Anti-Semitism is making headlines nationwide, as representatives in Congress have been called out for their anti-Semitic remarks.
Pastor Mark Biltz, author of the new book, Decoding the Antichrist and the End Times: What the Bible Says and What the Future Holds, acknowledges this incidence of anti-Semitism in the culture, but what about anti-Semitism within the church?
It does exist, he says, specifically through replacement theology. It’s important to realize, Biltz says, how far off-target replacement theology has taken us, how it lends itself toward anti-Semitism and how it affects our end-time theology.
“The common view of the church replacing Israel has caused huge consequences,” he says. “Many Jews have a hard time believing in a Jewish Messiah who has replaced them. Many other Jews realize the truth that replacement theology is wrong and that the Messiah is still in a covenant relationship with them, as they have come to the understanding of wonderful saving grace.
“Being one degree off doesn’t seem like a big deal, but after 2,000 years, it sure does,” Biltz added. “Well, it is the same way with the Bible. If we are off by one degree in our theology, 2,000 years later we will be way off!”
Biltz says replacement theology has its origins in Greek philosophy, which impacted leaders of the early church. Replacement theology actually began more than 100 years before the “church” even existed, he says.
The Protestant Reformation was sparked by Martin Luther’s “95 Theses,” and his book, On Jews and Their Lies, included passages such as:
Since (Jews) live among us, we dare not tolerate their conduct, now that we are aware of their lying and reviling and blaspheming. … I shall give you my sincere advice: First to set fire to their synagogues or schools and to bury and cover with dirt whatever will not burn, so that no man will ever again see a stone or cinder of them. This is to be done in honor of our Lord and of Christendom, so that God might see that we are Christians, and do not condone or knowingly tolerate such public lying cursing, and blaspheming of his Son and of his Christians.
Second, I advise that their houses also be razed and destroyed. … Instead they might be lodged under a roof or in a barn, like the gypsies. This will bring home to them that they are not masters in our country, as they boast, but that they are living in exile and in captivity, as they incessantly wail and lament about us before God.
Third, I advise that all their prayer books and Talmudic writings, in which such idolatry, lies, cursing and blasphemy are taught, be taken from them.
“Many people reading these statements can’t help but say, ‘That attitude is not from the Messiah I believe in!’ I hope that is the case!” Biltz says.
“It is incredible how quickly anti-Semitism took over,” Biltz continues. “We must know these facts because realizing our bias can and will affect our end-time perspectives.”
Decoding the Antichrist and the End Times, which was released this spring, takes an in-depth look at some of the deepest questions surrounding our culture and the coming Antichrist, such as the following:
- What does the Bible say about the Antichrist’s tactics and his motivation?
- Will he be a Muslim, a Jew or a professed Christian—or something else?
- Will the Antichrist work through modern technology to seize control?
Mark Biltz is founder of El Shaddai Ministries and a well-known and popular commentator on the feasts of the Lord. In fact, he has produced a series of DVDs on the feasts that has gone around the world. Biltz is also the author of Blood Moons and God’s Day Timer. His research and theories have led to guest appearances on both radio and television as well as being featured on the covers of magazines.
Decoding the Antichrist and the End Times is published by Charisma House, which has published books that challenge, encourage, teach and equip Christians, including 14 New York Times’ best-sellers.
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