Some today like to claim that the modern State of Israel has nothing to do with biblical prophecy but is merely a secular, political creation. However, nothing can be further from the truth.
Consider these five points:
1. It’s true—the modern State of Israel is currently a secular society that does not adhere to its biblical heritage and calling from God. However, this does not revoke God’s unconditional and eternal promises of blessing, land, descendants, nation, kingdom, and spiritual regeneration. All these covenantal promises are not dependent on Israel’s worthiness but on God’s faithfulness and the glory of His holy name (Ezekiel 36:22; Romans 11:28–33).
2. The prophetic scattering among the nations (Deuteronomy 4:27; 28:64) was not fulfilled in the context of either the Babylonian or Assyrian captivity. It was only literally fulfilled after AD 70 with the destruction of the Jewish Temple and overthrow of Jerusalem (Luke 21:24). The Jewish people were scattered among the nations of the world for nearly 2,000 years. Subsequently, Israel’s prophetic regathering from among the nations more likely finds fulfillment in 1948 with the rebirth of the modern State of Israel.
Israel is now regathered as a nation. Only God could have done it!
3. God scattered Israel among the nations in judgment for its disobedience (Deuteronomy 30). Therefore, only God can regather Israel in His grace (Ezekiel 36:19, 24). Man cannot override God’s decisions and program. Once God regathers and replants Israel in the land, it will not be uprooted again (Amos 9:15). Israel is now regathered as a nation. Only God could have done it! He alone scattered Israel. He alone regathers Israel. He alone will preserve Israel and fulfill His promises and plan.
4. The prophetic process is clearly outlined: Israel first will be regathered physically and then renewed spiritually (Deuteronomy 30:1–10; Ezekiel 36:22–28; 37:11–14). Therefore, although Israel is yet to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and be nationally renewed in heart (Jeremiah 31:33), its physical restoration is the first step necessary in the prophetic process.
5. God’s promises to Israel are national in nature. Every individual is still required to have faith in Christ for salvation. Therefore, not every citizen or generation of Israel automatically inherits these national promises. However, God promises a remnant of faith will always remain (Romans 11:5). And it will be a future remnant of Israel that will, by faith in Christ, inherit the national Kingdom promises as God’s holy nation (Romans 11:25–29). Therefore, despite modern Israel being in unbelief, a remnant of faith remains, and a remnant is destined to be redeemed.
So, is Israel today a fulfillment of biblical prophecy?
Yes! Israel is a prophetic miracle, proving again God’s faithfulness despite Israel’s (and humanity’s) unfaithfulness. And what God has begun He will carry to completion!
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Comments 3
Thank you for your articles. I share them on my Facebook page. I have many acquaintances who believe in replacement theology and keep trying to convince me they are right. Your article helps me. I stay in tune with God’s Word.
we want to attend your conference in Altoona, PA in May
Thank you for this article, among the many others that you’ve sent. They are so informative and helpful. Love in Christ.