THE TRUTH IN PRINT, June 2002

A Publication of the Valley Church of Christ

Vol. 8, Issue 5

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Turmoil in the Middle East ~ Assumptions Answered

By Bob Lovelace

   I’ve had some interesting religious discussions lately concerning the crises in Jerusalem. The focal point of these discussions has been reactions to the turmoil in the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Here are some short answers to some mighty “big” assumptions or postulations in people’s minds.

 

I. Mankind will end up destroying itself.

 

Quote: “I am not religious in the traditional way we think of being religious. Mankind will end up destroying itself. Just like the age of the dinosaurs, the human race will not last forever.”

 

Answer: Man is a distinct part of God's creation, a "class" i.e. mankind not an animal (Gen. 1:26-28).  Moreover, what God created is in His own power and not man’s to ultimately destroy (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3; Heb. 1:2; Rev. 3:14, 4:8, 11). This is an awareness, I believe, that our society today is in great need of hearing and understanding. Man cannot properly understand his "place" here upon the earth without this knowledge.

   Here is my stated belief. The Hebrew writer said, "And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: [11] They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; [12] And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail”

(Hebrews 1:10-12). 

   Notice that the scriptures plainly teach it is God, not man, who is in charge of the final destiny of His creation ~ "thou" (God, who created the physical heavens and earth.) shalt fold them up (Heb. 1:12).

   Above all there will be people here on this earth when the moment for God to do that comes. Hear Paul, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thes. 4:14-18).

 

II. The bible teaches Christians ought to support Israel militarily.

 

Belief: “Christians ought to support Israel militarily because of the bible teaches they will be blessed if they do and cursed if they don’t.”

 

Answer: If you believe that Christians ought to support Israel with a military because the "bible" teaches we should then you do not have a correct understanding of the what the kingdom of Christ is. Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world. Hear Jesus,

   "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. [37] Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice" (Jo. 18:36-37).

  Dear reader Christ dwells in the hearts of Christians by "faith" (Eph. 3:17). There is no such thing as a Christian nation with sovereign boundaries. The "nation" that is said to be a holy nation today is the church Christ built. And you may find those who make up that church anywhere on this earth. Hear Peter, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" (1 Peter 2:9). 

   Moreover, the New Testament teaches that the one who is a Jew today is not one who outwardly is a Jew. Hear Paul, "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: [29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God" (Romans 2:28-29).

   Above all both Jews and Gentiles are reconciled in one body the church and there is no distinction between a Jew and any other person of a different nationality in Christ's church. Hear Paul, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:27-29). 

 

Summarizing:

    1. To be saying that Christians should protect Israel militarily because the Bible teaches such violates the very nature of Christ's kingdom (John 18:36-37). Those saying such are guilty of trying to use a physical military force to bring about a spiritual state and understanding among mankind.

   2. There is no distinction of “race” with Christ in His church (Gal. 3:26-29). If you desire to understand better the relationship between the church and the kingdom of Christ, you may to http://www.cybertrails.com/churchofchrist. On the Articles Index click “Fundamental Lessons on the Church,” Lesson One, The Establishment of the Church of Christ.

 

III. God has not broke His covenant with the Jewish people.

 

Quote: “While I disagree with my Jewish friends on the nature of the covenant, I know that God has not broken His covenant with the Jewish people. Nor will He.”

 

Answer: I certainly hope that you are not saying the Jews have one law today and Christians another according to God's standard for man! It is indeed fashionable today for some to preach Christ so long as they are not asked if the Jews must obey Christ or be lost, then they balk. Hear Paul, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek  (Romans 1:16).

   Thus, it is only through the hope of the Gospel that God has not rejected Israel but offers them salvation through Christ (Rom. 10:11-12; 11:1, 23), as He does for all men. So called Christians certainly do their Jewish friends a grave disservice if they leave the impression with them that they are in good standing with God when the New Testament teaches otherwise! When the Jews rejected Christ they rejected the Father who sent him. Hear Jesus, "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me" (Luke 10:16). To some who would reject him He plainly taught that the kingdom would be taken from them and given to a "nation"  bringing forth the fruits thereof. Hear Jesus, "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof" (Matthew 21:43). Peter said that nation was made up of Christians; it has no national boundary: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" (1 Peter 2:9). It is absurd that those calling themselves Christians are running around today saying the bible teaches Christians to support Israel “militarily” today! Part of this is, of course, cowardice and that is why Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” 

 

 

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