RSS FeedBringing the Jews home….to Yeshua
Written by Peter Youngren on June 27th 2007Almost all Christian publications carry frequent articles about Israel and ours is no exception. Topics typically range from political support for the nation of Israel in its current military struggle, to encouraging Christian tourists to visit, to articles that promise blessings to those who bless the Jews.
Recently I reviewed a 40-page section of articles about Israel in a Christian magazine. Sadly, I noticed there was not a single reference to the need for Jewish people to be born again, though the Scripture is abundantly clear that God’s salvation is available to all, whether Jew or Gentile, as long as they are willing to call on the name of Yeshua.
I have noticed this increasing tendency; people look with suspicion on the one who suggests that Jewish people also need to be saved. Of course, most Christians haven’t gone so far as to openly say that Jewish people need not be saved, though it is frequently implied.
A few preachers openly speak of two covenants; one for the Jews, and one for the rest of the world. This is treachery, a denial of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul writes clearly in Romans chapters 10 and 11 that God has not forsaken the Jewish people. The fact of their initial rejection of Jesus does not in any way exclude them from God’s grace. He loves them as much as He loves any other people. God gives special assurance that when all the nations of the world will be shaken in the last days, Israel, the Jewish people, will also experience a national awakening, and “Israel will be saved”. It appears that Israel will be the last nation to experience the “shaking” that the prophet Haggai spoke about. Still, the time will come when Israel will also look to Jesus, and discover that He is their Messiah, Yeshua the anointed One (see Zechariah chapters 12-14).
The Apostle Paul states that Israel’s full awakening will happen after “the fullness of the Gentiles have come in” (Rom. 11:25), but that the way of salvation for Jewish people is not different from any other people.
Let me highlight three statements that are often made to support the idea that God has a separate way of salvation for Israel.
1. God promises to bless the man or nation that blesses Israel. The basis for this statement is Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you and I curse him who curses you and in you all families of the earth shall be blessed.“ (NKJ) This is a promise given to Abraham, with a direct reference to the salvation of Jesus that would be to “all families of the earth.“
According to the Bible, Abraham had at least eight sons; Ishmael, Isaac, and six other sons by Ketura, his wife after Sarah died. God promised blessing and salvation to all of Abraham’s descendents. More importantly, in Christ all of Abraham’s blessings are ours. In fact, this verse is a clear reference that those who bless believers, which are Abraham’s descendents by faith in Jesus Christ, will be blessed.
2. Some claim a principle of prosperity tied to blessing Israel and the city of Jerusalem. The Scripture used to support this is Psalm 122:6, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you.“ We need to ask what is the peace of Jerusalem? Can Jerusalem have peace without the Prince of Peace? What does it mean to pray for the peace of Jerusalem? Is it not to pray that the Prince of Peace will be revealed to the Jewish people? In fact, Jesus is the Peace of Jerusalem and those who love Him prosper.
3. “Israel is the fifth Gospel”. This is a phrase I keep hearing, often from people who indicate a virtual unconditional support for the state of Israel. I have visited Israel many times, and sometimes I wonder which Israel these right-winged Christian extremists are really supporting? In fact, the mainstream Jewish people living in Israel today are often not politically aligned with these views. Most Jewish people are like people of all countries; they want peace, to be able to work, raise their families and are not deeply entrenched in theological disputes. Their concern is not primarily about Gaza or another small piece of the land, but they are troubled at the deaths of many Jewish young men and women.
We need to be careful that our support of Israel does not alienate us from the Jews in Israel. It’s easy for us, who don’t have to send our sons and daughters to the front-line, to support a militaristic stance in Israel.
Much could be said. Bottom line is that the land of Israel is God’s business. Jesus said the Father would look after the land issue (Acts 1:5-8), regardless of the politics of Europe and America. Our task is to bring Him, Who is the PEACE OF JERUSALAEM, to everyone. If you want to know more about this task, check out Way of Peace http://www.wayofpeace.net/. Yes, the Jews are coming home to their land, that’s great, but not as great as when they come to their Savior, Yeshua. Your thought? - Peter
Wendy Eburne
Yes, yes, yes, Yeshua, THE LAMB OF GOD is the only peace in the CITY OF OUR GOD. The bible says every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is LORD!!!!
