Romans 11:20-21 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
Paul tells Gentile believers to not be proud of their standing with God but have fear that keeps them in line. These verses serve as a warning to those who might slip into the very problem that plagued the Jews: a sense of spiritual pride and safety, the idea that they are eternally secure. This verse goes against the doctrine of eternal security. If spiritual pride creeps its ugly head up and the Gentiles begin to think that their righteousness is special and that they have somehow earned it and are better than non-believers in the world, beware, for God will not spare them from judgment. This is a heavy verse and heavy warning that sweeps across time and culture to warn us today as well. We can easily slip into the very problem of the Jews, even when we know better. What is the answer? The implied action of the Gentiles should be humility and dependency before God. They must “stand fast through faith.” They must endure and keep believing. If people do not believe and turn away from God, they will be cut off like the Jews. This is a heavy message to hear and one we must consider in humility and fear of the Lord.
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