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Therefore Because of Who He IS Surrender Your Body Completely to God

December 13, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

After 11 chapters of rich theology, we reach the Practical section of Romans. That is: with all the knowledge we have just been given, now how do we put it to practice. Still wrapped in these two verses is rich depth of theological truth. So much so, that we must take our time unraveling the riches of these two verses. Therefore, because of Who He is. His great mercies, wisdom, and justice rationality demands you surrender your body completely to God. Too often we try to object by saying “you cannot know my heart. I do love God, even if my actions say otherwise.” Which is true. But, others can see the fruits of your actions. A true love of God-a trembling at His Awesomeness shows in everything we do. It may not be discerned in a moment’s action; but it is notable in a life lived devoted to Christ.

Certainly, I cannot know if another’s actions are from a heart of love, pride or rebellion. Sometimes I have trouble gaging my own heart’s individual actions. But God does know each motive and action. Therefore, if I am constantly seeking His word, He will reveal to me His Will in every decision placed before me. The more I am aware of His presence every second of the day, the more I lean into Him. Thereby, through prayer and study of His word, I surrender wholeheartedly my body, mind, and spirit to Him. As you focus on who He is and all He has done for you, it becomes urgently necessary to surrender your body completely to Him. Why? Because there is the sweet communion where all is covered by His peace, His love, His joy, and the knowledge that you are His Beloved Child. You are walking in His Will.

Therefore, Because of All He IS, you must surrender Your Body Completely to God

The book of Romans can be divided into essentially 4 parts. 1. The Wrath of God. 2. The Grace of God. 3. The plan of God. And 4^th: The will of God. Within the book of Romans the word therefore is used 27 times in the KJV. Each pointing back to all that has gone before. This guides us to utilize all the doctrine given before completing the confirmation of what is about to be said. We will look at three which came before this one that were essentially a summary before moving on. Before each of these had been others, guiding us along the way to these conclusions.

Therefore, all are condemned. All have sinned, and none can be justified by their own work.

Therefore, by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20 NKJV

All have sinned, and no one can be justified on their own actions. We are condemned before a Holy God.

Therefore, Justification is through Christ Alone. It is by Grace Alone, through faith alone.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Romans 5:1 NKJV

This is an act of Grace beyond anything our human hearts can fully grasp, but we must recognize it as such. No longer are we the objects of His Justified Wrath against us. Why? God, the Son, took on flesh to live a perfect life. The perfect sinless life we could not. He suffered and faced all the temptations we do, without sinning. Then willingly He surrendered Himself to the cruel cross. He took upon Himself all the wrath of sinful man and all the wrath of God the Father. He did all so we might be counted as righteous, though we have not one ounce of righteousness without Him.

Therefore, Total Exoneration because of Christ

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1

No Condemnation. None. How can that be! Mercy and Grace.

Therefore, Consecration is Certain and Demanded

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. Romans 12:1 (NKJV).

When you consider Who He is and All His Mercies toward you, how can you not surrender your body completely to Him?

But How Do You Surrender Your Body to God?

After all. This flesh desires what it desires, and the fight seems too hard at times. Are not our salvation and sanctification all by grace alone? Then, what must I do? Is not my doing anything an act of works? Not really. It begins by surrendering to the truth. Our sin was crucified with Christ. No longer must I or you be a slave to our sin nature. We are now raised to a new life as a new creature. Yet, we must remember this each day and place our flesh once more on the altar. We are a “living” sacrifice. That means we keep wanting to jump off the altar when the flames rise up. But again, back to how do we do this. Thankfully, Paul gave us that very answer.

“do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2 NKJV.

God performs the work of transformation, but we must seek His word. Otherwise, we leave Him with no choice. To transform our mind He must systematically remove all those things we desire above Him. Sounds cruel? Not really. Those are the things that keep you from full joy. He knows that. At other times, He does not remove them. However, He does transform your desire for them step by step diminishing them. This may be as you find severe pain in seeking them. Thus, He allows unholy desires to carry out their natural consequences. Pain, Sorrow and death. In the most severe of cases, He may take the Rebellious Christian home as we saw in the last lesson.

However, if you look at this verse in Romans 12 closely. It is not a suggestion. Rather, it is a strong, urgent, pleading command. God and Paul, for that matter, want you to live the best life ever. Yet, that only can be found in the center of God’s will.

Everything else will one day fade away.

