To clarify: Is Total Replacement doctrine the official position of the Orthodox Church?
You know Stan,
I wish I could satisfy you by giving you a simple yes or no answer, but I can't.
For starters I do not know precisely how to define "Total Replacement doctrine". I'm not sure if all people who use the term even agree on a precise definition.
I don't hear Orthodox use this term; I think it is a term coined by Protestants. I have also heard Protestants use it in a derogatory sense to label people who do not agree with their perverted theology of earthly Zionism.
So I cannot say that the Orthodox subscribe to this doctrine, because if I say as much, perhaps some Protestant will start talking about those 'Total Replacement' nuts and start characterizing it in such a manner that is not in accordance with Orthodox teaching. Then the teaching of the Orthodox Church would be mischaracterized.
I can tell you that the Orthodox Church is Christ's Church of the New Testament, and that Her teachings are in accordance with the Scriptures and the Apostolic Tradition, which of course are congruent, and not opposed.
The Orthodox Church subscribes to that One Faith which has been delivered to the faithful in every generation starting with Christ through His holy Apostles.
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:12-13)
In accordance with the words of the blessed Apostle Paul, the Orthodox Church does not believe there are any special privileges or benefits granted to Jews simply because of some supposed or imagined fleshly relation to the patriarchs.
Like everyone else, if the Jews call upon the Lord Jesus they will be saved. If they go about seeking to establish their own righteousness, they will have forsaken grace and they will perish.
Cyprian |
