Every decent Christian longs to go to the Holy Land. They would love an opportunity to see the places where Biblical events happened, touch places Jesus may have touched, see where the Temple stood and where the empty tomb may have been. Right? Isn’t that true?
Well, I agree with John Piper. I don’t really want to go to the Holy Land. I don’t feel I need to. This past Sunday, in Pastor Piper’s message, he declared that he’s never been to Israel, and he doesn’t want to go. He even asked the church not to send him. His sermon is available here, but Junior transcribed the part about Israel. I’ll post his transcription here, and then the edited version in the print copy of his sermon.
Jesus is where we meet God. If you want to say, “Where on the planet today is a holy place that I can do a pilgrimage and be in the house of God?” Answer, “Jesus!” You want to go to a holy place on the planet? Stand still and come to Jesus. There aren’t any holy sites in the Christian religion. Zero. I’ve never gone to Israel mainly for that reason. Please, when I’m here 30 years don’t give me a free trip to Israel – fix my car. I got no problem with you going to Israel. I don’t want any emails. There’s just no more Jesus in Israel than there is in your pew right now. [Actual quote]
Now Jesus is the new Beth-el. He is the place where God is present. Heaven has opened, and Jesus has appeared. And from now on, Jesus will be the place where God appears most clearly among men, and where men find their way into fellowship with God. There are no holy geographic places any more designated by God as his meeting place with man. Jesus is that meeting place. [Edited revision of this part]
The reason pastor Piper says these things is that the Bible doesn’t teach that Israel is some special holy land that believers should long for. No Israel–the land–pointed to a greater reality, that of spiritual fellowship with God. We don’t need to go anywhere to be closer to Jesus, we are members of His Body. We don’t need to look for a future Temple, we are the reconstituted Temple.
For more on this idea, I’d encourage you to check out my series of posts on Understanding the Land Promise.
I’m glad your post redeemed itself quite quickly…My first reaction…”WHAT!…Bob really needs to get out more…”
I’ve never wanted to go to Israel! I have been considered by many because of this to be maybe less than totally *Christianfied…*: )
*A real word I just made up…
I like “Christianfied”. Has a nice ring to it! Thanks for your thoughts.
Bob, I agree with your basic premise. But, having been there, I can say that I believe every Christian would benefit by going to the Holy Land. Not because the land or places there are in some way holier than any other place. But because being there helps a person understand the historical setting of the scriptures.
While there, I did not appreciate the “holy religiousity,” but I enjoy immensely the greater understanding that I have each time I read the Bible since being there.
I hope you see that I’m agreeing with the main point, but saying that there are other more important reasons why some go.
I understand where you’re coming from. All we need to grow in godliness is given to us in the written Word. We don’t need to have visited the land to know the Story.
That being said, I’m sure glad many scholars have been there and researched the land so I can understand my Bible better.
However, if going to Israel is something one thinks will bring him closer to God, we tread dangerously close to idolizing the land or demanding something tangible that God does not provide for everyone.
Thanks for your helpful clarifying point.
Blessings,
Bob
His argument for not going to Israel is somewhat ignorant. I don’t think that many true Christians make a trip to Israel to have an experience, but they visit to take the Christian “field trip.”
The point of field trips in school isn’t so that the kid feels something, but to better educate them; visiting Israel isn’t about some shallow emotion, but should be the result of a desire to learn more about the historical setting of the Bible.
Well, not really Joshua. Many Christians view Israel as a land full of holy sites, almost like a bunch of Meccas. For many its just a fun trip, I’m sure. But some act like its a holier place. I’ve heard people say wow wouldn’t it be great to be in Israel when the Lord returns. I think some of this is fueled by one’s end times theology too.
Piper specifies that it is because of misconceptions about Israel being a place one can be closer to God or be closer to Jesus, that he has not visited Israel. I don’t think he nor I am asserting that no Christian should visit Israel and that “field trips” of any kind are not allowed.
Yeah, I agree that folks, even evangelical and fundamentalist Christians who’ve read John 4 about the place where we are to worship (“neither in this mountain, or in Jerusalem”–or anywhere else for that matter), can get a little goofy about the places in “the Holy Land.” Case in point, all the rich Jews who are buried in the Kidron Valley so they can have a “front row seat” for the resurrection when the Messiah comes. And yes, experiences abound if you find the right overly emotional, mystical pietist who wants to gush about what they felt, and how they’re convinced God told them this or that, etc.
