Rom 11

ROMANS 11 - Remnant of Israel; branches

PURPOSE

• Without Paul’s discussion concerning Israel in Romans chapters 9 to 11, the key points of Romans 8 and the beginning of chapter 12 would be impotent -- and Paul’s heart for Israel would be lost

• Paul wrote this marvelous letter around AD 58 to the church in Rome, which was composed of Gentile believers in Jesus Christ

• The Romans had come to faith from paganism, where people worshiped a plethora of mythological gods and goddesses and bowed down to a multitude of statues

• These believers likely had little knowledge about Israel or God’s relationship with His covenant people

• Paul explained Israel’s complex relationship with God due to centuries of disobedience, rebellion, and hardheartedness; it certainly looked like God had forsaken them

• Yet, despite everything Israel had done to displease and dishonor God, the Lord was not finished with His ancient people

• Romans 9-11 is a stupendous treatise on the faithfulness of God

• He will not renege on His promises to the Jews or to the Gentiles 'for His great name’s sake' (1 Sam 12:22, Ezek 20:44, Ezek 36:22) <S2019>

SPIRITUAL BATTLEGROUND

• The Jewish people are the earthly vessel through which God brought salvation to the world; Satan has always sought to disrupt that plan

• This is a spiritual reality that has played out across centuries

• Pharaoh attempted to exterminate Jewish males in Egypt (Exod 1)

• Haman tried to annihilate all Jews in Persia (Esth 3)

• Herod ordered the murder of Jewish infants in Bethlehem (Matt 2)

• These were not random acts of tyranny -- they were satanically inspired attempts to sever God’s redemptive thread

• This ancient hatred continues today, a hatred stirred by demonic influence

• The enemy knows that Israel still has a role to play in end-time prophecy (Rom 11, Zech 12–14, Matt 24), and he will stop at nothing to incite nations and individuals against them <H9993>

FULFILLMENT IN ISRAEL

• In Romans 9-11, Paul defends his assertion of our total security in Jesus by pointing to God’s preservation of the Jewish nation

• Israel’s repeated disobedience, which resulted in numerous judgments upon the nation, did not deter His determination to bless His people in the end

• Paul argued that the Jewish rejection of Jesus had not thwarted God at all; instead, the rejection fit patterns found in the Old Testament and revealed a purpose more complex than believers often suppose <R1795>

• There are two distinct people groups, the Jews and Gentiles; while Israel's rejection of the gospel allowed the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles, any person -- Jew or Gentile -- can be saved only through the salvation Christ offers <R1792>

• The Lord will surely accomplish His eternal purposes for the nation just as He will for us

• God’s ultimate plans for His people Israel, and for us, cannot change; the Lord will fulfill His stated purposes for both <B26>

Romans 10:4,9,12-13 NIV

[4] Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. [9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [12] For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile---the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, [13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 11:1 NIV

[1] I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

Romans 11:11 NIV

[11] Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.

Romans 11:25 NIV

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** God is not ‘done’ with Israel or bringing in the Gentiles; the gifts and call of God are irrevocable!

Romans 11:1-2 NIV

Romans 11:25-29 NIV

[25] I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, [26] and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. [27] And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” [28] As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, [29] for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.

** How can God be done with the Jews when Paul talks about their fulfillment and restoration in the end times?

Romans 11:2,25-26 NIV

[2] God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah---how he appealed to God against Israel: [25] I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, [26] and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

Isaiah 51:11 NIV

[11] Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

** Despite Israel’s disobedience, God did not reject those He foreknew; again, salvation is not based on works but by God’s grace

Romans 11:1-6 NIV

[1] I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. [2] God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah---how he appealed to God against Israel: [3] “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me” ? [4] And what was God's answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” [5] So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. [6] And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Isaiah 49:14-15 NIV

[14] But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.” [15] “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!

** Gentiles benefit by the hardening of Israel's heart and will benefit by Israel's restoration

• Gentiles are offered salvation because of the Jewish transgression and they will also benefit by Israel's restoration to God

• Christians have the hope of God’s promised deliverance and look forward to the time when He fulfills that promise

• God has also made promises of redemption to Israel: one day the nation will receive her Messiah and will be restored just as God has promised <G72>

• The entire world will be blessed through God's promise to Israel

• Christians need to stand with the Word of God and the promises He made to Israel thousands of years ago <G77>

Romans 11:2,11-12 NIV

[2] God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah---how he appealed to God against Israel: [11] Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. [12] But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!

