Israel and the Church in Apocalyptic Perspective

The project investigates the eschatological perspective on Israel and in this context the eschatological dimension of Christianity in the Revelation of John. This project centres on the topics of election, covenant agreement, affliction and salvation, and raises the question: does Israel continue to be the focus of salvation activity in the New Testament writings and thus also in Revelation? Special attention will be given to these issues: Has the covenant made with Israel been fulfilled? or Is fulfilment of the covenant still pending?, and What consequences does this have for Israel and Christianity? In this context the project focuses initially on the passages in Rev 11:19; 12:1-6,13-14 and 21:3 and subsequently on the Old Testament contexts of Isa 26:17-18,19-21; 66:6-9,16,22 and Dan 9:27, examining in each case the linguistic peculiarities and the underlying eschatological statements. The project finally answers the question as to the extent to which the texts may be used as a set of tools for interpreting and understanding the situation of Israel and of Christianity up to the present day. I. At the outset, the project pursues the intention of arriving at an understanding of Rev 11:19 and 12:1-6,13-14 and 21:3 as texts containing leitmotifs on the topic of Israel in apocalyptic perspective; emphasis is placed in this regard on understanding and interpreting the texts from the perspective provided by theological reflection of both Testaments. The approach of this project, as well as the theological intention, is to decode and appreciate the texts mentioned above as well as the experiences underlying the texts, the images, aspects, motifs and topics. II. Due to its special nature, the text of Rev 12 is capable of revealing more profound meaningful content for biblical theology in relation to the issues raised by this project. The images conveyed in visionary manner by John the Seer and his theology, framed as a graphic recollection, have often in the past been the reason for criticism of his work and for controversial discussions of how to classify the images, symbols and motifs used. The study methodology follows the current state of research. III. A main aspect of this project is to present, with reference to the selected texts, the re-gathering and ultimate restoration of the people of Israel. The starting point is provided by the thesis that the church is presented in Revelation as the true Israel. IV. Within the framework of the Christian-Jewish dialogue the project takes up the theses published in Dabru Emet, a document published in 2000. Here it is stated: Throughout the nearly two millennia of Jewish exile, Christians have tended to characterize Judaism as a failed religion or, at best, a religion that prepared the way for, and is completed in, Christianity. In the decades since the Holocaust, however, Christianity has changed dramatically. A new relationship between Jews and Christians will not weaken Jewish practice (Dabru Emet Speak the Truth! A Jewish Statement on Christians and Christianity, 2000, Introduction); Christianity is not an extension of Judaism; if both religions cherish their own traditions, they can pursue this positively developing relationship with integrity (cf. ibid. Thesis No. 7).