However, in spite of the fact that the ESV Study Bible has such great maps, actually being there and looking at the sites will do wonders for one’s comprehension of the historical and geographical (notice I didn’t say spiritual) aspects of Scripture. Now, when I went, we had a preacher with us who pretty much felt the way Piper feels about being there, and he repeatedly made sure we were all aware of the fact that this stuff won’t get us any closer to God, and this may not really be the place any given event took place, and stuff like that. Based on that experience, I’d agree that if someone is that self-conscious about avoiding the temptation to view the Holy Land as a source of greater spiritual experience, then they probably shouldn’t go, because it can be a real drag for those who are there to see what Qumran, Masada, and the Western Wall, the Sea of Galillee looked like so they have a better clue about the temporal context of the Greatest Story Ever Told.
To each his own, I suppose. I always have joked that I’ll just wait for the Millenium when we can all pop into Jerusalem every morning for devotions with King Jesus Himself, and still zip back to our responsibilities before work starts, lol. (I am being very tongue in cheek, here).
For my part, there is not much chance I would ever be able to afford to take a “Holy Land Field Trip” in my lifetime, so I guess the point is moot for me.
You know, going back and reading my post again, this is really about reasons one would have not to visit Israel. So some, like Piper, may not want to go for these reasons. It also specifies a reason which is a wrong reason to want to go to Israel. What the post really does not say is “Don’t go to Israel!!!!” It says I don’t necessarily want to go. Of course, I’m like John S. and going seems impossible. If I go, I’d love to go with a tour guide like the one that John C. had!
Anyways this post sparked some interesting thoughts and its been fun reading and responding to them.
Blessings everyone,
Bob Hayton
Yeah, it seemed impossible to me, too, until our pastor announced the trip and my wife and I simultaneously said to ourselves, “Let’s just throw the money away, anyway!” I think we’re still trying to recover, frankly. But not one regret yet.
“Where on the planet today is a holy place that I can do a pilgrimage and be in the house of God?†Answer, “Jesus!†You want to go to a holy place on the planet? Stand still and come to Jesus. There aren’t any holy sites in the Christian religion.”
Very well said! – Like Piper, I wouldn’t want to stop anyone from going to Israel, but I do think Jesus would prefer we feed the hungry and clothe the naked instead. Just a thought.
I accidentally came across this blog and getting in late on this conversation, however, regarding Israel:
As a Christian, why would I not want to go to the birthplace of my Lord. Why would I not want to walk on the same ground where my Lord lived, walked, prayed, died, and was resurrected, AND who will be coming back to set up His Kingdom eternally. I’d say Israel is special. It has always been special to God, the “apple of His eye.” I believe my Bible says “those who bless Israel will be blessed, those who curse Israel will be cursed.” (Gen. 12:3)
I have been to Israel and I would love to go again. Visiting Israel brings the Bible alive. Everything in Scripture is totally involves Israel, physically and spiritually.
When we go on vacation anywhere we are not idolizing or worshipping the place we visit. We go because we believe we will fun and a good experience. If you have a chance to go to Israel, do so. It will change your perspective, and maybe change your life.
“In the beginning was The Word, and the Word became Flesh.” Why not experience this awesome place where the supernatural took place.
Cudos for sharing your convictions and then gently interacting with your detractors. The truth is, however, even if one visited the Holy Land as a “field trip”, there is always an element of heightened spirituality that flows from those who made the trip. The reality is that our fallen nature is still deeply attracted to the tangible aspects of religion when dealing with God who is Spirit. Walking where Jesus may have walked elicits more than a simple appreciation for the historical or geographical realities of biblical times. This is especially so if you believe as I do that the number of Christians who are actually born-again is a snall portion of the visible church – N.A. has a veneer of religiosity (I was a missionary for 10 years before becoming a pastor). This makes any encouragement of religious pilgrimages or field trips a dangerous moving away from biblical principles as held by the Reformers, as it encourages religiosity and not true faith, which is a gift of God.
One last thing, I found it ironic that on your site discouraging trips to the Holy land, there is an advertisement for a site that encourages such a trip as a pilgrim 🙂
In Christ,
Pastor kevin
Hope Fellowship
Port Lavaca, Tx
Please — John Piper’s comments about Israel are inexcusable if they were uttered from the pulpit. How can a man who claims to worship the “Holy One of Israel, our King†(Psalm 89:18) say such a thing?
It might do you some good to re-read the ONLY description of the New Covenant given in the OT: Jeremiah 31:31-37. In particular, focus on the following:
Thus says the LORD (יהוה), who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar– the LORD of hosts (יהוה צְבָ×וֹת) is his name: “If this fixed order departs from before me, declares the LORD, then shall the offspring of Israel (זֶרַע יִשְׂרָ×ֵל) cease from being a nation (גּוֹי) before me forever.†Thus says the LORD: “If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth below can be explored, then I will cast off all the offspring of Israel (זֶרַע יִשְׂרָ×ֵל) for all that they have done, declares the LORD.†– Jeremiah 31:35-36
According to the great prophet Jeremiah, if you saw the sun shine today or the stars in the night sky, you can be assured that God’s promise to preserve the “offspring of Israel†— i.e., zera Yisrael — is in effect. Indeed, in the world to come, heavenly Jerusalem will have the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved upon its gates (Rev. 21:12).
