The question of whether Christians should support the modern nation of Israel is complex and divisive. There are good arguments on both sides of the issue, and both sides can point to biblical support. Ultimately, Christians must carefully study the Scriptures and follow their conscience on this difficult matter.
On one hand, there are clear biblical reasons to support Israel. God chose the Jewish people and made an everlasting covenant with them (Genesis 12:1-3, 17:7-8). He gave them the land of Israel as an inheritance (Genesis 15:18-21). Though they were unfaithful and exiled, God promised to regather them back to the land in the last days (Jeremiah 16:14-15; Ezekiel 37). The New Testament affirms God’s ongoing covenant love for Israel (Romans 9:4-5, 11:1-2, 11:28-29). And there are promises of blessings for those who bless Israel (Genesis 12:3). Based on these verses, many Christians argue that we should stand with Israel as God’s chosen people and support their rights to the Promised Land.
However, there are also biblical reasons Christians may not offer unquestioning support for Israel. Though Israel remains loved by God (Romans 11:28-29), the New Testament affirms that physical descent no longer determines who are God’s people – it is those who have faith in Christ (Romans 2:28-29, 9:6-8; Galatians 3:7). Ethnic Israel has been largely broken off due to unbelief (Romans 11:17, 11:20). The covenant promises were partially fulfilled but await full fulfillment in Christ and the new covenant people of God, made up of Jews and Gentiles together (2 Corinthians 1:19-20; Galatians 3:16, 28-29).
Also, the New Testament indicates that Christians should live peaceably with all people as far as it depends on them (Romans 12:18) and care for the vulnerable of all nations (Luke 10:25-37). An uncritical support for any nation could contradict a Christian ethic of universal love. Some argue that rather than unconditionally supporting ethnic Israel, Christians should care for both Israelis and Palestinians in an even-handed way, advocating for peace, security and justice for all.
There are good-faith arguments on both sides of this issue. Christians who support Israel emphasize God’s irrevocable gifts and calling toward the Jewish people. Christians who are more critical of modern Israel argue that followers of Jesus are part of a multi-ethnic “New Israel” defined by faith rather than ethnicity. Both views can plausibly claim some biblical support.
There are also disagreements about the proper interpretation of some key end times prophecies, like Romans 11 and Revelation. Christians who believe Israel has a role in end times events tend to be more supportive of the modern nation, while others who do not hold this eschatology feel less obligation to stand by present-day Israel.
How Christians think about the complex geopolitics of the Middle East can also shape their views. Some see Israel as an ally and democratic state threatened by hostile neighbors, while others are more sympathetic to the plight of Palestinians and see Israel as an occupying force. Political perspectives like these can influence how Christians read biblical texts on Israel.
In summary, the Bible does not give absolute clarity on how Christians should relate to modern Israel. Thoughtful believers can and do disagree. This is an issue on which different Christians of good faith can come to different conclusions, as they prayerfully study Scripture and follow the Spirit’s leading to the best of their ability.
Whichever position one takes, all Christians should agree that we must pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and peace for those on all sides of this conflict. We are called to show Christ’s reconciling love to all people, proclaiming the good news that “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
Here are some key passages related to Israel that Christians may interpret differently:
Passages on God’s Promises to Israel
– Genesis 12:1-3 – God’s promise to Abram to make him a great nation, bless him, and make him a blessing to all peoples on earth
– Genesis 15:18-21 – God’s covenant with Abram to give his offspring the land of Israel
– Genesis 17:7-8 – God’s everlasting covenant with Abraham to be God to him and his offspring, and give them the land of Canaan
– 2 Samuel 7:12-16 – God’s promise to establish the throne of David’s kingdom forever
– Jeremiah 16:14-15 – God will regather Israel back to their land after exile in Babylon
– Ezekiel 37 – God will resurrect Israel back to life and return them to their land
– Romans 9:4-5 – Israel has divine adoption, glory, covenants, law, worship, promises, patriarchs, and Christ has come from them
– Romans 11:1-2 – God has not rejected His people Israel
– Romans 11:28-29 – Israel is elect and beloved for the sake of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and call are irrevocable
Passages on Expanding God’s People Beyond Israel
– Psalm 87 – God will register Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon as among those who know Him
– Isaiah 19:19-25 – There will be an altar and blessing for Egypt and Assyria with Israel as God’s people
– Romans 2:28-29 – A Jew is one inwardly, by the Spirit, not just outwardly
– Romans 9:6-8 – Not all of Israel are truly Israel, only children of the promise are counted as offspring
– Galatians 3:7,29 – Those who believe are children of Abraham; Gentile and Jew are one in Christ
– Ephesians 2:11-22 – In Christ, Gentiles are brought near and united with Jewish believers as God’s people
– 1 Peter 2:9-10 – The Gentile church is now part of the chosen people, royal priesthood, and people belonging to God
Passages on Israel’s Unfaithfulness and Partial Rejection
– Deuteronomy 31:16-18 – God says Israel will break the covenant so that He may hide His face from them
– 2 Kings 17 – Israel is exiled by Assyria for unfaithfulness to the covenant
– 2 Kings 25 – Judah is exiled by Babylon for unfaithfulness
– Isaiah 5:1-7 – Song of the vineyard – Israel has produced worthless fruit
– Jeremiah 2:5 – Israel has followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves
– Ezekiel 20 – God judges Israel and purges rebels among them
– Hosea 1:9 – God says “you are not my people, and I am not your God”
– Romans 11:17, 20 – Branches were broken off Israel’s tree because of unbelief
– Romans 11:25 – Israel has experienced a partial hardening until fullness of Gentiles comes in
Passages on Israel’s Future Restoration in Christ
– Isaiah 11:12 – God will gather the dispersed of Israel a second time
– Jeremiah 31:31-34 – God will make a new covenant with Israel and Judah when He restores their fortunes
– Ezekiel 11:14-21 – God will give Israel an undivided heart as they return from exile
– Ezekiel 36:22-32 – For the sake of God’s name, He will cleanse and restore Israel to their land
– Zechariah 12:10 – Israel will look on the One they pierced and mourn when God pours cleansing
– Romans 11:12, 15 – Israel’s rejection means reconciliation for the world, and their acceptance will be life from the dead
– Romans 11:25-27 – Israel will experience the new covenant promises when the fullness of Gentiles comes in
As we can see, there is significant biblical evidence on multiple perspectives that bear on this difficult issue. Sincere followers of Jesus may weigh these passages differently as they strive to understand God’s heart for Israel today. This allows room for debate among those seeking to properly apply biblical principles.
The bottom line is that Christians are called to show grace and humility on this controversial matter. We must reject anti-Semitism and continue hoping and praying for the reconciliation of Israel in Christ, while also caring for the vulnerable across ethnic lines. Seeking justice and loving all remains the supreme calling for Christians regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.