Certainly, Christian Zionism is based on a very real spiritual, Biblical ideology, as is mainstream Zionism, but that ideology deals with a land and a people and is therefore also, in many ways, a political movement. Christian Zionism is based on the Word of God for the sake of Israel and the Jewish people, and is in full support of political, mainstream Zionism.

This support has grown and shifted over the years from primarily spiritual support through prayer, to very real action on behalf of the nation of Israel and the Jewish people.

What are the goals of Christian Zionism?

First, Christian Zionism seeks to declare to the Church and the world the truth of God's Word concerning the ownership of the Land of Israel by the Children of Israel (the Jews). Christian Zionism also desires to make clear to the Church and the world the scriptural fact that Israel's rebellion, disobedience, and subsequent exile from the land does not make void God's promise of the Land (Deuteronomy 30:1-6). Time and again throughout scripture God promises to restore the Jewish people to their ancient homeland, and Christian Zionism stands on this truth (Jeremiah 31:10, Isaiah 11:11, 12).

Second, Christian Zionism seeks to refute the misinterpretation of scripture known as "Replacement Theology." This refute is based on Romans 9-11 in which Paul clearly lays out the fact that the Nation of Israel is the spiritual root and base of Christianity's hope and faith in the God of Israel.

Third, Christian Zionism seeks to repair the damage done to the relationship between Christians and Jews by the last 1,900 years of "Church" history. Christian Zionism rightly realizes that the world's only hope for redemption lies with Israel and her covenant with God. Christian Zionism therefore desires to be a comfort to Zion (Isaiah 40:1-2).

Christian Zionism desires to declare and achieve these goals for the sake of Israel and the Jewish people, but more importantly for the sake of God's image and glory as a faithful God who keeps His covenant.

Scriptural basis for Christian Zionism

Christian Zionism is, of course, based on the same, numerous promises and prophecies from the Tanakh ("Old Testament") as mainstream Zionism. However, Christian Zionism also finds support and scriptural backing in the Messianic Scriptures ("New Testament") in the teachings of Messiah Yeshua as well as those of the Paul (Luke 21:23-24, 28; Romans 9-11).

Christian Zionism sees the rebirth of Israel as a nation and her continued growth, prosperity, and security as necessary prerequisites for the Messiah's return.

The Commitment

Christian Zionism is a commitment to be involved, through prayer and practical support, in what God is doing in the world through Israel. God's redemption and restoration of the world is uniquely tied to His relationship and dealings with Israel. Christian Zionism strives to work towards that goal of redemption by supporting Israel.

As stated above, Christian Zionism has shifted over the years from primarily supporting the Jewish people through prayer to also taking very real action on behalf of the nation of Israel. This action has taken the form of political lobbying on behalf of Israel, outreaches of support to Israel such as food banks, financial support, etc., and the participation of many Christians in bringing Jews from around the world home to Israel. (i.e. - Bridges for Peace, Bashan Trust, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem)

History of Christian Zionism - past leaders

Christian Zionism's origins as an ideology reach back to the 1st century Gentile believers in Yeshua who supported the nation of Israel as the root of their faith. However, modern Christian Zionism as we know it today grew up with mainstream Zionism beginning in the late 16th century. Listed are some examples of Christian Zionists from the last five centuries:

• 1587 - Francis Kett is burned alive for expressing belief in a Jewish return to the Land of Israel based on Biblical prophecy.

• Late 1700's - Thomas Newton, Bishop of Bristol, expresses belief that the Jews would soon be restored to their ancient homeland; condemns growing anti-Jewish sentiment in Europe.

• Late 1800's - William E. Blackstone, dubbed the American Christian Father of Zionism, advocates the return of the Jews to the Land of Israel.

• 1845-1931 - William Hechler, chaplain of the British Embassy in Vienna, works side by side with Theodor Herzl to bring about the goals of the Zionist cause; attends the First Zionist Congress in 1897; dedicates 30 years to the Zionist cause, dying only a short 17 years before the dream is realized.

• In addition, numerous Christian Zionists risked their lives to save Jewish lives from the tragedy of the Nazi Holocaust. Their heroic deeds are commemorated at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, Israel.

The list goes on and on. The point is that Christian Zionism is a very real ideology and commitment by believers in the God of Israel to do all in their power, even risk their lives, to work for the fulfillment of God's Word.

Conclusion

Christian Zionism has grown over the years and now includes thousands, perhaps millions, of Christians from all over the world who are seeking to work hand in hand with the Will of God for the restoration of the world through Israel. More and more Christians are realizing that there is no other moral, Biblical option than to support Israel and the Jewish people by any means.

Christian Zionism remains Israel's only non-Jewish, spiritual supporter in the world.