** What tragic spiritual losses are suffered when we follow the errant teaching that God will cast off or replace Israel <T203>

• We miss the majesty of God protecting His chosen people and their eternally covenanted homeland in our day

• We miss the mercy and grace of God towards even the most rebellious of people by recognizing it is He who has regathered His people as promised

• We miss the closeness of the Day of the Lord and do not have a reference point from which to see the day approaching

Romans 11:1-2 NIV

Romans 11:25-29 NIV

** Jesus’ kingdom was furthered by a remnant of approximately 110 disillusioned believers (disciples and small gathering) after Christ died and ascended to heaven; they probably were disillusioned until they witnessed Jesus in the upper room

The message of the Christian faith is a stench to the pagan world, yet there is a remnant of believers today who need to carry God’s truth forward regardless of the uncertainty and unpopular response we feel and encounter; be comfortable being uncomfortable <D40> <M132>

Romans 11:5 NIV

[5] So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

** Jesus finished preaching the sermon on the mount (Matt 5-7) and wanted His listeners to decide which path they were going to take

• Follow the true way to salvation through Christ (divine accomplishment) OR

• Follow a false religion (human achievement)

• The two options cannot be mixed and are not compatible <M130>

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

[13] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. [14] But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Romans 11:6 NIV

[6] And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Galatians 1:6-7 NIV

[6] I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--- [7] which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.

** Jesus finished preaching the sermon on the mount (Matt 5-7) and wants His listeners to make a choice of path: follow the true way to salvation through Christ (divine accomplishment) OR follow a false religion (human achievement); the two options cannot be mixed <M130>

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

Romans 11:6 NIV

[6] And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Galatians 1:6-7 NIV

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.

** The elect received what they sought while other eyes were darkened and their hearts hardened

Romans 11:7 NIV

[7] What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened

Romans 11:8-10 NIV

[8] as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” [9] And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. [10] May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.”

** The Lord allows us to comprehend His ways in His perfect timing; the spiritual blindness of Israel continues to this day and will not be reversed until the day of Israel's salvation <M130>

• God doesn’t ask for blind faith or commitment to the unknown

• The God who calls for our commitment has acted in Jesus to save us from the power and the penalty of sin

• We know His love through Jesus’ death for us, and His power through Jesus’ resurrection

• Is it really safe to commit ourselves completely to God? In view of all He has done for us, we can answer with full assurance – yes! <R1795>

Deuteronomy 29:3-4 NIV

[3] With your own eyes you saw those great trials, those signs and great wonders. [4] But to this day the Lord has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear.

Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV

[29] The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

Romans 11:8 NIV

[8] as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

** God made numerous prophecies about Israel, or promises to Israel, that have yet to be fulfilled; most will find fulfillment after the rapture and during the end of days Tribulation <G70>

Daniel 9:24 NIV

[24] “Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place.

Luke 21:20-22 NIV

[20] “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. [21] Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. [22] For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.

Romans 11:9-11 NIV

[9] And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. [10] May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.” [11] Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.

** Even though Israel broke the old covenant with God through disobedience, He promised to make a new covenant with them; notice the covenant is not with any other country than Israel, but Gentiles around the world benefit by being grafted in <K110>

Jeremiah 31:31-32 NIV

Romans 11:11-12 NIV

[11] Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. [12] But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!

** When Israel rejected Jesus Christ, the nation lost her favored position before God and the gospel was then preached also to Gentiles

• Hopefully the Jews would become jealous and be saved

• But the casting off is only temporary, for when the Lord returns the Jewish people will be regathered, judged, and restored to favor, and redeemed <R1798>

• Paul’s love for Israel mirrored God’s own love for the Jewish people

• Paul knew what forgiveness entailed because he had experienced it himself

• He knew Israel played a huge part in God’s plan of redemption for mankind and that Israel had a beautiful future that was secure and forever settled in the heavens

• And he knew that, based on God’s faithfulness to Israel, God would be faithful to the believers in Rome <S2019>

Romans 11:11,26 NIV

[11] Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. [26] and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

** The Gentiles were jealous toward the Jews in the early church, setting the precedent for centuries to come and the adaptation of Replacement Theology

Paul addressed this anti-Semitism by warning the Gentiles not to be haughty but to fear God, for the same unbelief that destroyed some Jews could happen to them; God uses the analogy of a tree and roots to represent the Jews whom God supports

Romans 11:17-21 NIV

** The olive tree represents the divine blessings of God for those who exhibit faith and desire to be supported by God (via the root and sap); some branches are removed but God always preserves a believing remnant

Romans 11:17-18 NIV

** Paul writes to the early church Gentiles who showed signs of jealousy toward the chosen Jews. This passage makes it clear that Replacement Theology reasoning is simply wrong. Gentiles are not to be haughty or proud or jealous that the Jewish people have a special place with God, but rather support God’s promises to Israel!

For a) the root supports us, we do not support the root and b) Gentiles are partakers, not overtakers of the faith. If Gentiles can be grafted in to an olive tree (the nation of Israel and its blessings), how much more can God graft in the natural (Jewish) branches.

Romans 11:17-24 NIV

[17] If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, [18] do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. [19] You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” [20] Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. [21] For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. [22] Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. [23] And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. [24] After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

** God is a God of love AND justice

• Since there is no conflict between His goodness and love and justice and wrath, He will not spare those who do not believe in Him

• Those who reject God’s offer of salvation bring upon themselves utter spiritual ruin <M130>

Romans 11:20-21 NIV

[20] Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. [21] For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

Romans 11:22 NIV

[22] Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.

