The Place of Israel in the Plan of God transferred to the Church consisting of Jews
and Gentiles. Nevertheless, national Israel is
Dr. Stanford E. Murrell
The question of national Israel in the plan of
God has become a source of great concern since
the inception of the New Testament Church. A
number of conflicting positions have been taken
within the body of Christ.
 Position Number one. National Israel no
longer has a place of prominence in the plan
of God. Because of sin and rebellion the
kingdom privileges have been taken from
Israel and given to a new entity.
“Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you,
The kingdom of God shall be taken from
you, and given to a nation bringing forth the
fruits thereof.”
 Position Number Two. National Israel has
a pre-eminent place in the plan of God.
Israel is the focal point of human history.
The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob of a physical land a physical seed
forever is to be honored. The greater Son of
David in the person of the Messiah will rule
and reign over a rebuilt Temple and preside
over a re-instituted sacrificial system – at
least for a 1,000 years. The concept of an
everlasting account is appealed to.
Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my
covenant between me and thee and thy seed
after thee in their generations for an
everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee,
and to thy seed after thee.
Genesis 48:4 And said unto me, Behold, I
will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee,
and I will make of thee a multitude of
people; and will give this land to thy seed
after thee for an everlasting possession.
 Position Number Three. National Israel has
been set aside and is now under divine
discipline. Part of the divine discipline is the
loss of being the primary force in world
evangelism. That privilege has been
near to the heart of God. One day there will
be a great spiritual revival in the land of
Palestine and so all Israel will be saved. The
Jews will then have a privileged place as a
race in the future.
Romans 11:1-36 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. 2 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, 3 Lord, they have killed thy
prophets, and digged down thine altars; and
I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 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. 5 Even so then at this present time
also there is a remnant according to the
election of grace. 6 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. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained
that which he seeketh for; but the election
hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8
(According as it is written, God hath given
them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they
should not see, and ears that they should not
hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let
their table be made a snare, and a trap, and
a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto
them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that
they may not see, and bow down their back
alway. 11 I say then, Have they stumbled
that they should fall? God forbid: but rather
through their fall salvation is come unto the
Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12
Now if the fall of them be the riches of the
world, and the diminishing of them the
riches of the Gentiles; how much more their
fullness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles,
inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles,
I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I
may provoke to emulation them which are
my flesh, and might save some of them. 15
For if the casting away of them be the
reconciling of the world, what shall the
receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is
also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the
branches. 17 And if some of the branches be
broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree,
wert graffed in among them, and with them
partakest of the root and fatness of the olive
tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But
if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but
the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The
branches were broken off, that I might be
graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they
were broken off, and thou standest by faith.
Be not high-minded, but fear: 21 For if God
spared not the natural branches, take heed
lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold
therefore the goodness and severity of God:
on them which fell, severity; but toward
thee, goodness, if thou continue in his
goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut
off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in
unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able
to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert
cut out of the olive tree which is wild by
nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature
into a good olive tree: how much more shall
these, which be the natural branches, be
graffed into their own olive tree? 25 For I
would not, brethren, that ye should be
ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be
wise in your own conceits; that blindness in
part is happened to Israel, until the fullness
of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all
Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There
shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and
shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27
For this is my covenant unto them, when I
shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning
the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes:
but as touching the election, they are
beloved for the fathers' sakes. 29 For the
gifts and calling of God are without
repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have
not believed God, yet have now obtained
mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so
have these also now not believed, that
through your mercy they also may obtain
mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all
in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon
all. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the
wisdom and knowledge of God! How
unsearchable are his judgments, and his
ways past finding out! 34 For who hath
known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath
been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first
given to him, and it shall be recompensed
unto him again? 36 For of him, and through
him, and to him, are all things: to whom be
glory for ever. Amen.
Each of the positions has adequate
defenders. Rather than take the role of a
prophet consider some definite concepts the
Bible clearly states. In this way the place of
Israel in the plan of God might better be
perceived.
Anticipating the fall of man God determined
to redeem many souls from the effects of
sin. To accomplish this plan of redemption
the Lord raised up a physical nation to work
through spiritually. Provided the people
honored the conditions of the covenant they
too would be honored. The people would be
called Hebrews, Israelites, and Jews. There
would be priesthood. A land would be
provided in Canaan. The years passed and
problems arose.
Not all of the physical descendants of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had a heart for
God. Some had faith while some did not and
that created a problem. How could spiritual
blessings be given to a nation that hated and
rebelled against the very God who brought
them into existence? According to the will
of God a divine decree was issued. God
would recognize that not all Israel was
Israel. The physical seed could continue but
the ultimate blessings would be reserved for
those who had the faith of Abraham. After
the Messiah came, some other drastic
changes would be made. The primary thrust
for world evangelism would be given to a
new nation, under a new covenant, with new
conditions, and a new name called the
Church. A wild olive branch, the Church,
will be grafted into the natural olive branch.
Through the church a spiritual continuation
of the true seed of Abraham would be
realized.
Galatians 3:7 Know ye therefore that they
which are of faith, the same are the children
of Abraham.
In all of this the church is not an after
thought but the guiding goal in the Plan of
Redemption.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it;
Because all of this is true the following
statements can be made.
 Those who compose the Church are the
true seed of Abraham. The glory of the
Church is not to be given a physical race
or nation.
 The future belongs to the Church.
Anyone who wants a future must come
to Christ.
 If the nations of the earth have a place in
the eternal age it will not be along the
lines of race or borders but because of
regeneration.
 Realistically, there will only be one
nation in the eternal age – the church.
1 Peter 2:9 9 But ye are a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should
shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his
marvellous light:
 A racial people with nationalistic goals
must not be allowed to take over the
essential glory of the Church. All
persons are included in the Church.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor
Greek, there is neither bond nor free,
there is neither male nor female: for ye
are all one in Christ Jesus.
