There is debate among Reformed theologians regarding the interpretation of Romans 11, particularly the phrase “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26).
While all Reformed theologians agree that God’s covenantal promises to His people are fulfilled in Christ and include the church, they differ on the specifics of how ethnic Israel factors into God’s redemptive plan.
Let’s explore the main perspectives within the Reformed tradition.
1. The Future Conversion of Ethnic Israel (A National Revival)
Some Reformed theologians hold that Romans 11:26 refers to a future, large-scale turning of ethnic Jews to Christ near the end of history. This view sees “all Israel” as referring specifically to ethnic Israel as a people group, distinct from the Gentile nations.
Key Arguments:
- Romans 11:12, 15: Paul speaks of Israel’s “full inclusion” and their being “grafted back” into the olive tree. Advocates argue this suggests a future, climactic event involving ethnic Jews turning to faith in Christ.
- Romans 11:25-26: The sequence of events—“until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved”—is taken to mean that Israel’s salvation follows a distinct phase of Gentile inclusion.
- Historical Precedent: God has often worked in distinct phases with Israel and the nations (e.g., in the Old Testament). Proponents argue that this pattern continues with a future revival among the Jewish people.
Prominent Supporters:
- Charles Hodge: Hodge interprets Romans 11 as teaching a future large-scale conversion of Jews to Christ as part of God’s plan to glorify Himself through their restoration.
- John Murray: Murray’s commentary on Romans argues for a future salvation of ethnic Israel that contributes to the final ingathering of God’s people.
2. “All Israel” as the Fullness of God’s Elect (Jew and Gentile Together)
Other Reformed theologians believe that “all Israel” in Romans 11:26 does not refer to a distinct future event for ethnic Jews but rather to the fullness of God’s elect—both Jews and Gentiles—throughout history.
Key Arguments:
- Romans 11:25-26: The phrase “in this way” (Greek: houtos) in verse 26 is understood as meaning “in this manner” rather than “and then.” Paul describes the ongoing process of salvation for Jews and Gentiles together, rather than a future event for Israel alone.
- Olive Tree Analogy (Romans 11:17-24): The metaphor of the olive tree portrays the unity of God’s people. Jewish branches are grafted back into the same tree that includes Gentile branches, emphasizing one people of God, not two separate plans.
- Romans 9:6-8: Paul already defined “Israel” in spiritual terms, saying, “not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel.” This suggests that “all Israel” refers to the entire body of God’s redeemed, not just ethnic Jews.
Prominent Supporters:
- John Calvin: Calvin sees “all Israel” as the complete number of the elect, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles, gathered into one people of God.
- Anthony Hoekema: Hoekema argues that Romans 11 describes God’s ongoing plan to save both Jews and Gentiles through the church age, with no distinct future revival for ethnic Israel.
3. A Mixed or Middle View
Some Reformed theologians adopt a middle view, combining elements of the two positions. They affirm that “all Israel” refers primarily to the elect (Jew and Gentile alike) but also allow for a significant future turning of ethnic Jews to Christ as part of God’s plan. This would not constitute a separate destiny for Israel but would highlight God’s ongoing faithfulness to His covenant people.
Key Arguments:
- God’s Faithfulness to Israel (Romans 11:28-29): Paul affirms that ethnic Israel remains “beloved for the sake of their forefathers,” and God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. A future inclusion of many Jews could be a demonstration of God’s faithfulness.
- Zechariah 12:10: Some tie Romans 11 to prophecies like this one, which speak of a large-scale repentance among the Jewish people in the last days.
Prominent Supporters:
- Herman Bavinck: Bavinck believed in a future turning of many Jews to Christ as part of the church’s expansion in history, while rejecting Dispensationalism’s notion of two distinct peoples of God.
Key Takeaways and Unity Among Reformed Theologians
While there is legitimate debate over the meaning of “all Israel” in Romans 11, Reformed theologians agree on the following:
- Christ is the Fulfillment of God’s Promises: All God’s promises to Israel find their “Yes and Amen” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). Salvation is always by grace through faith, whether for Jew or Gentile.
- One People of God: There is no separate destiny for Israel and the church. All believers—Jew and Gentile alike—are grafted into the same olive tree, symbolizing the one covenant community.
- God’s Faithfulness to Israel: God’s plan includes ethnic Jews, and their inclusion is a testament to His covenantal faithfulness.
Conclusion
Yes, there is debate among Reformed theologians about whether Romans 11 points to a future large-scale conversion of ethnic Jews or if “all Israel” simply refers to the complete number of God’s elect.
But both views share a commitment to the unity of God’s redemptive plan in Christ and reject the Dispensationalist idea of two separate peoples of God.
Ultimately, the differences reflect the richness of Scripture’s message, encouraging humility as we explore God’s purposes.
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