** According to some, those who do not continue in belief will have their branches broken from the tree

• Genuine saving faith always perseveres

• This passage supports the possibility of losing and regaining salvation

Romans 11:20 NIV

[20] Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.

Romans 11:23 NIV

[23] And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.

John 8:31-32 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Colossians 1:21-23 NIV

[21] Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. [22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--- [23] if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Hebrews 3:12-14 NIV

[12] See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. [13] But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. [14] We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.

1 John 2:19 NIV

[19] They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

** Church Age saints along with Tribulation saints can both be grafted into the body of Christ when they choose a saving faith in Christ <M1501>

• In other words, the timing of a person's decision to follow Christ doesn't determine whether they will be accepted into the body of Christ, as long as they decide before the second coming of Christ that occurs at the end of the Tribulation

Romans 11:23 NIV

[23] And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.

Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV

[4] There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called ; [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism; [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

** There is hope for the poor, broken-hearted, captive, mourner, and all who are spiritually depressed, both today and in their future

• Those who are depressed have hope when they accept God’s comforting offer of salvation and rely on Him through their circumstances

• The believer’s ultimate hope will be when Christ returns to end evil!

• The Servant of the Lord will be the ultimate Preacher and Redeemer of Israel

• In the meantime, the Jews who were saved during Christ’s ministry and those being saved during this present Church Age do not fulfill the promise of salvation for Israel, for that is still to come in the end time <M130>

Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV

[1] The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, [3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion---to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Luke 4:16-21 NIV

[16] [Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, [17] and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Zechariah 12:10 NIV-Zechariah 13:1 NIV

[10] “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. [1] “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

Isaiah 61:6-7 NIV

[6] And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. [7] Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.

** God issues a period of time (in the Church Age) when He hardens a portion of Israelite hearts until the Gentiles have opportunity to accept His offer of salvation

• Prophecy indicates (those remaining in) the nation of Israel will be saved when Christ returns

• The Israelites rejected Christ when He first came but will acknowledge Him when He returns

Romans 11:25-26 NIV

Matthew 23:37-39 NIV

[37] “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. [38] Look, your house is left to you desolate. [39] For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.' ”

** The ‘preeminence above all nations’ blessing will ultimately come in the millennial kingdom, particularly designed to exalt Israel's King, the Messiah (Zech 13:1-14:21) <M130>

Deuteronomy 28:1-2,15 NIV

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. [2] All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: [15] However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

** Jesus identified the Jews as the ‘enemy of the Gospel’ for they tried to achieve salvation through works and not by the Old Testament recognition that they were to throw themselves at the mercy of God to be redeemed from sin <M130>

Romans 11:25-28 NIV

** When Magog and her allies attack Israel, God will intervene and decimate her army and the armies of the allies as well. And because of this, the Jewish people will give glory to God.

When you go to Israel today, you may be surprised to learn that most Israelis are not believers in God. Many of them are atheistic. Certainly, you will find very few Jewish people who believe in Jesus as their Messiah. There are some, thank God, but not many. But when the Holy Spirit is poured out upon Israel after He drives back the invading armies of Magog, there will be a revival in Israel, and many Jewish people will come to believe Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus [is] the Messiah.

This outpouring of the Spirit on Israel, however, can't happen until the full gathering of the Gentiles is accomplished. What does that mean? Most people who read these pages are Gentiles, not Jewish by birth. As Paul explains in Romans 11, we have been effectively grafted into the promises God originally offered to Israel. Now is the time when God is working with the non-Jews, the Gentiles. But this time will come to a close, and then the Spirit will be poured out again on the land and people of Israel. But before that can happen, God needs to wrap things up with us.

In other words, the "partial hardening" will endure until the last Gentile person finally believes in Jesus-and then we will be gone. Raptured. We will meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever. So that means when we see these events in the world beginning to happen, we need to look up, for our redemption is drawing near (see Luke 21:28). <L120> (Jun 2020)

Romans 11:25 NIV

** The apostle Paul wrote in the book of Romans about his Jewish kinsmen <F697>

• We are told that the covenants belong to the Jewish people, for the biblical covenants are how God mediates His blessings to the world

• The Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1-3; 15:18-21), the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7:8-14), and the new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) contain God’s promises to bless the children of Israel with a land and a royal seed, who would go on to bless the entire world with the forgiveness of sins

• The covenants contain the promises of God, and represent His character and nature

• The covenants were given to the house of Israel and affirm the continuing place and purpose for Israel in God’s redemptive kingdom program, even while being in a state of unbelief (Rom 11:25)

Romans 9:3-5 NIV

[3] For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, [4] the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. [5] Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

Genesis 12:1-3 NIV

[1] The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. [2] “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ”

Genesis 15:18-21 NIV

[18] On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates--- [19] the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, [20] Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, [21] Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.”

2 Samuel 7:8-14 NIV

[8] “Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. [9] I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. [10] And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning [11] and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. “ 'The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: [12] When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. [13] He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. [14] I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 NIV

[31] “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. [32] It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, ” declares the Lord. [33] “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. [34] No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Romans 11:25 NIV

** For nearly 2,000 years, mankind originally consisted of just Gentiles, from Adam to Abraham. With Abraham began the Jewish nation of Israel. Then there were two groups of people: Gentiles and Jews. At Pentecost, nearly 2,000 years from Abraham, another group of people was introduced by God called the Church. Now we have three groups of people: Gentiles, Jews, and the Church.

