Have you ever wondered about the fate of Israel in God's grand plan? In Romans 11, Paul boldly addresses this question, assuring us that God's love and purpose remain steadfast.
The Reading: Romans 11
World English Bible1 I ask then, did God reject his people? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
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2 God didn’t reject his people, which he foreknew. Or don’t you know what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he pleads with God against Israel:
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3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have broken down your altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.”
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4 But how does God answer him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
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5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
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6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
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7 What then? That which Israel seeks for, that he didn’t obtain, but the chosen ones obtained it, and the rest were hardened.
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8 According as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.”
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9 David says, “Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, a stumbling block, and a retribution to them.
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10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see. Bow down their back always.”
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11 I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.
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12 Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness?
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13 For I speak to you who are Gentiles. Since then as I am an apostle to Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;
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14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh, and may save some of them.
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15 For if the rejection of them is the reconciling of the world, what would their acceptance be, but life from the dead?
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16 If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches.
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17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and became partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree;
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18 don’t boast over the branches. But if you boast, it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you.
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19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.”
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20 True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don’t be conceited, but fear;
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21 for if God didn’t spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
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22 See then the goodness and severity of God. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off.
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23 They also, if they don’t continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
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24 For if you were cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more will these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
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25 For I don’t desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won’t be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,
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26 and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written, “There will come out of Zion the Deliverer, and he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.
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27 This is my covenant with them, when I will take away their sins.”
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28 Concerning the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake.
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29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
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30 For as you in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience,
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31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they may also obtain mercy.
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32 For God has shut up all to disobedience, that he might have mercy on all.
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33 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!
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34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
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35 “Or who has first given to him, and it will be repaid to him again?”
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36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
In Romans 11, the Apostle Paul tackles a challenging question: Has God rejected His people, Israel? He emphatically states no! As a proud Israelite himself, he reminds his readers that God has always preserved a faithful remnant.
A Remnant Remains
Paul references the prophet Elijah, who felt utterly alone in his devotion to God, believing everyone else had turned away. Yet God assured Elijah that seven thousand had remained loyal. Today, Paul highlights that a similar remnant exists, chosen by grace, regardless of works.
The Mystery of Hardening
Paul explains that while many in Israel have stumbled, this has led to salvation for the Gentiles - non-Jews - who now have the opportunity to be included in God's family. He invites his Gentile readers to rejoice but warns them against arrogance. They are like branches grafted into a holy olive tree, supported by its root.
God's Inclusive Plan
He emphasizes that if God can graft in Gentiles, He is also capable of restoring Israel. Paul shares a profound mystery: Israel's temporary hardening allows the fullness of the Gentiles to come in, leading ultimately to the salvation of all Israel.
The Depth of God's Wisdom
Concluding his thoughts, Paul marvels at God's wisdom and knowledge, reaffirming that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable. The chapter encapsulates the intertwining of grace, faith, and God's everlasting promises.
Why It Matters
God's Grace is Unconditional
Romans 11 teaches us that God's grace is not limited to human merit. Just as He chose a remnant of Israel, He invites all of us into His fold, reminding us that no one is beyond His reach.
Stay Humble
Paul warns against boasting in our faith. Instead, we should be humble and recognize that if God can extend mercy to us, He can do the same for others. Our faith should inspire compassion, not pride.
Embrace God's Plan
Understanding God's intricate plan can sometimes seem overwhelming. Still, Romans 11 encourages us to trust in God's timing and wisdom. Whether through Israel or the Gentiles, God's ultimate purpose is to demonstrate His mercy to all.
As we navigate our faith journey, consider seeking community and support. You can find a church near you that aligns with your spiritual growth.
The Bigger Picture
This chapter invites us to see beyond ourselves and appreciate the vastness of God's grace. We are all part of a larger story, woven together through faith and love.
Coming Up Next: Romans 12
As we prepare to dive into Romans 12, get ready for practical guidance on living out our faith in everyday life. Paul will challenge us to embody the love and sacrifice of Christ in our actions.