IS THERE A FUTURE FOR ISRAEL?

ROMANS 11:11

Again I ask, Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.

(Romans 11:11)

One of the great controversies among Christians is how we are to understand biblical prophecies of the future, with specific reference to the Jewish people. Does God have in His plan another chapter to be written for Israel as a people? Is what is going on today in Palestine significant for biblical prophecy, or is it just part of the passage of secular history? There is sometimes a good deal of sensationalism around this subject.

Many Christians believe that the promises to Israel are completely fulfilled in the New Testament church. This position, held by many Reformed scholars, believes that Romans 11 is not speaking of any special event to take place in the future concerning the Jews as a people, but more generally speaks of individual Jews who come into the kingdom of God during the age of the Gospel.

Others, including many Reformed scholars, think differently. I personally am persuaded that Romans 11 is speaking of a future conversion of the Jews as a people, and in this I am following the 19th century Presbyterian theologian Charles Hodge. I want to make this clear, so that as you read over the next couple of days, you will know where I am coming from.

The Stumbling of Israel

The question Paul raises in verse 11 climaxes his series of questions about Israel. He asks if their fall is irreparable. He has already made the point that there is a remnant of Israel that is being saved. Now he seems to be asking about Israel as a whole, as a people. He says that their corporate fall is not beyond recovery. Charles Hodge comments on this verse, “As the rejection of the Jews was not total, so neither is it final.”

CORAM DEO

Often Christians get more upset with one another over prophecy than over anything else. If this is the case with you, ask God to give you a spirit of charity. If you have become totally “turned off” by all the controversy and sensationalism, ask God to give you a true and soberminded interest in what His Word has to say on the subject. If disagreement on such matters hinders your fellowship with other believers, focus on those beliefs you hold in common.

For further study: Isaiah 66:10–24; Matthew 23:37–39

wednesday

september