"My Kingdom Is Not of This World"
In John 18:36, Yeshua makes a profound statement:
"My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews. But now is My Kingdom not from hence."
Yeshua clearly indicates that His Kingdom transcends earthly political realms and affiliations.
Understanding Zionism
Zionism is a political movement originating in the late 19th century, aimed at establishing and supporting a Jewish homeland in the historical region of Palestine. It culminated in the establishment and continued existence of the modern State of Israel.
Defining Dispensationalism
Dispensationalism is a theological viewpoint interpreting Scripture by dividing history into distinct eras called dispensations. Each dispensation involves unique divine revelations and tests of faith. Central to Dispensationalism is a literal interpretation of Scripture and a clear distinction between God’s plans for Israel and His plans for the Church. Proponents believe in a future restoration of national Israel, claiming it holds a distinct role in God’s end-time plans.
The Root Problem
From the moment Yeshua fulfilled prophecy through His death and resurrection, He established a spiritual reality:
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We are Israel.
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We are the Temple of God.
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We are the true Jews, spiritually defined.
Anyone—whether Chinese, Australian, American, or of any nationality—who keeps God's commandments and maintains faith in Yeshua the Messiah, is part of true Israel. This spiritual understanding is not "replacement theology" but rather the fulfillment of the Scriptures themselves.
Consider God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:18:
"And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed My voice."
Zionism: The Foretold Deception?
Reflecting on 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, the Apostle Paul warns:
"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now holdeth back will hold him back, until he is taken out of the way. And then shall that wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming—even him, whose coming is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all the deceit of unrighteousness in those who perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
Does this "strong delusion" resemble modern Zionism and Dispensationalism? If Yeshua established the true identity of God's people spiritually during His earthly ministry, the rise of secular Zionism and its theological counterpart since the 19th century poses a significant problem. Notice the contrast:
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Pagan Christianity: Does not adhere fully to God's Commandments, Avoids Sabbath, Idols in Church etc etc.
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Secular Zionism: Explicitly rejects Yeshua as Messiah.
Both movements propagate significant theological errors and confusion, diverging sharply from the truth delivered by Yeshua Himself.
The Mystery of Iniquity Explained
Paul explicitly stated that this "Mystery of Iniquity" was already at work during his time. Who rejected the truth of Yeshua and perpetuated lies? Those who rejected and crucified the Messiah—these same foundational errors persist in modern secular Zionism and Dispensational theology.
Today, numerous churches mistakenly proclaim that secular, political Israel—despite its ongoing rejection of Messiah—is still the primary focus of God’s prophetic plan. This belief directly contradicts Yeshua's clear teaching.
The Curious Absence of Arabs in Modern Israel
An intriguing observation emerges when examining modern-day Israel: Why do many Israelis appear distinctly European rather than Semitic or Arab? A historical examination reveals that much of modern Israel’s population originated from European backgrounds rather than indigenous Middle Eastern lineages. This reality further complicates the popular narrative surrounding Zionism.
Yeshua's Spiritual Kingdom
Yeshua clearly emphasized that His Kingdom does not belong to earthly political systems. Therefore, those teaching that contemporary political Israel fulfills prophetic Scripture profoundly misrepresent Biblical truth. The true Temple, according to Yeshua, already exists spiritually:
"Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." (John 2:19)
This was fulfilled in His resurrection, making every believer a living stone of God's spiritual Temple (1 Peter 2:5).
In summary:
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True Israel is not defined by ethnic lineage but by obedience to God's Commands and faith in Yeshua.
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True prophecy fulfillment occurs spiritually within believers worldwide, transcending geography.
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Believers must discern carefully, adhering to Scriptural truth rather than political or theological innovations.
God's Kingdom remains eternal, spiritual, and universal, embracing all who genuinely follow Yeshua and uphold God’s commands.