God’s Remnant: Chosen by Grace (Romans 11)

"So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain.The elect among them did, but the others were hardened…" Romans 11:5-7 (NIV)

Context

Today’s video explains two views on Paul’s statement in Romans 11:26 — that all Israel would be saved.

Additionally, “election” or being “chosen” is a significant concept in Romans 9-11 (and the rest of Romans as well). The biblical context for this idea includes:

1. In the Old Testament, God’s choice of Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). His choice was based on His love, not on the nation’s size or inherent goodness (Deuteronomy 7:6-11).

2. In the New Testament, this idea is applied to the church, God’s new covenant people (Jews and Gentiles) commanded to reflect His character to the world and carry out His mission (1 Peter 1:1-2; 2:9-10).

3. Emphasizes God’s love, mercy, and wisdom towards humanity, despite their choice to reject Him and their continued resistance to Him (Romans 8:31-39; 9:11; 11:33-36).

The concept of “election” may include corporate and/or personal elements:

1. Corporate = God elects (or “chooses,” “calls out,” “separates”) a people for Himself to whom He entrusts a specific task.

• For example, it was Ancient Israel’s job to bear witness to the nations regarding the One True God and His character.
• In the New Testament, this becomes the job of the church.

2. Personal = God’s choice of specific people to carry out specific tasks.

Observation

Paul begins Romans 11 by asking: “Did God reject His people?” He answers emphatically: “By no means!” He then uses a story from Elijah’s life (from 1 Kings 19:1-18) to illustrate God’s grace and faithfulness in always preserving a remnant.

In Romans 11:11-24, Paul explains that the remnant of Israel is composed of believing Jews and believing Gentiles. He uses the analogy of an olive tree, an Old Testament metaphor for God’s people (Jeremiah 11:16). Notice what he says here about the “wild shoots” and the “cultivated tree.”

Also, note the repeated idea of “fullness” or “full inclusion” in this passage:

• The “fullness” of the Jews would bring riches to the world (Romans 11:12)
• The “fullness” of the Gentiles would in some way lead to the salvation of all Israel (Romans 11:25-26)

Finally, Paul concludes with an outburst of worship, praising God for His wisdom, justice, and glory (Romans 11:33-36).

Interpretation

Throughout Romans 9-11, Paul has communicated his great desire for his Jewish kinsfolk to be saved (see Romans 9:1-3; 10:1; 11:1). He wants the church in Rome to know for sure: God has not rejected the Jews entirely. Rather, He has chosen (or elected) from among them a remnant, just as He had always said he would.

What does the analogy of the olive tree communicate to the Gentiles about their election? How does Paul want this truth to impact their treatment of Jewish believers?

Considering the information provided in today’s video, which of the two views (that “all Israel will be saved”) do you think better fits the context of Paul’s argument? Is it:

1. An end-times prediction that many (or all) ethnic Jews will come to faith in Jesus once the “full number” of chosen Gentiles is reached, shortly before Christ’s return?; or is it

2. The full number of the Jews who will have faith (Romans 11:12) PLUS the full number of Gentiles (Romans 11:25), who together constitute the saved remnant of Israel (the Israel of promise rather than of flesh, Romans 9:8)?

Paul ends Romans 1-11 with worship. What does this communicate to his readers about:

• Paul?
• The doctrine of election?
• The gospel?

Application

The doctrine of election means that no one can boast before God. It should impact the way we view ourselves and the way we view others, especially other believers.

Think about your interactions with those from a different country, ethnic group, social class, etc. Do you ever look down on them for being different from you? How does the “gospel” in general (and “election” in particular) challenge the renewal of your mind in this area?