What does Romans chapter 11 say about God and His covenant people?
Romans chapter 11 declares that God is not through with His covenant people. It shows His continuing covenant dealings, and even the apostle Paul identifies as a Jew, a son of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin, demonstrating that God’s covenant people remain in view.
Les explains that Romans chapter 11 is where we find God is not through with His covenant people. He points to the apostle Paul himself, noting that Paul is a Jew, a son of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. This follows the earlier lesson that Saul of Tarsus, once a raging bull and religious zealot who hated Jesus of Nazareth, became Paul, the great apostle who thrilled God’s heart as he suffered for the gospel. Through that one little Jew, Christianity swept across the Roman Empire. Les sees God already had Paul in mind back in Genesis, along with the prophecies concerning the Messiah, and Paul fits beautifully in a lesser role as a picture of Christ. Romans 11 therefore assures that God’s covenant people are still in His purpose.
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
More Questions
Does Romans 11 prove God is not finished with Israel?
Anyone who maintains that God is through with the Jew and that there is no more fulfilling of Old Testament promises would have to tear Romans 11 out of the Bible, because the chapter declares that God is not through with Israel and will yet fulfill all the promises made to Abraham.
Why does Paul compare himself to the whole nation of Israel in Romans 11?
Paul likens himself to the whole nation of Israel: he was born as a 'preemie,' that is, his conversion was a premature, early picture of what will happen to the nation.
How does Paul identify himself in Romans 11:1?
Paul proves God has not cast off Israel by pointing to himself as an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.