Romans 11:25-29 (WEL) Brethren, I don’t want you to be ignorant of this mystery (lest you become conceited) that a callous indifference has happened to a part of Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. 26 Then all Israel will be saved, just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come out of Zion and remove ungodliness from Jacob. 27 “For this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 Concerning the Good News [they are] enemies for your sake, but as concerning the chosen, [they are] beloved for the sake of their Patriarchs. 29 For God’s gifts and calling [are] without repentance.
V25 Brethren, I don’t want you to be ignorant of this mystery (lest you become conceited) that a callous indifference has happened to a part of Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in.
A mystery in Scripture is not a puzzle to be solved, etc., but it is a truth that is obscure or hidden, which has been explained plainly in the New Testament (Luke 8:10, 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, and Ephesians 3:3-4). God has punished ethnic Israel (nation) because of rejection of His ways and His Son, the Lord Jesus. This has a purpose. Two truths come to mind: 1) to make them jealous so they would examine the truth, be convicted by the truth, and believe the truth about Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:14-16 and Ephesians 4:18), and 2) God is always working with Israel (Israelites) and will never cancel His unconditional covenants (Zechariah 14:9-21 and Jeremiah 33:20-22).
The fullness of the Gentiles refers to the complete number of Gentile believers in this church age, which is from Pentecost to the Rapture.
V26 Then all Israel will be saved, just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come out of Zion and remove ungodliness from Jacob.”
This does not refer to the elect as some theologies teach. The Holy Spirit used these words, so Israel means ethnic Israel.
Zion is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
The Deliverer refers to Messiah, Jesus.
Jesus’s death is the only means of justification (the declaration of not guilty) and forgiveness of sins.
Jacob is Israel and his descendants. Israel means Israel. Israel is not the church.
V27 “For this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
[See Psalm 14:7, Isaiah 27:9, Isaiah 59:20,21, and Jeremiah 31:31-33].
Praise the Almighty for He never abandoned His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus fulfilled the Sinai/Mosaic Covenant perfectly in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. This covenant is the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31). The Old Covenant with Israel has been fulfilled. It failed to bring what was hoped because Israel, indeed even, no one can fulfill except Jesus. Because of that failure, God initiated a New Covenant with Israel. The first required works; the second requires faith.
V28 Concerning the Good News [they are] enemies for your sake, but as concerning the chosen, [they are] beloved for the sake of their Patriarchs.
Enemies because they try to earn righteousness by works. Now, because it is applied because we believe and trust in Jesus alone, we are enemies. The text clearly states that the chosen (Israelites) have not been rejected as a group. It was an unconditional covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 15). God keeps His word. The Patriarchs are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The covenant with Abraham was also given to Isaac and then to Jacob.
V29 For God’s gifts and calling [are] without repentance.
God does not change His mind regarding unconditional covenants.
We learn:
- Israel is Israel.
- God’s unconditional covenants never cease.
Questions:
- Which covenant are you following?
- Do you treat Israelites with the same hope that God has for them?