Romans Part 33

In Romans 11:26–27, Paul quotes Isaiah 59:20–21, which speaks of God's future work of putting His Spirit within Israel. This promise is closely connected with Ezekiel 37, where God promises to open Israel's graves, bring them back to physical life, place His Spirit within them, and establish His everlasting covenant with them (Ezekiel 37:12, 14, 24, 26). This is not describing a second chance at salvation but rather the first genuine opportunity for those who lived and died without ever having their hearts opened to God's truth. Revelation 20:12 helps explain this picture by describing the resurrection of the dead, where the books are opened and the Book of Life is opened as well. The Book of Life is opened so that names may be added, demonstrating that God's purpose extends beyond Israel to include all those who died without truly knowing Him, including Gentiles who never had an opportunity to understand His calling.

In verses 28 and 29, Paul reminds his readers that Israel remains beloved because of God's promises to their forefathers. Their future calling is not based on their own virtue or merit but entirely upon God's faithfulness to the promises He made. When Paul says that "the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable," he is not teaching that a person cannot reject God's calling. Verse 22 warns believers that they must continue in God's kindness or they too can be cut off. 

“Therefore, consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” 

Likewise, Hebrews 10:26–27 shows that those who have received the Holy Spirit can still choose to turn away from God through deliberate, persistent rebellion. Rather, Paul's point is that God will never unfairly revoke His promises or deceive anyone out of salvation. He remains completely faithful to His purpose and His calling.

Verses 30 through 32 emphasize that God's mercy calls for a response. Just as the Gentiles once lived in disobedience but later received mercy, Israel also will receive mercy in God's appointed time. Mercy never eliminates the expectation of obedience. Instead, obedience is the proper response to forgiveness and mercy. Continuing deliberately in sin after receiving God's mercy is a rejection of the very gift He has given and cannot be accepted. Paul concludes this section by reminding us that all humanity has been confined under sin so that God may have mercy on all. This echoes Romans 3:23, where Paul declared that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Every person stands equally in need of God's mercy, leaving no room for pride or self-righteousness.

Beginning in verse 33, Paul breaks into praise as he reflects on the incredible wisdom, foresight, and love of God revealed throughout His plan of salvation. God's judgments and His ways are beyond human comprehension. This echoes the language of Psalm 119, where God's judgments, statutes, and ways are repeatedly celebrated as expressions of His perfect wisdom and righteousness. Here those words also take on a broader meaning, pointing not only to God's righteous law but also to His astonishing plan of extending mercy to all mankind in His perfect timing. Truly, His thoughts are higher than ours, and His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9).

Paul concludes chapter 11 in verses 34–36 by reminding us that everything we possess comes from God. No one has ever given anything to God that places Him in our debt. Even our life, strength, abilities, and opportunities are gifts from Him. Since everything belongs to God and exists through His power and for His glory, the only appropriate response is wholehearted devotion, reverence, and obedient worship. 

"For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:34–36).

Epistles of Paul is a course taught at ABC by Mr. Steve Myers. Recordings from the 2023–2024 class year are available on the ABC website.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.