Romans 11:25-27
25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”
Jim does an interesting thing here by subtly ignoring Greek grammar to fit his “Israel of God” or “remnant only” theology. First, the term “Israel of God” appears only once in the entire Bible (Gal.6:16) and clearly identifies this group as the combination of Gentile and Jewish Believers in Yeshua. (Gal.6:15). I don’t think Jim would disagree on that point. On the other hand, the majority of Paul’s writing in Romans is speaking of “all” of Israel (ie, all the sons and daughters of Abraham by the flesh — the Jewish people in general) — for example Romans3:1-4). Jim’s verse above actually makes that very point — “hardness has happened in part” — hardness by whom? Hardness by those Jews who have not “yet” believed in Yeshua. Those Jews (both then and now who are “already” followers of Yeshua) are the “remnant” (Romans 11:5) that Paul and Jim talk about. So far, again no argument. But what does Paul say about those who have been “hardened”? He says they will experience a hardening only until a certain point in time: ie, “until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in” — and then what? — and then, Paul says, “all” Israel shall be saved. The Greek here is very explicit: the word “all” is “pas” in Greek and means “each, every, everything, everyone, the whole, and all”. When I witness the love and devotion of the average religious Jewish person for the God of Israel, for His Torah, for His land, for His Feasts, and for the sanctity of His Name, I refuse to believe that they are not included in Paul’s conclusion that “all of Israel shall be saved”. There is a “remnant” to be sure — those who believe now; but there is also an “all”, an “everyone” — for has Paul says in Romans 11:15 “what will there acceptance be but life from the dead” and again in Romans 11:28-29 “concerning the election they [the Jewish people] are beloved because of the fathers, for the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable.”
We know from Yeshua’s words that salvation is only through Him. (John 14:6) So how will Paul’s words “all Israel will be saved” work out? As dearly as we Gentile Believers would like to know, I suspect that it is something we will not see. Joseph is often viewed as a type or foreshadowing of Messiah. How did Joseph reveal himself to his brothers in Egypt? Joseph made everyone except his brothers leave his presence before he revealed himself to his brothers (Gen.45:1). I have this feeling that Yeshua will also reveal Himself to His brothers (the Jewish people) beyond the sight of the Gentile world. To many He is revealing Himself now (the remnant — the “Israel of God” as it were), but regarding the “all of Israel” we Gentiles may not know how it will happen, but I’m confident it will — because “all” means “all”.
That’s one man’s opinion anyway.
Well said Jim. You explained “all Israel” (Romans 11) beautifully. I recall as a new Christian 34 years ago, reading that chapter and understanding it exactly as you explained it. This was prior to being influenced by any teaching by others who hold to different opinions on the subject.
Those who see “all Israel” as anything different then how you explained it, fail to recall only two chapters back Paul tells us plainly “…not all who are descended from Israel are Israel” (9:6).
Thank you for explaining this so clearly and simply.
Dear, dear Dr. Hutchens,
Thank you for: Who is all Israel.
It it very clear to me, I will keep this truth in my heart.
Shalom from Yvonne from The Netherlands.
Thank you Yvonne!