Why did salvation come to the Gentiles through Israel's fall?
Israel fell when they crucified their Messiah and rejected His offer of the King and Kingdom. Through that fall—their rejecting the Old Testament covenant promises—salvation came to the Gentiles. Their stumbling did not mean Israel was completely out of God’s program; rather, their rejection brought salvation to the Gentiles.
Les explains that Romans 11 asks whether Israel stumbled so as to fall completely out of God's program. His answer is no; Israel's fall occurred at the crucifixion, when they rejected their Messiah and His offer of the King and Kingdom. Through that rejection of the Old Testament covenant promises, salvation came to the Gentiles. Les then directs listeners to Galatians chapter 3 to study this further, emphasizing the need to study, not just read.
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
More Questions
How did Israel's rejection bring salvation to the Gentiles?
Israel's fall, namely their rejection of all these promises, resulted in salvation coming to the Gentiles.