The Book of Romans 9:1-12:1 / November 2006

The majority of the New Testament letters were written by the Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus). Paul’s journeys throughout the Roman world were the backdrop to his teachings and activities. As he aptly put it, he was able to be a Roman with the Romans and a Jew with the Jews. In hindsight we can easily see the logic of God’s choice in Paul. His knowledge of Roman law and the Torah made him an adept and passionate spokesman for the message of God.

In Paul’s day, while the Roman world was pantheistic (belief in many gods), the Jewish world was monotheistic. The Roman world made Caesar to be one of those gods, which obviously conflicted with the message of a Jewish Messiah. The religious leadership of the Jews had already rejected the Messiahship of Yeshua. The Pharisaic elements, in particular, had taken issue with Paul’s ministry as they considered him to be both apostate and a traitor to their cause.

The book of Romans was written to believers and non-believing Jews (his countrymen) living in Rome. It is the book of Romans that profoundly lays out the basis for our justification before God. How does any person, Jew or non-Jew, come to belong in God’s family? The book of Romans goes deeper into the identity of all peoples and those that are of faith.

Today, if you ask the average religious person how the world’s peoples are divided, the most probable answer would be Jews and Gentiles. This is a mutually agreeable answer between Christianity and Judaism. Muslims would argue that the world is divided between Muslims and infidels. Some Evangelical Christians might even argue that it is between Evangelical believers and unbelievers.

The book of Romans take direct issue with the modern definitions of the world’s demographics we hear today. Paul sources back before Jews, Christians, and Muslims. This may be part of the reason why many Christian teachers are uncomfortable and lack confidence in addressing the theme of Romans chapters nine, ten, and eleven. Many Christian commentators will not address these three chapters. Trying to force-fit the present definitions of the people in the world does not fit the book of Romans. Yes, you hear about Jews and Gentiles, but it doesn’t conform to the church’s definition of today. More specifically for Judaism the definition that "all Jews are Israel and all Israel are Jews" does not line up with the book of Romans, which predates Rabbinical Judaism and the Talmud. For Messianic believers, we are doubly confused with neither the identity definition in Judaism nor Christianity making complete sense. It is for this reason that I offer my commentary on these three chapters as a Messianic Jew for my Messianic brethren.

I am telling the truth in Messiah, I am not lying, my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Messiah for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Messiah according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Romans 9:1-5

Paul’s impassioned desire for his Jewish brethren to accept the Messiahship of Yeshua is evident. He offers himself to be exchanged for possible eternal destinies. Some might say that his offer is overly dramatic, but it is consistent with the work of Messiah. He did offer himself as a substitute for punishment of sin for all peoples. But, Paul also offers some justification for his desire for the Israelite brethren. He reviews seven things that belong to his brethren: the adoption of sons, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple service, the promises given to the fathers, and finally the Messiah Himself after their own flesh. This is the true identity of who Israel is, the true descendants of Abraham. Consider these items further. These are the items that belong to the people of God. You might ask yourself if you identify with all seven.

Adoption of Sons

Why would the natural born need to be adopted into God’s family? Aren’t all Jews part of God’s chosen people? According to Scripture, no. Being natural born is in no way the definition of God’s people. Being born of the Spirit is essential and required of all who are in God’s family. "Unless you be born again of the Spirit, you shall not see the kingdom of God." Therefore, everyone must be chosen (adopted) of God. Paul used the word "elected." We are God’s "elect."

The Glory

The Glory of God was seen at Mt. Sinai and especially when God’s presence came into the Tabernacle lighting the altar. Today, a believer testifies to God’s indwelling presence in himself. Without His presence, there is no assurance of salvation and eternal life.

