Daily Devotions
Romans
"There is a remnant according to the election of grace."
Text: Romans 11:5
THE DOCTRINE OF “THE REMNANT”
Paul introduced a subject called “The remnant” to back up his argument that God had not cast off His people.
“Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant
according to the election of grace.”
Romans 11:5
1. The concept of “the remnant” may be traced to the prophets of Israel
Let us look at some of the prophetic texts that mentioned “remnant.”
“Unless the LORD of hosts had left to us a very small remnant,
we would have become like Sodom…”
Isaiah 1:9“Yet I will leave a remnant, so that you may have some
who escape the sword among the nations…”
Ezekiel 6:8
a) This concept dates back to antiquity.
b) It has always existed as a concept.
c) From the days of the prophets to “this present time” the remnant has been preserved!
2. The significance of “the remnant”
a) The fact that there was a remnant at all points to the grace of God.
i) Grace to the remnant proves that God had not cast off His people.
ii) Grace to the remnant demonstrates Israel was still His people.
iii) Only when grace is totally cut off could we say that God had cast of His people.
b) The remnant also points us to ponder another great truth- “the election of God”,
i) God’s election was never based on how good people were.
ii) God’s election always includes His foreknowledge.
iii) God’s election of grace ensures the preservation of His people.
THERE MIGHT NOT BE A WHOLE LOT OF JEWS WHO WOULD BELIEVE
There might only be a remnant who would turn to Christ for salvation. But that would not prove that God has cast off His people. Indeed, He has not cast them away!