Romans 11:1-16

Jennie:

Hi! Thought I'd break this one up a bit too.

- vs. 1-2: We know that God hasn't rejected his people Israel because Paul is an Israelite and God has not rejected him.
- vs. 3-4: God "keeps for himself" people who do not bow their knee to other gods. Predestination?
- vs. 5-6: In the same way then God keeps for himself a remnant (very OT word) according to his gracious choice. Again, predestination? I've heard an argument that verse 6 seems to speak to - that of course God "chooses" people to be saved. Otherwise, it's something we have done and not grace alone.
- vs. 7-10: This seems to be saying that God hardens some hearts and darkens some eyes that they cannot see. But I think the point is that not all Israel has been hardened, some have been chosen.
- vs. 11-12: By the Israelite "transgression" (not believing Christ?) salvation has come to the gentiles. But if God choses them not to be saved, how it is transgression? How is it their fault? Again, this question haunts me. Would the biblical answer really be: well, who are you to question God?
- vs. 13-16:  Paul will keep amping up his ministry to the gentiles in hopes that he moves some of his fellow Israelites to jealousy and they are saved. Do you think this is saying that the piece of "dough" that we all originated from as followers of Christ and children of Abraham is God the Father?

Love!
Steph