The Salvation of Israel in Romans 9-10-11
For there is no difference between the Jew and
the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich
unto all that call upon him.
~*~
Romans 10:12
~*~
And so all Israel shall be saved
~* ~
Romans11: 26
1. Chapter 9, 10, and 11 of Romans deal
with a problem that was of particular
concern during the days of the apostle,
the rejection of Israel and the salvation
of the Gentiles.
2. The question is not Israel vs. the Church
but Israel vs. the Gentiles. As the
Church must not be equated with
national or physical Israel apart from
faith in Christ so the Church must not be
equated with national or physical
Gentiles apart from faith in Christ.
3. Historically, God had blessed national
Israel with material and spiritual
prosperity.
 God had made definite promises to
Abraham, the father of the Jews, to bless
his seed.
 God had honored Israel above other
nations.
 God had entrusted to Israel His written
Word, the Old Testament Scriptures.
Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath
the Jew? or what profit is there of
circumcision? 2 Much every way:
chiefly, because that unto them were
committed the oracles of God.
 Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times
and in divers manners spake in time past
unto the fathers by the prophets,
 God had given to Israel the Mosaic Law,
the tabernacle, temple worship, and the
promises.
 God had entered into a covenant with
Abraham and with his descendents at
Mt. Sinai. They were to be His people
and He was to be their God.
4. In light of such a past how could it be
that Israel was being rejected and the
Gentiles were being included in their
place as the people of God?
5. Beginning in Romans 9:1-28 Paul
explains that Jewish rejection was not a
failure of God’s promise to Abraham to
saved his seed, for the promise of God
was meant only for Abraham’s spiritual
seed descendants whom God had chosen
unto salvation.
6. The elect Jews along with the elect
Gentiles, were being called by God and
saved just as the Lord had promised they
would be and just as the prophets had
foretold it would come to pass.
7. In Romans 9:30-10:21 Paul argues that
the immediate cause of the rejection of
Israel and the salvation of the Gentiles
was based upon the willingness of the
Gentiles to receive the gospel and the
hostility of the Jews towards the
Messiah.
8. Over the years the Jews had
misunderstood and misused the oracles
of God. Instead of seeing their own
sinfulness in light of the Law and
pleading for mercy and grace, the Jews
were seeking to establish a nation.
righteousness of their own by keeping
the commandments of the Law.
9. Because the Jews were looking to the
Law and not to Christ for salvation they
were perishing.
10. The rejection of Israel by God would
never be complete for many Jews were
coming to faith in Paul’s day nor would
their rejection be final for the time will
come when God will show renewed
mercy to the nation at large and so all
Israel that is elect will be saved.
11. Before discussing the rejection of the
Jews, Paul shares the deep concern and
love he has for his brethren according to
the flesh and the national privilege Israel
has enjoyed.
Romans 9:1-5 I say the truth in Christ, I
lie not, my conscience also bearing me
witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have
great heaviness and continual sorrow in
my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself
were accursed from Christ for my
brethren, my kinsmen according to the
flesh: 4 Who are Israelites; to whom
pertaineth the adoption, and the glory,
and the covenants, and the giving of the
law, and the service of God, and the
promises; 5 Whose are the fathers, and
of whom as concerning the flesh Christ
came, who is over all, God blessed for
ever. Amen.
12. In Romans 9:1-5 Paul declares that he
would be willing to be cut off or
accursed from God for their sake, if this
would mean salvation for them.
13. Paul is aware of the great privileges
“they” as Israelites have as he begins to
separate himself from his “brethren”
and “kinsmen by race.”
14. Among the privileges nation Israel
enjoyed was being God’s adopted
 The Lord had manifested His presence
to Israel.
 He had made great and special
covenants with the nation and given
them the Law of Moses and the temple
worship.
 His promises had been directed to them
and finally, of their nation, according to
the flesh, the Messiah had come, who is
God over all! (Rom. 9:4,5).
15. However, despite these blessings, God is
still sovereign. He has a right to do with
His creation as He pleases—and he
does.
16. And there is something else. God’s
promise to save the descendants of
Abraham had reference only to his
“spiritual” or “elect” seed.
Romans 9:6-8 Not as though the word of
God hath taken none effect. For they are
not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7
Neither, because they are the seed of
Abraham, are they all children: but, In
Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is,
They which are the children of the flesh,
these are not the children of God: but
the children of the promise are counted
for the seed.
17. It is God who determined which of the
descendants of Abraham according to
the flesh were to be included in this
elect group such as Esau or Jacob.
Romans 9:9-13 For this is the word of
promise, At this time will I come, and
Sara shall have a son. 10 And not only
this; but when Rebecca also had
conceived by one, even by our father
Isaac; 11 (For the children being not yet
born, neither having done any good or
evil, that the purpose of God according
to election might stand, not of works, but
of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto
her, The elder shall serve the younger.
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved,
but Esau have I hated.
18. Salvation then results from the mercy,
which God shows, and not from the will
of man or his works.
Romans 9:14-18 What shall we say then? Is
there unrighteousness with God? God
forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have
mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will
have compassion on whom I will have
compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that
willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God
that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture
saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same
purpose have I raised thee up, that I might
shew my power in thee, and that my name
might be declared throughout all the earth.
18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will
have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
19. God is like a potter. He can make a
vessel for beauty or for menial use.
Romans 9:19-21 Thou wilt say then unto me,
Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath
resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who
art thou that repliest against God? Shall the
thing formed say to him that formed it, Why
hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the
potter power over the clay, of the same lump
to make one vessel unto honour, and another
unto dishonour?
