Replacement Theology?

Today, November 1, 2009 I have been introduced to yet another debate regarding the “Chosen of God”. I was speaking with some people I attend church with that happen to be (allegedly) converted Jewish believers and the discussion came up in Sunday school. What started the discussion was our study on Revelation chapter 6. It was mentioned that some things would have to happen with Israel and I asked “do you mean the physical or spiritual Israel?” That question seemed to open up a can of worms. That’s when I was told that my view was called “Replacement Theology” and that it was technically incorrect.  Not being familiar with the term I thought that I would ask questions and learn a little about before getting deep into a debate about it. I had heard of the “Two Covenant Theory” which I see as similar.

It turns out that Replacement Theology refers to those that believe the New Covenant church has replaced Israel as Gods chosen people and that God is finished with Israel as we once knew it. Quite frankly that’s the position I have taken for some time and it appears that many are greatly offended by the position. My concern with this is that we will never become the church or the affective church we should be if we are more concerned with our lineage and not our faith. I don’t really care what someone’s ethnicity is, the question is; are they a believer in Christ? It seems that they are so offended by the thought that a New Covenant has taken place that they refuse to see that the Old Covenant has been fulfilled.

My position is in no way intended to create, harbor or fuel any animosity toward any people or nationality but to simply be on the side of scripture. As I have prayerfully studied and came to understand it, the position of believing that the physical Jewish (only) are God’s chosen completely undermines and contradicts what Jesus came and did. Below are a few scripture to read and consider prayerfully:

Matt 5:17-20

17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.  NIV

Eph 2:11-22

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)- 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. 
(from New International Version)

Heb 10:19-22

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. NIV

I realize how controversial this is however the truth must be presented.