Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Romans 11:28-29 - God's Irrevocable Gifts and Calling

Romans 11:28-29 - 28 From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Message: Though some are opposed to the Gospel, God still loves Israel and His calling of them is irrevocable

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome.

What the Lord is Saying:

Opposed of the Gospel - Verse 28
As a corporate body, Israel is presently opposed to the Lord. This is Paul's meaning here. This does not mean that every Jew is against the Gospel. But, as a whole there is opposition. There is animosity between the Gentile and the Jew. It is natural. Romans 11:11 - But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Jealousy results often in hurt feelings.

God still loves Israel - verse 28
However, we must not forget, from the standpoint of God, Israel is still beloved because of the covenant promise God made to their forefathers -- first in Abraham, re-affirmed to Isaac, and then to Jacob (Israel). This does not mean that every Jew will be saved, but as a whole God will never cast them off. 

God's calling is irrevocable - verse 29
God's calling on a people does not change. God chooses and He does not go back on His word. 

Malachi 3:6 - “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed."

Numbers 23:19 -  
“God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent;
Has He said, and will He not do it?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Promise: God will not go back on His word
 

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