The church replacing Israel theology is prevalent among many christians and church groups. In a discussion this past week we looked at Matthew 21:18-19 and who exactly was the fig tree.
 
After much discussion on the fig tree scriptures and writings outside the Bible which all agreed it could not be any other nation but Israel. But digging into the greek language we found what we were looking for. The following scripture from KJV:
 
Matthew 21
18   Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
19   And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

Now, the key is " Let no fruit on thee grow forever".  Now, if this is the case Israel has no role whatsoever in the Tribulation period. But, have always believed the 144,000 are from the 12 tribes of Israel.
 
The problem is found in the translation of "again or forever" in the original manuscripts. It is not a single word but a phrase. --- eis to aionioa.  Exact meaning is "to the age"
 
Lack of knowledge and poor understanding of end time events even tho under good intentions hurt the Word of God in my opinion. Certainly is not forever, and if I may speculate here, could possibly mean when church age comes to a end--at the Rapture!
 
We did find one version called Young's Literal Translation that did have the correct understanding. Posted below.
 
No more from thee may fruit be -- to the age
 
 Special Thanks to Dr. John Sweigert for his knowledge of the Manuscripts.
 
Thanks to 5 Doves for Posting