5. Even so at this present time--"in this present season"; this
period of Israel's rejection. (See
Ac 1:7,
Greek).
there is--"there obtains," or "hath remained"
a remnant according to the election of grace--"As in Elijah's time
the apostasy of Israel was not so universal as it seemed to be, and as
he in his despondency concluded it to be, so now, the rejection of
Christ by Israel is not so appalling in extent as one would be apt to
think: There is now, as there was then, a faithful remnant; not however
of persons naturally better than the unbelieving mass, but of persons
graciously chosen to salvation." (See
1Co 4:7;
2Th 2:13).
This establishes our view of the argument on Election in
Ro 9:1-29,
as not being an election of Gentiles in the place of Jews, and merely
to religious advantages, but a sovereign choice of some of Israel
itself, from among others, to believe and be saved. (See on
Ro 9:6.)
JFB.
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