AI>DRESSES ON ROM-ANS
Israel. is just as sure of literal fulfillment as is His own Word eternal. unchangeable, infallible, authoritative, and divine. In this eleventh chapter alone there are at least ten definite quotations from the Jewish Scriptures, used to prove the case which the Holy Spirit is arguing here through the inspired writer. Take a reference Bible and read the chapter through, comparing each quotation carefully with the Old Testament passage; and you will be impressed anew with the wonders of the written Word of God, so definitely, so super~ naturally does the New Testament fulfill the Old. It was only natural that Paul should base the whole argu~ ment of the epistle, and especially this division concerning Israel. upon the teaching of the Old Testament. This was only natural because the Jews were familiar with it, and be~ cause they accepted it as the Word of God. But let us look at this question again: "Hath God cast away his people?" The average Christian today.-most minis~ ters, in fact.-would answer, "Yes." In their minds Israel is like a worn~out shoe. But God's answer is unmistakable, "God hath not cast away his people." This question is raised and answered here in the book of Romans, in order to show the Jews who read it that they are not being set aside forever, even though God is bringing the Gentiles into the place of blessing. Then there is another reason to be taken into account. This message is not for the Jews only, but for the Gentiles as well, that they may know that God's promises to Israel will be fulfilled. Therefore, for the encouragement of the Jews and for the enlightenment of the Gentiles, Paul wrote Romans nine, ten, and eleven. The promises of God are without .repentance. God will be true, come what may! PAUL.-A PICTURE OF ISRAEL 11 :1 Paul gives himself as the first proof that God has not cast away His people. Note his words: "For I also .am an Page 204]
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