A new wave of debate over the role of Israel in biblical prophecy and God’s redemptive plan is sweeping across social media, with “replacement theology” once again at the center of theological controversy. The topic gained renewed traction after a viral clip dismissed the biblical foundation for blessing Israel, calling it “dispensational rhetoric.”
Replacement theology, also known as supersessionism, teaches that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan, inheriting all of the blessings and covenants while leaving the Jewish people with the curses and judgments. Jesse Rojo, director of Filos Latino, pushed back strongly on this claim during a segment on CBN News.
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“This is the belief that the church has ultimately replaced Israel in God’s redemptive plan,” Rojo said. “They left Israel with all of the curses… and the church takes all of the blessings.”
Rojo pointed to Scripture to dismantle the notion that Genesis 12:3 applies only to Abraham and not to Israel. “If you go to Numbers chapter 22… the king of Moab says regarding Israel, ‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt… curse this people for me,’” Rojo explained. “Balaam ends up blessing them… and says, ‘Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.’”
He emphasized that this scenario connects the Genesis 12 promise not only to Abraham but also to the entire people of Israel.
In addressing arguments rooted in Romans 2 about inward versus outward Jewish identity, Rojo clarified the context. “It’s a spiritual argument… about justification and how being a descendant of Abraham will not justify you before God,” he said. “If that were the argument regarding identity, why would Paul say in chapter 3, ‘What advantage has the Jew?’ and then answer, ‘Much in every way.’”
Rojo also reminded viewers that the apostle Paul identified himself as a Jew, using that very identity as evidence of God’s continued faithfulness to Israel. “For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin,” Rojo quoted from Romans 11. “This is Paul using these descriptors to communicate… that God is not done with the people of Israel.”
The discussion turned emotional as Rojo described the miracle of modern Israel’s restoration after centuries of exile. “What if this literal, physical impossibility after centuries of destruction and persecution… what if that actually is God?” he asked. “And what if when God says ‘Israel,’ He means… Israel?”
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Rojo chooses to move forward with a message of hope, not hostility. “This doesn’t mean we can’t criticize Israel… I just think, not to argue, but to celebrate that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is up to something.”
The debate may continue, but for many watching prophecy unfold in real time, the modern nation of Israel stands as a testament to a God who keeps His promises, to both Israel and the church.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
