The Remnant of Israel
11:1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8 as it is written,
“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes that would not see
and ears that would not hear,
down to this very day.”
9 And David says,
“Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them;
10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,
and bend their backs forever.”
Gentiles Grafted In
11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!
13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.
The Mystery of Israel’s Salvation
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,
“The Deliverer will come from Zion,
he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;
27 “and this will be my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”
28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (ESV)
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Amen is right!!!
Who CAN understand God??
No one!
His power and might is so awesome… it’s unfathomable to all!
I tried to think about God and how He could possibly do all the things He does, and I got a headache.
We just can’t even begin to picture how amazing and how great our God is.
No one taught Him how to be God, He just knew!
All we can do is fear Him and praise His holy name!
How great is our God!!
He will reign forever!
I could go on forever about how amazing God is! I just can’t stop praising Him!! :D
Ah this passage is just so amazing!!
I LOVE ROMANS! :D
you said it Michaela! :D
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
Romans really seems to pound the fact that you are completely powerless in regards to your Salvaton. There is NOTHING you can do to save yourself. In this verse, it basically says, if you WERE able to save yourself, there’d be no need for Christ’s Sacrifice, God’s Grace. Remember, cause I know I will, when you think you’re Super Christian and you’re so amazing, Humble yourself. For without God you are NOTHING! Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, because he had too. And through that sacrifice is our ONLY means of Salvation. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Nicely said APA2010!
Now BECAUSE He has saved us by grace alone – let’s get doing what He says and tell someone! Easter at the Bren – invite someone! Invite EVERYONE!
ELLO… I read
I like verse 33,”Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”
I like this verse because it talks about GOD being all powerful and all knowing. No one can match up to HIM or even come close to being like HIM. GOD is so perfect that HE can’t even be near sin. Those who sin can’t be near HIM. Since HE is so loving HE gave HIS SON so I can get something I don’t deserve which is HEAVEN instead of something I deserve which is HELL. I need to preach this wherever I go because I want as many ppl as possible to go to HEAVEN instead of HELL.
CYA
RIGHTEOUS!
hey looks like you were up late….huh?
Ro 11:5-6 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
Excellent post Austin! And preach Tanner, PREACH! Let’s all do what these guys are saying!
22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.
This verse stood out to me me because it highlights the truth that God is kind and severe at the same time. So many people do not have a Biblical view of God because they say things like, “I don’t believe a loving God would send people to hell.” What they do not understand is that while God is loving and kind, He is also a just judge that must severely punish sin. Romans 11:22 is a good reminder that we should acknowledge God’s kindness toward us in saving us, but that we must never get lazy in our faith and assume that God’s kindness will carry us through to heaven. This verse is clear that we must “continue in His kindness,” or persevere in our faith and live a life of obedience or we will be “cut off,” sent to hell. Today I am praising God for the kindness He showed me in opening the eyes of my heart to the truth of His Word and leading me to repentance and faith. I am also asking God that He would do the same to those I know who are lost, so that they might be recipients of His kindness and not have to experience His severity on Judgement Day.
Beth Lauder, awesome comment!
Amazing comment Beth! (: So true!!!
32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
These verses have really helped me out a lot. I try to understand things like election and free will and all those other controversial nuances, but Paul tells us the the Lord’s ways are inscrutable -impossible to understand. The power of our God is amazing. No matter how hard we try to be wise, we will never be able to understand all His ways and His workings. Christians should praise him, skeptics are the ones who question him.
22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.
This verse shows that God is a loving God but he is a just God as well. God is just and punishes those who do not believe. But he is kind to the Gentiles because he has allowed us to have a share of the redemption as well. Thank God that all the world was blessed through Abraham! I’m so thankful that salvation was not meant just for the Israelites but for the whole world as well!
35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
In a rhetorical question, Paul is saying that no one has ever given anything to God that he should be payed back. And he adds to this that from him, though him, and to him, are all things. He directs toward God all the glory forever and ever. I really like the way that Matt Redman puts in it his song “Breathing the Breath”:
“We have nothing to give that didn’t first come from your hands. We have nothing to offer you which you did not provide. Every good perfect gift comes from your kind and gracious heart. And all we do is give back to you what always has been yours”.
There is nothing that I have ever done toward God that is in any way slightly deserving of me getting something for God as payment back in return. Anything that I could try to offer God is only something which he has given me. In a way, it’s similar to parents and their baby. The material things which the baby has are only in his possession because the parents gave it to him. And the baby giving the toy dinosaur or the bottle of baby food or the little rattle back to the parents wouldn’t be of much to the parents. It isn’t anything deserving of repayment, for it belonged to the parents in the very first place, yet they had given it to the baby. And with God, this increases all the more. And so nothing I could ever think of that I could possibly give to God would be worthy of God paying something back to me, for it is only by Him that I would have the thing that I would be trying to give to him.
I need to acknowledge that everything I have, I only have because of God. And more than just acknowledging, I need to praise God for all that he has blessed me with. And though there is nothing that I can give him that he did not provide for me first, nothing worthy or repayment, I can still offer up to him my life as a living sacrifice. Though in sin I lived in death, God rescued me and brought me into life. Now, what more could be better for me to do that give my life back to him by living a life fully on fire for him!!!
30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.
To me this verse shows how merciful god is even to the disobediant. It makes me realize more and more how powerful and loving God is towards his people. Espeshilly since we totally do not deserve it.
I also think that its easier for people to forgive others when they have been forgiven because like it says above “they tooo have now been disovedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy”
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
I like this verse because it reminds me of the riches of all of wisdom and knowledge! He is God and as a human trying to figure this out used to stress me out and cause division inside me. I used to be so confused with this predestination/ election and that was causing me to lose my focus off Jesus. But now I realize that there are some things I may never understand but I can trust on God to rely on these things because He is good and I am going to surrender it to Him and focus on Christ! I know that His ways and judgments are perfect!
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?
Mhmm this reminds me of when people think good works or being a good person will get them into heaven. NOO! There’s nothing they can do to top God. God sent His one and only son to be murdered for our sin. And when Jesus died it was finished. Now we are under His grace and mercy instead of working hard on our own to bring ourselves glory. But after we are saved, then the good works and fruit are produced to show proof of our salvation and of a renewed and changed life.
This was a verse that definatly stood out to me today.
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen
this verse is so true because of God we are alive today! Just thinking about that makes me so excited to want glorify God with my life. Because he is the one who gave me life.
Maranatha
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
The last verse of this chapter stood out to me because we need to give God the glory in all things that we do in our lives. For me i need to make sure that I am doing this because if I am giving the Lord the glory in everything tht I do, then my actions will be more refined and i will be kinder to all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
God is sooo amazing!! The entire earth should be at His feet! I love this verse because it is very comforting and makes me realize again how lucky and blessed I am to be able to know a God of this power. :) It also reminds me of one of my favorite songs, “O for a thousand tongues to sing, my great Redeemer’s praise, the honors of His name.” PRAISE BE TO GOD!!! :D <3
18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.
This chapter was really convicting and made me think about how I'm living for Him. Am I looking down on nonbelievers? How grateful am I every day that God chose me to take part in salvation and I'm not still blind? I should not be trying to take control of my own life but trusting in the "root that supports you."
I should never be scared or worried or arrogant. I need to trust in the Lord and obey Him with all my heart!!
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
God is sooo amazing!! The entire earth should be at His feet! I love this verse because it is very comforting and makes me realize again how lucky and blessed I am to be able to know a God of this power. :) It also reminds me of one of my favorite songs, “O for a thousand tongues to sing, my great Redeemer’s praise, the honors of His name.” PRAISE BE TO GOD!!! :D <3
18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.
This chapter was really convicting and made me think about how I'm living for Him. Am I looking down on nonbelievers? How grateful am I every day that God chose me to take part in salvation and I'm not still blind? I should not be trying to take control of my own life but trusting in the "root that supports you."
