Romans 11:5 - Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
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What does "Romans 11:5" mean?
Romans 11:5, "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace," is a key verse in understanding Paul's argument about God's plan for Israel. Let's break it down:
"Even so then...": This connects back to Paul's previous examples, especially from the Old Testament, where despite widespread apostasy in Israel, God always preserved a faithful remnant. He specifically cites the story of Elijah (Romans 11:2-4), who thought he was the only faithful one left, but God revealed that there were 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal.
"...at this present time also...": This brings the discussion into Paul's own era. He's arguing that, just as in the past, God is still working with Israel, even though many have rejected Jesus as the Messiah. The phrase "at this present time" reinforces that this isn't just a historical phenomenon but a current reality.
"...there is a remnant...": This is the core point. A "remnant" refers to a small portion or surviving group left over from a larger whole. In this context, it signifies a group of Jews who have accepted Jesus as the Messiah. They are the faithful few within the larger nation of Israel. They are not the entire nation, but they represent the continuation of God's plan within Israel.
"...according to the election of grace.": This is crucial for understanding why this remnant exists. Their faith is not due to their own merit or inherent goodness. It is "according to the election of grace." This means God, through His sovereign and unearned favor (grace), has chosen (elected) them to be part of this remnant. The "election of grace" emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's initiative and gift. It's not something earned or deserved.
In summary, the verse means:
Even in the present time, despite the widespread rejection of Jesus by the Jewish people, there is still a small group of Jews who have believed in Him. Their faith is not due to their own merit but because God, in His grace, has chosen them to be part of this remnant. God's election, based on grace, is the reason they believe.
Key Interpretational Considerations:
Who is the remnant? Primarily, the remnant refers to Jewish believers in Jesus in Paul's time and throughout the church age.
What does "election of grace" mean? This is a complex theological topic. In general, it refers to God's sovereign choice, before the foundation of the world, of who will be saved. It's not based on anything the individual does or will do, but solely on God's gracious will. Different theological perspectives exist on the extent and nature of this election (e.g., Calvinism, Arminianism).
Why is this important in Romans 11? Paul is trying to answer the question, "Has God rejected Israel?" (Romans 11:1). His answer is a resounding "No!" Even though many Jews rejected Jesus, God has not abandoned His people. The existence of the remnant proves that God's promises to Israel are still valid and that He is still working within the Jewish people. Paul will go on to explain that he believes there will be a future, large-scale turning of Israel to Christ (Romans 11:25-27).
In conclusion, Romans 11:5 is a powerful statement about God's faithfulness, grace, and continuing plan for Israel. It highlights that even in times of widespread unbelief, God preserves a remnant according to His sovereign election of grace.
Romans 11:5 - Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
What does "Romans 11:5" mean?
Romans 11:5, "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace," is a key verse in understanding Paul's argument about God's plan for Israel. Let's break it down:
"Even so then...": This connects back to Paul's previous examples, especially from the Old Testament, where despite widespread apostasy in Israel, God always preserved a faithful remnant. He specifically cites the story of Elijah (Romans 11:2-4), who thought he was the only faithful one left, but God revealed that there were 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal.
"...at this present time also...": This brings the discussion into Paul's own era. He's arguing that, just as in the past, God is still working with Israel, even though many have rejected Jesus as the Messiah. The phrase "at this present time" reinforces that this isn't just a historical phenomenon but a current reality.
"...there is a remnant...": This is the core point. A "remnant" refers to a small portion or surviving group left over from a larger whole. In this context, it signifies a group of Jews who have accepted Jesus as the Messiah. They are the faithful few within the larger nation of Israel. They are not the entire nation, but they represent the continuation of God's plan within Israel.
"...according to the election of grace.": This is crucial for understanding why this remnant exists. Their faith is not due to their own merit or inherent goodness. It is "according to the election of grace." This means God, through His sovereign and unearned favor (grace), has chosen (elected) them to be part of this remnant. The "election of grace" emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's initiative and gift. It's not something earned or deserved.
In summary, the verse means:
Even in the present time, despite the widespread rejection of Jesus by the Jewish people, there is still a small group of Jews who have believed in Him. Their faith is not due to their own merit but because God, in His grace, has chosen them to be part of this remnant. God's election, based on grace, is the reason they believe.
Key Interpretational Considerations:
Who is the remnant? Primarily, the remnant refers to Jewish believers in Jesus in Paul's time and throughout the church age.
What does "election of grace" mean? This is a complex theological topic. In general, it refers to God's sovereign choice, before the foundation of the world, of who will be saved. It's not based on anything the individual does or will do, but solely on God's gracious will. Different theological perspectives exist on the extent and nature of this election (e.g., Calvinism, Arminianism).
Why is this important in Romans 11? Paul is trying to answer the question, "Has God rejected Israel?" (Romans 11:1). His answer is a resounding "No!" Even though many Jews rejected Jesus, God has not abandoned His people. The existence of the remnant proves that God's promises to Israel are still valid and that He is still working within the Jewish people. Paul will go on to explain that he believes there will be a future, large-scale turning of Israel to Christ (Romans 11:25-27).
In conclusion, Romans 11:5 is a powerful statement about God's faithfulness, grace, and continuing plan for Israel. It highlights that even in times of widespread unbelief, God preserves a remnant according to His sovereign election of grace.