Romans 11:1–3: I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”?
“I am an Israelite!” states Paul, “and my salvation is proof that God is not through with Israel.” In 1 Tim. 1:16 Paul states that his conversion (told three times in Acts) was to be a pattern for other Jewish believers. Certainly it is not a pattern for the conversion of a Gentile today, for no lost sinner sees the glorified Christ, hears Him speak, and is blinded for three days! But Paul’s experience is a picture of the way Israel’s people will be converted at the coming of Christ in glory. 1
Application
- God died to save sinners from death. He wants to rescue you, not condemn you.
- God is always there for you. He will never cast you away, instead He draws you to Himself. He will do the same for Israel, during the tribulation.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your lovingkindness that saves me and keeps me.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.