The Mystery: Gentile Salvation and the Future of Israel

In Romans 11:25, a chapter that reassures us of God’s continued plan for Israel, the Apostle Paul reveals a remarkable mystery. This mystery, hidden in the mind of God until revealed to the apostle Paul, carries profound significance for the body of Christ and must be taught and understood.

The term “mystery” has its root in the Greek word “musterion,” which essentially means “secret.” It’s vital to understand this word, as it captures the essence of what Paul is unveiling.

Romans 11:25 says: “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery (or secret, a secret that has been hid in the mind of God until the apostle Paul) lest you should be wise in your own opinion, (but isn’t that the case today, when was the last time you were taught this?) that blindness in part (not forever, but Israel has been blinded for the past 1900 plus years) has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”

The Old Testament foresaw the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan, yet it also expected Israel to be the means of their salvation. Verses like Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 60:1-3, and Zechariah 8:22–23 spoke of Israel as a “Kingdom of Priests” who would bring the Gentiles to God. However, what was never mentioned in the Old Testament—the four gospels or early chapters of Acts—was a secret hidden in the mind of God: that God would extend His salvation directly to the Gentiles apart from Israel’s involvement.

Due to Israel’s rejection of their Messiah, God temporarily set them aside (Romans 11:32). He dispersed them throughout the world after displacing them from Jerusalem (70 AD). In this unique turn of events, God reached out to the Gentiles with the Gospel of the Grace of God, a mystery previously concealed in His divine plan but now unveiled to the apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:1–11).

Romans 11:25 highlights the significant role of the Gentiles (the body of Christ) in God’s plan of salvation and assures us that God’s promises to Israel will still be fulfilled. This mystery reminds us that while Israel was temporarily blinded, it has not been abandoned forever.

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

The Mystery: Gentile Salvation and the Future of Israel

by Jamie Pantastico

Daily Encouragement

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