Are the Jews still the “apple of God’s eye?"


 

Are the Jews still the “apple of God’s eye?" Zechariah 2:8 1. God’s Eternal Covenant with Abraham and His Descendants •Genesis 12:1-3: God promises to make Abraham’s descendants into a great nation, bless them, and make them a blessing to all nations. •Genesis 17:7-8: The covenant is “everlasting,” including the promise of the land. •Psalm 105:8-11: This covenant is affirmed as eternal. 2. God’s Faithfulness Despite Israel’s Failures •Leviticus 26:44-45: Even when Israel disobeys, God will not reject them or annul His covenant. •Jeremiah 31:35-37: God ties Israel’s permanence to the unchanging natural order. •Romans 11:1-2: Paul declares, “Has God rejected His people? By no means!” 3. Gentile Inclusion Does Not Nullify Israel’s Role •Romans 11:11-12, 17-18: Gentiles are grafted into the olive tree (Israel), but Israel’s root remains essential. •Romans 11:25-29: Israel’s partial hardening is temporary, and “all Israel will be saved,” because God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. 4. Future Restoration of Israel •Ezekiel 36:22-28: God promises to regather Israel, cleanse them, and give them a new heart. •Zechariah 8:23: Gentiles will seek the Jews because “God is with you.” •Matthew 23:39: Jesus prophesies that Israel will one day say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Augustinian Supersessionism and the Biblical Counterargument Augustinian Supersessionism (also known as Replacement Theology) teaches that the church has replaced Israel as the recipient of God’s promises. However, this view is flawed for several reasons: 1.God’s Promises Are Unconditional: Supersessionism overlooks the fact that God’s covenants with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were not based on Israel’s obedience but on God’s faithfulness (Genesis 15:17-18). 2.New Testament Affirmation of Israel’s Role: •Romans 3:1-4: Paul asks, “What advantage has the Jew?” and answers, “Much in every way.” •Romans 11:28-29: Israel is still “beloved for the sake of their forefathers.” 3.Prophetic Promises to Israel Are Literal: Supersessionism allegorizes prophecies like Ezekiel 37 and Jeremiah 31:31-34, but these clearly point to a physical and spiritual restoration of Israel. 4.God’s Glory Tied to Israel: •Ezekiel 39:25-29: God’s restoration of Israel is for the sake of His name, demonstrating His faithfulness. God’s covenant with Israel remains intact, and the New Testament affirms their ongoing role in His redemptive plan. Supersessionism misunderstands the relationship between Israel and the church, failing to recognize that Gentile believers are grafted into Israel’s blessings, not the other way around.


From Mark on X.com