These are a Few of My Favorite {Homeschool} Things: Science

By | January 4, 2025
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This entry is part 7 of 8 in the series These are a Few of My Favorite {Homeschool} Things

For the first few years of my older kids’ early elementary days, we used science encyclopedias on animals, plants, etc. or easy chemistry/physics experiments for our studies. We kept it pretty simple and fun. And I believe that was sufficient for those early years.

Once my oldest was entering 5th grade, I did want to switch to more of a curriculum style. I ended up choosing the God’s Design series by Master Books, and I have been very pleased with it. We have used it on a four-year cycle: God’s Design for Life (human anatomy, botany, and zoology), God’s Design for Heaven & Earth (geology, astronomy, and meteorology), God’s Design for Physical World (heat, machines, and technology), and God’s Design for Chemistry & Ecology (atoms, molecules, matter, and ecosystems).

The curriculum is designed for 3rd-8th grade and can be for the most part easily taught to a span of grades/ages. The lessons are short, but there is more information that the older kids can read to get more in depth. They offer a variety of hands-on activities and experiments that can be chosen and easily done. There are printable worksheets, quizzes, and tests.

The material is written from a young earth creation viewpoint and promotes a Christian worldview. I am on my second rotation with the curriculum and have enjoyed using it with my kids, and it has been an effective tool for teaching a solid science curriculum from a creationist viewpoint.

My oldest is in 9th grade, so I chose a new curriculum for him this year.  As he very much enjoyed Algebra I with Shormann Math last year, we thought we would try Shormann’s Dive Biology class. The course is exceptionally priced, and it offers a sibling discount. It is a self-paced online class. The class includes a lab, which can simply be viewed virtually, with the student just filling in the lab manual. Or the student can buy the lab materials (which do cost considerably more) and actually do almost all of the lab work along with the video. I am a big fan of learning by doing, so we went with buying the extra lab materials and specimens (although we pieced ours together to save some money). Whether doing hands on lab or not, a high school science credit is granted.

The class can be used with a biology textbook or (which we do) a compilation of online articles, papers, or videos that Dr. Shormann has the students read each week with the lessons. Along with the reading assignments, there are weekly lectures, worksheets, reviews, and quarterly exams.

My son has very much enjoyed this class. It has been a challenge for him, but it has been good. Dr. Shormann is a Christian and makes his Christian, creationist worldview very clear in his teaching. We are very happy with this choice for high school science.

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A Life of Worship to God (Romans 12:1–2)

By | January 2, 2025
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Romans 12:1–2 is a fun text to study. It’s easy to notice three imperatives that guide the passage (present, do not be conformed, be transformed) and also two sets of three descriptors—one for “sacrifice” (living, holy, acceptable) and the other for “the will of God” (good, acceptable, perfect). In short, this passage teaches us to present ourselves to God on the basis of His mercy, a life of worship to Him (Romans 12:1). This presentation involves not being conformed to this present and passing age but being transformed from the inside out in order to discern the will of God, that is, whatever He considers good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2).

It’s also a fun text to show how a couple of the Greek words carry over into English. “Conformed” is from suschēmatizō, which sounds like our English schematic. “Transformed” is from metamorphoō, which sounds like our English metamorphosis. You can even kind of capture an idea of the passage by saying something like, “Don’t be shaped by the schematic (do not be conformed) of this present age, but let your mind undergo a metamorphosis (be transformed) as guided by the Bible.”

Additionally, it’s a text that points us to the gospel. “Therefore” with “by the mercies of God” points us back to Romans 1–11 in which we see how God mercifully sent His Son Jesus Christ to provide our salvation from sin and its consequent judgment.

Yet more, it’s a text that captures the essence of the Christian life—giving one’s whole person to God, a commitment joined to our faith in Christ (present your bodies as a living sacrifice).

Within the book of Romans as a whole, these two verses are an important hinge between Romans 1–11 and most of Romans 12–15. Just as “therefore” looks back to the previous chapters, so also does the command to commit ourselves to God prepare us for the topics to follow. As one gives all of who he is to God, he will better use his spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3–8), interact with others (Romans 12:9–21), submit to the government (Romans 13:1–7), love others (Romans 13:8–14), and make choices that lovingly consider his fellow Christian’s conscience (Romans 14:1–15:13). As one obeys Romans 12:1–2, Romans 12:3–15:13 instructs him further how to do so.

