We now begin to look at some of the direct results of the “wooden literalism.” Where the previously discussed “Gap Theory” is influenced both by the presuuposed system taken to the passage as well as the difficulty in understanding the message in literal terms, the concept of a vast and distinct difference between natural Israel and the spiritual Church.
As a result of the literal hermeneutic, the nation called Israel, made up of the Chosen Jewish race can only be Israel and the Church, made up of primarily gentile believers in Jesus Christ are utterly and completely distinct. One cannot be replaced with the other, nor can promises or prohecesies related to one by in any way fullfilled, physically or spiritually by the other. It should also be noted one of the reasons for this is that the promises made to Israel were of the physical nature, and it is believed and taught, cannot find their fulfillment in the spiritual actions of the Church or it’s members. If one hasn’t read the previous post regarding the different ways OT prophesies are fulfilled in the NT may want to tak a moment and do so.
One of the most popular complaints levelled at Covenant Theology is what is called “Replacement Theology.” the Dispensationalist argues that it is unBiblical and “racist” to promote the idea that the Church “replaced” Israel. I will respond to this complaint at the end of this post, but some basic groundwork must be laid.
This distinction includes - especially by the traditonal “old school” Dispensationalist - modes and methods of salvation, a different resurrection, a different position in the Millennium and a different position during the time of the Great Supper of the Lamb. They go so far as to make the claim that God has two different plans running simultaneously. One for the Church and one for Israel. Is this to say there are two trees in the plan of God?
If you think I may be overstating the distinction made by Dispensationalist then please consider the following quotes from leading proponents of Dispensationalism.
“Comparing, then, what is said in Scripture concerning Israel and the Church, we find that in origin, calling, promise, worship, principles of conduct, and future destiny that all is contrast.” – Scofield
“The Jewish nation is never to enter the church” – Darby
“The basic premise of Dispensationalism is two purposes of God expressed in the formation of two peoples who maintain their distinction throughout history” – Ryrie
“Of prime importance to the [Dispensational] Premillennial interpretation of Scripture is the distinction provided in the New Testament between God’s purpose for the Church and His purpose for the nation Israel’‘ – Walvoord
“The Church and Israel are two distinct groups“ - Pentecost
Charles Ryrie insist the important of this part of the view cannot be understated when he says…
“If the church is fulfilling Israel’s promises as contained in the new covenant or anywhere in the Scriptures, then [dispensational] Premillennialism is condemned.” – Ryrie
If Ryrie is correct than the job of the critic is to show that the Church IS fulfilling promises made to Israel and that the new covenant does contain a fulfillment of OT promises made to Israel. Not only that, the critic should be able to show that the term Israel and the church are used interchangeably by NT writers and that they are considered the same in the eyes of God. One should also show that Israel’s place with God was a covenental one and that the rejection of Christ puts every Jew in the same place as every gentile - in the place of needed the saving blood of Jesus Christ for ANY hope of redemption. Some of the items needed will not be shown until later posts so the reader must be patient as we walk through these difficult concepts.
The order of the day for this post is to show that promises made to Israel and titles given exclusively to Israel find their fulfillment in the NT Church.
Promise
‘On that day I will raise up The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in the days of old; -Amos 9:11
Fulfillment
‘And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.’ ‘Known to God from eternity are all His works. -Acts 15:14-18
The promise given to Israel to reestablish the tabernacle of David finds it’s fulfillment in the workings of the early Church
Promise
‘Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah– -Jer 31:31
Fulfillment
Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. -Luke 22:20
The new covenant promised in Jeremiah are fulfilled in the Lord’s Supper promise given the disciples
Promise
‘And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. -Joel 2:28-29
Fulfillment
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place…’But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days-Acts 2:1,16-17
A promise found in Joel clearly given to Israel finds fulfillment at the birthing of the Church. One Dispensational student of mine actually commented that obviously Peter was mistaken and that he misread the events that were unfolding.
Promise
‘And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.’ -Exodus 19:6
Fulfillment
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; -1 Peter 2:9
A title given exclusively to Israel in Exodus is used by Peter to describe the Church.
Promise
‘My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people. -Ezekiel 37:27
Fulfillment
For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.’ -2 Cor 6:16
Paul actually quotes the passage delivered to Israel and applies it to the Gentiles.
Promise
‘Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. -Lev 19:2
Fulfillment
but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ -1 Peter 1:15-16
Note two things. One, the term congregation in the OT and NT are used interchangeably for Israel and the Church. Two, the command given exclusively to Israel is then given by Peter to the Church. This is significant in that the standard of Holiness - the Law - is said to by Dispensationalist to be the exclsuive domain of natural Israel. Here the command is borrowed and given to the Church.
The examples could continue but this should suffice in showing how the NT writers viewed the Church in relation to Israel. One should also note that even if the Dispensationalist was remotely correct, what does the chosen race of people have to do with the pagan, secular nation residing on the West Bank. God’s word is clear that ONLY if the Jews repent and seek the will of God, and due His will, would the covental promises be in play. The nation Israel has nothing to do with the Biblical one!
Finally, let’s consider the passage in Romans where Paul dealt directly with Israel and the Church.
Romans 11:24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.
Please note the following points found in this passage.
1. THERE IS ONLY ONE TREE!
2. The tree was, covenantally speaking, faithful Israel. God had one tree and with the Church He grafts in new limbs. Though the branches are not natural (not of birth or orgin), they are equal members.
3. If a natural limb is not in covenant, he is broken off. BUT if one of the natural branches (by birth) repents he can be grafted back into the ONE TREE.
There is no separate plan! God has one and only one people. They have always only been one and will continue to only be one! So, there is no new tree that is planted during a tribulation and grows during a Millennium. There is NO REPLACEMENT! That is simply a misnomer. ONLY if one demands a distinction between Israel and the Church would one assume that one replaced the other. Since covenant theology sees consistency in the work of god, there is no replacement, there is always just ONE
Ultimately, it is really not a matter of the Church versus Israel, but those who are His and those that are not. Nationality plays no favorites and Paul plainly states, there is NO LONGER Jew nor Gentile!
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