Romans 11:5 – “So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Paul’s discussion about God’s ongoing faithfulness to Israel. He has just reminded his readers of the story of Elijah, when the prophet thought he was the last faithful believer left. But God revealed that He had preserved 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal (Romans 11:4, referencing 1 Kings 19:18).

Paul now connects that Old Testament truth to his present time. Just as there was a faithful remnant in Elijah’s day, there is still a faithful remnant of Jewish believers in Paul’s day. These are Israelites who have put their trust in Jesus as the Messiah, and their faith is not based on works but on God’s grace.

This verse teaches a crucial truth: The people whom God preserves are chosen by grace, not because of their efforts or heritage. Salvation has always been about God’s mercy, not human achievement. Even though most of Israel rejected Jesus, God was still at work among them, calling a remnant to Himself.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to a Roman audience that included both Jewish and Gentile Christians. Many of the Jewish people in Paul’s time had rejected Jesus, which raised the question: Had God abandoned Israel?

Paul’s answer is a firm “No.” Just as God had preserved a faithful group in Elijah’s time, He was still preserving a group of Jewish believers in Jesus. These Jewish Christians, along with believing Gentiles, were the remnant that proved God had not broken His promises.

Throughout Israel’s history, God had always worked through a faithful minority. Even when the majority turned away, there was always a group who remained true to Him. Paul is saying that the same is happening now—God is keeping a faithful remnant, chosen by His grace.

Theological Implications

1. Salvation is by grace, not works. The remnant of believers exists not because of their effort, but because of God’s grace (Romans 11:6). This is a key teaching of Paul throughout his letters.
2. God is faithful to His promises. Even when people turn away, God remains true to His word. He will not abandon His people.
3. God always preserves a remnant. No matter how dark things seem, He is always working in the hearts of those who trust Him.

This verse also reinforces that salvation has never been about national identity or heritage. Being Jewish was never enough to guarantee salvation—faith in God’s promises was always the key. Now, in Christ, this faith is fulfilled, and both Jews and Gentiles are saved the same way: by grace through faith.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s writing in Romans 11:5 follows a clear pattern: He uses an Old Testament example (Elijah and the 7,000) and then applies it to the present time. This method helps Jewish and Gentile believers see the continuity of God’s work throughout history.

The phrase “chosen by grace” is crucial. Paul emphasizes that the remnant is not selected because of their good deeds or effort but because of God’s undeserved favor. This idea ties back to Romans 9:16, where Paul says, “It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.”

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 9:27 – Paul quotes Isaiah, saying that only a remnant of Israel will be saved.
• Romans 11:6 – Paul continues by explaining that grace and works are opposites—salvation is only by grace.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
• Isaiah 10:22-23 – A prophecy about how only a faithful remnant of Israel will be preserved.
• John 1:12-13 – Salvation is not about human will, but being born of God.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a strong reminder that God is always at work, even when we don’t see it. In every generation, He keeps a faithful remnant—people who hold fast to the truth despite the pressures around them.

It’s easy to look at the world today and feel like Christianity is fading, but history tells us otherwise. Just as in Elijah’s time and Paul’s time, God is still preserving a faithful remnant. The church may not always be the majority, but God’s truth always remains.

This verse also reminds us that our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace. We cannot earn it. If we are part of God’s people, it is because He has graciously chosen to bring us into His family. That should fill us with gratitude and humility.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in this verse because He does not give up on His people. Even when the majority turn away, He remains faithful and continues calling people to Himself.

The fact that the remnant is chosen by grace shows that God’s love is not based on our performance. He does not demand perfection before accepting us. Instead, He gives salvation as a free gift to those who trust in Him.

This verse reassures us that God’s love never fails—He is always working to draw people to Himself, even when the world seems lost.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate proof that salvation is by grace and not by works. His sacrifice on the cross made it possible for both Jews and Gentiles to be saved, not by following the law but by faith in Him.

Paul’s discussion in Romans 11 leads to the idea that one day, many in Israel will turn to Christ (Romans 11:26). In the meantime, the remnant of Jewish believers—along with Gentile believers—make up the people of God.

Some key connections to Jesus:

• John 14:6 – Jesus is the only way to the Father, showing that salvation is through faith, not works.
• Romans 3:24 – “And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
• Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”
• Galatians 3:28 – In Christ, both Jews and Gentiles are one, saved by grace.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse help us understand God’s faithfulness, even when people reject Him?
2. What does it mean to be “chosen by grace”? How does this impact the way we see salvation?
3. Have you ever felt discouraged by the state of faith in the world today? How does this verse encourage you?
4. How should this verse shape our attitude toward those who do not yet believe in Jesus?
5. If salvation is by grace and not by works, how should that affect the way we live?

This verse is a powerful reminder that God is always faithful. He is always preserving a remnant, always offering salvation through grace, and always working out His plan—even when we don’t see it.