Romans: Mystery, Mercy, and Majesty of God

Romans 11:25-36 

I want us to revisit “the kindness and the severity of God” (Rom. 11:22a). We discussed this verse in our last teaching time. As J. I. Packer insightfully notes, the important word here is “and.” The Christians in Rome were not to focus only on God’s kindness or only on his severity—both are crucial for understanding who God is. Packer writes: 

Both are attributes of God—aspects, that is, of his revealed character. Both appear alongside each other in the economy of grace. Both must be acknowledged together if God is to be truly known.[1]

This tension between God's mercy and justice prepares us for what Paul says next. As he brings this section on God’s sovereignty to a close, Paul reveals a mystery—one that reflects both God’s mercy and justice on a grand, redemptive scale. Paul writes, “Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved” (Rom. 11:25-26a NIV).

Let’s think this through. Paul uses the word “mystery” to describe something that was once hidden but is now revealed. Here, “mystery” pertains to God’s plan with the nation of Israel. God has not reneged on his promises to his people. There is still a future for believing Israel.[2]

This passage refers to a time when the complete number of Gentiles will be saved. That did not happen during Paul’s era. You and I were saved after that. We also know that more people will come to Christ after us. Therefore, the “full number of the Gentiles” must signify the period when Jesus returns. 

We will explore this further in Revelation; however, for now, I believe the end times schedule is this: the rapture, the great tribulation, the second coming, the millennial kingdom on earth, the final judgment, and then the new heaven and new earth—our eternal dwelling place. Again, we will have much more discussion of these topics in our Revelation study coming on November 3. 

When the “full number of the Gentiles” is saved, then “all Israel will be saved.” I believe this indicates a future time when a remnant of Jews will trust in Christ. This aligns with the flow of Romans 9-11, which describes the past privileges and election of the Jews, their current stumbling, and their future restoration. The Old Testament prophets also speak of a spiritual awakening in Israel (Zech 12; Eze. 36; Jer. 31). 

“All Israel” does not include every single person but refers to the nation as a whole. There will be a time in the future when a significant number of Jews finally recognize that Jesus is the Messiah.[3] Paul supports this future event by combining two Old Testament passages. From Isaiah 59:20-21 (NIV), Paul quotes, “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them….” And then adds, “when I take away their sins” (Isa. 27:9; Jer. 31:33-34). 

Paul states that many of the Jews were trying their best to hinder the gospel (Rom. 11:28a). But “as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs” (Rom. 11:28b NIV). Paul’s reference to “election” points us back to the truth we’ve highlighted throughout these chapters on God’s sovereignty: God’s chosen people—Jew and Gentile—are foreknown, chosen, called, justified, and glorified by the sovereign God. Then Paul emphasizes: “for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29 NIV). What a powerful statement of the believer’s eternal security!

Paul reminds his readers that there was a time when the Gentiles were disobedient to God, while the Old Testament Jews experienced his grace and mercy. Then, when the Jews rejected Jesus, it was time for the Gentiles to receive mercy. God’s ultimate plan and desire is for everyone to experience his mercy (Rom. 11:30-32). 

I want to underscore again, that whether Jew or Gentile, whether Old Testament or New, regardless of the historical period, Jesus is the only way to God—for the Old Testament believer, it was the promise of what the coming Messiah would do; for us now, it is the fulfillment of that promise with his death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.  

In this section, Romans 9-11, Paul tries to describe the indescribable. He has taught us about God's sovereignty and how God works with us in his plan of salvation. He is sovereign while also holding us responsible. He hardens some to show grace to others. God opened the door for the Gentiles to receive him so the Jews could long for Christ’s transforming power. 

The best way Paul can conclude this section is with a hymn of praise. His “doxology” includes quotes from Isaiah 40:13 and Job 41:11, serving as reminders that we cannot fully understand God's mind. His wisdom and knowledge are too deep for us to grasp; his judgments are “unsearchable,” and his ways are incomprehensible. No one has ever been or ever will be God’s counselor or consultant. Who can understand the eternal mind of God? Who could ever give something to God that would obligate the Almighty to repay them? 

Here's Paul’s summary of God’s sovereignty and grace, ending with an “Amen”: 

Romans 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 11:25-36. Focus on Paul’s beautiful doxology in Romans 11:33-36.

Talking to God: Do you approach God's mysteries with humility, or do you demand clarity before you will trust?

Have questions?  Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to help as we study God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond soon. Let us know if you want to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you seek spiritual guidance.

We live in a broken world. What’s next? How will this life and our world come to an end? Join me on November 3 as we start a study of Revelation: God’s Story in Your Eternity.