LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Chosen By Grace
"Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace" (Rom. 11:5).
The expression "Even so then at this present time" tells us that God's remnant is always present. For his own sake, for his name's sake, God reserves for himself a testimony on earth in every age. It was so in the days of the Old Testament and in the days of Paul when this verse was written. Today, after twenty centuries and a multitude of events in the history of the church, the word still stands: "Even... at this present time".
Now, one of the most important characteristics of the remnant is its election by the grace of God. It is not chosen by works, its own justice, or by merit-as if it had any- but entirely by grace. And we know that the grace of God is manifested because of the futility of man.
When God tells Elijah on Mount Horeb: "I will leave seven thousand in Israel, whose knees have not bowed before Baal, and whose mouths have not kissed him", this "I will" speaks to us of a will that is higher than that of men (1 Kings 19:18). It is God who chooses and acts. So, we should not look to the remnant for any merit of faithfulness but to God who has set it apart for Himself. Paul reinforces this idea by saying: "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; otherwise, grace is no longer grace. And if by works, it is no longer grace; otherwise, the work is no longer work" (Rom. 11:6).
In the hearts of those who constitute this remnant there must be a clear and deep knowledge of the grace of God because the glory that God bestows upon it is very great. The wonder of knowing God and his ways could puff up the heart and trouble the soul. To them the arcana of the heavens is opened, and the depth of God's wisdom is available.
Now, the fact that God has this remnant as his "special treasure" or his "personal property" does not in any way mean that God does not love all his people or that he does not continue to call on their hearts for a return to his sincere fidelity. It also does not mean that the remnant is better than the others or that God does not have his own dealings with them. None of this can be implied from this precious word of God. However, it is clear that God finds pleasure in a few and that these few must walk as is worthy of such a high calling.
Just as Christians are called to be salt in the midst of the earth, the remnant is called to be salt not only of the earth, but also in the midst of the Christianity that has turned away from God. They must take upon their hearts the burden of the whole Body, and seized by the generous love of God, they have to seek the good of all. His loving appeals will touch insensitive hearts, and its intercession on their behalf will also touch the heart of God. Like the ancient prophets, its heart will light up with all the compassion of God, and he will ensure that others also enjoy the delights that are at the right hand of the Father.