20. Therefore, no one has a right to object to
the sovereignty of God in rejecting some
while saving others.
21. In order to manifest His anger against
sin God will punish the vessels of wrath
made for destruction.
Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to
shew his wrath, and to make his power
known, endured with much longsuffering
the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
22. By so doing God will make known the
riches of His glory for the vessels of
mercy, His elect people whom He has
called from among the Jews and
Gentiles.
 Romans 9:23-24 And that he might
make known the riches of his glory on
the vessels of mercy, which he had afore
prepared unto glory, 24 Even us, whom
he hath called, not of the Jews only, but
also of the Gentiles?
23. In all that He does God has kept and will
keep His covenant promise to save the
seed of Israel.
24. However, it must be understood that
God’s promise to save Abraham’s
descendants was limited ins scope—
mercy was not to be shown to all of
Abraham’s natural descendants or “the
children of the flesh”; rather, Abraham’s
spiritual seed or “the children of
promise” were to be saved.
Romans 9:6-8 Not as though the word of
God hath taken none effect. For they are
not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7
Neither, because they are the seed of
Abraham, are they all children: but, In
Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is,
They which are the children of the flesh,
these are not the children of God: but
the children of the promise are counted
for the seed.
25. From among the physical nation of
Israel, God decreed to save certain Jews
from the penalty and pollution of sin.
These elect Jews would be the true
descendants of Abraham and make up
the true “Israel of God.”
Note. In as far as Gentiles love Christ
and believe on Him they too are called
the “Israel of God.”
Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk
according to this rule, peace be on them,
and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
26. Paul illustrates God’s sovereign election
of some Jews while rejecting others as
heirs of the promise by reminding his
audience of those closest to Abraham.
27. Abraham had two sons, Ishmael who
was born of Hagar, and Isaac “the son of
promise” who was born fourteen years
later of Sarah.
28. Though both were sons according to the
flesh, Ishmael was rejected and Isaac
was chosen by God to share in the
promise made to Abraham.
29. It was God who determined who among
the descendants of Abraham would
inherit the blessing.
Romans 9:9 For this is the word of
promise, At this time will I come, and
Sara shall have a son.
30. God’s decision to love Jacob and reject
Esau was revealed to Rebecca before the
twins were born so that the concept
would be established that it was God’s
choice and not man’s actions or a Divine
foreknowledge of His actions that was
the basis for the Divine decision.
Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this
present time also there is a remnant
according to the election of grace. 6
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.
31. Having established the fact of God’s
sovereign unconditional election Paul
defends it in Romans 9:14-24.
32. The apostolic defense takes the form of
stating and answering two objections
against the doctrine of unconditional
election.
First Objection Stated. It would not be
fair for God to show mercy to one and
not to another.
First Objection Answer. The answer is
in two parts. First, God declares that He
will show mercy to whom He will. The
apostle quotes the words God spoke to
Moses.
Romans 9:14 What shall we say then? Is
there unrighteousness with God? God
forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will
have mercy on whom I will have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I
will have compassion.
Cf. Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will
make all my goodness pass before thee,
and I will proclaim the name of the
LORD before thee; and will be gracious
to whom I will be gracious, and will
shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
Election depends upon God’s mercy and
not man’s merit. Rom 9:16 So then it is
not of him that willeth, nor of him that
runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Second, historically God has exercised
His sovereign right in the life of Pharaoh
who ruled over Israel during the time of
the Exodus. Rom. 9:17 For the scripture
saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same
purpose have I raised thee up, that I
might shew my power in thee, and that
my name might be declared throughout
all the earth.
Did God save Pharaoh? No. He
hardened His heart. Paul’s point is
established. Not only will God show
mercy to whom He wills but He also
“hardens the heart of whomever he
wills. Romans 9:18 Therefore hath he
mercy on whom he will have mercy, and
whom he will he hardeneth.
Second Objection Stated. Since the
destiny of all men is in the hands of God
and He extends mercy and grace to one
while withholding it from another, how
can individuals be responsible for their
actions? Romans 9:19 Thou wilt say
then unto me, Why doth he yet find
fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Second Objection Answered. Paul’s
answer is in two parts. First, Paul states
that it is not right or reverent for the
creatures to question, criticize or
contradict the actions of their Creator
especially when God has spoken on the
matter being objected to.
Romans 9:17-18 For the scripture saith
unto Pharaoh, Even for this same
purpose have I raised thee up, that I
might shew my power in thee, and that
my name might be declared throughout
all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he
mercy on whom he will have mercy, and
whom he will he hardeneth.
cf.
Romans 9:20-21 Nay but, O man, who
art thou that repliest against God? Shall
the thing formed say to him that formed
it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21
Hath not the potter power over the clay,
of the same lump to make one vessel
unto honour, and another unto
dishonour?
Charles Hodge comments. The
objection to Paul’s teaching is founded
on ignorance or misapprehension of the
true relation between God and His
sinful creatures. It supposes that God is
under obligation to extend His grace to
all. He is not. God is under obligation to
no one. All are sinners, and have
forfeited every claim to divine mercy; it
is, therefore, the prerogative of God to
spare one person and not another; to
make one vessel to honor, and another
to dishonor. He, as the sovereign
Creator of souls, has the same right
over them that a potter has over the
clay.
Second, Paul argues that God does no
wrong towards His creatures by
assigning each one the end for which it
was brought into existence. The display
of divine displeasure against evil
manifests God justice. The display of
 divine mercy on chosen vessels
manifests His glory.
Romans 9:22-23 What if God, willing to
shew his wrath, and to make his power
known, endured with much longsuffering
the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the
riches of his glory on the vessels of
mercy, which he had afore prepared
unto glory.