Beena Thomas
Its almost a fad among beleivers nowadays that blessing Israel monetarily primarily is to assist the ‘ALiyah’- the migration of Jews from various parts of the world into Israel. Supposedly it is to hasten the prophecy that in the last days Jews would come back to their own Land.
Paul himself who all would agree had the greatest of revelations from our Lord says in the begining of Romans 9 that he has great sorrow & unceasing anguish over his own brethren not knowing Christ. The part of the verse to be noted is ‘ My conscience confirms it in the HOLY SPIRIT’. The Lord himself grieved over the city of peace not having known the prince of peace.
Personally speaking we should be grateful to the Jewish people, for their hardening in part has brought this marvelous Gospel to the Gentiles. As the scriptures say there is no reason for us to boast and the only way the wild branch can bless the root which sustains it is to bring the good news back to them. As Rom 3:17 says they don’t know the way of peace (yeshua)and I would encourage all to support ministries which beleive in presenting yeshua to our dear jewish brothers & sisters.
There is no greater joy than to see them knowing their true messiah. We personally partner with Way of peace ministries and we consider it a great honour to be able to make difference in the lives of Jews & Arabs alike in that region. Stay Blessed!!
anna di palma
my dear Peter, no one has explained this very important/vital subject and its real meaning concerning the Nation of ISRAEL - the city of JERUSALEM - AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE JEWISH PEOPLE THEMSELVES. In most peoples’ minds, the JEWS or the JEWISH people do not need anything - do not need to be reconciled with the PRINCE OF PEACE, JESUS OR YESHUA because they are the CHOSEN ONES OF GOD. MY GOODNESS, EVERYTIME I OPEN MAIL FROM THE CELEBRATION CHURCH I LEARN SO MUCH, truths THAT HAD BEEN NOT FULLY UNDERSTOOD PREVIOUSLY. THANK YOU PASTOR PETER you are a blessing to me - MY BEST REGARDS TO YOU AND YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY, ANNA DI PALMA
Osasere Dennis Ogbewi
Someday the historic jews will come to the knowledge that Jesus is Christ. It was hidden from some of them to keep the gospel pure-avoid being mixed with judaism. Even now many still mix the gospel with something else. But we will all come to full knowledge as the church continues to progress in glory. With regards to God’s promises to bless those who bless Isreal and curse those who cursed them, I strongly stand by Pastor Peter, God shows no partiality(Acts 10:34-35). According to the bible, Abraham’s blessings are for believers in Christ today, ‘And if you are Christ’s , then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.‘ (Galatians 3:29) Apparently, Abraham’s blessings are mine and yours who have faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ who livs forever.
Moji Word-Kelani
Dear Pastor Youngren,
I apologize that I have not been able to view your blogs for quite some time now. The Lord has been keeping us quite busy, hasn’t He? I am glad you mentioned this and the Holy Spirit led me to look at your blog.
The Lord says it’s already done! We need that we worship God for what He has done for Israel and those that are praying for Israel to come to know Christ and be saved. At the ordained time,those who are to do exactly what he wants done including yourself will do it. Hence, I will continue to praise Him for His servants, that in due times, will say the right things and at the right time to His people, the children of Abraham. Glory! You are blessed!
Deanie Molloy
Peter, I so agree with you on the subject of Jewish people needing the Messiah! I cringe when I hear the ‘near threats’ that you as a Christian will be cursed if you do not support their push?? My love & hope for Israel is as for every nation, that they would come to know Him. I do believe that the U.S. should support Israel to survive as a country in such a region of hatred. There are many ways that we can support Israel, but I believe as you do, that the only covenant for salvation for them is the new covenant that is for Jew & Gentile alike. Thanks for speaking out.
Teemu Tynjala
Hi pastor Peter -
I agree with you. I have been watching GOD TV very much recently, and their continuous prayer Is that the Holy Spirit comes mightily down on Jerusalem and Israel. That’s what is all about. Not any land disputes.
God bless you! And thanks for the wonderful visit to Helsinki a couple weeks back. Those meetings were a true blessing