Rom. 11:26-36, All Israel Will Be Saved (1)

(Two posts on the assurance that a day will come when "all Israel will be saved."  The point here is just to make sure we understand how emphatic the Scriptures are on this.) 

Paul says this, backing up his affirmation with quotes from Isa. 59:20 and 27:9.  Many people read this and find it hard to believe, that every person of Israel will be saved.  Yet, it says “all.”  That doesn’t seem to leave room for a partial salvation of Israel.  Others might try to argue that the “deliverance” is earthly in the sense of being saved from their enemies.  But “when I take away their sins” seems to negate that idea.  You might think this taking away of sins refers to the cross, which of course is essential to the removal or forgiveness of sins.  But Paul continues in the following verses indicating that the salvation of all Israel is still future to the first century time that he was writing.

But in case you prefer a “preponderance” of evidence, let me assure you that neither in Romans nor Isaiah are we limited to assurances of this future event.  Let me share some of these with brief comment.

·       Isaiah 4:2-4:When the kingdom of Messiah, the Branch, is established, all those of Israel who have escaped the preceding days of tribulation will be called “holy.”  You might think they are holy, a special nation, but not every individual saved.  But if you think Christ would establish His Kingdom with that type of situation you missed His entire earthly ministry.  You can’t enter His kingdom without the new birth. 

·       Isaiah 25:9; 26:2: In the day that Israel beholds God, He will save them, and in that day they will be “the righteous nation.”  (The context begins with 24:21-23 when Messiah/the Lord of hosts reigns on Mt. Zion. Ch. 25 is Israel song of praise to God and in Ch. 26-27 Israel rejoices in her salvation.  Note above: Paul quotes from 27:9.)

·       Isaiah 45:17: In the time of the return from Babylon God promised to save Israel with an “everlasting salvation.”

·       Isaiah 59:20-21: Paul quoted v20.  Note what follows in v21: Israel’s salvation will involve the “new covenant.”  Again, the salvation is not just military deliverance; it is salvation that results in the indwelling Spirit.  But of course, this is the nature of Israel’s rejection of Christ.  Many of them were looking for deliverance from Rome but Jesus would have nothing to do with that.  Entrance into His kingdom, which will be one of peace and righteousness, requires salvation, being born again (John 3). 

·       Ezekiel 39:27-29: Again, Israel’s salvation involves the New Covenant application to them.

·       Dan. 12:1-3: After the time of great trouble, such as was never seen (v1; cf. Mk. 13:19), “your people (Daniel’s people, Israel) will be delivered, every one who is found written in the book.”