I should never be scared or worried or arrogant. I need to trust in the Lord and obey Him with all my heart!
uuhhm, i commented but it won’t show up so i don’t really know what happened…
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
This chapter made me want to praise God for everything he does! It made me realize once again how God is in total control of all things and it is indeed only by grace that we have been saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” I had nothing to do with my salvation. It was GOD that called me out of darkness and I need to remember that HE does all the saving. After salvation, the works come! Not to earn it, of course. But out of love and obedience! So so so so thankful for His Grace <3
I'm going to continue praying today that God saves more souls! Don't you want to see heaven filled with people praising our Creator?!
30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience,
All of our lives were once characterized by sin and that is all we wanted to live in, but because of God’s abundance of mercy, he saved us, and now we are set free from the Lord’s wrath. Does this mean that since we have God’s mercy we can go and sin and just ask for forgiveness, NO!! Paul asks this same question many times in Romans and always answers “By no means!” As Christians, we are called to pursue holiness and abstain from the passions of the flesh, and by sinning, we are intentionally breaking that law. I pray that God’s mercy would abound to all of us and that we would deny ourselves of every sinful passion we have, for God’s glory. Praise the Lord for his never ending MERCY!!!!
16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
I like these verses because they are explaining to me the body of Christ. If we are surrounded by Christians, of course that is a great thing, but if one or two or more falls away…we cannnot be prideful but have fear. God will not spare them, so if we fall away as well we will not be spared. HE will show his severity on us, not his kindness. these verses can be frightening tho some who have fallen away. I am encouraged with this verse knowing that being with HIM, we receive his kindness. and receiving Gods kindness is the best gift you can receive in the whole world. I LOVE receiving Gods kindness…because i mess up, all the time. and knowing that i can be forgiven is so comforting(: I love jesus christ!!
“from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” <3
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
God is truely amazing. He has delivered us everything we could ever need, including sending His one and ony Son to die for our sins and take the punishment only we deserved. I need to start glorifying Him in everything I do whether it is godly or not. Even like it says Paul did, through eating and drinking should I glorify Him. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful God.
32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
I love this verse because it gives us a little insight into God’s ultimate plan of self-glorification! God purposely let us ALL fall into sin so that he might save us all. If he saves us all, then all of us will give Him glory. He would get more glory by giving us over to disobedience then saving us than he would by just letting us stay good for eternity. As a product of this saving grace and his plan for self-glorification, I want to GLORIFY Him more through everything I do! I want to make it a habit to question myself when I am faced with a decision, “which will glorify God more?”. Im so excited for bring-your-parent-to-true-north weekend!
Totally was affected by this verse, TOO, Elise…
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
A great reminder about the end result of works based faith. So many people think they can get into Heaven through good works, or by “being a good person”. I’m so glad that Christ gave His life for me on the cross, because nobody is worthy of Heaven without His blood. Praise God for all that He has done for me!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
PRAISE BE TO THE GOD OF HEAVEN!! He is abundant in mercy, wisdom, and grace!! I can’t wait for that day when I see his face!! MARANATHA, TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! :D
Good and Godly morning everyone!!!
I very much liked verse 36 “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” AMEN! That is a great verse. Glory be to HIM forever!! HE is in all things good and HE has designed and handcrafted each and everyone of us. How amazing is that. I mean c’mon. how complex is our body and mind and HE designed it all for a specific purpose. Wow!!! That is all I can say. LORD, YOU are the creator and destroyer. YOU decide who is YOURS and who isn’t and yet we are all YOURS because YOU made us all. Thank you for every privilege and ability YOU have given me.
20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
What a great reminder that I need to fear the God that gives me life. Just as God cut off those that did not believe, God can cut me off anytime!!! How scary it would be if He did!! Buuuuut He has choosen me for a reason, which is to live my life out to glorify His name, and I need to live up to the task He calls me to do! It’s a great mission, a big battlefield, and I’m going in for the Lord! He is my armor that protects me and the only one who gives me the wisdom to. He gives me a fear that makes me WANT to do it! I know I would’ve never done it before I was a Christian, but God has shown me His awesome power and strength that can move mountains…God literally pulled me out of the pit of darkness, and brought me into the light. :) Praise His name! I shall remember to fear the Lord today as I think about how I am a branch, grafted into His holy tree.
