Is the Establishment of the State of Israel a Fulfillment of the OT Prophecy Concerning the Return of All Israel to Canaan?

Abstract

In this theological essay, G. Wolff addresses whether the establishment of the modern State of Israel fulfills Old Testament prophecy concerning the return of all Israel to Canaan. Drawing extensively from Scripture, Wolff argues that Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and that his kingdom is spiritual, not earthly. He demonstrates that the Mosaic law—including circumcision, Sabbath observance, and the sacrificial system—was temporary and fulfilled in Christ. The essay emphasizes that true Israel consists of the elect remnant, both Jew and Gentile, united by faith in Christ. Prophecies about Jerusalem, Zion, and Canaan are interpreted typologically, pointing to the spiritual kingdom of God and the heavenly Jerusalem. Wolff concludes that the modern political state of Israel is not a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, and that God’s redemptive plan centers on the global proclamation of the Gospel, not territorial restoration. —Abstract created by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)