Does Israel Figure Into God’s Plans Today?

Introduction:

For many years…people have taken various Bible passages and applied them to the physical nation state in the Middle East. Premillennialists believe Jesus will return to establish a millennial reign on earth. Before this happens, Israel will become a nation again, with the capital in Jerusalem and the temple rebuilt. Many Americans believe that God has a special plan for Israel that is yet to be fulfilled. Is there biblical reason to protect/defend Israel today? Is Israel a fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham?

I. Have the promises to Israel been fulfilled?

A.      Genesis 12:1-3: land, nation (seed), blessing promise to Abraham. Premillennialism claims that at least two of these promises have yet to be fulfilled. 

B.       All 3 promises have been fulfilled.

1.       12:1 – land promise – Deut 1:8; Josh 1:2-6; 11:23 – the land was theirs.

2.       12:2 – seed promise – Gen. 46:3; Ex. 1:7; Deut. 1:9-11; Heb 11:11-12

3.       12:3 – blessing promise – Acts 3:24-26; 26:6-7, 22-23; Gal. 3:8-9, 13-16

C.     Other fulfilled prophecies concerning Israel.

1.       Punishment for disobedience: Lev. 26:37-39; Deut. 4:25-28; 8:19-20; 28:15

a)       They were punished: Amos 4:12; 2 Kings 17:7-18

2.       prophecy concerning 70 years of captivity w/a small remnant to return – Jer. 25:8-14; 29:10-14. Only a remnant would return – not the entire nation.

a)       This took place in 536 BC. See 2 Chr. 36:22-23; Ezra 1-2; Neh. 1:8-10

3.       Jer. 4:27; 5:18 – Israel would be preserved as a people – but the nation would be broken, never to be made whole again. See also Jer. 19:7-13; 22:24-30

D.     There is no comparison between the biblical nation and the modern nation.

II. Looking at some objections:

A.      Was the land promised forever in an everlasting covenant as an everlasting possession?

B.       Gen. 13:14-17 – God promises to give Abraham the land forever. See also 17:7-8.

1.       is the land promise NOT fulfilled?

2.       Forever and everlasting do not always mean “eternity.”

a)       They most often refer to “future time” and “commonly signify ‘all the days of life.’”

b)      When these words are applied to a nation it comprehends “all the time until their destruction.”

3.       In the bible, sometimes “forever” things cease.

4.       God also promised Israel that her holding on to the land “forever” was based upon conditions of obedience. 1 Chr. 28:8-9.

a)       Disobedience resulted in her being cast off forever. Deut. 28:45-46

C.     Some believe that since Abraham did not personally inherit the promises they remain unfulfilled.

1.      Abraham inherited ALL of God’s promises through His descendants. See Deut. 26:5

D.     Acts 7:17 – Stephen says time for fulfillment of land promise was approaching while Israel captive in Egypt.

Conclusion:

A.      The Jews are no longer God’s special people.

1.       They, like all men, must come to Jesus for salvation – Acts 4:12

2.       Their role was to bring the Messiah. This has been completed.

B.       Jesus is returning. Are you ready?