Therefore, Surrender Your Body Completely

All too often, I think we underestimate the absolute majesty and wonder of who God IS. He spoke this magnificent galaxy and all the others into being with one word of His mouth. Everything is held together by Him. Yet, He sees every tear I shed and knows each thought. Such love is too great for me to fully comprehend. How wondrous is He! Why would I not want to give Him everything? What foolish desire would I want to cling to? Knowing that He has everything I need and more abundantly, I want Him above all else.

Perfect Wisdom and Justice can lead my life to places I never thought of. Looking back, I know that. What a marvelous life I have been given the opportunity to have! He even took all my moments and transformed them into something glorious. My life has been so richly filled with people, places, and unimaginable beauty. It surrounds me with such marvel and wonderful joy, peace, and love. As in the song by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty, “No guilt in life, no fear in death. That is the power of Christ in me.”

An urgent plea to surrender your body completely

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, Ephesians 4:1 NASB

Just as in Romans, Paul lays out the theological framework first. Then, he through the Holy Spirit pivots to the practicality of his teaching. He urges the reader to walk in a manner surrendered to God. We have been overwhelmingly blessed with so much. Ephesians describes the absolute richness of our blessings in Christ Jesus. We are His Chosen Bride, heir of the Kingdom, Beloved, Blessed Child of God. Furthermore, we are the Possessor of all Spiritual blessings in heavenly places. As such we are honored to be His prisoner and slave (protected and cared for). That is to name a few. Furthermore, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, thereby having no fear.

So, surrender is an urgent command, that we might experience the heights of His Steadfast Joy in us.

So, back to the steps toward how to surrender your body completely.

Paul outlined this.

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 NKJV

J.B Phillips Version reads: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould” ¹

Where does sin begin? In your mind. You see something and the more you focus on it the more you desire it.

Ok, but how do you not do that?

Study His Word every day, morning and night.

the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 (NASB)

Or again, as J.B Phillips paraphrased it:

The truth is that, although of course we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not those of human warfare but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. Our battle is to bring down every deceptive fantasy and every imposing defence that men erect against the true knowledge of God. We even fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ.

Or as King David, the cry of our heart must be:

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. Psalm 119: 10-12 KJV

Transform Me Lord by Effie Darlene Barba

Transform me Lord with each new day

That I might be Your light, I pray

To shine into each darkened heart

Your love and mercy their impart

So that the ones with whom I meet

Might see your smile, I do entreat

That you would take this feeble heart

Surrendered to thy will to start

A cascade of thy love divine

Pour forth from me, your glory shine

And lay aside all my desires

To light a path with spirit fires

That draw the broken, wounded lost

Oh, Lord let me not count the cost

But freely lay aside the “me”

That Thou art all they truly see

Concluding thoughts:

Fill your life with His Presence and His Word. Lay aside all that draws you away from Him. Thereby, you surrender your body completely to Him. Stay close to His word. Remember His mercies. And you will find your life transformed by His Spirit in you. Mary surrendered to His Will completely in faith. Not an easy choice in her day, but she trusted Him for the Mercy God showed her.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Has God Grafted You Joyfully into His Fruitful Olive Tree?

What Happens in the Plan of God for the Israel Nation?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Photo licensed from Goodsalt.com

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Has God Grafted You Joyfully into His Fruitful Olive Tree?

December 6, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

There will come a day and time when all of Israel will return to the Holy One of Israel. They will look upon Him, once more. Laying aside the works of their hands and false idols, they will become the fruitful Olive Tree they were meant to be. But for now, their branches bare little fruit while the wild gentile branches are being grafted in. The question is: has God grafted you joyfully into His Fruitful Olive Trees?

Fruitful Olive Trees require a great deal of work. In the springtime, the branches that have died must be removed. New branches are grafted in with great care. There must be a V-shaped cut in which the cambium layers of the young new branches are aligned with the sap producing cambium layers of the root tree. Hence, these are carefully wrapped and held firm, while the branch is wrapped with plastic to protect it from harsh elements until established. There is a small air hole left open to allow in air, but to keep the heat and sun from drying out the branch before established.

