Romans 11:1-6

                                                                     Romans 11:1-6

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God's reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

 

Paul continues his demonstration of God’s continued dealings with Israel.  The previous chapter ended with the declaration that Israel had rejected God.  This chapter begins with the question as to if God has rejected Israel.  The answer is a resounding no.  This fact is proven by calling two witnesses, Paul and Elijah.  Their testimony demonstrates that God’s love and grace have been unfailing to the nation of Israel despite her constant failings.

 

PAUL IS EVIDENCE OF GOD’S LOVE: Paul is proof positive that God has not rejected Israel because he is from the nation of Israel.  The same is true of all the apostles and thousands of others from Israel who had come and were coming to Christ.  In every city where Paul went, his first messages were to the Jews that were in the Synagogue of that city.  Most of them rejected the message of the Gospel and persecuted Paul but not all.  God’s love for Israel is undisputable and is demonstrated by His love for Paul who had previously been a persecutor of the followers of Christ.  God’s love for Israel and all people everywhere is unwavering.  He is calling people from all nations to Himself for His own glory and the joy of the nations.

 

ELIJAH IS EVIDENCE OF GOD’S GRACE: Elijah ministered in Israel during a time of great apostacy and persecution in the nation of Israel.  He spent much of his time running for his life from the evil king and queen of the nation.  In desperation, Elijah cries out to God that he is the only person in Israel that still fears the Lord.  His impression is that the entire nation has turned to the worship of idols.  God assures Elijah that he is not alone.  There are still seven thousand men who have not rejected God and bowed the need to Baal.  Just as there was a faithful remnant that responded to God’s grace in the days of Elijah, there was a faithful remnant that was saved by grace in the day of Paul.  God is always gracious to some despite the fact that most in a nation reject Him.

 

APPLICATION: Never doubt the love and grace of God.  No matter how severe persecution grows against the followers of Christ, we will never be alone.  No matter how wicked a nation may become and how many from that nation turn from God to worship gods of their own making and in their own identity, God will not reject the nation as a whole.  We must lovingly and graciously call people to turn to Christ and place their faith in Him.

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