Finally, it’s a text that touches upon “the will of God,” a variously understood topic. Whatever one may say about this topic in general, this text teaches us that as we are transformed by the renewal of our mind (informed by Scripture and illuminated by the Spirit), we will be better able to discern and choose what God wants us to do and how to obey the instructions that follow this passage in Romans.

In summary, present yourselves to God for whatever He has for you to do. Do not be conformed this present age, but be transformed in your mind. As you are alive unto God, living a holy and acceptable life, so also you will discern and do whatever His will may be.

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How to Thrive in 2025: The Hands of Men and the Hand of God (Proverbs 27:23–27)

By | December 26, 2024
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The wisdom of God’s Word encourages us to prosper on earth but not as an end unto itself. This world and its goods are passing away, but we are to be faithful with what we have until we win our heavenly rest. Our eyes will see Christ, and our true treasure in heaven will finally be ours. Until then, we do what we can for our welfare and for others as God provides.

Thoughts like these are found in Proverbs 27:23–27, a passage that instructs us how to think and plan for a new year. Its main idea is something like, “Take care of your business, and it will take care of you.” But take note—in addition to the clarifications above, this passage is proverbial and not a promise, as God’s providence sometimes brings surprises to our lives. Nonetheless, its wisdom should still be heeded.

Our passage’s author, Solomon, knew a great deal about earthly success. Granted, when God asked what he wanted, he was given wisdom by God and then riches and honor as a bonus (1 Kings 3). At the same time, he did ask for wisdom and thus managed Israel well and knew wealth like no other king. Scripture summarizes: “King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom” (1 Kings 10:23). As for his people, “Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy” (1 Kings 4:20).

Though this passage is largely agrarian and pastoral (in the classic sense of the word—minding livestock), its principles apparently applied to the crown (Proverbs 27:24). From one king to the next (cf. Proverbs 1:1; 25:1), this passage instructed the officers of the land (cf. Proverbs 1:8; 25:1). It is also Scripture for us today (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16–17), whatever size our household may be.

For all of this introduction, the passage is relatively simple to understand. Giving headings to each section of verses, we could say first of all…

The Lord requires us to be faithful in the things of life (27:23–24).

Our passage begins with parallel commands to “know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds” (Prov 27:23). Solomon’s wealth extended to cattle (cf. 1 Kings 4:22–23, 26; 8:5; 9:62; 10:22, 25–26), much like Jacob, whose herding heeded these commands (cf. Gen 31:38–42). In principle, whatever the Lord has put in our care, “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Cor 4:2).

A word of caution follows our two commands, explaining why we should be attentive to one’s affairs. In the first line, “riches do not last forever,” and a rhetorical no answers the parallel question, “Does a crown endure to all generations?” (Prov 27:24). Though God had promised David a descendant on his throne forever, the kings were still to maintain what God had put in their charge. Or perhaps Solomon knew that his own, singular crown would be given to another at his death, so his instruction could be understood as maintaining the kingdom’s resources from one generation to the next. Either way, in a less-than-perfect world, nothing lasts forever. We must work to maintain what we have and, as God is gracious, increase it all the more.

This brings us to our next section of verses, giving us positive motivation to be good stewards of what we have… 

The Lord desires us to be fruitful in the things of life (27:25–27).

Elaborating on the scene in Proverbs 27:23–24, we go from “when the grass is gone” to when “the new growth appears” to the time when “the vegetation of the mountains is gathered” (Prov 27:25). Implied is that workers harvest grass and hay to feed the livestock, or even that the livestock are brought to the fields. This hard, consistent work pays off. For daily needs, “the lambs will provide your clothing,” and, planning for the future, “the goats [will provide] the price of a field” (Prov 27:26). Moreover, “There will be enough goat’s milk for your food… your household and maintenance for your girls” (Prov 27:27). This formidable, industrious household provides for its own and even its workers. Its rulers are generous to those in their care, and they hoard no stores for their sole enjoyment (cf. Luke 12:13–21). 

