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The Dangerous Heresy of Replacement Theology

· How Does this Doctrine Hold Against Scripture? ·

July 5, 2019 15 Comments

I first came to the knowledge of Replacement Theology a couple of years ago. In retrospect, I realize that I had heard tidbits of what can be considered Replacement Theology in church growing up. I guess I never paid much attention to these statements, much less attributed them to a whole gamut of theology. But the roots of this heresy date back to the 2nd century. With time, this theological approach has gained momentum and has been the instigator of many atrocities carried out against the Jews. 

But you’re probably wondering…

What is Replacement Theology? Why is it dangerous? And what makes it a heresy?

I will attempt to answer these questions using Scripture, as always, and hope to bring more light to this popular, albeit dangerous theology. 

The Dangerous Heresy of Replacement Theology

Replacement Theology is also known as Supersessionism and Fulfillment Theology. In simple terms, it is the belief that the Church has replaced Israel and the Jewish people in the New Testament. This means that Israel plays no role in current and future world affairs and where the NT mentions “Israel” it refers to the Church. This belief stems from the idea that due to the Jew’s rejection of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, their place in the Promise has been forfeited to the Church. 

There are different views and degrees to Replacement Theology. One claims that it was God’s plan from the beginning to replace the Jewish people with the Church. In other words, there was a predetermined time set for the Jews to be the children of the promise and their time ended at Pentecost. The other, I explained above; the Jews lost their place as the Chosen Ones to the Church. 

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Replacement Theology Beliefs

There are many beliefs that make up Replacement Theology but the three main premises are: 

  1. Jews are no longer God’s chosen people, the Church has replaced them.
  2. After Pentecost, whenever the NT mentions “Israel” it’s actually referring to the Church. Therefore, the Church is Spiritual Israel and the “Jews” are Gentile believers who are “inner Jews.” 
  3. The Mosaic Covenant was replaced by the New Covenant and the Abrahamic Covenant completely abolished. Therefore, the New Covenant through Jesus supersedes (thus, Supersessionism) or replaces the old covenant which was made exclusively with the Jews. 

To better understand how Christians came to these conclusions we need to rewind back to 2nd century Christendom. A brief history lesson is at hand. 

The Roots of Replacement Theology

After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, Christianity continued to spread throughout the Gentile world. The relationship between Gentiles and Jews thrived and they viewed one another as brothers and sisters. Gentiles adopted Jewish traditions as practiced by Jesus Himself; Sabbath rest, Biblical feasts, et al. As Christianity spread and more Gentiles were converted, the Church began to estrange itself from its Jewish Roots. Soon, the Church consisted more of Gentiles than Jews causing the church to deviate from its Biblical roots. 

Not much time later, Gentile Christians sought to distance themselves from Jews and all Jewish traditions. This was further sparked by the church fathers. 

At the Council of Nicea, Constantine established Easter in place of Passover, removed the Biblical Feasts from Christian practice, and exchanged the Sabbath rest for Sunday worship. This was done to ensure the separation of the church from its Hebrew Roots. 

Not only did Christians subtly stop practicing their Jewish traditions but they adopted a new and different approach to Biblical hermeneutics; the allegorization and spiritualization of Scripture. This enabled them to apply Israels’ promises to the church. 

Because of these changes in theology, early apologists made strong and WRONG claims against the Jews as the chosen ones of YAH. 

The writer of the Epistle of Barnabas claimed that the “carnal Jews”  with their “earthly mindset” had failed to understand their own Scriptures and as a result forfeited the covenant promises made to the forefathers. 

Justin Martyr’s “Dialogue With Trypho” made the claim for a New Israel as a replacement for Biblical Israel. It was Justin Martyr who also coined the term “the true spiritual Israel” in reference to the Church. He argued that God’s covenant with Israel was void and that Gentile believers had replaced the Jews. 

Clement of Alexandria affirmed that since the Jews rejected Jesus Christ, they “forfeited the place of the true Israel.” 

They believed that because of Israel’s rejection of the Messiah, it had been permanently removed from its promises. Thus the physical Kingdom mentioned in Scripture was spiritualized, withdrawn from Israel, and given to the Gentile believers. 