The Covenants

Beginning with Adam, through Noah, Abraham and the fathers, to Moses and Israel the covenants of God have been progressively added. No covenant has been in any way annulled or diminished by a later covenant. The covenant with David did not annul any of the previous covenants. Presently, we also have the New (some say Renewed) Covenant. It is the church fathers who wanted the other covenants to diminish, so they could offer their substitute Gentile definitions of the faith. But, there is also another covenant, one yet future, still to be given in the Messianic age. It is called the Covenant of Peace. All of these seven covenants belong to the Israelites (the chosen people). If one argues that any of these covenants no longer exist nor are part of our faith, then they place themselves outside of the Bible’s definition of God’s chosen people.

The Giving of the Law

The Torah (the Law) is for all believers, for all time, even into eternity. Replacement theology of the church advocates the annulment of many commandments including the Levitical priesthood. Some churchmen still hold to versions of the ten commandments, struggling with the 4th commandment of Sabbath. They attempt to break up the Law into sections and areas claiming the moral law remains while the ceremonial law is abolished. But Paul simply says that the Law (the Torah) belongs not just to Jews, but to all people who are adopted, have the presence of the Holy Spirit, and hold to the covenants of God. Anyone suggesting that the Torah was only given to the Jews or that only Jews are to keep Torah simply has not read the Bible. The Torah (the Law) was given to the children of Israel (a mixed multitude) and the commandments are for the native born and the alien and sojourner who may be with you. That is what the Torah says.

The Temple Service

The Torah presents the pattern and service for the Tabernacle. This same pattern was used when David brought together the materials and the placement for the temple in Jerusalem. The son of David built the temple and ordained its service. The Son of David (the Messiah) does the same for us and has made us the temple of God. Anyone suggesting that the temple service, the sanctuary, its furnishings or the altar service are no longer appropriate is willfully ignorant of God’s table and His hospitality. Sadly, many Christians today have no concept of this part of our faith. They have been told by teachers who do not understand any of the temple service that Yeshua did away with the altar and the Levitical priests. It is a clear demonstration of God’s mercy upon those who blaspheme things they do not understand. Unlike the sons of Aaron who were intoxicated and suffered summary judgment, churchmen are stone cold sober and do worse that Nadab and Abihu. Those who know Yeshua and keep His commandments come to His altar and recognize that Yeshua is the High Priest. Christians who deny the Torah instructions for the priesthood and altar, deny the vary definitions for the temple built in their hearts by the Messiah.

The Promises

God gave Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob many promises. Those promises were also given to their descendants. Those promises included the Messiah, the Lamb of God, provided by God Himself. They also included going down into Egypt and coming back to the promised land four generations later. They also included a worldwide dispersion into all nations and another return (the Greater Exodus) back to the land. Specific within that promise of return, the House of Ephraim would join the House of Judah. The New Covenant was not promised to Gentiles or the Gentile church; it was promised to the two houses of Israel. Jeremiah 31:31-33 is the promise of the New Covenant. But, textually, just prior to it is the promise of return to the House of Ephraim. Today’s definition of just Jews and Gentiles ignores and denies the truth and promises of the New Covenant. Holding to the promises of God is having the same faith as our father Abraham. Abraham believed the promises of God and it was accounted to him as righteousness. Anyone who believes that the Messiah came for the lost sheep of the House of Israel (the House of Ephraim) knows and believes in His promises. Anyone who argues against the two houses of Israel neither understands the promises of God nor the purpose of the New Covenant and the work of the Great Shepherd Yeshua.

The Messiah

The adoption (God’s choice of us), the glory (the gift of the Holy Spirit), the covenants, the Torah, the temple service, and the promises all lead to one inevitable conclusion: the Messiah. The Messiah is the pinnacle of our faith. Some believe that they pick the Messiah and cast some of the previous things mentioned, such as the Torah and the temple service. They are mistaken. When you get the Messiah, you get all of the other things as well. The Messiah is embodied in them all and they all testify of Him.

Paul wants his natural brethren to have what God purposed for them. He is willing to lose his portion of the kingdom (literally do anything for them) so that they might attain what was purposed. At the same time, he has given us a clear and concise definition of what belongs to the people of God.

