Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 19:56 (Spring 2015)
Article: Israel And Her Future: An Exegesis Of Romans 11:19–24
Author: David Q. Santos

JODT 19:56 (Spring 2015) p. 69

Israel And Her Future:
An Exegesis Of Romans 11:19–24

David Q. Santos

* David Q. Santos, M.T.S., Ph.D., pastor, Mid Valley Baptist Church, Durham, California; advising professor, Tyndale Theological Seminary

Paul presented the gospel message in the book of Romans. He argued that justification is received by grace in Jesus Christ alone. He also argued that the believer is totally and completely secure in their salvation. However, he anticipated the question that would arise. He knew that someone would question the security of the believer based upon the apparent rejection of the nation of Israel. He knew that some might find cause to question God’s promises of salvation based upon their own assumption that God had not fulfilled his promises to his chosen nation. Based upon that assumed or anticipated question, Paul commenced a preemptive answer found in Romans 9–11. The chapters explain that God is not finished with Israel and warns the church against arrogance regarding Israel. In his conclusion, Paul uncovered a mystery regarding Israel and their future.

The Context Of Romans 11

In order to fully understand Romans 11 it is necessary first to be able to follow the flow and highlights of the entire book. Romans is built layer upon layer with each segment of the book leading naturally to the next. Therefore, this study will include an extended survey of chapters 1—10 leading to the exegesis of 11:19–24.

The book of Romans represents the Apostle Paul’s single greatest work. In it, he presents both a systematic theology and an apologetic of the gospel by providing clear teaching on both sin and salvation. Paul’s thesis statement can be deduced from chapter one wherein he wrote,

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH” [vv. 16–17].

JODT 19:56 (Spring 2015) p. 70

The statement establishes Paul’s argument for the remainder of the book, beginning by the exclamation that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. The salvation found in the gospel is to both Jews and Gentiles. In the salvation being revealed, the just will live by faith and this demonstrates the nature of God. The focus upon the phrase, “the just will live by faith” is upon just and...