December 21, 2008

Israel Has Not Stumbled So Far that They May Not Be Saved

“I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation [has come] to the Gentiles. Now if their fall [is] riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if by any means I may provoke to jealousy [those who are] my flesh and save some of them. For if their being cast away [is] the reconciling of the world, what [will] their acceptance [be] but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit [is] holy, the lump [is] also [holy]; and if the root [is] holy, so [are] the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, [remember that] you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in." Well [said]. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in [His] goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who [are] natural [branches], be grafted into their own olive tree?” (Romans 11:11-24 NKJV)

It is possible that Paul elevated the Gentiles by what he had previously argued. God, Paul argued, had hardened the Jews according to His election. This might lead the Gentiles to think they were special because they took Israel’s place.

Therefore, Paul is careful to point out that their hardening was not to the point that no Israelite could ever be saved. In fact, while their fall was a blessing to the Gentiles, their salvation would be an even bigger blessing.

Indeed the natural branches were broken off because of unbelief. However, the Gentiles were grafted into a holy root, which is Christ or at least Christ as head of the Church. Paul warns them not to boast about this favored position because they stand there by faith. Just like the natural branches that were broken off in unbelief so too would they be if they if they wavered in unbelief.

Furthermore, Paul argues that even though the Jews have been broken off they can be grafted back in again if they will believe. Therefore, they did not fall to the point of no return because all stand by faith alone.

If you are a partaker of the root, it is by faith alone. God will not bless those who fall away. It is those who remain steadfast, those who endure to the end that realize salvation. Make sure that you live by faith in Christ. Amen.