Meaning of Romans 11:26

Romans 11:26, "and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: 'The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob,'" functions as a powerful eschatological promise within Paul's intricate argument concerning God's faithfulness to Israel. Paul has spent the preceding verses grappling with the apparent rejection of the Messiah by many ethnic Jews, a situation that could lead one to conclude God has abandoned His covenant people. However, he argues that Israel's stumbling has actually paved the way for the inclusion of Gentiles into God's salvation, and this Gentile inclusion will, in turn, provoke Israel to jealousy and ultimately lead to their full restoration and salvation. This verse, therefore, is not a statement of universal salvation for all humanity in a generic sense, but a specific declaration of the ultimate salvation of the remnant of ethnic Israel, who will finally recognize and embrace Jesus as their promised Deliverer.

Context and Background

This verse is the culmination of Paul's extended meditation on Israel's present unbelief and future hope in Romans chapters 9-11. He addresses the crucial question: "Has God rejected his people?" (Romans 11:1). His answer is a resounding "By no means!" (Romans 11:1). He explains that God's sovereign election is not based on ethnic descent alone, but on His gracious choice. While many Israelites have fallen away, a remnant has believed, mirroring the election of Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau. Paul then elaborates on how the Gentiles' inclusion, through faith in Christ, has "made Israel jealous" (Romans 11:11), a process that is intended to ultimately lead to the salvation of "all Israel" (Romans 11:26). This "all Israel" refers to the entirety of God's covenant people, encompassing both believing Jews and believing Gentiles who are united in Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes are God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, the sovereignty of God in salvation, the intertwined destiny of Jews and Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, and the ultimate triumph of God's salvific purposes. The verse highlights that salvation is a divine work, initiated by God and culminating in the return of a Deliverer. It emphasizes that this Deliverer's work is to actively remove "godlessness" (ἀσέβεια - asebeia), signifying rebellion against God and ungodliness, from Jacob, signifying the people of Israel. This implies a comprehensive spiritual cleansing and restoration.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in the assurance of God's unwavering commitment to His people, even amidst periods of apparent disobedience or rejection. For believers today, it underscores the certainty of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate triumph of Christ. It calls for patience and perseverance, trusting that God's purposes will be fulfilled. It also encourages a unified vision of the church, recognizing that both Jewish and Gentile believers are integral parts of "all Israel" in Christ. The application involves maintaining faith in God's promises, actively participating in His redemptive work, and praying for the spiritual awakening and salvation of all people, including the descendants of Abraham.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial capstone to the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and the restoration of Israel. The quotation, "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob," is a clear allusion to Isaiah 59:20-21. Isaiah prophesies a Redeemer coming to Zion, who will remove transgressions from Jacob. Paul is demonstrating that Jesus of Nazareth is the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies. The concept of a coming Deliverer who brings salvation and purifies His people is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, from the Exodus of Egypt to the final redemption described in Revelation.

Analogies

One analogy to understand the salvation of "all Israel" is that of a multi-generational family estate. Even if some heirs temporarily squander their inheritance or are estranged, the ultimate intention of the patriarch is for the entire family to inherit the estate. Similarly, God, the ultimate patriarch, has made unbreakable promises to Israel. While there have been periods of disobedience and estrangement, God's plan ensures their eventual inheritance of salvation through the Messiah, their rightful heir. Another analogy is a complex tapestry. The pattern may include dark threads (periods of sin and unbelief) and lighter threads (periods of faithfulness), but the overall design, when completed, reveals a beautiful and coherent picture of God's redemptive work, with the "all Israel" representing the final, complete, and glorious pattern.

Relation to Other Verses

• Isaiah 59:20-21: As mentioned, this is the direct Old Testament source for the quotation, emphasizing the coming Redeemer to Zion who will turn away transgression from Jacob.
• Romans 11:15: "For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?" This verse foreshadows the restorative impact of Israel's eventual acceptance of Christ.
• Romans 9:27-29: Paul quotes Isaiah and Jeremiah to show that even in past judgment, a remnant was preserved, indicating God's consistent faithfulness to a chosen people.
• Galatians 3:29: "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." This verse highlights the inclusion of Gentiles into the "Israel of God" through faith in Christ, contributing to the understanding of "all Israel."
• Zechariah 12:10: "And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn." This prophecy is often understood as describing Israel's future repentance and mourning over their rejection of the pierced Messiah, which aligns with the idea of turning from godlessness.