Romans 11:1-6, God Is Gracious to Still Save

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Romans 11:1-6 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

God has not cast off His people. Although Israel has by and large rejected their Messiah. A sad reality yet all is not lost. God does not change His plans and purposes [William Plumer]. There is a remnant God will graciously save. The Apostle Paul cited himself as an example of a rebel turned restorer. Elijah in his despair as he looked in Ahab’s kingdom overrun with idolators was reminded there are 7000 good men who still loved God. It was not a lost cause that God cannot change. In fact, time and again, He proved Himself powerful to raise and save many amidst great rebellion.

At Pentecost (Acts 2), 3000 Jews was gloriously saved and another 5000 saved soon after by the outpouring of God’s grace. The 120 disciples gathered in the Upper Room in Jerusalem must have felt like Elijah, discouraged after seeing their Master’s ascension heaven in a cloud, leaving them seemingly alone to fend for themselves.

Likewise, for any new ministry do not despise the day of small beginning. If it is of the Lord, His grace will prosper it. Amidst seeming discouragement is the underlining hope of God’s gracious hand that God’s people are called to see. The Apostle Paul saw it, rejoiced and wrote to testify in this text. All is not lost for the remnant who continue to use the King James Bible and singing the old hymns. God will make good to spread His true word according to His mercy! Amen.