Romans 11:5-8

A Study of The Book of Romans

Lesson 77 Chapter 11:5 – 8

By Pastor Randy Johnson

1. Verse 5 “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
1. Even though Israel had turned against God, it was so bad that Elias or Elijah thought he was alone at standing up for the Lord; however God also had several thousand others that Elijah did not know about.
2. It is because of election by grace that God has always had a remnant that still serves the Lord.
3. If it were not for election by grace then there would be none and no reason to carry on in this world.
4. The Geneva study bible says “The election of grace is not that by which men chose grace, but by which God chose us of his grace and goodness.”
5. Paul has mentioned this remnant before. Romans 9:27 “Esaias also crieth concerning Israel , Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:”
6. This remnant was preserved by grace just as we were chosen by grace. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”
2. Verse 6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
1. Paul is batting the notion of the Jews, that we are justified by obedience to the Law. If salvation is of grace then works must be wrong.
2. Galatians 5:4 “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” – When Paul said “…ye are fallen from grace.” – he meant you have dropped away from grace, or grace has none effect in your salvation. It doesn’t mean they have lost grace because we cannot loose grace.
3. Grace and salvation was given by Gods choice before the world was created, they are both impossible to loose, because God cannot fail.
4. Paul said 1 Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” The reason Paul was such a great laborer in the Lord was because of grace, it had nothing to do with him, it was the Lord and that grace was not in vain.
5. “…But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Grace and works does not mix.
6. It was by grace these seven thousand men were standing with God, it was not their choice, neither was it Paul’s works that made him a great Apostle not his works, it is God grace that saved your soul and causes you to stand with God not our choice or works.
3. Verse 7 “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded”
1. The question is; what are you saying that Israel did not obtain what they seeked by works but only this remnant received it by grace, and all the rest were blinded by God? And the answer is YES that is exactly what Paul has just said.
2. Paul went on to explain in more detail in verse 8 “(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.” God done it because He can either open their eyes or close their eyes, God has put them in a deep sleep and unless God opens their eyes and ears then they will never see not hear the gospel.
3. Isaiah 29:10 “For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep (or trance), and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.” - Deuteronomy 29:4 “Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.”
4. Mark 4:11-12 “And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God : but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: (12.) That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”
5. Preachers can say all they want to that salvation is mans choice but that will not make it truth. Romans 3:4 “… let God be true, but every man a liar…”
6. 2 Thessalonians 2:11 - 12 “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (12.) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
7. God never told man that serving Him was a choice on their part, those that serve God serve Him at His choice and not theirs.