The Mystery of Salvation (Romans 11:25-36)
If God told you everything you wanted to know about the future, what sort of person would you become?
This week at Grace, we're continuing in Romans 11 with a (very contested) passage that includes a peak behind the curtain of the future. Romans 11:26 provocatively claims that "All Israel will be saved."
We'll talk on Sunday about the various ways that Christians have understood Paul's claim here. (The only thing we need to figure out is what he means by "All," "Israel," and "Saved," not to mention when this "will be." Not exactly as easy as it sounds...)
But in addition to the debate, it's worth noticing what impact this theological insight has on Paul's soul - it moves him to humility (v. 33 - "How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!") and to worship (v. 36 - "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.")
Let's be the same sort of people - learning God's Word not to be conceited or proud, but in order to be full of humility and worship.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Romans 11:25-36
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness 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 banish ungodliness from Jacob”;
27 “and this will be my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”
28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.