If asked about the symbolism of Israel to the Fruitful Olive Tree, the answer AI returns:

Israel is compared to an olive tree because it symbolizes God’s chosen people, their covenant relationship with Him, and their spiritual journey of hardship (bitterness/pressure) leading to blessing (sweet oil/light) and endurance, with wild branches (Gentiles) being grafted in to share in its life-giving root. This imagery appears in the Bible (Jeremiah, Romans) and Jewish tradition, representing faithfulness, divine nurturing, pruning for growth, and the eventual restoration and unity of God’s people, with the olive tree representing the core of Israel’s spiritual heritage. (Jeremiah 11:16). …Olives yield sweet oil only when crushed under pressure;[1]

Has God Grafted You?

God had chosen Israel to be His people. They were to bless the world; but, they have been a rebellious, self-glory seeking, idolatrous worshipping people. They rejected their Messiah when He arrived; but, God knew they would and used their rejection to further His plan for them and the salvation of many others. The Bride of Christ is being grafted into the Olive tree to produce fruit during this the Church Age. That is for now; but the apostasy of many so called “churches” of this day are also fruitless branches. So all this is what we must consider to understand the scriptures of Paul at present. In Romans 11. But before we go there, let’s look at one more set of scriptures from Isaiah 17.

In that day his strong cities will be as a forsaken bough And an uppermost branch,Which they left because of the children of Israel;And there will be desolation.

Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation, And have not been mindful of the Rock of your stronghold, Therefore you will plant pleasant plants And set out foreign seedlings; In the day you will make your plant to grow, And in the morning you will make your seed to flourish; But the harvest will be a heap of ruins In the day of grief and desperate sorrow. Isaiah 17:9-11 NKJV

Although God is Sovereign. From the beginning of time, He knew His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The nation of Israel is also fully responsible for their decisions as noted above.

So. for now, the question is: “Are you grafted into the root?” There is a play on words we must remember. Paul discusses the individuals grafted in, but also, he speaks of the “church” and the nation of Israel as a whole.

God Grafted You into the Root

For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. Romans 11:16-18 (NKJV).

We have no room to boast and no room for any antisemitism. God is the root. He is holy and makes you holy through the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect Holy, unblemished lamb of God who took upon Himself the full wrath of God against sin for you. That is He has cloaked you with His righteousness. Not of your own work. Rather His work and sacrifice paid your debt. Now you can be declared free. You are empowered with the Holy Spirit that you become dead to sin and alive to Jesus Christ. This a gift, not of works from your guilty hands.

You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? Romans 11:19-24 (NKJV)

Does that indicate that you can lose your salvation? No, salvation is secure. You are sealed by the Holy Spirit if you ever truly accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. However, if the gentiles in general have refused to follow Jesus as Savior, they as a group can be cut out for the believing Jewish nation to be grafted back in. Which is what will happen once the church age is completed.

So if God Grafted You in and You bare no fruit?

So, back to the personal grafting in. What happens to the individual redeemed child of God who fails to ever produce fruit? Well God takes the full responsibility to transform us into those who look like Christ. That is why we can truly say, “All things work together for good”

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30 NKJV

He will accomplish His plans in me, whatever it takes.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands. Psalm 138: 8 NKJV

He will perfect that which concerns me. It may be through fire that He removes the dross, so my heart becomes like Jesus. But I can trust Him even in the fires. Yet, what if I determinedly head long chase after sin, despite His discipline as a believer. That may mean I will be taken home.

If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. I John 5:16 (NKJV)

What Else Can One Lose if God Grafted You In and fruit fails

You can sin a sin leading to physical death, although spiritually you remain saved. However, you can lose your reward.

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. I Corinthians 3:9-17 (NKJV)

If you say, “I do not care about a reward. Nor do I care about pleasing God. I just want my ticket out of heaven secured and then do whatever I want here.” Well, I would question your sincere salvation. If at no point did you see Him as so worthy, that if He gave you nothing, you would still choose Him. Or if you don’t love Him for having loved you so, then I would question if your heart was ever transformed. There may be some whom after salvation become so scarred by this world, they are taken home. Or others who have developed so much scar tissue of the soul, it is hard to see their life as His. But those may be extreme cases. I cannot judge you. But if there is no change, you may want to take a moment to ask Him in. I know God’s patience in having persisted in transforming me, speaks for itself. He never gave up, but there has been steady transformation. He has called and wooed me to Himself every step of the way.

God has said of the Nation of Israel: “I, God grafted you in again at the right time.”

So, you Gentiles, do not get so arrogant and think yourselves better than the Jews. God has given you a time of grace for now. Then, He will turn back to His nation as well.

For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:

“The Deliverer will come out of Zion,

And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;

For this is My covenant with them,

When I take away their sins.” Romans 11: 25-27 (NKJV)

“All Israel will be saved” refers to all the elect of Israel who are alive at the end of the tribulation will be ushered into the millenium. The largest number will be saved during the tribulation. Remember the tribulation is for the doing away with sin forever for Daniel’s people—the cleansing of the nation of Israel.

All Of This Planned by God’s Grace.

If God Drafted You In, you may now be His fruit bearing branch. So, do you know Him as your Lord and Savior?

Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Romans 11:28-32 NKJV

Paul’s Amazement Of the Wonder of God

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

“For who has known themind of theLord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
“Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 NKJV

He who has been my life, my hope, my joy for so many years. Can I ever question what He has done? No, I can only marvel at His wonderful grace toward me. He has loved me with unimaginable love always. So now, I only want to serve Him, for all He is and all He does. For yes, amen, For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.

[1] https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Why+was+Israel+compared+to+an+olive+tree accessed 12/06/2025.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

What Happens in the Plan of God for the Israel Nation?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Photo licensed from Goodsalt.com

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What Happens in the Plan of God for the Israel Nation?

November 29, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

God made a covenant with Abraham that all the families of the earth shall be blessed from him. There are many who believe that the nation of Israel has been cast aside by God. After they rejected Jesus as their Messiah, there are those who teach replacement theory. They say that the “Church” replaced the Jewish nation in God’s plan. But what does the Bible say concerning the Nation of Israel. What is the plan of God for the Israel nation? So let us search for truth throughout scripture; to find the answer. First, how significant is it that God made a covenant with Abraham?

For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:13-20 NKJV

But this was written to those who accepted Christ, so?

Yes, but it remains true. These were the remnant of the Jews who accepted Jesus Christ. However, it makes the point. There is a plan of God for the Israel Nation, which continues on. Yes, during the present age there are a remnant of Jews also a part of the church. . Just as Paul was. However, when the church is taken out during the rapture. There will remain a group of Jews which will suddenly be enlightened to the truth. God has said, there will be 144,000 from the nation of Israel who will be saved. They will be the missionaries during the Tribulation.

After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:

of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed;

of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed. Revelation 7: 1-8 NKJV

Despite this being very specific, some try to say that it is not really the nation of Israel. But there is no way to spin this into “symbolism”. God was very specific.

What is the result recorded of these Missionaries?

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,

Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,

Be to our God forever and ever.

Amen.”

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”

And I said to him, “Sir, you know.”

So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7: 9-17 NKJV

These will be the tribulation saints. They are not part of the church age. No where are they referred to as the Bride of Christ which is the church.

Remember What Daniel said About the Plan of God for the Israel Nation

“Seventy weeks are determined

For your people and for your holy city,

To finish the transgression,

To make an end of sins,

To make reconciliation for iniquity,

To bring in everlasting righteousness,

To seal up vision and prophecy,

And to anoint the Most Holy. Daniel 9:24 NKJV

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem to be crucified, 69 weeks were completed. The seventieth week will be the fulfillment of the plan of God for the Israel nation to cleanse them. This was very specifically targeted as your people to Daniel, the nation of Israel. They will yet then be again as a nation with David as Prince. Jesus reigning as King of the world with David as Prince over Israel.

Ezekiel 34:23-24

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.

Ezekiel 37:24-25

And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children’s children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince forever.

After that, the plan of God for the Israel nation.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;

And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.

But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create;

For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing,

And her people a joy. Isaiah 65: 16-18 NKJV

Furthermore, look at part of the description of the New Jerusalem

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.

Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Revelation 21:10-14 NKJV

All That as An Introduction to Romans 11.

I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? Far from it! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” But what is Divine’s response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace. Romans 11:1-6 NASB

Israel throughout their history, turned her back on God. They just expected Him to provide anyway because they were the chosen. They seek Him on their conditions and terms and took advantage of God’s goodness. Therefore, their eyes were blinded to the truth of the gospel. They did not want a Messiah who would die to provide them life. So, they never saw it, even though the scripture was clear. Never did they want to spread the gospel to the Gentiles either. Look at the book of Jonah which they read every year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

So, Even All This is part of the Plan of God for the Israel Nation

What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; just as it is written:

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,

Eyes to see not and ears to hear not,

Down to this very day.”

And David says,

“May their table become a snare and a trap,

And a stumbling block and a retribution to them.

May their eyes be darkened to see not,

And bend their backs continually.” Romans 11:7-10

So, God blinded them or their own deeds lead to their blindness—both. They were totally responsible and God totally Sovereign as well. They crucified Jesus; but that was God’s plan to save the world from sin.

What If Their Failure Brought About the Gospel Spread to the Church

I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. Romans 11:11-16 KJV

We have not replaced the Jewish people. They remain the root and we have been grafted in where the dead branches are; but that is next week. As for now, we are to particularly be interested in spreading the gospel of Christ to the Jewish nation. The remnant will be saved and then, during the tribulation they will be the missionaries. Imagine That!! They will bring more to Jesus Christ. Their revival will transform the world. The plan of God for the Israel nation is to lead the way of salvation during the tribulation. And to have a place in the millennial kingdom and be a part of New Jerusalem. God is faithful and always accomplishes all that He has planned.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

How to Really Know God has a Plan of Salvation for You!

Has God Really Forsaken His First Love, Israel His Chosen Nation?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Photo licensed from Goodsalt.com

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How to Really Know God has a Plan of Salvation for You!

November 21, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Last week in Romans 9, Paul doubled down on the Sovereignty of God. As now we move to Romans 10. He speaks of salvation by faith. That is to all who with their heart: believe, repent, and confess Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation. Can both the Sovereignty of God and the freedom of humans be equally true? And if so, how can you know God has a plan of salvation for you? What if you are not one of the chosen ones given to Christ by the Father? But then Paul did write,

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13 NKJV

This righteousness is one that does not come from human effort. It is the gift of Christ to all who calls on the name of Christ believing that He is the only way of salvation. Knowing by faith that He is the Son of God, who died on the cross, and was raised again. All the truths of God are beyond our comprehension. Yet, we can KNOW they are true. That is by faith. A faith that is supernaturally charged.

How to Really Know God

So many things about God are a mystery to our finite minds. We are merely creatures, and He is the creator of it all. How can we ever truly hope to understand Him and His plan? Often, we want to question His plan. As did Job, Elijah, and Habakkuk? As though He needed to explain to us every why or how?

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29 (NKJV)

Can the creature truly say to the Creator, “Why have you done this?” Or does faith mean we fully believe He is Sovereign? And that He truly rewards those who diligently seek Him? That is what Hebrews 11:6 says!

What was the context in which Moses spoke these words to the people? He was reminding them of this truth. The only absolute was to not turn their eyes away from God as Lord and Master. Moses was pointing out. All who looked to self-righteousness or to any idols of any kind would become as Sodom and Gomorrah did. Moreover, he told them that they would be exiled from their land and endure many hardships. If they turned their back on looking to God alone for salvation.

Paul Speaking to the Nation of Israel

Now Paul, is reminding the nation of Israel that God does not desire self-righteous zeal . Why? Because self righteous zeal denies the truth of the gospel. The people wanted to believe they were righteous through the law itself. They had a zeal for God, but without true knowledge. So how can any of you know God has a plan of salvation for you if zeal is not enough?

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:1-4 NKJV

How did Paul even dare to address the nation of Israel thus? Did he not know they had been given the law of God? Of course he did. He had been among the most zealous of all!

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Philippians 3: 3 –7 (KJV).

He was caught in the same blindness as them. That is until that day on the road to Damascus. Jesus called out his name after being physically blinded by the brilliant light of God as recorded in Acts 9:1-9.

God obviously had a plan of salvation for Paul. But how can you know if God has a plan of salvation for you?

Regarding His Conversion, Paul wrote:

For I would have you know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel which was preached by me is not of human invention. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. But when He who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentile Galatians 1:11-16 NASB

Paul is here very specifically noting that he was chosen before he was ever aware. Again, pointing to predestination and election. Why does the Bible do this? One minute says one and another moment points to choosing.

This week I do believe I heard one of the best sermons on this from the John McArthur

John MacArthur: Does the Doctrine of the Divine Decrees Eliminate Human Will?

In this video, he began with Isaiah and moved to what Jesus said in John 3, then Paul. In each scripture, it includes the truth of Divine Decree and humanity’s culpability. His conclusion is: there is no human explanation for both being true. But that God was quite comfortable placing within the same passages both as truth, side by side. So, the conclusion is: we trust the wisdom and sovereignty of God being much more than we can understand. So, as we work through some of these scriptures, the question comes to mind, again. How do you know that God has a plan of salvation for you? Well hold on and do not check out yet.

A Look into What Jesus Said about Salvation

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” John 3:1-4 (NKJV)>

Obviously, there is no way that a person can put themselves again into their mother’s womb. None of us have anything to do with our own original birth either. So, if we have nothing to do with our physical birth. Do we have anything to do with our spiritual birth?

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8 (NKJV)

Jesus’ point was that just as the wind cannot be controlled or understood by human beings, but its effects can be witnessed, so also it is with the Holy Spirit. He cannot be controlled or understood, but the proof of His work is apparent. Where the Spirit works, there is undeniable and unmistakable evidence.1 _{MacArthur, John; NASB MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition Copyright © 1997, 2006, 2019 by Thomas Nelson., noted on page 2169}

Then, Salvation by Grace, Looking Upon the Messiah, Jesus Christ in Faith

Jesus then reminds Nicodemus that even the Old Testament was Salvation through faith, as it had been when Moses lifted the serpent in the Wilderness. All the people had to do was look at it believing they would be saved. Look! That was freedom of choice. This was an Old Testament reference that Jesus would die and not the only one. Daniel also spoke of the Messiah being cut off at the end of 69 weeks. There is the one week remaining for the cleansing of Israel as a nation and that is the tribulation. All that is in Daniel 9. Also, Isaiah spoke extensively about Jesus taking all the punishment. Even in the Old Testament, Salvation was by faith, looking forward to the Messiah’s payment of sin. No one kept the law perfectly. Not even God’s chosen Old Testament Saints.

even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:14-21 (NKJV)

Do I need to know how Divine Appointment through Predestination and election are true? Or how humanity’s absolute culpability for denying Christ is also true? Nope. No more than I need to understand how He created the heavens and the earth and holds it all together. All that is beyond me. But I do know how He transforms my life, day by day. And how He can calm my Spirit when in dismay. I watch His magnificent power transform my life, my heart, and my thoughts. The miracles I see around me are enough to trust Him in everything.

An Example Today in my life.

I went to the open market today. Normally, I carry a small change purse . Today, it had around 500 pesos in it. I do that so that I do not have to get out my billfold with all my ID’s, cards, etc. Well at one point, I got it out to buy “nopales”. Then, I must have dropped it as I put the nopales in a carrying bag I had with me. I walked maybe 1 foot to another market stand. Then I realized it was missing.

Immediately, I looked back and did not see it anywhere behind me. Therefore, it must have been picked up by someone who saw it fall from my hands. They did not say anything to me. My first thought, after searching frantically, was to think it was a condemnation from God. Maybe for something I had thought or done. I racked my brain, to search for something to repent of. Back to legalism I fell so quickly!

But God Reminded me.

I know the truth about Salvation being an act of pure grace. Understanding His Sovereign Divine will being at play. And also knowing “there is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus”(Rom 8:1), I had to rethink. I still prayed for repentance of any sins, known or unknown. Then, suddenly, I realized maybe He was going to use that act by the other. How? to do a work in their life. Or perhaps it was for me. Can I question God? After all, in the scheme of things it was about 30 US dollars.

Still, it reminded me of who I am in Jesus Christ. His chosen, redeemed, blessed, beloved, bride to be. The Daughter of the Most High God. Nothing happens to me outside His Will. And that was a reminder I really needed. So, harsh I can be on me. So, quick to judge myself. Lately, my cause of concern or sadness.

So, back to the question I began with.

How do you really know God has a plan of salvation for you? Well, you are still here reading for some reason. If you are being drawn to Him, why not respond now to His Spirit calling you?

Does it matter if we witness and spread the Gospel if Election is True?

Absolutely, in part because Jesus commanded us to.

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16: 15 NKJV

Then, Paul explains it has always been the case that God uses men. As the Holy Spirits guides him to write, Paul even uses quotes from Old Testament Prophets.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?

As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed:

“Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” Romans 10:14-18 NKJV

God does not need me to spread the gospel or to bring the message of salvation to anyone. It is His grace alone that allows me the privilege to be a part of His most glorious work. In such He shares a piece of His glory with me.

Why Do I say that?

In John 17, as Jesus prayed for each of us, He said:

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17: 20-26

Is that even more amazing! Knowing what agony He would face. Recognizing He was going to be receiving all the wrath of God I justly deserved. He prayed for me. He asked to share His glory with me. How else can He share His most Glorious work with me? He does so by allowing me to be a part of His salvation story with others?

