Debunking Replacement Theology in Viral Reels

By @greywarden100
Posted on June 22, 2025

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLGaA-mhBso/?igsh=cjRldW9ldm05bGN6

Social media is full of slick, emotionally charged videos that sound inspiring but crumble under scrutiny. A recent Instagram reel (you know the one—pretty visuals, soaring music, and a feel-good message) caught my attention for all the wrong reasons. It pushes a theology that’s been debunked time and again: replacement theology. This idea suggests that Christians have replaced Israel as the recipients of God’s covenants. It might sound appealing, but it’s biblically baseless. Let’s break it down with Scripture and set the record straight.

What’s Wrong with the Reel?

The reel’s message, wrapped in poetic language, implies that Christians have taken over the promises God made to Israel. This is replacement theology—a doctrine that claims the Church has superseded Israel in God’s plan. But here’s the truth: there’s no scriptural basis for this. The Bible’s covenants, both Old and New, are explicitly made with Israel and Judah, not with Gentiles or the Christian Church. Let’s look at the facts.

The Historical Context: Israel’s Exile, Not Replacement

To understand God’s covenants, we need to know Israel’s history. The Bible tells us that 10 of the 12 tribes of Israel were overtaken by the Assyrians around 722 BC because of their persistent idolatry and sin (2 Kings 17:6-18). Later, the kingdom of Judah fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:1-21). But God didn’t abandon His people. After 70 years, He fulfilled His promise by allowing Judah to return to their land through King Cyrus’s decree (Ezra 1:1-4; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23). This shows God’s faithfulness to Israel, not a transfer of His promises to someone else.

The Covenants Belong to Israel and Judah

Here’s where replacement theology falls apart: God’s covenants are specific. The Old Covenant, given through Moses, was for Israel. The New Covenant? Same recipients. Jeremiah 31:31-33 says it plainly:

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah…” (ESV).

The New Testament echoes this in Hebrews 8:8-10, quoting Jeremiah verbatim. Notice who’s missing? Christians. There are no covenants in the entire Bible made directly with the Gentile Church. None. God’s promises are with Israel and Judah, period.

Gentiles Are Grafted In, Not the Original Branch

So, where do Christians fit in? The Bible is clear: Gentiles are grafted in to God’s plan through faith in Christ, not as replacements for Israel. Romans 11:17-24 uses the metaphor of an olive tree. Israel is the natural branches, and Gentiles are wild branches grafted in. Paul warns Gentiles not to boast about their inclusion, saying, “You do not support the root, but the root supports you” (Romans 11:18, ESV). Christians benefit from Israel’s covenants but don’t inherit them directly.

Ephesians 2:11-13 reinforces this. Gentiles were once “separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel” but are now “brought near by the blood of Christ” (ESV). Brought near, not made the new Israel. Romans 11:11-24 further explains that God’s plan includes both Jews and Gentiles, with Israel’s partial hardening allowing Gentiles to come to faith. This is inclusion, not replacement.

Why This Matters

Replacement theology isn’t just a theological misstep—it distorts God’s character and His unchanging faithfulness to Israel. It fuels narratives that dismiss Israel’s role in God’s redemptive plan, which Scripture never supports. Videos like this Instagram reel may tug at your heartstrings, but they’re selling a feel-good lie. As believers, we must test every claim against the Word of God, not viral aesthetics.

The Bottom Line

The Bible doesn’t support replacement theology. God’s covenants are with Israel and Judah (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Hebrews 8:8-10). Gentiles are graciously grafted into God’s plan through Christ (Romans 11:17-24; Ephesians 2:11-13), but don’t replace the original branches. The next time you see a flashy reel pushing this idea, scroll past—or better yet, share the truth. God’s promises to Israel stand firm, and no amount of cinematic editing can rewrite Scripture.

What do you think? Have you seen other videos pushing replacement theology? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation grounded in truth.

Follow @greywarden100 for more biblical insights.