Text: Romans 9-11
Since the Apostle Paul had preached that justification before God was possible to the believer independent of works, ceremony or Law, his loyalty and love for Israel was called into question. The questions: “Does Israel have a future?” “What about the promises of God?” The answer is: first, a matter of acknowledging the sovereignty of God and a dispensational change.
Paul has great love and compassion for Israel in view of their failure (9:1-3; 10:1).
The Nation of Israel had an unprecedented position and privilege over other peoples and nations (9:4-5).
The Nation of Israel was made up of racial Jews, religious Jews and regenerate Jews (“the Remnant”) (9:6-8).
It was the regenerate Jews who had believed the promise of the Son (9:9).
God exercised His sovereignty in choosing Israel as the nation through which He would execute His plan and bless the world. It was:
“According to election” (9:10-11).
A choice between two sons of Isaac, grandsons of Abraham (9:12-18).
“And the LORD said unto her, two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger” (Gen. 25:23).
The sovereignty of God explains not only the establishment of the Nation of Israel as the “Head” nation, but also the judgment and setting aside of Israel and the placing of another agency (the Gentiles) in the privileged place that Israel vacated (9:19-21).
Sovereignty is illustrated by God’s dealings with the Vessel of Wrath and the Vessel of Mercy (9:22-29).
Consequences for the Gentiles:
They “have attained” (9:30).
Are placed into the position and privilege (11:11- 13).
…As such they provoke Israel (11:14-17).
Consequences for Israel “have not attained” (9:31- 10:4).
A small remnant of believing Israel will remain in place (9:27-29; 11:1-6).
The remainder of unbelieving Israel will be blinded” (11:7:12; 25).
Dispensational change illustrated by two olive trees (11:17-32).
Doxology of joy and praise over Israel’s future (11:33 -36).