The Reconciliation of Future Israel in Romans 9–11

This paper contends that supersessionism does not adequately understand the soteriological concept of reconciliation as it applies specifically to Israel because it does not correctly understand the apostolic hermeneutic. Reconciliation refers to the ending of hostility between two parties, which encompasses the removal of the root cause of the enmity in order to effect a change in their relationship from “enemy” to “friend.” While reconciliation describes the work of salvation accomplished in Christ for all humanity, it takes on additional significance when applied to Israel. In Romans 9–11, Paul highlights Israel’s enmity with God, God’s provision for removing the enmity’s root cause, and the future reconciliation of Israel as a nation by incorporating specific prophecies and OT language. Romans 10:18–21 reflects Israel’s state of enmity in her failure to heed the words of inspired Scripture concerning God’s intent to provoke her to jealousy through the salvation of the Gentiles, and 9:30–33 reflects the persistence of enmity in her failure to accept Christ, the stumbling block that was also foretold. Romans 10:4–13 highlights God’s provision for the removal of enmity in Christ with the installation of faith as a new redemptive-historical paradigm. Romans 11:25–27 highlights a future time when reconciliation will be accomplished on a national scale for Israel when the Messiah redeemer comes in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy