1645. The Apostolic Jewish Remnant

The Apostolic Jewish Remnant

"Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace" (Rom_11:5).

One of the most interesting studies of the remnant is the study of a remnant within a remnant.

During Israel's national history, there was always a few who stood true to God.

Elijah the Prophet during the days of Ahab's apostasy thought that he only was left who had not bowed the knees unto Baal.

God, however, assured Elijah that there were seven thousand, a remnant, who had neither bowed to Baal, nor kissed him.

Thus also in the days of Paul, God had His Jewish remnant. First the Jewish remnant was there nationally. The nation of Israel had never been utterly destroyed. Like Jonah, Israel had been swallowed of the nations but never amalgamated. Like the burning bush, she had been burned, but never consumed.

Let us consider the remnant in Apostolic days.

1. Israel Engulfed in Sin

The Lord Jesus had come, and they had crucified Him. The children of Israel had committed the greatest of all sins, the rejection of the Saviour.

2. Judgment Sent Forth

The children of Israel cried when Christ was crucified, "His blood be on us, and on our children."

The Lord Jesus had said that Israel would be led away captive into all nations, and trodden down of the Gentiles.

Surely there was much of judgment because of sin.

3. God's Grace Manifested

In this instance, we find that in the midst of wrath, there is mercy. While Israel as a people have denied the Lord, and while He has punished them with sore judgments, yet, He has kept His eye upon them and loves them. All day long He has stood with hands extended to them.

Surely it has been of grace and not of works, that God has blessed Israel. The least of His favors she has not deserved.

4. God's Election Secured

The question comes, "Why is there a remnant of Israel on earth today; why have they not been utterly destroyed?"

The answer is, that God's election according to grace, might stand. It is election only that has secured unto Israel the performance of God's eternal pledge.

Israel cannot be nationally destroyed, the remnant cannot be swallowed up, else the purposes of God, according to election, would be lost.

As concerning the Gospel, "they are enemies * * but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."

5. God's Promise's Emphasized

Even in these days of Israel's rebellion and desertion, still there are many precious promises which God gives the unfaithful remnant.

We will notice but one:

"Blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."

How gracious is this promise to Israel!

6. A Word of Protection

During all the twenty centuries of this age, God has put His arm of protection around the Jewish remnant; they have never been one moment from under His watchful eye. He has led them and will lead them until they at last shall crown Him Lord of all.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR