Romans 11:1-6 (KJV) I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

God “Foreknew”

I like to call today “Resurrection Sunday”, the most important Christian holiday there is. Though we make much of “Christmas”, very few people saw the Baby Jesus, the Incarnate Son of God in that manger in Bethlehem. I heard one man say,

When man reaches for God, this is called “religion”. But when God reached for man, we call this “Christmas”.

God reached down to save us. The Bible says that those who claim to follow Christ are to follow His example:

Philippians 2:3-7 (ESV) Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Joy is not found in selfishness or narcissism, but in “humbling yourself, and count others more significant than yourselves”. Though He was God, and “in the beginning with God, and was God” as the Apostle John tells us (John 1:1-3), Jesus allowed Himself to be born through a relatively unknown virgin and her lowly carpenter fiancee’. The story of His birth into His Creation (for Jesus co-created this earth, and all that is in it):

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV) {Jesus} is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

The Creator became the Created, Perfect Man, to show us the heart of God, to show us how to live. But more than this, the Bible says:

Philippians 2:8 … being found in human form, {Jesus} humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

The Creator became the Perfect Created, the Perfect Man. He walked among us, doing good. He healed. God did what God can only do:

Matthew 11:5 (ESV) … the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.

But there was one thing God could not do. He could not cover our sin while He walked the earth. I have heard it said, “God will accept me because I’m a GOOD PERSON”. That’s what we believe. The Progressive platform is that we can make ourselves into anything we want – a man can become a woman, a woman can become a man. A person can become persons. Or a human can become non-binary, neither male nor female.

Surely we can make ourselves “good”. Michael Bloomberg, three time Mayor of New York City and ex-Governor of New York State was interviewed by the New York Times. He said that he thought he had earned God’s favor because of his humanitarian work. He said, grinning,

“I’m telling you, if there is a God, when I get to heaven, I’m not stopping to be interviewed. I’m heading straight in. I have earned my place in heaven. It’s not even close.”

That’s the thought of many. Surely we can be “good”. “If anyone deserved to go to Heaven, he or she did”. Resurrection Sunday or “Easter” as many call it is proof that we cannot make ourselves be good.

A Perfect Man, God Himself, walked this earth. “Three days and three nights before today” (Matthew 12:40; Jonah 1:17) this Perfect Man completed a 3 ½ ministry of peace and blessing. This Perfect Man – in Whom none could find fault:

Luke 23:4 (ESV) .. Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this Man.”

Luke 23:13-15 (ESV) Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this Man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining Him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent Him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him.

Three days and three nights before this day, Pilate and Herod – two politicians – found Jesus Christ innocent of all charges. There was no sin in Him. He was carefully examined by competent authorities, and He was innocent. And yet, “good” people, the Pharisees and Priests, would incite the crowds. “Crucify Him, and release the murderer Barabbas!” (Luke 23:18-19). This crowd of “good” people kept shouting in their “mostly peaceful protests” that Jesus should be crucified.

Their voices prevailed.
They voted, and the majority ruled.
Democracy won the day.
The “Good” nailed the “Perfect” to the Cross.

Did evil win? No. From the outside looking in, it was as if evil won. This Perfect Jesus was beaten with whips and rods, with fists and feet. His flesh was torn. They put a purple robe on His bloody body, and a crown of thorns on His head (Mark 15:17), then ridiculed Him, bowing down and mocking the Lord of Glory. Then they nailed Him to a tree.

Three days and three nights ago, people pointed at Jesus, bleeding, sighing, struggling to breath. Three days and three nights ago people mocked, saying “If you are the Messiah, get Yourself down from that Cross” (Matthew 27:40). These are all good people doing this. Was this a mistake? No. Jesus knew that it was going to happen. Jesus willingly went to that Cross. He told His disciples:

John 10:17 (ESV) For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.

As Jesus hung on the Cross, the good people mocked and entertained themselves. The soldiers, stripping Jesus naked, cast lots or gambled for His clothing (Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34, John 19:23-24). The world saw three thieves hanging on crosses on that hill called Calvary. God foreknew this would happen, and decreed it to happen.

He Who hung on that Cross – the Creator become the Created, is “the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)

Is God Done With Israel? With America?

