A Biblical Attitude Toward Israel

Israel’s history, present condition, and future restoration are governed entirely by God’s sovereign promises. Though Israel has experienced failure and discipline, God’s covenant commitments remain intact, guaranteeing her preservation in the present and her national salvation and restoration when the Messiah returns. Scripture affirms that Israel’s future culminates in Christ’s reign from Jerusalem, demonstrating that God is faithful to His word and unfailing in the fulfillment of His purposes.

Israel’s Land Not Fully Possessed

God promised to give the nation of Israel a specific territory as an everlasting possession. The Lord said to Abram, “For all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever” (Gen 13:15). This unconditional covenantal grant of land was reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob (Gen 26:3; 28:13), encompassing a vast region “from the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates” (Gen 15:18). Historically, Israel has never possessed the full extent of this promised territory. Though God fulfilled His promise in bringing Israel into the land, the narrative of Joshua makes it clear that large portions of territory remained unconquered. The Lord said to Joshua, “You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed” (Josh 13:1).

God’s Faithfulness to Israel

God uniquely created Israel as a chosen nation, highlighting His sovereignty and covenant love. Despite their unfaithfulness and rejection of Jesus as Messiah, God’s promises to Israel remain irrevocable. Their future restoration is assured, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the significance of Israel's existence in His divine plan. Christians are encouraged to support and pray for Israel.

Why and How I Pray for Israel

God’s faithfulness to Israel is rooted in His eternal covenant with Abraham, not in Israel’s performance or worthiness. Though the nation is currently under divine discipline for rejecting the Messiah, Scripture assures that God has not cast them off. His promises remain intact, and Israel’s future restoration is guaranteed by His unchanging character and covenant love (Gen 12:1–3; Rom 11:25–29). The pattern of Moses’ intercession in Exodus 32—appealing to God’s ownership of His people, His reputation among the nations, and His sworn promises—serves as a model for prayer today. Those who understand God’s plan for Israel are moved to pray, not merely for their safety, but for the fulfillment of God’s purposes, the vindication of His name, and the coming day when all Israel will turn to Messiah in faith (Zech 12:10; Rom 11:26).

What is the Church?

The church refers to the body of Christ which began on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. It is comprised of Jews and Gentiles who have accepted Jesus as Savior. The church exists universally as an organism, the global presence of Christians who form the body of Christ. The church also exists locally as an organization, a nearby assembly of believers who gather together for Bible study, worship, fellowship, and the practice of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Christian church is a mystery not revealed in the Old Testament and is separate from Israel, having a different identity and purpose.