Replacement Theology and those who are at the forefront of this Biblical interpretation of God’s plan believe that the “Church” has replaced and is Israel. R. C. Sproul, according to James A. Showers in his article printed in the September / October 2010 issue of Israel My Glory, states, “ We believe that the church is essentially Israel. We believe that the answer to ‘what about the Jews?’
is ‘Here we are.’”
There are two main views of the millennial period in Replacement Theology. The two are:
1) Postmillennialism, which understands the reference to a 1,000 year period as symbolic of a golden age of spiritual prosperity. It will be ushered in by the spread of the gospel during the present church age and brought to completion when Jesus returns. This return is believed to be a “spiritual” reign in the hearts of believers in the church – leaving the Jews nowhere in the plan of God!
2) Amillennialism, which understands the reference to a 1,000 year period to be merely symbolic of a long period of time. This “symbolic” long time they propose is prophesied in the Old Testament and has been fulfilled spiritually now in the church, either on earth or in heaven. This interpretation would keep us from understanding any prophecy as being literal and trusting its fulfillment in real time! This interpretation of Scripture also removes any purpose for the Jewish people in God’s plan for the end times.
Our view is premillenialism, which, according to many Old Testament prophecies, is that Jesus will not only reign on the earth, but takes away the sins of those Jews who remain, and sets them back in their land. Many O.T. prophecies had been literally fulfilled in the 1st coming of the Lord, leading to the assurance that the rest will be literally fulfilled, such as: Micah 4:1-8; Zeph. 3:14-20; Amos 8:11-15; Hosea 3:5; Joel 3:18-21. God’s covenant to Abraham states, “And the Lord said to Abram….look from the place where you are, northward, southward, eastward and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.” Genesis 13:14-15. There is no BUT after verse 15! The Nation of Israel is a sign of God’s faithfulness!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
BLESSED TO BE A REALIST!
Every month our condo publishes a newspaper with a special page for residents to have their poems published. Last month a resident penned a poem titled “Is There a Real List?” He wondered if reality had a form and asked if once he was buried in the ground, would that be it. In answer to the man’s cry, Mimi penned the poem below which will be published in the November Kings Point newspaper.
THE REAL LIST!
(ULTIMATE REALITY)
Once I asked: Does reality have a form? I had to know!
Why not consult the wisest man of all? King Solomon.
“Glad you asked,” said this ancient one, “Listen as my words flow,
To give reverence to your Creator, that is the beginning of wisdom.”
My journey began with a promise: If you seek Me, you will find Me!
I cried out for discernment – I inclined my ear to wisdom.
An even more Ancient Voice then spoke. “Dear one, I am the Almighty.
It is I who laid the foundations of the earth. It is I who gave you your home.”
Since that time my real list grows hour by hour! There is an ultimate reality!
It began with coming clean. “Father, I am tired of living separated from You.”
Now I see all His blessings, but best of all: He has become oh so real to me.
Now I awake finding His mercies each morning, they are new.
Does reality have a form? Yes, yes yes! Don’t waste another day.
Seek Him. He is seeking you!
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