No, God Has Not Cast Israel Away

(Romans 11:1–11; Ezekiel 36–37; Psalm 43)

One of the most clear and evident truths in all of the Bible is that God keeps His promises.

What He has spoken, He will perform. And nowhere is that more evident than in His dealings with the nation of Israel.

Paul begins Romans 11 with a question:

“I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not!”
(Romans 11:1 NKJV)

Growing in popularity more and more today, some teach that the church has replaced Israel.  It’s a popular view known as replacement theology, or technically, supersessionism. (You can thank Constantine and the Council of Nicea for introducing this antisemitic teaching.) The Bible teaches a different truth. The church and Israel are distinct, and God’s covenant with Israel remains in effect. His plan for them is not finished.

Paul reminds us that if God were done with Israel, he himself wouldn’t have been saved. Paul was Jewish and stands as a living example that God had not turned away from His people. Throughout Israel’s history, there has always been a faithful remnant. God told Elijah,

“I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal.”
(1 Kings 19:18 NKJV)

Even when the majority turned away, God always kept a remnant for Himself: men and women who loved Him, stood firm in a corrupt culture, and trusted His Word.

God has not changed His covenant promises. What He began, He will complete. Through Ezekiel, He declared that Israel would one day be restored:

“I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.”
(Ezekiel 36:24 NKJV)

History confirms this promise. In 1948, God brought His people back to their homeland, serving as a living testimony that He is faithful to His Word. Hebrew, once a dead language, is now spoken again. Israel, once scattered, is a thriving nation. These are not mere political decisions or declarations from the United Nations but stark reminders that God’s Word stands forever.  He has indeed done this!

There is still a future for Israel. Revelation 7 speaks of 144,000 Jewish evangelists who will proclaim the gospel during the Great Tribulation. God will again turn His attention to Israel and fulfill every promise He made.

The blindness that exists in part today will one day be lifted when they turn to Jesus, the Jewish Messiah.

“And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.’”
(Romans 11:26 NKJV)

God keeps His promises to His people. Even when we fail or feel forgotten, His grace remains. His Word is sure.

If God could abandon Israel and break His promise there, He can break His promises to you and me, too!  Impossible!

The same God who remains faithful to Israel will remain loyal to you.

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
(Romans 11:29 NKJV)