The God Who Will Save His People l Voddie Baucham

TL;DR

God will save a significant number of ethnic Jews at the end.

Transcript

well we have almost made it to the crescendo here at the end of this section of Romans Romans chapters 9 through 11 dealing with God's faithfulness to his people God saving his people we started in Romans chapter 9. with Paul's great anguish over the condition of his people he assured us however that it is not as though the word of ... Read More

Key Insights

• Paul discusses God's faithfulness to ethnic Israel, emphasizing that God's word has not and will not fail, and salvation is not promised to every ethnic descendant of Abraham.
• Romans 10 outlines the mechanism of salvation through hearing God's word, responding in repentance and faith, highlighting the importance of the gospel message.
• In Romans 11, Paul introduces the mystery of a partial hardening of Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, leading to all Israel being saved.
• The term 'all Israel' refers to a significant number of ethnic Jews who will come to faith at the end of the age, not every ethnic Jew throughout history.
• Salvation is consistent for both Jews and Gentiles, requiring faith in Jesus Christ, and there is no separate way of salvation for the Jews.
• Paul emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation, illustrating that God is in control and exercises His will, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises.
• The Providence of God is evident in salvation history, where Gentiles are brought into the fold during a period when Israel is largely disobedient.
• Paul concludes with a doxology, praising God for His wisdom and the fulfillment of His promises, even if not witnessed in his lifetime.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the central theme of Romans chapters 9 through 11?

The central theme of Romans chapters 9 through 11 is God's faithfulness to His people, particularly ethnic Israel. Paul addresses the question of whether God's promises to Israel have failed, asserting that God's word has not failed and explaining how salvation is not based on ethnic lineage but on faith in Jesus Christ.

Q: How does Paul describe the mechanism of salvation in Romans 10?

In Romans 10, Paul describes the mechanism of salvation as coming through hearing the word of God, responding to the gospel in repentance and faith. He emphasizes that salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of ethnic background, and that it requires confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection.

Q: What is the 'mystery' Paul refers to in Romans 11?

The 'mystery' Paul refers to in Romans 11 is the partial hardening of Israel, which will last until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. This hardening is not complete or permanent, and it serves a purpose in God's plan, ultimately leading to the salvation of all Israel, meaning a significant number of ethnic Jews at the end of the age.

Q: What does Paul mean by 'all Israel will be saved'?

When Paul says 'all Israel will be saved,' he refers to a significant number of ethnic Jews who will come to faith in Jesus Christ at the end of the age. This does not mean every ethnic Jew throughout history will be saved, but rather that there will be a notable end-gathering of Jews into the faith, fulfilling God's promises.

Q: How does Paul address the idea of two ways of salvation for Jews and Gentiles?

Paul rejects the idea of two ways of salvation for Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ for both groups. He argues against the notion that ethnic Jews could be saved by a separate covenant or by virtue of their ethnicity, affirming the consistent requirement of faith in Christ for salvation.

Q: What role does the sovereignty of God play in Paul's message?

The sovereignty of God is central to Paul's message, as he illustrates that God is in control of salvation history and exercises His will to fulfill His promises. God's sovereignty ensures that His plans for Israel and the Gentiles are carried out, and that salvation is accomplished according to His purposes and timing.

Q: How does Paul view the current state of ethnic Israel?

Paul views the current state of ethnic Israel as being largely disobedient and hardened, which has allowed Gentiles to be brought into the fold. However, he emphasizes that this is part of God's providential plan, and that Israel remains beloved for the sake of their forefathers, with a future promise of a significant number of them coming to faith.

Q: What is the significance of the doxology at the end of Romans 11?

The doxology at the end of Romans 11 signifies Paul's praise for God's wisdom, knowledge, and unsearchable judgments. It reflects his confidence in God's promises and the fulfillment of His plan for salvation history, even if not realized in his lifetime. Paul exalts God's sovereignty and the assurance that all things are from, through, and to Him.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Paul's discussion in Romans 9-11 centers on God's faithfulness to ethnic Israel, emphasizing that God's promises have not failed. Salvation is not guaranteed for every ethnic descendant of Abraham, but rather through faith in Jesus Christ.

• The mystery of Israel's partial hardening is revealed in Romans 11, where Paul explains that a significant number of ethnic Jews will come to faith at the end of the age, fulfilling God's promises and demonstrating His sovereignty.

• Paul's sermon concludes with a doxology, praising God's unsearchable wisdom and His plan for salvation history. The message underscores the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for both Jews and Gentiles, highlighting God's providence in bringing about His purposes.