Replacement Theology

I think that there is some confusion in the world today, among Christians and non-Christians alike, regarding the belief that the majority of Christians are taught or believe that “the Church” has somehow replaced the nation of Israel with respect to the promises, as well as the prophetic expectations attributed to the nation of Israel.

If this is indeed the thinking, that “the Church” has somehow replaced the nation of Israel then yes, that view, in light of clear and concise Biblical teaching and understanding, both in the Old Testament and that of the Apostle’s letters, is incorrect.

Personally I believe that very few Christians have this belief, because if more Christians did, they would understand the truth that the Church has not replaced Israel, Jesus Christ has!

Those that are called out by the Holy Spirit to believe in and, more imporantly, abide with Jesus Christ are members of His Body, the Church. They become adopted members of His nation. His family has replaced the secular, nation/state of Israel with the true nation of Israel, headed by the King Jesus Christ. Now, is that thinking simply semantics? Hardly. Here’s why:

In the Old Testament, if I wanted to join with the nation of Israel, after being exposed to their ceremonies, traditions and festivals, which were to lead to a clear revelation of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, there were clear and specific guidelines that one would perform to become an Israelite. These “procedures” if you will were a type or a shadow for the acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Messiah by those that would accept Him, whether they were Jew or Gentile.

Exodus 12:43-49 clearly spells out God’s desire for accepting the Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ in type.

And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This [is] the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof. All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.

Now, if an Israelite had purchased a slave, that slave could participate in the eating of the Passover provided he was circumcised. Likewise, those that of their own volition who chose to partake in the eating Passover (verse 48), where also required to be circumcised and after wards were considered to be “as one that is born in the land.”

How are we, as Christians today, purchased just like a slave? Through the blood of Jesus Christ; Ephesians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 6:20. What is required of anyone that wishes to join Jesus Christ and become a follower of His way, of His truth and His life? A circumcised heart; Deuteronomy 30:6, Romans 2:28-29. Those things in the Old Testament which pointed to Jesus Christ and that were to be performed by the tribe of Israel have all been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. And those things are still being performed by Him today, as our High Priest. When one takes the tremendous and wondrous leap of faith to enter into a relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords they are openly declaring that they wish to be members of His family and His tribe.....the body, called Christians, all of whom are members of His Israel.