God wants Israel to be saved also25Brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant about this subject, which to some is a mystery. You must not become conceited. The reason why the Jewish people have been subjected to a hardening of their hearts is so that God can gather into His Kingdom all the non-Jewish people that He is calling.26But then He wants all Israel to be saved also. It is written: "He who God sends as the Deliverer of His people will come from among His chosen people, the Jews, and He will be the One to save them from their godless ways.27For they are still a covenant people; a people of promise and He will save them from all their sins."28At present they are enemies of the gospel, but only for your benefit. Yet they still retain God's calling; they are still the objects of God's love. He will still fulfil the promises given them through their forefathers.29For once God has called a people and set them apart for Himself, He will not change His mind, just as He will not take away the gifts He has already given us.30-31You were once disobedient towards God; yet now you have received His mercy and forgiveness. This is only because the gospel came to you through their disobedience. Just as you were disobedient and have now been saved, cannot they also turn from their disobedience and also receive the same mercy and forgiveness from God that you have already received?32God considered that all were disobedient to Him, whether Jewish or non-Jewish; so all are in need of His mercy. And He wants everyone to experience His mercy and forgiveness.33I am overwhelmed by the extent of the great riches that come from knowing and understanding God's wisdom. His judgments cannot be questioned, and no one can do what only He can do in leading people to salvation.34"Who can claim to understand everything about the way the Lord thinks? Who could dare to give Him advice?35What could any of us give to God that would obligate Him to give to us in return?"36Everything that we receive comes from God and is given through Christ, all for the outworking of His purposes. Yes, it is true: all the glory belongs to Him. He alone deserves to be honoured! Amen! It shall be so.
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)