ALL OF US NEED GOD'S MERCY

PROCLAMATION

“As far as the gospel is concerned … God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.  Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you.  For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that He may have mercy on them all.”  Romans 11:28-32 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  There were and still are those in Israel who reject Jesus, The Christ, but He will not reject His chosen people. (Romans 11:1-6)  Because of their rejection and transgressions, salvation was offered to the Gentiles. (Romans 11:11)  Paul presented the example of a twig, the Gentiles, being grafted onto an olive tree and thriving because of the nourishment from the tree’s root. (Romans 11:17-21)  The Jews are God’s chosen people.  Just because some of them are non-believers and disobedient does not mean that God will turn His back on them. (Romans 11:28-32)  At one time all believers were also disobedient.

 

APPLICATION

We are part of the elect of God.  The grace of God and His calling us out of darkness into His marvelous light are without repentance.  God does not change His mind about us.  He dislikes our sins, but He still loves us.  God made a promise to Abraham (Romans 4:16 and Galatians 3:18) and if we believe in Christ, then we are heirs with Abraham to the promise of God. (Galatians 3:29)  Jesus, The Christ, said that I have sheep which are not of this sheep fold, referring to the Jews, which I will bring in and there will be just one fold. (John 10:16)  He also said I am the vine, and you are the branches. (John 15:5)  A branch cannot survive by itself; it must be connected to the vine and the root. (John 15:4-6)  Just as we were grafted in because of our faith in Him, so may many others, who are now disobedient, be grafted in.  Pray for those who are currently lost.  We who have received mercy should pray for mercy to be extended to others. (Matthew 5:7)