Modern Israel vs. Biblical Israel: What Every Christian Should Know

00:00 Intro – Israel–Iran Conflict Context
01:02 Modern vs. Biblical Israel: Key Question
03:00 God’s Future Plan for Ethnic Israel
05:04 Abrahamic Promise & True Israel
07:46 Should Christians Support Modern Israel?
10:58 Romans 11 – Remnant & Salvation
14:31 When “All Israel” Will Be Saved
18:00 U.S.–Israel Alliance & Just-War Considerations
21:39 Closing & Support Straight Truth

Related Sermons
The True Israel:    • The True Israel | Verse By Verse Expositio...  
Mercy's Measure:    • Mercy's Measure | Luke 6:37-38  
Self-Condemnation:    • Self-Condemnation | Matthew 21:33-46  
The Judgement of Confirmation:    • The Judgment of Confirmation | A Verse By ...  
The Salvation of All Israel:    • The Salvation of All Israel | Romans 11:25-32  
Thinking Rightly About Israel:    • Thinking Rightly About Israel  
The Blessed or the Cursed?:    • The Blessed or The Cursed? | Luke 6:20-26  
The Whole World Guilty:    • The Whole World Guilty - Luke 23:18-25  
A Christian Vision for Engaging the World - Part 1:    • A Christian Vision for Engaging The World ...  
A Christian Vision for Engaging the World - Part 2:    • A Christian Vision for Engaging The World ...  

What is the difference between modern Israel and biblical Israel? Is the modern state of Israel the same entity we read about in the Old Testament? Does the Bible shave anything to say about Christians supporting the modern nation of Israel today?
In this episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Josh Philpot and Dr. Richard Caldwell discuss how should Christians understand Israel in light of Scripture and current global events. With war and rising tensions in the Middle East—especially between Israel and Iran—many believers are asking if there is a biblical mandate to support the modern state of Israel. This episode is especially relevant for those who want to understand the Bible and modern Israel, and are looking for a grounded, theological framework to engage with Jewish people in Bible prophecy about Israel, Christian theology on Israel, and evangelism. If you've ever wondered whether modern Israel is the same as biblical Israel—or if you're trying to make sense of headlines involving the Middle East—this conversation provides biblical clarity and pastoral wisdom. Watch the full episode to deepen your understanding of modern-day Israel vs biblical Israel and discover what every Christian should know
What exactly is the Christian view on Israel, and how do we differentiate between the political state and the theological identity of biblical Israel? Dr. Caldwell begins by addressing the difference between modern and biblical Israel, clarifying that while modern Israel shares a historical lineage with the people of the Bible, it is not synonymous with the spiritual Israel described in Scripture. From the call of Abraham and the promises given in Genesis, to the fulfillment of those promises in Christ, the Bible carefully distinguishes between ethnic Israel and the true Israel—those who share the faith of Abraham.
Romans 11 is central to this discussion, especially the phrase, “all Israel will be saved.” What does that mean in light of current headlines and prophetic expectations? Dr. Caldwell offers insight into Romans 11, explaining and emphasizing that that the phrase in verse 26, “all Israel” refers to a future remnant of believing Jews—those who will come to faith at the return of Christ.
The conversation shifts to whether Christians should support the modern nation of Israel. Is there a biblical command or prophetic expectation that requires Christian political or financial support for Israel? Dr. Caldwell explains that Bible prophecy about Israel involves both a present remnant and a future work of salvation but it does not demand uncritical support for everything the modern state does. He calls believers to discernment, recognizing that the Christian perspective on Israel must always be governed by Scripture.
As Dr. Philpot and Dr. Caldwell examine Israel and current events, they explore the implications of the Israel and Iran war, the role of the U.S. as an ally, and how these geopolitical movements relate to God's sovereign purposes. While the state of Israel is small in population, the conversation reminds us that God's redemptive plan is not dependent on size or worldly power. What matters is the Israel remnant, those whom God has chosen and preserved for Himself—both in the past and in the future.
Dr. Caldwell also addresses a common misconception: that Israel and Christianity are inseparably linked in a political or cultural sense. Instead, he argues, we must see Israel through the lens of Christian theology—not conflating Old Testament promises with modern political entities but understanding that the New Testament redefines the people of Godin terms of faith in Christ.