Chizuk Emunah Under the Microscope: Chapter 5

In Chapter 5, Troki responds to a different accusation that the Jewish people have suffered under the curses of the law more than the blessings. The Jewish people have no king, and have suffered persecution for 2,000 years. Isn't this evidence that the Jewish people have been doing things wrong and should return to Jesus?

Troki responds that Israel suffered under Nebuchadnezzar and under Alexander the Great. Troki also argues that the success of Islam, conquering territories that once belonged to Christendom should be evidence of Christianity's weakness. How could the prosperity of all these be a result of their goodness, as the Lutheran claimed?

Troki's accusations are easily refuted. Israel alone has been promised material prosperity for its obedience and persecution for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28, as well as the entire history of Israel during the era of the prophets). To non-Jews, no such promises were given. Hence it is to be expected that if Judaism is the truest of all faiths, and is faithfully observed, its followers will be in greater earthly prosperity, generally speaking, than others. But this is not the case. It is therefore not unreasonable to think that Judaism, in so far as it differs from Christianity, is not as true as it claims.

The church has been promised pain and suffering as a result of its obedence. John Piper notes this:

For example, Acts 14:22 says that Paul told all his young churches, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom." And Jesus said, "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). And Peter said, "Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you" (1 Peter 4:12). In other words it is not strange; it is to be expected. And Paul said (in 2 Timothy 3:12), "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."