Charles Hodge again comments. God
only punishes the wicked for their sin,
while He extends undeserved mercy to
the objects of His grace. There is no
injustice done to one wicked man in the
pardon of another, especially as there
are the highest objects to be
accomplished both in the punishment of
the vessels of wrath, and the pardon of
the vessels of mercy. God does nothing
more than exercise a right inherent in
sovereignty, viz. that of dispensing
pardon at His pleasure…
 Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah (c. 740 BC)
33. The conclusion of the matter is that
God, who has mercy on whom He
chooses to have mercy, is now calling
individuals from among the Gentiles as
well as from among the Jews.
Romans 9:24 Even us, whom he hath
called, not of the Jews only, but also of
the Gentiles?
34. Moving into Romans 9:25-29 the
apostle shows that the salvation of the
Gentiles and the rejection of the larger
part of national and thus natural Israel
was spoken of by the prophets.
 Hosea. The prophet Hosea (c. 722 BC)
spoke of the time when those Gentiles
who were not covenantally the people of
God would be called “sons of the living
God.”
Hosea 2:23 And I will sow her unto me
in the earth; and I will have mercy upon
her that had not obtained mercy; and I
will say to them which were not my
people [the Gentiles], Thou art my
people; and they shall say, Thou art my
God.
Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the
children of Israel shall be as the sand of
the sea, which cannot be measured nor
numbered; and it shall come to pass,
that in the place where it was said unto
them [the Gentiles], Ye are not my
people, there it shall be said unto them,
Ye are the sons of the living God.
Cf.
Romans 9:25-26 As he saith also in
Osee, I will call them my people, which
were not my people; and her beloved,
which was not beloved. 26 And it shall
come to pass, that in the place where it
was said unto them, Ye are not my
people; there shall they be called the
children of the living God.
spoke of the time when only a remnant,
a small fragment or portion of national
Israel would be saved.
Isaiah 10:22-23 For though thy people
Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a
remnant of them shall return: the
consumption decreed shall overflow
with righteousness. 23 For the Lord
GOD of hosts shall make a
consumption, even determined, in the
midst of all the land.
Isaiah 1:9 Except the LORD of hosts
had left unto us a very small remnant,
we should have been as Sodom, and we
should have been like unto Gomorrah.
Isaiah 11:11 And it shall come to pass
in that day, that the Lord shall set his
hand again the second time to recover
the remnant of his people, which shall
be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt,
and from Pathros, and from Cush, and
 from Elam, and from Shinar, and from
Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
cf.
Romans 9:27-29 Esaias also crieth
concerning Israel, Though the number
of the children of Israel be as the sand
of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28
For he will finish the work, and cut it
short in righteousness: because a short
work will the Lord make upon the earth.
29 And as Esaias said before, Except the
Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we
had been as Sodoma, and been made
like unto Gomorrha.
35. It is to be noted that through this whole
discussion the apostle is discussing the
election and calling of individuals to
salvation and not to external privilege or
service.
If ethnic individuals, or anyone else is to
serve God in an acceptable manner, they
must be born again. This new birth is
based upon a divine selection by God to
be made His “children”. Romans 9:8
That is, They which are the children of
the flesh, these are not the children of
God: but the children of the promise are
counted for the seed.”
Those who are to serve God must be
made “vessels of mercy” and prepared
“for glory.” Romans 9:21-23 Hath not
the potter power over the clay, of the
same lump to make one vessel unto
honour, and another unto dishonour? 22
What if God, willing to shew his wrath,
and to make his power known, endured
with much longsuffering the vessels of
wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that
he might make known the riches of his
glory on the vessels of mercy, which he
had afore prepared unto glory.
Only those who were made “God’s
people” and are called “sons of the
living God” can hope to serve God.
Romans 9:25-26 As he saith also in
Osee, I will call them my people, which
were not my people; and her beloved,
which was not beloved. 26 And it shall
come to pass, that in the place where it
was said unto them, Ye are not my
people; there shall they be called the
children of the living God.
If ethnic national Israel is to have a glorious
future of being exalted among the nations of
the earth in a geo-political sense there is not
a word of it mentioned in the New
Testament.
36. The Scriptures do speak of the glories of
the Church that are to come. They are
for the holy nation of God made of
peculiar people and a royal priesthood.
 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should
shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his
marvellous light.
 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace,
who hath called us unto his eternal
glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have
suffered a while, make you perfect,
stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To
him be glory and dominion for ever and
ever. Amen.
37. The immediate cause for the rejection of
Israel by God and the reception of the
Gentiles was the way each responded to
the gospel.
38. The Gentiles were responding in a
positive manner to the gospel. They
were receiving the free gift of
righteousness according to God’s grace.
In contrast, the Jews rejected the gospel
and continued to try to work out a
righteousness of their own.
 Romans 9:30-10:4 What shall we say
then? That the Gentiles, which followed
not after righteousness, have attained to
righteousness, even the righteousness
 which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which
followed after the law of righteousness,
hath not attained to the law of
righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because
they sought it not by faith, but as it were
by the works of the law. For they
stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As
it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a
stumblingstone and rock of offence: and
whosoever believeth on him shall not be
ashamed. Rom 10:1 Brethren, my
heart's desire and prayer to God for
Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For
I bear them record that they have a zeal
of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's
righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have
not submitted themselves unto the
righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is
the end of the law for righteousness to
every one that believeth.
39. What an irony is in view. The Gentiles
who had not even sought after
righteousness were now obtaining it
through faith.
 Romans 9:30 What shall we say then?
That the Gentiles, which followed not
after righteousness, have attained to
righteousness, even the righteousness
which is of faith.
40. The Jews who had pursed righteousness
by obedience to the law were not
obtaining their goal because they sought
for righteousness based on their works
instead of faith.
41. The Jews were trying to save themselves
through their own works—and were
failing.
