Replacement Theology: What It Is and Why It Matters for Christians

[DavidTree]

Replacement Theology teaches that “the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan, in that the church has transcended and fulfilled the terms of the covenant given to Israel that Israel lost because of disobedience.”[1] Those who accept Replacement Theology as true believe God’s covenant with the Jewish people ended in AD 30 and all the blessings given to Israel have been transferred to the gentile church. (However, most people who subscribe to this view are reluctant to say the church also inherited the curses and judgments God pronounced for her apostasy.)

According to this view, God has and will continue to save individual Jews who accept Jesus, but He has no present or future place for national, ethnic Israel in His plan of redemption. “Supersessionism” is the technical term for Replacement Theology; it is sometimes referred to as Fulfillment Theology.

God also promised a particular piece of land to the Jewish people. However, Replacement Theology proponents believe that land is unimportant to God now, and references to the promised land mean the whole world.

Former International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) Executive Director Malcolm Hedding argues that Replacement Theology rests chiefly on the idea that the whole or part of the Abrahamic covenant has been abolished, for it is this covenant that promises to Israel eternal ownership of the land of Canaan (Genesis 17:7–8):

Once this “promise” has been removed, the present-day restoration of Israel means nothing, and her only hope is in the church. Now, it must be made clear that we believe that only in Christ Jesus can there be salvation for Jews and gentiles alike (Romans 1:16–17). However, we do not believe that the promise of God in the Abrahamic covenant bequeathing the land of Canaan to Israel has been removed, and therefore, Israel’s modern restoration to the land of Canaan is indeed fulfillment of that promise and constitutes a milestone on her “way home” to her Messiah. (Ezekiel 36:24–28)[2]

How prevalent is Replacement Theology, and when did it start? What theological basis is there for this belief—if any? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and more, or skip to a specific topic below:

- Theological Basis of Replacement Theology
- “Israel” in the New Testament: Does It Refer to the Church?
- Historical Roots of Replacement Theology
- The Council of Nicaea’s Influence on Replacement Theology
- Is Fulfillment Theology the Same as Replacement Theology?
- Paul and Replacement Theology
- Types of Replacement Theology
- Flaws in the Thesis behind Replacement Theology
- Why Is Replacement Theology Dangerous?
- Replacement Theology and the New Testament
- Replacement Theology and the Abrahamic Covenant: Two Views
- Was Israel’s Failure the End of Her Calling?
- How Should Christians Respond?
- Conclusion


By: Susan Michael & Karen Engle

Full article: Replacement Theology: What It Is and Why It Matters for Christians

Replacement TRUTH came from and Authored by the LORD Jesus Christ

Jesus said to them(and you), “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

‘The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the Lord’s doing,
And it is marvelous in our eyes’?
“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

There has only been One Eternal Israel of GOD = read the GOSPEL of John, Acts, Galatians, Romans, Ephesians, Revelation

The flesh nation Israel has been removed from the KINGDOM and replaced with the ISRAEL of GOD

GOD's Faithfulness has always kept a Remnant of Jews in the ISRAEL of GOD = Romans ch9-ch11

WHEN CHRIST Returns HE will spare 1/3 of the Jewish people and restore them unto HIMSELF = Zech ch13 & ch14, Matt 23:37-39

Please READ, PRAY & BELIEVE the Whole of Scripture = 2 Timothy 3:16 , Proverbs 30:5-6

 

[armylngst]

Its a brand new far superior Covenant relationship between Yahweh and man

The question is, what are the boundaries, who is the head of the covenant, and what exactly does the covenant state. We know the head is Christ, because the author makes that clear. Is the new covenant just between God and Israel, in keeping with the Abrahamic (not the faulty mosaic), or is it with the whole world, considering Jesus is not a priest of Israel (Levi/Aaron) but of the line of Melchizedek. In either case, I still stand by the Abrahamic covenant being in full force, because it was made with Abraham, not Israel. Hence the promise that the whole world would be blessed by Abraham's seed, not just Israel. Physical promises (Israel only) and Spiritual promises (both Gentiles and Israel). I still appreciate the analogy of the Jews sitting at the table, eating the whole food, while the Gentiles are the family pet eating the crumbs that fall from the table.

I have not decided for my own self exactly what the new covenant is in relation to everything. I have my ideas, but I have not come to a full understanding/decision. It's all about how the logic works with the context. My idea is that it is a new covenant with the whole world, not just Israel, and Jesus is both the priest and the sacrifice that instituted the covenant by His shed blood. However, who Jesus is to the Jew is different than who Jesus is to the Gentiles. To the Jew, He is their Messiah, their future king whose Kingdom will engulf the whole world, with the center in Jerusalem. To the Gentile, He is their Savior in His mercy. And I stop there to keep from wandering too far.

