The “Religious Right” in America has become the mainstream’s strawman of what a Christian is, and these Christian Zionists take up so much space in the religious conversation of America (or what is left of it) that images and propaganda like this have flooded the internet:
Image source: Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/76842737381296757/?mt=login
What could be more blasphemous than appropriating a pagan symbol (the yin yang) to illustrate a “Christian” doctrine? The Yin Yang is found in Buddhism and Eastern mysticism, and the symbol is intended to communicate the idea that all is one, that in everything (including the divine nature) there is found a perfect balance of light and darkness. This idea flies in the face of the Bible, which says “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all (1st John 1:5.).”
A Christian Zionist’s favorite proof text is Genesis 12:3: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing…”
“Ahh see!” says the Zionist, “We must bless national Israel or else God will curse us!” But is God himself ever so unconditionally pro-Israel in the Bible?
2nd Chronicles 19:2 says, “And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? Therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.” This was the king of Judah being told that the northern tribes of Israel are apostate, and therefore forming an alliance with them was sinful and wrong in the eyes of the Lord.
In the New Testament likewise the apostle Paul through inspiration of the Holy Spirit says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” -2nd Corinthians 6:14 This verse is most commonly applied to marriage but it is true for all manner of contracts, dealings, and relationships.
The apostle John confirms and strengthens Paul’s words: “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” -2nd John: 10-11
We are not to have fellowship with those who believe damnable heresies. The religion of Judaism is not the religion of the Old Testament. It is a religion based on works prescribed by the elders of the Pharisees rather than faith in the spirit and truth of God’s word. It has a form of godliness, but denies the power thereof, because it denies that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Jesus himself said to the ancestors of modern Israel, “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if you believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” John 5:46-47
So do not be deceived into thinking that modern Judaism is simply the continuation of the Old Testament religion. No one could ever keep the Mosaic law in the Old Testament, but if you wish to make an entire religion out of trying to do so then denying that Jesus is the Messiah would be a violation of Deuteronomy 18 and a capital offense in the Mosaic legal system.
[18] I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. [19] And it shall come to pass, that whosever will not hearken unto my works which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. - Deuteronomy 18
Image credit; The Spoils of Jerusalem, Arch of Titus, circa 82 CE (Arch of Titus Project, Yeshiva University)
Peter cites this very passage in his speech in Acts 3 and expounds it for us: "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days."
Whatever your opinion on the modern state of Israel, it should not hinge upon a misguided interpretation of scripture that was born out of political expedience rather than love and submission to Jesus Christ. The Bible says not to turn to the right hand or the left. It is the narrow, middle way that leads to life. We are cautioned throughout scripture to beware of false prophets, and that many will come in the name of Christ who will lie and teach heresy. We must search the scriptures daily to make sure that what we are being told from the pulpit is true.
“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is anti-christ, that denieth the Father and the Son.” - 1st John 2:22
And when all is said and done:
[7 ]He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. [8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolators, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. – Revelation 21
Hans Memling - The Last Judgement, Public Domain Image
"Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Amen.
