God's Word to the Wise

The political influence of dispensational hermeneutics popular with most churches today, especially its interpretation of the 70 weeks in Daniel chapter 9 is of serious concern for me. The dispensationalists have encouraged a US political response to Israel’s actions in Gaza and Iran that is based on a fundamentally flawed understanding of the relationship between Israel and the Church.

Dispensationalism emphasizes a strict distinction between Israel and the Church, viewing them as distinct entities with separate purposes and destinies within God’s plan. Classical dispensationalists believe the Church is a parenthesis in God’s plan, a temporary interlude between the periods of God’s dealings with Israel. In other words, they believe God is not done with Israel (Jews). In fact they argue the Jews will play a major role in the events leading up to the end of this world. 

Their belief in Israel’s role in end times events is the reason for their unwavering support of Israel’s actions. A large percentage of American evangelicals believe Israel can do no wrong. They believe the Palestinians to be the tool the devil uses in his efforts to prevent the re-establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the 1,000 year earthly reign of Christ. The more radical dispensationalists are anticipating the rebuilding of the temple and the return to animal sacrifices. (This teaching is heresy!)

Israel rejected and put to death their Messiah. There has never been a more egregious sin in all of human history. Israel killed the prophets who God sent to prophesy their Messiah and ultimately killed Him who was their redeemer foretold by them.

Yet, their God, who is rich in mercy, gave them 40 years afterward to repent. They didn’t. God then did what was revealed to Daniel in Daniel chapter 9. In 70 AD He poured out His wrath upon them in judgement, rejecting Israel as His people, and established a new covenant with Church as the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, to be the father of many nations. (Read Genesis 17:1-8)

Dispensationalism depends entirely on the belief that God has not yet fulfilled all He promised to Israel. Yet (Josuha 21:43-45) declares that God has fulfilled all he promised Israel. “Thus the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.”

And who are those who call Abraham father? Jesus said that the true children of Abraham are those who have faith in Him and follow God’s teachings, not merely those who are his physical descendants. (The Jews) This is emphasized in John 8, where He points out that true lineage is demonstrated through actions and belief, rather than just ancestry

Israel is not going to reign 1,000 years on the earth with Jesus. The Church isn’t going to be raptured and God is not going to restore Israel to its former glory. Throughout Israel’s history of repeated rebellion, God always preserved a remnant of those who remained faithful to Him. There is Biblical support that He is going to do so again before the Lord returns.Though most reformed theologians do not agree, I speculate this remnant to be the 144,000 of Revelation chapter 7 & 14.