What role does "the Deliverer" play in the salvation of Israel? Setting the Context: Romans 11 and Israel’s Future • Romans 11 sketches God’s plan: a partial hardening on Israel “until the full number of Gentiles has come in” (v. 25). • After that threshold, “all Israel will be saved” (v. 26), not symbolically but nationally, as foretold. • Paul quotes Isaiah 59:20–21, anchoring the promise in earlier revelation. Who Is “the Deliverer”? • The quoted title points directly to Jesus the Messiah. – Isaiah 59:20: “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression.” – Acts 13:23: “From the offspring of this man, God has brought Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised.” – Matthew 1:21: “He will save His people from their sins.” • His first coming secured the atonement; His future appearing brings national restoration. His Mission: Removing Ungodliness from Jacob • Romans 11:26: “He will remove godlessness from Jacob.” • Three facets of that removal: 1. Judicial—His once-for-all sacrifice paid Israel’s guilt (Hebrews 9:26). 2. Covenantal—Jeremiah 31:33-34 promises a new heart and total forgiveness. 3. Spiritual—Zechariah 12:10 foretells an outpouring of the Spirit leading to national repentance. Sequence of Events Leading to Israel’s Salvation 1. Present era: partial hardening; wide Gentile ingathering (Romans 11:25). 2. Fullness of Gentiles reached—God’s set threshold. 3. The Deliverer comes “from Zion” (a Jerusalem-centered return, cf. Zechariah 14:4). 4. Israel beholds Him “whom they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10) and turns in faith. 5. God “takes away their sins” (Romans 11:27), completing the New Covenant promise. Fulfillment of Unconditional Covenants • Abrahamic—land, nation, blessing (Genesis 17:7-8). • Davidic—eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:16; Luke 1:32-33). • New Covenant—internal law, universal knowledge of God (Jeremiah 31:33-34). • The Deliverer personally guarantees each covenant by His presence and power. Why This Matters for Believers Today • God’s faithfulness to Israel certifies His faithfulness to us (Romans 11:29). • The gospel remains “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first” (Romans 1:16). • Pray for and share Christ with Jewish friends, knowing a nationwide turning is coming. • Stand in awe: the same Deliverer who saved you is coming back to finish what He promised—removing ungodliness and ushering in righteousness for Israel and the world. |
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