Adherents of “Replacement Theology,” also called “Covenant Theology” and “Supersessionism” in essence says God is permanently finished with the nation Israel. He has given all of Israel’s covenants and promises to the church and so, we are now “spiritual Israel”; the Church “the Body of Christ” has replaced Israel!

This is a terrible erroneous church tradition that dates back nearly 2,000 years; since the days of Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Augustine of Hippo, et al (~100 – 400AD). It was adopted by Romanism and then passed to the Protestant churches… unto this day.

This theology is an established fundamental doctrine of the Catholic Church, referring to itself as “The New Israel and the beginning of the Sacred Hierarchy (of the Roman church).” as seen here in an excerpt of The Catechism of the Catholic Church, #877 (parenthesis added).

“… In fact, from the beginning of his ministry, the Lord Jesus instituted the Twelve (Apostles) as “THE SEEDS OF THE NEW ISRAEL and the beginning of the Sacred Hierarchy (of the Roman church).”

This is the most prevailing great error that has hugely distorted proper Bible interpretation since that time. We as believers should never buy into this false concept that has permeated the vast majority of Christendom. The fact and truth is… when the Bible says “Israel” it means “Israel,” not the church, “the body of Christ.”

The lie of “Replacement Theology” led Romanism to the amillennialists position, meaning they believe there’s no Millennial reign of Christ to come with Israel co-reigning on earth. “Replacement Theology” has distorted proper Bible Interpretation in The Roman Catholic Church, who sees no Rapture to heaven and no Millennial reign of Christ... only a gathering of all believers to Him on earth, when He comes again.

As admitted ‘amillennialists’ and contrary to Scripture, the Roman Church entirely rejects the idea of Christ’s Millennial reign, calling it ‘millenarianism’ in the ‘Catechism of the Catholic Church 676.’ (See also Catechism of the Catholic Church 668-679.

“What’s the Catholic Position? (From http://www.catholic.com/tracts/the-rapture ).

Contrast; fundamental Bible Premillennialism means; 1) the Rapture of “the body of Christ” to dwell in heaven before the 7-yr. Tribulation, 2) the 2^nd Coming of Christ, followed by 3) The Millennial reign of Christ in earth.

Catholic “Amillennialism” is “no belief in the Rapture or Millennial Reign of Christ in His (1,000 yr. kingdom on earth.”

“As far as the millennium goes, we tend to agree with Augustine and, derivatively, with the amillennialists. The Catholic position has thus historically been "amillennial"… The Church has rejected the premillennial position, sometimes called "millenarianism" (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church 676). In the 1940s the Holy Office judged that premillennialism "cannot safely be taught," though the Church has not dogmatically defined this issue. With respect to the rapture, Catholics certainly believe that the event of our gathering together to be with Christ will take place.” (at His 2^nd coming to earth)

Of course, it’s clear in Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John, whose ministry was unto “the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” (Matt. 10:5-6), as well as O.T. prophecy, that Israel will reign with Christ in the Millennial Kingdom on earth and later on the New earth, eternally.  

“For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. ²And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. ³Thou (Israel) shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. ⁴Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah [“my delight is in her”], AND thy land Beulah [“to be married”]: for the LORD delighteth in thee, AND thy land shall be married. ⁵For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee (the land): and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” (Isaiah 62:1-5)

 “And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: (Rev. 21:12)

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Rev. 5:10)
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Rev. 20:6)

Throughout the Old Testament, the Four Gospels, and early Acts, we read about an imminent literal, physical, visible earthly kingdom. These are some of the promises of the coming “kingdom of heaven” on earth.

• In that kingdom, there would be no sickness, no sin, and no death (Isaiah 33:24; Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 8:1; Acts 3:19-26; Hebrews 2:3-5; etc.).
• Israel would be redeemed and protected from her enemies and Jesus Christ would reign over her in a Davidic kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 61:1-11; Zechariah 14:9-11; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 1:6; etc.).
• The entire world, but especially Israel, would be free from Satanic captivity and oppression (Isaiah 49:24-26; Zechariah 13:1-2; etc.).
• Israel would possess her Promised Land (Deut. 30:1-5; Jer. 30:3; Eze. 37:21-23; etc.) and her people, the Jews, would live in that land forever and ever with God Himself in their midst (Gen. 17:8; Joel 3:17,21)!
• God would marry Israel and “the Land.” Though formerly as an adulteress in His eyes, she would forsake all her idols and pagan religion. God would make her His people after her captivity and dispersion amongst the Gentiles is concluded and she is brought back to “the Land” (Hosea 2:19-23, etc).
• Israel would be resurrected spiritually and given new life (Jer. 31:31-34; Eze. 37:1-28; etc.).
• Through the New Covenant, God would forgive Israel of all her sins and He would give her every spiritual and physical provision she would ever need (Jer. 31:31-34; Joel 3:18-21; Amos 9:11-15; Zeph. 3:14-20; etc.).
• Israel would be free from all Gentile oppression (Dan. 2:35,44): the Jews would be priests, and they would bring their LORD and His salvation to the Gentiles (Exo. 19:5-6; Isa. 60:1-3, 61:1; Zech. 8:20-23).

Yet, that promised earthly kingdom of Jesus Christ has never yet come. We are 2,000 years removed from Jesus’ earthly ministry, and the above verses still have not been fulfilled. Some of those promises are over 3,000 years old. Today, people still grow sick and die. There is still widespread evil in the world, Satan is still operating his program of evil in governments and religions, and Israel is dispersed worldwide and without a homeland. The Middle East has no rest from war and strife.

