November 4, 2026 - Romans 11

Paul continues to focus on the Jewish people who have fallen and who have largely (always there has been a faithful remnant) rejected their own Messiah.  He writes that they will be saved, not by their own faithfulness but “it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works” (11:6).  Paul reminds his readers of the promise:  “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins” (11:26-27; Isaiah 59:20).  This has been God’s promise from the beginning – “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).  “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). – Furthermore, we as Gentiles, branches grafted into the vine, have also received mercy from a merciful God.  “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (11:33).

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;

I want Thee forever to live in my soul,

Break down every idol, cast out every foe;

Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow,

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.   --James Nicholson (1872)