What is the meaning of Romans 11:5? In the same way Paul has just reminded his readers of Elijah’s day, when it seemed that faithful Israel had vanished, yet God preserved seven thousand who refused to bow to Baal (1 Kings 19:18; Romans 11:2-4). • That historical example sets the pattern: when national apostasy appears total, God still keeps His promise. • The phrase ties the experience of Elijah to Paul’s own generation—and to every age—showing God’s consistency (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). • It assures believers that God’s covenant purposes never fail, even when circumstances suggest otherwise (Romans 3:3-4). At the present time Paul brings the lesson into the “now.” In his day, many Jews rejected Christ, yet God was still saving a core of Jewish believers. • “Present time” underscores that God’s saving activity is continuous, not confined to the past (2 Corinthians 6:2). • It also hints forward: every generation can look around and find living evidence of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 33:11). • The church should expect God to be actively calling people—both Jew and Gentile—today (Acts 15:14). There is a remnant The word highlights a smaller group within a larger nation. • Isaiah had prophesied, “Though the Israelites are as numerous as the sand of the sea, only a remnant will be saved” (Isaiah 10:22; Romans 9:27). • God’s plan often works through a faithful minority: Noah’s family (Genesis 6-8), Gideon’s three hundred (Judges 7), the early Jerusalem church (Acts 1-2). • The existence of a remnant disproves the idea that God has abandoned His people (Jeremiah 31:35-37). Chosen by grace Paul anchors the remnant’s existence in God’s unmerited favor. • Salvation is never earned; it is “by grace… through faith… not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). • God’s choice preceded human response (Romans 9:11, 16), yet His grace invites personal faith (Romans 10:9-13). • If grace is the basis, boasting is excluded (1 Corinthians 1:26-31); gratitude and humble service are the fitting responses (Titus 3:5-8). • This phrase sets up the next verse: “And if it is by grace, it is no longer by works” (Romans 11:6), underscoring the absolute sufficiency of grace. Summary Romans 11:5 assures readers that, just as in Elijah’s day, God continues to preserve a faithful remnant “at the present time.” This remnant exists not because of human merit but because of God’s sovereign, unearned grace. The verse calls believers to trust God’s unfailing promises, recognize His ongoing work, and respond with humble gratitude for the grace that saves and sustains. |
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