The Position of the Jews in God - Coursework Example

Introduction Paul’s letter to the Romans represents one of the most profound yet simply d books in the Bible. The eleventh chapter of Romans stands out as a bit controversial to most readers. Essentially, this is due to a series of interpretations of some theologians on the future of Israel (Murray). Due to this, it crucial to have the right platform in order to get the most accurate understanding regarding Paul’s writing to the church in Rome. In order to develop a critical look at this portion of Scripture, it is important to consider the major themes of this passage of Scripture. The baseline of the paper is on the premise that God is using the saving grace to salvage the human race through Jesus Christ. Critical Themes in Romans 11 The first theme that comes out clearly is the position of the Jews in God. Essentially, the first verse of the Scripture presents a question of whether God has rejected his people. It is quite clear from Paul’s perspective that the rejection facing the people of Israel is not universal. From this portion of Scripture, Paul makes it clear that the people of Israel have several misgivings. However, Paul continues to assert that these misgivings do not warrant their total rejection. Paul further confirms that there is a remnant, a people who God will use for restoration (Murray). As a Jew, Paul considers himself as one of the remnants who will proclaim the goodness of the Lord and His glorious role of the Gospel in the world. The second theme that comes out clearly regards God overruling the Jewish unbelief for making the Gentiles partakers of the privileges that come with the Gospel. From verse 11 up to 21, Paul uses the analogy of ingrafted branches. Paul confirms the restoration of the Jews from this portion of Scripture (Murray). That is, through their fall, the Jews shall get restoration. Through their fall and suffering, the Jews will come to appreciate and acknowledge the saving grace that is in Jesus Christ. The third theme is on jealousy pride and unbelief. Apostle Paul writes from the 22nd verse up to the 32nd verse on this subject. Paul reckons that due to their disbelief, the Jews have become enemies of God. However, the role of their fathers and the divine promises made to their fathers makes God not to relent on favoring them. Those Jews who will eventually come to understand the saving grace of Jesus Christ should endeavor to share it with others. Contextualizing Paul’s Views in Romans 11Analysis of the context Romans chapter 11 is a build up from chapter 10. Essentially, the previous chapter questions Israel’s unbelief and Paul’s quest to ensure that the Israelites stand saved. Paul’s argument rises from his background. As a man who sought to uphold the law, Paul has a clear understanding of what the law is concerning the Jewish people. However, after his transformation, he understands that the law does not have much power in comparison to what Jesus Christ and the saving grace (Murray). There is a massive emphasis on the fact that it’s hard to keep up with the law. It is only through faith that the Jews shall get salvation. Regarding the supremacy of Jesus Christ, Paul echoes the role played by Moses (Murray). However, he brings to light the function of the saving grace that came with Jesus Christ. The following material is a buildup of growing in faith. Following the salvation of the Jewish people, Paul sets the steps on how to grow, what to do and how to achieve the benefits of salvation. Chapter 12 emphasizes on bearing how to keep oneself holy through faith. The Scripture helps people to learn how to live with others in the society. As people grow in the faith through Jesus Christ, various sets of gifts will manifest. Knowing how to exercise and use them for the growth of the entire body of Christ will form the basis of spiritual development. The social context of the passage affects the society that finds its basis in the law by introducing faith. It is not easy for a society that believes in salvation through acts to embrace the concepts presented by Paul. Paul understands this, as such, prompts the society to endeavor seeking and relying on the saving grace of Christ through consistency in reading the Word of faith. The historical factors that speak against this passage are evident from what Paul is saying about Elijah’s prayer. There is a general notion that the Jewish nation did not spare the prophets. However, it is through the love of God that He seeks to redeem His holy people. Parallelism of Paul’s Message to the Romans Facts that speak for this passage include the prophecy made by Prophet Jeremiah, that there will come a time when people shall have direct access to God. The establishment of this relationship begins with a thorough understanding of the role of faith. As such, Jesus Christ comes into the picture to fulfill or accomplish this task (Murray). Looking at Paul’s message it is similar to the message of some Prophets in the Old Testament. In fact, what we can see is the fact that Paul reiterates God’s love to the Israelites by seeking for an avenue that would save them and preserve their future. The future of the Israel nation is safe. However, it is important for the Jews to appreciate the fact that they have a choice to make. In simpler terms, salvation will come to the Jews who will accept Jesus Christ as the only way to their destiny. In many ways, this is similar to what the Lord speaks through the Prophets of Old. Reflections on how Paul’s Assertions can apply in Contemporary Life The subject matter in this Scripture is on the place of faith towards leading a godly life through Jesus Christ. Paul talks about building our spiritual reserves by focusing on Jesus Christ. In essence, the purpose of what Paul shares informs us the role of Christians in reaching out to the lost. Every Christian, who understands the elements of faith, should not shy away from sharing this grace. Paul’s message in Romans chapter 11 affects us in various ways. First, it touches on society by calling us to be our brother’s keeper. The society that looks out to the lost in faith is a society will strive towards harmony. Furthermore, the future of the society of believers is safe in the hands of God. In my opinion, it is our responsibility to create an environment that fosters these truths in the society. On an individual basis, this scripture helps us to appreciate the gifts that the Father has in store for those who believe and put their trust in Him. Growing in faith is a gradual process especially in a world that seeks proof and validation of actions and different acts (Murray). In addition, Paul message opens up our eyes to the realization that there are people out there who might come against us due to our faith. Due to this, it is important to ensure that we stick to what the Scripture says for us to grow in the faith. In conclusion, the profound truths of God are unsearchable. The judgments are beyond our humanly understanding. As such, growing in faith comes as a consequence of commitment, interacting with a community of faithful and consistent pursuit of sharing these truths with others in the wider community. From the above thesis, it is true that the message of Paul in Romans 11 is a reflection of the saving grace to the human race through Jesus Christ. Work Cited Murray, John. Epistle to the Romans. Michigan: Eerdmans Publishing, 1997. Print. Read More