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
More than anything, Paul wanted his fellow Israelites to be saved. And at the moment, it was clear that that wasn’t happening. But he trusted God, and did not lose faith that He had a plan for them. Though this plan was far from what Paul would have wanted, he did not complain or doubt, but instead resolved to make the most of the opportunities God gave him by witnessing to the Gentiles. Similarly, I may not always know why God has placed me in the situations that he has, and I may not know how everything is going to turn out. But I do know that He is faithful, and that His plan is the best. Therefore, I can take confidence in that and resolve to make the most of every opportunity He gives me along the way, living to bring Him glory and spread His Gospel.
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Ame
this is a good verse because it is true that nothting can happen with God. It is important to remember that.
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
I love this verse and how it shows that everything on earth He has made. That the only reason that we are here is because of him. It is just amazing to think that everything we see has been created by him and through him. I just thank Him for everything that He has given me in life. And as it says in the end of the verse that ” to him be glory forever”, and that is what we can give him, throught out our life, glory and praise. <3
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
I love this verse! It’s a great reminder of God’s compassion and ultimately His grace upon our lives….This verse tells us right here that God has chosen us by Grace and we can’t feel that we have to earn our salvation….God’s grace isn’t something we earn and isn’t something we pay back but we choose to do the right thing because we LOVE God! It’s really nice to look at your life and make sure your motives are right….why we are doing the things we do…..because we LOVE God…..or we feel like we are earning or trying to payback…
22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness.
One thing people ask why when I tell them about Jesus is that “if God really existed, then why is life so hard?” Throughout the book of Job, the Devil tested Job to see if he really is going to abandon his faith from God, but he didnt, and in the end God rewarded Job with more riches than when he started with. I need to stay strong so I can face God at judgement day and say, “I did what you wanted me too” and he can look at me with a proud smile!
22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.
Kinda makes me think about how we as people tend to grow numb and dronelike in a comatose tendency. We need to stay fresh and alive, and on FIRE in our faith. This chapter is very intense. My mind is goin’ nuts, reflecting on God, and how vast He is…and how deep His love is, that He uses ALL things to work out the salvation of those He loves and has mercy on.
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen
God should get all the glory! He deserves it all, and is perfect beyond all belief!!!! MARANATHA!!!! Without him, I am nothing!! I want to live my life in obedience to him! I pray that I will honor my parents and follow through with my actions and pleasing God!
20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.
This whole chapter was very interesting (not gonna lie a little confusing,) but I loved this verse! It completely tells you how you stand in the Lord! It is not by anything you do but ALL, I repeat, ALL GOD!!! Great reminder for the end of a day to really eat up a great meal of the Word!!
.:MARANATHA:.
35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
this verse really caught my eye in particular because it really humbles me. everything that i have is God’s. this has a huge impact on how i live. everything that God has given me is to be used for His glory. 2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us that we must all give an account to Christ on what we did with the blessings that He gave us. as Christians we all have gifts that we can use to glorify God. He has also blessed us with temporal things, so that we may show Him glory. this verse also says that i cannot give something to God, whether it be service or a tithe, and expect Him to give it back. my attitude when serving shouldn’t be trying to get things back, because after all it is God’s!
but we must always remember that these things are all God’s by grace, and that they are all His. i need to not think that anything that i have is earned, or that it is mine. in one sense it is, but in the ultimate sense it is God’s, and i’m “borrowing” it. i need to share and be gracious with everything that God has given me. i need to serve with the things that God has given me, as 1 Peter 4:7-11 says. i pray that i would really take this verse to heart and recognize that God is the giver, and i need to serve Him and glorify Him with what He has given me. i need to do this with the right motives, not seeking personal gain but seeking God Himself!
