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? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 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.

Romans 11:2-6

Is God finished with Israel? Nope.

If God was finished with Israel where would that leave Paul as a Jewish believer? The truth is that the early church was made up of believing Jews.

In his despair, Elijah felt all alone, yet God reminded him of 7,000 who had been faithful and kept by God. Paul seems to be reminding his readers that God always has a believing remnant of Jews.

What is the proof of their belief? Is it for those who continue to do what is right according to the law? In Paul’s terms – Absolutely not.

It is by the grace of God. If it could be accomplished through strict obedience to the law what would be the point? The same is true for both the Jew and the Gentile believer.

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”

Romans 11:6

We should pay particular attention to this warning as it relates to Israel and applies to our lives in our churches today. Is there not a tendency to rely on our works? Am I defined by what I do or don’t do in my life as a Christian?