We’ve come to Paul’s closing arguments about God’s plan for Israel and how He will redeem them from unbelief. Chapters 9-11 have been leading up to this point. Paul has laid out the relationship between the Gentile church and Israel. He has instructed us, the church, to not hold our salvation boastfully over the Jewish people, boast only in Christ and hold God’s chosen up in prayer.
In our text this morning, we will see how Paul closes his survey of…
“Salvation history / Heilsgeschichte” This theological element really helps to understand the personal redeeming work of God in our history that serves His eternal saving intentions.
My big Idea for today is God’s promises for you and me are irrevocable. My prayer for today is that by hearing this message, together we may see a little clearer God’s plan for salvation and our role in “Salvation History”. If you have your Bibles today will you turn with me to Romans Chapter 11 starting in verse 25.
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
Romans 11:25-32
27 And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
In order to help me share with you today, I have separated my thoughts into 2 sections/points; Let’s take a look at my first point.
GOD’S PROMISE IS OUR COVERING
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
Romans 11:25-27
27 And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
Paul begins with an urging “I don’t want you to be ignorant to this mystery. How many of you know that no one ever says, I don’t want you to be ignorant, unknowing or deceived on a matter if they think you’ve already got a good handle on the situation. I don’t want you to be ignorant of this mystery. The mystery of how God uses Israel’s temporary hardening to bring the Gentiles into grace. The broken olive branches that gave way for wild branches to be grafted in. And then, in turn, uses that same wild branch, the Gentile church to draw that natural branch back in. This was God’s plan all along. God’s promise to the Patriarchs was actually our covering for spiritual inclusion.
“…Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,”
Romans 11:25
This mystery includes our own adoption even through their own disobedience. Jewish rejection>>>Gentile inclusion>>>Jewish inclusion This Helps to illustrate the flow or movement of “Salvation History” This hardening of Israel was “in part.” Meaning the “remnant” was intact. The spiritual blindness was not complete and totally in effect over every Jewish person. And this hardening is temporary, “…until the full number of Gentiles has come in,”
This is in perfect alignment with the Great Commission.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
The timing of Israel’s redemption is connected to the worldwide evangelistic efforts to the Gentile nations. We know that our studies of the end time events connect the 2nd coming of Jesus with the salvation of Israel. And the fullness of Gentile numbers is understood as a piece to that mystery. Jesus gave us the “what” in the Great commission. Paul gives us a better look into the “why.” It’s not Just that people need Jesus, because they do. It is our connection with fulfilling our calling to bring Jesus to the world. Our connection with the return of Jesus and the redemption of Israel.
This is not a performance-based strategy like in a sales meeting: If we can reach our sales goals (incentives) It all hangs on God’s plan and timing, but he has included us in his plan for salvation and called each of us to reach out beyond ourselves and be the hands and feet of Jesus. His promises became our covering, so that we could by extension be His mercy and His grace. By our love for one another, we could demonstrate God’s love. Drawing the envy of the Jewish people and others to respond to the Gospel. I’ll move on to my final point.
GOD’S MERCY IS OUR PROVISION
As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Romans 11:28-32
In order for our/any salvation to occur there must be a provision made. God’s saving provision is His mercy. This is made clear by the Gospel and in the “Salvation History”. In God’s dealings with Israel and the Gentiles, as well.
Romans 11:28-29—As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.
Romans 11:28-29
Because Israel rejected Jesus and, in turn, the Gospel there became a division between Israel and God: “Enemies for your sake.” But concerning God’s Sovereign will to choose Israel and make covenants with Abraham and Moses and David, God’s provision of Mercy ensured His promise would be a salvation covering.
Think of it this way, I received a call to ministry at 14 or 15 years old and that call was irrevocable and the gifts and promises that God has given you are irrevocable. You can choose to ignore them and run from God in those ways, but they still remain in play. For me I got spooked and ran form that call. That was my choice not God’s will. But when I got right with God, He reminded me that His call was Irrevocable.
God’s election is still in play. His call for Israel is irrevocable. Even in their disobedience God still honors His promises. Even when we are unfaithful God is faithful.
Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Romans 11:30-32
His mercy is our provision. We Jew and Gentile alike, have experienced our own disobedience, but God is faithful. Turn over your disobedience to God and receive his mercy.
and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27 And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
Romans 11:26-27
The Deliverer, in case I lost you somewhere along the way, is Jesus. He is the Holy One of Israel and the redeemer of all mankind. He has made us all eligible to be his co-heirs. Brothers and Sisters to Christ and Children of God. Today we can be covered by His promises We can receive His provision of mercy and grace,
Would you open our hearts today.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Jesus, He’s the Son of the living God, and we can receive from Him today His Righteousness, His purpose and His calling. Will you call on him today? Your salvation/forgiveness is just one prayer away. Will you trust in his ability to do what He said He would do? Will you believe today? Many of you need a fresh touch from God today. Is there some form of unbelief or a fracture of trust as it relates to God in your life today? God wants to redeem and restore those areas of your life? He wants to restore Joy and hope for you today.
You’re hearing this now and the Holy Spirit has brought someone or something to mind. He wants to speak life into this today. He wants to bring healing in this area today. There are areas of deep regret when it comes to your relationship with God and you have rejected Christ as your savior …It’s not too late. It’s not too late to humble yourself before him today, hold out your arms and open your hands to receive from him today. Will you say yes to Jesus, today? Will you bow your heads with me? Some of you already know the Lord, but maybe he’s put something on your heart that you need to deal with, you need to ask his forgiveness today.
If that’s you will you just acknowledge that to him today. This is just you and God here. Now someone here may not have that relationship with Jesus and today you’ve felt him tugging at your heart, you’ve been hurt, and you’re guarded, I know. Jesus is here and wants set things right in your life. If you’ll say Pastor, I want Jesus to be my Lord and savior. Remember, it’s just you and God here. Will you pray with me today, We’ll pray here as a family and you can repeat after me.
Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. I ask you today for your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins and on that 3rd day, you rose from the dead. I ask you to come into my heart today. I trust and follow you as my Lord and savior. Guide me and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name Amen.
“‘“The Lord bless you
Numbers 6:24-26
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’