The Church is composed of anyone who will put their faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to God the Father, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. At first, the Church consisted of all Jews who came to Christ, and then Gentiles also came to Him to be saved. Today, most all who are of the Church are Gentiles, but all may be saved, Jews and Gentiles, if they believe upon the name of Jesus.

God initiated the Gentiles through Adam via creation. He initiated the Jewish nation with a promise to Abraham, and then finally He initiated the third group, the Church, with a fulfillment in Jesus Christ: His death, burial and resurrection.

Since Israel (the Jews) rejected their Messiah, God temporarily put them, as a nation, on the backburner (Romans 11:7-12) and is now calling out the Gentiles to come to Him through the same Messiah that Israel rejected. When the number of Gentiles in His Church is complete, He will remove the Church at the Rapture and return to His dealings with Israel during the Tribulation (Romans 11:26-32). <P160>

Romans 11:25 NIV

** Does 'God saving all Israel' include unbelieving Jews who reject the Messiah? No, no one is saved because of their nationality, and anyone who is saved receives that salvation by the blood of the Lamb of God slain from the foundations of the world – Jesus! <T203>

Romans 11:25 NIV

** When Paul says Israel will be “saved” in Romans 11:26, he refers to their deliverance from sin (verse 27) as they accept the Savior, their Messiah, in the end times during the Tribulation period. Moses said, “The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live” (Deuteronomy 30:6). Israel’s physical inheritance of the land promised to Abraham will be an integral part of God’s ultimate plan (Deuteronomy 30:3–5).

So how will “all Israel be saved”? The details of this deliverance are filled out in passages such as Zechariah 8-14 and Revelation 7-19, which speak of end-times Israel at Christ’s return. The key verse describing the coming to faith of the future remnant of Israel is Zechariah 12:10, “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” This occurs at the end of the tribulation prophesied in Daniel 9:24–27. The apostle John references this event in Revelation 1:7. The faithful remnant of Israel is epitomized in Revelation 7:1–8. These faithful ones the Lord will save and bring back to Jerusalem “in truth and righteousness” (Zechariah 8:7–8, NASB).

After Israel is spiritually restored, Christ will establish His millennial kingdom on earth. Israel will be regathered from the ends of the earth (Isaiah 11:12; 62:10). The symbolic “dry bones” of Ezekiel’s vision will be brought together, covered with flesh, and miraculously resuscitated (Ezekiel 37:1–14). As God promised, the salvation of Israel will involve both a spiritual awakening and a geographical home: “I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land” (Ezekiel 37:14).

In the Day of the Lord, God will “reclaim the surviving remnant of his people” (Isaiah 11:11). Jesus Christ will return and destroy the armies gathered against Him in rebellion (Revelation 19). Sinners will be judged, and the faithful remnant of Israel will be set apart forever as God’s holy people (Zechariah 13:8-14:21). Isaiah 12 is their song of deliverance; Zion will rule over all the nations under the banner of Messiah the King. <G72>

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

** According to the prophet Zechariah, ALL of Israel will be saved when Christ returns, for they will recognize and mourn regarding what they did to Christ at His first appearance <T203> <H86>

• 'All Israel will be saved' does not mean every Jewish individual will follow Christ, but all Jews of Israel who make it through the Tribulation will be saved

• The remaining 1/3 of the Jewish population will recognize Christ as Messiah (Zech 13:8)

• God will use Israel again and Jesus will rule through them

• With the Church having been raptured, the Israelites once again will be the light to the Gentiles

Zechariah 12:10 NIV

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

Jeremiah 18:7-8 NIV

[7] If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, [8] and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.

** As Christians, we must understand that Satan really exists, and he is a real enemy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the nation of Israel.

He’s an enemy of the Gospel because it represents his ultimate defeat and demise at the Cross of Calvary, and whatever schemes and plans he had prior to the Cross became null and void when God provided a foolproof way to redeem fallen man through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

He’s an enemy of Israel because she represents the Apple of God’s Eye, (Zech 2:8) and because of the promises and covenants God made with her. (Rom 11:25-29)

If a “Christian” refuses to believe that Satan really believes exists, then they are in a sense, calling into question Jesus's sanity — for whom else did Jesus speak to in the desert when undergoing His forty days of temptation were it not who Scripture says it was? (Luke 4:1-13)

1 John 5:19 NIV

[19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

Zechariah 2:8 NIV

[8] For this is what the Lord Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you---for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye---

Romans 11:25-29 NIV

** When Paul says “all Israel will be saved”, this is not license for Jews to do whatever they want because God will save them in the end, but it refers to the remnant Israel that makes it through the Tribulation and puts their faith in Christ <M135>

Romans 11:26-27 NIV

[26] and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. [27] And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

John 3:5 NIV

[5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

** The preparation and events in a Jewish wedding serve as a typology of Christ’s coming for us, with Christ as the bridegroom and the Church as His bride! <F60>

Matthew 22:2 NIV

[2] “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.