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The Dangers of Replacement Theology

This theology is very dangerous. A close look at history demonstrates how Replacement Theology has wreaked havoc for the Jews and the Church. It has lead to unbiblical doctrines, which in turn have perpetuated disputes, rifts, and separation within Christians. The worst repercussions have fallen to the Jews, however. And is a blasphemous misrepresentation of the character of God. 

Replacement Theology has:

Misinterpreted YAH as a fickle God who breaks His own promises and backtracks on what He has established.

It paints God as having made an everlasting covenant (Genesis 17:7-14 & Exodus 19-24) with Abraham and Moses only to break them in the New Testament, despite promising that His Word would come to pass (Isaiah 40:8). If YAH is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) then why would He change His mind about Israel? They make God a liar. 

Created anti-semitism

It’s easy to see how replacement theology has caused anti-semitism. Shamefully, anti-semitism was started and disseminated by Christians themselves. Anti-semitism is a very old ideology, tracing back to the early church fathers. It was in the minds of people long before Martin Luther published his hateful proclamations against Jews which influenced Nazi philosophy.

“Christ-killer” is an ancient term and was used (not exactly, but close) by several church fathers including Ignatius of Antioch who said, “those who partake of the Passover are partakers with those who killed Jesus.” 

Irenaeus, a student of Polycarp declared that the people of Israel had been disinherited by the grace of God because they “have rejected the Son of God ” and “they slew Him.” 

Hippolytus of Rome said that the Jews had been darkened in the eyes of their souls, “with a darkness utter and everlasting.” And declared that Jews were destined to be,  “slaves to the nations, not for four hundred years as in Egypt, nor seventy as in Babylon, but always.”

Tertullian of Carthage blamed the Jews for the death of Christ and condemned their rejection by God. 

John Chrysostom, “The Golden Tongue” preached heavily against the Jews. He said, “Jews are inveterate murderers possessed by the Devil. Their debauchery and drunkenness gives them the manners of a pig… This is why I hate the Jews.” 

Ambrose of Milan said, “The Jews are the most worthless of all men. They are lecherous, greedy, rapacious. They are perfidious murderers of Christ. They worship the Devil. Their religion is a sickness. The Jews are the odious assassins of Christ, and for killing God there is no expiation possible, no indulgence or pardon. Christians may never cease vengeance, and the Jew must live in servitude forever. God always hated the Jews. It is essential that all Christians hate them.” 

Time would fail me to mention Jerome, Augustine, Eusebius, Origen of Alexandria and others. And these are the revered church fathers, some even canonized by the Catholic Church!  

Needless to say, it’s understandable how anti-semitism has survived and continues to be the prime reason for crimes against the Jews. All this was caused because of the misinterpretation of Scripture! 

Caused Jews to loath Christianity 

Because of the atrocious sentiments and statements against the Jews, it has made them reject the Gospel and caused difficulties with Jewish evangelism. Can we blame the Jews if they want nothing to do with Jesus Christ and Christians? 

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Flaws Found in Replacement Theology 

Where do I even start? After seeing all that Replacement Theology entails, I can’t help but wonder how many Christians still adhere to it. I was shocked to learn that 6 out of 10 American Churches teach and believe some form of Replacement Theology! It all seems ludicrous to me. 

I have some questions for the supporters of RT: 

  1. If Israel was replaced by the Church and it no longer plays a role in the NT, then how can we explain the continued existence of the Jewish people and the establishment of the state of Israel? 
  2. How can we explain the survival of the Jews over 2,000 years even after many plots to exterminate them? 
  3.  Against all odds, the State of Israel was officially established in 1948 and continues to thrive amongst her enemies who seek to destroy her. How can we explain her reappearance and prosperity after almost 2,000 years of not existing? 

How can churches preach and teach RT when the Bible itself speaks against it?! This is what gets to me and I cannot comprehend it. 

Below are just some passages, defenders of RT twist in order to support this heretical doctrine. 

Romans 2:28-29

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” 

Supporters of RT argue that Gentile believers in Christ are “inner Jews” or “Spiritual Jews.” So each time Scripture mentions anything about Jews it’s referring to the Church, according to them. 

However, there is a problem with this claim. For one, Scripture never uses the term “Spiritual Jew.” This is a made up phrase in their attempt to spiritualize Scripture. Secondly, Paul was making clear that circumcision of the foreskin does not make you righteous but rather the state of the inner man. Paul was fighting a popular teaching going around the Church at the time which argued that circumcision was necessary for salvation. 

