[Matchett-PI]

Excerpts I want to emphasize:

"A __Non-millennial__ Interpretation of Romans 11"

"...I call it non-millennial rather than amillennial (though it is certainly that) in order to accent the fact that this interpretation sees neither pre- nor postmillennialism in this passage."

"Paul does not address the millennial question. The question is not even remotely in the background of his thought. ..."

"I believe that __a careful exegesis of the Greek words and syntax of vv. 25-26__ leads objectively to the conclusion that Paul has literally *redefined* the term "Israel" to refer to the New Testament church by arguing that God's irrevocable promises to Israel are fulfilled by means of the salvation of both Jew and Gentile in the church age."

"...there are actually three breeds of amillennialist..".

[Matchett-PI]

Just got back from being out of town for a week and thought I'd post this since it seems to fit with one of the current topics of discussion.

Bump to those interested!

[xzins]

One of the historical issues that troubles me is that that "church israelism" has freed many in Europe to be anti-semitic. Since Israel is no longer part of God's program for the ages, hasn't that been used as an excuse in the various purges and pogroms seen throughout Europe?

A special case in point is Martin Luther who absolutely hated Jews. Luther's works were used WITHOUT change by Goebbels as anti-semitic propaganda during the holocaust to mislead many Christians into turning a blind eye to the plight of the Jews. Luther also had little appreciation for the Book of Revelation.

Does "church israelism" of necessity lead to anti-semitism....of course not. But removing Jews from the prophetic picture renders them an afterthought, a footnote.

[Tantumergo]

Good post!

This is one of the best exegeses of this scripture that I have come across. Very well argued!

In my opinion the positions that it refutes are all deficient to some degree by virtue of the fact that they claim that not all of the OT promises and covenants are fulfilled in Christ and the new covenant.

In his arguments, the "regrafting of the natural branches" is rendered entirely dependent upon their coming to faith in Christ and entering the Church in which "there is neither Jew nor Greek".

Consequently the gist of this paper reconciles Romans 11 with the overwhelming testimony of the rest of the NT, that all the OT covenants are fulfilled in Christ, His new creation and His new covenant - there is no longer any separate covenantal relationship for the Jews. (One Lord, one faith, one baptism!)

Sorry if you lose street-cred due to being complimented by a Catholic! :)