Assumed in the context of the OT as a whole is the regular sacrifices and offerings by the king to God, benefitting the temple and its priests. Considering this final note, God apparently desires to bless the faithful steward with fruitfulness for His own worship, for the care of the steward, and for those in the steward’s care. The Lord uses His people similarly to provide for His church today. Generally speaking (again, these are proverbs for us today), God desires to bless our faithfulness with fruitfulness to care for ourselves, for others, and His church. Fruit may not always be in dollars and things, but a faithful life is generally a happy one as one does all things “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him” (Col 3:17). 

Final Thoughts 

We could apply this passage in a myriad of ways. What has the Lord given you? Property? Possessions? People in your care? What are your short and long-term objectives for your welfare and for others? And, as good as these things may be, and whatever you have in life, do you hold these things with a loose hand, ready to share, knowing that we might just forget them all when we see our Savior’s face? Not only that, but He will have greater work for us to do. We will one day be “servants” in the New Creation who somehow work together to “bring… glory and honor” to the Throne in the New Jerusalem as we worship our King forever (Rev 21:26; 22:3).

So, take what God has given you, and make the most of what you have—for Him, for yourself, and for others. May He bless your faithfulness with fruitfulness as you live for Him in 2025. As John prayed for Gaius, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you” (3 John 2), both now and in time to come.

Happy New Year!

 

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When Christ Came into the World (Hebrews 10:5–10)

By | December 18, 2024
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Christmas Day comes once a year, and for Christians, this day means something more than traditions and gifts, as wonderful as those things can be. Christmas reminds us of the birth and thus in incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He became flesh to die for you and me. Hebrews 10:5–10 reminds us of these truths.

Hebrews 10:5–10 (ESV)

5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said

“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body have you prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings
you have taken no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,
as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ”

8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Christ came into the world (Hebrews 10:5a).

The Gospels add detail to our Christmas clause, “when Christ came into the world” (Heb 10:5). Matthew 1–2 recalls His royal genealogy, His worship by the wise men, and His divine protection from the murderous Herod. Mark leaves out the birth of Jesus but knows He was “the son of Mary” (Mark 6:3). Luke 1–2 interweaves birth narratives of John and Jesus, complete with extended praises from key characters. John takes us back to eternity past— the Word who was with God is Christ, the Light who came into the world, the Word who became flesh, and the Son who makes the Father known (John 1:1–18).

Christ came to die for us (Hebrews 10:5b–10; cf. Psalm 40:6–8).

The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 40:6–8 as the words of Christ to identify the purpose of His coming. Christ knew that the one thing most important was a commitment of the whole person to the Father’s will as written in His Word—more important than sacrifices and offerings (Heb 10:5–7). So, as Hebrews 10:8–10 explains, the Father did not desire sacrifices and offerings from His Son because the Son would offer His own body for our sins. By faith in Him, we find a once-for-all cleansing from sin that sets us apart unto God forever. 

Christ came to take us to God (Hebrews 10:19–25).

Hebrews 10:11–18 explains further the glories of Christ as our High Priest, ending with a handful of imperatives for the whole passage up to this point.

  • First, we must draw near to God in worship through Christ because of the salvation He wrought for us (Hebrews 10:19–22).
  • Second, we must hold fast our confession of Him, and we can because God holds our salvation secure (Hebrews 10:23).
  • Third, we must edify and encourage one another in the faith, and urgently so as the day of our Lord’s return is closer than before (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Christ came into the world to die for us, but He came to take us to God. He was a Baby in a manger, but also the Man who hung on a cross. He died, but the Father raised Him up and brought Him to His throne.

Believe in Christ, draw near to God through Him, hold fast your confession in Him, and encourage others who do the same. He is coming again one day!

Merry Christmas!

 

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Romans 9-11: All Posts

By | December 12, 2024
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For anyone who wants to go back and read my summaries on all of Romans 9-11, click the links below. Enjoy!

