Romans 11:11-12
11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! (ESV)
Are you aware how wonderful it is to be loved and care for by our almighty, holy God?
Israel rejected God’s outstretched hands, and Paul asks questions about the circumcised Israel who handed the Lord Jesus over to the Romans to be crucified and spread lies in an attempt to obscure His resurrection from the dead. He asked whether God would allow Israel to stumble without recovery. God did not turn His back on them totally and finally.
What was God’s purpose with Israel, in permitting them to give over the Messiah? It was through their trespasses to bring salvation to the Gentiles. Out of something very bad (Christ’s crucifixion) something very good came – the salvation of the Gentiles.
The Jew’s crucifixion of Jesus:
- Were brought about by the set purpose of God (Acts 2:23).
Without Christ’s death, no sinner would ever be saved and God’s purposes would be frustrated. The Bible puts all the blame for His crucifixion on humanity (“you, by the help of wicked men”). - God’s power and will decided beforehand would happen (Acts 4:27-28)
Jesus’ death was fore-ordained. Peter quoted from Psalm 2 (also in Acts 2:23). - By their transgression God fulfilled His purposes (Acts 3:18).
- Jesus’ own words in Luke 22:22: “The Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” shows the sharp juxtaposition between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility.
- In Gen. 45:5-8 Joseph told his brothers that God was behind his captivity.
- In Gen 50:19-20 he told them not to fear, because God intended it to save many lives.