32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
This shows me how truely amazing God is in that the way he is forgiving to others. What I mean by that is how can a perfect and Holy God have mercy and love someone who identifies themselves as an atheist and/or an agnostic? Its hard for me to even turn the other cheek to people who are crudely sarcastic to me.. But for someone to “consign all disobedience [and] have mercy on all”..?(!) That will always be uncomprehendible to me but I appreciate God’s free gift of eternal life by means laying himself down on the cross for my sake. =]
31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
This verse is so great because it shows how awesome and holy GOD is. We need to remember that GOD does not need us, we are saved for his good pleasure. We need to remember that GOD has called us, so we should not be prideful but tremble in fear of the LORD’s power, and stand in awe of his mercy.
3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.
Wow God’s sovereignty is so cool! When Elijah was scared and thinking that he was all alone God tells him that in His sovereignty and faithfulness He had preserved a righteousness remnant in Israel! That is so encouraging to know that God in His amazing grace is preserving people that are pure followers of Him that are truly devoted to Him. It is going to be so cool in heaven to see believers from different cultures and nationalities that have the same faith in God like we do! It also comforts me to know that God is control over everything and is so much more powerful than anything and is on our side and loves us! Awesome!
29) For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.
This verse points out that Gods gift and word is so powerful it can’t be taken back or forgotten. Because of that fact it needs to be taken seriously and with much appreciation because for him to give someone something that can’t be taken back must be for good reason. I also like the comparison to a branch and a root. I believe it’s important to stay down to Earth as in ” rooted” with God and not to be full of yourself because you worship him but be filled with God and his word. If you try to branch out it’s like branching away and you may be cut
11:1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
God isn’t done with Isreal. His covenant is still void because God never beaks a promise. Jews and Gentiles alike have a chance to repent and put their faith in Christ. God has chosen Jews and Gentiles alike to be His children. And, those who bless Isreal are still blessed. Look at our nation. We are blessed in part that we are defenders of Isreal. Of course my response doesn’t match that of Paul’s. He says that it is by grace. Hallelujah.
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen
This is so true!! Everything is eithor for or through God, there is nothing that isnt done by God or something that he doesnt want!! Our God is so powerful and amazing!! And YES let ALL the glory be unto Him, He is the only one that deserves it!!!
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
God is awesome and controls all things!! He chose me and has saved me! I want to grow in him and be devoted to him!! God is all powerful and all knowing and he is percect!! I am going to keep pursuing holiness and obey him by reading his word and learning and diong what his word says.
22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.
This is a perfect example of God’s perfect balance between grace and truth. God does love everyone in that he sent his son to die for everyone, but this verse says he has full severity and judgement towards those who chose not to chose him. But God also demonstrates his perfect love for us…that he has sent his son to saver us and we can now spend eternal life with him! God is kind in the way that he gave us mercy, and we will no longer be punished eternally because our sins are paid for. As God was kind to me, I need to be kind to everyone around me. I really need to work on that with my school teachers.
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
The book of Romans really focuses on the fact that nothing we do changes us being saved!!! It is only through the great abundance of grace that our God blesses us with every day!!!! There is nothing we do enables us to enter into heaven!!! It is all God!!!! We are saved by the grace of God and nothing else!!!!!!!!!
MARANATHA!!!!!!!!!!!!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?
this verse just shows me that I cant know every thing about God and I just need to trust in him. He Is God and knows the best for me even if i think my time is better and he has a plan far better than my plan.
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
After 11 chapters of rich theology, what is the conclusion? To God be glory forever. Paul has made it so clear in this book that we can be justified by faith, NOT by works. Because we have done nothing to deserve our salvation, we deserve none of the glory. But because God has done everything, he gets ALL the glory.
I can’t wait for the day when in heaven we will look back on all that the Lord has done and say, “All glory, honor, power is yours, forever amen!” Maranatha!
