Romans 11

[Alive]

I love the entire book of Romans as I think it is some of the most developed of Paul's inspired writing.

I was struck this morning by the amazing clarity of the language in this section.

Rom. 11:1 (NAS20S)   I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He?   Far from it! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. ² God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? ³ “Lord, THEY HAVE KILLED YOUR PROPHETS, THEY HAVE TORN DOWN YOUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY ARE SEEKING MY LIFE.” ⁴ But what is the divine response to him? “ I HAVE KEPT for Myself SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL.” ⁵ In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. ⁶ But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace.

[Marathoner]

3 hours ago, Alive said:

I love the entire book of Romans as I think it is some of the most developed of Paul's inspired writing.

Likewise, brother. I'm hard-pressed to point at favorite passages from Romans, seeing as how the entire letter from start to finish is an astonishing work, though I have benefited greatly from Paul's expositions regarding the law therein. This is something which the apostles gave to us in their letters --- John, Peter, James, Paul, and Jude --- and the book of Romans is by far the most concrete example. 

We come to appreciate the legal framework of the law, explained to us by Paul who was once a Pharisee, and after reading his writing my eyes were opened to this truth: precious few understand the law! I certainly never did, but isn't this the most marvelous thing? The Lord provided for us by giving us a brother who is in every way our old and dear friend.  

[David1701]

4 hours ago, Alive said:

I love the entire book of Romans as I think it is some of the most developed of Paul's inspired writing.

I was struck this morning by the amazing clarity of the language in this section.

Rom. 11:1 (NAS20S)   I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He?   Far from it! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. ² God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? ³ “Lord, THEY HAVE KILLED YOUR PROPHETS, THEY HAVE TORN DOWN YOUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY ARE SEEKING MY LIFE.” ⁴ But what is the divine response to him? “ I HAVE KEPT for Myself SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL.” ⁵ In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. ⁶ But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace.

Amen!

The trouble with quoting a small part of Romans, is that you feel you need to quote more and more, to include the context.  It just keeps on developing.

[Alive]

3 minutes ago, David1701 said:

Amen!

The trouble with quoting a small part of Romans, is that you feel you need to quote more and more, to include the context.  It just keeps on developing.

Yup--that is true, but this just stuck out for some reason this morning like a neon sign

Such as:

Far from it!

whom He foreknew

I have kept for Myself

if it is by grace it is no longer on the basis of works

These are emphatic!

:-)

[David1701]

2 hours ago, Alive said:

Yup--that is true, but this just stuck out for some reason this morning like a neon sign

Such as:

Far from it!

whom He foreknew

I have kept for Myself

if it is by grace it is no longer on the basis of works

These are emphatic!

:-)

Oh yes, I agree!  There's nothing like a word in season to cheer the soul.

[Alive]

2 minutes ago, Josheb said:

Do you think God asked those seven thousand if they wanted to be preserved before He "kept" them? Anything in the passage suggesting those 7,000 knew who they were?

This is precisely the kind of clarity that I had in mind! The language is wonderfully plain.

The answer of course--no.