God is offering mercy to all; both Jew and Gentile. Where before we only had access to God through Israel, we have now gained access to God directly.
—Romans 11:32 NKJV “For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.”
This is another one of those wonderful treasures that was kept hidden until it was revealed directly to the Apostle Paul by Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Mercy Through Rebellion
In this “but (yet) now” we learn about God’s plan of mercy for everyone. It is interesting how God can use an act of rebellion to His purpose. God has an earnest desire to see the whole world have everlasting life (John 3:16) and through Israel’s disobedience, God is able to throw his net of mercy far and wide.
Romans 11:30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience,
The “you” here refers to the Gentiles. In the past the Gentiles did not acknowledge God or want anything to do with Him. Since, they were in a state of unbelief, naturally they did not obey Him. Because the Gentiles rejected God they were without hope and were under the condemnation of death.
However, in this “but (yet) now”, another great secret is revealed. God through his mercy is offering life to the Gentiles. How can God be offering mercy? The verse says it is through “their disobedience”. This refers to Israel.
After Israel continued to reject the risen Christ after the resurrection, God, instead of passing immediate judgement and punishment on the whole world, rolled out His secret plan he had kept hidden since before the foundation of the world: That all may have mercy, both Jew and Gentile.
—Romans 11:11 NKJV “I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.”
Salvation for Everyone
—Romans 1:16 NKJV “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
This act of salvation is being offered equally to all who put their faith in Christ. Instead of disobedience leading to death, God is using it so that he might show mercy to the whole world. What an incredible outpouring of God’s love. This is certainly motivation for the believer to serve God with a joyful spirit.
—Titus 2:11 NKJV “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,”
Through God’s great mercy, salvation can be yours today! Membership is open now, so won’t you take advantage of God’s mercy today and join Him.
Rom. 11:28-31 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy.
We did a 10-part series examining the “but now” of the Apostle Paul. Here is a list of the other articles in the series:
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