by tzadikguy
This past Shabbat we learned about Supercessionist Theology and the reasons why the theology is not Scriptural.
Before diving into any definitions or explanations there are some imperative truths that need to be reiterated. The first being that the Tanach {Torah, Prophets, and Writings} says G-d is the G-d of Israel. The phrase “the G-d of Israel” is found about 199 times in the Tanach alone. Another indisputable truth, according to the Bible, is that Jew’s are “the L-RD’s people”. They are the chosen people of G-d and He chose to bestow them with the task of bringing the Torah to the Nations. Even the Apostolic Scriptures refer to Israel as the people of G-d:
“24By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.” Hebrews 11:25-26
G-d did not chose Israel because of their character, He chose them because of His character. Israel may have been disobedient, and rejected HaShem but they are still His people. HaShem has the ability to transform any situation and ensure the glorification of His name.
Now for the definition of supercessionism. As one may gather the word means to “supersede” or replace something. Hence the reason supercessionism is a synonym of “replacement theology”. What exactly do supercessionists believe is being replaced? Unfortunately the answer is Israel. This would be the same as saying that the President of the United States must now have Icelandic citizenship. Previously, a higher authority granted the honor of serving as President of the United States solely to American citizens but now a “new” high authority transferred the honor to Icelandic citizens. Everyone would have a discrepancy with such a ludicrous idea, but somehow it seems logical if such an occurrence involved Israel. Within this fictitious theology lie 3 reasons for why Israel has been replaced.
- Punitive – Basically, Israel has been punished for their disobedience and HaShem’s blessing has been given to the Church. Martin Luther was an advocate for this type of supercessionism.
- Economic – Israel is no longer needed. Their service and purpose is over and it is now the Church’s chance to shine. Justin Martyr perpetuated this idea.
- Structural – The Old Testament is relegated and the New Testament is elevated which downgrades the theological importance of Israel.1
The common theme in each case is somehow the Church replaced Israel. According to David Novak, #1 New York Times bestselling Author, the New Covenant is either:
- An extension of the Old Covenant. (What we should believe)
- An addition to the Old Covenant. (soft supercessionism)
- A replacement of the Old Covenant. (hard supercessionism)
Which option makes more sense? Why would G-d change His mind about Israel being His chosen people? He is a G-d that changes not. Why would He bother spending all that time with the “Old Covenant” if He was just going to relegate it? There is no evidence in Scripture proving G-d demoted the Old Covenant {Tanach} and established a New Covenant {Apostolic Scriptures}. In fact Revelation 7:4-8 lists all twelve tribes of Israel. The Jews would not be worth mentioning in end times prophecy if they had been replaced. Even in the last book of the Scriptures Israel was still written about. In addition, the first time the phrase “New Covenant” is mentioned is Jeremiah 31:31. That is in the Tanach! Clearly the “New Covenant” is not the Apostolic Scriptures because it is mentioned before they were even written. All scripture is given by the inspiration of G-d. It all works together and does not contradict itself. His word is perfect.
We must be very careful to understand the root of certain theologies. Supercessionism or “replacement theology” seeks to usurp the promises given to Israel and place the blessing on the church. The root of the problem and the birth of such a theology is quite obviously antisemitism. It is not Biblical and it is a blatant degradation of the Jewish people and their birthright. Sooner or later people are going to have to come to grips with the fact that it is to the Jew first, then the Gentile. Our calling is to be grafted into Israel and be obedient to the words of HaShem.
1The God of Israel and Christian Theology (Fortress Press, 1996), R. Kendall Soulen. Quoted by Calvin Smith. <http://www.calvinlsmith.com/2009/09/consulation-paper-christian-view-of.html>
Notes, and references were recorded and collaborated in this post courtesy Joseph Squicciarini’s presentation of Supercessionism.
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April 18, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Hebrew Tattoos
Thanks for your post. Replacement theology also takes all the curses against Israel (such as Deuteronomy 28) as referring to Israel literally, and all the blessings for Israel spiritually (e.g. Christians). This is completely unbalanced, and makes whole books of the Hebrew Bible meaningless, in that the prophecies refer to Israel nationally, but are being spiritualized and are said to no longer apply literally. All Bible students need to base their faith on the roots of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible).
April 19, 2010 at 3:43 pm
torahgirl
Good points! The unbalanced “curses for Israel/blessings for church” view is unquestionably outright antisemitism. If you are not for G-d and His people, then you are against them – there is no middle ground.
Excellent closing statement, tzadikguy – our calling is indeed to be grafted in and obedient. “When all is said and done, fear G-d and keep His commandments,” right?
=)
April 21, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Alex Burroughs
Tzadikguy: This is a great post. If G-d broke His promises to the Jews, then Gentiles have no hope! Consider Romans 11:25-29 and 15:8 — “For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery–so that you will not be wise in your own estimation–that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB.” 27″THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.” 28From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of G-d’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; 29for the gifts and the calling of G-d are irrevocable. … For I say that Messiah has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of G-d to confirm the promises given to the fathers,”.
July 20, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Ken Vermillion
Yes! read this… getting back to the roots!
“It’s Jewish”
by Uriah Smith (circa mid to late 1800’s)
[Some words have been changed without changing the context or meaning.]
When we present G-d’s holy law,
And arguments from scripture draw,
Objectors say, to pick a flaw,
‘It’s Jewish.’
Though at the first Most High blessed
And sanctified His day of rest,
The same belief is still expressed,
‘It’s Jewish.’
Though with the world this rest began,
And thence through all Scriptures ran,
And Yeshua said “’twas made for man”—
‘It’s Jewish.’
Though not with Jewish rites,
which passed,
But with the moral law ’twas classed,
Which must exist while time shall last,
‘It’s Jewish.’
If from the Bible we present
The Sabbath’s meaning and intent,
This answers every argument—
‘It’s Jewish.’
Though the disciples, Luke and Paul,
Continue still this rest to call
The ‘Sabbath day’, this answers all:
‘It’s Jewish.’
The good news teacher’s plain expression,
That ” Sin is of the law’s transgression,”
Seems not to make the least impression—
‘It’s Jewish.’
They love the rest of man’s invention,
But if the L-RD’s day we mention,
This puts an end to all contention:
‘It’s Jewish.’
O ye who thus G-D’s day abuse,
Simply because ’twas kept by Jews,
The Saviour, too, you must refuse,
He’s Jewish.
The Scriptures, then, we may expect
For the same reason you’ll reject;
For if you will but recollect,
They’re Jewish.
Thus the apostles, too, must fall;
For Andrew, Peter, James, and Paul,
Thomas, Matthew, John, and all
Were Jewish.
So to your helpless state resign
Yourself in wretchedness to pine;
Salvation, surely you’ll decline,
It’s Jewish.