Many assume that even if the Old Testament points to Israel’s future, the New Testament changes the picture. But when we actually read the words of Jesus and the writings of Paul, we do not find replacement theology. We find confirmation that God’s purposes for Israel still stand.
The New Testament does not erase Israel. It reveals the Messiah, opens salvation fully to the Gentiles, and explains how both Jews and Gentiles are saved through Christ. But it never teaches that Israel has ceased to matter in God’s plan.
Jesus Spoke of the Twelve Tribes as Having a Future
One of the clearest statements from Jesus comes in Matthew 19.
Matthew 19:28 (CSB)
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’”
That is difficult to reconcile with replacement theology. Jesus speaks of the renewal of all things, a future kingdom context, and says the apostles will judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
If Israel had no continuing role, why would Jesus speak this way? He does not suggest that the tribes have disappeared into a generalized spiritual category called the Church. He names them directly.
Jesus Predicted Israel’s Future Recognition of Him
Jesus also spoke words of sorrow over Jerusalem, but even in judgment there was hope.
Matthew 23:37–39 (CSB)
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See, your house is abandoned to you. For I tell you, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’!”
That final phrase matters: until. It signals that the present rejection is not the final word. A day is coming when there will be recognition and welcome.
Jesus does not speak like One who has permanently cast away Israel. He speaks like One who knows that judgment is real, but restoration is still ahead.
The Disciples Still Expected a Kingdom for Israel
Even after the resurrection, the disciples asked Jesus:
Acts 1:6 (CSB)
“So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?’”
What is important here is that Jesus does not rebuke the expectation of a restored kingdom to Israel. He does not say, “You have misunderstood everything. Israel no longer has a future.” Instead, He addresses the timing.
Acts 1:7 (CSB)
“He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.’”
The expectation itself is not corrected. The timing is withheld.
That is significant. If replacement theology were true, Acts 1 would have been the perfect place for Jesus to say so plainly. He did not.
Paul Asked the Central Question and Answered It Clearly
No passage is more decisive than Romans 11.
Romans 11:1 (CSB)
“I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not!”
That should settle the issue. Paul asks directly whether God has rejected Israel, and he answers directly: Absolutely not.
Paul then explains that there is a present remnant of believing Jews, just as in Elijah’s day, proving that God has not utterly cast off His people.
Romans 11:5 (CSB)
“In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace.”
So Israel’s current condition is not total rejection. It includes a believing remnant, and beyond that, Paul points to a future restoration.
Israel’s Hardening Is Partial and Temporary
Romans 11:25–26 (CSB)
“I don’t want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you will not be conceited: A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved.”
Notice several important features here.
First, the hardening is partial. That means it is not total.
Second, it is until. That means it is not permanent.
Third, Paul says, all Israel will be saved, pointing to a future work of grace.
This is the exact opposite of replacement theology. Paul does not say Israel has been bypassed forever. He says there is a temporary hardening during the present Gentile ingathering, after which Israel’s salvation is in view.
The Olive Tree Proves Inclusion, Not Replacement
Paul’s olive tree illustration is often misunderstood, but it is actually one of the strongest arguments against replacement theology.
Romans 11:17–18 (CSB)
“Now if some of the branches were broken off, and you, though a wild olive branch, were grafted in among them and have come to share in the rich root of the cultivated olive tree, do not boast that you are better than those branches.”
Gentile believers are described as grafted in among them. They do not become a brand-new tree. They do not replace the root. They are graciously included in what God has been doing.
Paul’s warning is essential: do not boast. Why would he say that if the Church had replaced Israel? The very warning assumes that Gentile arrogance toward Israel would be a spiritual danger. Replacement theology often becomes exactly the kind of boasting Paul forbids.
God’s Calling of Israel Still Stands
Paul then makes one of the most important statements in the chapter:
Romans 11:28–29 (CSB)
“Regarding the gospel, they are enemies for your advantage, but regarding election, they are loved because of the patriarchs, since God’s gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable.”
That language is unmistakable. Israel remains loved because of the patriarchs. Why? Because God’s gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable.
Irrevocable means not taken back. Not canceled. Not reversed.
If God’s calling of Israel were revoked, Paul’s statement would lose its plain meaning.
Final Thought for Part 3
Jesus did not teach replacement theology. Paul did not teach replacement theology. Instead, both affirmed a future for Israel while also celebrating the glorious inclusion of the Gentiles in Christ.
The Church is not the cancellation of Israel. The Church is the multinational body of Christ brought into salvation through Israel’s Messiah.
In the final part, we will bring the whole argument together and answer why this matters for the Church today.
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 