He has declared His love for me, forever. That I should experience the depth of love God holds for Him, the only Begotten son of God. It is more than I can fully grasp; but, it is what He is offering you today. Do you feel the spirit drawing you? Then you can know with certainty that God has a plan of salvation for you. Do not delay! Call upon His name today. Truly believing that Christ died for you and rose again to offer eternal life with Him to you. Have you been born again? The first time to physical life. And then born by the Holy Spirit into eternal spiritual life. If not, ask Him today while the spirit is calling you.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Has God Really Forsaken His First Love, Israel His Chosen Nation?

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Photo licensed from Goodsalt.com

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Has God Really Forsaken His First Love, Israel His Chosen Nation?

November 15, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Whenever we search around us, we see that all the perfections of this world are fading away. But we know that God’s word is true and stands forever. All that He has planned will be accomplished. Now as we turn to chapter 9, Paul returns to speaking primarily to the nation of Israel. Whereas, he had been speaking to both Jew and Gentile up until now. He without hearing knows of the multiplicity of questions the nation of Israel had. After all he is an Israelite. His heart bleeds for them. One question is “Has God Really Forsaken His First Love, Israel His Chosen Nation?”

The more I study of scripture, the more ferocious my appetite becomes to remain in His word. As a recap before we move deeply into Chapter 9, let us remember what we have already studied. We have been studying Romans for a while. The first 3 chapters outlined clearly the human state of sin. We are depraved, enslaved to sin, dead spiritually with no hope apart from a Savior. Chapters 4-5 outlined salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Then, sanctification was addressed in chapters 6-8.

Moving from Chapter 8 to 9 is a hard turn

A part of me wants to linger in chapter 8. There it begins with “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. It then tells us of the Holy Spirit praying for us when we don’t even know how to pray. “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Why? Because whom He calls, He justifies. Whom He justifies, He sanctifies. And whom He sanctifies, glorifies.” Amazing that one day, I will look like Christ when I stand before Him. Ah, and how does chapter 8 end? Nothing, absolutely nothing, not even I can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. No wonder I want to stay there. Just bathe in the truths packed into those verses. Chapter 9 takes a sudden turn, as Paul remembers many of His fellow Israelite deny Christ.

Did God Reject Israel, His Chosen Nation?

Paul does recognize that for a time, the nation of Israel has been blinded to the truth. Why? So the gentiles could be offered salvation. It was not the first time God saved Gentiles. There of course was Nineveh in the days of Jonah. There was Ruth and Rahab. Then there was Nebuchadnezzar. He had even used Nebuchadnezzar punish Israel for her idolatry and “harlotry” against Him. Then, He saw fit to save King Nebuchadnezzar. The Jewish nation was to always have been a light to the world bringing others to God. Instead, they chased the world. But Paul is heartbroken for his people, just as Jesus had wept over them as well.

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. Romans 9:1-5 NKJV

Note how Paul lists all the blessings bestowed upon them from the beginning. They were adopted by God as His nation. He boundlessly provided for them. He shed His glory upon them. They were given the covenants, the law, the promises, as well as His abounding protection through the ages. It was through the Israelite nation that Jesus was born in the flesh. So, what happened? And what now?

Were They Blessed Because They Are More Righteous?

No. He had called Abraham out of a land of idol worship. God told Abraham to get away from his father’s household, but Abraham took Lot with him. That became a problem. Not only a problem with infighting among their servants, but Abraham was pulled into a war to save Lot. And the descendants of Lot were the Moabites and the Ammonites who fought against the Israelites. Furthermore, there was the problem that Abraham lied twice about Sarah being his sister instead of his wife. Well, and there was Ishmael born of the handmaid. He did become a great nation, having 12 sons. Muhammed in the Karan does report himself as a direct descendant of Ishmael.

Yes, Abraham had faith in God which was counted to him for righteousness. But even that faith was given to Him by God and taught to Him throughout His life. So, would God forsake Israel, His chosen nation?

But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.” Romans 9:6-9 NKJV

Paul begins an argument which is considered one of the strongest for God’s Sovereignty in choosing whom He will. Not that they were any more worthy of choosing, but that He chose them. This becomes more evident in the next verse.

So, Is Israel Still His Chosen Nation? And what about Sovereign Election?

And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” Romans 9:10-13.