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
This is kinda a dangerous thought to have- that were supposed to repay God, and I know that I once felt this way. Christ’s mercy is so amazing and when I look at myself I see that I completely don’t deserve it. I used to think that I now owe Christ and need to try and repay Him (not that I would ever be able to but just because I owed Him what i have). It might make sense at first because we feel bad because we don’t deserve the gift so we try to make up a little for God. But when I look at it a different way, I see that this is actually offensive to God because it makes us think that we in some little way can deserve God’s gift a little more or take away from how generous the gift was. I have learned that God not only didn’t save us because of the works we had do but He also didn’t save us because of any acts we could then do in the future. God doesn’t need us- He has all the power in the world. God’s grace is just an ultimate example of unconditional love and I can’t discredit it by thinking I can partly make up for it. I just need to realize how amazing and costly His grace was and live every day with a thanks and joy for what He has done for me.
“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.”
Feelin’ Meisha and Beth’s comments on this verse!
God is not only severe, or harsh, but loving as well! and thank GOD that there is love in Him, because if there hadn’t been, Jesus would have never came, and our after-life would not have been so lively.
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
This verse actually stood out to me the most. Being constantly surrounded by people with the beliefs in evolution and the big bang, its great to know that i have proof and faith in God! We did NOT just evolve from an exploding star or whatever; but God created us. In fact, there is not ONE thing on this earth or in the universe that He has not created! I think thats so amazing!!! Praise The Lord! :)
The end of verse twenty says to not be proud, but fear, or in my bible it says to “stand in awe.” I need this reminder. I want to constantly be standing in awe of God and to be putting to death any inclination of pride in my life. My awe, wonder, and fear of the Lord is based in who He is. He is holy, just, loving, all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign, and much more. I cannot wait until He returns!!
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (ESV)
Yes! I love this verse. All things that exist are because of him and through him. The Lord has done so many things and he reaches people in so many different ways and He uses people to get to others. The Lord is truly amazing ~ To him be glory forever. AMEN!!!
Honestly, i didnt really understand this chapter but i fell in love with the last four verses(:
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
God is truly indescribable! His ways and judgements are unsearchable and the depth of his knowledge, wisdom, and riches are incredible. I love verse 35!!!!! He has given us SO much and more than ANYONE deserves….but has anyone given a gift to Him that he might be repaid? NOBODY can repay Him for what he has done for us. His love extends so far and i wish that i could give Him something in return for what He has given me! All things are from Him and come through Him and all glory and honor should be to Him! I am excited to worship and praise the Lord for who He is and what He has done! I am going to proclaim His name and make it known because i love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, and mind! Praise be to Him<3
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
If our salvation was based on our good deeds, as many people believe so, Christ would not have had to come and die for our sins. It would therefore defeat the whole purpose of God needing to send his one and only son to save us, sinners. But we know that it is only by God’s good grace that we are saved (as Ephesians 2:8-9 says). When we realize the fact that we are absolutely nothing without God and are in dying need of his grace, that’s where salvation begins. The gift of grace that God has given us is so completely astounding and I am so thankful for it and for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice! I know that good works will come along with being a Christian, but they are definitely not what saves me!
32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
God has had a plan for our salvation since the beginning of time.It is through His grace and mercy that we are saved. When the Jews rejected Christ, He gave the Gentiles salvation. That’s us. Now we can spend an eternity with Him. I can’t wait!!!!!! It is so amazing to watch God’s plan continue to unfold, from the beginning of time ’til now. And I am excited to see what he will do in the future. With 2012 coming along who knows what will happen?!?…well…Someone does :)
I read…
Verse 36… ” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
This verse puts everything in our lives into perspective. In the rush of life, we sometimes forget that everything we are doing should be for the Lord and not for ourselves. Sometimes, I forget to give God the credit for everything He does in my life because without Him, I could not do good. I pray that I would do everything for the Lord because He saved me from the Father’s wrath: eternal punishment in hell.
I don’t know when Jesus Christ is coming back all I know is that I want to be serving Christ when he comes back. I pray for 2010 that God will bring revival to the oc. Lets share the gospel more than ever in 2010!
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
I love this verse and how it basically summarizes how all encompassing God is–everything is from him, made by him and all things are for his glory! I definitely want my life to be absolutely consumed by the Lord and all about his glory!
