
ROMANS 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly;
neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew,
which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit,
and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Dispensationalists point out that Paul’s audience is Jews since
2:17 and not Gentiles. He is saying that the “true” Jew among other Jews is the
Christian who has been spiritually circumcised.
Replacement Theology takes this verse out of context to prove that
all Christians are spiritual Jews, or Israelites.
ROMANS 4:16 Abraham is the father of all.’ Christians are called
the children of Abraham by faith; believers are not called Jews, Hebrews or Israelites.
Only believing Jews (Israelites) are called (true) Israel.
ROMANS 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ
for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Rom 9:4 Who are Israelites …
Rom 9:6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For
they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Rom 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they
all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Rom 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these
are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for
the seed.
Rom 9:10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by
one, even by our father Isaac;
Rom 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I
hated.
Dispensationalists point out that, like Romans 2:28-29, Paul is
only discussing fellow Israelites and not Gentiles. Those Israelites among
Israelites who are true spiritual Israelites are children of the promise. For
example, Even though both Isaac and Ishmael were the physical seed of Abraham,
only Isaac was the seed of promise. The same was true of Jacob and Esau
(9:10-13).
Replacement Theologians interpret this as proving that Christians
are spiritual Israelites. The text does not say that.
ROMANS 11:25-30
Rom 11:25 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.
Rom 11:26 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:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take
away their sins.
Rom 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your
sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Rom 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have
now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
God’s original plan was for Israel to accept its Messiah and
convert the Gentiles. The plan has been reversed. (11:1-24). When the Gentiles
reach their fullness (either by evangelizing the Hebrews? or by desecrating the
temple in Rev 11:1-2?) every true (believing) Israelite will be saved (11:25).
Notice there is still a distinction between Israelites and Gentiles in these
texts. “Them” of 11:27 and “they” of 11:28 are Israelites, not Gentiles. God
cannot and will annul his promises made to Israel (that He would save the
faithful among them) (11:29).
Dispensationalists point out that Abraham and Isaac were not
Israelites; they were Abrahamites, the children of Abraham. Christians do not
become Israelites; they become Abrahamites, heirs of the promises God made to
Abraham.
Replacement Theologians seriously err here. They twist the texts to
say that Christians are spiritual Israelites (only the children of Jacob?).
GALATIANS 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made.
He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which
is Christ.
This was covered in Genesis 12:1-4. It is absurd to teach that the
Abrahamic covenant was not made with Isaac and Jacob and every believing
Israelite. When the promises were made to Abraham, Israel did not exist.
GALAIANS 3:26 For ye are all the
children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26 calls believers the children of God, not the
children of Israel.
GALATIANS 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ
Jesus.
This does not mean that there are no literal physical differences
between Jews and Greeks, free and slave, and male and female. We are all equal because
we are all saved by grace through faith alone. God sees us as His children
regardless of our race, status of bondage or sex. Paul was not declaring that
there is no longer a physical distinction between Jews and Greeks. He was
declaring that God does not favor Jews over Greeks, or free over slaves or
males over females.
This does not mean that men are no longer the head of the
household or that women can be ordained to preach. Neither does it mean that
slave owners should release their slaves or that slaves should rebel from
fellow Christian slave-owners. And it does not mean that we no longer have a
principle (like the law) guiding our life (3:25) (Rom 8:3).
Replacement Theology attempts to use Galatians 3:28 to prove that
God does not treat Israelites differently than Gentiles because Israelites no
longer exist in God’s plan and His promises to national Israel are null and
void.
In reality, the context is not about Israel but Abraham who was
still uncircumcised Abram, a Gentile, when he received God’s covenant promises.
The question has been “How will God justify the heathen?” (3:8) and the answer
is “The same way he justifies the Hebrew.”
GALATIANS 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed,
and heirs according to the promise.
“When God promised Abram in Genesis 12:3 (Gal 3:8) “in thee shall
all nations of the earth be blessed,” He was not annulling he differences
between Israelites and Gentiles; rather He was teaching that both would be
justified by faith alone.
GALATIANS 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth
anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
As far as salvation is concerned, fleshly circumcision means
nothing. God never did justify Israelites because they had been circumcised.
Without a doubt Ishmael and Esau were most likely circumcised but they were not
counted in the holy lineage of Jesus and their descendants were not called
Israelites.
GALATIANS 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace
be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Dispensational Theology teaches that Paul is listed two different
groups in the church at Galatia just as he had been doing throughout the
epistle – Gentile Christians and Hebrew Christians. See 3:8, 13-14, and 26. “He
is a Jew” in Romans 2:29 only refers to believing Jews among other Jews
(2:17-29) and “they are not all Israel which are of Israel” in Romans 9:6 only
refers to believing Israelites among other Israelites (9:1-13). In the same
manner “Israel of God” in Galatians 6:6 only refers to believing Israelites in
the Church of Galatia.
Replacement Theology uses Galatians 6:16 as their strongest text
to prove that Christians are called Israel. However the book of Revelation clearly
distinguishes between Israel and Gentles dramatically in chapter 7.
EPHESIANS 2:16-20
Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by
the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Eph 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off,
and to them that were nigh.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto
the Father.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners,
but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Both Israelites and Gentiles are Christians and one in the body of
Christ. As discussed at Galatians 3:28, this does not mean Israelites are no
longer Israelites, Gentiles are no longer Gentiles, men are no longer men and
slaves are no longer slaves. It means that, since it is now clear that
everybody is saved by grace through faith alone (2:8) there is no longer a need
for artificial temporary barriers between believers. Although he has no
superior plan of salvation, the Hebrew partakes in blessings not available to
the Gentile believer (Rom 3:1-2). There will be an eternal distinction between
Israelites and Hebrews; even the gates of the heavenly Jerusalem have the names
of the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev 21:12). This would be illogical if God had replaced Israel with the Church
throughout eternity. Whether the Gentile believer likes it or not, our
transcendent God still says “For the gifts and calling of God are without
repentance” concerning Israel.
