“Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” – Romans 11:5-6
Paul is urging his readers to look around and see the evidence of God’s faithfulness. The early church was filled with Jewish believers—proof that God had not cast away His people. Paul points to his own life, to Elijah’s despair, and now to the community of believers around him. Though Israel as a nation rejected Christ, many individuals received Him. The disciples were Jewish. Peter needed a vision from God just to go to a Gentile’s house. And when the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his household, those of the circumcision were astonished. Paul’s message is clear: God keeps His promises. He always has a remnant. And that remnant is not chosen by merit, but by grace.
Grace is the heartbeat of salvation. Romans 11:6 reminds us, “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.” Grace and works cannot coexist as equals. One cancels the other. Salvation is not earned, deserved, or maintained by human effort. It is a gift. Isaiah 64:6 says, “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” God saves when we stop trying to save ourselves. We must come to the end of ourselves. That’s when grace rushes in. This truth is essential—not just for evangelism, but for self-examination. Are we trusting in Christ alone, or are we clinging to rituals, good deeds, and self-righteousness? True salvation begins when we surrender.
So what do we do with this truth? We rest in it. We proclaim it. And we pray for others to come to that same place of surrender. God is still keeping a remnant. He is still saving. And He is still faithful. Even when life feels dark, even when the world seems cold, even when we feel alone—God is not finished. We are still here, and He is still working. Let your life be a testimony of His grace. Point to your story as evidence that God saves, not because of who we are, but because of who He is. And pray that those around you would come to the end of themselves, so that Jesus—the strong Savior—can rush in and rescue them. Grace is still available. The remnant is still growing. And God is still faithful.
“The remnant is always according to the election of grace. It is not the result of human effort or merit. Grace means that God acts sovereignly, and salvation is entirely His work from beginning to end.” — Martyn Lloyd-Jones
surrendered devotions 