 

[DavidTree]

The question is, what are the boundaries, who is the head of the covenant, and what exactly does the covenant state. We know the head is Christ, because the author makes that clear. Is the new covenant just between God and Israel, in keeping with the Abrahamic (not the faulty mosaic), or is it with the whole world, considering Jesus is not a priest of Israel (Levi/Aaron) but of the line of Melchizedek. In either case, I still stand by the Abrahamic covenant being in full force, because it was made with Abraham, not Israel. Hence the promise that the whole world would be blessed by Abraham's seed, not just Israel. Physical promises (Israel only) and Spiritual promises (both Gentiles and Israel). I still appreciate the analogy of the Jews sitting at the table, eating the whole food, while the Gentiles are the family pet eating the crumbs that fall from the table.

I have not decided for my own self exactly what the new covenant is in relation to everything. I have my ideas, but I have not come to a full understanding/decision. It's all about how the logic works with the context. My idea is that it is a new covenant with the whole world, not just Israel, and Jesus is both the priest and the sacrifice that instituted the covenant by His shed blood. However, who Jesus is to the Jew is different than who Jesus is to the Gentiles. To the Jew, He is their Messiah, their future king whose Kingdom will engulf the whole world, with the center in Jerusalem. To the Gentile, He is their Savior in His mercy. And I stop there to keep from wandering too far.

The Promise made by GOD to Abraham was for "all nations"

The LORD Jesus Christ and the Apostles John and Paul made this Crystal CLEAR for us to SEE

God's Promise is CHRIST = John 3:16

 

[armylngst]

The Promise made by GOD to Abraham was for "all nations"

The LORD Jesus Christ and the Apostles John and Paul made this Crystal CLEAR for us to SEE

God's Promise is CHRIST = John 3:16

Yes. The promise was spiritual blessings to all believers no matter who they are. However, the Abrahamic covenant with physical promises was for Abraham and his descendants. When thinking physiical promises, think land promises.

 

[DavidTree]

Yes. The promise was spiritual blessings to all believers no matter who they are. However, the Abrahamic covenant with physical promises was for Abraham and his descendants. When thinking physiical promises, think land promises.

AGREE = the land Israel was promised to the flesh descendants of Abraham

***IMPORTANT*** = only to those who Believe the WORD that was GOD = the Promised MESSIAH of the seed of Abraham

The Promised Seed is CHRIST = Galatians 3:29
Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.
Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made.
He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.
And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 

[armylngst]

AGREE = the land Israel was promised to the flesh descendants of Abraham

Only to them that believe. Not the flesh descendants as many believed, but to those pysical descendants of Abraham who are ALSO spiritual descendants.

***IMPORTANT*** = only to those who Believe the WORD that was GOD = the Promised MESSIAH of the seed of Abraham

Exactly.

The Promised Seed is CHRIST = Galatians 3:29
Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

The Gentiles eat of the crumbs that fall from the table. Salvation is first to the Jew, then to the Greek. It speaks to priority, not who received it first. Yes, the Jews received it first, but due to the Jewish position as the chosen people of God, they get first dibs on everything. Savlation, judgment, wrath, blessings etc. That is due to position.

Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.
Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made.
He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.
And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Now do remember, it doesn't mean Jews and Greeks disappear, as men and women don't disappear, or slaves and freedmen. In the church, there is no distinction before God. That is, both Jews and Gentiles/Greeks have acces to God through the same Spirit. There is no first or second place in the church. However, salvation, blessings, curses, wrath, judgment, etc, is still first to the Jew, then the Gentile/Greek. Again, due to the special position the Jews have as the chosen people of God. However, they get priority on everything, to include the bad things. And to the Gentiles, the Jews get priority on everything, to include the good things. Israel has not been replaced.

 

[DavidTree]

The Gentiles eat of the crumbs that fall from the table. Salvation is first to the Jew, then to the Greek. It speaks to priority, not who received it first. Yes, the Jews received it first, but due to the Jewish position as the chosen people of God, they get first dibs on everything. Savlation, judgment, wrath, blessings etc. That is due to position.

Good Morning and Thank You for your response, to which much i agree

Except some of that which I isolated from your post in the above = this is Part 1

The Gentiles eat of the crumbs that fall from the table.

SEE here as to Why
"behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

JESUS seemingly spoke degrading to her, yet this was done on purpose so that you and i may know the Truth of God.

JESUS was addressing the darkness of idolatry and false gods that the Gentiles were under and apart from Moses/Torah.