 Romans 9:31-32a But Israel, which
followed after the law of righteousness,
hath not attained to the law of
righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because
they sought it not by faith, but as it were
by the works of the law.
42. Not only were to Jews failing to
establish their righteousness based upon
obedience to the law they were offended
at Christ, as Isaiah the prophet had
predicted they would.
 Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the
Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a
foundation a stone, a tried stone, a
precious corner stone, a sure
foundation: he that believeth shall not
make haste.
 Isaiah 8:14 And he shall be for a
sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling
and for a rock of offence to both the
houses of Israel, for a gin and for a
snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
cf.
 Romans 9:32b-33 For they stumbled at
that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written,
Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone
and rock of offence: and whosoever
believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
43. While the apostle is anxious that the
Jews comes to faith and bears testimony
to their zeal for God, he also reveals that
their religious zeal was not based on
spiritual understanding.
 Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's
desire and prayer to God for Israel is,
that they might be saved. 2 For I bear
them record that they have a zeal of
God, but not according to knowledge.
44. The Jews were ignorant or without
knowledge of the righteousness that God
gives or imputes. As a result, they were
trying to establish a righteousness of
their own making.
 Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of
God's righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have
not submitted themselves unto the
righteousness of God

45. The Jews failed to comprehend that
Christ is the end of the law as the
ground or means of justification for all
who believe.
 Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of
the law for righteousness to every one
that believeth.
46. What the Jews needed was a new
perspective. To provide this Paul
contrasted Legal Justification with
Evangelical or Gospel Justification.
47. Legal Justification is beyond the reach
of sinful men no matter how hard they
might try to reach for it.. Legal
Justification demands perfect obedience.
It is self evident that no one has ever
kept the law perfectly.
 Romans 10:5 For Moses describeth the
righteousness which is of the law, That
the man which doeth those things shall
live by them.
 Galatians 3:10-13 For as many as are
of the works of the law are under the
curse: for it is written, Cursed is every
one that continueth not in all things
which are written in the book of the law
to do them. 11 But that no man is
justified by the law in the sight of God, it
is evident: for, The just shall live by
faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but,
The man that doeth them shall live in
them.
48. Gospel Justification is easy to obtain by
contrast to Legal Justification. All men
can appropriate Gospel Justification by
calling upon the name of the Lord.
 Romans 10:6 But the righteousness
which is of faith speaketh on this wise,
Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend
into heaven? (That is, to bring Christ
down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall
descend into the deep? (That is, to bring
up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But
what saith it? The word is nigh thee,
even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that
is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth
the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in
thine heart that God hath raised him
from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10
For with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation. 11
For the scripture saith, Whosoever
believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between
the Jew and the Greek: for the same
Lord over all is rich unto all that call
upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call
upon the name of the Lord shall be
saved.
 Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from
the curse of the law, being made a curse
for us: for it is written, Cursed is every
one that hangeth on a tree:
49. Gospel Justification does not come to
the sinner with severe terms; it tells the
sinner to look and live. There is
salvation by a look of faith upon a
bleeding Saviour and open confession of
Him as Lord.
 Romans 10:6-11 But the righteousness
which is of faith speaketh on this wise,
Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend
into heaven? (That is, to bring Christ
down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall
descend into the deep? (That is, to bring
up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But
what saith it? The word is nigh thee,
even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that
is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth
the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in
thine heart that God hath raised him
from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10
For with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation. 11
For the scripture saith, Whosoever
believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

50. Gospel Justification is offered to all men
without distinction of ethnic
background. Jew and Gentile are one in
Christ. The promise is clear and certain
that all who “call upon the Lord shall be
saved.”
 Romans 10:12-13 For there is no
difference between the Jew and the
Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich
unto all that call upon him. 13 For
whosoever shall call upon the name of
the Lord shall be saved.
51. The effort to maintain a dramatic
distinction between a converted Jew and
a converted Gentile fails. No system of
theology should be constructed or
embraced which emphasizes a dramatic
distinction or program between a racial
Jew and a racial Gentile. There is no
racial profiling in God’s kingdom for
the Lord has created something new.
 Romans 10:12a For there is no
difference between the Jew and the
Greek.
 Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew
nor Greek, there is neither bond nor
free, there is neither male nor female:
for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye
Abraham's seed, and heirs according to
the promise.
52. In every New Testament imagery the
point is pressed of an essential unity of
converted Jews and converted Gentiles.
For time and eternity the Lord has only
one people. “For there is no difference
between the Jew and the Greek” (Rom.
10:12a).
 The Lord has one flock. John 10:15-16
As the Father knoweth me, even so know
I the Father: and I lay down my life for
the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have,
which are not of this fold: them also I
must bring, and they shall hear my
voice; and there shall be one fold, and
one shepherd. In the gospel the
emphasis is not upon diversity, though
that is recognized, but upon the essential
unity.
 The Lord has one body. Eph 4:4 There
is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye
are called in one hope of your calling.
 The Lord has one bride. Eph 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as
Christ also loved the church, and gave
himself for it; Rev 21:9 And there came
unto me one of the seven angels which
had the seven vials full of the seven last
plagues, and talked with me, saying,
Come hither, I will shew thee the bride,
the Lamb's wife.
 The Lord has one building. Rev 21:10-
14 And he carried me away in the spirit
to a great and high mountain, and
shewed me that great city, the holy
Jerusalem, descending out of heaven
from God, 11 Having the glory of God:
and her light was like unto a stone most
precious, even like a jasper stone, clear
as crystal; 12 And had a wall great and
high, and had twelve gates, and at the
gates twelve angels, and names written
thereon, which are the names of the
twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13
On the east three gates; on the north
three gates; on the south three gates;
and on the west three gates. 14 And the
wall of the city had twelve foundations,
and in them the names of the twelve
apostles of the Lamb.
