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.

Romans 11

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. Romans 11:5-6

  

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fifteen From Theology to Doxology, which covers Romans 11.  My focus today is Romans 11:1-10, which my commentary refers to under the heading God Has a People, Chosen by Grace. Here, Paul continues to build his case that God's Word and promises have not failed.  In v11:1-10, Paul looks more closely at God's Word and Promises from the Old Testament and he reminds us that God never promises to save all the Jews, only a remnant.  Of course Paul is one of them and he shares his credentials in v11:1.  Paul then references scripture from 1 Kings 19:10, 14, and 18 where Elijah shares his frustration with God regarding Israel's hardened hearts and how they are seeking to kill Elijah (v11:4).  Paul uses God's response to Elijah (1 Kings 19:18) where God indicates that He will punish Israel but save a remnant of seven thousand.  Paul then writes how those saved are elected by God by grace alone and not "on the basis of works" (v11:6). In v11:7, Paul summarizes Israel's failure to "obtain what it was seeking," writing that "[t]he elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened."  Paul uses Isaiah 29:10 and Psalm 69:22-23 to illustrate how this was all part of God's design and plan.  

My commentary encourages us to look at Romans 11 broadly and see three themes:

1. Zeal for evangelism - as Paul seeks to save as many of his fellow Jews as possible
2. Call for unity - Paul writes to both Jews and Gentiles with the hope that both see each as part of the same church and both called by God and both children of God
   
3. Call for worship - Paul writes that our response to God's immense and unlimited mercy should be ceaseless worship

Specifically in v11:1-10, my commentary describes how Paul provides three "proofs" of how God has not rejected Israel in its entirety: (1) Paul himself (v1b); (2) God's saving of seven thousand who "had not bowed down to Baal--even though the majority of Israel had indeed rebelled against Yahweh;" (3) application of God's saving grace through election via v11:5 "[s]o too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace."  The commentary sums it up very well by stating: "[m]any worry that the choosing of some and not all would be unjust, but this idea overlooks the fact that election is gracious.  No one deserves to be elected, and thus the election of any is a merciful gift of God that cannot be claimed as a democratic right (quoting Schreiner)."  We are encouraged to be motivated to be faithful....it may seem lonely, uncool, etc. but God is at work!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is so full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your grace and mercy - not at all!  My sin of worry, gossip, etc. continues.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.