Welcome to "The Christian Zionist."
"I will Bless those who bless Israel, and the one who curses Israel I will curse..." --Genesis 12:3
It is our goal to become a valuable resource for Christians who want to learn how to actively support Israel.
A Christian Zionist is one who looks with favor on the Jewish return to Zion, the city of Jerusalem and the land of Israel, specifically because of the biblical significance of this return. In North America alone, Christian Zionists number over 70 million. Think about that figure for a moment - an identifiable group 14 times larger than Israel's Jewish population is outspokenly loyal to the Jewish state.
Why We Support Israel
Did you know the Bible is very clear about the destiny of the Jewish people? The Scriptures say that, after the destruction of Jerusalem and worldwide scattering of the Jewish people, God would first bring them back to the Land of Israel from the four corners of the earth, after which He will spiritually restore them to Himself. It is in their land that they will receive a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27), and it is in their land that they will confess, as a nation, that the Lord will be their God, and they will be His people (Jeremiah 31:33).
God has had His own plan and purposes for the land and people of Israel from the very beginning. He offers Christians, as children of Abraham by faith, the chance to take an active role in the outworking of His redemptive process. It is a plan so great in significance that it encompasses the future of the whole earth. As Paul states: "If their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring?... For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?" (Romans 11:12, 15)
What We Don't Believe in
Several misconceptions about Christian Zionists persist today. We are not anti-Muslim. Christ was not anti-Muslim, instead he commands us to "Love our neighbor as ourselves," (Matthew 19:19) and "Love one another, as I have loved you," (John 15:12-17). Christ would have loved each and every Muslim and as Christians, we must follow this example. Further, Mohammed was not a terrorist and the vast majority of Muslims are not terrorists either. Being anti-Muslim does not help our cause and there are many Muslims who are not against Israel.
We are against all terrorism. Christ has commanded us, "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," Matthew 5:44. He has made it clear that Christian Zionists are to never engage in or support terrorism.
We do not support Israel merely to convert Jews to Christianity. In fact, the majority of Christian Zionists have no intention of converting Jews through their support of Israel. God has called us to support Israel and we willingly and gladly obey.
We do not support Israel to usher in the end times of the world. Fringe groups believe that the gathering of Jews in Israel will bring on the end times. For the majority of Christian Zionists, these fringe doctrines play no part in their service to Israel. If God needed our help in bringing the end times, then He wouldn't be an all powerful God. He will carry out his plans for the world in his own time.
The Christian's Role
We believe it is God's desire that Christians across the world be encouraged and inspired to arise to their prophetic role in the restoration of Israel. The Bible says that the destiny of the nations, of Christians and of the Church is linked to the way they respond to this work of restoration. Israel is the target of hostility from many quarters.
We believe that Christians must take a stand against anti-Israel and anti-Semitic prejudices, and counter lies with truth. As such, our approach may at times involve political stands, but these ultimately arise from biblical principles and convictions. We are compelled by our faith to help protect the Lord's people and to help preserve them for that time when the Lord will fulfill all of His promises to them.
Christian Zionist Leaders
We applaud the work of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and one of the most prominent Jewish Leaders organizing Christian Zionists (see link).
The most prominent Christian Zionist leaders include: Ralph Reed, Pat Robertson, Gary Bauer, Hal Lindsey, Beverly LaHaye, Jack Hayford, Oral Roberts, John Hagee, and Jerry Falwell.
Three of the most productive and respected Christian Zionist organizations include Stand for Israel (a joint venture between Rabbi Eckstein and Ralph Reed), the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, and the Bridges for Peace (see links) .
We admire the effort of Jewish radio commentator Nachum Segal, broadcasting from New Jersey and reaching much of New York City (see link). |
