3.4 Stephen Wellum • Reading • "What Should Christians Think about the Nation of Israel Today?"
Jan 22, 2024
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Stephen Wellum discusses the role of Israel in God's plan, including their typification of Jesus, the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, and their right to self-defense against Hamas. This podcast explores the theological perspective on the modern nation of Israel and its relationship with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The modern state of Israel does not have any special covenantal status now that Christ has fulfilled all previous covenants.
Israel has the rights of other sovereign nations and the right to self-protection, especially against unjust attacks.
Deep dives
Israel in Scripture: A Brief Synopsis
In Scripture, Israel is seen as the chosen nation from whom the Savior, Jesus Christ, comes. They were also a corporate Adam, but like Adam, they failed in their task. However, Israel also typifies the true and greater Israel, Jesus Christ. Finally, Israel is seen as a type of the church, the true people of God under the new covenant.
Implications for Viewing the Modern State of Israel Today
The most significant implication is that the modern state of Israel does not have any special covenantal status now that Christ has fulfilled all previous covenants. While Israel has the right to exist as a nation and to protect itself, there are no outstanding covenantal promises for the nation. Instead, all of God's promises are realized in the church, consisting of believing Jews and Gentiles.
Supporting Israel and the Current Conflict
Israel has the rights of other sovereign nations and the right to self-protection, especially against unjust attacks. As a close ally of the United States, Israel deserves our support in its just war against Hamas. Although the modern state of Israel is not under a special covenantal status, God has not rejected ethnic Israel and is still bringing His elect Jewish people to faith in Christ.
As Christians, how should we understand the modern nation of Israel? And how does this understanding shape our view of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas?
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