Paul continues his thoughts about predestination as it relates to Jews and gentiles respectively. The essential truth of the matter is still—all who believe in Christ will be saved. Yet, in this pericope I see some interesting statements. Paul uses the Old Testament text to prove his teaching throughout.

First, the hardening of the Jews by God is momentary. When the full number of gentiles has come into the kingdom, there will be a softening of Israel’s heart toward their messiah again. Why? God has promised that Israel’s sins will be removed. God will take those sins away. God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. No matter how sinful Israel is, she is still the national people of God. God does not remove his promises. Paul even goes as far as to say that all national Israel will be saved. This doesn’t mean that every single Israelite from the inception of the people will be justified before God (cf Chapter 9). It does mean that one day, the nation still present on the earth will confess Christ as Lord. The world is progressing according to the gospel, not denigrating to some catastrophic end like many preach and teach in our day.

So, gentiles should not become prideful in the gospel or haughty in their own sight. God has shut up all in disobedience. No one deserves to be grafted in. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. This does not mean everyone will be saved; that’s not what the text says. It does mean that all people get to experience God’s mercy. He is merciful, not vindictive or malicious like many preach and teach in our day.

Concerning justification of the peoples of the earth, Paul states that all things are from God, to God, and through God. No one can search his ways. No one can pay Him for His works. No one can counsel God on who to save or not. His will be done.

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