Nowhere in these verses nor the ones before or after does Paul mention anything about Gentiles being inner Jews. 

Romans 4:11-13

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.”

Abraham’s circumcision was a sign, it was a seal of righteousness. From the beginning, YAH had the Gentiles in mind for salvation. This covenant He made with Abraham was not only meant for the Jews but for the Gentiles as well. I don’t see how these verses are used to defend RT since nowhere does Paul make a racial claim. Being children of Abraham has nothing to do with race nor does it change one’s ethnicity. 

Romans 9:4-8

“Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.”

Paul is speaking to the Jews here, he is concerned about their salvation. He is re-emphasizing that salvation is not attained through the Hebrew bloodline but through the Messiah. These are the children of the Promise. Nowhere does he mention Gentiles until verse 24. And even then, Paul doesn’t say anything about Gentiles replacing Jews. 

Galatians 6:15-16

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.”

Again, Paul is warning the Galatian Gentiles about the teaching of circumcision as a means for salvation. He makes no distinction between ethnicities (Jew or Gentile) he is referring to all those who receive salvation through Christ.

“The Israel of God” is not referring to the Church, but rather to Jewish believers. 

1 Peter 2:9-10

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

First, Peter’s letters were addressed to the Jews- he was not an Apostle to the Gentiles- that was Paul’s calling. When Peter mentions “nation” he is not referring to the church-Scripture never calls the church a nation. It’s very important to pay attention to the Biblical language. The Church is a people called out from many nations. However, many passages do call Israel a nation so it’s safe to say that the nation he is referring to in verse 9 is Israel. 

These are all the passages I will discuss here but if you are interested in doing your own research (which I recommend) check out these other verses commonly used by RT supporters; Romans 3:4-6, Galatians 3:6-9, Philippians 3:3.

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Biblical Evidence Against Replacement Theology

The promises God made with Israel and the Jews still stand today. God never abolished the covenants He made with the forefathers nor did He plan to remove the Jews from His divine plan. 

The Gentiles have replaced the Jews neither in promises nor in prophecy. We have only been added to God’s promises. The Jews retain their position as the Chosen People; Children of the Promise because of the Covenant YAH made with Abraham. And God always keeps His promises.  

Gentiles are blessed to have been grafted into the family of God, of which, the People of Israel are the roots. Read Romans 11 completely for yourself! 

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office…thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree” (Romans 11:13,17) 

Furthermore, YAH made it very clear that Israel would never cease to exist; 

“Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The Lord of hosts is his name: if those ordinances depart from before me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.” (Jeremiah 31:35-36) 

At this point, it would be out of pride and stubbornness if someone continued to cling to the tenants of RT. Scripture cannot lie, it can only be distorted. 

Final Word

As you can see from the evidence provided throughout this post, Replacement Theology has no Biblical merit whatsoever. It has been the cause of anti-Semitism and strife between Christians. And what’s more, the Bible speaks against it. People have twisted the Scriptures to support their theological heresy. Peter warned in 2 Peter 3:16, that Paul’s words were difficult to understand and many would distort their meaning. It’s important to heed Peter’s warning so that we may not be confused with evil theologies such as RT. 

But study this topic for yourself and find out the truth. As one of my favorite Bible teachers says, don’t believe anything I say, verify what I say. 

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The Dangerous Heresy of Replacement Theology

Evelyn Fonseca

Christian millennial, writer, editor, introvert, lover of languages, and full-time bibliophile. My mission is to tell the whole world about the love of Christ and that apart from Him there is no hope.

15 Comments

  1. Reply

    Mark

    December 6, 2023

    Thanks, Evelyn, for taking the time to post this article.
    In researching RT, I came across an article (link below) that discusses the Abrahamic Covenant and, which, according to the Author, is unconditional. Unconditional on the part of God. Therefore, regardless of Israel’s erroneous behaviour it cannot be broken. As God is not a liar then it must still stand, and therefore it would appear that those who support RT have not taken this into account!
    https://www.gotquestions.org/Abrahamic-covenant.html
    Mark

  2. Reply

    Glenn

    December 3, 2023

    the parable of the landowner speaks to this vividly and moves me towards a RT posture.
    there is a new covenant; the old has passed away (Heb 8:13)

  3. Reply

    JR

    December 2, 2023

    It is laughable, if it were not so serious, to call the solid teaching of the New Testament “a dangerous heresy.” Yours is the ages old, recorded in the NT, grave error of “Judaizing Christianity.” See Galatians 1 and 3. Ephesians 2 and 3 and repent of supporting another gospel.

