Romans

The more that I read and study Romans the more I realize it is one of my favorite books of the Bible if not my favorite book.  There were many good points, but the point that stuck out to me today was the section on page 393 on the gospel and Israel.  I believe there is a theology today called replacement theology or supersessionism which states that the church has replaced Israel as God’s covenant people. It seems this debate has been going on since Paul’s day when he wrote to the Romans.  They ask the question, “Does the transfer of covenant privileges from Israel to the church mean that God has spurned his promises to Israel?” Not at all, Paul answers.  Also in this section of the reading they say he’s writing to “boastful gentile Christians reminding them it is only through Israel that salvation has come to us and there awaits a day when God’s promise to Israel will come to full realization and “all Israel will be saved.””  I went to Romans and actually looked up the scripture and when I read the following scripture in the light of this reading assignment it put the scripture in a whole new light. “You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God; on those who felt severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their olive tree? For I do not desire brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Rom 11:19-29. God’s call on Israel is irrevocable. God hasn’t forsaken Israel, and the Church hasn’t replaced her. We’re blessed to be grafted into the natural olive tree.