God’s Faithfulness, Election, and Israel (Romans 9:1–13)
The God of Sovereign Justice (Romans 9:14–24)
Prepared for Glory or Destruction: By Whom, When, and How? (Romans 9:22–23)
Righteousness: Accomplished in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:1–4)
The Righteousness of Christ: Closer Than You Think (Romans 10:5–13)
Send, Preach, Hear, Believe, and Call on Jesus Christ (Romans 10:14–21)
The Remnant and the Rest of Israel (Romans 11:1–10)
Dough and Lump, Root and Branches: Paul’s Illustrations in Romans 11:16–24
The Fullness of God’s Salvation (Romans 11:25–27)
The Summary and Finale of Romans 9–11 (Romans 11:28–36)

The Summary and Finale of Romans 9–11 (Romans 11:28–36)

By | December 12, 2024
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Romans 11:28–32 closes Romans 11:11–32 and all of Romans 9–11 with a summary of God’s present and future dealings with Israel.

Romans 11:28 describes God’s present posture towards Israel. On the one hand, He is at enmity with Israel. God has hardened Israel, and she has rejected Christ and the gospel. This enmity is “for your sake” in the sense that God now extends saving grace to us as Gentiles (cf. Rom 10:19; 11:11, 14). On the other hand, God chose Israel (election) and thus loves Israel “for the sake of” the promises that He made to Israel’s “forefathers”—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Romans 11:29 provides the reason that this love continues and extends to Israel’s future salvation (cf. Rom 11:12, 15, 16, 24, 26): the gifts of Israel’s privileges (cf. Rom 9:4–5) and the calling that stems from God’s promises cannot be revoked.

Framing God’s plan of salvation in terms of mercy and disobedience, Paul explains one last time how the timeline of Israel’s salvation works out in Romans 11:30–31. Just as we as Gentiles have gone from disobeying God to receiving His mercy, so Israel is doing the same—Israel is presently disobedient while we are receiving mercy, a mercy that she will receive in time to come. One way or the other, in one time or another, Romans 11:32 concisely describes the saving activity of God: “God has consigned all” groups, Israel or Gentiles, “to disobedience,” for this purpose—“that He might have mercy on all.”

With a final flourish, Old Testament quotations and all, Paul highlights the omniscience of God in a superlative fashion in Romans 11:33–36. Paul exclaims, “Oh!” when considering the magnitude of God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge concerning the outworking of His salvation (Rom 11:33a). Similarly, Paul’s “How” acknowledges the “unsearchable” and “inscrutable” nature of God’s omniscience in carrying out this salvation (Rom 11:33b).

Looking at God’s omniscience from man’s perspective, Isaiah 40:13 and Job 41:11 declare that there are no thoughts or counsel to offer God that would obligate Him to us (Rom 11:34–35). God alone possesses the infinite knowledge and wisdom necessary to dispense the riches of salvation. Moreover, He alone can do this as the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Rom 11:36a). He brought all things into existence and sustains them by His power. He even guides them by His omniscient wisdom for the sake of His own glory—things including the salvation of Israel and the Gentiles.

In keeping with these thoughts, we can merely echo with humble and worshipful hearts Paul’s concluding words: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” (Rom 11:36).

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The Fullness of God’s Salvation (Romans 11:25–27)

By | December 11, 2024
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Romans 11:25–27 provokes many questions for the interpreter of Scripture, including the phrase “And in this way all Israel will be saved” (Rom 11:26), which one commentator calls “the storm center in the interpretation of Rom. 9–11.”1 What follows are a summary of many of those questions, as well as a summary of answers for those questions.

Romans 11:25

  • What is the mystery?
  • What is the nature of Israel’s partial hardening?
  • What is the fullness of the Gentiles?
  • When will this fullness come in?

Romans 11:26a

  • What is the meaning of “in this way”?
  • Who is Israel?
  • Who is all of Israel?
  • When exactly will all Israel be saved?

Romans 11:26b–27

  • What verses are being quoted?
  • Who is the Deliverer?
  • Why does Paul change Isaiah’s preposition to say that the Deliverer comes “from” instead of “to” Zion?

An article of roughly 500 words can barely explain its conclusions. Nonetheless, the conclusions that follow seem, at least to me, to be fairly clear if one has properly understood Romans 11 up to this point. The whole chapter is primarily about how God will save Israel in the future.

