LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
A Remnant Chosen by Grace
Paul, in Romans, reveals an amazing fact about Israel: that in the midst of the time of the law, and even more, in the time of apostasy, God reserved a part, a remnant, by grace and not by works.
This "reserved" of God implies in the context, undoubtedly, "justified", because Paul makes it clear that it is by grace, not by works. God reserved for himself a portion of Israel, implying that they represent God's way of attaining righteousness. And just as God reserved that remnant, so also today God has his chosen remnant by grace, says Paul.
This confirms what the apostle says elsewhere: that God's purpose is to justify by faith not only the Gentiles but also the Jews (Rom. 3:30). What happened to those seven thousand in the time of Elijah must finally happen to all Jews, for it is not by the law that a man is justified, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.
How wonderful it is that, in the midst of the law, there should be an oasis of faith! How wonderful it is that, in the time of the law, God should set apart for himself a remnant by grace! How much more will God now justify men by faith, whether Jews or Gentiles!
More than the breach of the law, it is the unbelief of the Jews that caused them to lose their prominence in God's plan. And that is why the Gentiles were called to occupy, at least partially, the place that the Jews had (Rom. 11:20). Unbelief produces the fall, faith produces the blessing. Being under the law, they did not act from faith, but from works; therefore, they were plucked from the good olive tree. They should have realized that the law would not give them entrance to righteousness, and should have turned in due time to faith, according to the example given them by Abraham; but they did not do so.
Now the way was clearer. God's severity to Israel is God's reproof of an impossible way, which, if followed, will only bring glory to man. Israel's rejection is God's repudiation of man's vain righteousness. The law produced only unbelievers and disobedients; faith is what justifies and transforms the heathen and sinner into a man after the image of God.
This righteousness of God through faith was already testified from ancient times by the law and the prophets. The problem is that there were no empty ears of themselves to hear it - except those of that remnant chosen by grace. Constantly, though as it were between the lines, not openly, but as it were in secret, perceptible only to humble ears, weary of vain efforts, testimony was left that God justifies man through faith. God does not shout as in thunder his words, but declares them in the ear of him who humbles himself under his hand.
What is happening today? The same as yesterday: God has reserved for himself a remnant chosen by grace, who hate themselves, and glorify God for his mercy.