Three Days and Three Nights before today Israel cried out for Jesus to be crucified. Israel enlisted the Roman Empire, the Gentiles, to execute the Lord of Glory. He died horribly on that Cross, and was stabbed after death in the heart. Taken down by Nicodemus and a wealthy man named Joseph of Arimathea, Jesus’ body was washed, covered with myrrh and aloe – about a 75 pounds of it (John 19:39). He was laid in Joseph’s family tomb, the Tomb sealed, and guards placed on the sealed entrance.

This morning the Tomb was empty. An Angel reminds us, “He is not here, but He has risen! Just as He said (Luke 24:6).

Jesus came to this earth to fulfill the promise that He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Paul asks the question:

Romans 11:1 (KJV) I say then, Hath God cast away His people?

Is God done with Israel? Israel called for His crucifixion. The Gentiles crucified Him. Is God done with us? Paul goes on to say,

Romans 11:1-2 (KJV) God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew.

God is not done with Israel. If God was done with His people, then Jesus wouldn’t have knock Saul down on Damascus Road, and called him to be the Apostle Paul. The Lord said:

Acts 9:15 (ESV) {Paul} is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

God is not done with His people. Easter reminds us of this. Jesus Christ died on the Cross to pay for our sins, and rose again to be the Lord and Savior of all that believe on Him. The Bible says:

1 Corinthians 1:23-24 (ESV) … we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Both Gentiles and Jews murdered the Messiah – but God is in control. God has not given up on us. He has not given up on Israel, nor does He give up on YOU!

Oh, How Tired We Believers Get At Times

I love the message of Easter, because in it we learn “God is faithful, and God won’t give up”. We don’t need to give up either.

When we get saved, we are saved not because we deserve it, but because God is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9). He calls. He seeks. He does not give up. But we as humans often get disheartened, and want to quit. If you have been saved by faith in Christ, this next section is for you!

Romans 11:2-3 (KJV) … {do you not know} what the scripture saith of Elias {Elijah}? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

Paul now calls to mind the life of Elijah. Elijah was a great believer in God, a mighty Prophet. Elijah prayed, and God caused a 3 ½ year drought on Israel for their sin of worshiping the false god Baal. Elijah was the first to raise someone from the dead (the widow’s son). He blessed the food and oil of the widow so it would not run out. Elijah stood alone on Mount Carmel, and through him God showed Himself to be the True God, and the false gods that Israel was worshiping to be indeed false (1 Kings 18).

After his battle for God on Mount Carmel, Wicked Queen Jezebel threatened that she would kill him before the day was out (1 Kings 19:1-2). No one stood with Elijah – so he ran. God came to Elijah and, feeding him with crows or ravens, God sent Elijah 40 days and 40 nights into the wilderness to Mount Horeb. When Elijah got to Mount Horeb, the Bible says:

1 Kings 19:9 (BSB) What are you doing here, Elijah?

Elijah told the Lord, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts, but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well. (1 Kings 19:10)”.

Elijah had served the Lord with all his heart. Yet the Israelites sought to kill him for what he told them about their false gods and golden calves. Israel rejected the Word of God.

Israel rejected the Abrahamic Covenant.
Israel rejected the Davidic Covenant.
Israel rejected the Mosaic Covenant.

Every Covenant, every good that God tried to do to them, they rejected it. The same thing happened to the Apostle Paul. Called to preach the Gospel on the Damascus Road, he was disowned by his family and friends. The Bible says:

Acts 9:22-25 (ESV) {Saul} confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. 23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket. 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.

Paul had a few who listened to the Gospel of Christ, but more shunned him. When he sought out other Christians, those who had heard of his previous life had nothing to do with him.

Like Elijah, Paul thought that he was all alone. But God spoke to Paul the same truths He spoke to Elijah.

Romans 11:4 (KJV) But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

The answer of God to Elijah was “you are NOT alone”. God said, “I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal”. We are never alone.

Illustrate: Several years ago there was a commercial for the Army, where a young man or woman stood up and said “I am an Army of one”. That’s a stupid commercial, and a lie from hell. There is no “Army of one”. When I was in the Air Force, we were taught to work TOGETHER. One person cannot do it all. One team can. The Army is effective, the Marines effective, only with the support of the Air Force and the Navy.