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; neither are they all children because they are Abraham's descendants, but: "through Isaac your descendants will be named." That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.

Romans 9:6-8

Just because you are physically born part of Israel, does not make you part of God’s adoption and election. It does not mean that you are automatically God’s chosen people. Despite this teaching by Paul, which he will back up from the Torah, people just don’t seem to get this. Even many of our Messianic Jewish brethren do not get it. Being born a Jew, being circumcised on the eighth day, does not mean that you are the real Israel. Not everyone descended of Israel is Israel. Paul will hammer this point when he reviews the Genesis account of our fathers.

Abram’s first son Ishmael was not selected by God to illustrate this point. Instead, Isaac was the promised son. Isaac’s first son Esau was not selected; it was Jacob.

For this is a word of promise: "At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son." And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; for though the twins were not yet born, and had not done anything good or bad, in order that God's purpose according to His choice might stand, not because of works, but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, "The older will serve the younger." Just as it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."

Romans 9:9-13

Paul’s reference to the story of the patriarchs is short and to the point. The point is that it is God’s choice, His election is the basis for us being the chosen people. This is how God was to fulfill His promise to Abram. "In your seed will all of the families of the earth be blessed." Abraham wasn’t going to father everyone physically; he is a father to all that have the same faith as he had. This is how the sacrifice of Yeshua can have benefit to all who trust and believe God… by faith.

But this raises an interesting question. Is God playing by His own rules or is He true to His own rules?

What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth." So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.

Romans 9:14-18

God is playing by the rules and He has consistently played by His own rules. The example of Pharaoh is a good one to illustrate it. The determinate is the intention of the heart. The key feature in Pharaoh’s example was his hardened heart. God demonstrated for all to see that Pharaoh’s heart was hard from the beginning. God did the same for the children of Israel. He suffered them to hunger and thirst in the wilderness, to reveal what was in their hearts (Deut 8:3). Every man’s heart is the determinate for membership in the redeemed house of Jacob; it is not physical descendancy or station of life.

Some people struggle with this. As I said before, even some Messianic Jewish brethren wrestle with this. They believe an intrinsic value exists in being a physical Jew that sets them apart (with a unique calling and service). Their thinking is artificial and inconsistent with God’s thinking. It leads to a form of vanity in thought. Do you remember the central character in "Fiddler on the Roof" when he questioned God, "Why don’t you choose someone else next time?" The humor is set up from the contrast. One of the chosen people is complaining how it is not so good to be chosen by God. Paul addresses such a question.

You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?" On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use, and another for common use? What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?

Romans 9:19-22

The obvious answer to Paul’s question is that God is sovereign and by His very nature has the authority to set up the plan and determine the schedule for whatever purpose He chooses. Here is the ironic part, though: He has purposed mercy and goodness for us.

And He did so in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles. As He says also in Hosea, "I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’ And her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’ And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, "you are not My people," There they shall be called sons of the living God."

Romans 9:23-26

Who are the people that God has decided to treat as vessels of mercy? Whom has God chosen to be of His family? Is it only Jews? Of course not! Paul answers his own question only as the Apostle to the Gentiles can. He has called others "from among the Gentiles."

Wait! Wait a minute! Hasn’t Paul just defined the world as Jews and Gentiles?

The answer is "No." Let me prove it to you. Paul is saying that there are people who belong to the chosen people who are not Jews who come "from among the Gentiles." Aren’t we talking about Gentiles? No. We are talking about a people that Hosea the prophet referred to. Who was Hosea referring to? Gentiles? Or, someone mixed with the Gentiles?

A simple examination of Hosea will show that Hosea is referring to the House of Israel, not the House of Judah. Hosea was the first prophet to the House of Israel when the Northern Kingdom led by the House of Ephraim separated from the Southern Kingdom led by the House of David. Paul is saying exactly what Jeremiah said about the New Covenant being purposed for the House of Israel and the House of Judah. Is Paul talking about Gentiles? No. He is talking about the House of Israel that is scattered among the Gentiles. They are the ones that are called "My people" and "beloved." They are the ones who will be called "the sons of the living God."

