Romans 11:25-36

Romans 11:25-36 … This reading from Romans ends the doctrinal (doctrine = teaching) portion of the book of Romans, and what an ending it is! After explaining that God’s purpose and plan is to bring Gentiles into a saving relationship with Himself through the Jewish rejection of the Messiah (which is what was covered in Romans 11:1- 24), this passage (v.25) explains that a “partial hardening” will continue “until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” In other words, when the plan and purpose of God is complete regarding Gentiles, that those who will be saved are saved, the opportunity will shift back to the Jews and God will fulfill His promises regarding the Jews and bring “all Israel” (v.26) into a saving relationship with Himself.

All Israel means all who will be saved, all except those who continue to reject the love of God in Christ. (Ezekiel 20:38 makes clear that those ( Jews) who continue in rebellion against God will be purged from Israel. And so, “all Israel” refers to a faithful remnant who are not purged.)

When exactly does all this occur? The answer lies in the realm of eschatology (study of the end times), and the best answer is that the salvation of “all Israel” occurs following the Great Tribulation and is the last event before the beginning of the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth, which is called the Millennium.

I should mention that not all theologians believe in an actual 1000 year reign, some believe it’s a spiritual thing. We’ll cover all that much later, but you ought to know that the promises of God are unfailing. He will accomplish what He has said He will do. And all this is based on the mercy of God (v.31), not on anyone’s merit. No one earns salvation, it is God’s free gift to all who believe. Based on that truth, this portion of Romans (Romans 9-11) on God’s Plan of Salvation for the Whole World ends with a great doxology (Romans 11:33-36) which highlights that all things come from God.