I. Quick overview of ROMANS:
A. Romans written to Jewish and Gentile believers, with homogeneity in mind.
B. DOCTRINAL SECTION 1-11 addresses four doctrines;
Sin,
Justification,
Sanctification,
Election.
C. PRACTICAL SECTION 12-16.
II. Focused on Election Section (9-11).
A. ISRAEL is the subject (9:1-5; 10:1; 11:19-29).
B. The Gifts/Calling of Israel;
the Cutting Off & Grafting In.
WHAT DOES ROMANS 11:29 MEAN?
WHAT DOES ROMANS 11:29 MEAN?
(part I)
After I made reference to Ro. 11:29, someone asked me to explain it.
Romans 11:29
(29) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
There is a Primary and Secondary application of this verse. I will address the Primary and mention the secondary.
I. OVERVIEW OR ROMANS...
A. In order to understand this verse, we should have an overview of the Book of Romans.
Paul wrote to Christians in Rome. There were various congregations, which met in homes, that made up the church in Rome. At least some of these congregations met in a homogeneous setting (Jewish believers with Jewish believers and Gentile believers with other Gentile believers). Paul directed his letter to both groups of Christians because they had different cultural and religious backgrounds (another study).
B. The four doctrines Paul addressed were Sin (1:18-3:20), Justification (3:21-5:21), Sanctification (6-8) and Election (9-11). Election addresses the election of Israel as a nation. While there may be secondary applications of certain points, it is primarily concerned with the election of Israel as the chosen people of God.
In order to understand our passage, we need to get the background. I will quote the passage, then I will deal with specific portions.
Romans 11:29
(29) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
There is a Primary and Secondary application of this verse. I will address the Primary and mention the secondary.
I. OVERVIEW OR ROMANS...
A. In order to understand this verse, we should have an overview of the Book of Romans.
Paul wrote to Christians in Rome. There were various congregations, which met in homes, that made up the church in Rome. At least some of these congregations met in a homogeneous setting (Jewish believers with Jewish believers and Gentile believers with other Gentile believers). Paul directed his letter to both groups of Christians because they had different cultural and religious backgrounds (another study).
B. The four doctrines Paul addressed were Sin (1:18-3:20), Justification (3:21-5:21), Sanctification (6-8) and Election (9-11). Election addresses the election of Israel as a nation. While there may be secondary applications of certain points, it is primarily concerned with the election of Israel as the chosen people of God.
In order to understand our passage, we need to get the background. I will quote the passage, then I will deal with specific portions.
I EMPHASIZE PORTIONS and add DLG notes...
WHAT DOES ROMANS 11:29 MEAN?
WHAT DOES ROMANS 11:29 MEAN?
(part II)
II. FOCUS ON ROMANS 9-11
A. ROMANS 9:1-5
QUOTE...
Romans 9:1-5
(1) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
(2) That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
(3) For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
(4) Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
(5) Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
EXPLANATION...
Romans 9:1-5
(1) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
(2) THAT I HAVE GREAT HEAVINESS AND CONTINUAL SORROW IN MY HEART.
(3) For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ FOR MY BRETHREN, MY KINSMEN ACCORDING TO THE FLESH:
(4) WHO ARE ISRAELITES;
II. FOCUS ON ROMANS 9-11
A. ROMANS 9:1-5
QUOTE...
Romans 9:1-5
(1) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
(2) That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
(3) For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
(4) Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
(5) Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
EXPLANATION...
Romans 9:1-5
(1) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
(2) THAT I HAVE GREAT HEAVINESS AND CONTINUAL SORROW IN MY HEART.
(3) For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ FOR MY BRETHREN, MY KINSMEN ACCORDING TO THE FLESH:
(4) WHO ARE ISRAELITES;
DLG notes...
Paul, as a Jew, was deeply concerned that his people (the Jews) had, as a people, rejected Messiah. Paul makes it clear that he is speaking about Israel by referring to his BRETHREN, HIS KINSMEN ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, WHO ARE ISRAELITES.
Paul, as a Jew, was deeply concerned that his people (the Jews) had, as a people, rejected Messiah. Paul makes it clear that he is speaking about Israel by referring to his BRETHREN, HIS KINSMEN ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, WHO ARE ISRAELITES.
(4) who are Israelites; TO WHOM PERTAINETH...
DLG notes...
Paul gives a list of the gifts that God had given to Israel.
(4) who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
DLG notes...
THE ADOPTION... Israel (as a nation) became the son of God through adoption (De. 7:6; Ga. 4:5-7). It had to be by adoption, since Jesus is the only begotten Son. The angels were sons of God by creation (Job 1:5-6,; 2:1); Adam was a son of God by creation (Lk. 3:38; Ac. 17:28); Christ is the Son of God by nature (Jn. 3:18; 1 Tm. 3:16; 1 Jn. 3:8), Christians are sons of God by salvation (Jn. 1:12; Ro. 8:14; Ga. 3:26) through regeneration (Jn. 3:1; Ti 3:4; 1 Pe. 1:23; 1 Jn. 5:1, 4; 1 Jn. 5:18) and adoption (Ro. 8:15; Ga. 4:5-6; Ep. 1:5).
THE GLORY... The shining light of God's presence, known as the Shekinah (Ex 24:16; Ex 40:34; Ek. 1:28; He. 9:5). This Glory led them, protected them and set them apart from the nations of the world. When the Glory of the Lord departed, they became like the nations of the world. The Glory of God was imparted to the Church, but will return to Israel.
THE COVENANTS... Covenants with Noah (Ge. 6:18; 9:9) and more specifically with Abraham (Ge. 15:18; 17:2), Isaac and Jacob, Moses (De. 4:13; 29:1).
THE GIVING OF THE LAW... The law of Moses (Ex. 20; Ps. 147:19; Jn. 1:17)
THE SERVICE OF GOD... This refers to the Sanctuary Service of Sacrifices, Diets, Festivals, Dedications, etc. (Ex. 25-31; Le. 1-5; He. 9:1-28).
THE PROMISES... Promises concerning coming Messiah, beginning with Genesis 3:15 and continuing to Malachi 3:1-6. Promises concerning His coming kingdom, the Reign of Messiah are throughout the Old Testament.
(5) Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
DLG notes...
THE CHAMPIONS AND HEROES OF GOD WERE JEWISH LEADERS...
DLG notes...
THE ADOPTION... Israel (as a nation) became the son of God through adoption (De. 7:6; Ga. 4:5-7). It had to be by adoption, since Jesus is the only begotten Son. The angels were sons of God by creation (Job 1:5-6,; 2:1); Adam was a son of God by creation (Lk. 3:38; Ac. 17:28); Christ is the Son of God by nature (Jn. 3:18; 1 Tm. 3:16; 1 Jn. 3:8), Christians are sons of God by salvation (Jn. 1:12; Ro. 8:14; Ga. 3:26) through regeneration (Jn. 3:1; Ti 3:4; 1 Pe. 1:23; 1 Jn. 5:1, 4; 1 Jn. 5:18) and adoption (Ro. 8:15; Ga. 4:5-6; Ep. 1:5).
THE GLORY... The shining light of God's presence, known as the Shekinah (Ex 24:16; Ex 40:34; Ek. 1:28; He. 9:5). This Glory led them, protected them and set them apart from the nations of the world. When the Glory of the Lord departed, they became like the nations of the world. The Glory of God was imparted to the Church, but will return to Israel.
THE COVENANTS... Covenants with Noah (Ge. 6:18; 9:9) and more specifically with Abraham (Ge. 15:18; 17:2), Isaac and Jacob, Moses (De. 4:13; 29:1).
THE GIVING OF THE LAW... The law of Moses (Ex. 20; Ps. 147:19; Jn. 1:17)
THE SERVICE OF GOD... This refers to the Sanctuary Service of Sacrifices, Diets, Festivals, Dedications, etc. (Ex. 25-31; Le. 1-5; He. 9:1-28).
THE PROMISES... Promises concerning coming Messiah, beginning with Genesis 3:15 and continuing to Malachi 3:1-6. Promises concerning His coming kingdom, the Reign of Messiah are throughout the Old Testament.
(5) Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
DLG notes...
THE CHAMPIONS AND HEROES OF GOD WERE JEWISH LEADERS...
Jewish leaders (including the prophets, priests and kings) rank among the most important, influential and powerful people in history; Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Ezra, Nehemiah.
CHRIST COME IN THE FLESH...
CHRIST COME IN THE FLESH...
The promises, the services, the miracles, the covenants, the law, the glory, the angels and the presence of God in the Old Testament was all pointing to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus was born as a Jew and came to be the King of the Jews. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Revelation.
ROMANS 10:1-4
Romans 10:1-4
(1) Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
(2) For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
(3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
(4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
DLG notes...
Though Paul had been sent to the Gentiles and he was establishing churches in the Gentile world, he still expected and longed for the return of Israel to a right relationship with God. However, they had chosen not to accept God's revealed plan of redemption, which comes through Christ alone, but instead tried to gain God's approval through keeping the law of Moses.
B. CUTTING AND GRAFTING IN...
Romans 11:19-29
(19) Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
DLG notes...
Israel was cut off and the Gentiles were grafted into the people of God.
(20) Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
(21) For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
DLG notes...
A proper relationship to God is attained and maintained by faith.
(22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
(23) And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.
DLG notes...
Israel will be readmitted to a right relationship with God when they place their faith in Him.
(24) For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
DLG notes...
If the Gentiles could be grafted into the people of God, being the wild branch, then how much more easily should it be to graft the natural branch back into a right relationship with God, when they believe?
(25) For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
(26) And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
DLG notes...
This is a forward look to the end times when Israel will return to a living and faithful relationship with God.
(27) For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
(28) As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
(29) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
DLG notes...
The final word is, God gave His gifts and invitation to Israel to be His people, and He intends to stay with them until they turn around in faith, to follow Him.
ROMANS 10:1-4
Romans 10:1-4
(1) Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
(2) For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
(3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
(4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
DLG notes...
Though Paul had been sent to the Gentiles and he was establishing churches in the Gentile world, he still expected and longed for the return of Israel to a right relationship with God. However, they had chosen not to accept God's revealed plan of redemption, which comes through Christ alone, but instead tried to gain God's approval through keeping the law of Moses.
B. CUTTING AND GRAFTING IN...
Romans 11:19-29
(19) Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
DLG notes...
Israel was cut off and the Gentiles were grafted into the people of God.
(20) Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
(21) For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
DLG notes...
A proper relationship to God is attained and maintained by faith.
(22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
(23) And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.
DLG notes...
Israel will be readmitted to a right relationship with God when they place their faith in Him.
(24) For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
DLG notes...
If the Gentiles could be grafted into the people of God, being the wild branch, then how much more easily should it be to graft the natural branch back into a right relationship with God, when they believe?
(25) For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
(26) And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
DLG notes...
This is a forward look to the end times when Israel will return to a living and faithful relationship with God.
(27) For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
(28) As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
(29) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
DLG notes...
The final word is, God gave His gifts and invitation to Israel to be His people, and He intends to stay with them until they turn around in faith, to follow Him.
GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ISRAEL.
The election of Romans 9 deals with the election of Israel as God's people and the grafting in of the Gentiles and the return of Israel. It is not about personal election.
