In recent times, modern theological interpretations have strayed from the original Jewish understanding of scripture, leading to a diluted knowledge of God's redemptive plan. This shift, often influenced by the "replacement theology" doctrine and private interpretations, challenges the authentic message intended by the Prophets and Apostles. Let's explore the importance of returning to a Jewish perspective of scripture, emphasizing its foundational framework in understanding God's promises for Israel and the Earth.
The Issue with Replacement Theology
Replacement theology, the belief that the Church has replaced Israel in God's plan, has led to significant theological misunderstandings. This doctrine suggests that the promises made to Israel are now solely applicable to the Church. One of the earliest records of replacement theology thought is found in the writings of Justin Martyr. In his writing titled Dialogue with Trypho 1, written around 155 AD, Justin argues that the Church is the “true spiritual Israel”, implying that the promises made to Israel in the Hebrew Scriptures were now fulfilled in the Christian Church. However, scripture explicitly contradicts this notion. Paul, in Romans 11:1-2, states,
I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.
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This passage emphasizes that God has not rejected the Jewish people. Paul, an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin, affirms that God's promises to Israel remain valid. He also affirms that God’s relationship with His people is enduring and unbroken, thus rejecting any notion that Israel has been cast aside. This passage highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.
The Danger of Private Interpretation
However, the Church has often convinced itself that it is permissible to interpret scripture based on personal or a present-day perspective. Yet, 2 Peter 1:20-21 warns,
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
2 Peter 1:20-21
All scripture should be understood through the lens of those who were divinely inspired to write it, the Prophets and Apostles, maintaining its original context and meaning.
The Jewish Understanding of God's Redemptive Promise
Scripture originates from a Jewish understanding of God's redemptive promise for Israel and the Earth. A Jewish framework is essential for grasping the full narrative of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. God chose to give His oracles to this people group, and the promises would be established through them. In Genesis 12:3, God promises to Abraham saying,
And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.
Genesis 12:2-3
This covenant with Abraham conveys that his descendants have a central role in God's plan for global redemption. The prophets consistently reaffirm this promise.
He says, 'It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.'
Isaiah 49:6
The Unchanged Understanding of The Prophets and Apostles
The teachings of the Prophets and Apostles have not been replaced or reinterpreted. Instead, they form the foundation of our faith regardless of whether you are Jew or Gentile. Jesus Himself came, not replacing the Jewish hope for another nation or the world, but instead affirming the enduring nature of the Law and the Prophets.
Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
Matthew 5:17
The Apostles never taught replacement or reinterpretation of the promises given to the nation of Israel, but upheld the Jewish hope of scripture. Peter, in his sermon in Acts 3:25-26, reminds the people of the continuity of God's covenant and its fulfillment of a Jewish end-times hope in Christ.
It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.
Acts 3:25-26
In Closing
Returning to a Jewish framework of scripture interpretation is crucial for a full grasp of God's redemptive plan. Replacement theology and private interpretations distort the original message intended by the Prophets and Apostles. By returning to the roots of our faith, we can fully appreciate the unchanging nature of God's promises to Israel and the Earth. As we dive deeper into scripture with the correct perspective, we align ourselves with the true and singular narrative of God's eternal covenant with His people and the nations.
Maranatha!
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