• The bridegroom promised the bride the wedding covenant would be fulfilled = God promised our union with Him in His Word

Romans 11:26-27 NIV

• The breaking of bread and drinking from the cup was to seal the betrothal of new covenant; the bride would drink from the cup if she agreed to the marriage proposal = Jesus’ last supper with His disciples confirmed His covenant with us

Luke 22:19-20 NIV

[19] And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” [20] In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

Matthew 20:23a NIV

[23] Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup…”

• The breaking of bread and drinking from the cup was not to be done again until the wedding feast = Christ will not partake of the bread & wine until the fulfillment of God

Luke 22:14-16 NIV

[14] When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. [15] And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. [16] For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

• The groom paid the price showing the bride his love for her = Christ paid the price in full on the cross showing us there is no greater love

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

[24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

• The groom prepared a bridal chamber for his bride by building a room addition on his father’s house = Jesus went to prepare a place for us in His Father’s house where there are many rooms

John 14:2 NIV

[2] My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

• The father was the only one who knew the day & hour the groom would retrieve his bride = likewise, only God the Father knows the day & hour when Christ will come for us

1 Thessalonians 5:2 NIV

[2] for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

• The groom would come in the middle of the night to pick up his bride and the groomsmen would shout his arrival by blowing the trumpet (shofar) = Christ will come in a similar fashion as a thief in the night with the shout of a trumpet (the Trumpet of God for the Church)

• The bride was lifted up by her groom and taken away = Christ will lift us via rapture to be taken to His Father’s house

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV

[16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

• The groom would take his bride to the chamber to consummate the covenant and celebrate for a period of seven days = likewise, the Church will celebrate our reunion with Christ for a period of seven years during the Tribulation

Daniel 9:27 NIV

[27] He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. ”

• The bridal couple lived in their new home after the wedding celebration = we will live in the new Jerusalem with our Savior

Revelation 21:2 NIV

[2] I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

Luke 22:29-30 NIV

[29] And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, [30] so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

** Romans 11:25 says that when the “fullness of the Gentiles” (a term for the Rapture) has come in, then Israel’s blindness will be removed. What is the number of this fullness? No human knows, but the number is huge. Consider that the world’s population is currently at approximately 7.8 billion people. It is estimated that there are 2.5 billion Christians in the world. That is 32-33% of the population. I personally believe this percentage is greatly exaggerated as many of these so-called “Christians” are Christians in name only.

Let’s be a little more realistic in our estimation and drop the percentage by 13% (number for rebellion and apostasy). That would place the percentage at 19-20% of the world population or approximately 1,530,000,000. If you break it down, it looks like this: 153 x 10 to the 7th power (seven 0’s- zeros). Peter just thought he made a great catch of 3000! It is minuscule when you look at Jesus’ (and the Holy Spirit) catch. If you believe this number of Christians to be raptured is still too high, you need to remember that all the young babies/children and those who don’t have the mental capacity to make a qualified decision for Christ will also be included in the Rapture.

This great number of souls only accounts for the living believers being taken up but doesn’t take into consideration the dead souls/spirits in Christ (coming down from heaven). They will be resurrected with a new heavenly body and will meet the living believers (who are translated also) in the air where Jesus will be. The dead in Christ consist of all those believers who have died since Sivan 7/May 22, AD 33 (proleptic Gregorian calendar) on the day of Pentecost, and up to the moment of the Rapture.

The living and dead in Christ, who will meet the Lord in the air at the Rapture, will be an astronomical multitude of souls. They will come from every nation, race, color, age, Christian denomination, and ethnicity. This multitude will include males and females, rich and poor, young and old, free and slaves from every age (1st century to 21st century) and background you can imagine. The one thing every one of them has in common is: “they obeyed the Lord their God and believed in the One He sent.” All of the redeemed will have new spiritual bodies made for eternity. Jesus Christ will then take his betrothed bride, the Church, to their new home in heaven, the New Jerusalem, and we will be with the Lord forever. <N154>

Romans 11:25 NIV

** God continues to provide incredible privilege and blessing for each New Testament believer by revealing the hidden things (or mysteries) of God through the Holy Spirit

• Mystery = something that has always been, but hidden; evident in the Old Testament

• Now = New Testament

• Christ in us = the Church through salvation

• Hope of glory = Rapture

• Paul told us there are mysteries hidden from the beginning of the world

• They are evident in the Old Testament and now revealed to us as New Testament believers <G71>

1 Corinthians 2:7-10 NIV

[7] No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. [8] None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. [9] However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”---the things God has prepared for those who love him--- [10] these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Romans 16:25-26 NIV

[25] Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, [26] but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith---

Colossians 1:26-27 NIV

[26] the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people. [27] To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Ephesians 3:2-5 NIV

[2] Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, [3] that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. [4] In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.

WHAT ARE THESE MYSTERIES?

