How does Romans 11:5 illustrate God's grace in choosing a faithful remnant? Setting the stage: Israel’s story and ours - Paul writes Romans 9–11 to explain how God’s promises to Israel remain intact even when many Israelites have not accepted Christ. - Rather than abandon His people, God keeps a believing minority—just as He preserved a remnant in Elijah’s day (1 Kings 19:18). The key verse “So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.” (Romans 11:5) Grace: the unearned foundation - “Chosen by grace” means God’s selection rests entirely on His favor, not on human merit (Romans 11:6). - Salvation has always been “by grace… through faith” and “not from yourselves” (Ephesians 2:8–9). - Grace excludes boasting. The remnant can only point to God’s kindness for their standing with Him. Chosen by grace: the remnant principle across Scripture - 1 Kings 19:18—In Elijah’s crisis, God preserved 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal. The remnant was God’s doing, not Elijah’s efforts. - Isaiah 10:20–22—A remnant returns, “a remnant of Jacob to the Mighty God,” showing God’s faithfulness amid judgment. - Romans 9:15–16—“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy… it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” - Titus 3:5—“He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” These passages weave a consistent theme: God sovereignly preserves a faithful group to display His mercy and uphold His promises. Why the remnant matters today - Proof of God’s covenant faithfulness—If God keeps Israel’s remnant, He will also keep every promise to the church (Romans 11:29). - Assurance for believers—Our security rests on the same grace that preserved the remnant (Romans 8:30). - Encouragement in times of decline—Even when society seems hostile to the gospel, God is quietly sustaining true believers. - Call to humility—Knowing we stand by grace alone guards us from pride (Romans 11:18, 20). Living in the light of grace - Celebrate God’s mercy: Worship flows naturally when we grasp that our inclusion is undeserved. - Stand firm in faithfulness: The remnant’s example urges us to remain loyal even if the majority turns away. - Proclaim hope: If grace can keep a remnant in the darkest times, it can reach anyone today. |
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