Romans 11:25

If the “mystery” here is something new, we already know that part of Israel is hardened (cf. Rom 11:7) and that the Gentiles are being saved (cf. Rom 11:11, 15. 22) until God has achieved their salvation “fullness” (quantitatively and qualitatively; cf. Rom 11:12 with 9:4–5). The mystery has to do with something else—timing, namely, that God will not save all of national Israel “until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” When God’s salvation fullness for the Gentiles is complete, the mystery is that then, after that, God will save national Israel.

Romans 11:26a

“In this way” refers to God’s manner of saving Israel, but this “way” refers to the timeframe of Romans 11:25. “In this way,” then, means that God saves Gentiles first, then “all Israel will be saved.” And “All Israel” is national Israel—not every single Israelite from all time, every Israelite that makes up the remnant, every “true, spiritual Israelite” who might be an ethnic Gentile or ethnic Jew, and definitely not national Israelites who have a special way to God apart from Jesus Christ. Just as Paul has already referred to national Israel ten times in Romans 9–11 (Rom 9:6, 27, 31; 10:19, 21; 11:2, 7, 25), one instance being in the verse immediately prior to this verse, so also this verse refers to Israel as corporate, national Israel. This Israel will be saved at Christ’s return.

Romans 11:26b–27

Paul grounds the truth of Israel’s salvation and its future timing in a combination of Isaiah 27:9 (“when I take away their sins”), Isaiah 59:20–21 (the rest of the quotation in Romans 11:26b–27), and maybe Psalm 14:7 or Psalm 110:2 (because Paul changes Isaiah’s “to Zion” to “from Zion”). In context, the Deliverer is Christ who, at His second coming, saves the entirety of national Israel in fulfillment of the New Covenant (cf. Jer 31:31–34). He and His salvation either come from earthly Zion (Jerusalem) because that is there where He died and arose, or He comes from heavenly Zion (heaven) as He descends to save His nation (cf. Heb 12:22).

The manner and method of God’s salvation for Jews and Gentiles is beyond our capability to plan or comprehend. To God be all the glory! (Romans 11:33–36)

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  1. Douglas J. Moo, The Epistle to the Romans (NICNT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), 719. [↩]

Dough and Lump, Root and Branches: Paul’s Illustrations in Romans 11:16–24

By | November 26, 2024
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Romans 11:16–24 memorably illustrates Israel’s future salvation in two ways. First, Paul speaks of “the dough offered as firstfruits,” something which eventually becomes “the whole lump” (Romans 11:16a). Second, he speaks of “the root” and its outgrowth, “the branches” (Romans 11:16b). He then expands this second illustration to include Gentiles as well (Romans 11:17–24).

What are the points of analogy for each of these items in Paul’s illustrations?

The preceding context indicates that the lump and branches in Romans 11:16 refer to a future, saved Israel. Israel will enjoy a “full inclusion,” an “acceptance” that means “life from the dead” (Romans 11:12, 15). Likewise, whatever the holy dough or root may be, we can conclude that the holy lump and branches are figures for a future, national, and holy Israel.

So then, what is the dough? And what is the root?

Whatever they are, if the lump and branches both refer to the same thing (future Israel), it is likely that the dough means the same thing as the root as well. Paul says no more about the dough and lump past Romans 11:16a, but he does say more about the root and branches. So, if we investigate Romans 11 to identify the root, we will be able to identify the dough.

The figure of a holy root with holy branches seems to find its best parallel in clear terms in Romans 11:28–32. This passage describes present-day, unbelieving Israelites as presently beloved for the sake of their forefathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Though disobedient, they will receive mercy on the basis of God’s gifts and calling that He gave so long ago. Thus, the root of the patriarchs and God’s promises will give life to Israel’s branches in the future.

This being said, the olive tree in Romans 11:17–24 seems to be something like “the tree of Abrahamic blessing.” The salvation God promised to Abraham and his believing, physical descendants—God gives the same to Gentiles as well (cf. Romans 4:13–25). So, it is appropriate for Paul to speak of the Gentiles as a branch grafted into this tree (Romans 11:17, 24). For the Israelites (see Romans 11:17), “some of the branches were broken off” (the hardened portion of Israel; cf. Romans 11:7, 25) while “the others” remained (Israel’s remnant; cf. Romans 9:27; 11:5). But all of Israel’s branches “will… be grafted back into their own olive tree” (Romans 11:24).