• Some mysteries that have always been known to God and revealed to us include:

a) Not all will die, which means some will experience the Rapture

b) The Church will hide itself (experience a rapture) till God’s wrath or indignation passes

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NIV

[51] Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--- [52] in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 NIV

[3] While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Isaiah 26:17-21 NIV

[17] As a pregnant woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in your presence, Lord. [18] We were with child, we writhed in labor, but we gave birth to wind. We have not brought salvation to the earth, and the people of the world have not come to life. [19] But your dead will live, Lord; their bodies will rise---let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy---your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. [20] Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. [21] See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer.

c) Israel will experience the Tribulation; the Church will be absent but Tribulation saints will arise

Isaiah 66:7-9 NIV

[7] “Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. [8] Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. [9] Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the Lord. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God.

d) Another mystery is that the Gentiles (the Church) will be co-heirs of Christ through the gospel! The Church does not replace Israel but is grafted in to God’s chosen nation. Note: from the beginning, God saw His bride (the Church) and knew He would need to suffer on the cross to save her

Ephesians 3:6 NIV

[6] This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Romans 11:25-26 NIV

e) Another mystery is that all Israel will be saved via the upcoming Tribulation after having been provoked to jealousy by the Church

Romans 10:19-21 NIV

[19] Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, “I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.” [20] And Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.” [21] But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

Isaiah 65:1 NIV

[1] “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'

Romans 11:11-12 NIV

Deuteronomy 32:20-21 NIV

[20] “I will hide my face from them,” he said, “and see what their end will be; for they are a perverse generation, children who are unfaithful. [21] They made me jealous by what is no god and angered me with their worthless idols. I will make them envious by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation that has no understanding.

** According to Paul, God hardened Israel so the Gospel could be taken to the Gentiles <J100>

Acts 28:28 NIV

[28] “Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

Romans 11:25 NIV

• God informs his people not only that they are hardened (deaf, blind and without understanding) and he is the one hardening them, but also that he has hardened them to delay their repenting and being healed

• Note that God does not tell first century Israel why he wants a delay

• When will this widespread devastation occur, and when will the fulness of the Gentiles come in? -- the Bible gives no clear answer, for God wants us to depend on him alone for the timing

• However, we can be sure of this -- God will restore the elect of his people Israel!

Isaiah 6:8-10 NIV

[8] Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? ” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” [9] He said, “Go and tell this people: “ 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' [10] Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

** Replacement Theology raises troubling implications about God’s character, not the least of which are: if God revoked his promises to Israel, what keeps him from revoking them again, and does God really change not (as stated in Mal 3:6)? Many who have been taught Replacement Theology have not considered these implications.

Malachi 3:6 NIV

[6] “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

Did God really forsake or move past Israel? Fortunately, if you read the Bible without bias, it gives a clear answer. God will restore the elect of his people Israel. That unambiguous Biblical truth, stated explicitly both to Israel in the Old Testament and the Gentiles of the Church in the New Testament, exposes replacement theology as bad doctrine. <F69>

Isaiah 6:11-13 NIV

[11] Then I said, “For how long, Lord?” And he answered: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged, [12] until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken. [13] And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.”

Romans 11:25 NIV

** Paul addressed those who had differing views regarding non-salvation issues as 'brothers and sisters' so we too should count those who have differences as our brothers and sisters in Christ <H87>

Romans 11:25 NIV

** If there was obedience on the part of the Israelis, the kingdom would be established and they would have a ‘man as ruler’ <M130>

• Their disobedience was legendary and so was the destruction of their kingdom and their dispersion

• The nation of Israel was miraculously reborn in 1948 after almost 2000 years of diaspora

• When Israel is saved and people turn to Christ, then their King Messiah will set up this glorious millennial kingdom!

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

[14] if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:17-20 NIV

[17] “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, [18] I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a successor to rule over Israel.' [19] “But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, [20] then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples.

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

Revelation 20:6 NIV

[6] Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

** The time of Isaiah had been tested via Babylonian captivity and then dispersed from her land until 1948; God kept up afflictions to refine His people and prevent His name from being defamed because of the destruction of Israel <M130>

Isaiah 48:10-11 NIV

[10] See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. [11] For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another.

Zechariah 13:1 NIV

[1] “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

Romans 11:33-36 NIV

[33] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! [34] “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” [35] “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” [36] For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

** As Christians, we must understand that Satan really exists, and he is a real enemy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the nation of Israel.

