Five Things I Learned from Romans 11: If it is not by Grace, it Cannot be Through Faith.

Five Things I Learned from Romans 11: If it is not by Grace, it Cannot be Through Faith.

We can learn a lot from simply reading the Bible; by reading it we can know that we are saved by grace. Romans 11 tells us the story of how we can walk in grace. Our faith then directs how we live. Here are Five Things About Faith in Action that I Learned from Romans 11.

One: 5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. Romans 11:5-6

Paul starts this chapter by talking about how he, a Jew born under the law, raised according to the law, and living by the law, was now saved by grace. And like in the day of Elijah, (verses 2 through 4) it appears that none of the people followed God. God responded to Elijah that there were those who stayed true to God-then as now. Today it is by grace just as it was in the days of Elijah and Paul.

Two: 13 But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? Romans 11:13-15

At that time, and it is true today, there was a controversy between those born as Jews and those born as Gentiles. Paul, however, has not rejected his people. He still wants them to know the gospel and accept Jesus as the Messiah. More importantly, God has not rejected them. Jesus-born a Jew-is the Messiah of all people.

Three: 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. Romans 11:17-18

We must remember on what we stand. The entire history of the Jewish people is our foundation. The creation of the world, the choosing of Abraham and his descendants, the creation and then destruction of the nation of Israel, all have lessons that we must learn from; we cannot ignore our history. The simple story of how Abraham was called out of the world he lived in to a new place with a God created destiny should inspire us to follow God with our whole heart.

Four: 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Romans 11:20-21

Paul completes the story he began in verse 1. Those who rejected God in unbelief will be judged, whether they are Jew or Gentile. We are all saved by grace, through faith. Not by what we were born as or what we accomplished. God chose us and called us, and we must respond. Salvation comes from God, it is up to us to respond-even if we do so imperfectly. God will perfect our faith if we turn to Him and follow Him (Mark 9:24, Hebrews 12:2).

Five: 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? 35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? 36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36

The nature of the grace of God is revealed here. God’s grace is shown to be all sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) for us to know and understand Him, even though His judgements and wisdom are beyond our reach. We dare not tell God what to do, but we must recognize that His grace towards us changes us when we respond to Him in faith. We cannot pay Him back, but we can follow and obey Him. Since “…from Him and through Him and to Him are all things…” we must respond to His grace. Because if it is not by grace, it cannot be through faith. When we submit ourselves to His will we glorify Him (Ephesians 1:3-6).

The day we live in is one full of anger and hate. Much of this is directed towards Israel and the Jews (even those Jews who do not live in Israel). We cannot walk in that, but rather we must understand their place, and ours, in the history recorded in the bible. We must understand how God has used them and us to reach the entire world with the Good News of the love and salvation of Jesus.

This is not an in-depth study of Romans 11, but it is what I learned about the history of all people who follow Jesus. We are given the choice by God, what we do with that choice changes our lives-and those we meet. And that is good news!