Scofield Versus Replacement Theology

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. Matthew 11:12, NIV

These words of Jesus should alert us to the nature of the struggle over the kingdom. Need I mention the lies and honest misunderstandings? That something so precious and powerful as a position in the kingdom stirs up a struggle is not to be wondered at. "But surely this was a problem only for Israel," many will say.

As a veteran member of a church which held some skewed ideas on the kingdom of God, I can tell you that the battle is very much alive today. Remember, I told you of a minister of such a church, upon hearing that many of my favorite authors were dispensational, walked away from me. And this at a Christmas party, too. I did not know, at that time, that the church (Presbyterian) had split over an issue of dispensational teaching.

Today, in 2014, there is great virulence towards the Scofield Study Bible. It seems to be increasing. So what's the issue anyway?

Well, Scofield had, as a good friend likes to say, the "pure, unmitigated gall" to show the return of national Israel! And so, following a recent trend, Scofield is accused of Zionism. This sounds to the ears of an unaffiliated Bible student, like a sour note must to a music teacher.

For years I have wondered at this enmity towards the restoration of Israel. When my best friend mentioned "Replacement Theology", it hit me. What we have is the majority of the world's churches teaching that Israel as a nation has been replaced by the church. So if you attend a Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, or Lutheran church, remember that they teach that the nation of Israel is forever over--kaput.

The Bible emphatically says otherwise, and Scofield honors this. Although Israel is in temporary hiatus, her return is well documented in both Old and New Testaments. Zionism is an attempt to create a UN-mandated Israel. Scofield says Messiah will lead Israel to the Holy Land from worldwide dispersion after the church is complete. I learned, sadly, that for many, this is not a Biblical issue at all. It is a grab for power.

And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. Rev. 21:12