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Cyberseeker -> Does modern Israel play a role in End times? (8/14/2008 3:55:38 AM)
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If you ever want an argument, ask this question. This is because the two big players in endtime theology are unwilling to compromise even one inch on the matter.
Covenant Theology (the traditional view) believes that God has always had but one spiritual people. The Church (incl. Jew & gentile) is true Israel. Promises made to Israel are fulfilled in Christ’s Church they say, and if you cite the modern restoration of Israel they say it is co-incidental. The historical Church (both Catholic and Reformed) has been unsympathetic to the idea of a renewed Israel in Gods scheme of things.
Dispensational Theology (the modern view) believes that God has two distinct people – Israel and the Church, and that the ‘Church age’ was a parenthesis in Gods dealing with Israel. God’s promises to Jacob were merely postponed they say. Dispensational Christians have been enthusiastic supporters of the modern state of Israel. Unfortunately, their viewpoint has also glamorized a future temple even teaching the reinstitution of animal sacrifice.
Now this calls for some honesty – something that neither side has been willing to do. [:o] The true Israel (in Gods eyes) has always been a remnant. Even before the Church, the true Israel of God was a remnant within what was apparently Israel. As the scripture says:
- "For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring."
(Romans 9:6-8)
However covt. theorists have been just as blinkered as the dispensationalists IMO when it comes to modern Israel. Can they really ignore the miracle of Israel's reappearance on the world stage after 2000 years, yes 2000 years of oblivion? Tell me this, has there ever been a nation who after 2000 years of non-existence re-appeared in their country of origin as an independent, sovereign state?
So, endtimers need to get honest on this matter and stop insisting with their worn out party lines. There needs to be a synthesis in our understanding, taking into account the spiritual nature of the traditional view, and taking into account the reappearance in history of a nation that was unexpected – the modern nation of Jacob.
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