    • Reply

      Evelyn Fonseca

      December 2, 2023

      Nowhere in the Bible is Replacement Theology supported.

  4. Reply

    Dee

    October 10, 2023

    While I agree with the general sentiment of this article, I must point out that the church is called a nation at least twice in Scripture.
    Matthew 21:43
    “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.”
    Romans 10:19
    But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
    I would also argue that, although 1st Peter 2:9 primarily applies to Jewish believers, it also applies to non-Jewish believers. See verse 10:
    1 Peter 2:10
    Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
    With that said, the church did not replace Israel in God’s economy.

  5. Reply

    dennis d leach

    March 22, 2023

    I have learned since I wrote the previous comment that holding to a fault’s doctrine can and should endanger one’s salvation and determine if one must endure at least some of the judgements of Rev. In order to believe that Christians have or will have replaced Jews and Israel as Gods favorite, chosen and covenant people one must change scripture or at least interpret many of the words in the New testament as only spiritual. There-by when reading the word Israel in the N.T. one must take it as meaning the Church. And seeing the word Jew, spiritually it would mean Christian. This is brought out in Rev. 2:9 ” I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Rev. 3:9 same! Further, most replacement theorist must disregard the idea of a 7 year tribulation period during the wrap-up of the age. And that the anti-Christ is only spiritual not a real person. And the possibility of rapture is non Biblical. Lastly, that Christ millennial reign is happening now or will never happen, so through out much of the bible including Rev. 20 which mentions His thousand year reign five times.
    There is much more to prove that the replacement theory is faults doctrine.
    Please compare changing the words in scripture to the warning in Rev. 22:19-19.

  6. Reply

    Origen_again

    August 15, 2022

    #1: God is not confused about Jewish genealogies God has neither misplaced or lost the Jews. To imply such is heresy. And this errant doctrine implies this.

    #2: God will seal 144k out of all the tribes of Israel (Rev 7).

    #3: A previous commenter noted a prideful, arrogant, and unteachable spirit in those who hold this errant doctrine.

    I do not know how the Judge of us all, the Lord Jesus Himself, will judge this issue and other errors.

    However, I do know that when we stray from the clear teaching of God’s Word, we cause damage to ourselves and to those around us.

  7. Reply

    VIVA CRISTO REY

    July 5, 2022

    Q: If Israel was replaced by the Church and it no longer plays a role in the NT, then how can we explain the continued existence of the Jewish people and the establishment of the state of Israel?
    A: The Ten Tribes of the Kingdom of Israel were lost to history, intermixing with other peoples. God permitted them to be destroyed for their transgressions. Those that we refer to as Jews today can’t trace their descent all the way back to Abraham and are themselves of mixed heritage.

    Q: How can we explain the survival of the Jews over 2,000 years even after many plots to exterminate them?
    A: There were too many pockets of Jews scattered across the world for one expulsion or “plot to exterminate” them to spell their doom. Many Jews were under the protection of the Nobility as they were often in charge of finances for whole principalities or kingdoms.

    Q: Against all odds, the State of Israel was officially established in 1948 and continues to thrive amongst her enemies who seek to destroy her. How can we explain her reappearance and prosperity after almost 2,000 years of not existing?
    A: The establishment of the State of Israel was in no way against all odds. In the works of Moses Hess, the founder of Zionism, he states that the establishment of the State of Israel would be achieved through the help of International Jewish Bankers. Ever since the late 1800s Banking Dynasties such as the Rothschilds were working to establish a Jewish state in Palestine. They had all the time and resources available to establish a nation and they were even supported by major world powers such as the British Empire, the United States and the Third Reich as well as international bodies such as the League of Nations and later the United Nations. Nothing about the prosperity of this largely secular state founded by some of the most evil (yet wealthy) people in history screams divine intervention and is merely the result of persistence, brutality and cold hard cash.

    Now my questions to you:
    1. Why do you so vehemently deny as heresy the teachings held as sound doctrine by the Church for thousands of years, passed down from the early Church Fathers and Saints, of which many even had conversation with and were disciples of the Apostles, and the truths evidenced by the words of the prophets and even God the Son, Jesus Christ about this most perfidious people?

