Text: Romans 9–11
In this sermon, we dive into one of the most profound and challenging portions of the Apostle Paul’s writings—Romans chapters 9 through 11. Paul wrestles with a question that cuts to the heart of Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people: Is all of ethnic Israel automatically saved because they are the offspring of Abraham? This question is not just historical or academic; it speaks to the very nature of God’s promise, His justice, and His plan of salvation.
Paul asks and answers this question, helping us understand the relationship between God’s sovereignty, Israel’s place in His redemptive plan, and what it means for us today as believers in Christ.
1. The Privileges of Israel (Romans 9:1-5)
Paul begins with an expression of deep sorrow for his fellow Israelites, his “kinsmen according to the flesh” (Romans 9:3). He recounts the many privileges that God gave to Israel:
- Adoption as God’s people
- The glory of God’s presence
- The covenants
- The giving of the law
- The temple worship
- The promises
- The patriarchs
Paul acknowledges that Israel had every reason to trust in God’s promises, yet despite these blessings, many of Paul’s fellow Jews rejected the Messiah. This brings us to the central question: Does being a descendant of Abraham guarantee salvation?
2. Not All Who Are Descended from Israel Belong to Israel (Romans 9:6-13)
Paul quickly answers this question with a resounding “No.” He writes, “For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel” (Romans 9:6). What does this mean? Paul is showing us that ethnic lineage alone does not determine one’s standing before God. While Israel is the physical nation chosen by God, there is a deeper, spiritual Israel—those who belong to God by faith.
He illustrates this with the example of Abraham’s two sons, Isaac and Ishmael. Though both were his biological offspring, only Isaac was the child of promise (Romans 9:7-9). God’s promise flows not through human effort but through divine election and faith.
This leads us to understand that being an ethnic descendant of Abraham is not sufficient for salvation; rather, salvation is about faith in God’s promise.
3. God’s Sovereignty in Election (Romans 9:14-24)
Paul anticipates the objection: “Is God unjust?” If not all of Israel is saved, does that mean God has failed or that He is unfair? Paul’s response is that God’s ways are higher than ours. God is sovereign in His election, choosing Jacob over Esau before they were born, not because of their works but because of His purpose (Romans 9:10-13).
God’s mercy is not owed to anyone. In fact, Paul reminds us that God said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy” (Romans 9:15). The salvation of any person—Jew or Gentile—is the result of God’s grace, not human merit or ethnic privilege.
This doesn’t mean that God is arbitrary. Rather, it shows that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, and no one can claim entitlement to it, whether Jew or Gentile. God’s plan always included the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles, and He is free to extend His mercy to whomever He wills.
4. The Stumbling Stone: Christ (Romans 9:30-10:4)
Paul explains that Israel pursued righteousness through the law, trying to attain it by works rather than by faith. Because of this, many stumbled over Christ, the “stumbling stone” (Romans 9:32-33).
Christ became the dividing line between those who would be saved and those who would not. It was not ethnic identity that mattered but faith in Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
Paul goes on to explain in Romans 10 that righteousness and salvation come through confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection (Romans 10:9-10). Whether Jew or Gentile, the way to salvation is the same—it is by faith in Jesus Christ.
5. Has God Rejected His People? (Romans 11:1-6)
At this point, you might be asking: Has God abandoned Israel? If many Jews rejected Christ, does that mean God has rejected them as a people?
Paul answers emphatically, “By no means!” (Romans 11:1). He himself is an Israelite and a follower of Christ. God has not rejected His people, but there is a remnant—a faithful few who have believed in Christ. This remnant is evidence of God’s continued faithfulness to Israel.
But the hardening of Israel has a purpose. It has opened the door for Gentiles to be grafted into the family of God (Romans 11:17-24). However, Paul warns Gentile believers not to become arrogant. The natural branches—Israel—can still be grafted back in if they do not persist in unbelief.
6. The Mystery of God’s Plan: All Israel Will Be Saved (Romans 11:25-32)
Finally, Paul reveals the mystery of God’s plan: “All Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26). What does this mean?
Paul is speaking here of a future restoration. God is not finished with Israel. The hardening of Israel is partial and temporary, allowing time for Gentiles to come to faith. But in the end, there will be a great turning of the Jewish people to Christ.
This doesn’t mean that every individual Jew will be saved automatically because of their ethnicity. Rather, it points to a future time when a significant number of Jews will turn to Christ in faith.
God’s covenant promises to Israel will be fulfilled, but they are fulfilled in Christ, and both Jew and Gentile alike are saved by faith in Him.
Conclusion
So, is all of ethnic Israel automatically saved because they are the offspring of Abraham? The answer, according to Paul, is no. Salvation does not come through ethnic identity or works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. God’s promises to Israel remain, but they are fulfilled in a way that opens the door for all people—Jew and Gentile—to come to Him through faith.
This reminds us of the incredible mercy and grace of God. None of us is entitled to salvation. It is a gift that comes through Jesus Christ, available to all who will call on His name. Let us rejoice in the mystery of God’s plan, marvel at His mercy, and remember that our standing before Him is based not on our heritage, but on faith in His Son.
Amen.
