Being a Son of Abraham Does Not Make You a Son of Jacob

Scripture allows for those who have not physically descended from Abraham to nevertheless be referred to as sons of Abraham.  This has led many to conclude that Gentiles in Christ become Israelites or even constitute the true or, “spiritual Israel.”  The cardinal verses are Galatians 3:6-9: just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him […]

J.C. Ryle Challenges You on the Meaning of ‘Israel’

The great 19th century theologian and Anglican Bishop John Charles Ryle issued a simple challenge that has never been satisfactorily answered.  Below is the question in bold and the context in which it is found: The word ‘Israel’ is used nearly seven hundred times in the Bible.  I can only discover three senses in which […]

The Septuagint’s Use of, “Ekklesia” Does Not Indicate That Israel and the Church are One in the Same

Those who hold to various forms of Covenant theology believe that the Church (specifically, the Body of Christ) is the same entity as the believing Israelites in the Old Testament.  Thus, the Covenant theology adherent sees just one, “church.”  One of the most popular (and best) arguments for this belief is based on the Septuagint […]

“Covenant” Theology Really is Replacement Theology

The term, “Replacement Theology” is most commonly used by the critics of those who believe that the Church (or Body of Christ) has replaced Israel in God’s prophetic plan.  The promises made to Israel in the covenants are now transferred to the Church. Those who are accused of holding to, “Replacement Theology” (especially those in […]