THE OLD COVENANT V THE NEW COVENANT (PT 1)

THE OLIVE TREE, AND THE NEW COVENANT

There is quite a lot of confusion amongst believers concerning Israel, the New Covenant and the Hebraic roots of our faith. There are extremes on both sides.

On one side there are those who have gone overboard; they have become legalistic, regarding themselves as “Israelites,” and believe they must adhere as much as possible to the Old Covenant.

On the other side are those who hold replacement theology (the Church has replaced Israel). And there are others who, although they recognise the endtime prophecies concerning Israel, divorce themselves from “Hebrew roots” and anything to do with “Jewishness.”

This is the first in a series of 'posts here' that are intended to present a Scriptural basis to clarify issues of concern.

While in Sydney a pastor was asked to speak at a church regarding the Old and New Covenants, and about various aspects of the Hebraic roots of our faith.

While the church was experiencing blessing from an appreciation of Old Testament foundations, there was a real concern because of some extreme teachings that were circulating. In particular, a book by a Messianic Jewish woman was causing real concern and division. The book was loaned to him; and he quickly discovered the reasons for concern. Whatever good points had been written, they were being undone by the author’s misinterpretations.

One basic false premise in the book was that the Olive Tree in Romans 11, is “Israel and its rich Jewish culture.” This false premise leads to an incorrect, unbalanced understanding of the believer’s life in the New Covenant.

So let’s look at …The Olive Tree. . . next —.