Secundum Electionem | Chosen by Grace

“So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace”  — Romans 11:5 (ESV) 

 

Photo by Daan Stevens from Pexels

Romans 11 comes after Romans 10 which describes the Israelites’ stubbornness to receive Christ as their way to Salvation. Although they had a zeal for God, they sought to establish their own way and did not submit themselves to the righteousness of God which Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Rom 10:2-4). They still held on to Moses’ teaching about the righteousness by law, that whoever does the law will live by it (Rom 10:5).

The Israelites were so hard to accept the grace of God in Christ. God said, ‘I have spread out My hands all day long to a disobedient and obstinate people.” (Rom 10:21). We meet people who have heard about Jesus’ love and sacrifice to save those who believe in Him but they just do not want to. They trust their own knowledge of how salvation should be obtained. They abandon the amazing Grace.

In Today’s passage, Paul shows us that although the Israelites were rebellious – killed God’s prophets, turned down His altars, and chased to kill Elijah, God still had the elect ones for Himself, the faithful ones whom he chose separately. These people did not bow down to worship Baal (v.3-4).

The same happens today, there is a remnant, chosen by grace (v.5). He spares a group of people who are loyal to Him. However, it’s interesting that these people are not chosen because of their work but simply because of God’s grace – His undeserved kindness (v.5, NLT). Israel was seeking the favor of God in their own way but they did not obtain it. God even hardened them so it would be difficult for them to see the Truth (v.7-8), until they realize and claim it for themselves (Rom 11:11).

Are you part of the chosen ones? Please be very careful with this privilege. It’s not because of us – do not boast, but also it gives an indescribable relief that He knows our weaknesses, still, He chooses us.  Let’s truly honor and exalt Jesus Christ who is the Only Way to Heaven. He’s the righteousness that God the Father means. Indeed, because of the Son, we are saved. To God be all the glory. Amen.

 

 

Reflection on Romans 11:1-10 by Desire Litaay 

(Listen to the Podcast here)