Romans 11:5 The Election of Grace
Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
In this passage Paul makes reference to the “election of grace“. The context of this passage suggests an election by obedience. When I have encountered this passage in the past, I have paused to ponder what exactly Paul was implying, but just could not reason that Paul would contradict his previous teachings concerning the grace of God. I have discussed this passage with an Elder of the church who also saw it as I did, but like myself was hesitant to jump to any conclusions.
Recently I began a deeper study on this chapter, and with much prayer and pondering it occurred to me what Paul was actually saying, and I am very confident the Spirit has finally determined to reveal the truth of this scripture to me.
Notice that this is according to “the election of grace” and not the election of God. Paul is referring to an election other than the election of God, which occurred before the foundations of the world.
In verses 14 – 16, Paul comments that there is a possibility of this group being provoked into becoming a part of this remnant. In verse 16, he indicates that they are Holy, being part of the same lump as the firstfruit, partaking of the root. He describes them as the branches which were removed, which once were partakers of the same root that this remnant now partakes. Therefore this is a choosing, or an act of picking out, performed by grace. But how does grace pick and chose? In the same way that a rock in the pathway chooses those who will stumble, from those who will be aware of its presence and step over. It chooses those who are able to humble themselves and believe the gospel. “Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone” and they “have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God”. This could be compared to a car manufacturer who designs a car to attract a certain group of people. The manufacturer is choosing a particular type of person when he designs the car. Whether it be the young with a sports car, or the soccer mom’s with SUV’s. Grace likewise targets a certain group of people. I think Jesus was making reference to this same audience when He said:
• Matthew 5:3 Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Matthew 5:4 Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
• Matthew 5:5 Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
• Matthew 5:6 Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
• Matthew 5:7 Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
• Matthew 5:8 Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
• Matthew 5:9 Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
• Matthew 5:10 Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
And again this particular group is referred to by Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 1:21 & 27 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe… But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
So, we find that there is indeed an election of grace, because only a particular type of person is targeted. Only those who believe in the grace of God are chosen, and are considered a part of this remnant.
For further study see also:
The Remnant by Bob Dickerson
I also found the following in the “A Welsh Succession of Primitive Baptist Faith and Practice” which I believe supports what I have said above.
“There has been all along the blood-tinged ages of martyrdom an uninterrupted preservation of the primitive creed and ritual of the church of the Pentecost, so signally inaugurated in the upper room in Jerusalem. There is no missing link in this celestial chain from age to age of the remnant according to the election of grace.“
Thank you for taking the time to read this study. I hope you found this study to be a blessing, and that it has in some way increased your knowledge of our Lord and Savior. If you have questions, or would like to leave a comment, please do not hesitate to do so.
You may also email questions to barry.laminack@pbcmail.org
Grace to you,
Barry Laminack
Topical References: Children of God, Free Grace, New Testament, Pauline Theology, Promises of God, Romans, Scripture Comment, Spiritual Life & Death |