What happened to that earthly kingdom promised throughout much of the Bible? Was God lying when He promised all these wonderful things to Israel? Will Israel enjoy her Lord in that heaven-on-earth kingdom?

Or, are these prophecies just “spiritual” and “allegorical” promises that should not to be taken literally, as the adherents of Replacement Theology teach? While much more could be said about this topic, it is most conducive to learning to give three major and specific reasons why “Replacement Theology / Covenant Theology / Supersessionism” is not the conclusion of the Bible genuine student.

God’s Promises to Israel

God’s Promises to Israel have never been rescinded, or transferred to “the body of Christ,” as some believe.

The adherents of Replacement Theology conveniently ignore the promises made to Israel, which logically cannot apply to the church today. These promises testify to God’s fidelity toward a believing Israel, who will be His bride. The myriad of vows He made to Israel, to never cast her aside or permanently reject her. Her is a sampling of the promises made directly to Israel.

⁹  Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Isaiah 41:9 (KJV)

¹²  And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken. Isaiah 62:12 (KJV)

²⁰  At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD. Zephaniah 3:20 (KJV)

¹  I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Romans 11:1 (KJV)

²⁶  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: Romans 11:26 (KJV)

1. Jeremiah 31:35-37 Does Not Permit Israel’s Permanent Fall

The Holy Spirit moved the Prophet Jeremiah to write this regarding Israel’s future:

“And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their (Israel’s) iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

³⁵Thus 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: ³⁶If 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. ³⁷Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 31:34-37).

Here above, the Bible is very clear about Israel’s temporary dispersion and captivity, followed by forgiveness and cleansing for sin. God Himself will restore Israel one day. According to the Bible, the only way God would ever completely do away with the nation Israel is if the ordinances of the heavens (such as the law of universal gravitation) departed. Before God could even cast off Israel forever, the entire universe would have to fall apart, and the Bible says that will never happen. Indeed, God would be most certainly justified in destroying Israel for her constant rebellion against Him, but He cannot break His Word to her (“It is impossible for God to lie;” Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). He is bound by His covenants to never forsake Israel. Yes, God is not focusing upon Israel today, but the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul says Israel has a hope. Despite her unfaithfulness, her God is faithful.

2. Romans 11:25-32 Does Not Permit Israel’s Permanent Fall

On this side of Calvary’s cross, as opposed to when Jeremiah wrote, The Apostle Paul tells us God is not through with the nation Israel. The Holy Spirit moved Paul to write regarding Israel’s future:

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part (temporarily) is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. ²⁶And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: ²⁷this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. ²⁸As concerning the (grace) gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes. ²⁹For the gifts (favor) and calling of God are without repentance (He will not change His mind).” (Rom. 11:25-29).

Paul says Israel is currently “fallen,” “cast away” and “blind” spiritually (Rom. 11:11, 15, 25), but after today’s “dispensation of the Grace of God,” he affirms that “all Israel will be saved” (v26). Prophecy will be fulfilled with Israel, God cannot revoke His Word to them: “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Rom. 11:29). While God is operating our mystery program, “kept secret since the world began” (Rom. 16:25), He holds in abeyance Israel’s prophetic program that had been “spoken (prophesied) since the world began” (Acts 3:21).

The “body of Christ” has not been given Israel’s promises; they still belong to Israel and will be fulfilled. The key to remember is that that program in which Israel’s promises belong, is only currently suspended, and the intervening program in which we live today involves a whole new set of promises and doctrine.

The nation Israel, which God intended to use to evangelize the world, is currently set aside. Today, the Gentile (non-Jewish) world is hearing God’s Word through the ministry of the Apostle Paul, his epistles of Romans through Philemon, apart from fallen Israel (see Rom. 11:10-13). Today, Israel’s prophetic program is still temporarily suspended, not eternally suspended. Israel’s kingdom is still postponed, for their Messiah has not yet returned at His Second Coming to bring in their kingdom. Paul, quoting Isaiah 59:20-21 in Rom. 11:26-27, writes that God will one day take away Israel’s sins, per the New Covenant. The Apostle Peter mentioned this restoration of Israel in 1 Peter 2:10.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians concerning “time past,” when God had made the distinction between the nation Israel (“the Circumcision”) and the Gentiles (“the Uncircumcision”), before Paul’s “gospel of the grace of God.”

“Wherefore, remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; ¹²That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:” (Ephesians 2:11-12)

Paul refers to “time past,” which includes the “Old Testament,” the four Gospels, and the first nine chapters of Acts. But, Eph. 2:13 goes onto say, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Dispensational Bible study enables us to “rightly divide” the “time past” from the “but now.” Before Paul and “the dispensation of the Grace of God” (the “but now,”), God dealt with mankind on the basis on Jew above the Gentile. “But now,” God is not making any distinction between Jew and Gentile (cf. 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28). God has changed the program: this is the dispensational change that occurred with the conversion of the Apostle Paul. Those who don’t understand this usually end up embracing “Replacement Theology.”

3. If God Didn’t Keep His Promises to Israel, How Can We Be Sure He Will Keep His Word to Us?

A third reason to reject Covenant Theology (Replacement Theology / Supersessionism) is this, if God did not keep His promises to Israel, then what are we doing trying to claim Israel’s promises? Who is to say God would not take them away from us, if He did give them to us, which He did not? Who is to say that God will keep His promises to us in Paul’s epistles, if He did not keep His promises to Israel? This throws doubt upon the very character of God. So, we can see just how dangerous Replacement Theology is. It is causes doubt in God’s Word, and that’s exactly how Satan operates today (cf. Gen