Overview of Romans 11: Israel's Fall, the Gentile's Salvation, and God's Glorious Ways

In overview, Romans 11 is all about three things: the fall of Israel, the salvation of the Gentiles, and the glorious ways of God.

Firstly, we learn about the fall of Israel. In his own sovereignty, God has hardened the hearts of his Jewish people in order that he might bring about a bigger plan than Israel's salvation. However, God has not rejected his people, because there remains a remnant, just like in the Old Testament, that will carry on the salvation of the Israelite people. Nevertheless, Israel has still fallen, and they will not return to salvation until the second coming of the Lord.

Secondly, we learn about the purpose of Israel's fall, that is, Gentile salvation. Because the Jews have fallen off the original root, the Gentiles can now be grafted in in their place. Without the fall of Israel, the Gentiles would not have the opportunity of salvation. Thus, the fall of Israel was in God's own plan. He ordained it, and therefore it came to pass, that salvation might be to both Jew and Gentile.

Lastly, we get a small glimpse in Romans 11 of how much God truly ought to be praised. Paul, after considering much of the great knowledge of God and his wondrous plans to bring salvation to all people, does not know what to do other than to shout words of praise. "Oh, the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God," he exclaims, "how unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" Paul has truly been awestruck by not only the doctrines given in Romans 11, but all of the doctrines given in Romans 1-11.

Thus, we ought to be in awestruck praise as well as we consider these things. For God has considered the total depravity of man and offered them total salvation if they simply call upon his name. What a more beautiful thing can we praise him for? Of what other great work of his can we sing? Surely we ought to be awestruck by God's knowledge and his ways. Praise the Lord, amen.