Christian Zionism

CHRISTIAN ZIONISM

The Christian Zionist Movement has grown in numbers and in impact in recent years.  Today, thousands of Christians from all over the world are, more than ever, ready to declare their love and support for the nation of Israel.  Each year they come in their multitudes to Jerusalem to join the International Christian Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles.  Naturally, a growing movement of this nature attracts attention and many honest enquirers are seeking an answer as to what constitutes Christian Zionism.  Is it, as many people claim, a political movement, or is it firmly based in the teachings of God’s Word?  Does it have a history and, if so, who have been its leaders and supporters?  In this article we shall endeavour to answer those questions and others besides.

THE FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN ZIONISM

Christian Zionism is firmly founded upon the teaching of God’s Word.  It is, therefore, not a political movement, but since it has to do with a land and a particular people it may, from time to time, agree with a certain political perspective.  This does not mean that it endorses a particular political philosophy or party.  No, it is only prepared to endorse the Word of God and as such it may also be called “Biblical” Christian Zionism.”

Christian Zionism seeks to declare the truth of God’s word that bequeaths to the people of Israel the Land of Canaan as an everlasting possession.  This promise was made by God to Abraham some four thousand years ago.  (Genesis 13:14-18)  Moreover, the promise was reiterated time and time again and stressed that loss of domicile, because of rebellion and disobedience, would not mean loss of possession.  (Deuteronomy 30:1-6)  The God who exiled the Jewish People on two occasions - 586 BC and 70 AD – has always promised to bring them back and restore their fortunes again. (Jeremiah 31:10 and Isaiah 11:11)  All this because of His promise to Abraham.

Christian Zionists seek to declare this, for here we witness the faithfulness of God, namely that He keeps His covenant and His Word, which will always be verified in the crucible of history.  This is chiefly discernible in His dealing with the Jewish people.  Someone described this people as “God’s test tube nation wherein His Word and promise have been verified.”

From time to time Christian Zionists have been upbraided for leaning to heavily upon the Old Testament for verification of their stand and belief.  The biblical foundation of Christian Zionists however, also is found in the New Testament.

Firstly, Jesus Himself spoke of the scattering and latter-day regathering of the Jewish people. (Luke 21:23-24)  Indeed, He placed their second regathering in an eschatological setting. (Luke 21:28)

Thus Christian Zionists simply seek to give voice to that which Jesus Himself has already said; namely, that the modern-day restoration of the State of Israel is not a political accident, or merely the result of a secular, political, Zionist movement, but rather the fulfillment of God’s own Word. Moreover, it heralds the dawn of a soon coming Messianic age. For Christian Zionists then, the restoration of the State of Israel to her ancient soil is evidence that there is hope and redemption for this world.  To support Israel (Genesis 12:3), comfort her (Isaiah 40:1-2) and pray for her peace (PSALM 122:6; Isaiah 62:6-7) is to work in harmony with God.

Christian Zionism is a commitment to be involved with that which God Himself is doing in the world.

Above all, it is not anti-Arab for this would be evil and contrary to God’s Word.  No, it recognizes that God has separate roles for those in marriage (Ephesians 5:21-33), He also has a separate role for certain nations as seen in the wonderful words of Isaiah 19: 23-25; “In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.  In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land; Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying: ‘Blessed by Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel Mine inheritance.’” So then, to recognize the role that God has given to Israel (Isaiah 60:1-3) does not mean that we hate or are prejudiced against the Arab peoples.

A family unit functions better when each person assumes their God-given role.  When this is not true, chaos and confusion always abound.  In like manner, the chaos, confusion and disharmony in the Middle East would come to an end if the nations in the area would accept the unique role that God has given Israel.  This role is to be a light of God’s revelation to the world and a doorway through which He can establish His reign of peace over the world. (Zechariah 14:16-21)