Make no mistake about it. Paul is describing the Gospel message (God’s gracious choice) purposed for the two houses of Israel – not only to the Jews back in Jerusalem, but to those who will come from among the Gentiles. Paul is defining Israel (all of the tribes, both houses).

And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, "Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved; for the Lord will execute His word upon the earth, thoroughly and quickly." And just as Isaiah foretold, "Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left to us a posterity, we would have become as Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah."

Romans 9:27-29

Here is the real definition of believing Israel. The children of promise are within physical Israel. Not everyone of Israel is Israel. Those who live their lives by faith are the remnant. The remnant is not everyone. The remnant is what remains. The remnant is a smaller part within a larger whole. The total number of Israel may be like the sands of the sea, but it is a smaller number that is the remnant. The subject of the remnant is a major Biblical theme. The precedent for the remnant was set when God chose Isaac instead of Ishmael. It was present when Jacob was destined over Esau while still in the womb together. It was Joseph instead of Reuben. It was the Levites instead of the first born of Israel. It was God’s gracious choice of us instead of the rest of the world.

Isaiah said of his day that the remnant was small. In fact, the number was close to the number sought out for the deliverance of Sodom and Gomorrah – 10 persons.

Time out! Where are the Gentiles in all of this? Aren’t the Gentiles supposed to be part of the New Covenant also? Yes. They join remnant Israel just as the Gentile slaves of Egypt were able to join the physical descendants of Jacob and leave Egypt. Remember? It was a mixed multitude who were covered by the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. They, too, followed Moses and left Egypt for freedom. They, too, were numbered with Israel and received the Torah. In the same way, Paul says that the Gentiles will be a part of this New Covenant by faith.

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, just as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed."

Romans 9:30-33

How is it possible that Israel with the Law and the Prophets did not attain to the Messiah, the very goal of the Torah? How is it possible that Gentiles who know nothing of those things did receive the goal, their salvation by the Messiah? The answer is simple and profound. The remnant of Israel (some Jews and those from the House of Israel scattered among the Gentiles) and the Gentiles who joined them came by faith. Others, the religious, came by their own righteousness and good works. The latter group was found wanting.

Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Messiah is the end [the goal] of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 10:1-4

We are back to where we began at Romans 9:1. Paul is expressing his desire for all of Israel to be part of remnant Israel. Zeal and knowledge, while good things in the faith, are not substitutes for faith. Self righteousness will not compare with the righteousness of God. Believing in the promises of God is accounted for the righteousness of God. Good deeds account for the righteousness of men, but not of God. Men who are seeking the righteousness of God will find a good teacher in the Law. Those pursuing the Law (the Torah) by faith will find the Messiah.

For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness. But the righteousness based on faith speaks thus, "Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Messiah down), or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Messiah up from the dead)." But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart"— that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Yeshua as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed."

Romans 10:5-10

The Law teaches faith. Some teachers have suggested that faith and the Law are separate things. Some say that pursuing the commandments takes you away from faith and into legalism. Some teach that pursuing faith takes you completely away from the Law. They are all wrong. Faith is not presumption, it is the pursuit of truth, and truth is based on evidence. The Law says that truth is verified by the evidence of two or three. The Law (Torah) defines faith. Faith then is not contrary to the Law; it in fact establishes the Law (Romans 3:31). The Torah verifies faith.

The greatest prophecy of the Messiah in the Torah is about ascending and descending. Moses did this many times at the mountain. The very promise of the Messiah was One who would come from the mountain (God’s presence), speak the word of God, and ascend to the mountain (heaven) again. We do not need to make such a journey to have faith. The journey has been made for us. The word of faith is very close for us, "in our mouths and in our hearts." When the mouth speaks what is in the heart, confession leads to salvation. It is the evidence (the truth) of believing.

