Charisma | Megachurch Pastor Answers Your Questions About the Biblical Case for the Jerusalem Embassy

Why is it important to Christians that President Trump moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem?

First, let me say that this move is a promise kept by President Trump, and as Christians, we are grateful and appreciative that he kept his word on such a critical issue. This is something that has been anticipated for a long time—previous presidents have promised that the U.S. Embassy would be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem—and President Trump is the one who has followed through with that promise. It’s something Christians have long prayed for because we believe Jerusalem is the historic capital of Israel. In history, from Old Testament times to New Testament times, Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people. On this, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, it’s so significant that we celebrate with Jewish friends this great and historic and symbolic triumph.

Why is it important to Christians that the U.S. has a pro-Israel policy?

The Bible says that God has promised to bless those who bless Israel; and in great part, America has been blessed because of its support of Israel from its re-beginning 70 years ago until this day.

Israel is our No. 1 ally in the Middle East and has been for a generation. We love the Jewish people as well as all people in the Middle East. And we look forward to a peace and a future that will be established.

On my many trips to Israel, including my most recent one three months ago, I have found that the Jewish people are so very grateful for America’s strong stand in support of Israel in these trying times.

What impact do you think it will have on the relationship between the U.S. and Israel going forward?

The relationship is certainly strengthened. And with missiles, even today, aimed at Israel, it’s important that the United States and Israel stand strong against terrorism. The move will enable Israel to have a confidence in American leadership and the people of this country to support them.

But it’s important to also keep in mind that Christians care deeply for the Palestinian people. Christian organizations are working night and day in support of all people in the Middle East. We have been active in ministering to refugees and supporting all those who oppose terrorism. God loves all people and, as believers, we do as well, so we minister to the hurting throughout the world.

However, our political and national support should always be Israel—to help preserve and protect Israel’s sovereignty as a nation and as a people.

Israel has enemies, namely Iran; and in conversations with Jewish leadership, the No. 1 problem they say they face is Iran, Iran, Iran. The fact that America is standing with Israel against Iran and other terrorist regimes is a great hope for the future.

Given that Jerusalem is now off the table as the negotiating piece between Israel and the Palestinian neighbors, it gives peace a chance—that we can help negotiate something to establish a reasonable solution for the problems in the Middle East.

We are doing everything we can to seek peace and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The very fact that the embassy is now in Jerusalem gives us a better opportunity to achieve peace in our time.

If not answered in answers to questions above what does the Bible say about these issues?

As far as the Bible is concerned, Christians believe the Old Testament and the New Testament are of equal authority—so we support the Old Testament Scriptures, which promise the preservation of the Jewish people. And as believers and followers of Jesus and as New Testament Christians, we are committed to loving the Jewish people and supporting them with the love of Christ.

From the very beginning in Genesis we read that God’s plan for the world has always been anchored in Israel. Genesis 12:3 says, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Jump to Isaiah 60, roughly halfway through the Bible, and we read that in the end, God will assemble all nations to Israel. “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn,” reads Isaiah 60:3.

And fast forward to Revelation 21—one of the very last chapters of the New Testament—and we read how God’s promise to redeem the earth is fulfilled in a new Jerusalem, where God will dwell with men. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,” says Revelation 21:1-2.

From the beginning to the end, Israel has always at the center of God’s plan to redeem the Earth. This is why we support Israel.

Jack Graham is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the largest and fastest growing churches in America. He is also a noted author, and his PowerPoint Ministries broadcasts are available in 92 countries and are heard daily in more than 740 cities.