Note. The Christian apostles were
Jewish every one as were those who
represented the converted members of
the twelve tribes of Israel. Therefore, in
the divine economy twelve plus twelve
does equals one. The called out saints of
the Old Testament era and the called out
saints of the New Testament era are
united in one building with Christ
Himself being the chief corner stone.
 The Lord has one Tree. Robert
Haldane notes, “The Jewish nation was
God’s olive tree. They were all the
people of God in a typical sense, and the
greater part of God’s true people had
been chosen out of them...” Grafted into
the good olive tree consisting of the
Jewish elect were believing Gentiles, a
wild olive. shoot. Be it a good olive
tree or a good olive shoot there is but
one olive tree consisting of Jews and
Gentiles. The essential unity of the
people of God in the Old Testament
economy and the New Testament
economy is maintained. The racial
regenerate Jew and the racial regenerate
Gentile is united in Christ.
 The Lord has one nation. 1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal
priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar
people; that ye should shew forth the
praises of him who hath called you out
of darkness into his marvellous light.
The language of covenant given to
national/spiritual Israel (cf. Deut.7: 6) is
restated and applied to spiritual/national
“Israel” consisting of Jew (Peter) and/or
Gentile “strangers scattered throughout
Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and
Bithynia” (1 Pet.1: 1).
 The Lord has one glorious future for
His one people. Rev 21:1-8 And I saw a
new heaven and a new earth: for the
first heaven and the first earth were
passed away; and there was no more
sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new
Jerusalem, coming down from God out
of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned
for her husband. 3 And I heard a great
voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the
tabernacle of God is with men, and he
will dwell with them, and they shall be
his people, and God himself shall be
with them, and be their God. 4 And God
shall wipe away all tears from their
eyes; and there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall
there be any more pain: for the former
things are passed away. 5 And he that
sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make
all things new. And he said unto me,
Write: for these words are true and
faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is
done. I am Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end. I will give unto
him that is athirst of the fountain of the
water of life freely. 7 He that
overcometh shall inherit all things; and
I will be his God, and he shall be my
son.
53. It is a precious truth that all men can
meet in Christ. Gospel Justification must
be preached to all men if they are to be
saved.
 Romans 10:14-17 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?
15 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! 16 But they have
not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias
saith, Lord, who hath believed our
report? 17 So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of
God.
54. To encourage personal evangelism Paul
argues step by step why it is essential to
engage in this gospel work.
 Sinners must call upon the Lord Jesus
Christ if they are to be saved.
 However, no sinner can or will call upon
the Lord unless they believe in Him.
 In order to believe in Christ they must
hear about Him.
 But no one will ever hear about Christ
unless the message of Gospel
Justification is preached to him or her.
 Therefore, the message of saving grace
must be sent if sinners are to be saved.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the word of God” (Rom.
10:17).
55. The prophets foretold that the gospel
would be preached in a universal
manner.
 Romans 10:18-21 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.
cf.
 Psalms 19:4 Their line is gone out
through all the earth, and their words to
the end of the world. In them hath he set
a tabernacle for the sun,
56. In addition to the universal spread of the
Gospel the prophets foretold the
inclusion of the Gentiles as the people of
God.
 Rom. 10:19 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. 20 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. 21
But to Israel he saith, All day long I
have stretched forth my hands unto a
disobedient and gainsaying people.
cf.
Deuteronomy 32:21They have moved
me to jealousy with that which is not
God; they have provoked me to anger
with their vanities: and I will move them
to jealousy with those which are not a
people; I will provoke them to anger
with a foolish nation.
57. The rejection of the Gospel by the
covenantal people of God, i.e., national
Israel was also anticipated.
Romans 10:20 But Esaias [Isaiah] 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.
cf
Isaiah 65:1 I am sought of them that asked
not for me; I am found of them that sought
me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a
nation that was not called by my name.
~*~
Romans 10:21 But to Israel he saith, All day
long I have stretched forth my hands unto a
disobedient and gainsaying people.
cf.
Isaiah 65:2 I have spread out my hands all
the day unto a rebellious people, which
walketh in a way that was not good, after
their own thoughts.
Note. In other passages of Scripture Paul
refers to the universal preaching of the
gospel and the uniting of Gentile and Jew
into one body to be a mystery.
 Eph 1:8-10 Wherein he hath abounded
toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the
mystery of his will, according to his
good pleasure which he hath purposed
in himself: 10 That in the dispensation
of the fullness of times he might gather
together in one all things in Christ, both
which are in heaven, and which are on
earth; even in him. Note. Following his
conversion it was revealed to Paul that
he was to preach the gospel to the
Gentiles.
 Eph 3:1-11 For this cause I Paul, the
prisoner of Jesus Christ for you
Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the
dispensation of the grace of God which
is given me to you ward: 3 How that by
revelation he made known unto me the
mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may
understand my knowledge in the
mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other
ages was not made known unto the sons
of men, as it is now revealed unto his
holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be
fellowheirs, and of the same body, and
partakers of his promise in Christ by the
gospel:
Note on Eph 3:4. Prior to Paul’s
ministry it was a concealed doctrine that
through the Messiah, the Gentiles were
to be received to the same privileges as
the Jews, and that the plan of salvation
was to be made equally free for all. This
great truth had been hitherto concealed,
or but partially understood.
