I Have Kept for Myself a Remnant

Scripture Texts: Romans 11:1-10

We are still dealing with the question raised by Paul at the beginning of chapter nine.  If nothing can separate us from the love of God and if God foreknew and predestined and called, then why isn’t Israel in the church, why aren’t God’s people receiving the Gospel?

The scandal of NT church was the absence of the Jews.  Why aren’t God’s people among God’s people?  Add to this scandal who is present, the filthy Gentiles.  That is how chapter 10 ended.

Romans 10:20-21 “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” 21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

At the beginning of chapter 11 Paul asks the question again, that is on the minds of early Christians, “Has God rejected His people?”  Has God failed to keep His promises to the Jews?

If the Jews rejected Jesus, how is this not a failure on God’s part?  And the next question is more personal and relevant, if God failed His own chosen people, then what is to say He might not or won’t fail us?  If God cannot be trusted to keep His promises, then the world is in deep trouble and so are we.

“Has God rejected His people?”  vss. 1-6.

By no means.  Paul gives three reasons why there can be unbelief among the people of God and God can still be faithful to His promises.

The Paul reason, vs. 1.

The Elijah reason, vss. 2-4.

The Grace reason, vss. 5-6.