Dr. Piper’s remark shows that he is clearly a “replacement theologian.†And that’s not “witty†— that’s just sad…
Yitzchak,
Thanks for dropping by. You are aware that the church is grafted into spiritual Israel. And natural Israel was broken off and cast away from the vine, aren’t you? Rom. 11.
The church is called “the twelve tribes of the dispersion”, “a people for his own possession”, a “kingdom of priests”, a “holy nation”, a “royal priesthood”, true Jews as opposed to those who say they are Jews and are not (but are of the synagogue of Satan), “offspring of Abraham”, “heirs of Abraham”, “children of Abraham”.
Jesus reconstituted a new spiritual Israel in his choice of 12 disciples. Eph. 2 declares that Gentiles are members of the commonwealth of Israel, partakers of the promise.
Heb. 8 declares the church (believers in Jesus, which is what Hebrews is all about) to be the recipients of the new covenant, quoting Jer. 32. Jesus said his blood inaugurated the new covenant, and we commemorate that blood each time we partake, as a church, of the Lord’s Supper.
It is not that the church replaced Israel. It’s that the church embodies spiritual Israel, to whom the promises were really made. In fact all the promises are yes in Jesus, and he is the singular seed of Abraham (Gal. 3). Since the church is Jesus’ body, we are heirs of the all the promises to Israel which are fulfilled in Jesus. The church is the mechanism in which spiritual Israel is fulfilling the new covenant promises today. They aren’t yet totally realized, and a global kingdom on a new earth is the ultimate goal of the promises. Abraham was looking for that heavenly city as his lasting possession, and we members of Christ’s body will see it as well. More than a plot of land in Palestine, we will inherit the whole earth.
See my “understanding the land promise” series (check category list in my sidebar) for more on this issue.
I’m fine with you disagreeing with me. And thanks for dropping by.
Blessings in Christ Jesus,
Bob
Speaking of my “spiritually risky” trip to Israel, the video presentation my wife made of it will soon be finished being posted at the Photodex website. When she’s done uploading it, I’ll announce how to access all 2 1/2 hours or so of it (complete with lots of pictures of Jesus and everything!). Yes, in keeping with Piper’s concerns, we’re still not over it.
By the way, I once heard R. C. Sproul advise on Renewing Your Mind that if you ever get a chance to go to Israel, do it!
Ironically, we went right after I finished reading Hank Hanegraaff’s “Apocalypse Code” in which he emphasized the points you made with Yitzchak, which helped me keep my own mystical rapture in check, in addition to the killjoy who went with us (I call him that with the utmost respect and affection–he’s a friend of mine).
Thanks John. I’ll have to check it out soon.
I have just finished reading a book by Dr. Barry Horner named “Future Israel.”
It is loaded with Christian hatred for the Jewish people. I fear these heros,
meaning church fathers, like St. Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Calvin among
many, many others…..Pillars of the church……..!!!……..and beloved of those like
John Piper………have taught their replacement theology…….and scattered evil seeds
of the rejection of the Jewish people, whom God will restore ! AND give back to
them THEIR OWN LAND-PLUS some more! Israel does indeed have a glorious
FUTURE! AND….GOD will perform it…Ezekiel 36 !!!!!
I just got back from Israel, and if the Lord provides and leads, I would encourage every Christian to visit. The original blog stated, “the Bible doesn’t teach that Israel is some special holy land that believers should long for.”
How about Psalm 48:12-14? “Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.”
Billy Graham excerpts, stated well:
This little land, though scarcely more than 150 miles in length, and 90 miles in breadth, is big in history and tradition. Civilization was cradled here. The Ten Commandments were given just to the south at Sinai. Ancient drama was written and played on its plains and valleys. But, to Christians it is the land where the Master was born, was reared, where He wrought His miracles, where He was crucified, buried, and rose again. It is where His feet last touched before He ascended into heaven, and where He promised to return as Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords.
To visit this land is like a pilgrimage into the past, and walking in the shadow of greatness. But, it is more. Here today one rubs elbows with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. With Bible in hand, one can see the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy, and can sense God’s promise for the future–the shafts of hope which portend a brighter tomorrow for the world.
No one can visit Israel without a deeper appreciation and a stronger faith in the Bible. This is where “holy men of old spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:21). Both the bible and the Land have been preserved as physical evidences that “He endureth forever.” The “places” validate the person of the Scriptures, and when we walk where Jesus walked, somehow He seems to walk beside us, as He walked with the disciples on the Emmaus Road.