Salvation in no other Name

Romans 11

This chapter is rich with theology based on Paul's reviewing and teaching on how God acted in History in the Israel nation. Paul is speaking to the Messianic Jews, Jews like himself who were born-again. He is pointing out to them that not all Jews had rejected Jesus; there was still a faithful remnant, and how God sent him to the Gentiles because of his fellow Jews (as a whole) had rejected Jesus. Paul also speaks to the future salvation of the Israelite nation - that there will be individual Jews who will be saved - saved in the same way as Gentiles (Romans 17-24). Paul emphasizes that whether Jew or Gentile, all are saved by grace through faith in Christ - no one is saved through cultural heritage.
There are differing interpretations of the future salvation of Israel, as taught by Paul. One author writes, "Some say the phrase "And so all Israel will be saved" means that the majority of Jews in the final generation befor Christ's return will turn to Christ for salvation. Others say that Paul is using the term 'Israel' for the "spiritual" nation of Israel made up of everyone - Jew and Gentile - who has received salvation through faith in Christ. Thus all Israel (or all believers) will receive God's promised gift of salvation. Still others say that all Israel means Israel as a whole will have a role in Christ's Kingdom. Their identity as a people won't be discarded. God chose the nation of Israel and He has never rejected it. He also chose the church, through Jesus Christ, and He will never reject it either. This does not mean, of course, that all Jews or all church members will be saved. It is possible to belong to a nation or to an organization without ever responding in faith. But just because some people have rejected Christ does not mean that God stops working with either Israel or the church. He continues to offer salvation freely to all. Still others say that the phrase "and so" means "in this way" or "this is how," referring to the necessity of faith in Christ" ( NIVp2048).
How does this teaching in Romans 11 impact you and me? It is by grace through faith we have been saved and this is not a work of our own, that any of us can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-11). The Jewish race, chosen by God, to usher in salvation through Jesus Christ, is not forgotten by God and what is happening in current events of the Middle East is not just for this earthly point in time, but has a place in the Revelation of God in Christ - has been prophesied for centuries, as written in the Word of God.
So, as we hear the news of today, let's prayerfully consider the times we are living in, from God's perspective as revealed in Scripture. Let's be 'wise as serpents and gentle as doves' (Matthew 10:16)...praying in the Spirit at all times everywhere for all the saints throughout the world (Ephesians 6:18). Let's pray that everyone who will come to Jesus, will come - even now.
"Lord, help us to be aware and understand the sign of our times, as revealed in Your Word and around us everyday, until Jesus, You come."