Will "All" Israel Be Saved?

In the beginning of Romans 11:26, the inspired writer, Paul declares: "And so all Israel will be saved....." Modern premillennialists contend that there will be a mass conversion of the nation of Israel at the time of Christ's return. Supposedly, the prelude to this event was the establishment of Israel as an independent nation in 1948. One of the texts employed to support this proposition, is the above clause.

Let us ask ourselves, "What does the above clause mean?" The context of Romans 11 indicates that Paul is indeed discussing national Israel. In Romans 9-11, the word "Israel" is used eleven times (Romans 9:6,27,31; Romans 10:1,19,21; Romans 11:2,7,25,26). In every case, the word "Israel" refers to the Jews. However, Romans 11:26 does not teach that a mass conversion of the Jewish nation of Israel will occur. Paul does not write, "And then all Israel shall be saved." Rather, he writes, "And so all Israel shall be saved."

Let us look at the definition and use of the little adverb "so" in this verse. According to Bullinger's Critical Lexicon (Zondervan Publishing House), 1982, pg. 711, No. 1, the adverb "so" (Grk. -- "houtos") means, "in this manner, on this wise." The question then becomes, What manner or method shall "all Israel be saved?"

The simple answer is, those Jews who "choose" to be saved, by the manner or method of accepting the "Deliverer" who comes out of Zion (Romans 11:26), i.e, the "Redeemer" who fulfilled all the prophecies of God concerning Himself (Isaiah 59:20-21; cf. Luke 24:44; Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 10:16); that Prophet they were to "hear" (Acts 3:19-23; cf. Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19; Acts 7:37). Also note Hebrews 1:1-2; Matthew 17:4-5. Only by "choosing" to render obedience to the teachings of Christ, can we as Gentiles also be assured of our salvation (Acts 4:10-12; Acts 10:38-43).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets