God Loves

Romans 11:25-36

Paul's argument describing the love God has for Israel culminates here. In this passage we find mercy, grace, and justice.

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. Romans 11:25 (NIV)

There is a warning in verse 25. Israel, the nation, has been hardened. This means Israel as a nation has not lost God's love but has been set aside for the moment as God offers grace and mercy to the Gentile nations. This does not mean that the people of Israel cannot receive Christ. What it tells us is that Israel will not lead the charge in spreading the Gospel. God wants this honor; it's His plan and His hand at work through the sacrifice of His Son. Israel as a nation will turn to God when the time is "full".

The warning brings us to the understanding that a day will come when God will close the doors to offering of grace, and those who refused Him will find themselves outside in the cold writhing with anger (gnashing teeth). Israel, as a nation, turning to Christ will be the sign of this time.

And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:

"The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
And this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins."
Romans 11:26-27 (NIV)

God's covenant with Israel did not vanish with the New Covenant which was establish through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The final generation of Israel to turn to Christ will represent the remnant God has called forth from Israel. Some view verses 26 and 27 as Paul speaking to the return of Christ for Israel which will at that time include the Remnant of Israel and the grafted (anyone who accepts Christ as their Savior) and include those cast aside for burning (or eternal punishment). One commentator describes the return of Christ (or second coming) from these verses as:

1. The rapture of the church
2. The judgement of the nations
3. and the deliverance of Israel

I guess we will find out when the time comes. At least we can be certain that a time is coming for deliverance and judgment. I choose deliverance.

As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11:28-29 (NIV)

Verse 28 speaks against antisemitism. The Gentile nations would fuel the hatred of the Jews. Because we are grafted or allowed by God to be in His family, those who refuse Him will call the Jews the enemy. These evil teachings, evident in communist teachings, fuel the thought that God had permanently rejected Israel. This is far from the truth.

God very much loves Israel and is faithful to His chosen elect (those He chose to represent His love to the world). Many Christians have misinterpreted this verse and use it to fuel anger towards a people who are good with money and authority (both teachings from God). The devil twists such teaching, and we must be wary of the deception.

Disobedience allows for God's mercy. Israel had become disobedient so God could extend His mercy to them as well. God refuses to allow the utter failure of Israel, and this is something we who are not of Jewish lineage should embrace. God never declares any of us as useless. He fights for all of us by providing mercy in the midst of failure.

The doxology that follows only declares the immeasurable vastness of God and His wisdom and knowledge. There is so little that we understand and so much to be gained in knowing Him. We do waste a lot of time on the trivial (like looking for God particles) but that is the process some must go through to come to the ultimate discovery of the one true God who loves and cares for them.

To God be the glory forever!

• How have you viewed Israel in the past? How does this passage impact your thoughts?
• Use the doxology (verses 33-36) in prayer today. Afterward, write down your thoughts as you hear from God's Spirit.