Connecting the Remnant

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans is one of the most profound and theologically rich books in the New Testament, delving deeply into the nature of salvation, grace, faith, and God’s sovereign plan. Romans 9-11, in particular, addresses a challenging yet crucial topic: the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan.

Throughout these chapters, Paul explores the difficult questions surrounding Israel's unbelief, the inclusion of the Gentiles, and God’s ultimate plan for the salvation of both groups. While these passages are dense, they offer a powerful message of hope, unity, and God’s impartial mercy. Let's explore the key themes in these chapters and how Paul reassures both Jewish and Gentile believers about God's unfolding plan.

God’s Sovereignty and Israel’s Unbelief

In Romans 9, Paul addresses the troubling question of why many Jews had rejected Jesus as the Messiah, even though Israel was God’s chosen people. This question was particularly important for both Jewish and Gentile believers in the Roman church, and Paul’s explanation helps them understand how Israel’s rejection fits into God’s plan.

The Sovereignty of God in Election

Paul begins by emphasizing God’s sovereignty, illustrating how God has the right to choose whom He will show mercy. Using examples like God’s choice of Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau, Paul shows that God’s election is not based on human effort or lineage but on His divine will. This establishes that salvation is ultimately a matter of 

God’s grace, not human works.

The Stumbling Stone: Faith vs. Works

In the latter part of Romans 9 (verses 30-33), Paul contrasts the Gentiles' acceptance of salvation by faith with Israel's pursuit of righteousness through the law. He explains that Israel stumbled over Jesus, the “stumbling stone”, because they sought righteousness through works rather than faith. This set the stage for Paul’s discussion in the next chapter about the importance of faith over human effort in obtaining salvation.

In Romans 10, Paul re-emphasizes a central theme of his letter: salvation is attained through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. This message was crucial for the Jewish believers in Rome, many of whom were still struggling with the idea that their heritage and adherence to the law were not enough to secure righteousness.

Paul uses an analogy to highlight the futility of human effort in trying to attain salvation, comparing it to trying to bring Christ down from heaven or up from the grave. The point is clear: Christ has already done the work of salvation, and all that is required is faith in Him. Paul affirms that “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” (Romans 10:9).

Paul also underscores that salvation is available to everyone—Jew and Gentile alike—because “there is no difference between Jew and Gentile; the same Lord is Lord of all” (Romans 10:12). However, Paul acknowledges the sad reality that while the Gentiles had embraced the message of Christ, many Jews continued to resist it. This leads Paul to explain that God has not given up on Israel.

Romans 11 opens with a powerful declaration: “Did God reject his people? By no means!” (Romans 11:1). Paul wants to assure his readers—especially the Jewish believers in Rome—that God’s promises to Israel are still valid and that Israel’s rejection of Jesus is not the end of the story.

Paul explains that, just as in the time of Elijah, there is a remnant of faithful Jews who have been saved by grace. This remnant serves as proof that God has not abandoned Israel. While many Jews rejected Jesus, there is still hope for the nation’s future restoration.

One of the most powerful images in Romans 11 is the metaphor of the olive tree (verses 17-24). In this analogy, the natural branches represent Israel, and the wild branches represent the Gentiles. Paul explains that some of the natural branches were broken off due to unbelief, and the wild branches (Gentiles) were grafted in. However, both groups are sustained by the same root—God’s covenant promises.

Paul uses this metaphor to warn the Gentile believers against arrogance. They should not think of themselves as superior to the Jews because they have been grafted into the tree. Instead, Paul reminds them that they are supported by the root (God’s promises to Israel), and they should remain humble. He also holds out hope that Israel, the natural branches, will be grafted back in if they turn back to God in faith.

In verses 25-32, Paul unveils a profound mystery: Israel’s hardening is temporary, and once the full number of Gentiles has come to faith, “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26). Paul explains that God’s plan was to use Israel’s disobedience to bring salvation to the Gentiles, and in turn, the mercy shown to the Gentiles will provoke Israel to return to God.

This message underscores God’s impartiality and His desire to show mercy to all people—Jews and Gentiles alike. Paul emphasizes that God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), meaning that His promises to Israel will still be fulfilled.

Paul concludes this section with a hymn of praise, marveling at the depth of God’s wisdom and the mystery of His plan. He acknowledges that God’s ways are beyond human comprehension: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33).

Romans 9-11 offers profound insights into God’s redemptive plan for both Jews and Gentiles. God has not abandoned Israel, and though there is currently a hardening among many Jews, the door remains open for their restoration. At the same time, Gentile believers are warned against arrogance and reminded that they are beneficiaries of God’s grace, not because of their own merit but because of Israel’s unbelief.

The message of these chapters is one of hope, unity, and mercy. God’s plan is inclusive—it encompasses both Jews and Gentiles—and He remains faithful to His promises. Ultimately, Paul’s teaching reminds us that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and that all believers, whether natural or wild branches, are sustained by the same root: God’s covenant faithfulness.

In this beautiful vision, Paul encourages both Jewish and Gentile believers to live in humility, unity, and reliance on God's wisdom and mercy as His redemptive plan unfolds.