Romans 10:20

In Romans chapter 11, Paul is still addressing the mystery of why <= st1:place w:st=3D"on">Israel has stumbled and why it seems that the nation has been cast off. The themes of selection, mercy, and grace are reused repeatedly in chapters 9-11, but in chapter 11 Paul goes further to reveal the divine principle of a remnant. Remnant means a small portion of a larger group. In this case, w= hile the majority of Isra= el was disobedient to God, He still found a way to work with a small portion of His people.

Paul disagrees with the thought that God has failed to keep His covenant with His people, or that the people managed to totally fall away from Him. Paul uses himself as proof that the nation has not been discarded. =

Verses 2 through 4 illustrate an Old Testament example of God’s work with a remnant. In this example Elijah’s attitude is one of lamenting how that he alone is the last of the faithful, but God reveals the presence of another 7,000. Often, people assume that they are= the only faithful and true worshippers left on earth. In all of history, God has never b= een “stranded” in such a way. He has always “reserve= d for Himself” a testimony. <= o:p>

The remnant in verses 5 and 6 is defined by grace. Membership in the remnant means to= give up on natural energy and works and pride and receive the free gift of righteousness.

Verses 7 through 10 describe= the condition of those not selected—hardened, a sleeping spirit, eyes and ears that do not function, enjoyment of religion that becomes trouble, and a constant state of servitude. =