Most of the Law addresses conflicts and issues from one man to another. The rule of Law establishes freedom for free men to live one with another. But the relationship with God is not like that of dealing with another free man. He is God. Therefore, our relationship with Him is based on what is truly in the heart. God simply says that we will not be disappointed if we believe in Him.

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; for "Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!"

Romans 10:12-15

There are many distinctions between Jews and Greeks, but there are no distinctions when it comes to believing in God and receiving salvation. If the knowledge or zeal of God is not the measure of being the remnant and a recipient of His salvation, then how are others who have no knowledge of Him to come to faith of Him? The Jews have a history of God; they have Moses and the Prophets, and they have the Scriptures. How will Gentiles, those who want to believe in God, believe in the truth, especially the truth of the Messiah’s work of redemption. Obviously, someone has to go and share that information.

Now we understand another of God’s purposes. Why did God permit Israel to be scattered among the nations? Why did God allow the House of Israel to be scattered? The answer is obvious as well. When the Gospel went out to Israel, it had to go to the nations (where Israel was scattered). As a result, the Gentiles have also received the "good news." Those who carry the good news to Israel have also carried the same message to the nations.

However, they did not all heed the glad tidings; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Messiah. But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world." But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? At the first Moses says, "I will make you jealous by that which is not a nation, by a nation without understanding will I anger you." And Isaiah is very bold and says, "I was found by those who sought Me not, I became manifest to those who did not ask for Me." But as for Israel He says, "All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people."

Romans 10:16-21

The irony of Israel not receiving the "good news" of the Messiah, but the Gentiles doing so, is very great. Israel with the teaching of Moses and the Prophets should have accepted the Messiah immediately, but such is not the case. Moses and the Prophets also knew this would happen and spoke of Israel’s rejection of the Lord’s Anointed. There are many Christian teachers that say Israel rejected God. Sadly, I must agree with them. But then, some of those teachers go further and say that God also rejected Israel. They err. Paul answers that question for us.

I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? "Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, they have torn down Thine altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life." But what is the divine response to him? "I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God's gracious choice.

Romans 11:1-5

The fact that Paul is a believer proves that God did not reject Israel. The same is true of every believer who is from Israel. God’s plans for Israel is not rejection; it is for salvation and deliverance. Despite the many times that Israel has disobeyed and rejected God, God has been faithful. The example of Elijah being sent back is a consistent example of God reproaching. God has continued to keep and maintain a remnant of believers within Israel all along. It is the remnant that receives His grace. Those who choose God’s grace find their desire. Those who choose to pursue their own way do not find their desire in God. Paul explained it this way.

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. What then? That which Israel is seeking for, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; just as it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, down to this very day." And David says, "Let their table become a snare and a trap, and a stumbling block and a retribution to them. Let their eyes be darkened to see not, and bend their backs forever."

Romans 11:6-10

Paul cites King David. David was addressing those who have made themselves to be contrary to God, to be enemies. It is not just a simple choice to believe or not to believe. To believe is to receive life; to not believe is death. Not everyone, especially those outside of the faith like the results. Therefore, enemies rise up to dispute God’s results.

But what about the rejection of the Messiah? Isn’t that the ultimate rejection of His salvation and deliverance. Shouldn’t God go ahead and finish them off because of that one? Paul answers.

I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Now if their transgression be riches for the world and their failure be riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!

Romans 11:11-12

God’s ways are above our ways. He is able to take dust and make a living soul. He is able to turn rejection of some into the salvation of many others. While the Gospel is being taken to the House of Israel (who disobeyed and were kicked out of the land) scattered among the nations, many have come to know the riches of the kingdom. Paul is at the forefront of God’s great plan and he knows it. Maybe that is why he speaks admirably of his office and ministry.

But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them. For if their rejection be the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? And if the first piece of dough be holy, the lump is also; and if the root be holy, the branches are too.

