Week #4: The Root of Antisemitism
Blog Series Intention Recap
This series, IRREPLACEABLE, confronts the theological error of Replacement Theology by affirming God’s ongoing covenant with Israel. The Bible teaches that the Church and Israel remain distinct in God’s redemptive plan. Though the Church currently plays a central role in the age of grace, Israel is not forgotten—she remains God’s chosen nation, awaiting future restoration in the Millennial Kingdom. The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 11 ring clear: God’s promises to Israel are irrevocable—and so is His plan. Throughout this four-week study, we will clarify the Church’s proper role, expose the roots of antisemitism, and uphold God’s faithful commitment to Israel’s future. The Church does not replace Israel—it joins her in displaying the glory of God’s unfailing mercy.
This page is a post in the series “Irreplaceable: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #4:
Right theology leads to right love… Antisemitism is not just a cultural problem—it’s a theological one. Replacement theology has fueled hostility toward the Jewish people for centuries by severing the Church from its Jewish roots. To stand with Israel is not political—it’s biblical. When we affirm God’s ongoing covenant with Israel, we resist hatred and reflect the heart of God.
Why it Matters:
Bad Theology Breeds Bad Fruit
When the Church believes God is done with Israel, it opens the door to arrogance, distortion, and abuse.History Bears Witness
From the early church fathers to the Holocaust, antisemitism often grew in soil nourished by replacement theology.Yeshua (Jesus) Was Jewish—And Still Is
Forgetting the Jewish identity of our Savior creates space for anti-Jewish bias to flourish.Love What God Loves
To honor God is to honor His covenant people, to bless them, and to stand against those who curse them.
Go Deeper:
Scripture Focus:
Genesis 12:3 (ESV)
“I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”Romans 11:18–21
Paul warns Gentile believers not to be arrogant toward the natural branches (Israel). If God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare the arrogant.John 4:22
Yeshua (Jesus) says, “Salvation is from the Jews.”
The Root of Antisemitism
Antisemitism is once again rising—online, on college campuses, and even in churches. But this is not a new phenomenon. For centuries, the Church has often been complicit in spreading suspicion, slander, and even violence against the Jewish people. What fueled this long history of hostility? Bad theology. Theological error—particularly the teaching that God has rejected Israel and replaced her with the Church—has poisoned the well for generations. This error, known as replacement theology, is more than a doctrinal misstep. It is the seedbed of arrogance, distortion, and abuse.
Bad Theology Breeds Bad Fruit.
When the Church teaches that Israel is no longer central to God's plan, it opens the door to pride. It gives believers a false sense of superiority. It allows the Church to forget its roots and assume ownership of promises never made to her. And when pride takes root, persecution is often not far behind.
History Bears Witness.
From the writings of early Church Fathers like John Chrysostom, who preached vehemently against Jews, to Martin Luther’s horrific antisemitic diatribes late in life, the pattern is undeniable. During the Holocaust, far too many churches remained silent—or worse, justified inaction with theological reasoning. Replacement theology offered the ideological cover for centuries of marginalization and mistreatment. What began in error led to injustice.
Yeshua (Jesus) Was Jewish—and Still Is.
Forgetting the Jewish identity of our Savior creates space for anti-Jewish bias to flourish. Yeshua (Jesus) was not a generic religious figure. He was born into a Jewish family, lived as a Jew, taught in synagogues, upheld the Law, and died as “King of the Jews.” He rose again as the Jewish Messiah and will return to reign from Jerusalem. To erase His Jewishness is to distort His mission and disfigure the gospel.
Love What God Loves.
To honor God is to honor His covenant. That includes the people of that covenant. Genesis 12:3 makes it clear: those who bless Abraham’s descendants will be blessed, and those who curse them will face God’s judgment. Standing with Israel is not about political alignment—it is about spiritual alignment with the heart of God. The Jewish people are not merely part of the past—they are part of the promise.
The Church’s Role
When theology severs the Church from Israel, it leads to pride. That pride often evolves into contempt and persecution. Replacement theology does not simply reinterpret Scripture; it rewrites identity. And in doing so, it fuels the very antisemitism it claims to avoid. But God has not changed. His promises still stand. His covenant remains. Israel is not cast aside but remains central to God’s redemptive plan.
The Church must repent of its past complicity and resist the resurgence of antisemitism in any form. This is not just a social issue—it is a theological one. Antisemitism is spiritual rebellion against the character of a covenant-keeping God. The cure is not found in tolerance alone—it is found in truth. It is found in remembering what Scripture reveals, repenting where we have gone astray, and returning to a theology that honors God’s Word and His people.
Remember the Root
Romans 11 paints a clear picture: Gentile believers are not a separate tree—they are branches grafted into Israel’s olive tree. That means Israel’s story is the Church’s story—not because we replace it, but because we are now included in it. Paul explicitly warns against arrogance: “do not be arrogant toward the branches” (Rom. 11:18). We do not support the root; the root supports us.
Jesus was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died as the King of the Jews, and will return to Jerusalem. The gospel is Jewish in origin, and the Church only exists because of the promises made to the patriarchs. The covenants, the law, the prophets, the Messiah—they all came through Israel (Rom. 9:4–5). To despise or dismiss Israel is to despise our own foundation.
When the Church forgets this, it creates space for pride, prejudice, and ultimately persecution. But when we remember our place in the story, we walk humbly. We honor what God honors. We bless whom God blesses. And we love what God loves—not in theory, but in action, prayer, and partnership.
Right theology leads to right love. And right love takes a stand.
How does this help me understand, “Irreplaceable: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan?”
Our Right Response
Scripture guides the Church to confront the theological roots of antisemitism. When we reject replacement theology and embrace God’s faithfulness to Israel, we align with His heart and resist hatred. The Jewish people are not forgotten—they are beloved. Right theology leads to right love. And right love stands up.
So how should the Church respond?
Understanding the theological roots of antisemitism calls for repentance, education, and love in action. Here’s how:
1. Repent of Arrogance
Where the Church has participated in or been silent about antisemitism, we must repent. That includes theology, history, and attitudes.
2. Teach the Whole Story
Educate believers about the Jewish roots of the faith. Let them see that the Bible is a Jewish book, the Messiah is Jewish, and God’s plan centers on Israel.
3. Stand with Israel
This isn’t about agreeing with every political decision—it’s about honoring God's covenant. Be a friend to the Jewish people in prayer, presence, and support.
4. Confront Antisemitism
Wherever antisemitism appears—whether in theology, culture, or conversation—stand against it boldly and biblically.
“Irreplaceable” is more than a title—it’s a conviction rooted in God’s Word. Israel remains God’s chosen people, and the Church’s calling is to join—not overwrite—the redemptive story. Right theology protects against error, pride, and prejudice. Let us walk in humility, bless what God blesses, and remember that God never breaks a promise.