SEE here:
The Phoenician pantheon featured many gods and goddesses, often with overlapping roles. While each city had favored patrons, several major deities were worshipped across Phoenicia and its colonies:

• Melqart (Tyre): Patron god of Tyre, associated with kingship, the sea, and commerce. The Greeks likened him to Hercules, reflecting his role as a powerful protector and founder of colonies.
• Astarte (Sidon and beyond): A great goddess of fertility, love, and war. Also known as Ashtart, she was venerated in multiple cities. Sidon’s kings styled themselves as priests of Astarte, highlighting her importance in state religion.
• Baal: A title meaning “Lord,” used for various local storm and sky gods. One prominent form was Baal Shamem (Lord of the Heavens), a weather deity invoked for rain and prosperity. Many Phoenician gods carried the name Baal with epithets (Baal of Sidon, Baal Hammon, etc.).
• Eshmun (Sidon): God of healing and renewal. Sidon’s chief male deity, Eshmun was connected with health and was later identified with the Greek Asclepius due to his healing functions.
• Baal Hammon (Carthage): The principal god of Carthage in later times, thought to ensure agricultural fertility and the prosperity of the community. He was often depicted as a robed older figure and was equated by the Greeks to Cronus or by Romans to Saturn.
• Tanit (Carthage): The great goddess of Carthage, introduced in the West and possibly influenced by local Libyan deities. Tanit was a motherly figure of life, fertility, and protection. She was called “face of Baal” and became the consort of Baal Hammon, eventually rising to supreme prominence in Punic worship.

Thusly, the LORD Jesus Christ correctly addressed the ROOT Cause of her daughter's demon-possesion.
Once the Root Cause was addressed, JESUS freely gave His LOVE,="for God so Loved the world"

SEE here:
But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”
And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.”
And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

NOTICE: GOD's Directive is that the Gentiles share in "the FAITH that was once delivered to the saints!!!"

 

[JesusFan]

You are infected by a Constantinian Gentile theology that is full of false doctrine trying to pass itself off as legitimate and it is not.
Show me in the Old Testament God making covenant with non-Hebrew Gentiles and tell me the name of the Gentile God makes covenant with so I can study those passages.

Jesus, Yahweh in Human Flesh, stated that thru and by His blood atoning sacrifice he will establish a brand new and far superior Covenant, and all saved jews and Gentiles will be under now that new Covenant

 

[armylngst]

Good Morning and Thank You for your response, to which much i agree

Except some of that which I isolated from your post in the above = this is Part 1



SEE here as to Why
"behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

JESUS seemingly spoke degrading to her, yet this was done on purpose so that you and i may know the Truth of God.

JESUS was addressing the darkness of idolatry and false gods that the Gentiles were under and apart from Moses/Torah.

SEE here:
The Phoenician pantheon featured many gods and goddesses, often with overlapping roles. While each city had favored patrons, several major deities were worshipped across Phoenicia and its colonies:

• Melqart (Tyre): Patron god of Tyre, associated with kingship, the sea, and commerce. The Greeks likened him to Hercules, reflecting his role as a powerful protector and founder of colonies.
• Astarte (Sidon and beyond): A great goddess of fertility, love, and war. Also known as Ashtart, she was venerated in multiple cities. Sidon’s kings styled themselves as priests of Astarte, highlighting her importance in state religion.
• Baal: A title meaning “Lord,” used for various local storm and sky gods. One prominent form was Baal Shamem (Lord of the Heavens), a weather deity invoked for rain and prosperity. Many Phoenician gods carried the name Baal with epithets (Baal of Sidon, Baal Hammon, etc.).
• Eshmun (Sidon): God of healing and renewal. Sidon’s chief male deity, Eshmun was connected with health and was later identified with the Greek Asclepius due to his healing functions.
• Baal Hammon (Carthage): The principal god of Carthage in later times, thought to ensure agricultural fertility and the prosperity of the community. He was often depicted as a robed older figure and was equated by the Greeks to Cronus or by Romans to Saturn.
• Tanit (Carthage): The great goddess of Carthage, introduced in the West and possibly influenced by local Libyan deities. Tanit was a motherly figure of life, fertility, and protection. She was called “face of Baal” and became the consort of Baal Hammon, eventually rising to supreme prominence in Punic worship.

Thusly, the LORD Jesus Christ correctly addressed the ROOT Cause of her daughter's demon-possesion.
Once the Root Cause was addressed, JESUS freely gave His LOVE,="for God so Loved the world"

SEE here:
But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”
And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.”
And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

NOTICE: GOD's Directive is that the Gentiles share in "the FAITH that was once delivered to the saints!!!"

