Israel:

Perhaps no more volatile or politically charged issue has exploded onto the front page of the world scene and into the Church than that of the contemporary role, or non-role, of the modern-day nation of Israel in fulfillment of end-time Bible prophecy.

Ever since its re-birth in 1948, an end-time obsession has characterized popular Christianity. Prophecy charts, rapture movies, best-selling books, and Antichrist speculations abound. Apparently, the stage is set. Israel is ground zero. How do Israeli Jews feel about their upcoming prophetic role and the pending Battle of Armageddon? Their wooing of Christians and prophecy popularizers has paid off handsomely.

Theological Problem:

America is passionately pro-Israel. And more than anything else, this end-time obsession has shaped our stance. It has also conditioned an almost uncritical support for Israel’s existence and actions in world affairs. But while Zionist Christians are longing for a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and anticipating the soon-arrival of other disastrous end-time events, they do not believe peace in the Middle East is possible, or even desirable. Meanwhile, other Christians claim that God is finished with the Jews and that the Bible should not be used to advance or detract from the position of any of the three main religious groups whose origins are in the Holy Land.

What Scripture Says:

While both of these views are understandable, we believe that confusion over eschatology should not be a catalyst in this conflict. In an attempt to prove that point, this topic point will address the top 5 of 13 popular eschatological misconceptions and provide scriptural responses.

Elaborations:

Sources:

  1. The Israel Illusion (future book – est. 2016) by John Noe
  2. Dictionary of Biblical Prophecy and End Times by Hays, Duvall, and Pate
  3. Major Bible Prophecies by John F. Walvoord
  4. Dispensational: Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow by Crenshaw and Gunn III
  5. Issues in Dispensationalism by Willis, Master, and Ryrie, editors