Only a remnant of them will be saved ...

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Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” ... What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. -Romans 9:27-28,30-32 NLT

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When we think of the nation of Israel today we must remember the heart of what Isaiah prophesied. Not all of Israel is promised Salvation. Only those who respond to God in faith will be saved. Only a spiritual Israeli remnant will taste of God's promises. It goes against the grain for some who see the nation and not the people. Even so, it heartens me to understand that all of creation, Jew and non-Jew alike, is treated the same with regard to salvation.

It is interesting to me how Paul speaks of pursuing the law by faith. I love how he contrasts faith with work in that context. It reminds me that even following a rule can be beneficial when one follows it with their heart and not their head. Salvation cannot be worked for but it can be worked out. Following after God often means that we follow after the things that He has spoken to us in our heart. Sometimes faith and law work together.

Remind us today Lord of the things that you have spoken to our hearts. Help faith to arise in us.

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