The Bible, One Purpose One People

I need to respond to the biblically illiterate and theologically misguided statements I have heard recently about the Bible and Israel. Popular online influencers are saying God’s blessing for Abraham, found in Genesis 12:1-3, was given to Abraham alone and has nothing to do with present day Israel or the Jewish people.

Those who are negative toward Israel make statements drawing on a little knowledge of theological interpretations from Catholic traditions, Reformed/Replacement Theology, or Dispensational Theology. The cue in their comments are when they use the word old; the Old Testament, old covenant of circumcision, or the distinction Dispensationalism makes in its separation of Israel (old) and the Church (new). The Abrahamic Covenant’s promise is the redemptive plan foretold from Genesis chapter one and all the way through the Scriptures. We separate and divide. God unites in Jesus.  

The missing point, and the most important point God wants us to get throughout the whole Bible, is that God recognizes and blesses people who exhibit dependent faith in Him. I am talking about any and all people. God may have put Israel central in His purposes, but Gentiles are routinely emphasized in the biblical record. Tamar, Rahab and Ruth are examples of not only belief, but their faith placed them in the redemptive Messianic narrative of history. David’s faith led him to pray for all Gentiles, even those living in distant lands. Simeon prayed for enough days to see the Messiah’s birth. He blessed Jesus, and declared His redemptive salvation “A light for revelation to the nations and the glory of Your people Israel.”

People who have the same faith as Abraham, recognize God’s message, and join themselves in God’s work. Israel is the center of God’s work, and the proof is the overwhelming references to Israel throughout the entire Bible. Israel is not a “sideshow.” Israel is at center stage in God’s focus in the Last Days, and is the epicenter for God’s glory in the redemption of His people. 

If you do not understand Israel’s significance and even disparage Israel, you are not with God. 

The Abrahamic Covenant is an eternal covenant, and it is reaffirmed throughout the whole Bible. The above fact condemns Dispensational Theology. Jesus is the Lamb that was slain before the foundation of the world. The Bible proclaims God’s one purpose planned from the beginning.

Both Miriam (Mary, the mother of Jesus) and Zechariah (the father of John, the baptizer) each cited the Abrahamic covenant being fulfilled in the birth of the Messiah Jesus and the hope of salvation for all people. 

Jesus said that the writings of Moses and the Prophets not only spoke of Him, but were also enough for faith in His coming and a relationship with Him.

Hebrews chapter eleven lists the great people of faith who understood and believed in God’s promises, applying saving faith in difficult human experiences. From Abel all the way to each of us who are living examples of the faith of Jesus. Faith saves not the sacrifices or obedience to the Law.

Our faith in Jesus is a Jewish faith and we are grafted into the covenants and promises, Ephesians 2:8-22. Ephesians 1: 9-10, says, “He made known to us the mystery of His will, in keeping with His good pleasure that He planned in Messiah. The plan of the fullness of times is to bring all things together in the Messiah - both things in heaven and things on earth, all in Him.” We need to do as David did. We need to pray for the salvation of all Jewish people, especially in the distant land of Israel. The Abrahamic Covenant promises a blessing for all people, the recipients of that blessing ought to be a blessing in return. Pray for Israel.