Beth-El Baptist Church

06/06/2010

Greg Tomlinson


Has the nation that turns its back on Israel turned its back to God?


The world lives in turbulent times. War in the Middle East is hot and heavy. Many nations are attacking Israel militarily and politically. The U.S. was one of the greatest defenders and protectors of Israel in both arenas. Recent political events have began demonstrating that even the U.S. political system seems determined to see the fall of the current nation of Israel. This turn from backing Israel is seen by many as a demonstration that the U.S. has turned its back to God and thus it is now ripe for judgment from God. This is particularly popular amongst those who see a strong future for Israel as the premier nation of the world during a time in which all of the prophecies concerning Israel will finally come true for the national entity known as Israel.


  1. What defines the national entity of Israel?

Genesis 15:18; 46:2-4 Exodus 19:5-8

Leviticus 18:26-30 Deuteronomy 4:5-8

Psalm 33:12 Isaiah 58:1-2

Jeremiah 31:36 Ezekiel 37:21-24

1 Kings 12:28-31; 13:33-34 2 Kings 17:32

Isaiah 65:1-3


The nation of Israel is first identified by blood lines and possession of the land. It is further identified by the law and obedience to the law. The nation is also identified by a proper priesthood comprised by descendants of Aaron of the tribe of Levi and a David like kingship. Because the national identity of Israel is so tied to the law, it is therefore strongly tied to the temple and temple sacrifices. It was the northern tribe of Israel who departed from the national identity as they setup a new religion and new priests.


  1. What happens to those nations who attack national Israel?

Ezekiel 25:3-7; 25:8-9; 25:12-14; 25:15-17; 26:2-6

Isaiah 47:5-11 Jeremiah 50:8-13


The nation that attacks Israel or otherwise in some form contributes to the destruction of Israel will have God become their enemy for the destruction of that nation and people.


  1. Can the people of God be neutral about national Israel?

Matthew 6:24; 12:30 Luke 11:23; 16:13

Mark 9:38-40


Concerning the things of God, no one can be neutral. You are either on God's side or against God. You either serve God and Christ or fight against him. Likewise with Israel, you cannot be neutral concerning the treatment of Israel. Although we are not to be neutral concerning Israel, it does not mean that we need to sacrifice everything for their protection nor does it mean that we should put the interests of Israel above all other interests, as some people imply.



  1. How should Christians view national Israel?

2 Timothy 4:1-4 Matthew 28:19-20

1 Corinthians 1:21-24 Hebrews 9:14-18


We need to view the nation of Israel as people who are in desperate need to know Jesus Christ as Lord, God and Savior. We need to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ with passion, compassion, and power. The nation of Israel as an entity defined by the Law, the old covenant, the Aaronic priesthood and a human king has no true future. It is only those who come by way of the blood of Jesus Christ that have a future.


While it is important to understand that a Jewish nation of Israel has no future, Christians should not promote the destruction and elimination of the nation of Israel. We should not promote the destruction of any people. The land of the Middle East was given to Israel by God by the Law of God so our encouragement for them to maintain it is to some degree important but no where nearly as important as their conversion to Christ as King.