Approved to God

In the Old Testament, Israel is the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, chosen by God to receive covenant promises and serve His purposes in the world. The New Testament affirms this election while also revealing that Gentiles who believe are grafted into the people of God through Christ. There is one olive tree, with Jewish and Gentile branches, but God’s covenant identity for Israel is not erased. We honor Israel’s place in God’s plan while rejoicing that all who are in Christ share Abraham’s blessing by faith. See Romans 9–11; Galatians 3:7–9; Matthew 19:28.

Replacement theology says the church has replaced Israel so that God no longer has a distinct future for the Jewish people. Scripture does not teach that. The New Testament affirms one people of God in Christ, yet it also preserves God’s ongoing purposes for Israel. Paul warns Gentile believers not to be arrogant toward the “natural branches.” He calls Israel “beloved for the sake of their forefathers” and says God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. He also expects a future turning of Israel to Christ. The church is grafted in; it does not erase Israel. We should rejoice that Gentiles share Abraham’s blessing by faith, and we should also expect God to keep His promises to Abraham’s physical offspring. This protects Christian hope, fuels prayer for Jewish salvation, and magnifies God’s faithfulness. See Romans 11:1–2, 17–29; Jeremiah 31:35–37; Zechariah

God promised Abraham land, offspring, and blessing to all nations through his seed. This covenant was unilateral and guaranteed by God’s oath. Its spiritual fulfillment is centered in Christ, the true Seed, through whom salvation comes to Jew and Gentile. Yet Paul also speaks of God’s gifts and calling to Israel as irrevocable. We should expect God to keep every promise He has made, both the worldwide blessing in Christ and His purposes for Abraham’s physical descendants. See Genesis 12:1–3; 15:1–21; Romans 11:28–29; Galatians 3:16.

With gratitude for God’s providence, with prayer for peace, and with a heart for the gospel. The modern state may raise political questions, but for Christians the priority is spiritual: we pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Our heart should long for Jewish and Arab peoples to know the Messiah. We must condemn hatred and antisemitism, and support the spread of the gospel in the region. God is not finished with Israel; their stumbling is not the end of the story, and Gentile mercy should stir their jealousy unto faith. See Genesis 12:3; Psalm 122:6; Romans 13:1–7; Romans 11:11–15.

Paul teaches that a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. Then God will bring about a future turning of Israel to Christ in mercy. This does not mean every Israelite of all time, but a future, large-scale salvation among Jewish people according to God’s promise. Through it He magnifies grace and assures us that He keeps His covenant even when we cannot see how. See Romans 11:25–27.

Scripture speaks of Jerusalem as a focal point of conflict and salvation. The prophets foresee siege and deliverance, mourning and repentance, and the Lord’s reign established. Jesus spoke of times of the Gentiles and a future restoration. Ultimately, our eyes are lifted to the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people forever, the fulfillment of every holy promise. See Zechariah 12–14; Luke 21:24; Revelation 21:9–27.

Pray for open eyes, soft hearts, and gospel boldness. Ask God to raise faithful witnesses who love Jewish neighbors, understand Scripture, and point to Jesus as the promised Messiah. Share the Scriptures patiently remembering that they recognize the Old Testament as authoritative. The Messiah is clearly revealed in Isaiah and Psalms. Let mercy and truth guide you. Paul’s heart’s desire and prayer was for Israel’s salvation; let it be ours as well. See Romans 10:1; Acts 18:4–6; 1 Corinthians 9:19–23.