Romans 11 — Remnant by Grace
Introduction: Paul was known as the apostle to the Gentiles, but that did not supplant or supersede his love for the children of Israel. He was part of Israel by birth, and he wanted to demonstrate that the LORD never abandoned his chosen people without leaving a remnant of those who trusted God. But the way of faith to salvation was opened for Gentiles through the trespasses and offences of Israel; and salvation to the Gentiles could by faith draw some from Israel back to God. This chapter of Romans is in my own paraphrase, to some extent in an amplified style, prepared by examining several translations, and with some use of Greek and Hebrew lexicons.
NOTE: Verses in the comments are from the 1769 King James Bible.
A — A Remnant by Grace
Romans 11 “1 I ask then, Has God rejected or denied his people? God forbid. For I also am a descendent of Abraham, an Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people that he knew and chose even before they existed. Don’t you know what the scripture said of Elijah’s intercession to God for Israel?… 4 But what was God’s response to Elijah? I have kept back for my future purpose seven thousand men, who have not bowed before the image of Baal to worship. 5 As it was then, also at this present time there is a remnant, a small reserved number, according to the election through the undeserved favor of grace. 6 And if by God’s grace, then it is not of righteousness by works: otherwise grace is not truly grace.”
Comments: Paul was a descendent of Benjamin, a member of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Since he had a secure belief in his heart that the Lord had not rejected him, he was convinced that others of Israel were also not rejected from the call of the Lord. Even though he had been a fervent persecutor of the church, the Lord Jesus had turned him around to have tremendous zeal for Christ. God had chosen a people group through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and though many of them did not turn to the Lord in faith, there were others over many generations who followed the Lord faithfully. The reference to Elijah dealt with a time when the northern kingdom was very idolatrous and Elijah’s life was threatened by Jezebel. At Mount Horeb the LORD assured Elijah of the seven thousand preserved who had not worshipped Baal (1 Kings 19:13–18). Paul asserted that the Lord is continuing to reserve a remnant for his purposes by grace, not according to the work of any person.
B — Salvation Has Come to the Gentiles
Romans 11 “7 What then? All of Israel have not obtained that for which they search; but the chosen of God have obtained it, and the rest were hardened to blindness of the heart… 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should be completely condemned? God forbid: but rather through their trespass and offence salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.”
Comments: Paul wrote that only the chosen of God within Israel obtained the righteousness they searched for, but all others were hardened to have blindness in their hearts. He referred to a Psalm written by David which alludes to Christ on the cross. Psalm 69:21–24 describes the gall and vinegar given at the cross, and then says their table became a snare and trap, and their eyes were darkened. So, what should have been for their welfare became a snare because they did not accept the righteousness that comes only from God by grace. Psalm 23:5–6 contrasts this beautifully: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” But Paul said Israel has not been totally rejected — they can be moved to seek God as they are made jealous by the grace given to the Gentiles.
C — Natural Olive Branches Can Be Grafted Back In
Romans 11 “12 Now if their trespass and offence becomes riches for the world, and the loss to Israel becomes riches for the Gentiles; how much more will their completion bring about?… 17 And if some of the branches are broken off, and you, being from a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them receive from the root sumptuous fruit of the olive tree; 18 Do not boast as if you are exalted over the branches… 20 It is true; because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Don’t be proud, but be afraid: 21 For if God didn’t spare the natural branches, he also will not spare you… 23 And they also, if they don’t remain in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.”
Comments: Paul was known as the apostle to the Gentiles, and he wanted them to know that Israel’s rejection in part had become a blessing to the nations of the world. Jeremiah 2:3 identifies Israel as “holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase,” and James 1:18 speaks of believers now as “a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” Paul used the metaphor of a natural olive tree designated as holy to represent Israel, and one grown wild to represent Gentiles. Those branches of Israel who don’t produce holy fruit are separated from God, and Gentiles can be drawn in by faith. But boastful Gentiles can be set aside if they have not placed their complete faith in God. And Israelites can be brought back to saving faith in Christ. Jesus used a similar metaphor: John 15:5–6 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
D — Grace to Gentiles Will Result in Grace to Israel
Romans 11 “25 Brothers, I would not want you to be uninformed about this mystery… but hardness of heart has happened to some Israelites, until the full number of the Gentiles becomes complete. 26 And to whosoever of Israel shall be made whole: as it is written, the deliverer shall come out of Zion, and shall turn ungodliness away from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant to them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 In regard to the gospel, they are rebellious for your sakes: but in considering the elect, they are beloved because their patriarchs were chosen. 29 For the gifts and the call of God cannot be revoked.”
Comments: Israel will continue to be part of those chosen by God to have eternal life by grace through faith. Isaiah 59:20–21 speaks of the Redeemer coming to Zion, and the LORD’s words never departing from the mouths of his seed forever. The LORD also provided a new covenant for all who believe. Jeremiah 31:31–34 promises: “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people… for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” The gifts and the call of God to Israel cannot be revoked.
E — Unbelief Is Overcome Only by the Mercy of God
Romans 11 “30 For as it was that you did not believe God in the past, yet now you have obtained mercy through their unbelief; 31 in a similar manner they now have not believed, that through the mercy given to you, they also may receive mercy. 32 For God has judged all people to be in unbelief, that his mercy might be extended to all. 33 Oh how abundant is the magnificence both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! His judgments are far beyond any searching to understand, and his ways are past discovering! 34 For who could ever comprehend the mind of the Lord? or who could ever counsel him?… 36 For all things are of him, and through him, and to him: to whom is glory forever. Amen.”
Comments: The LORD knew in advance that many from Israel would not believe, and he used that to draw many to faith from all other nations. Then he used the expansion of his mercy and kindness to draw some Israelites back to him as well. God had designed all of these events because he knew that every person begins in a condition of unbelief that can only be remedied through his mercy. The wisdom and knowledge of God is so far above ours that we could barely even begin to imagine its scope. Who could offer counsel to God? And since all things are from God, there is nothing we could give to him that would obligate him to us in any way! Deuteronomy 10:14 “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.” Knowing these things to be true, we who have received his mercy and love owe him all of our praise, honor, and worship forever!
Reflections in Prayer
I thank you, LORD, for the remnant of the people of Israel by your grace, including Paul, who became a tremendous blessing to Gentiles while not abandoning his love for his own people. By your design the unbelief in the Israelites spread the gospel to all other people, and in my lifetime that has included me to be saved by your grace through faith. Knowing that you, my Savior, have grafted me into the natural olive tree, I want to humbly give all my honor and praise to the Lord in thanksgiving. I pray for fulfillment of the heart’s desire of Paul to see more of the children of Israel come to faith because of the grace given to the Gentiles. LORD, I believe that the only way any person at any point in human history can come to true faith is by your mercy, for all are lost without your grace. I look forward to the time when all of your unsearchable plans reach fulfillment and believers will be with you to give you praise, honor, and glory forever. Amen.
Published 29 June 2016