Christian, you are not alone. Whatever you are going through, you are not alone. God is with you. There are other Bible believing Christians who are with you. Though America may seem like its in it’s darkest days, God is still in control. God told Elijah:

1 Kings 19:11 (KJV) Go, and STAND ON THE MOUNTAIN BEFORE THE LORD …

As Elijah stood on the mountain, a great wind tore at the mountain … BUT GOD WAS NOT IN THE WIND. A great earthquake shook the mountain … BUT GOD WAS NOT IN THE EARTHQUAKE. As Elijah stood there, a fire encompassed the mountain … BUT GOD WAS NOT IN THE MOUNTAIN. Fury after fury passed by Elijah’s sight, but God was not in it. The storms of life may come and may go, but God is always faithful. Do not focus the eye of faith on the storm, nor on yourself, but focus the eye of faith on God alone. Paul tells us:

Romans 11:4 (KJV) I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to [the image of] Baal.

“I am in control”, says the Lord. The redemptive love of God never gives up – don’t you give up! Keep telling others about Jesus. Your family may mock, they may reject, they may turn away in scorn. I find myself investing hours in people who have gotten themselves in trouble. In the name of Christ I find myself swimming oceans for people who wouldn’t cross a mud puddle for me. The users, the takers, the followers of the golden calves. You’ve been abused, if you’re a Christian.

Keep on going. Keep praying. Keep loving, telling, and calling. Remember what the Lord has said. God never gave up on me, so I must not give up on you. I am His possession – but He wants to possess you, too. Keep on telling others about Jesus.

There Is No Salvation Without The Election Of Grace

Romans 11:5-6 (KJV) there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

God calls people to Christ Jesus. It was He Who died on that Cross for our sins. It was He Who rose from the grave for our justification. People must know the truth. Heaven is not the default “good” people go to. Hell is the default. We must hear God’s call to salvation. We must heed the empty Cross and the empty Tomb. You are saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Biblical definition of saving faith is:

A faith that has confessed with the mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and believed in the heart that God has raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).

A faith that believes that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief (1 Timothy 1:15).

A faith that believes I can now stand before a Holy God because the handwriting of ordinances and righteous laws that I was guilty of breaking are now nailed to the Cross of Christ. My sins have been paid for, and I am Heaven bound” (Colossians 2:14).

A faith that says I belong to God, not to myself – that I am bought with a price. I must now glorify God in MY BODY, and in MY SPIRIT, which belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20).

If you are a Christian you no longer bow the knee to Baal, nor to the golden calf. You are bought. You belong to God. Look at what God had to pay for your purchase. He did not give livestock, or land, or jewels, or mammon for you. He allowed His Own Dear Son to go to a criminal’s punishment for you. He allowed Jesus to be beaten and torn and mocked and spat on and nailed to a tree. When all cruelty had been exhausted the Lord turned His back on Christ as your sins and mine were poured out on Him. If you have been saved, you belong to God.

If you belong to God, then God has the right to do with you as He will. “Hath not the potter power over the clay?” (Romans 9:21). Listen, dear ones, God never promised you this life would be a bed of roses. What He promised was that He would save you, that He would watch over and cherish you, and that He would one day take you into glory and give you a perfect and new body. He promised that your eternity would be flawless – but not your now. He promised that you would be His and that nothing – absolutely nothing – would come your way without His loving allowance. You were purchased at a terrible price. Do you believe that He will abandon you now?

When someone tells me “I’ve lost my faith”, I question whether that dear soul ever had it in the first place. If you understand that you belong to God, if you understand the price paid for your redemption, then you know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28). Do you have incurable disease? Praise Him! Whereas others do not know the day of their death, you have been granted a wonderful gift. You know what day your Lord will call you home, and know the day when all suffering shall cease. He Who purchased you at great cost shall make sure you join Him in eternity. Have you lost loved ones to physical death, a cherished husband or daughter who also claimed Jesus to be their own? Praise Him! They are not lost, but are certainly with the Lord Who paid so much for them. Death has lost its sting for the Christian. You belong to God. He did the greatest thing of all for you when He saved you. He will not abandon you now. If you are saved, you are set apart. You are reserved unto God. You belong to Him. Nothing touches you without His permission.

But heed my word, which is His Word. If you do not belong to God by faith, if you live your life as if YOU are God and He is not, when you die you will be where you belong.

In Hell.

And it will be because you rejected every reach, every cry, every pleading from the God Who made you. You will have an eternity to worship Baal, for he will be there beside you. His name is Lucifer. It is he who has blinded you to the Gospel of salvation, a Gospel of surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Oh Beloved, seek Jesus today, for He seeks you to the grave.

May God touch your heart with His Word, the Gospel of the kingdom. Amen.