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
I am so grateful for my Savior’s grace!! i deserve punishment, eternally, but instead, I get God’s loving grace that saves me from his wrath. I totally agree with what Summer has to say. If it all depended on how good we were to get into heaven, there would be no point of Christ coming down to save us! I need to know that no one is good, not one person, only Jesus and that is why he is able to save me! I will praise Jesus Christ for his grace :)
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
there is no good work that can save us from eternal death and punishment in hell, that is why we need the grace of God to get us into heaven. it is all because of Jesus, not us,
for it is by grace we have been saved through faith
c u all at summer in january on monday
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
On our own, all of mankind has absolutely no chance of salvation, because on the basis of works, we FAIL. it doesn’t matter how many good deeds we do, we still have sinned. On our own, there is nothing we can do. This is why I am so grateful of God’s eternal grace! Without it, I know I would be doomed, but God gives it to us, and it’s free! My prayer is that more people would realize this and that people would be saved! I can’t wait for Revival, as there is high potential for people getting saved!
MARANATHA!!!!
18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.—I need to be keeping in mind that it is all about God and he is ALWAYS in control of me! I can know that he will always support me and be there for me but I also need to obey what he commands and not just be a hearer but also a doer. God is the one that is in control and since I am on His team I can’t just be living for myself and be thinking that I can do whatever I want. No! I am living for God and I am going to do what He wants me to do!!
MARANATHA!!
true north was legit this weekend :)
Romans 11
The Jews refusal of the Gospel allowed for the rest of the Gentile world to come to salvation thru the Gospel. We were grafted in to Salvation thru His Gospel because of the Jews unbelief. It is interesting how God uses the Gentiles to bring jealousy to the Jews so they might receive the Gospel. I am so thankful for the impartiality of God towards the Gentiles that brought us reconciliation to Him thru Christ. We must always revere the Jew’s as God’s chosen people and pray that many will come to salvation thru faith in Christ.
Acts 10:34-35 34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
Mmmm wow this is really good!! Two really important things to know about God: we can’t give him advice and we can’t do anything to earn his rewards! God is perfect, he needs absolutely NO input from me!!
Wow! I was pumped up after our parents night and I am praying for another excellent service tomorrow! Thanks to everyone who was there and brought their parents to be a part of it!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
These are two great thoughts that Paul quotes here. God gives us counsel from his truth and he gives us gifts from his grace. Nobody is giving him counsel, but receive it from him. As Matt Redman would say, “You can’t outgive the giver!” Praise God for all the wisdom and goodness he has for us!
32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
I was having a lot of trouble with this passage, but I think I understand most of it now. This verse seems key. It seems to be saying that everyone is disobedient so that He can be merciful or show his mercy….as in it highlights his trait. And God *is* merciful!
I read :)
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
Boo-Yahhhhh. I don’t understand how anyone thinks any type of works get you to heaven if they have read this chapter. GRACE is the only way we are saved and works comes by wanting to obey our Lord, NOT by wanting to get to heaven. Once you are saved, you are saved, and works will most definitely be evident in your life.
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
Nothing I can do will earn my salvation and nothing I do can make me a “good person.” If I could just earn my redemption, then Christ’s sacrifice would mean nothing and I wouldn’t need God’s mercy. But, thats not the case! I definitely need Christ to save me from my sins.
19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
Wow, this is really humbling. I shouldn’t get any sense of superiority or pride over other Christians for any reason whatsoever. We are equal in the fact that we are all sinners and that none of us deserve Christ’s grace. But thankfully we DO have His grace, and I should be encouraging my brothers and sisters in Christ and not trying to outdo them or anything.
35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen
The only gift we can give to God s ourselves and for us to give Him our lives and tell the world about our amazing God and that we need to repay God in everything EVERYTHING we say and do we need to glorify God in and repay Him day in and day out. Our o=whole life day in and day out that we will need to give our life to God and will not repay for what God has given us but give your whole life and everyminute for Him .