Romans 11

The Remnant of Israel

God has not rejected his people. Even though the prophet Elijah appealed to God against Israel, God responded that he kept for [himself] seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal (Romans 11:4). At the time of Paul's writing, even while most of Israel have fallen away, there is a remnant, chosen by grace (Romans 11:5).

Gentiles Grafted In

Salvation was initially only available to the Israelites, but for generations the Israelites have been disobedient to God. Through [the Israelites'] trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous (Romans 11:11).

Salvation reaching the Gentiles is proof that God intends everything for good, even if we as humans meant evil. In the old testament, Joseph says this about his brothers selling him to slavery: as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today (Genesis 50:20).

We must recognize that no matter how big our evils, God always intend everything to be for good. And there's been a lot of evil in the world. World War 1, World War 2, etc. While those events are unfortunate, we need to believe God can turn even such catastrophies into good.