Tucker Carlson, Zionism, and the Role of Israel in Bible Prophecy

By: Pastor's Ron Kelly Text: Romans 9:1-8

I’ve entitled my message tonight, Tucker Carlson, Zionism, and the Role of Israel in Bible Prophecy.

We are living in a strange and momentous time. The war with Iran and the ongoing conflict in Gaza have completely shifted the political dynamics in our country. And interestingly, one of the most listened-to voices in the world—Tucker Carlson—has broken with the political establishment over this war.

Tonight, I want to ask a difficult question: Are we confusing modern political Zionism with the spiritual promises of the Bible?

The Burden of Paul

Let’s begin in Romans chapter 9. Paul writes:

"I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh..." (Romans 9:1-3)

Paul is talking about Israel. He lists their privileges: the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises. It is a rich history.

But then comes the powerful line in verse 6: "For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel."

Paul makes a distinction. Neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children. The children of the flesh are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

The only way anyone ever became a true Israelite is the same way the first Israelite did: by wrestling with God and surrendering.

Two Types of Zionism

We need to distinguish between two things.

1. Political Zionism: This is a form of nationalism. Beginning with Theodore Herzl in the late 19th century, this movement strives to create for the Jewish people a home in Palestine secured by public law. In 1948, that dream became a reality with the creation of the state of Israel.

2. Christian Zionism: This is a theological system (an outgrowth of Dispensationalism and the Scofield Study Bible) that says God has two distinct people with two distinct plans and two distinct covenants. It teaches that the modern secular state of Israel must become great again to fulfill Old Testament prophecy, including rebuilding the temple.

As Seventh-day Adventists, we do not believe in Futurism (that all prophecy is waiting out there). We believe in Historicism—that prophecy has a beginning and a fulfillment, anchored in history.

Why Tucker Carlson Matters Now

Tucker Carlson has emerged as the single most important political commentator on the planet. He reaches a younger, cross-political audience that legacy media has lost. His content generated over 1.5 billion views following the outbreak of the Iran war.

Why should we care? Because the broadest base of support for the idea that "you aren't blessed unless you bless Israel" lies in the older generation. But there is a shift happening. Millions of young people are turning away from cable news and institutional religion. They are questing for truth.

Carlson recently said: "I’m spending the year just reading the four gospels again and again."

That is powerful. You cannot read the Bible and not be affected. Carlson has been accused of being an anti-semite because he questions the war in Gaza and criticizes Christian Zionism. He insists, "I am not an anti-semite. It is against my religion."

He said, "Christian Zionism has replaced Jesus with the current state of Israel." I think he is onto something.

The Danger of Distorting Genesis 12:3

When Mike Huckabee was asked what verse guides him as ambassador to Israel, he said Genesis 12:3: "I will bless those who bless you, and curse him who curses you."

But the problem is, if you cannot distinguish between Israel’s historic spiritual role (to convert the world) and the modern political movement (to make Israel great again), you will be drawn into wars and atrocities.

If we look the other way while human beings are degraded in Gaza because of a twisted understanding of "blessing Israel," we will find ourselves in a heap of trouble.

The New Testament Redefinition

The promises were made to Abraham and his Seed—singular, meaning Christ (Galatians 3:16). They were not made to a political nation.

• Galatians 3:28-29: "There is neither Jew nor Greek... for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed."

• Romans 2:28-29: "He is not a Jew who is one outwardly... but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart."

Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born again." How did Jacob become Israel? He wrestled with God, confessed his name (deceiver), and pled for mercy. It has always been only through conversion—a circumcision of the heart—that someone becomes a true Israelite.

The Firstborn Responsibility

Israel had the role of the firstborn: to care for the family, to bring light to the Gentiles. But God warned in Jeremiah 18: If a nation does evil, He will think better of the good He promised.

Jesus looked at the temple and said, "Your house is left unto you desolate."

In Revelation 7, the 144,000 are sealed from the tribes of Israel. But note: Reuben lost his firstborn spot because of defilement. In the New Jerusalem, the gates have the names of the tribes, but the foundations have the names of the Apostles.

We come to Mount Zion, the church of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:23).

An Appeal

Tucker Carlson is paying a high price for speaking against the institutional flow. He is called an anti-semite. He might fail in the world’s eyes. But he is reading the Gospels.

If Tucker Carlson and his family can read and re-read the Bible, surely we can.

We have the truth. The Adventist message is true. We are watching prophecies be fulfilled. God is calling us to a renewed surrender.

Let us not be stiff-necked. Let us have our hearts circumcised by the Knife of the Word. Let us be willing to suffer misunderstanding now, so that someday people will say, "That’s what they were talking about. It’s happening."

Let us be true Israelites—not by DNA, but by the Promise; not by nationality, but by the New Birth.

“For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.”

Prayer: Lord, we pray for Tucker Carlson. He has flaws, but he is seeking truth. Lord, give us a willingness to be willing. Cut away the hardness in our hearts. May we rest in You tonight. Prepare us for the awakening that is coming. In Jesus’ name, Amen.