“Replacement
Theology” Leads to “Replacement Reality”
By Jan Markell
The “religious left” has always troubled me. They seem to be
focused on things that are unscriptural and unspiritual. Their world view is
hardly that of the conservative, Bible-believing Christian. In the early days
of my ministry I would now and then minister in these churches—at least those
bold enough to invite a pro-Bible prophecy, pro-Israel speaker. I give that
remnant credit! However, there were never more than two or three in attendance
at my classes even though the church membership was in the thousands.
Conclusion: I was not tracking with these people who wanted to hear about
poverty, the environment, a Palestinian state, and human rights! And it finally
dawned on me that I was but spinning my wheels. They didn’t have the eyes to
see or ears to hear the truth. Members of these denominations are not bad
people. They are misled by ministers of the Gospel who sadly misinterpret
Scripture.
Now “The Institute on Religion and Democracy” which monitors
activity in Mainline Protestant denominations, reports that human rights
criticisms among these denominations are out of balance. They find that between
2000 and 2003, 31% of these criticisms were directed at the U.S. and 37% were
directed at Israel. No mention of the colossal abuse of humanity in parts of Africa,
including Sudan, and the vast abuses in the Islamic world. But two of the
world’s shining examples of democracy, both rooted in Judeo-Christian
principles, were singled out as big bad bullies by the Presbyterian Church USA,
the Episcopal Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
Earlier this year the Presbyterian Church USA voted to
divest all economic interest in Israel and the Episcopal Church may follow
next. So, let’s economically strangle America’s biggest ally in the Middle East
and so weaken her that she could be of little productive use in America’s war
on terror.
On October 3, 2004, over 50,000 evangelical churches
observed the “International Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem Day.” Earlier
this fall the World and National Council of Churches had a “Day of Prayer for
Peace”. They quoted PA spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi on a PA Web site speaking
about Middle East peace, a subject matter about which she hasn’t got a clue.
There was no mention that on that same PA Web site was footage of two PA TV
programs showing official religious leaders openly calling for the genocide of
Jews.
Visit the Web sites of the World and National Council of
Churches which the above-mentioned denominations are members of, but if you’re
a Bible-believing Christian you may be prompted to laugh or cry. Weeping is
more appropriate. You will search in vain for references to Jesus, Christ, God
the Father, the Holy Spirit, or salvation. What you will find is article after
article protesting Israel’s security fence that has reduced suicide attacks by
over 80%. Articles and positions discuss environmental issues, the Iraq war,
health care, the needs of ex-offenders, the Geneva Convention, refugees,
migrant labor, women’s rights, and a plea to understand Native American
culture. The NCC has a page describing their boycott of a pickle factory! How
about boycotting an abortion factory? Ecumenism is the real god of the leaders
of the NCC and WCC and again, the people are left spiritually starving.
These outfits are angered that President Bush would make a
suggestion that his actions are often guided by his faith. I often wonder what
those criticizing this would prefer the president be guided by?
These are the very denominations that believe in
“Replacement Theology”—that the Church is the new Israel. Modern-day Israel has
no more relevance than the Canary Islands. When you embrace this false
teaching, you also end up with “replacement reality.” In other words, reality
gets totally skewed. This is all a part of that “end-time” falling away the
Bible predicts and the rampant apostasy of the latter days. Is it any wonder
that attendance in these churches is plunging and as a result, and their income
as well? I’m sure it’s tough for God to bless denominations that are skewed in
their world view and theology like this. Following the pattern of Genesis 12:3,
there should be some literal “cursing” going on.
Pray for these denominations, however. God’s grace is
gracious enough to open the eyes of some who may be questioning some of this.
The human condition in me would rather write them off as hopelessly blind but
the Bible tells us not to give up and to keep pursuing righteousness, believing
that some who seem so very lost can still turn from their unbiblical ways and
see truth. Anger should not be directed at the sheep being led astray who would
likely receive the truth if their leaders would ever teach and preach it.
(Jan Markell is founder and director of Olive Tree
Ministries. For more information or to learn of similar false theologies, visit
her Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org.
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