But why two illustrations?

It seems the dough and lump emphasize the notion of holiness. Like the dough presented as holy to God who blessed the harvest (cf. Numbers 15:17–21), so also the patriarchs and their irrevocable promises anticipated a holy Israel in time to come. As for the root and branches, Paul used this illustration to emphasize of the variety of branches (peoples) and how they have their part in what God promised to Abraham long ago.

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Israel Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: An Overview of Romans 11:11–36

By | November 20, 2024
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Ever since its inception, Israel has never been a fully believing nation. Some of the Israelites were believers, however. Abraham has always had a spiritual offspring among his physical descendants (Rom 9:6–7). Even in the darkest chapters of Israel’s history, so it is today—“there is a remnant” (Rom 11:5; cf. 11:3–4). Generally speaking, however, Israel rejected Christ, rejects Him now, but will accept Him in the future. There will be a time when all of Israel believes.

In Rom 11:11–32, Paul repeatedly explains (five times!) this threefold cycle of God’s plan for Israel: (1) past rejection; (2) present hardening (which means salvation for the Gentiles); and (3) future acceptance of Christ. Like Rom 11:1–10, Paul begins this passage with a question, an emphatic answer, and then an extended explanation. The question is whether or not Israel rejected God so as to be forever rejected by Him. Paul emphatically denies that God has set Israel aside and then explains His plan for Israel. Along the way, he explains that Israel’s present hardening means salvation for the Gentiles. The following briefly takes us through each cycle, ending with how to apply this passage to us today.

Cycle 1: Romans 11:11–12

In the past, Israel “did… stumble,” which was “their trespass” (Rom 11:11, 12) and “their failure” (Rom 11:12). Presently, “salvation has come to the Gentiles,” also described as “riches for the world” and “riches for the Gentiles” (Rom 11:11–12). In the future, “much more” salvation riches will come to Israel with “their full inclusion,” a fullness of experiencing all the privileges God granted to her (Rom 11:12; cf. 9:4–5).

Cycle 2: Romans 11:15–16a

Speaking of Israel, “their rejection” is clear, which led to “the reconciliation of the world,” that is, anyone in the world who believes in Christ. After “their rejection,” “their acceptance” comes in the future, an acceptance that coincides with a resurrection, “life from the dead” (Rom 11:15). Paul’s “dough-and-lump” illustration could picture Israel’s forefathers as the dough of firstfruits (cf. Rom 11:28), anticipating the salvation of the whole lump of Israel in the future (Rom 11:16a).

Cycle 3: Romans 11:16b–24

In the cultivated olive tree of salvation blessing, nourished by the root of Abrahamic promise (cf. Rom 11:28), Israel’s “branches were broken off because of their unbelief” (Rom 11:20). Presently for us as Gentiles, we, “although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others” (Rom 11:17). And if God can graft wild branches into a cultivated tree, we can be certain that God will save Israel in the future—“how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree” (Rom 11:24).

Cycle 4: Romans 11:25–27

While a remnant of Israelites believe (Rom 11:5), “the rest were hardened” (Rom 11:7). Paul uses this language again to say that “a partial hardening has come upon Israel” (Rom 11:25). During this hardening, God also extends salvation to the Gentiles “until the fullness” of this salvation “of the Gentiles has come in” (Rom 11:26). “In this way” (saving Gentiles first, then Israel) “all Israel will be saved” (Rom 11:27). God will send Christ from His throne to “banish ungodliness from Jacob” and “take away their sins” (Rom 11:26–27; cf. Isa 27:9; 59:20–21).

Cycle 5: Romans 11:28–32

Israel rejected “the gospel,” and thus Israelites “are enemies” and “have now been disobedient” (Rom 11:28, 30). This continued enmity, however, is “for your sake,” meaning that we presently “have received mercy because of their disobedience” (Rom 11:30). Likewise, Israel “also may now be shown mercy,” presently to its remnant, and to the whole of the nation at Christ’s return (Rom 11:31).