He’s an enemy of Israel because she represents the Apple of God’s Eye, (Zech 2:8) and because of the promises and covenants God made with her. (Rom 11:25-29) If a “Christian” refuses to believe that Satan really exists, then they are in a sense, calling into question Jesus's sanity — for whom else did Jesus speak to in the desert when undergoing His forty days of temptation, was it not who Scripture says it was? (Luke 4:1-13)

1 John 5:19 NIV

[19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

Zechariah 2:8 NIV

[8] For this is what the Lord Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you---for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye---

Romans 11:25-29 NIV

** The convergence of signs regarding Israel affirm we are living in the last days according to Bible prophecy:

1. Israel became a nation in 1948 after roughly 1900 years of diaspora, since 70 AD

2. Jerusalem became the capital of Israel once again, confirmed in 1967

3. The number of Jews who returned to Israel within the last decade surpassed the total of Jews living around the world <B303> (Oct 2023)

Additional signs show movement toward the fulfillment of God's end times prophecy:

1. Israel slowly regaining control of the Temple Mount

2. The 'many' in today's civil war in Israel between conservatives and Orthodox Jews could be the group that emerges to make a deal with the (yet unknown) Antichrist

3. The number of Jewish Christian believers increased more in the last 20 years than the last 2000 years; current estimates of 20,000 in Israel and 350,000 worldwide (Oct 2023)

4. At the same time, the number of Gentiles declined in the last 20 years; the youngest generation of US adults rarely responds to the gospel anymore with only 2% being Christian -- this must be the fullness of the Gentiles coming to an end as Paul talks about <H86>

5. Escalation of war in Israel that sets the stage for the fulfillment of prophecies (Isa 17 & Ezek 38-39), including Israel's IDF promise to "destroy Damascus and target Syrian President Assad if Hezbollah joins the war" <D41> (Oct 11 2023)

Daniel 9:27 NIV

Acts 13:47-48 NIV

[47] For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' ” [48] When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

Matthew 24:14 NIV

[14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Romans 11:25-26 NIV

** God directed people and events to fulfill prophecy

• A census was ordered through Caesar Augustus which took the couple to Bethlehem Joseph was from the line of David

• Hence, Jesus would be born in Bethlehem as prophesied

• Baby Jesus, the Deliverer, was brought to His people Israel

• God guided events such as Jesus being born of a virgin and God delivering the Savior of mankind with the purpose to eventually save all Israel

Luke 2:1-4 NIV

[1] In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. [2] (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) [3] And everyone went to their own town to register. [4] So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

Isaiah 59:20 NIV

[20] “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the Lord.

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

** Currently, the Gentile nations are still ruling and dictating how Israel should operate; a time is coming when this 'time of the Gentiles' will cease and God will take over <T203> (May 2024)

Romans 11:25 NIV

** What does it really mean to stand with God's 'holy people'? <S2006>

• Standing with Israel does not mean that we believe her to be inherently worthy of God’s blessing

• Israelites, like everyone else on this planet, are worthy of God’s judgment, not His favor

• Standing with Israel also does not mean that we discount the fact that Israel today is a nation in unbelief

• Having largely rejected their Messiah, the Jewish people suffer under spiritual blindness

• Shouldn't followers of Christ be concerned for unbelievers in Israel? Doesn’t God work in the lives of His chosen?

Deuteronomy 7:6 NIV

[6] For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.

• Israel is one of the kingdoms of this world which remain under the sway of the wicked one (1 John 5:19)

• Sadly, their condition is going to get so bad that Israel will literally cut a deal with the devil and make a seven-year covenant with the Antichrist which will officially begin the seven-year period of Tribulation

• One day, Israel's return in faith will be complete and eternal (Rom 11:26, Zech 13:9)

• Israel, along with the other Gentile nations, will come under the jurisdiction of the kingdom of God (Rev 11:15)

1 John 5:19 NIV

[19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

Zechariah 13:8-9 NIV

[8] In the whole land,” declares the Lord, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. [9] This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The Lord is our God. ' ”

Revelation 11:15 NIV

[15] The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

** All Israel (the remaining 1/3) will be saved by the end of the seven year Tribulation in the end of days

Romans 11:26 NIV

[26] and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

** When Paul writes that ‘all Israel will be saved’ he is talking about the 1/3 that remain in the Tribulation as stated through the prophet Zechariah <M135>

Romans 11:26 NIV

[26] and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

Zechariah 13:8-9 NIV

** Multitudes will come to faith in the Tribulation but believers will need to discern the Truth from Satanic propaganda; some will survive the Tribulation — surviving the judgments and not taking the mark — and enter the Millennial kingdom, often referred to as ‘Gentile Sheep’ <S198>

Romans 11:26-27 NIV

Matthew 25:32-34 NIV

[32] All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. [33] He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. [34] “Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

Ezekiel 20:39,42-43 NIV

[39] “ 'As for you, people of Israel, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you! But afterward you will surely listen to me and no longer profane my holy name with your gifts and idols. [42] Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land I had sworn with uplifted hand to give to your ancestors. [43] There you will remember your conduct and all the actions by which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evil you have done.

** God has a special place (or favor) for the Israelites because of their forefathers

Romans 11:28 NIV

[28] As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs

** Even though the biggest troublemakers for Paul were the unbelieving Jews, the Jews remain cherished in God's eye for the fulfillment of prophecy; we know they will come back to their land and eventually recognize Jesus the Messiah <W213>

Romans 11:28 NIV

[28] As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs

** God wanted to give the Israelites His land; He owns everything and can designate as He wishes

• The land of Israel belongs to God Himself (Lev 25:23)

• God chose to make a covenant with Abraham that would include that piece of land (Gen 15:18-19) as an eternal AND unconditional part of that covenant

• Additionally, God’s gifts are irrevocable (Rom 11:29) <M135>

Leviticus 25:23 NIV

[23] “ 'The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.

