Even
so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Romans 11:5
Romans 11 [1.] I ask then, did God reject his people? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God didn’t reject his people, which he foreknew. Or don’t you know what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he pleads with God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have broken down your altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.” But how does God answer him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 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.
Meaning:
"Even so then at this present time": Paul is speaking about the present moment in history, addressing the situation of his contemporaries. He's acknowledging the context of his writing, which is crucial for understanding the relevance of his message.
"There is a remnant": Despite the widespread rejection of the Gospel among the Jews of Paul's time, there remains a faithful minority. This "remnant" refers to those Jews who have accepted Jesus as the Messiah and are part of the community of believers. They are the faithful few amidst a larger population that has not embraced the truth of Christ.
"According to the election of grace": This phrase underscores the sovereignty of God in choosing His people. It's not based on ethnicity or works but on His grace alone. God's choice to include individuals in His covenant community is a result of His unmerited favor, emphasizing the undeserved nature of salvation.
Significance:
God's Faithfulness: Despite the apparent rejection of the Gospel by many, God remains faithful to His promises. Just as there was a faithful remnant in Paul's time, God always preserves a faithful people for Himself.
Grace: The concept of "the election of grace" highlights the centrality of grace in salvation. It's not by human effort or merit but by God's gracious choice that anyone is saved. This should humble us and lead us to gratitude for God's unearned favor.
Hope: For believers, this verse offers hope. It assures us that no matter how bleak the spiritual landscape may seem, God is still at work, preserving His people and extending His grace. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God's faithfulness.
Responsibility: While salvation is entirely a work of God's grace, there is also a call to respond in faith. The remnant are those who have responded to God's grace with faith. This underscores the importance of personal faith and obedience in our relationship with God.
Community: The existence of a remnant reminds us of the importance of community in the Christian faith. Even in times of widespread unbelief, there are fellow believers with whom we can journey together, encouraging and supporting one another in our faith.
Cross References:
Isaiah 1:9: "Unless Yahweh of Armies had left to us a very small remnant, we would have been as Sodom. We would have been like Gomorrah." This verse from Isaiah emphasizes the importance of God's preservation of a remnant for the continuation of His covenant purposes.
Romans 9:27: "Isaiah cries concerning Israel, 'If the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant who will be saved.'" Here, Paul quotes Isaiah to reinforce the idea that only a remnant will be saved, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in salvation.
In conclusion, Romans 11:5 reminds us of the enduring faithfulness of God, the centrality of His grace in salvation, and the hope we have as believers. It challenges us to respond to God's grace with faith and obedience while finding encouragement in the community of fellow believers. This verse assures us that even in times of spiritual darkness, God is at work, preserving a faithful remnant for Himself.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible