The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Society of Evan Arminians/Rom 9: An Arminian New Perspective Read

Hi, Last night at a Bible Study one of the participants shared the above article with us. I am sending a quote from the Pros and Cons Section - "In essence, Paul is telling ethnic Israel something very close to what Reformed interpreters see. He is telling them that God has the right to choose whomever he wills to be among his covenant people. But he is not telling them this because God has chosen not to elect most of them. He’s telling them this because the paradigm for inclusion in the covenant people has shifted, from national Israel following the Law to anyone who comes to faith in Christ. My question: What is your take on the article (not posted) and this paragraph? Thank you for the input.

I have a problem with this interpretation:

1. Inclusion in the covenant in Romans 9 is unveiled as something much more than nationalistic. Paul explains that to be in covenant with God is: a) God's perogative, via eternal election, b) it is of grace and not race, and c) it is soteriological in nature and not physical and always has been.

2. As to the number of those who are Israelites who are to be saved there is much disagreement. Zionists, as expected, believe that Israel will be saved en masse at some future time. Others, like myself, don't see the Jews as having any special place in God's plan of redemption now that Christ has come and gone, having accomplished all that the Father planned for the redemption of the elect. There are simply too many references, both explicit and by example throughout the Scriptures that only a remnant will be saved.

3. Romans 11:26 is the disputed passage. What I hold to be true is clearly set forth in the following article: Paul's Theology of Israel's Future.

Thank you very much. I very much appreciate your input.

Love to you in Christ alone,

bill