Israel in the End Times (Part 4)

TEXT: Romans 11:1-10 

Today, we are continuing our survey of Israel's role in the end times. As we talked about last week, although many Jews have rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah, God has in place a remnant even now who believe in His Son as their Lord and Savior. That is what Paul makes clear in Romans 11:1-10. He also makes clear that although it may seem as though God has abandoned His chosen people, He has a plan that He is working out for their good and for the good of the entire world. Part of that plan is taking place right now -- God is giving Gentiles like us the opportunity to become a part of His family by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. 
 
Today, we are going to continue working our way through Romans 11 and uncovering all that God has there in order that we might fully understand how God will go about fulfilling His promises to Israel in the end times. As Paul proceeds with his discussion about the remnant of Israel who believe on Christ, he writes: "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."
 
Notice, first, that the Jews who are saved are saved by grace just like us. The remnant of Jews who believe on Jesus, who have not stumbled because of unbelief, believe only due to the "election of grace." Leon Morris calls this "an important feature of the remnant." We see here that Jews even today fall under the category of being "chosen" by God -- that is the meaning of election. However, this election is not the same as it was when God chose the people of Israel over all the people of the Earth to enter into a covenant relationship with Him...