    2. How do you reconcile the thought that such a people could still be in a covenant with God after having denied Him, killed Him in the flesh and shouted to Heaven high that His blood be upon them and their children?

    3. Why would so many Jews, across lands in which the people would have had almost no ability to spread the same accusations, in a time where the common man was entirely illiterate, be found guilty of murdering their own children in sacrifice to demons, and Christian children such as Saint Simon of Trent by crucifixion in ritual mockery of Christ if they were such a holy and noble people?

    • Reply

      Evelyn Fonseca

      July 6, 2022

      I will reply to your answers to my questions (A1, A2&3) first and then answer your questions (Q1, Q2&3).

      A1: Wrong. Modern-day Jews are the descendants of the Tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and partial Levi. These tribes were taken into captivity by the Babylonians but were ultimately returned and rebuilt Jerusalem. They were not part of the lost tribes. The Jews of today trace their lineage back to these tribes.

      A2&3: This still doesn’t explain how these “pockets of scattered” Jews not only survived but kept their traditions, oral history, and commandments alive. They survived, regathered, and rose from the ashes. No other people group has been as viciously persecuted and hated as the Jews, let alone thrived to such magnitude that today, their homeland, Israel is the richest, most successful, innovative, and free than any other middle eastern country. If this isn’t divine intervention, then I don’t know what is.

      The great majority of these wealthy banking families, including the Rothschilds, are not Jews, they are part of the Black Nobility. They call themselves Jews but are not (Rev. 3:9). Moreover, if God had wanted to finish the Jews He could have extinguished them, as He did the Canaanites. The Jews did not outsmart God and continued existing out of their own volition and smarts, power, and money. They still exist as a people because God’s plans for them are not finished yet.

      Q1: I never attacked the teachings of the church fathers. Notice, that I only mentioned their hatred for the Jews. They were only men, not perfect.

      Q2&3: The Romans crucified Jesus, not the Jews. Pilate could have stopped the crucifixion but he didn’t. It’s true that the Jews called for the death of Jesus but it had to happen. Would you have preferred if Jesus hadn’t died? He had to die or you and I wouldn’t be the recipients of grace today. So thank God for the death and resurrection of Jesus! Their denial of Jesus also opened the door to Gentile evangelism so something very good came from their denial.

      Moreover, how could God still keep His covenant with you and me, sinful people? Are we any better than the Jews? If God exterminated the Jews based upon their sinfulness, denial, and spiritual adultery, then He would have to annihilate every single human on the planet.

  8. Reply

    Gail

    July 4, 2022

    As a Jewish believer in Jesus the Messiah, I can say that I have run across this error for the entirety of my walk with the Lord since 1980. I used to just brush it off as strange and fringy but now, I see how very dangerous it is. I find that it is also accompanied with a prideful, unteachable spirit which God will one day judge.

  9. Reply

    dennis d leach

    May 3, 2022

    Good article. I just wonder if anything can be done to change the minds of some of these extremophiles. I do not suppose they lose their salvation by thinking as they do, RT. However, one would think that somewhere along the way, God may do some correcting.
    I am in a church right now where the leaders accept RT. They do not teach it however but try to correct someone speaking out differently. Three times with different preaches, teaches and missionaries they have tried to get me on board. One ‘authority’ says we do not subscribe to Tribulation, anti-Christ, millennial Kingdom of Christ or rapture. That should have been my que to leave, but at the time I was very unfamiliar with Christian replacement theory. Another, who has the responsibility to teach the book of Rev. for a worldwide missionary group says to interpret the woman in Rev 12 as representing Israel, would be heresy.
    I stay in this church so that I may get the chance to speak the Biblical truth. These people may soon have a great need to know about rapture.
    Yours in Christ dennis leach
    So, I thank you very much for this education.

  10. Reply

    Jonathan E Brickman

    January 6, 2022

    Evelyn, this is very good. It is very easy to err on various sides of this one, and you have written it out very well indeed, much better than I have ever read or managed to try myself.

    • Reply

      Evelyn Fonseca

      January 6, 2022

      Thank you so much Jonathan!

  11. Reply

    Emmanuel I

    August 12, 2021

    Great treatise! Psalm 105:10 is a promise of an everlasting covenant with Israel. God can never lie!

    • Reply

      Evelyn Fonseca

      August 12, 2021

      Amen!

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