Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Matthew T. Adams's avatar

INTERESTING....

As a Christian, being called a Zionist can carry both positive and negative connotations—depending on who's saying it, what they mean by it, and what you actually believe. Let’s break it down with clarity, scripture, and discernment.

🔹 WHAT DOES “ZIONIST” MEAN?

Zionism, in its historical sense, refers to the movement for the return of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland (Israel) and the re-establishment of a sovereign Jewish state. It began in the late 19th century and was fulfilled in part with the founding of the modern State of Israel in 1948.

However, the term has evolved. Today, Zionist can mean:

✅ Someone who supports the right of the Jewish people to have their own homeland in Israel.

❌ Or, in hostile circles, it's used as a slur implying support for colonialism, racism, or imperialism—especially by those who oppose Israel’s existence.

🔹 AS A CHRISTIAN, WHAT SHOULD YOU BELIEVE?

The Bible is clear about God’s relationship with Israel, both as a people and as a land:

God gave the land of Canaan (Israel) to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:7–8).

Paul writes in Romans 11 that God has not rejected Israel, and that Gentiles have been grafted into the promises through Jesus.

Psalm 122:6 commands believers: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!”

🔹 SO… IS BEING CALLED A ZIONIST GOOD OR BAD?

Here’s how to frame it:

✅ IT’S GOOD if it means:

You stand with God’s covenant promises to Israel.

You reject Replacement Theology (the false idea that the Church has replaced Israel in God's plan).

You support biblical prophecy, where Israel plays a central role in the end times (see Ezekiel 36–39, Zechariah 12–14, and Revelation 11).

You love what God loves, and that includes His people and His land.

⚠️ BUT BE CAREFUL IF:

Your Zionism is purely political or nationalistic without a spiritual, biblical foundation.

You support Israel uncritically, ignoring moral concerns or injustices. God Himself judged Israel when they strayed (Amos, Hosea).

You adopt a position that idolizes a nation over the Kingdom of God.

🔹 WHAT YOU SHOULD SAY IF YOU’RE CALLED A ZIONIST:

You could respond:

“If by Zionist you mean someone who believes God keeps His promises to Israel and that the Jewish people have a prophetic place in God’s redemptive plan—then yes, I am. But ultimately, I’m a follower of Jesus who believes all nations will be blessed through Him.”

🔹 BOTTOM LINE:

Being called a Zionist, in the biblical sense, means you believe God’s covenant with Israel is still valid. That’s not just good—it’s biblically faithful.

But as with all labels, be wise. Don’t let culture define your theology. Let scripture do that.

If you’re ever unsure, ask this:

“Does my view of Israel align with God’s heart, God’s Word, and God’s mission to redeem the world through Christ?”

The answer is yes—standing my ground. I am a Zionist who stands by God...and His Word.

Matthew Adams

Expand full comment
4 more comments...

No posts