What do we do with this information?

A survey of this passage is incomplete without its own three points of application.

First, we must think humbly of our salvation.

Paul explicitly calls out Gentile Christians (Rom 11:13) and humbles us with these commands: “do not be arrogant” (Rom 11:18); “Do not be conceited” (Rom 11:20); he does “not want” us to “be wise in your own estimation” (Rom 11:25); but “See… the kindness… of God” in salvation (Rom 11:22). (And, of course, Jewish Christians should be humbled by their salvation as well.)

Second, we must persevere in the faith.

Instead of arrogance, we “fear” God’s judgment against unbelief (Rom 11:20). Instead of apostasy, we “continue in His kindness,” lest we “too will be cut off” (Rom 11:22).

Third, we worship God for His glorious plan of redemption for Israel and Gentiles.

Israel’s rejection of the gospel means salvation riches for the world. And after that, God will give His salvation riches to all of Israel as well. His wisdom, knowledge, judgments, and ways to plan and bring this all about are beyond our comprehension and are cause for us to worship Him. “To Him be the glory forever. Amen!” (Rom 11:36; cf. 11:33–36).

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The Remnant and the Rest of Israel (Romans 11:1–10)

By | November 15, 2024
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Romans 9–11 is central to understanding God’s plan for Israel. We learned in Romans 9 that a remnant of Israelites believe, thanks to the electing grace of God. From God’s perspective, He chose Israel for salvation, and specifically, a remnant within Israel who would be “truly Israel” (cf. Rom 9:6, 27). We then learned in Romans 10 that, though everyone (Jew or Gentile) who believes in the Lord will be saved, the majority of Israelites have been not believed but have been a disobedient and contrary people (cf. Rom 10:3, 13, 21). They are responsible for their unbelief.

Feeling the weight of Israel’s unbelief, Paul asks a question that he answers all the way through Romans 11:10. “Has God rejected His people?” (Rom 11:1). (In context, Israel is this “people.”) The answer is an emphatic “no,” and Paul also points to himself as an Israelite that God has saved (Rom 11:1).

Paul then answers his question again: “God has not rejected His people,” adding the description, “whom He foreknew” (Rom 11:2). This description functions as a second reason Paul knew God had not rejected Israel. As we saw in Rom 8:29–30, those who are foreknown are also predestined, called, justified, and glorified. So, if Israel was foreknown by God, Israel will also be glorified. To clarify, God foreknew and will glorify the remnant within Israel, those who believe and make up “all Israel” (Rom 11:26).

A third way Paul demonstrates that God has not rejected Israel is to review what God said to Elijah. God reminded Elijah that there was a remnant of believing Israelites in his day (Rom 11:3–4; cf. 1 Kgs 19:10, 14, 18), an example of God’s dealings with Israel today—there is a remnant of believing Israelites, chosen by His grace and not on the basis of their works (Rom 11:5–6).

But what about the rest of the Israelites? In short, “the rest were hardened” (Rom 11:7). As with Israel in Moses’ day and in Isaiah’s prophecy, so the nation is today—God has judged the majority of the nation with spiritual blindness and deafness (Rom 11:8; cf. Deut 29:4; Isa 29:10). As a result, unbelieving Israel would be as David’s enemies in his day—stumbling about in darkness with a false sense of peace, headed for destruction (Rom 11:9–10; cf. Ps 69:22–23).

In summary, there is a believing remnant of Israelites today (Rom 11:1–6), but the rest are hardened (Rom 11:7–10). Thankfully, that’s not the end of Isreal’s story. As we will see in Romans 11:11–32, stated in short in Romans 11:11–12, we could map Israel’s past, present, and future like this: (1) Israel rejected God; (2) so God now shows His salvation riches to the Gentiles in order to make Israel jealous; and (3) God will save Israel in full in time to come (cf. Rom 11:26).

God is faithful to Israel and has not rejected the nation that He foreknew. Just the same, He is faithful to us. If we are foreknown, predestined, called, and justified, our hope is sure—we will be glorified one day, perfectly conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 8:18–30). Stated another way, Romans 9–11 encourages us that Romans 8 will happen. What a wonderful God we have who will fulfill our hope one day!

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