5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
8 Just as it is written: “God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, To this very day.”
9 And David says: “Let their table become a snare and a trap, A stumbling block and a recompense to them.
10 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, And bow down their back always.”
Romans 11:5-10
THE REMNANT CONCEPT
1. This is a Biblical concept
It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time To recover the remnant of His people who are left, From Assyria and Egypt, From Pathros and Cush, From Elam and Shinar, From Hamath and the islands of the sea.
Isaiah 11:11
2. The remnant
a) Elect
b) According to grace
c) The elect would be saved by grace
THE BIG PROBLEM
1. Israel’s search for salvation
6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
Romans 11:6-7
2. This is a problem that Paul had to battle time and again
a) The early Church (Acts 15)
b) The Epistle to the Galatians dealt extensively on salvation by grace
WHAT HAPPENS IF ISRAEL DOES NOT RESPOND TO GOD’S GRACE?
8 Just as it is written: “God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, To this very day.”
9 And David says: “Let their table become a snare and a trap, A stumbling block and a recompense to them.
10 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, And bow down their back always.”
Romans 11:8-10
1. A spirit of stupor
2. Eyes cannot see
3. Ears cannot hear
4. Israel will stumble itself
5. This is the sad result when people reject the grace of God