Note. The mystery was not so well
concealed or hidden that it could not
have been known as Paul indicates in his
epistle to the Romans. But the
conversion of the Gentiles with a view
to an essential unity of the saints was so
well hidden that it became a mystery to
the people of Israel for “For this
people's heart is waxed gross, and their
ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes
they have closed; lest at any time they
should see with their eyes, and hear with
their ears, and should understand with
their heart, and should be converted,
and I should heal them. 16 But blessed
are your eyes [said Jesus], for they see:
and your ears, for they hear. 17 For
verily I say unto you, That many
prophets and righteous men have
desired to see those things which ye see,
and have not seen them; and to hear
those things which ye hear, and have not
heard them” (Matt 13:15-17).
Note. Further evidence of the fact that
the universal preaching of the gospel
that would unite Jew and Gentile was
not totally concealed in the Old
Testament era is confirmed by the fact
that Peter appealed to the Old Testament
Scriptures for validity to all that he said.
Acts 2:1-21 And when the day of
Pentecost was fully come, they were all
with one accord in one place. 2 And
suddenly there came a sound from
heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and
it filled all the house where they were
sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them
cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat
upon each of them. 4 And they were all
filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to
speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave them utterance. 5 And there were
dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout
men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the
multitude came together, and were
confounded, because that every man
heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and
marvelled, saying one to another,
Behold, are not all these which speak
Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every
man in our own tongue, wherein we
were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes,
and Elamites, and the dwellers in
Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and
Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and
in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and
strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear
them speak in our tongues the wonderful
works of God. 12 And they were all
amazed, and were in doubt, saying one
to another, What meaneth this? 13
Others mocking said, These men are full
of new wine. 14 But Peter, standing up
with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and
said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and
all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this
known unto you, and hearken to my
words: 15 For these are not drunken, as
ye suppose, seeing it is but the third
hour of the day. 16 But this is that
which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last
days, saith God, I will pour out of my
Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and
your daughters shall prophesy, and your
young men shall see visions, and your
old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my
handmaidens I will pour out in those
days of my Spirit; and they shall
prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in
heaven above, and signs in the earth
beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of
smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into
darkness, and the moon into blood,
before that great and notable day of the
Lord come: 21 And it shall come to
pass, that whosoever [Jew or Gentile]
shall call on the name of the Lord shall
be saved.
Acts 3:18-26 But those things, which
God before had shewed by the mouth of
all his prophets, that Christ should
suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 19 Repent ye
therefore, and be converted, that your
sins may be blotted out, when the times
of refreshing shall come from the
presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall
send Jesus Christ, which before was
preached unto you: 21 Whom the
heaven must receive until the times of
restitution of all things, which God hath
spoken by the mouth of all his holy
prophets since the world began. 22 For
Moses truly said unto the fathers, A
prophet shall the Lord your God raise
up unto you of your brethren, like unto
me; him shall ye hear in all things
whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23
And it shall come to pass, that every
soul, which will not hear that prophet,
shall be destroyed from among the
people. 24 Yea, and all the prophets
from Samuel and those that follow
after, as many as have spoken, have
likewise foretold of these days. 25 Ye
are the children of the prophets, and of
the covenant which God made with our
fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in
thy seed shall all the kindreds of the
earth be blessed. 26 Unto you first God,
having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him
to bless you, in turning away every one
of you from his iniquities. Acts 4:4
Howbeit many of them which heard the
word believed; and the number of the
men was about five thousand.
58. As the rejection of the Gospel by the
covenantal people of God, i.e., national
Israel was anticipated it is now declared
by Paul to be neither total nor final.
 Not all Jews will reject the gospel.
Within the Jewish nation there was, is,
and shall be an elect. These are truly
“His people” for those are the ones
“whom He foreknew” or set His heart
on beforehand.
Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did
foreknow, he also did predestinate to be
conformed to the image of his Son, that
he might be the firstborn among many
brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did
predestinate, them he also called: and
whom he called, them he also justified:
and whom he justified, them he also
glorified.
Note. Paul offers himself as one
example of divine mercy and grace
being shown to the Jews.
Romans 11:1 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.
Note. During the days of Elijah God had
“kept for Himself” seven thousand men
so too at the present time the Lord had
an elect reserved.
Romans 11:2-6 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, 3 Lord, they have
killed thy prophets, and digged down
thine altars; and I am left alone, and
they seek my life. 4 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. 5 Even so then at this
present time also there is a remnant
according to the election of grace. 6
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.
Note. Those not of the elect God
hardened and blinded.
Romans 11:7-10 What then? Israel hath
not obtained that which he seeketh for;
but the election hath obtained it, and the
rest were blinded 8 (According as it is
written, God hath given them the spirit
of slumber, eyes that they should not
see, and ears that they should not hear;)
unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let
their table be made a snare, and a trap,
and a stumbling block, and a
recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes
be darkened, that they may not see, and
bow down their back alway.
Note. When God hardens the hearts of
certain individuals He is hardening
sinful fallen creatures and not innocent
individuals. God can righteously
administer a judicial punish. There are
times when God does abandon sinners
to their own corrupt nature. When God
hardens an individual He is not forcing a
good person who wants to do right to do
evil. Rather, God is allowing an evil
person who hates doing good to pursue
the natural course of a depraved nature.
 Not all Jews will be set aside
forever. Romans 11:11-16
Note. Though God has rejected the Jews
for the time their re-inclusion on a grand
scale to salvation is both a desirable
event and a probable event. Only
salvation is in view here, not the ancient
beliefs in an exalted racial nation with
political overtones. Their temporary
rejection has two specific purposes.
First, they are provoked to jealousy.
Second, salvation is extended to the
Gentiles.
Romans 11:13-14 For I speak to you
Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle
of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to
emulation them which are my flesh, and
might save some of them.
Romans 11:15 For if the casting away of
them be the reconciling of the world,
what shall the receiving of them be, but
life from the dead?
