Page 21 - Torch Magazine #28 - Summer 2025

2. God is able to graft in again
God has both the will and the method
to graft the natural branches (Israel) back
“into their own olive tree,” (Romans 11:24).
Remember in verse 1, Paul uses the phrase
“never cast away” to describe his Jewish
brethren. Furthermore, Paul writes that
if the wild branches (Gentiles) were able
to be grafted in “contrary to nature,” how
much more will the natural branches be
grafted into their own olive tree. It implies
that God re-grafting the Jewish people
back into their own olive tree will appear
much easier from a natural perspective
than even that experienced by the Gentiles.
This is contrary to the deceptive portrayal
that Israel has been replaced permanently.
Rather, the lifting of the partial blindness
when it happens will be remarkable and
miraculous. As Paul penned in verse 15,
“what will their acceptance be but life from
the dead,” and verse 25, if their “failure [was]
riches for the Gentiles, how much more
their fullness.”
3. A strong warning to Gentiles
Paul uses the same illustration to warn
Gentiles about being ‘cut off’ by the same
measure that the natural branches were cut
off. “For if God did not spare the natural
branches, He may not spare you either,”
(Romans 11:21). This suggests that God’s
discipline for unbelief is non-discriminatory.
This thought challenges the arrogant
mindset of some who have embraced
Replacement Theology by holding Israel
and Jews to a higher standard. This is very
apparent in circles where false teaching
has claimed that Israel’s unbelief has
delegitimised its identity.
For example, some take ‘replacement’ to
the extreme in thinking the Jewish people
are not worthy to possess what they think
has been taken away because of unbelief.
We also see prideful attitudes against Jews
who don’t believe in Jesus, influenced by
the age-old antisemitic portrayals of ‘the
Jews killed Jesus’. Others single out the
wrongdoings of individual Jews and brand
an entire race and religion because of
inherent anti-Jewish bias. Its also common
for some to be judgmental and critical of
the State of Israel to a degree that is not
applied to any other nation. Why? The
reason is due to a misguided expectation
that Israel should be perfect, because of
it being chosen. This imposes ‘works’ on
Israel and denies grace. But Romans 11:21
flips the warning. It says Gentiles are just
as susceptible to the consequences of
unbelief. Equally, Israel is just as treasured
as being the recipients of mercy as the
Gentiles. Paul warns “For I do not desire,
brethren, that you should be ignorant of
this mystery, lest you should be wise in your
own opinion.” (Romans 11:25)
The fact is that God will hold ALL Gentile
nations to account for unbelief. Ironically,
the nations will also be judged for their
treatment of Israel. It is more worthwhile,
therefore, that Christian leaders call the
nations to repentance, rather than spend
their energies vilifying Israel and finding
fault with Jews through collective judgment.
Principle 4: Israel is beloved
“Concerning the election they are beloved
for the sake of the fathers.” (Romans 11:28)
We have already read that Gentiles
should not boast against the root. We have
recognised the grafting in of the Gentile
branch from separated wildness into the
Olive Tree. We have foretasted the wonder
of reconciliation and fullness at Israel’s
grafting back in again. With this in mind, the
whole temperature towards Israel and the
Jewish people is set in this chapter.
A Christian who embraces Romans 11 will
be filled with a gratitude and compassion
for Israel. Sadly, both are lacking in
Replacement Theology. This is why so many
churches harbour coldness and hardness
towards Israel. A Christian who is struck
by the revelation of Romans 11 will want
to bless Israel unconditionally. Look how
Romans 11 steers the heart of the Gentile
towards His people, Israel.
In verse 28, Paul once again addresses
the aforementioned ‘elephant in the room’.
We read, “Concerning the gospel they are
enemies for your sake.” This doesn’t mean
‘enemies’ at war. Israel is the safest place for
Christians in the Middle East and Christians
and Jews are some of the best friends in the
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