OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD ISRAEL

“I will bless them who bless you
and curse him who curses you, and
 in you all families of the earth will be blessed.”
(Genesis 12:3)

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you!”
(Psalm 121:6)

In the modern Christian world, attitudes toward Israel vary widely. Some adhere to the so-called “replacement” theology, which teaches that Israel no longer plays a significant role in New Testament times because all believers in Jesus Christ now constitute Spiritual Israel. Others, on the contrary, exalt Israel to such a degree that it begins to resemble Judaizing Christianity.

But what does the Bible actually say about this?

Let us consider what Christ Himself said to the woman at the well: “…salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22). Even from this single statement of our Teacher, we must acknowledge that God, even after the birth of the New Testament Church, maintains a special relationship with the nation of Israel—not only in the spiritual realm but also in the physical.

However, it is important to note that no other nation in the world can claim the same relationship with God as Israel. Those who come to faith among the Gentiles form a single people—Christians, heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven—not separate nations that, in their ignorance of the faith and blinded by excessive patriotism or even nationalism, attempt to idolize themselves. God has a plan, prophesied for the rest of the world, which He will accomplish within a historical context. Yet nowhere in Scripture do we read that there will ever be a second chosen nation like Israel.

All we know is that the time of the Gentiles will inevitably come to an end. This is not surprising, for we already see Christians increasingly deviating from the truth of God’s Word, plunging into darkness much like in the days of Noah and Lot. Even among the nations of the world, and sadly among some Christians, anti-Semitic sentiments are becoming ever more apparent.

Therefore, based on the Scriptures mentioned above, we—followers of the same God of Israel, Elohim, Jehovah, El-Shaddai, Adonai—should bless Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for repentance, and for the conversion of the Jewish people to Christ.

Woe to those who curse and hate Israel! Such people forfeit God’s blessings and bring upon themselves a curse.

Right before the eyes of our forefathers, in 1948, the Lord’s prophecy concerning the restoration of the State of Israel was clearly fulfilled. No other people or nation in the world, having been conquered and nearly destroyed, has been able to preserve its language and culture as the Jewish people have.

The nation of Israel is a living miracle—a testament to the fulfillment of prophecy and God’s faithfulness. Its very existence stands as clear evidence of the Living God and His supernatural intervention in the history of His chosen people. This is precisely why the devil harbors such hatred for this nation: he despises everything connected to the will of God.

The Apostle Paul also unambiguously expresses his attitude toward Israel, even as a follower of Christ, in his epistle to the Romans, chapter 11. Referring to physical Israel, he writes:

“I say then, has God rejected His people? God forbid! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1).

But does this mean that all of the chosen people are saved, regardless of how they live? Certainly not, for God shows no favoritism in spiritual matters. Paul further clarifies:

“So then at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace” (Romans 11:5).

In other words, not everyone is saved—only a remnant remains faithful. This serves as a clear example for those inclined toward Calvinistic interpretations: even among God’s chosen people, salvation belongs only to the faithful remnant.

He goes on to say: “I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid! But through their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Now if their transgression means riches for the world, and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean?” (Romans 11:11–12).

Here, Paul clearly contrasts the physical nation of Israel with the Gentile world, among whom you and I have come to believe.

Paul would have been glad to save at least some of his fellow Israelites—a mission we continue to pursue to this day: “If somehow I may make my kinsmen jealous and may save some of them” (Romans 11:14).

This is not about the universal salvation of Israel, nor about the time when Israel as a nation will turn to the Messiah. Otherwise, why would the Gospel need to be proclaimed to the Jews? As Paul declares: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. For it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Then Paul says: “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them and became a partaker with them of the root and richness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. If you boast, remember you do not sustain the root, but the root sustains you. You will say then, ‘The branches were broken off, so that I might be grafted in.’ This is correct. They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you” (Romans 11:17–21).

From these Scriptures, we learn that we must not be arrogant toward Israel. Instead, we should remain watchful and humble, fearing lest we fall away and lose our own salvation. We must always remember that the Lord did not spare the natural branches.

Here, Paul’s words speak both to the salvation and the suffering of the Jewish nation during their dispersion throughout the face of the earth. Over the centuries, history has borne witness to this reality. In this way, the Jews’ own words of curse were fulfilled: “… His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25).

Sometimes we encounter people who long to be like the Jews, even seeking the slightest trace of Jewish ancestry through DNA tests. They become absorbed in the teachings of both the Old Testament and modern Jewish interpreters and rabbis, yet they forget that their eyes and ears remain closed to the Only Way and Truth, who is Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, it is our direct responsibility to pray for and bless Israel. The time is approaching when the Jewish people will turn to the Messiah—and even now, some are already doing so.

A Prayer for Israel

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your faithfulness to Israel, Your chosen people, and for the fulfillment of Your promises throughout history. We acknowledge that You are the Living God, sovereign over all nations, and that Your plans cannot be thwarted.

Lord, we ask You to bless Israel, to bring peace to Jerusalem, and to open the hearts of the Jewish people to recognize Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Protect them, guide them, and preserve their nation, language, and culture as a testimony to Your faithfulness.

Father, help us, Your people, to walk humbly before You, without arrogance, and to remember always that our salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. Give us the wisdom, courage, and compassion to pray for Israel continually and to bless Your chosen people in all that we do.

May Your will be done in Israel and among all nations, and may Your Name be glorified in the salvation of many.

In the powerful and merciful Name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

GOD BLESS ISRAEL!

Max Volkov in Christ