'Israel will continue to be the people of God.’ Emphasized the first keynote speaker at AACC’s 6th annual theological symposium
The Rt. Rev. Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite, a bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria delivered the first keynote at the beginning of the symposium. Bishop Stephen Adegbite has travelled to Jerusalem leading Christians Nigeria for the past 23 years and he currently the Executive Secretary for the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission. His keynote address was entitled; Israel is the people of God.
“The reason for this is both simple and profound,” he said. “Because God Himself has chosen Israel; not because of Israel’s size, not because of Israel’s righteousness, not because of Israel’s strength, but because of God’s sovereign love and unbreakable covenant,” he continued.
To affirm his thesis, Bishop Stephen cited various scriptures including Deuteronomy 7:7–8. He emphasized that the relationship between Israel and the Christian Church is one of the most debated topics in theology, particularly in light of modern events like the rebirth of the State of Israel in 1948.
“The discussion hinges on interpreting key biblical texts. Most notably, Paul's teaching in Romans 9-11 which employs the famous metaphor of the olive tree to define the enduring nature of God's covenant with ethnic Israel,” he expressed.
He also noted that the primary theological conflict lies between two major views: Replacement Theology and the view often derived from Paul's image of the Grafting of the Gentiles into the historical people of God. Arguing that Israel was not abandoned by God much as it rejected the Messiah in part, he mentioned that Israel’s stumbling opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles.
According to him, Israel stands as both a physical nation and a spiritual signpost. They are a reminder of God’s faithfulness, His covenant-keeping nature, and his unstoppable plan of salvation for the whole world. He described the rebirth of the State of Israel in 1948 a fulfilment of ancient prophecy and not a political accident.
“The survival of Israel through wars, terrorism, and global opposition is not a coincidence but a testimony to God’s covenant faithfulness,” he said.
Bishop Stephen’s submissions were received with mixed reactions as a significant number of participants expressed their disagreement with his views on Israel were others responded in agreement.
“Being Chosen doesn’t give you authority to perpetuate evil,” argued Rev. Elijah Lasite-Dixon, a young theologian from Sierra Leone as he urged that the existence of ancient biblical promises of God to Israel does not mean that the modern state of Israel maybe doing God’s will.
Rev. Dr. Sally Effungani from Ghana tasked Bishop Stephen Adegbite to explain the connection between the covenant of God and Israel and the injustices perpetuated by the state of Israel.
Bishop Stephen responded by emphasizing that God’s justice applies equally to all people, regardless of nationality or faith. He also stressed that people should not argue about the choseniness of Israel but rather focus on working for peace.
Click here to watch the Bishop Stephen's keynote address
In the photo: Bishop Steward making his keynote address. [Courtesy: Brian Muyunga]
