My previous column challenged Bible-believing Christians—and all Americans—to stand with the people, nation, and land of Israel during these times of unprecedented hatred aimed at Jewish people around the world.

During the past week, the animosity and hostility spouted against the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have grown to a level that we might have considered unfathomable, making such pleas all the more necessary. This story is not going away anytime soon. The acrimony is spreading like wildfire.

And make no mistake about it: This is not simply an attack on Israel and the Jewish people. It is an attack on America, our Christian worldview, and everything we hold dear—coming from those who identify proudly (even if unwittingly) with the Hamas terrorists. If this is not a struggle between good and evil, then I don’t know what is. ^[i]

But what does it really mean to stand with this “holy people” (Deut. 7:6)? It’s easy enough to say the words, but what actions do they represent? Additionally, the mere mention of the concept seems to draw out every imaginable objection. The dissent ranges from a soft antisemitism—rooted in the worst traditions of Catholic and Protestant Christendom—to the musings of professing dispensationalists who simply cannot be convinced that the Israel now returned to its land is related to Biblical Israel.

So, what do I mean when I talk about standing with God’s chosen people? Let’s set up the answer in this installment by thinking about a few things that this does not mean.

Standing with Israel does not mean that we believe her to be inherently worthy of God’s blessing. Israelites, like everyone else on this planet, are worthy of God’s judgment, not His favor—and they certainly have received His chastening in heavy doses throughout their history (see Jer. 31:18). The Apostle Paul made it clear in Rom. 3:9 that “both Jews and Greeks … are all under sin.” And God made it plain from the beginning that He never chose Israel because of any intrinsic goodness within them, “but because the LORD loves you” (Deut. 7:8). So, let’s rule this one out right away—and, while we’re at it, let’s hope that none of us ever have to worry about God giving us what we deserve.

Standing with Israel also does not mean that we discount the fact that Israel today is a nation in unbelief. Having largely rejected their Messiah, the Jewish people suffer under spiritual “blindness” (Rom. 11:25). They live in spiritual apostasy (see Rev. 11:8). Yet, thank God, this blindness is only “in part” and only for a limited period of time (Rom. 11:25)! One day, their return in faith will be complete and eternal (see Rom. 11:26; cf. Zech. 13:9).

But now, Israel is one of “the kingdoms of this world” (Rev. 11:15) which remain “under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19)—just as our own beloved United States does also (cf. 2 Cor. 4:4). Sadly, this is going to get worse before it gets better. In fact, it is going to be so bad that Israel will literally cut a deal with the devil. They will make a seven-year covenant with the antichrist, which will officially begin the seven-year period of tribulation (see Dan. 9:26-27; John 5:43). So, if you think Israel has failed spiritually in the past, just hang on. You haven’t seen anything yet!

Israel, as a whole today, is a bit like the northern kingdom following the split that took place under Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10. Those 10 northern tribes chose to go into apostasy. They had no temple, no legitimate king, no hope of bringing the Messiah into their nation, and just a handful of true Biblical prophets. They were a people in rebellion. And yet, God’s concern for them was overwhelming because of His covenant promises to “their forefathers” (Jer. 11:10; cf. Isa. 54:10; Hos. 1:10-11; 14:4).

And here is where evangelicals—even some dispensationalists—seem to drive over the metaphorical cliff. If Israel is apostate during this present time, they reason that Christians have no business supporting such a nation—or even that it is sinful to do so! Now, indeed, there is lots of sin in Israel, just as there is in our homeland. Yet, we certainly love our country, do we not? When we stand with Israel, we stand with her in spite of her flaws and in light of God’s promises and plans for her.

In fact, shouldn’t we be concerned for all unbelievers? Doesn’t God work in the lives of unbelievers? I hope so—or you and I wouldn’t be here right now! But when we concern ourselves with blessing the Jewish people, even in their unbelief, we have a promise of something much greater. We know that we are part of a chain of events that will one day culminate in their ultimate and complete salvation (see Isa. 4:3-4).

One final thought. Standing with the people of Israel does not mean that we endorse everything that the Israeli government or military does. The Israeli government is a complex subject, but I know enough about it to say this: Israel’s leaders do not always agree with one another! So, how could I ever agree with all of them?

I am no military expert by any means. I do admire the Israeli military—it is surely one of the greatest fighting forces ever assembled in the history of the world. But is it perfect? By no means. Does it claim to be? Not at all.

You see, I do not hold to any of these ideas, yet I still stand solidly with the people, nation, and land of Israel. So, what does that mean in a positive sense?

We’ll take up that question in the next installment.

***

Paul J. Scharf (M.A., M.Div., Faith Baptist Theological Seminary) is a church ministries representative for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, based in Columbus, WI, and serving in the Midwest. For more information on his ministry, visit sermonaudio.com/pscharf or foi.org/scharf, or email pscharf@foi.org.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version.

[i] For anyone seeking a greater understanding of the origin and nature of the current conflict in Gaza, I would highly recommend the three keynote lectures that Dr. Randall Price delivered on March 4-6, 2024, at the Chafer Theological Seminary Pastors’ Conference. His messages on “The Truth Behind the Headlines” and “How the Middle East Conflict is Preparing the World for the End Time” go to the heart of the issues at hand, in light of Biblical history and prophecy. You can find them at “2024 Chafer Theological Seminary Pastors’ Conference;” Dean Bible Ministries; https://deanbibleministries.org/presentations/messages/series/2024-chafer-theological-seminary-pastors-conference; Internet; accessed 2 May 2024.

