The importance of the biblical view

The importance of the biblical view

’All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.’
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Over recent weeks a lot of conversations and even debates have taken place about the recent sessions of the Church of England’s General Synod, especially one that considered a paper called ’Kairos Palestine II’ which is at odds with what Christians who support Israel and the Jewish people hold to be true and pray for. Although some may see this as controversial, a biblical stance should be taken rather than one based on human opinions and rhetoric.

Because many see the Church of England as the main church of the nation, and because we are told to pray for all people, including our leaders, it is important to consider this for ourselves and for the spiritual wellbeing of our nation. Scripture tells us that ’the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish’ (Isaiah 60:12). This comes in a chapter that speaks to the nation of Israel and is a warning for others.

Scripture also tells us that the word of God stands forever and that God doesn’t change his mind. God’s heart is for Israel and the Jewish people (see Jeremiah 29:11). As God is our Sovereign we should be most concerned about his ways and his perspectives. This doesn’t mean Israel is a perfect nation or that it has always been faithful (neither have we as Gentile believers). Nor does it mean that the Jewish people have not sinned against the Lord.

The documents that the General Synod decided to ’hear’ contain misleading narratives about Israel which are proven to be wrong by publicly available evidence. They are not only unhelpful but also speak against what God states in very strong terms in Scripture. Using extreme words like ’genocide’ and ’apartheid’ is not acceptable, the evidence proves that they are inappropriate.

In light of the days of shaking we are experiencing as a nation, we need to take our concerns directly to the Lord and recognise that our only hope is that the nation will return to God and to godly foundations.

How might we pray?

First give thanks for all who serve on the General Synod and can bring biblical balance and support for Israel to it. As a starting point in prayer, we declare our belief that the whole Bible is the divinely inspired and constantly reliable word of God which carries his authority. God’s love for the Jewish people will always remain, as they are set aside for his purposes and glory (Isaiah 40:8).

• Please pray for the key people in this debate and those discussions that have arisen since. Pray for great wisdom, clarity of the biblical view and for what needs to happen next. Jacob Vince, CEO of Christian Friends of Israel UK, feels there is a lot of work to be done, if it’s committed to the Lord. And we know that God can bring good from what the enemy means for harm (see Genesis 50:20).
• Pray that those who support Israel will be encouraged in the Holy Spirit and not give up but remain resilient to keep on pressing for truth and know God’s protection (see Galatians 6:9).
• We give thanks that the narrative, and how to counter it, is now being considered and prayed over more widely than before. Pray that the Lord will soften hearts and use the Scriptures to reiterate his heart for Israel and the Jewish people, and not man’s heart.
• Pray that the rhetoric of Christians and their leaders isn’t just condemnation and negativity, but a call to prayer and biblical understanding. Pray too that those who spoke up for Israel in this debate will persevere and that where the enemy has stolen courage a reversal will happen and more people will step up to create a helpful space where the next steps in presenting a better narrative can be made. Pray for Holy Spirit-inspired wisdom for Jacob on this and for God’s complete guidance on the use of his time and efforts.
• Please pray that the Lord makes a way for the Jewish people in the nations to know that many Christians still hold strong support for Israel and the Jewish diaspora, and that we are praying for them. The Synod debate will have increased the levels of fear within Jewish communities in our nation - pray that the Lord will use this for their good and not their harm. It may be the time for many British Jews to make Aliyah to the land of Israel - that could be a continuing fulfilment of the prophecy (see Ezekiel 36:24-28). Pray they will know God’s peace in the processes needed to take place for them and their families.
• Ultimately, we ’fix our eyes on Jesus’ (Hebrews 12:2) and ask that he keeps us all close to him, praying in alignment with God’s written word and spiritually equipped, despite discouragements and compromises.

God is forever faithful.

Julia Soakell

July 2026