The Mystery of Israel's Salvation
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. Rom 11:28
As concerning the... They are enemies of the gospel, but beloved for the fathers’ sakes. They have been chosen of God to fulfill His plan and they will yet do so. The gifts and callings of God to Israelites still hold good, but they must first come to repentance and fulfill righteousness before being blessed.
This is Israel’s temporary situation during her time of spiritual hardening.
touching the election... From the perspective of God’s eternal choice, Israel will always be His covenant people.
the father’s sakes... The patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who are the recipients of the Abrahamic Covenant.
Here Paul summarized God’s dealings with Israel and with the Gentiles. In order for God to bring the gospel to Gentiles He had to deal with Israel corporately as enemies. But in relation to God’s choice (election) of Abraham and His covenant with him and the patriarchs, Israel is beloved. Because God chose Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (cf. Rom. 9:6-13), He loves the nation and will carry through on His promises. This is another reason Israel’s hardening must be temporary (cf. Rom. 11:15, 11:22-25) and she must finally be saved corporately: God chose her.
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