ISRAEL & THE CHURCH

Hot Takes: Unapologetically Pro-Israel

Hot Take Questions:

• Is Israel still relevant today?

• Did the Church replace Israel?

• Why should the Church stand with Israel?

Hot take: We are unapologetically pro-Israel.

Why?

Because the story of our faith is deeply rooted in the soil of Israel. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “for salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). We are pro-Israel because we know God is not finished with Israel, for “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). And because we’ve read the end of the book: history culminates in Israel, where the nations will gather against her (Zechariah 12:3).

On that day, eternity will judge the nations on where they stood. We choose to stand—with Zion, the city the Lord has chosen, where He will dwell forever (Psalm 132:13–14).

Romans 9:1–5 (ESV)

1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

TAKE #1 — GOD’S PROMISES TO ISRAEL ARE EVERLASTING—JUST AS THEY ARE TO YOU

Myth #1: “God’s covenant with Israel was revoked because of their rejection of Christ.”

Look to the Book:

  • “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” (Genesis 17:7–8, ESV)
  • Everlasting — “olam” = forever, perpetual, without beginning or end.
  • “Has God rejected His people? By no means!” (Romans 11:1–2, ESV)
  • “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29, ESV)

👉 If God canceled His covenant with Israel, He would be a covenant-breaking God—and none of His promises could be trusted.

Myth #2: “Modern/Political Israel has no connection to biblical Israel.”

Two powerful prophetic texts:

  • “I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land.” (Ezekiel 36:24, ESV)
  • “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor she brought forth her children.” (Isaiah 66:8, ESV)

Modern Israel is not a historical accident. It is a fulfillment of God’s promises.

  • “All the promises of God find their Yes in him.” (2 Corinthians 1:20, ESV)

👉 If God still stands with Israel after centuries of scattering, exile, and opposition—then you can trust He will still stand with you.

TAKE #2 — BY GRACE WE WERE GRAFTED INTO THE PROMISE, NOT SUBSTITUTED IN

Myth #3: “The Church has replaced Israel.”

  • The Church has not replaced Israel—we’ve been grafted into Israel’s promises by grace.
  • “If some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches.” (Romans 11:17–18, ESV)

Myth #4: “The Jewish people don’t need the gospel.”

  • “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16, ESV)
  • “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6, ESV)

👉 Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. The gospel is for all people—both Jew and gentile 

  • “Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob.’” (Romans 11:25–26, ESV)

👉 We are part of the story—not the replacement of the story.

TAKE #3 — IN THE END, HISTORY WILL DIVIDE INTO TWO GROUPS: THOSE WHO STAND WITH ISRAEL AND THOSE WHO STAND AGAINST

The story of Israel is the backdrop for God’s redemptive plan. God chose Israel to reveal Himself, to receive the Law and the prophets, and to be the womb through which His Son would be born. Jesus was Jewish. He ministered first to the Jews. He died for both Jew and Gentile. The Church was born in Israel and led first by Jews. And when Christ returns, He will return to Jerusalem. When He establishes His Kingdom, He will rule and reign from Jerusalem.

Myth #5: “Israel is the source of all conflict in the Middle East.”

Truth: There is more going on than politics—it is spiritual.

  • “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come.” (1 John 2:18)
    • The spirit of antichrist is anti-peace—it thrives on chaos.
    • The spirit of antichrist is anti-love—it sows hatred.
    • The spirit of antichrist is anti-Semitic—it seeks the destruction of God’s people.

👉 Don’t put the wrong face to the fight!

Myth #6: “Supporting Israel means ignoring Palestinian suffering.”

  • Truth: Supporting Israel does not mean hardening our hearts. It means holding fast to God’s covenant while also showing compassion for every person made in His image.

What Should We Do?

1. Pray for Israel

“I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2–3)

Pray for:

  • Peace in Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
  • God’s righteousness to rule and reign (Psalm 46).
  • Protection for the innocent in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
  • Every plan of the enemy to fail.
  • The salvation of both Jew and Gentile.

2. Reject Hatred

  • As Christ’s followers, we must reject hatred in every form.
  • Anti-Semitism is real—from chants of “Death to Israel” to subtle narratives that blame Jews for their suffering.
  • Hatred toward Muslims and Palestinians is also real. Many in Gaza live under the tyranny of Hamas. They are precious people who need Jesus.
  • We refuse to let hate have the final word—we choose love, truth, and the gospel.

3. Support with Our Means

Paul wrote: “If the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.” (Romans 15:27)

In the end, the nations will gather against Israel, but God will gather His people to Himself. May it be said of us: We stood with Christ. We stood with His Church. And we stood with Israel.

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