Bible Question:
Tim (and my fellow Christian observers): I have been studying Romans 11 myself this month, and I was wondering precisely whom you hold the "branches" to be. Do you think branches represent individuals, or do they represent the collectives of Jews and Gentiles? Paul and the Jewish believers are obviously in some way represented by the "natural branches" still on the tree. And Romans 11:2 does refer to Israel in general, although it should be plain to the evangelical mind that while He has not rejected Israel wholesale, he goes on to specify a REMNANT of the nation that He has kept for Himself, not the entirety of Jacob's descendents. Aside from Elijah and the 7000, there was a lot of rejection going on. I hold that the branches do not refer to individuals, because natural branches will be grafted back in (implying that they were there before) after the fulness of the Gentiles has been grafted in (Romans 11:25). Individual Jews living today were not born "grafted in." Now for my Calvinist jab (since we have not danced this little rumba in a while, my non-TULIPy brother): does the "all Israel" in verse 26 refer to "every single Israelite"? Have fun! --Joe! |
Bible Answer: Greetings Joe! Good to hear from you my friend! I pray that all is well with you and yours. You may have noticed that I have not been as active on the forum lately. It is not from lack of desire, but simply from lack of time! ;-) My take on Rom. 11 is that both nations and individuals are in view. Israel is the root. The Jews thought that they were guaranted a place in the root because of their national descent. However, the argument Paul has been making throughout Romans 9-11 is that the real Israel is the Israel of faith or promise, not birth or works. Thus, those Israelites who do not have faith in Christ are cut off from the root and those Gentiles who who do have faith in Christ are grafted in to the root and become part of the Israel of faith. Thus, the branches appear to refer to individuals with the two groups. You make a good point about Jews being born today. However, if the root is Israel, then they are born part of the root, but are broken off through unbelief. Now, for your trick question! :-) There are many views on v. 26, but my take is this: All Israel refers to the Israel of faith, not physical Israel. So, all those who respond in faith will be saved, both Jew and Gentile - but not every national Israelite will be saved. Well, I've have to get to bed! Chat with you later! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |