In this fourth section of the letter to the Romans, Paul raises the following question: “has God rejected His people?” 

In other words, he is elaborating on how God operates when it comes to His covenant with Abraham whose descendants are the people of Israel. 

It’s also important to review the previous chapters in order to begin getting a better grasp of Paul talks about as we move towards the end of his letter to the Romans. 

He builds everything upon the following: 

 

• • • Sin alienates us from God. 
    • The righteousness of God has already been revealed. 
    • The obedience of one man has brought salvation (and justification) for all. 

 

Has God rejected His people?

 

In an attempt to answer this question, Paul brings up the Prophet Elijah’s story (1 Kings 19). The prophet thought that he was the only one left untouched. But, there were others who had not bowed before Baal.

When you rephrase the question, it can sound like: “Has God rejected me?” Or, “Has God forgotten about me?”  

In Romans 11: 5-6, Paul states two very important things that have to do with how God’s justice and judgment operate. First, God’s work is not based on works. Second, God’s work is grounded in grace.

That sounds like unfair. Isn’t it? 

Let’s find out what Paul says about that next. 

 

God grafts us (Gentiles) in

 

Paul, in this section of his letter to the Romans, is referring to God’s covenant with the people of Israel. 

Because of their unbelief, God broke them off from the root, which is the inheritance they are supposed to receive from God for being Abraham’s descendants (Romans 11: 20). 

Now, if we stand fast through faith, God grafts us (non Jews or non biological descendants of Abraham) into the root. 

However, for us to stay grafted, we have to remain humble (Romans 11: 20). 

 

 

God’s faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants

 

Even though God has chosen Gentiles to also become members of God’s family, Paul still thinks God doesn’t give up on the people of Israel. 

He refers to their unbelief as “a partial hardening.” He argues that all Israel will be saved, as a result of God’s covenant with Abraham (Israel’s forefathers).

How will that happen? 

That’s where we fall short of understanding what God’s ways are like. Paul’s point is that: 

 

• • No one knows the mind of the Lord. 
  • No one can claim to be God’s counselor. 
  • God owes nothing to anyone that they may be repaid later. (Read Romans 11: 34-35). 

 

The bottom line is what Paul states in Romans 11: 36, 

For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

 

[bctt tweet=”There are three things that come out of Romans 11: 36. First, there is a sense of real belonging when it comes to faith in the God of Israel. Second, God has given purpose to everything and everyone under the sun. Last, God expects our trust and complete dependance on Him. ” username=””]