Two sides to the coin

Scripture Read: Romans 11:11-21 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. 12 Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be! 13 But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either

Application: Whenever we encounter the great mysteries of God’s doctrine we need to be careful to not try and make it fit into some man made “ism”. The “isms” can help us think through these difficult issues but we must remember who made the “ism” and Who made the doctrine. Here is the other side of everything being God’s sovereignty. This is where a complete system of Calvinism breaks down. There is free will here and even Your actions Lord are based in some on the response of the free will creatures. If election were the way Calvinism teaches then why would Paul waste his time thinking of ways to try and get his brethren in the flesh to believe – it would be all determined by You and Paul would need only to follow You and it would happen. But – if You set up conditions that if Paul seeks ways to reach out he will find them – then it affirms how this whole doctrine is a partnership between the Triune God and His creation. Also – Israel was broken off because of unbelief – again a response from You based on an action by a free will creature – I know You know it would happen – You know all – but that does not mean You made it happen. Yes Lord You understand it all and we most likely never will. Even in eternity You still will be the only Infinite one. Lord we can have peace about this because we have Your Word to look at – not man’s ideas. We may still not know how it all works – it is from You and so it is beyond us – but it is clear that Sovereign You are – Yet that does not out rule the fact that You have given us free will and it makes a difference. Thank You for this awesome responsibility – We pray that You help us stand more firm then ever in the commitments we know we should have with You. We love You Lord