Romans 11:13-16

Paul knows that the greatest Messianic prophecy is still yet to be fulfilled. The Messiah will gather the scattered of Israel and bring them back to the land. He knows that the first lump of dough and the root of the tree are crucial to good results. Therefore, he sees his ministry as being that first element of the Gospel going into the nations.

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you.

Romans 11:17-21

The prophet Jeremiah likened all of Israel, both houses, as broken branches from a great olive tree. Paul knew that the grafting-in process was by faith not by works. He also knew that both native and wild would be in this process: the remnant of Israel and God fearing Gentiles. He exhorts the Gentiles who are joining the remnant to not see themselves as separate from Israel, to see the tree of God’s gracious choice.

Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more shall these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?

Romans 11:22-24

To this day, many Gentile believers don’t see the tree they have been grafted into. Their teachers have told them that God rejected Israel and established a new institution that replaces Israel. This is the teaching of the church today. Maybe this is the reason why the average churchman cannot understand what Paul says next. It truly is a mystery to them.

For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in; and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob. And this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins." From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God's choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, in order that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. For God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all.

Romans 11:25-32

"Thus all Israel will be saved." Churchmen want to say that this is true but they can’t reconcile their replacement theology with Paul’s teaching. It remains a mystery to them.

Paul’s mystery here is the greatest Messianic prophecy yet to be fulfilled. Rabbinical Jews know about this teaching and prophecy. They claim to have rejected the messiahship of Yeshua because He didn’t do it yet, but the fact is Jews like everyone else reject Yeshua because of unbelief. The Deliverer will come from Zion is about the grafting in (the gathering of the scattered). It is about the greater Exodus (one that is much greater than Egypt). It is about how God will save more people in one generation than the church has done in nearly 2,000 years. It is about how God will save a people that everyone gave up on – the House of Israel. Here is the ironic part. Most of the believers I have met don’t have a clue of this happening. Church scholars don’t understand it. They know there is a time of the Gentiles to be fulfilled and then the Lord returns. But what it actually means is beyond them. Maybe this is why Paul summarizes the whole thing this way.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:33-36

I find it utterly fascinating – an irony of sorts – for my Christian friends who struggle with Romans nine, ten, and eleven to not pursue a full understanding of it. They quote verses from these chapters but they don’t understand the message being shared. For them the world is simply divided into Jews and Gentiles with the Gentle Christian church being in charge of the Universe. Remember the Jews rejected the Messiah. But then in this generation, a bunch of Jewish believers has emerged and no longer is the statement that Jews don’t believe in the Messiah unchallenged. But it has gotten worse than that. Some Messianic Jews like their elevated status in the Gentile Christian Church and have offered themselves as bridges to span the divide between the Church and Israel. But these Messianic Jews are not the only ones representing remnant Israel. It turns out there are more from the House of Ephraim returning to the faith than from the House of Judah. This is embarrassing to many of my Messianic Jewish brethren. Remnant Israel is much bigger than some Messianic Jews. The God of Israel is fulfilling His good word of raising up a people who are not His people and bestowing upon them the honor of being the "Sons of the Living God." He is bringing back the House of Ephraim and Gentiles as well. It turns out God’s choice is based on the things of the heart, not physical lineage. Whoever has the heart to live with Him in His kingdom is free to come, regardless of their ethnicity or status.

Can you believe that? God was working with a remnant all along and He is going to bring the remnant of Israel and those who want to join them. Paul has a specific message to all who are part of that remnant.

I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Romans 12:1

I offer my own exhortation. Learn about our fathers from Moses and the Prophets. Discover God’s faithfulness to them and us throughout the many generations. Find out how God has purposed in our days to bring us all back from our scattered locations. Despite all of the diversions and those objecting, learn how to draw near to the Lord by believing Him with your whole heart. It will be the difference in the end.

YAVOH, He is Coming is a monthly newsletter published as an outreach ministry of Lion and Lamb Ministries
The ministry is a non-profit organization with an end time prophetic message in a Messianic Jewish context.
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Editor - Monte Judah
Electronic Editor - Ephraim Judah

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