Some early Church Fathers wrongly concluded God was finished with the Jews due to their rejection of Christ and the ensuing circumstances.
Les Feldick teaches that this belief arose from human reaction to circumstances rather than Scripture. Early Church Fathers saw Israel's rejection of the Messiah, the destruction of the Temple, and the dispersion of the Jewish people as signs that God had abandoned them. They also saw the Church's growth, especially after Constantine, and mistakenly transferred Israel's promises to the Church.
Romans 11:1 — Paul's rhetorical question directly addresses whether God has cast away His people, which is the core issue.
The Bible adamantly affirms that God has not cast away His people Israel. In Romans 11, Paul asks, "I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid." This indicates that despite Israel's unbelief, God has not rejected them permanently. The Old Testament foretold that God would fulfill His covenant promises to Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 37, Deuteronomy 29, and Zechariah. The Bible also states that Israel was to be a light to the Gentiles, but that Isaiah's prophecy says the Messiah would be that light, and only through Israel were the Gentiles to be blessed.
Les Feldick explains that the early Church Fathers, and indeed most of Christendom (around 90%), have held the opinion that God is all through with the Jew because they crucified their Messiah. This belief led to the persecution of Jews throughout history, often labeling them 'Christ killers.' Les emphasizes that this view is a human reaction to circumstances, not what God intended. He teaches that God has set Israel aside for a time, but He is not through with them. The nation of Israel is still God's covenant people, and God will one day bring them back to the land and fulfill all His promises to them, as seen in the modern return of Jewish people to Israel.
Les Feldick points out that the early Church Fathers saw the destruction of the Temple and the dispersion of the Jewish people, along with the rejection of Christ, as evidence that God had finished with Israel. They also observed the rapid growth of the Church, especially after Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, and concluded that God had transferred His promises from Israel to the Church.
Les teaches that because they removed Israel from the picture, they discarded any literal fulfillment of end-time prophecy. Since prophecy is directed to the Jew, taking Israel out of the picture meant that the Tribulation and the Second Coming were no longer necessary. This is a key difference from Les's own teaching that Israel is central to prophecy and that God will resume His dealings with them.
God's Promises to Israel Not Fulfilled Yet
Les teaches that the land promises to Israel will be fulfilled in the Kingdom when Christ returns, showing God is not done with Israel.
God Has Not Cast Away Israel
Les directly addresses the belief that God is through with the Jew, affirming that He has set them aside but will return to fulfill His covenant.
Israel Set Aside, Not Abandoned
Les explains that God set aside Israel due to their rejection, but the dispersion and return to the land in modern times show He is still working with them.
Persecution of Jews Due to Misunderstanding
Les shows how early Christians persecuted Jews thinking they were enemies of God, which was a human reaction, not God's intention.
Even Reformers Were Anti-Semitic
Les notes that even Martin Luther held wrong views about the Jews, thinking they killed the Messiah, which contradicts Scripture.
Majority of Christendom Sets Israel Aside
Les emphasizes that most Christian groups have set Israel aside, but the Bible says God will bring them back and fulfill His promises.
Israel Still God's Covenant People
Les affirms that despite the widespread opinion, Israel is still God's covenant people, though set aside for a time.
Transfer of Promises Is Contrary to Bible
Les states that the idea that God transferred Israel's promises to the Church flies in the face of Scripture.
Romans 11:1: 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.
Paul directly addresses the question of whether God has rejected Israel, answering with an emphatic 'God forbid.'
They were influenced by circumstances: Israel had rejected and crucified the Messiah, the Temple was destroyed, and the Jews were scattered. They also saw the Church growing rapidly after Constantine, which led them to conclude God had transferred His promises to the Church.
No. Les emphatically teaches that God is not through with the Jewish people. He says they have been set aside for a time, but God will one day fulfill His covenant promises to them, as evidenced by the modern return of Jews to Israel.
Watch the Teaching: Pre-Trib vs. Amillennialism: What the Bible Really Says