As we began our last study in chapter 11, Paul made it quite clear that God had not permanently cast away His chosen people, Israel. Paul now continues in chapter 11 establishing that Israel has not stumbled and fallen beyond recovery. Paul's answer is firm. Israel has absolutely not fallen beyond recovery. God has elected Israel. In spite of their current rejection of Jesus as their Messiah, the promises that God made to Abraham and the patriarchs stand. Israels rejection of Christ does in no way nullify God's unconditional promise of their future restoration.
Paul now speaks directly to the gentile church. He wants us to understand first that our salvation was made available to us because of the falling away of Israel. We are enjoying the blessings of God's promises made to Abraham. However, our salvation is meant to provoke Israel to jealousy in order that they would indeed one day embrace Jesus as their messiah.
Furthermore, he warns extensively against spiritual pride. Paul makes clear that our understanding of who Israel is according to the word of God is essential. Paul reveals a previously unrevealed truth. Blindness in part has happened to Israel, but that blindness will be removed when the fullness of the gentiles comes in. The rapture of the church will bring the fullness of the gentiles to completion. Then will Israel's blindness and hardening be removed. As Paul declares according to scripture, all of Israel will be saved.
A failure to understand Israel according to the scriptures will lead to the despicable transgression of spiritual pride. It will cause us to be ignorant with an inflated opinion of who we truly are.
Israel will be restored. We cannot even begin to imagine how glorious it will be when they are fully restored. Jesus is coming soon and when He does, all of Israel will recognized and receive Him as their Messiah. What a glorious day that will be!
Contact Paul at Luke962theway@gmail.com
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