Should Christians Support Israel?

As a Christian and a conservative, I’ve heard a lot of opinions lately on whether or not we should support Israel. Some people claim we have a biblical obligation to stand with Israel no matter what. Others say the modern state of Israel is secular and doesn’t deserve our blind loyalty. Honestly, I’ve wrestled with these questions myself. That’s why I decided to dig into what the Bible actually says and how that applies to the political and spiritual realities we’re facing today.

Why Israel Matters Politically

Let’s start with the obvious: Israel is America’s only real ally in the Middle East. While countries like Iran, Syria, and Lebanon are openly hostile to us—and to Israel—this tiny nation stands with us in the fight against terrorism, radical Islam, and instability in the region.

Israel isn’t perfect. No government is. But politically speaking, they are:

• The only true democracy in the Middle East.
• A strategic partner in military defense, including the Iron Dome missile defense system.
• A leader in counter-terrorism intelligence that benefits both Israel and the U.S.

I believe we need to support Israel politically because it strengthens our national security. Cutting ties with Israel would leave America with no reliable partner in one of the most dangerous parts of the world. You can read more about the strategic evolution of the U.S.–Israel partnership in this report by The Heritage Foundation.

The Modern State of Israel vs. Biblical Israel

But here’s where many Christians get confused. The modern state of Israel, founded in 1948, is not the same as the biblical Israel described in Scripture. Today’s Israel is largely secular, with many citizens identifying as non-religious or even anti-religious. The government is democratic, not theocratic.

While Israel is the historical homeland of the Jewish people, not all Jews living there today believe in God—much less in Jesus as their Messiah. In fact, proselytizing in Israel is restricted, and many Jews there view Christian evangelism as offensive or even threatening.

This is why I believe it’s important to separate political support from spiritual support. Yes, we should stand with Israel as an ally. But we shouldn’t confuse that with believing everything the Israeli government does is righteous or biblically endorsed.

What the Bible Actually Says About Israel

So what does Scripture say? Let’s take a closer look.

God’s Covenant with Abraham

The Bible makes it clear that God made an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants:

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
—Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV)

This promise is foundational. God set apart the Jewish people to bring His Word—and ultimately the Messiah—to the world.

Not All Israel Is Israel

However, Paul makes an important clarification in Romans 9:

“For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.”
—Romans 9:6 (NIV)

In other words, true Israel is not just an ethnic group or a nation-state. True Israel consists of those who have faith in God’s promises. This includes both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus Christ.

The Remnant Will Be Saved

Paul goes on to explain that a remnant of Israel will be saved:

“I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! … So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.”
—Romans 11:1,5 (NIV)

God has not abandoned the Jewish people. There is a faithful remnant, and Scripture promises a future awakening:

“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved.”
—Romans 11:25-26 (NIV)

This points to a future moment when many Jewish people will recognize Jesus as their Messiah.

Jerusalem in the End Times

Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical prophecy. Zechariah 12 says:

“I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling… On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.”
—Zechariah 12:2-3 (NIV)

Revelation 21 also speaks of the New Jerusalem—the eternal city where God will dwell with His people.

As believers, we look forward to this future fulfillment, not just the political city we see today.

What Christian Support Should Look Like

So where does this leave us? Here’s what I believe support for Israel should actually mean for Christians:

1. Support God’s Covenant Purposes

We should recognize that God’s covenant with Israel is still in place. That doesn’t mean endorsing every political action, but it does mean respecting God’s plan for the Jewish people.

2. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

Psalm 122:6 calls us to pray for Jerusalem’s peace. This isn’t just political peace, but spiritual peace that comes through knowing Jesus.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’”
—Psalm 122:6 (NIV)

3. Support Evangelism to the Jewish People

Romans 10:1 shows Paul’s deep desire for his fellow Jews to be saved:

“Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.”
—Romans 10:1 (NIV)

We should support ministries like One for Israel, which share the Gospel with Jewish people in Israel and around the world.

4. Discern Political vs. Spiritual Allegiances

We should be wise not to conflate political loyalty with biblical obedience. Political alliances serve national interests, but only faith in Jesus Christ brings true peace and salvation.

Where I Stand as a Christian Conservative

So where do I personally stand? I support Israel as a political ally of the United States. I’m thankful for our partnership in defense and stability in the Middle East. But my deeper support is for God’s eternal purposes—that the Jewish people would come to know Jesus as their Messiah.

I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, but I know that peace won’t fully come until Christ returns. Until then, I’ll continue to stand with Israel politically, while also standing firmly on the truth that salvation is found in Christ alone—for both Jew and Gentile.

I’ve written more about the importance of standing for truth in my blogs on Why Truth Is Exclusive: A Biblical Response to Universalism and How the Culture Promotes Self-Worship.

If you’ve ever wondered where to stand on this issue, I hope this gives you a clearer picture. Let’s be people who support Israel wisely—with both political awareness and biblical conviction.

Arch Kennedy
Where Faith Meets Culture — Bold, Unfiltered, and Unafraid