Facing Hate as a Dispensationalist:
Why Israel Matters
Facing Hate as a Dispensationalist: Why Israel Matters
Standing Firm in Truth and Love
“A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city” (Proverbs 18:19, NKJV).
When I started writing on Substack, I didn’t expect the level of hostility that came my way. Fellow Christians have called me part of a “cult,” un-Christian, even damned to hell—especially after I posted about Israel’s biblical role (Romans 11:25–29).
As a Marine veteran who has stared down death and experienced God’s healing (Psalm 30:2, NKJV: “O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me”), I’ve faced physical battles—but this spiritual one has been different. The sting of hate from brothers and sisters in Christ is deep. Why such venom over Israel?
Have you faced backlash for your faith? Share your story in the comments below.
The Root of the Conflict
At the heart of the issue is authority: do we let Scripture interpret itself, or do we filter it through tradition? My dispensational belief—that God has distinct plans for Israel and the Church (Romans 11:17–18)—clashes with Covenant Theology’s claim that the Church has replaced Israel.
I hold that Israel’s promises—like their restoration to the land (Ezekiel 36:24–28)—are literal, not spiritual allegories. Critics, shaped by Augustine’s allegorical lens, dismiss this as “Darby’s invention.” But the expectation of a literal kingdom long predates Darby. The Essenes of the 2nd century BC anticipated distinct divine eras (Daniel 9:24–27), as reflected in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Early Church fathers such as Justin Martyr embraced a premillennial hope (Revelation 20:4).
Why does this matter? Because God’s covenant with Abraham is irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Israel remains God’s chosen people (Genesis 12:3)—not replaced, not forgotten.
The Great Apostasy and the Rejection of Israel
Personally, I believe the hostility toward Israel’s role is not just theological disagreement—it’s part of the Great Apostasy. Paul warned that in the last days there would be a great falling away before the rise of the man of sin (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
We see it unfolding: many professing Christians dismiss the plain teaching of Scripture, mock Israel’s prophetic significance, and even attack those who hold fast to God’s promises. This rejection of Israel fits the apostasy pattern—substituting man’s interpretation for God’s revelation, trading biblical clarity for spiritualized myths.
This isn’t new. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for “making void the word of God by your tradition” (Mark 7:13). What we are witnessing today is the same spirit of rebellion—religious people refusing God’s Word when it confronts their system.
Responding with Grace
And yet, the Lord calls us to respond differently. Jesus said the world would know His disciples “by [their] love” (John 13:35). Even when maligned, we are to “correct opponents with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:24–25).
I’ve learned from my health battles that God’s Word stands true, no matter the circumstance. So to those who attack dispensationalists as “un-Christian,” I say: let’s test every doctrine by Scripture, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). At the cross—Christ’s finished work (John 19:30)—we find unity, not division.
Our Call in the Terminal Generation
If we are indeed the Terminal Generation (Matthew 24:34), then our calling is clear:
Honor Israel’s role in God’s plan (Romans 11:28), refusing to adopt the error of replacement theology.
Share the gospel boldly (Proverbs 11:30), pointing every soul to Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).
Live ready for His return, “looking for the blessed hope” (Titus 2:13, NKJV).
As apostasy deepens, the contrast between truth and deception will sharpen. Our task is not to retreat, but to shine.
A Call to Stand
If you don’t yet know Jesus, trust Him today. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). And if you do know Him, take courage—cling to His promises, love those who oppose you, and stand firm on His Word.
We may face rejection, but we also carry the hope of His soon return.
Reflection: How do you respond when fellow Christians attack your faith? How can we stand for truth while still walking in love? Share below and encourage one another.
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Grace and peace,
Robert Rousseau
Yes, absolutely have faced hatred when espousing this viewpoint. I try to be careful to take a "well, we could be wrong so let's just get along" attitude, but since the Oct 7 incident... people are unhinged. People who proudly label themselves "Christian nationalists" are among the worst. I've been told I'm going straight to hell, that my Jewish friends are "dirty Jews," etc. etc. The interesting thing is that this level of hateful behavior is itself an argument that we are right about what's going on and what's coming...
Thank you for your writing Mr Rousseau,
It’s easy to see how the world is deceived because I was once like them and walked in darkness but i don’t understand how Christians can read their Bible and not see Israel and the Jewish people as the apple of God’s eye.
Sometimes when I stand up for the Jewish people, I am told that I am not a real Christian and they are not real Jews.
I’m sorry that Substack has been difficult, I stopped writing because people can be quite abusive and I can be sensitive and it hurts.
Thank you again for your words, often they are just what I need.
‘ a light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it’
P.s. I hope your mother-in-law is doing better.