Romans 11:1-6

¹ “I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? Far from it! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. ² God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? ³ “Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” ⁴ But what is the divine response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” ⁵ In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. ⁶ But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace.”

Verse 1: Paul begins by addressing the question of whether God has rejected His chosen people, the Israelites. He emphatically declares, “By no means!” Paul, as an Israelite himself, provides personal testimony to refute the notion of God’s rejection. He highlights his own lineage, being from the tribe of Benjamin, to emphasize that God has not abandoned His people.

Verse 2: Paul further reinforces his point by stating that God has not rejected His people, whom He foreknew. He appeals to the example of Elijah, who, in the passage referenced, pleaded with God concerning Israel. This serves as a reminder that even in times of apparent unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His people.

Verse 3: Paul quotes Elijah’s words from 1 Kings 19:10, where Elijah expresses his despair, feeling as though he is the only faithful one left among a people who have turned away from God. This highlights the challenges faced by the prophets and the resistance encountered by those who remained faithful to God’s covenant.

Verse 4: Paul reveals God’s response to Elijah’s plea, quoting from 1 Kings 19:18. God assures Elijah that there are still seven thousand individuals who have remained faithful to him, despite the prevailing unfaithfulness. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness in preserving a remnant of believers within Israel.

Verse 5: Paul draws a parallel between the situation in Elijah’s time and his present context. Just as there was a remnant chosen by grace in Elijah’s day, there is also a remnant in the present time. This highlights the ongoing work of God’s grace in selecting and preserving a faithful remnant within Israel.

Verse 6: Paul concludes this passage by emphasizing the foundational principle of grace. The remnant’s selection is not based on their works or merits but solely on God’s grace. He emphasizes that grace and works are mutually exclusive. If salvation were based on works, it would nullify the concept of grace. This underscores the unmerited favor of God in choosing and preserving His people. God wanted to choose the Gentiles, so he did. Likewise, God has not forgotten about Israel.