Muchnick On National Israel

Bob Unger and Rob Muchnick were recently on Iron Sharpens Iron (here) discussing National Israel. Rob Munchnick's view of National Israel may be commended at several points. There is nothing wrong with a people defending their national identity. What made the conversation interesting was Mucnick's answer to Chris Arnzen's question.

Arnzen asked if Rob would envision Israel to be a Republic similar to what the U.S. is founded upon. Listen to Muchnick's response here (30 second clip).

I must admit I was caught off guard. A Light to the world and the nations is what National Israel needs to be? This is why theology matters. I am not sure what theological frameworks Muchnick and Unger ascribe to. I simply do not know these men. Their views, however, certainly seems to be where several Evangelical Pastors are heading due to their Dispensational Theological perspective.

The idea that there are two peoples of God is not taught in the New Testament. The idea that gentiles are merely partakers in the blessings of the New Covenant and not full blown New Covenant members and true Israelites is simply missing the New Testament's teaching. I am not certain what more the Apostle Paul could say in Ephesians 2 or the entire epistle of Galatians. I am not certain what more Jesus would have to say about the Temple in John's Gospel (see chapter 4!). I am not certain what more the writer to the Hebrews could have said when he wrote that the Old Covenant had passed away?

I am disappointed that anyone could think that National Israel is meant to be the Light unto the nations without receiving Christ (maybe he is thinking Romans 11:26 here?). The Church of Jesus Christ is not a secondary plan. It is the Israel of God (see Romans 9-11). I am just as much of a descendant of Abraham as any Jew. In God's eyes, even more so than those that are only descendants in the flesh.

A passage to consider.

Eph 2:19 So then you [Gentiles. Yes that includes me!] are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household,
Eph 2:20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,
Eph 2:21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
Eph 2:22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

Update:

It seems Rob Muchnick is not a Jewish Christian but simply a Jew who was attempting to explain to Evangelicals how they needed to support the Nation of Israel properly. Muchnick is a member of Temple Beth El, Patchogue, NY.

The program is enlightening as to the actual history of modern Israel and its leaders. Nevertheless, Muchnick is not a Christian and is severely misguided in his understanding of Biblical prophecy. God may eventually graft in the natural branches, but He will graft them into the Church.