📖 Old Testament Origin of the Idea: Genesis 12:3

“I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

—Genesis 12:3 (ESV)

This is God’s promise to Abram (Abraham). Many modern pro-Israel Christian movements interpret this verse to mean anyone who blesses the modern nation-state of Israel will be blessed by God.

But this interpretation requires several assumptions, such as:

The modern political state of Israel is the direct and continuous heir of that promise. The promise to Abraham’s descendants remains ethnic and national, not spiritual or fulfilled in Christ. This blessing applies to Gentile nations or individuals in the same way today.

✝️ New Testament Context: Who Is Israel Now?

1. Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Promise to Abraham

“Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, ‘And to offsprings,’ referring to many, but referring to one, ‘And to your offspring,’ who is Christ.”

—Galatians 3:16 (ESV)

Paul interprets the Abrahamic promise as being fulfilled in Christ, not a nation-state.

2. All Believers Are Abraham’s True Descendants

“If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

—Galatians 3:29

This clearly indicates that in the New Covenant, the Church (Jews and Gentiles in Christ) becomes the new Israel, not an ethnic group or geographical nation.

3. God Is No Longer a Nationalist in the New Testament

“There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

—Galatians 3:28

The New Testament de-emphasizes ethnic or national identity as a condition of receiving God’s blessing. The focus shifts from ethnic Israel to spiritual Israel—those united to Christ.

🇮🇱 So, What About the Modern State of Israel?

The modern nation of Israel was established in 1948 as a political entity. It has no direct theological authority over Christians, according to the New Testament. While Christians can support Israel politically or compassionately, it is not a biblical commandment. Many modern Christian Zionist beliefs (like those in some evangelical and dispensationalist circles) are based on Old Testament promises without proper New Testament reinterpretation.

🔥 Is the Teaching Twisted?

Yes, in many cases, it is a distortion of biblical teaching to say:

“God will bless America if we support Israel,” or “Blessing modern Israel is required for salvation or favor.”

These teachings often:

Ignore the New Testament’s reinterpretation of “Israel” Tie God’s favor to political policy Are used to justify political or military action, not grounded in gospel teaching

✅ So What Is Our Biblical Responsibility?

To pray for all nations (1 Timothy 2:1–2) To love all people, including Jewish people and Palestinians To proclaim Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises To avoid idolizing any nation, including Israel or the U.S.