The Mystery Of Election - The Objects Of Mercy
Kenny discusses Romans 11:16-36, emphasizing the themes of mercy and election. He explains that all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, have no grounds for boasting, as salvation is solely based on God's mercy. The passage illustrates that some branches (Israel) were broken off due to unbelief, allowing Gentiles to be grafted into the olive tree of God's promises. Kenny highlights the goodness and severity of God, noting that while God is merciful, He also holds people accountable for their unbelief. He reassures that God has not abandoned Israel; rather, their temporary blindness serves a purpose until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. Ultimately, all are objects of mercy, and the mystery of election reveals that God's plan includes both Jews and Gentiles. The appropriate response to this revelation is exultant worship, recognizing that all things are from, through, and for God. Kenny concludes by urging believers to grasp the depth of God's mercy and to respond in worship, acknowledging that they are objects of His grace.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to Romans 11:16-36
- The theme of boasting eliminated
- The goodness and severity of God
- All are objects of mercy
- The mystery of election
- Temporary blindness of Israel
- Response: Exultant worship
- Conclusion: All things are for God
16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
