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Romans 11 and the perseverance of the saints

Romans 11:5-22 can be summarized as follows:

  1. The gentile Romans had been saved by grace through faith (v5-6, 11)
  2. The Jews were not being saved and this is symbolized by being broken off (v11, 17)
  3. The salvation of the gentiles is symbolized by being ‘grafted’ in (v17)
  4. As Christians, the gentile Romans are now acquiring benefits (‘support’) from the Jewish promises (v18)
  5. The Jews are not saved because of unbelief (v20)
  6. The gentile Romans are saved because of faith (v20)
  7. However, this does not mean they should be proud. Rather they should ‘fear’ (v20).  But why should they fear?
  8. The should fear because, as God did not save Israel (the natural branches), so God might not spare the saved Roman Christians (v21)
  9. The continued goodness of God towards the saved, ‘grafted in’ Romans is dependent upon them continuing in His goodness (v22)
  10. If they do not, they will be ‘cut off’ like the people of Israel and eternally lost (v22)

Rom 11:5-6 NKJV  Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.  6  And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

Rom 11:11 NKJV  I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. …

Rom 11:17-22 NKJV  And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree,  18  do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.  19  You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.”  20  Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.  21  For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.  22  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.

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