Un-Bent Backs? (Romans 11:7-12)

Main Point: In Ch. 11, Paul asks, “Has God rejected Israel?” The majority of Israel was seeking a righteousness apart from Christ. The elect have been gifted with right standing with God in Christ. Those who are not elect, God hardens.

1. It is impossible for one to establish his own righteousness. Non-elect Israel sought right standing with God according to its own terms, but God will not be manipulated by men and women. God justifies only on account of Jesus’ righteousness imputed to His elect. Non-elect Israel was blindly following a works-righteousness scheme.
   
2. God would therefore harden Israel in order to save his elect in the only possible way, through His own son being crucified by them in order tobear the true curse of Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10; Psalm 69:22-23 because Jesus opposed their works-righteousness scheme as he presented righteousness through faith in Him.
   
3. If the Israel’s ways of seeking righteousness are ineffectual, we are to renounce the cursed way of works-righteousness and live a life of freedom according to the riches we have received through Christ-righteousness comes through believing, not doing.