One of the more sensitive and often misunderstood theological questions among evangelicals concerns the role of ethnic Israel in God’s plan—past, present, and future. Does Israel remain special in God’s eyes? Will there be a mass conversion of Jews before the return of Jesus Christ? What distinguishes covenant theology, 1689 Federalism, and dispensationalism on this topic? And how should we respond to claims of “replacement theology” often leveled by dispensationalists?
In this essay, we will walk through the theological frameworks, the relevant Scriptures (especially Romans 4, 9–11), the rightful place of Israel, and the unifying power of the doctrine of union with Christ. While differences exist, clarity and charity demand a deeper understanding than what is often traded in popular theological discussions.
Three Theological Frameworks: Covenant Theology, 1689 Federalism, and Dispensationalism
1. Covenant Theology
This traditional Reformed system teaches that God has worked through a unified covenant of grace throughout redemptive history, progressively revealed through covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and finally fulfilled in Christ through the New Covenant (Hebrews 8).
- Israel in Covenant Theology: The Church is the continuation or fulfillment of true Israel—not a replacement, but a mature form of the one people of God.
- Future for Israel: Many covenant theologians (e.g., Calvin, Edwards, Bavinck) believe Romans 11 teaches that ethnic Jews will experience a future large-scale conversion to Christ, just before His return.
- Key Texts: Romans 9–11, Galatians 3:29, Ephesians 2:11–22.
2. 1689 Federalism
This position holds to covenant theology but with distinctions. Rooted in the Second London Baptist Confession, 1689 Federalism emphasizes that the covenant of grace was promised in the Old Testament but established only with Christ and the New Covenant.
- Israel in 1689 Federalism: Israel is not equated with the New Covenant people; the Church is not a continuation of Israel, but a new creation composed of all believers. Yet, most 1689 Federalists hold that Romans 11 still promises a future conversion of ethnic Jews.
- Key Texts: Hebrews 8–10, Romans 11, Jeremiah 31.
3. Dispensationalism
Dispensationalism teaches that God has two distinct peoples: Israel and the Church. God’s promises to Israel—including the land, the throne of David, and temple worship—will be fulfilled literally in a future millennial kingdom.
- Israel in Dispensationalism: Israel remains God’s distinct earthly people. The Church is a “parenthesis” in history, and God’s plan for Israel will resume after the rapture.
- Future for Israel: A mass Jewish conversion and restoration to the land are essential parts of the dispensational timeline.
- Key Texts: Ezekiel 36–37, Romans 11, Revelation 20.
Fulfillment vs. Replacement: Clearing the Confusion
Dispensationalists often accuse covenant theologians of holding to “replacement theology”—the idea that the Church replaces Israel and God is done with the Jews. But this is a misrepresentation of the Reformed and Baptist view.
- Fulfillment Theology is the correct label. It teaches that God’s promises to Israel are fulfilled in Christ, and through Christ, both Jews and Gentiles become Abraham’s offspring (Gal. 3:16, 29). These promises are not nullified but expanded and globalized, including the whole earth (Rom. 4:13).
Even the most robust amillennialists do not deny that ethnic Israel holds a special place in God’s plan. They argue that the people of Israel have not been cast off, citing Paul in Romans 11:1–2:
“God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.” (ESV)
The Future Mass Conversion of the Jews
There is remarkable agreement—even across theological lines—that Romans 11 speaks of a future turning of the Jews to Christ.
- Romans 11:12, 15, 25–26 imply a greater inclusion of Jews before Christ’s return: “A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved.” (Romans 11:25–26, ESV)
This is not a promise of automatic salvation to ethnic Jews, but a sovereign work of grace at a future time. Calvin, Spurgeon, Boice, Bavinck, and Sproul all affirm this view. Even 1689 Federalists like James Renihan and Samuel Waldron allow for the likelihood of this interpretation.
Biblical Warnings About Gentile Arrogance
Paul anticipated the danger of Gentile arrogance toward the Jews:
“Do not be arrogant toward the branches… remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.” (Romans 11:18, ESV)
The Church must not boast against the Jews, despite the fact that first-century Judaism was often hostile to Christ and the early Christians (Acts 13:45; 1 Thess. 2:14–16). We must acknowledge this hostility historically, but not let it justify pride or prejudice. Paul himself was persecuted by his own people—yet he longed for their salvation with tears (Romans 9:1–3).
The Greater Doctrine: Union with Christ
While the role of Israel is important, it must be placed under the overarching doctrine of union with Christ.
- Romans 4 shows that Abraham is not the father of Jews only, but of all who believe, whether circumcised or not.
- Believers in Christ—Jew and Gentile alike—are “in Christ” and thus heirs according to the promise (Gal. 3:29).
- This means that the promises to Abraham are now global, encompassing the world (Romans 4:13) and will be fully realized in the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21).
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5, ESV)
This is not merely poetic. It refers to the new creation that Christ will inaugurate at His return. Union with Christ ensures that Jewishness or Gentileness is irrelevant for inheritance—only being in Christ matters (Romans 10:12).
A Call to Discernment and Exegetical Honesty
To Christians who deny Israel’s continued role in God’s plan:
Read Romans 9–11 again. Slowly. Carefully. Prayerfully.
Do not allegorize away Paul’s direct statements regarding the Jewish people.
To dispensational Christians:
Please stop falsely accusing Reformed and covenantal believers of “replacement theology.”
We believe in fulfillment, not nullification. The Church is not a replacement, but the culmination of God’s covenantal plan.
And above all, let us remember that:
- Ethnic heritage saves no one.
- Union with Christ is everything.
- God is faithful to His promises—to Jews and Gentiles alike, when they believe in Jesus.
Final Encouragement
Let us long for the day when “all Israel will be saved.” Let us labor in love for the Jewish people, share the gospel with boldness and humility, and await the appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ—who has made one new man out of two (Ephesians 2:15), and will bring all His elect, Jew and Gentile, into everlasting glory.
S.D.G.,
Robert Sparkman
christiannewsjunkie@gmail.com
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