Articles
The Goodness and Severity of God
In Romans 11 Paul is arguing that God has not unfairly cast aside the Jews. The gospel is God’s message of salvation for the whole world, including the Jews, and was amply introduced by the Jews’ own ancient literature (cf. Rom 1:2; 9:25-29; 10:11-13). God never intended for Israel to be the only covenant people; rather, they were to be the gateway nation for believers from all “tribes, tongues, peoples and nations” (Rev 5:9) to enter fellowship with God.
Unfortunately, along the way most of Israel fell into unbelief and sin, and so Paul argues that “some of the branches were broken off” (Rom 11:17). This unbelief of Israel, culminating in the murder of the Lord, actually paved the way for the Gentiles’ salvation: “and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them …” (Rom 11:17).
But Paul warns the Gentiles not to let this inclusion become an occasion for pride: “Do not boast against the branches … You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in’” (11:18-19). He reminds the Gentiles, “Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either” (11:20-21).
The dividing line in man’s relationship with God is true belief – not a mere mental assent of His existence but true devotion that honors, trusts and submits (Rom 4:17-25; 6:1-14). Those who deny God and consequently ignore His blessings will be severed from life-giving fellowship. Thus the unbelieving Jews, who had better knowledge of Him than anyone else, were pruned from the tree. But the Gentiles, who embraced the gospel, were grafted in to the heritage of faith (the cultivated olive tree).
It is in this context that Paul issues a timeless warning: “Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off” (11:22). Both sides of God must be taken into consideration – His goodness and severity. Exaggerating one to the exclusion of the other is spiritually fatal. And as Paul warns the Gentiles, pride is a fault that leads to unbelief. God’s offer of salvation to us undeserving Gentiles should be a constant antidote for soul-threatening pride.