Note, the meaning of the word for dog is like a puppy dog. He isn't denegrating anyone. It's like a parable. The children are the Jews. In this case, Jesus as Messiah. It is not good to take the children's (Jews) bread (Jesus Messiaship) and throw it to the dogs. Why did Jesus say this? Because she, as a Gentile, used Jesus' Jewish Messianic title, yet Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews, not the Gentiles. At this time, His purpose is the Jews. She called out again without using His messianic title and He gave her this "parable". She answered saying that these puppy dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table. So she understood what Jesus was saying, yet understood a deeper truth, and Jesus basically said, you got it. Through faith, she shows us the plan. Salvation is to the Jew first, then the Greek. Notice how whenever Paul enters a city, the very first thing he does is go to the synagogue and engage the Jews. Then he goes to the Gentiles. Jews are the priority in everything. Curses, judgment, wrath... salvation, blessings, etc. (Just highlighting what I mean by everything). Why? Jews received the oracles of God and are God's chosen people.

 

[DavidTree]

Note, the meaning of the word for dog is like a puppy dog. He isn't denegrating anyone. It's like a parable. The children are the Jews. In this case, Jesus as Messiah. It is not good to take the children's (Jews) bread (Jesus Messiaship) and throw it to the dogs. Why did Jesus say this? Because she, as a Gentile, used Jesus' Jewish Messianic title, yet Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews, not the Gentiles. At this time, His purpose is the Jews. She called out again without using His messianic title and He gave her this "parable". She answered saying that these puppy dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table. So she understood what Jesus was saying, yet understood a deeper truth, and Jesus basically said, you got it. Through faith, she shows us the plan. Salvation is to the Jew first, then the Greek. Notice how whenever Paul enters a city, the very first thing he does is go to the synagogue and engage the Jews. Then he goes to the Gentiles. Jews are the priority in everything. Curses, judgment, wrath... salvation, blessings, etc. (Just highlighting what I mean by everything). Why? Jews received the oracles of God and are God's chosen people.

Jews are NOT the "priority"

The Gospel is the Priority = to all nations

By God's PLAN, the Gospel is preached to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.

JESUS preached the Gospel to the Gentile woman = "Great is your FAITH"

 

[jeremiah1five]

Jesus, Yahweh in Human Flesh, stated that thru and by His blood atoning sacrifice he will establish a brand new and far superior Covenant, and all saved jews and Gentiles will be under now that new Covenant

There are no non-Hebrews in covenant with God, nor are they part of the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants.
You are adding to the Bible.

 

[DavidTree]

There are no non-Hebrews in covenant with God, nor are they part of the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants.
You are adding to the Bible.

In my flesh, i am a "non-Hebrew" BUT my spirit is Sealed by the Holy Spirit and MESSIAH Lives in me.

Jews who are "Hebrews" by the flesh BUT who do not have MESSIAH inside them are "dead in tresspasses and sins"
Since they reject the Gift of Eternal Life in Yahweh YAHshua HaMashiach, "they will die in their sins"

As for this little david, GOD has Placed me in MESSIAH where no man can pluck me from His Hand.

By Adoption of the RUACH HaKODESH, i am in IAM and have become "a son of the Living GOD"
As such, i QUALIFY as the Seed of Abraham, by the Faith of Abraham = Galatians ch3

Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by Promise.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,
there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 

[JesusFan]

There are no non-Hebrews in covenant with God, nor are they part of the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants.
You are adding to the Bible.

Paul was Apostle to the GENTILES, and James himself stated at council i n Acts that the OT prophied that both Jews and gentiles would get saved by the promised Messiah

 

[JesusFan]

Jews are NOT the "priority"

The Gospel is the Priority = to all nations

By God's PLAN, the Gospel is preached to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.

JESUS preached the Gospel to the Gentile woman = "Great is your FAITH"

The Messiah came to 'His own people" the Jews, and the Gospel was first offered to them, but then the Messiah and the Gospel went out to all, as Jesus is Lord over all saved, Jews and Gentiles alike

 

[JesusFan]

In my flesh, i am a "non-Hebrew" BUT my spirit is Sealed by the Holy Spirit and MESSIAH Lives in me.

Jews who are "Hebrews" by the flesh BUT who do not have MESSIAH inside them are "dead in tresspasses and sins"
Since they reject the Gift of Eternal Life in Yahweh YAHshua HaMashiach, "they will die in their sins"

As for this little david, GOD has Placed me in MESSIAH where no man can pluck me from His Hand.

By Adoption of the RUACH HaKODESH, i am in IAM and have become "a son of the Living GOD"
As such, i QUALIFY as the Seed of Abraham, by the Faith of Abraham = Galatians ch3

Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by Promise.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,
there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

We who are redeemed, regardless jews or gentiles, as the true spiritual heirs of Abraham

 

[DavidTree]

The Messiah came to 'His own people" the Jews, and the Gospel was first offered to them, but then the Messiah and the Gospel went out to all, as Jesus is Lord over all saved, Jews and Gentiles alike

Who was the Gospel Promised to FIRST?

 

[DavidTree]

We who are redeemed, regardless jews or gentiles, as the true spiritual heirs of Abraham

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