Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

/ 8 7

T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

a. Israel is made up of two distinct classes:

(1) Those unbelieving descendants of Abraham

(2) The elect believing remnant who will be spared from destruction by God’s mercy

b. This elect remnant of Israel (which is of his own physical lineage) is coming to God through faith in Christ by the Gospel.

(1) Rom. 11.1-2

(2) Rom. 11.7

c. According to Paul, this remnant within Israel is both “chosen by grace” (Rom. 11.5) and was foreknown (Rom.11.2).

d. After the Gentiles enter salvation, Paul boldly suggests that “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11.26, a quotation of Isaiah 59.20-21). For Paul, Israel will be cherished and elected by God on account of their beloved patriarch and thus will be included in the final elect of God (Rom. 11.28–29).

3

B. God has also elected his chosen people the Church to salvation, both Jew and Gentile, through faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

The teaching of Scripture is clear that God has elected both Jews and Gentiles to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ.

1. Gentiles who believe in Jesus Christ are included in God’s saving election.

a. We who believe are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith, Gal. 3.7-9.