Now, did God see through the corridors of time and believe Jacob was more righteous? The heel-grabber who lied to his father and tricked his brother out of his birthright? Jacob did not walk unto the Lord until God put his hip out of socket making him lame.

Then there was Judah who slept with his daughter-in-law believing her to be a prostitute. Yet, Jesus is the Lion from the tribe of Judah. Or Moses was chosen before he was born. Yet, he killed a man, and ran in fear. He did not even consider circumcising his own sons while in the wilderness. That is until God called to him from a burning bush. Even then, he ran from the snake, explained his speech impediment to God, making every excuse. But after God transformed him through grace, he led the children of Israel. Indeed, he offered to take their punishment instead to save them. A transformation only God could perform.

So, now, for a time, Israel is not the forefront of the story. We, the church, are. But our time will be soon winding down, and Israel will be the focus once again. God will complete all that He has planned for Israel, and they will come to bow down before Him in worship. Paul understood this. And he understood God always kept a remnant as His chosen people.

So, if God chooses whom He will, is He unjust?

What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. Romans 9:14-18 NKJV

I have spent this whole week reading from Jonathan Edwards, the strongest defender of Calvinism. At the same time, I read from Charles Wesley who was a staunch believer in Armenianism. Both with blessed ministries at the same time in history. What I found is both were very intelligent highly blessed men of God. There were more similarities in their ministries than differences.

Bringing me back to believing that God is beyond anything I can comprehend. In my case, I know He chose me before the earth was created. This despite all the times I would disappoint him. Chosen before the beginning of time, redeemed, called to be His child. Yet, He has chosen the foolishness of preaching to reach the lost and to do the calling. In my case, it was Dr. M. R. Dehaan’s sermon on the radio that I was listening to.

Now Israel, His chosen Nation He has restored in their land. Phase 1 of completing all He promised. This after a time period of God’s voice being silent toward them. We the church did not replace them. We are the bride of Christ. They the “unfaithful wife” of the Father.

The truth is that none, no not one, of us deserve salvation. But He chose to save some. That does not make me desire to sin more, as some would think. The truth that He saved me and secures me. Well that only makes me more dedicated to serving Him with all my heart, mind, strength, and soul.

Do We Think Too Little of God? As though He was not the Creator?

You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? Romans 9:19-21 NKJV

So, do I truly have any right to judge God? Or to question Him? He who has been my rock and high tower throughout my life? Nor does Israel have any right to question all He has done this. They currently for the most part do not even consider being true to God. That is all but a remnant. So, if many are for the moment not called, does that make God any less? He still will keep all His promises.

God will call out those whom He will, until that day when the church age ends. Then through the tribulation He will purify Israel, His chosen nation. They will rejoice. When? At the end of the tribulation. When they behold their King on a white horse to set up His Kingdom on earth. They will recognize He whom they have pierced and bow before Him. King David will be His prince on the throne in Jerusalem during the millennial reign of Christ. So, as Paul continues

What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Romans 9:22-24 NKJV

Therefore, we can trust He has a perfect plan. Even if we do not fully understand. I do not fully understand how He holds the universe together. Nor how He hears all our prayers at the same time. But I know He does.

Israel, His Chosen Nation Set Aside Until The Bride of Christ is Called

As He says also in Hosea:

“I will call them My people, who were not My people,

And her beloved, who was not beloved.”

“And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them,

‘You are not My people,’

There they shall be called sons of the living God.” Romans 9:25-26 NKJV

But He keeps a remnant Among Israel His Chosen Nation

Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea,

The remnant will be saved.

For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,

Because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.”

And as Isaiah said before:

“Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed,

We would have become like Sodom,

And we would have been made like Gomorrah. Romans 9: 27-29 NKJV

All that is Not of Faith benefits Nothing

Israel still thought they could keep the law and did not want to accept a Messiah when He came. But that is the wonderful mystery of God. Though alluded to in the Old Testament, no one wanted to see the truth.

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written:

“Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,

And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 9:30 NKJV

Conclusion:

Next in Chapter 20 we return to Paul discussing salvation where all that salvation is near to all. That if we confess with our mouth and believe with our hearts we will be saved. He says this is through preaching and calls us to be witnesses. So, yes I believe in predestination and yes I believe that salvation is through accepting Christ as Lord and Savior. I do not need to know every detail of how both are true. All I need is to trust my Lord and Savior. I know He is good, wise, gracious, and just. That is all I need to really know.