Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Regarding Israel

Romans 11:28-36 ESV
(28) As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.
(29) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
(30) Just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience,
(31) so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.
(32) For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
(33) Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
(34) "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"
(35) "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?"
(36) For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.


As I read through Romans I can't quite put my finger on what Paul is getting at with regards to Israel. Some passages seem to speak to a replacement theology which states that the current church is now spiritual Israel and that the Jews now are in the same boat as the rest of us -- believe in Christ to be saved. On the other hand, there are passages like this one. Verse 32 really confuses me. Who is the "all?" Is it all of Israel? Is it just His elect within Israel? Who will it be?

I have a hard time imagining salvation for someone who is a Jew in his ethnicity, but has no desire to know the Lord. So who is the "all?" Any ideas?

I wonder if this would be a good paper topic for next semester...

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