Romans 11:27 – “And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is wrapping up a section in which he describes God’s future plan for Israel. He has just declared that “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26), and now he supports that claim by referring to God’s covenant promise.

A covenant is a sacred agreement made by God, and here, Paul points to a specific covenant in which God promises to remove Israel’s sins. This means that their salvation will not come through their own efforts but through God’s mercy and grace.

This verse emphasizes that salvation for Israel, just like salvation for everyone else, is about having sins forgiven. Paul is quoting from Isaiah 59:21 and Isaiah 27:9, where God promises to redeem His people. This shows that Israel’s future restoration is not just a political or national event but a deep spiritual transformation.

Historical Context

At the time Paul wrote this letter (around A.D. 57), the majority of Jewish people had rejected Jesus as the Messiah. This caused tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the church. Some Gentiles may have assumed that God had permanently rejected Israel, but Paul strongly refutes that idea.

Throughout Israel’s history, God had made covenants with them. He made a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). He made a covenant with Moses, giving the law (Exodus 19-24). He made a covenant with David, promising that one of his descendants would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

But in the Old Testament, prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah spoke of a new covenant—one where God would forgive sins and transform hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:26-27). Paul is reminding his readers that this covenant is still in effect and will one day bring about a great spiritual revival among Israel.

Theological Implications

1. God Keeps His Promises – This verse reminds us that when God makes a covenant, He fulfills it. His promise to save Israel is still part of His plan.
2. Salvation Comes from God Alone – Israel’s sins will not be removed through their own efforts but by God’s intervention. This is a reminder that salvation is always an act of God’s grace.
3. Forgiveness is at the Heart of Salvation – Paul’s emphasis on taking away sins shows that true salvation is not just about belonging to a certain group but about being made right with God.
4. God’s Plan Includes Israel and the Gentiles – This verse connects with the broader teaching in Romans 11, showing that God is working in both Jews and Gentiles to bring about His purpose.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is very direct. He does not say that Israel “might” be saved or that their sins “could” be removed. He states it as a certainty—“I take away their sins.” This is the language of a promise, rooted in God’s faithfulness rather than human action.

Paul also connects this promise with the concept of covenant, which is a central theme in the Bible. In Jewish thought, a covenant was not just a casual agreement—it was a binding relationship initiated by God. By using this language, Paul is showing that Israel’s future salvation is tied to God’s unbreakable commitment.

Additionally, Paul’s quote from Isaiah highlights a future fulfillment. This salvation has already begun through Jesus, but it will reach its full completion at a future time when many in Israel turn to Christ.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 59:20-21 – The prophecy that Paul is quoting, where God promises to redeem His people and make a lasting covenant with them.
• Jeremiah 31:31-34 – God’s promise of a new covenant, in which He will forgive sins and transform hearts.
• Ezekiel 36:25-27 – A prophecy about God cleansing His people and giving them a new heart.
• Matthew 26:28 – Jesus declares that His blood is the basis for the new covenant, bringing forgiveness of sins.
• Hebrews 8:6-13 – A passage explaining how Jesus fulfills the new covenant promised in the Old Testament.
• Romans 11:23 – Paul says that Israel can be “grafted back in” if they do not continue in unbelief.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder that God’s promises are sure. If He has promised to save Israel, we can trust Him to keep His promises to us as well.

This verse also highlights the central role of forgiveness in the Christian faith. Just as Israel’s salvation depends on God taking away their sins, our salvation also rests on His mercy. No one is saved by good works or heritage—only through God’s grace in Jesus Christ.

Additionally, this verse encourages believers to pray for Israel. While many Jewish people do not yet recognize Jesus as the Messiah, God has a plan to bring many of them to faith in the future.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is clearly seen in this verse because it shows His commitment to redeeming His people. Even though Israel has turned away from Him many times, He remains faithful.

This verse also reminds us that God’s love is not based on what we do, but on who He is. His promise to remove sins is an act of grace, showing His deep desire to restore His people to Himself.

Additionally, this verse reassures us that God does not abandon His promises. The same God who made a covenant with Israel is the same God who offers forgiveness and salvation to all who trust in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this promise. The only way sins can be taken away is through Him.

• Matthew 1:21 – The angel told Joseph that Jesus would “save his people from their sins.”
• John 1:29 – John the Baptist declared that Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
• Luke 22:20 – Jesus established the new covenant through His blood.
• Hebrews 9:15 – Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant, securing redemption for those who believe.
• Romans 3:23-24 – Everyone has sinned, but Jesus provides justification through His grace.
• Acts 4:12 – Salvation is found in no one else but Jesus.

Paul’s statement in Romans 11:27 is a direct fulfillment of the work Jesus came to do. His death and resurrection provide the way for both Jews and Gentiles to have their sins removed.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach about God’s faithfulness to His promises?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that salvation can be earned by human effort?
3. How does God’s plan for Israel show His patience and grace?
4. What does this verse reveal about Jesus’ role in taking away sins?
5. How should Christians today respond to God’s plan for Israel?