A Christian Response to Anti-Semitism

March 30, 2026

In recent months the world has seen a troubling rise in antisemitism. History has shown how quickly hostility toward the Jewish people can spread and how destructive it can become. For Christians, this is not merely a social or political concern, but a biblical one. Scripture itself reveals God’s continuing heart for the Jewish people.

The apostle Paul addresses this issue directly in Romans chapters 9–11. Writing as a Jewish believer in Christ, Paul expresses a profound love for his own people. In Romans 9:1–3 he writes that he has “great sorrow and unceasing grief” in his heart for Israel. He even says he could wish himself accursed for their sake. In Romans 10:1 he adds that his “heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is their salvation.”

These are not words of hostility or contempt. They are words of deep love and longing.

Paul also makes something very clear: Israel’s present rejection of the Messiah is neither total nor final. In Romans 11:1 he asks, “God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be!” Paul points to himself as evidence—he too is an Israelite who has believed in Christ. Even in the present time there remains a remnant of Jewish believers.

Nor is Israel’s rejection permanent. Later in the chapter Paul speaks of a future restoration and reminds believers that “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rm 11:29). God’s promises are not abandoned.

This matters for more than one reason. First, it reminds Christians that the gospel itself came through the Jewish people. The Scriptures, the apostles, and even the Messiah Himself came from Israel according to the flesh. Gentile believers have been graciously included in God’s saving plan.

Second, it reminds us that salvation has always been a matter of mercy rather than human merit. Scripture teaches that God shows no partiality, and Romans explains that both Jews and Gentiles stand guilty before God and must receive salvation the same way—through His mercy.

That mercy is found in Jesus Christ. Scripture declares that sinners are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Rm 3:24). No one earns salvation. It is received by faith.

Finally, Paul’s teaching reminds Christians why God’s faithfulness to Israel matters for us. If God could abandon His promises to the people He first called, then none of His promises would be secure. But Paul assures us that God’s word has not failed. The God who keeps His promises to Israel is the same God who keeps His promises to all who trust in Christ.

For that reason Christians should speak clearly and calmly in a confused world. Antisemitism is incompatible with the gospel.

The proper Christian posture toward the Jewish people is not hatred or pride, but humility, gratitude, and hope. The same mercy that saves Gentiles is also the hope of Israel—and the hope of the world.

— Pastor Rich Decker

First Baptist Church, Clear Lake SD