Will All Israel Be Saved?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesIn the beginning of Romans 11:26, the inspired writer, Paul declares: “And so all Israel shall be saved….” Modern premillennialists contend that there will be a mass conversion of the nation of Israel at the time of Christ’s return. Supposedly, the prelude to this event was the establishment of Israel as an independent nation in 1948. One of the texts employed to support this proposition is the above clause. Let us ask ourselves, “What does the above clause mean?”
The context of Romans 11 indicates that Paul is indeed discussing national Israel. In Romans 9-11, the word “Israel” is used eleven times (Romans 9:6; Romans 9:27; Romans 9:31; Romans 10:1; Romans 10:19,21; Romans 11:2,7,25). In every case, the word “Israel” refers to the Jews. However, Romans 11:26 does not teach a mass conversion of the Jewish nation of Israel. Paul does not write: “and then all Israel shall be saved.” Rather, he writes “and so all Israel shall be saved.”
Let us look at the definition and use of the adverb “so”. According to Bullinger’s Critical Lexicon (Zondervan Publishing House), 1982, pg. 711, No. 1, the adverb “so” (Grk. – houtos) means “in this manner, on this wise,” (by this method) shall all Israel be saved (those Jews who choose to be saved). By what method? By accepting the “Deliverer” who comes out of Zion (Romans 11:26), i.e., the “Reedemer” who fulfilled the prophecies of Old Testament literature (Isaiah 59:20-21; cf. Luke 24:44; Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 10:16). Only by rendering obedience to the teachings of Christ can we be assured of our salvation (Acts 4:10-12; Acts 10:38-43).
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