Israel’s rejection of Jesus as the Messiah was “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” The eternal gospel of Jesus could not be given to the world by a rebellious group of trustees. How could Israel teach the world about faith in God when a majority of people in Israel refused to live by faith? So, Jesus, the Benefactor, terminated His covenant with the nation of Israel
The prophecies and promises given to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant will not be fulfilled because God terminated that covenant with the nation of Israel.
These verses seem to say otherwise unless my interpretation is wrong.
Romans 11:25, "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in."
This passage highlights the broader spiritual dynamics at play in God's redemptive plan. Israel represents the chosen people who, despite their privileged position, experience a partial spiritual blindness. This blindness signifies a temporary inability to fully recognize and accept Jesus as the Messiah. This is not a total or permanent rejection, but a partial and temporary state. The "fulness of the Gentiles" is the period in which non-Jewish people come to faith in Christ, thus completing God's plan of extending His salvation beyond the boundaries of Israel. The mystery Paul refers to involves the intricate and sovereign workings of God’s plan, wherein the temporary blindness of Israel serves to open the door of salvation to the Gentiles.
Romans 11:26-27, "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."
"all Israel" represents not just the physical descendants of Jacob, but also the spiritual Israel—the community of believers who embrace faith in Christ. The Deliverer, emerging from Zion, is Jesus Christ, who comes to redeem and restore both Jews and Gentiles who turn to Him. This deliverance involves turning away ungodliness, signifying a profound transformation and purification from sin.
The reference to Jacob highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises, signifying that God’s faithfulness to Israel is unwavering. The covenant mentioned here, wherein God promises to take away their sins, underscores the divine plan of salvation, which culminates in the forgiveness of sins through Jesus' sacrifice. Thus, this passage encapsulates the inclusive nature of God’s redemptive work, affirming that salvation is available to all—Jews and Gentiles—through Christ, fulfilling God's eternal covenant. It highlights the ultimate reconciliation and restoration of Israel, reflecting God's enduring love and mercy towards His people.
Romans 11:28-29, "As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."
This passage illuminates the complex relationship between Israel, the Church, and God's enduring promises. The term "enemies" reflects Israel’s current status in relation to the gospel, meaning that, due to their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, they appear to be opposed to the message of salvation that has been extended to the Gentiles. This opposition, however, is portrayed as a temporary and part of God's larger redemptive plan, which opens the door for Gentiles to receive and spread the gospel.
In contrast, the phrase "beloved for the fathers' sakes" signifies that despite their current rejection of the gospel, Israel remains cherished in the context of God's covenantal promises made to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This enduring affection is rooted in the promises and commitments God made to these forefathers, reflecting a divine loyalty that transcends Israel’s present condition.
"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" underscores the irrevocability of God’s promises. This affirms that God’s covenant with Israel, including the gifts and calling associated with it, is steadfast and unchangeable. The use of "without repentance" signifies that God will not retract or alter His divine commitments, ensuring that His promises to Israel will ultimately be fulfilled. This principle extends to the broader understanding that God's redemptive purposes are secure and will not be undone, even if there are periods of apparent disfavor or delay.
This passage reassures believers that while Israel may currently be seen as resistant to the gospel, they are still part of God’s sovereign plan and will experience a future restoration. The interplay between current opposition and future redemption highlights the depth and reliability of God's covenantal faithfulness.