God has a Plan. Romans 11:25-32 V.25. The temporary blindness of Israel has led to the salvation of Gentiles and in time to come will lead to the salvation of Israel. Because of Israel’s hardness, Gentiles have been converted, but that is no reason for Gentiles to be proud because God has saved us. It is humbling to think that God even has taken notice of us and pitied us.
The mystery is relating to the incarnation of Christ, His death on the cross, the plan of God to have all things in Christ and in a special way; Jews and Gentiles forming a church. Also in this mystery is the change that takes place at the resurrection and the fact that both Jews and Gentiles are included in the kingdom of God. There is no doubt about the fact that Gentiles have been blessed because of Israel and we have experienced a remarkable and long day of grace. During this period of God's dealing with mankind, Jews and Gentiles alike have the privilege of being called by the Gospel to be a part of the Church He is building.
V.26. Lest Gentiles in conceit think God does no longer have an interest in Israel as His earthly people, He clearly states that in His plan, the nation will retain its identity through the coming Deliverer, the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. Israel as a nation will be saved and restored, but not every Israeli will be saved. God chose Israel in the past and has not rejected them, although He has in a way, set aside His dealings with them during this time when He is calling a heavenly people.
V.27. Covenant relationship with God requires sins to be taken away and the fundamental problem of sin dealt with to God’s satisfaction. That is what the Lord Jesus Christ did when He was here. Gid is merciful to both Jews and Gentiles. He is fair in all His dealings with us and uses the law to exposes sin and lead people to the Gospel. His plans will culminate when Christ returns and establishes His kingdom.
V.28. The nations were to be blessed by a believing Israel, but that nation chose to be like the idolatrous nations around. God, through the Lord Jesus Christ, the Jewish Messiah, has blessed the Gentile nations anyway. He promised Abraham, the father of faith, and Isaac and Jacob that all the earth would be blessed because of their "seed." The Lord has done this by "being found in fashion as a man," and coming from the linage of the patriarchs. Israelis who reject the Gospel are enemies of God because they have rejected the Lord Jesus Christ, but they are beloved enemies who God promised a future through their forefathers.
V.29. Not all Israelis will be saved, nor will all church members be saved. Those who are in obedience to God and His Word will find the mercy they need. The gifts of God are adoption, glory, covenants, the law, the way to serve and worship, and the promise are irrevocable. God’s calling to be a unique people for Himself to bring salvation to the world through Christ cannot be changed either. What God has planned for Jews and Gentiles will come to pass. The privileges and invitation God makes in His divine plan, whether to Israel or to the nations of earth through the Gospel, are not to be withdrawn. What God does "is forever."
V.30-31. Jewish disobedience had made possible God’s mercy to be directed to the Gentiles. His mercy to the Gentiles encourages Jews to come to faith in Christ. Both the Jews and Gentiles are benefited by each other. The Jews have brought blessing to Gentiles through the promises made to them. Gentiles have brought blessing to the Jews when through them the Gospel has reached to all parts of the world, and all (including those of the Diaspora) are able to "be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." Gentiles have obtained mercy by Israel's disobedience. "Disobedient and gainsaying" Gentiles have been blessed. Israel too will "obtain mercy" from the One they once rejected.
All people have been given opportunity to obey or disobey God, but the majority of the people of Israel chose to disobey. Consequently, God has shut them in to face their disobedience so He could show mercy to us all. When we face who we really are before Him, His offer of mercy is to us who turn from disobedience to salvation by grace through faith.
God has a special future for the nation of Israel even though at the present time they struggle to survive being surrounded by enemies. God also has chosen believing Gentiles and individual Jews who come to Jesus to be as a bride to Him. Persecution of the Jews has been so severe and for so long that it is a wonder to the world they have ever survived as an identifiable people. They have a homeland now and there will be restoration of them to God as His earthly people when Christ returns.