The Error Of Hebrew Israelism

Before we dive into some of the beliefs within Hebrew Israelism and how they are opposed to the gospel, we want to state with clarity that this is not a refutation of those who consider themselves Israelites yet hold to Biblical doctrine in the essentials of salvation in Christ alone, the nature of God, and the church. This is also not a refutation of those who have ethnic pride, as we all should honor and recognize who God has created us to be in every aspect.

However, this is a refutation of false doctrine. In our courses, we will cover many false doctrines and groups that exploit and express a heretical view of the Gospel in hopes that our students will be educated, ready to defend, but most importantly, not seduced by the spirit behind these doctrines to pull away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-2). While the below doesn't represent every view of all Hebrew Israelite groups, it does represent the most extreme groups.

Exposing the Errors of Hebrew Israelism: A Biblical Response

Hebrew Israelism promotes the idea that salvation is only for ethnic Israelites (those who are of the seed of Jacob), especially Black or brown people in the Americas, and that keeping the Mosaic Law is required for salvation. These claims are heretical, unbiblical, and rooted in ethnic exclusivism, not the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here's a biblical breakdown of these errors and how to respond with Scripture.

Error #1: Salvation Is Only for Israel

Claim: Only Israelites can be saved.

Biblical Refutation:

• Salvation is for all people who believe, regardless of ethnicity.

  "There is neither Jew nor Greek... for you are all one in Christ Jesus." —Galatians 3:28"

• This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. —1 Timothy 2:3

  • In this passage, it is clear that "everyone" or "all men" in the Greek speaks beyond just Israel, which can be proved by the preceding passages where Paul encourages prayer for those beyond Israel.

• Gentiles are included in the promises of God through faith in Christ.

  "This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body..." —Ephesians 3:6"

• Abraham believed God... So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham..." —Galatians 3:6–9

  • Many Hebrew Israelites play the game of making Gentiles only lost scattered Israelites; however, this is just an erroneous view of Scripture. Jesus makes clear in Matthew 10:5-6 and Acts 9:15 that Gentiles and Israelites are distinct nations or people groups. Gentiles in the New Testament refer to nations (other than Israel).

  • Ephesians 2:11-19 is clear that Gentiles are no longer strangers to the promise of God through Christ, but they have been made coheirs through faith.

    
    

Error #2: We Must Keep the Law of Moses for Salvation

Claim: Faith in Christ is not enough—you must obey the Old Testament Law (e.g., Sabbath, dietary, and feast laws).

Biblical Refutation:

• Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the law.

  "For by grace you have been saved through faith... not a result of works..." —Ephesians 2:8–9"

• By works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight..." —Romans 3:20

  • There is a host of Scriptures that specifically and clearly state that righteousness and justification don't come through the law but through faith in Christ; Galatians 2:16 is just one of the many.

• The Law was a tutor leading to Christ, but now we are justified by faith.

  "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came... now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." —Galatians 3:24–25

• Trying to be justified by the law separates us from Christ.

  "You who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace." —Galatians 5:4

• Acts 15 at the Jerusalem council, a glaring declaration is made by the apostles and James, the brother of Jesus, that one doesn't have to have faith in Christ and keep the laws/customs of Moses to be saved, but salvation is through grace.

  
  

Error #3: Identity is Based on Ethnicity, Not the Imago Dei

Claim: Ethnic heritage defines your value and standing before God.

Biblical Refutation:

• Human dignity and identity come from being made in the image of God (imago Dei), not from race or tribe.

  "So God created man in his own image..." —Genesis 1:27

• "From one man he made all the nations..." —Acts 17:26

• In Christ, a new humanity is formed that transcends ethnic boundaries.

  "Here there is not Greek and Jew... but Christ is all, and in all." —Colossians 3:11

• Basing one’s righteousness on ethnicity is a form of pride and exclusion forbidden in Scripture.

  "For God shows no partiality." —Romans 2:11

• "Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also." —Romans 3:29

  
  

Colorism and Ethnic Supremacy in Hebrew Israelism

SOME, NOT ALL, Hebrew Israelites focus on skin color and ethnic descent for righteousness and superiority over other people groups; this is rooted in colorism and ethnic elitism, not Scripture. This contradicts the gospel's message that all are sinners and in need of salvation that is found only through Christ.

“If you show partiality, you are committing sin...” —James 2:9

Gospel Truth: Salvation Is by Grace for All Who Believe

The true gospel is that salvation is offered freely to all who repent and trust in Jesus Christ, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or background.

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." —Romans 10:13"

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." —Romans 10:9

Conclusion: Hebrew Israelism w/these Beliefs Is a False Gospel

Hebrew Israelism distorts the gospel, excludes people Christ died to save, and adds legalism that contradicts the finished work of Jesus on the cross. As Paul warned:

"If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." —Galatians 1:9

We should pray for these groups and their salvation. We should pray that they humble themselves to the truth of God's word, as many have, and come out of the false beliefs associated with such doctrines. We should also make sure that we are rooted in God's word and the Law of Christ so as not to be deceived by these types of false doctrines.