What is God’s ultimate purpose for Israel, and how do the scriptures cited confirm that purpose? Answer: God’s ultimate purpose is the salvation of His nation.
Consider the plan of God as revealed in chapters 9-11. By what successive steps has God acted, and will he still act, to bring about the results stated in verse 32? Does the argument of these chapters lead you as naturally as it led Paul to the doxology of verses 33-36? Answer: God started out from the beginning making all who are justified, justified through faith. Chapters 9-11 I think first show how God is sovereign through all that He does. Chapter 9 starts out by Paul stating that it is by faith not by works that one is part of Israel. Not all who are Israel through blood line are really Israel. He shows this through the example of Jacob and Esau, both children of Rebekah and Isaac. Showing that it is God’s mercy and sovereign choice, not man’s deeds. Paul then describes how the “remnant” of Israel will be saved, and how Gentiles (who should control the pride) will be “grafted in.” Then discussion of how Israel’s heart will be unhardened and “all Israel will be saved” What all means here is up for debate. My conclusion from my reading is that all refers to all those chosen. However, none are released from sin without first believing and having faith in Christ. I may not write a doxology just as Paul has here, but I do praise God everyday for His love, mercy, and sending His son do die for our sins.
No comments:
Post a Comment