Jude 1:24-25; “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time now and forever, Amen.” (ESV, all emphasis mine)

Ephesians 3:20-21; “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and forever; Amen.”

Revelation 5:11-14; “Then I looked and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!’ And I heard every creature in Heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea and all that is in them saying, ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and forever!’ And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Trying to make it in today’s evil world without real hope is absolutely frightening beyond words. The increasing crime rate and violence we are experiencing in America and worldwide is unprecedented. Everything Paul talked about in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 about difficulty in the last days is in our everyday news right now.

“But understand this, that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid Such People.”

Jesus said in Matthew 24:9-13, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My namesake. And then many will fall away and betray one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

It is becoming more and more obvious that to declare Jesus as Our Savior is very unpopular. Christians are being portrayed as haters, even though we try to love everyone for their eternal soul as we are directed by our Jesus. Even though we love all, we do not have to accept what the Father calls abominations, and this turns them against us.

Christian businesses are being targeted with legal challenges because they will not perform services or make products that obviously go against our relationship with our Heavenly Father. There are numerous secular florists, bakeries, photographers, and whatever that have no problem fulfilling the sinful acts. However, business owners who are believers are purposely sought out in an attempt to cause persecution.

Jesus told us in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

There is an answer for this, yet many believe that it is too hard. The answer is to “surrender” to our Lord and Savior and become a part of His precious flock. It may not totally change your circumstances on this earth, but your forever will definitely be for the best.

In 1896, the song “I Surrender All” was written by Judsen Van DeVenter (12/1855 – 07/1939). Please consider your forever and choose Jesus as your eternal Savior.

1.) All to Jesus I surrender; all to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.

Ref.) I surrender All; I surrender All; all to thee my blessed Savior; I surrender All.

2.) All to Jesus I surrender; humbly at His feet I bow. Worldly pleasures all forsaken, take me, Jesus, take me now. (ref)

3.) All to Jesus I surrender; make me wholly Thine. Let me feel the Holy Spirit, truly know that Thou art mine. (ref)

4.) All to Jesus I surrender; Lord, I give myself to Thee. Fill me with Thy love and power; let Thy blessing fall on me. (ref)

5.) All to Jesus I surrender; now I feel the Sacred Flame. Oh the joy of full Salvation; Glory, Glory to His name. (ref.)

Please know that the hard part is believing that eternal Salvation is not performing numerous tasks, jumping through hoops, or having to go into debt to purchase it. In fact, Ephesians 2:8-9 sets the record straight on this; “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast.”

There are steps to follow which have been called the “ABCs of Salvation.” This can be found in Romans 10:9-13.

The “A” is to admit you are a sinner, as everyone on this earth is without exception. There was only one “human” who lived a totally sinless life, and that was Jesus when He came to this earth in human form. Please note, as a human, He was subject to all the feelings and emotions that we experience. Satan even tried to tempt Him to sin without success. Though He was made to be lower than the angels while on this earth (Hebrews 2:7-9), He kept His focus on the reason He was here and completed the only sacrifice for our sins that the Father would ever accept.

The “B” is to believe Jesus did come to this earth, was crucified and died for our sins, and was raised by the Father on the 3rd day to conquer sin and death for us once and for all. Also, we believe Jesus is truly a part of the Triune Godhead.

The “C” is to call on the name of the Lord to be saved. All who truly call on Jesus to be their Savior will be saved. Besides Joel 2:32, this is found in Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13.

Our Heavenly Father will force no one to receive and accept Jesus as their Savior but will accept all who truly do. He is absolutely a God of Love, as given in John 3:16-18. He will allow the choice to not receive Jesus, but the consequences are severe. There are only two choices in spite of what false prophets may try to tell you.

All who take their last breath on this earth without Jesus will be scheduled for the line at the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15. Everyone there will end up in the lake of fire with Satan and His demons forever. The judgment is to learn the degree of their eternal punishment, not if they are saved or condemned.

All who have received and accepted our Savior will be with Him forever in Heaven. We will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), but that is to determine rewards gained or lost by what we did while on this earth. This judgment is not to see if we have Heaven or hell, as we will be with Jesus forever.

The activities today are practically shouting that our Jesus will be coming soon to take all believers off this sin-filled planet to keep us from the coming wrath. No other prophecies have to be completed before this takes place. The time to be ready for the Rapture is right now – today! Once the Trumpet of God sounds and the shout is given by an archangel, the Rapture will be over in the “twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:52).

Joshua expressed to the people the best possible answer we could give. To summarize, he told the people to choose that day whom they would serve. As for Him and his household, they would serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

To surrender to our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, is to gain Heaven forever. Quite frankly, this seems like a total win-win situation. Instead of absolute darkness forever in eternal punishment, we will have the light of the Savior forever and ever in absolute paradise. He’s waiting for those who will call on Him. Please choose wisely, as your eternal destination depends on this.

Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!) Shalom! (Peace to you!)

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