Genesis 15:18-19 NIV

Romans 11:29 NIV

[29] for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable

** God bestows gifts (benefits such as pardon, peace, joy, sanctification and eternal life) as favors, not rewards for our efforts; God never invites, influences or draws men to Himself without also being willing to give pardon and eternal life; what God promises He will fulfill <B20>

Romans 11:29-32 NIV

[29] for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. [30] Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, [31] so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. [32] For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

Romans 11:35 NIV

[35] “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”

Romans 8:28-30 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

** It's wise for believers to distinguish the difference between 'gifting' and being 'called' or 'prompted' by God regarding an action or decision

GIFTING

• Gifts are those things that are freely or graciously given; think of the Christmas gifts received as a child

• God gives gifts as well, such as giving His people the land of Israel

• Likewise, God gives every follower of His gifts and abilities to use in their lives

• God's greatest gift is eternal life with Him for those who believe and follow Him

• Gifts of God are irrevocable

Romans 6:23 NIV

[23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 11:29 NIV

[29] for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.

CALLING & PROMPTING

• Both terms of 'calling' and 'prompting' are related to the Holy Spirit's guidance

• Those who have been 'called' or 'prompted' are directed by the Holy Spirit in some way <M1501>

• Discernment is key: always seek to discern whether a feeling or thought aligns with Scripture and understanding of God's will before acting on it <W2201>

CALLING

• A 'calling' from the Holy Spirit usually refers to a strong, clear, and often life-changing direction to pursue a specific ministry or path

• It is said that a believer’s calling includes God’s drawing them to salvation

• Think of it as a long-term commitment that comes with a clear understanding of what a person is being called to

• Paul explains the called of Jesus Christ refers to those called by God to belong to Jesus Christ and enjoy fellowship with Him <G72>

Romans 1:6-7 NIV

[6] And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. [7] To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:1 NIV

[1] Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ

PROMPTING

• The Holy Spirit can equally prompt a person regarding preferences, desires, and choices; but this is different from 'calling'

• A 'prompting' is a more subtle nudge or suggestion, often guiding a person in a specific situation or towards a particular action

• It is often a more ambiguous, moment-to-moment guidance in a specific situation

• The misuse of the word 'calling' can lead to painful theological crises when situations don't turn out as expected

• "But I thought I was called to this," we wonder. You weren't called. You freely chose what you did and it didn't work out. So what? Move on to something else. Your decision was not necessarily wrong, and God's not punishing you, unless it was clearly a sinful choice.

• Since a Christian's calling is to live in righteous harmony with God, this can be done in any vocation or geographic area <W2207>

1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV

[3] We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

** Those believing they are a victim need to understand the feelings about a situation are justified given personal experience, but entitlement is never justified

• We are not just victims but victimizers because we are all sinners

• Whether the sin is in the form of gossip, hurt-filled motives, lies, acting out of temper, etc, others are affected by us

• So what gives us the right not to forgive others who sin against us?

• Most of all, we have all sinned against God and need His forgiveness! <D40>

Romans 3:23 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Romans 11:30-32 NIV

[30] Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, [31] so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. [32] For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

** God's ways can be a mystery to us if we do not go to Him, our ultimate Counselor

Romans 11:33-34 NIV

** God can reveal to us what we deem ‘unsearchable’, equivalent to God willingly providing wisdom when we ASK Him

Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

[3] 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Romans 11:33 NIV

[33] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

Luke 21:15 NIV

[15] For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

James 1:5 NIV

[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

** Humans have no native capacity to interact with the realm of the spiritual and eternal unless they have come to know God through Jesus Christ

• Humans can see and understand the 3 dimensions (width, length & height) along with the time dimension, but there could be as many as 12 more

• Some scientists are in search of higher dimensions while Christians better understand this as the spiritual realm

• This doesn't mean what we know as the spiritual realms (like Heaven and Hell) are not as 'physically real' as the world we experience daily <P1698>

Romans 11:33 NIV

[33] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

** The theory of Modalism states that the Holy Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) cannot exist all at the same time; they can only exist one at a time and their presence depends on the situation

• This theory attacks the very nature of God and possibly cuts people off from salvation, as does any false teaching

• If you don't have the true God, you don't have the true Christ, and you don't have the true Spirit <M130>

John 3:34-35 NIV

[34] For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. [35] The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.

John 14:6-7 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [7] If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

• The Bible teaches that the Father is God, that Jesus is God, and that the Holy Spirit is God and there is only one God

• In other worlds, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not forms of God: each of them is God!

• The Trinity is a concept that is impossible for any human being to fully understand, let alone explain

• God is infinitely greater than we are; therefore, we should not expect to be able to fully understand Him

• Rather than attempting to fully define the Trinity with our finite human minds, we would be better served to focus on God’s greatness and His infinitely higher nature <G72>

Romans 11:33-34 NIV

Rom 11.

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