2 THESSALONIANS 2:3-4
2 Thess 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day
shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be
revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Thess 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is
called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of
God, shewing himself that he is God.
Dispensational Theology literally interprets these texts as
teaching that a future antichrist will sit in a rebuilt literal temple of God. Thessalonians
is not apocalyptic literature which often speaks in symbolism. God literally
means what He literally inspired to be written. Since the church “assembly” is
never called a temple or building (only individuals), a literal interpretation
is necessary. Besides, God will not allow Satan to sit beside the Holy Spirit within
believers (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19).
Replacement Theology teaches that “temple” in 2 Thessalonians
2:3-4 refers to individual believers. They ignore the consequences of teaching
that believers can be indwelt by the Antichrist and make God’s Word
incomprehensible to the average person.
HEBREWS 8:7-13 This post-Calvary repetition of Jeremiah 31:31-36
says that the New Covenant is primary for the “house of Israel” and the “house
of Judah.” See notes at Jeremiah 31:31-36. Hebrews is not apocalyptic and the
text should be interpreted literally.
JAMES 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to
the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greeting.
This does not prove that the church is Israel. It shows that
James, like Peter, and unlike Paul, felt inadequate to minister to Gentiles.
His compromise in Acts 15 to require Jewish Christians to keep the whole law
was wrong.
1 PETER 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an
holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him
who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
1 PET 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the
people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Although Peter calls believers a “spiritual house” in 2:5 and “an
holy nation” in 2:10, he never calls them “spiritual Israel” or the “Israel of
God.”
REVELATION 7:4-8 [During the great tribulation 12,000 from each
tribe of Israel is sealed.]
REV 7:9-10 [During the great tribulation a “great multitude which
no man can number” of Gentiles and unsealed Hebrews are saved.] See also
Revelation 14:1-4.
Dispensational Theology interprets Revelation 7:4-10 literally.
God knows where His people are. Even today DNA evidence going back only 3-4
generations can pinpoint pockets of Hebrews. After listing 12 tribes one at a
time, it is absurd to teach that God was not serious and Israelites are no longer
involved in God’s plan after Israel rejected Christ.
Replacement Theology teaches that Revelation 7 is not about
Israelites but is purely spiritualized.
REVELATION 11:1-2
Rev 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the
angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and
them that worship therein.
Rev 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and
measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they
tread under foot forty and two months.
Dispensational Theology literally interprets this a an end-time
event during which a literal new Temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt.
Replacement Theology teaches that the 1260 days, 42 months and 3 ½
times of Daniel were fulfilled literally but those same terms are not to be
understood literally in Revelation.
REVELATION 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she
hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two
hundred and threescore days.
Dispensational Theology interprets this literally. The woman is
Israel who will flee and hide from Antichrist for 1260 days during the Great
Tribulation. Replacement Theology interprets this symbolically or spiritually.
REVELATION 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called
in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Dispensational Theology interprets this literally as describing
the last battle of the great tribulation.
REVELATION 20:1-9
Rev 20:2 [Satan was bound 1000 years.]
Rev 20:3 [Satan would be loosed after 1000 years.]
Rev 20:4 [Saints rule and judge 1000 years.] See Matt 19:28
Rev 20:5 [2nd part of lst resurrection after 1000
years]
Rev 20:6 [1st resurrection; 1000 years]
Rev 20:7 [Satan is released after 1000 years.]
Rev 20:8 [Battle of Gog and Magog]
Rev 20:9 [Battle at the beloved city on earth.]
Dispensational Theology interprets the 1000 year Messianic reign
of Christ on Earth literally. God does not repeat something six times, He seriously
wants our attention ---and it is not to be understood as zero times. (What kind
of hermeneutic is that?) The Messianic kingdom will be a literal 1000 years on
Earth following the Second Coming of Christ for the tribulation saints in
Revelation 19. Matthew 19:28 will be literally fulfilled and the 12 Apostles
will literally sit on 12 thrones judging the earth.
Replacement Theology is amillennial –there is no literal reign of
Messiah on Earth. All of the O. T. prophecies of a Messianic reign on earth
were conditional and were forfeited when Israel rejected its Messiah. Only bits
and pieces of the O. T. prophecies remain to be reinterpreted by the Church,
which is spiritual Church,
REVELATION 21:12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve
gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the
children of Israel:
REV 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in
them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Dispensational Theology points out that Israel did not lose significance
after it rejected Christ because God’s oath on His name guaranteed an eventual
literal full restoration (Eze 36:22-26). Even in eternity one must enter the
heavenly Jerusalem through the gates of the twelve tribes of Israel which sit
on the foundation of the twelve Apostles. Even though salvation has always been
by grace through faith alone, since Abraham it has always been offered first to
the literal believing seed of Israel (Acts 1:8; Rom 1:16).
Replacement Theology fails miserably to deal with God’s
unconditional promises made to the believing seed of literal Israel. It would
prefer the names of the twelve tribes of Israel not be on the gates of heavenly
Jerusalem for eternity.
CONCLUSION:
I
have attempted to list every text which is used by both Dispensational
Theologians and Replacement Theologians in order to show the clear contrast. If
this study has been a blessing to you, please let me know. I am willing to have an open dialog on this
topic or any other topic at any time. Brothers and sisters in Christ need the
challenge in order to grow spiritually.
Russell
Earl Kelly, PHD
316
Aonia Rd
Washington,
Ga 30673
706-678-6791
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