Note. The Gentiles should never boast
about their position of being included in
the Olive Tree—which represents the
elect people of God. Believing Gentiles
are not included because they are
superior to racial Jews. They are
included because they have believed in
the gospel where as most racial Jews do
not. Believing Gentiles stand firm in
faith. Unbelieving Jews stand firm in
condemnation.
Romans 11:17-22 And if some of the
branches be broken off, and thou, being
a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among
them, and with them partakest of the
root and fatness of the olive tree; 18
Boast not against the branches. But if
thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but
the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The
branches were broken off, that I might
be graffed in. 20 Well; because of
unbelief they were broken off, and thou
standest by faith. Be not highminded,
but fear:
Note. A severe warning goes out to the
general Gentile community not to be
like the general Jewish nation and reject
the gospel or try to establish a works
righteousness. If and when faith is
abandoned and Christ is forgotten the
unbelieving Gentile community will
likewise be cut off from God’s grace
and mercy.
Romans 11: 21 For if God spared not
the natural branches, take heed lest he
also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore
the goodness and severity of God: on
them which fell, severity; but toward
thee, goodness, if thou continue in his
goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be
cut off.
Note. During the present period of
official divine judicial punishment any
racial Jew can and will be grafted back
into the olive tree [of salvation] through
faith.
Romans 11:23-24 And they also, if they
abide not still in unbelief, shall be
graffed in: for God is able to graff them
in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of
the olive tree which is wild by nature,
and wert graffed contrary to nature into
a good olive tree: how much more shall
these, which be the natural branches, be
graffed into their own olive tree?
Note. The re-grafting of a generation of
racial Jews into their own olive tree
[which is Christ] will take place after the
full number of elect Gentiles have come
to faith or been grafted in.
Romans 11:25-26 For I would not,
brethren, that ye should be ignorant of
this mystery, lest ye should be wise in
your own conceits; that blindness in
part is happened to Israel, until the
fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Note. When and only when all elect
Jews and all elect Gentiles are grafted
together to form the one good olive tree
in Christ, can it then be said that all of
“Israel” shall be saved.
Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be
saved: as it is written, There shall come
out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn
away ungodliness from Jacob.
Some may prefer to understand Romans
11:26 in another sense. Therefore, if it is
insisted upon, let this argument be set
forth: When and only when all the elect
Jews of the Old Testament era and all
the re-grafted elect Jews of the New
Testament period are together again can
it be said that all of spiritual racial
Israel shall be saved.
59. A future conversion of a nation Israel to
Christ was predicted in the Old
Testament.
Isaiah 27:9 By this therefore shall the
iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is
all the fruit to take away his sin; when
he maketh all the stones of the altar as
chalkstones that are beaten in sunder,
the groves and images shall not stand
up.
Isaiah 59:20-21 And the Redeemer shall
come to Zion, and unto them that turn
from transgression in Jacob, saith the
LORD. 21 As for me, this is my covenant
with them, saith the LORD; My spirit
that is upon thee, and my words which I
have put in thy mouth, shall not depart
out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of
thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy
seed's seed, saith the LORD, from
henceforth and for ever.
Jeremiah 31:33-34 But this shall be the
covenant that I will make with the house
of Israel; After those days, saith the
LORD, I will put my law in their inward
parts, and write it in their hearts; and
will be their God, and they shall be my
people. 34 And they shall teach no more
every man his neighbour, and every man
his brother, saying, Know the LORD:
for they shall all know me, from the least
of them unto the greatest of them, saith
the LORD; for I will forgive their
iniquity, and I will remember their sin
no more.
cf
Note. The question arises as to which
generation of racial Jews should the
prophetic passages refer. Certainly the
prophetic utterances are applied to the first
century saints composing of Jew and
Gentile.
By the author of Hebrews. Hebrews 8:8
For finding fault with them, he saith,
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when
I will make a new covenant with the house of
Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not
according to the covenant that I made with
their fathers in the day when I took them by
the hand to lead them out of the land of
Egypt; because they continued not in my
covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the
Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will
make with the house of Israel after those
days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into
their mind, and write them in their hearts:
and I will be to them a God, and they shall
be to me a people: 11 And they shall not
teach every man his neighbour, and every
man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for
all shall know me, from the least to the
greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their
unrighteousness, and their sins and their
iniquities will I remember no more.
Hebrews 10:16-17 This is the covenant that
I will make with them after those days, saith
the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts,
and in their minds will I write them; 17 And
their sins and iniquities will I remember no
more.
By the author of Romans. Romans 11:26-
27 …as it is written, There shall come out of
Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away
ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my
covenant unto them, when I shall take away
their sins.
A possible solution is to recognize a “then,
now, and then” understanding of the divine
intention. In the Old Testament era and
during the first century (then) God was
pleased to save elect Jews [and a few
Gentiles such as Adam, Abel, Seth, Enoch,
Rahab and Ruth etc]. Now, God is pleased
to save many Gentiles and a few elect Jews
[such as the apostles, Paul, and the priests of
Acts 6:7, etc]. In the future, God will be
pleased to convert a large number of racial
Jews so they become regenerate Jews and
are grafted back into their natural olive tree
and thus be in Christ as all others must be in
order to be saved (then).
60. From the day of Christ’s birth to the
present hour the greater number of racial
Jews are enemies of the Cross and
hostile to Christ and Christians.
Nevertheless, the elect Jews are beloved
of God just as God loves all elect
Gentiles from every nation.
Romans 11:28-32 As concerning the
gospel, they [national racial Jews] are
enemies for your sakes: but as touching
the election, they [national racial Jews
without distinction but not without
exception] are beloved for the fathers'
sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of
God are without repentance. 30 For as
ye in times past have not believed God,
yet have now obtained mercy through
their unbelief: 31 Even so have these
also now not believed, that through your
mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32
For God hath concluded them all in
unbelief, that he might have mercy upon
all [that will be saved].