This is the thirty-eighth in a series of verse-by-verse expositions of the book of Romans. This message was delivered at Hillcrest Baptist Church on the morning of February 2, 2014. This message deals with God’s grace in leaving a remnant, and escape from the great tribulation. This post contains an audio recording of my message, along with my sermon notes and a study outline. Please note that the sermon notes are not a full transcript.
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Romans 9:27-29
v.27:
Paul is quoting prophecy from Isaiah
Isaiah 10:22-23
Isaiah 1:9
God promised Abraham he would have innumerable descendants.
Genesis 22:17
However, only a small remnant among these are actually saved and will inherit His promises.
Paul had just used Scripture showing God’s purpose to extend His mercy to Gentiles.
Now he uses Scripture again to make clear that the election of Israel does not preclude her reduction through chastening judgments.
Isaiah prophesied that the southern kingdom of Judah would be conquered and scattered—temporarily rejected by God—because of her unbelief.
Paul’s point is that the scattering Isaiah described was only a preview of Israel’s rejection of the Messiah and her subsequent destruction and scattering.
Yet, in the sparing of the remnant his mercy and faithfulness are seen.
God could totally destroy them, but by sovereign choice, preserves and saves a remnant.
v.28:
We see a preview of God’s promise carried out in the Captivity and Exile of both Israel and Judah and in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and will ultimately be fulfilled in the national end-time deliverance of Israel (Rom. 11:26-27).
Even today the same principle is true. Jews who become members of the church, the body of Christ, are what Paul later called “a remnant chosen by grace”
Romans 11:1-5
This prophecy is ultimately referring to the tribulation, and the remnant WILL be saved out of the tribulation.
Remember, this is a period of time that is all about Israel and her redemption. The church will be gone.
God has made a promise, and He will finish the work. When God begins he will make an end, whether in judgment or of mercy. His work is perfect.
God chooses to preserve a remnant of His people, but He also will not fail to judge those who reject Him.
It doesn’t matter if someone is of Israeli Heritage, if they reject Christ, they will be judged.
The same is true in the church. Warming a pew every Sunday morning will not exclude you from judgment.
Many people reject Christ, yet sit in church. Let this be a warning to all people, you can’t fool God.
I’m afraid that after the rapture, many churches will still be full.
Many will be full of unsaved people, led by unsaved pastors. The only people they will have fooled is themselves.
In righteousness, God will execute judgment.
Acts 17:31
Revelation 19:11
He will make a short work. . .
Matthew 24:21-22
This great tribulation will last for seven years, and the judgments will increase in severity as they progress.
If it were to go any longer, no one would survive, but after 7 years it will come to an end.
People will be saved during the tribulation, and it is for their sake that God has decreed that it won’t go any longer.
v.29:
. . . But you don’t have to endure it at all.
We are to watch and pray that we may be counted worthy to escape these things.
Luke 21:36
Escape comes through salvation, and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:10-12
His salvation is totally a gift of grace, it is not based on your goodness.
Ephesians 2:8-10
Romans 10:9
God has a remnant today, the saved, who sow the seeds of truth.
It is up to us whether we accept or reject the truth.
To reject the truth is to become a vessel of wrath like Paul previously wrote.
The image used is of Sodom and Gomorrah, and it paints a picture of total destruction.
Those who reject Christ can look forward to nothing but judgment and destruction, but we should be thankful that God has left a remnant.
Those who haven’t placed their faith in Christ have no excuse (Romans 1:20), God has been revealed, and His word has been spread.
Do not wait to accept Christ. Today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late.
2 Corinthians 6:2
You may say that I’m a good person, and God will judge me fairly. You are right, He will judge you fairly.
Have you ever lied? Then you’ve broken God’s law.
Have you ever stolen? Then you’ve broken God’s law.
Have you ever dishonored your parents? Then you’ve broken God’s law.
And the wages of sin is death.
Romans 6:23
But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. It’s a gift because you can’t earn it.
Galatians 3:11
What is your choice today?
If you are saved, sow the seed.
If you’ve never trusted Christ, or if you are unsure if you are saved, then do it now!
In Defense: The Blog 
Posted on February 6, 2014
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