Romans 11

Romans 11:1-24
These verses are about God's dealing with His people, Israel. Paul (himself a Jew) points out that though most of the Jews have rejected Christ, some have believed. Those who believe in Jesus and accept His gift of salvation are the ones whom God saves.

He makes an interesting analogy in vv. 17 and following. He says that the unbelieving Jews are like branches that have been broken off and believing Gentiles (which we are) have been grafted in. Think about this for a minute. We have seen at least 3 ways of understanding the same thing--salvation. We are born into God's family; we are adopted into God's family; and now we are like branches grafted into God's family "tree." Wow! I guess God knows we're somewhat dense, and so he carefully explains salvation over and over. Look at v. 20, "...those branches were broken off because they didn't believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe." It's not because we are better in anyway; it is totally because of God's generous grace toward us.

Romans 11:25-36
Romans 9 - 11 contain some difficult concepts, and sincere, believing Bible scholars disagree on some of the interpretations. For our purposes, we must remember that God is sovereign (he has supreme power and authority), and He is gracious toward us as sinners. We know that the nation of Israel is precious to Him, and we know as well that the church (body of believers everywhere--we are the church) is precious to Him. God does not stop working with Israel, and he does not stop working with the church. And we can praise Him for that.

Romans 11 closes with these words, "Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen."

I found this quotation by Warren Wiersbe regarding Romans 11, "Never lose the wonder of your salvation or of the greatness of God. No matter how deep the valley or difficult the battle, a vision of God's greatness puts joy in your heart and strength in your soul. God knows what He is doing even if you do not understand it fully."