The concept of God's chosen people, particularly in reference to the Jewish people, is a cornerstone in Judeo-Christian theology. Here we examine the biblical foundations of this concept, its theological implications, and the unfortunate historical phenomenon of antisemitism. The English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible, along with the original Hebrew and Koine Greek texts, will be used for scriptural references. Insights from Church Fathers and other historical sources will be incorporated to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Lon Solomon's sermon titled, "Do not despise the Jews," included above, is an excellent sermon on the Biblical view of Jews, Antisemitism, and God's redemptive plan for man, which still includes the Jewish people.
The Biblical Concept of Chosenness
Old Testament Foundations
The concept of the Jewish people as God's chosen is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. This is first evident in God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises to make Abraham's descendants a great nation (Gen 12:2, ESV). In this covenant, the Hebrew term "בָּחַר" (bahar), meaning to choose or select, is central.
Further, in Deuteronomy 7:6, the Israelites are explicitly called a "people holy to the LORD your God" and "chosen to be a people for his treasured possession" (Deut 7:6, ESV). The original Hebrew term here for "chosen" is again בָּחַר "bahar," signifying a deliberate divine selection.
New Testament Continuity and Expansion
The New Testament, while primarily focusing on the advent of Christ, does not abrogate the Old Testament notion of the Jews as God's chosen people. Paul, in Romans 11:1-2a, asserts, "Has God rejected his people? By no means!... God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew" (Rom 11:1-2a, ESV). This continuity underscores the enduring nature of God’s covenant with Israel.
Theological Perspectives and Interpretations
Church Fathers and Traditional Views
Early Church Fathers, such as Augustine, viewed Israel's election as both historical and symbolic of spiritual truths. Augustine, in his work "City of God," reflects on the allegorical significance of Israel's chosenness, seeing it as a prefigurement of the Church.
Contemporary Theological Understandings
Modern theologians often interpret Israel's chosenness in light of a broader theological framework. Karl Barth, for instance, views it as part of God's universal plan of salvation, where Israel's role is both unique and integral to the history of redemption.
Antisemitism: A Historical and Theological Anomaly
Historical Overview
Antisemitism, the hostility towards Jews as an ethnic or religious group, has a long and tragic history. Notably, it is a phenomenon that stands in stark contradiction to the biblical portrayal of the Jews.
The Church's Stance and Misinterpretations
Tragically, parts of Church history have witnessed the misuse of Scripture to justify antisemitic attitudes. For instance, the misinterpretation of passages like Matthew 27:25 ("His blood be on us and on our children!") has fueled unjust hostility towards Jews. It has also fostered the misbelief that is known as "Replacement Theology."
Replacement Theology, also known as Supersessionism, is a theological concept that mistakenly proposes the Christian Church has replaced Israel in God’s plan, inheriting the promises originally given to the Israelites.
The Protestant Evangelical view emphasizes continuity and fulfillment rather than replacement. This perspective holds that the coming of Christ and the establishment of the Church fulfill the promises made to Israel without negating God's covenant with the Jewish people.
Replacement Theology, in its traditional form, is increasingly seen as theologically flawed within Protestant Evangelical circles. A balanced biblical interpretation acknowledges both the continuity of God’s promises to Israel and the inclusive nature of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. This understanding fosters a more respectful and harmonious relationship between Christians and Jews, aligned with the scriptural call for unity and love.
Correcting Misunderstandings with Scriptural and Theological Clarity
A proper understanding of Scripture, however, provides no basis for antisemitism. The New Testament's critique of certain Jewish leaders of the time should not be construed as a condemnation of the Jewish people as a whole.
Conclusion
The biblical concept of the Jews as God's chosen people is a profound and complex theological idea that has been sustained throughout both the Old and New Testaments. This chosenness is a reflection of God's sovereign will and his plan for humanity's redemption. Antisemitism, as a historical phenomenon, represents a grave deviation from the scriptural mandate to recognize and respect the unique role of the Jewish people in the divine narrative. As such, it is incumbent upon scholars and believers alike to approach this topic with both scriptural fidelity and historical awareness.
Lon'a Sermon Scripture
Matthew 21:41
They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.”
Matthew 21:43-46
Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.
Matthew 26:3-4
Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.
John 11:53
Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.
Acts 3:13-14
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.
But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
Romans 11:1-2
I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying,
Romans 11:5
Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Romans 11:25
For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
Romans 11:26-27
And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
“The Deliverer will come out of Zion,And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them,When I take away their sins.”
Romans 11:29
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Jeremiah 31:1
“At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.”
Jeremiah 31:3-5
The Lord appeared to him long ago, saying,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you out with kindness.
I will build you again and you will be rebuilt,
Virgin of Israel!
You will take up your tambourines again,
And go out to the dances of the revelers.
Again you will plant vineyards
On the hills of Samaria;
The planters will plant
And will enjoy the fruit.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8a
For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
“The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers,
Romans 11:28
Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.
Romans 9:1-3
I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,
Romans 10:1
Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.
And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
“The Deliverer will come out of Zion,And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them,When I take away their sins.”
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