Unlimited: All Israel Will be Saved
Jun 8, 2023 641
…and in this way all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26a).
This is one of Paul’s statements that has been the cause of a great deal of discussion and debate in modern times. What is Paul saying here? Is he saying that before Jesus returns, every Jew will accept Christ, or is he meaning to say something else?
It is very clear from the context of Romans that “all Israel” does not mean every, single, individual Jew. It isn’t referring to a genetic or national salvation of Israel. Paul didn’t expect this. He expected that only “some” would be saved, as is clear from verses 14 and 17.
It is very clear from the context of Romans that “all Israel” does not mean every, single, individual Jew.
The salvation of the Jews in the epistle to the Romans isn’t collective, but individual. It isn’t inevitable, but contingent on individuals deciding to accept the righteousness offered by Jesus through faith in him. This is the only way of salvation which Paul in Romans allows for any person, irrespective of race.
Furthermore, let us consider the nature of the salvation to which Paul is referring here. Throughout chapters 9, 10, and 11, the words referring to salvation are continually explicitly clarified to refer to justification, reconciliation, grace, etc. In other words, Paul is referring to salvation in its spiritual sense, as eternal salvation from sin, and not as literal and temporal national restoration for the Jews.
Spiritual Application
The Bible reminds us that it is very important to be part of Christian community (Heb. 10:25.) If salvation isn’t collective, but individual, then what is the purpose or advantage of the Christian community of which you are part?
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