Does God Keep His Promises? Paul’s Answer in Romans 9–11
- Jack Selcher
- Sep 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Summary
Human promises often fail, but Romans 9–11 affirms that God always keeps His word. Paul grieves deeply over Israel’s unbelief despite their great spiritual privileges. Scripture reveals a faithful remnant within Israel, showing God’s saving purposes never fail. Believers today must not squander God’s grace but respond with faith, obedience, and compassion for those who have not yet trusted Christ.
Does God Keep His Promises
Vladimir Putin said Russia had no plans to attack Ukraine. What a liar! His promises are untrustworthy.
More than most things in life, liars make me mad. I want to trust people to keep their promises. Their failure unsettles me. Does God keep His promises?
Paul’s Anguish for Israel
Romans 9, 10, and 11 are Paul’s defense that God faithfully keeps His promises. Paul describes his deep anguish because of the Israelites’ spiritual condition. He is even prepared for the Father to cut him off from Christ if that would bring them to faith in Him (Romans 9:3).
The Father interrupted Jesus’ eternal relationship with Him so we could become His children. The Spirit of Jesus is alive in Paul!
How concerned are you for the eternal destiny of those who don’t yet know Christ? May I challenge you to grow along with me in that regard?
Israel’s Privileges and Missed Opportunities
The Israelites had many advantages. God graciously adopted them as sons. The pillar of cloud symbolizes God’s glory. It revealed that He lived among them.
He made numerous covenants with them. He gave them the Law. He taught them how to worship Him. These advantages prepared them to bring the Messiah into the world.
Despite these advantages, Israel did not recognize the Messiah when He came. Most rejected Him. Like Israel, we have received God’s blessings and special grace.
They draw us to faith in Jesus and conform us to His image. Are we squandering our opportunities? Are we basking in grace like the Israelites or growing in grace like Paul?
Israel failed to fulfill God’s calling. Throughout history, some have received God’s revelation. Others have hardened their hearts to it. Receiving it is evidence that God has chosen us.
A Remnant Within the People of God
Israel originated in Isaac, the unique son of God’s promise to Abraham. But there was a true Israel within Israel, a faithful remnant among a largely rebellious people.
Similarly, there is a true church within those who associate with the church. Before they were born, God distinguished between Isaac’s children (Jacob and Esau). He chose Jacob for the outward and national privilege.
That is, to a covenant relationship, not to salvation directly. Not all of Abraham and Jacob’s descendants are children of promise.
God’s saving purpose is like the channel of a mighty river. The entire river is going in the same direction. But there is a river within the river.
Embracing Grace Without Squandering It
It flows through space and time, gathering up God’s elect. “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11 NIV). May we not squander our advantages but fully embrace and be channels of God’s love to others. See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.
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