Romans 11- Saved By Grace

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Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded  Romans 11:5-7

As we continue with the teaching of the Apostle Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we see God still has a remnant of Israel by the election of grace. This is a concept and truth that angers many people, how can God still have a remnant from Israel? Well God can do whatever He wants, God doesn’t need our permission or need to fit into your theological box of your faith tradition.

The Apostle Paul states “at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace” The Holy Spirit has spoken this and its truth regardless of your theological beliefs. Today many have made an idol out of their religious system then being obedient to the Word of God. So you might ask, how can this be? How can God still preserve a remnant?

 Well the Apostle Paul continues “and if by grace, then it is no longer works, otherwise grace is no more grace” How are we saved? We are saved by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8) Its the same way the remnant will be saved by grace through faith in Christ. Remember you were once spiritually dead also, you were once dead in your sins and an enemy of God (Ephesians 2) But God demonstrated His love towards us, even though we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

None of us deserve the grace of God, however God has preserved a remnant by His grace. As the Apostle Paul continues “but if it be by works, then its no longer grace” We are saved by the grace of God not by our works, if there are any works coming from us, its because of the Holy Spirit. None of us deserve to be saved, that’s the honest truth, we all deserve Hell, however because of grace, God saved us. When you understand this, you understand grace. 

Then Paul turns his focus on Israel “Israel has not obtained what it seeks, but the elect have obtained it and the rest were blinded” There is a spiritual blindness on most of Israel, but God still has a remnant, and that blindness to the remnant will be removed in Gods timing (Romans 11:25) God has still preserved a remnant that has not bowed a knee to Baal, (1 Kings 19:18) Amen!

Romans 11- The Remnant

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I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Romans 11:1-4

Now we start looking at maybe one of the most controversial or misunderstood chapters in the Bible, the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, makes a clear case for Israel and God’s remnant. While many people today believe God is finished with Israel, the Holy Spirit tells us a different story. As the Apostle Paul begins with a rhetorical question “Has God cast away His people”?

Paul then answers his own question “God forbid” or “Certainly Not” , now this should be the end of the debate whether God is finished with Israel, however Paul will go through an entire chapter explaining God is not finished with Israel yet. I know this knowledge angers many Gentiles and Jews, however this was predicted as the Church and Israel are going to drive each other to jealousy over their relationship with God (Romans 11:11, 14)

The Apostle Paul who is a Jew himself, from the tribe a Benjamin, a well trained Pharisee, he knows the Mosaic Law , He knows how radical the New Covenant in Christ is, Jews and Gentiles can become Children of God through Christ, (Galatians 3:26) A concept that many still can’t grasp, however as the Apostle Paul states “God has not cast away His people which He foreknew” It’s clear God is not finished with Israel yet!

Now the Apostle Paul uses an example of the prophet Elijah to teach his point the prophet Elijah made intercession to God against Israel saying “Lord they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars and I am left alone” I can hear many Christians today saying the same things, claiming we are the only ones who are worthy of being saved, claiming we are the only ones who haven’t blasphemed God, beware of our self righteousness!

What was God’s answer to the prophet? “I have reserved myself for seven thousand men who have not bowed a knee to Baal” God still has a remnant in Israel, just as God still has a remnant in the Church. There are many “Churches” today that are as blasphemous as the one who rejects Christ, but God will always have a remnant! Is God finished with Israel, No, God has preserved a remnant that will become Born Again in Jesus Christ, just as the early Church did, Amen!

Romans 10- Rejection of the Gospel

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But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. Romans 10:16-21

The Apostle Paul, once again turns his focus back on Israel. As Paul states “But they (Israel) have not all obeyed the gospel” So obviously the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, has been preached throughout Israel, yet many have rejected Christ. In fact, as the Apostle Peter states ““Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36) Peter reveals to Israel, Jesus whom they killed was actually The Messiah and Our Lord in the flesh. Now thousands were convicted of their sin, repent and put their faith in Jesus, and were also filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) However the majority of them, hardened their hearts and rejected the gospel

The Prophet Isaiah fortold alll of this would happen, just as He foretold by the Holy Spirit, the whole life of Jesus Christ. Its amazing to think the prophet Isaiah fortold about the Messiah, through the Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7) that the Son would be “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) and the Messiah would die for our sins (Isaiah 53) despite all of this, many have rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God (v17) Again as the Apostle Paul stated previously “How will they hear without a preacher” (v14) We don’t know how people will respond to the gospel message of Christ, however its our responsibility to share the gospel of Christ. Many in Israel have rejected the gospel, and even today many still reject salvation through Jesus, however there is always a remnant of God (Romans 11:4) God still has an elect group that will receive the gospel of Jesus Christ, however they need to hear the gospel, faith comes by hearing the Word of God!

Then the Apostle Paul quotes Moses regarding the relationship between Israel and the Church, “But I say, did Israel not know, First Moses says I will provoke you (Israel) to jealousy by those (Gentiles) who are not a nation” Salvation of the Gentiles is driving Israel to jealousy, as they have rejected Their Lord and God, Amen!

Romans 10- Preach The Gospel

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How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:14-15

The Apostle Paul asks a great rhetorical question here, “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” We have an important mission as the Church, to fulfill the Great Commision, to preach the gospel to all the nations (Matthew 28:19) This is the most important calling you will ever have, eternal life is at stake, not to mention these are the marching orders from our Lord

Many people today make the wrong assumption everyone has heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. The reality is the majority of younger kids have never heard the gospel, they have never heard about Jesus Christ and what He has done for them. While the Holy Spirit prepares their hearts and minds to receive the gospel, its our job to plant the seed, its our job to share the gospel (the good news) of Jesus Christ. 

Notice what the Apostle Paul says next “And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” A couple things to notice here, how can you share the gospel of Jesus Christ , unless you know the gospel, can you explain the gospel to an unbeliever? If someone challenged your faith, are you prepared to give an answer? (1 Peter 3:15) This is why we need to study our Bible, the Word of God, so we can know our Lord more, grow in our faith, and be prepared to share the gospel with the world

The next thing is “they be sent” we have a higher calling by God, we were chosen and Born Again through our Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:3) You have been called and sent to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19) This is your divine higher calling by God, to neglect to preach the gospel is disobedience to your Lord. You might say, well I’m not able to preach the gospel, God has given you the Holy Spirit, God has given you his written Word, God has given you The Church, prepare and preach the good news of Jesus Christ!

“How beautiful are those who preach the gospel of peace” It pleases The Lord when His Church are sharing the good news, however this won’t be considered beautiful to the world. You will face opposition, possibly even persecution, imprisonment, or death. However we already have the Victory in Jesus Christ, He has already overcome the world (John 16:33) Let the world know Christ Is Risen! Amen!