“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’s words in Romans 11:5 remind us of a powerful truth: “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” He wanted his readers to look around at the early church and see the evidence of God’s faithfulness. Though Israel as a nation seemed to reject Christ, individually many Jews believed, and the church was first made up almost entirely of Jewish followers. Every one of the disciples was Jewish, and even Peter had to be shown in a vision that the gospel was also for Gentiles (Acts 10:9–16). When the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his household, Jewish believers were astonished that God’s promises extended beyond Israel (Acts 10:44–45). Paul’s point was clear: God had not cast away His people. The remnant was proof that His promises were still being kept.
This remnant was not chosen because of works, but because of grace. Paul explains, “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace” (Romans 11:6). Grace and works cannot coexist as the basis of salvation. Isaiah reminds us that even our best efforts are like “filthy rags” before God (Isaiah 64:6). Salvation comes when we finally realize we cannot save ourselves. Like the drowning boy who had to stop struggling before the strong swimmer could rescue him, we must come to the end of our own strength and surrender to Christ. Only then does His saving power rush in to lift us out of sin and bring us safely to shore. Grace is God’s gift, unearned and undeserved, and it is the only way anyone is saved.
This truth calls us to examine our own lives. Are we trusting in rituals, good deeds, or our own sense of morality, or have we surrendered fully to Christ? Many today have zeal for God but lack knowledge of His righteousness, just as Israel did. The call to action is simple: stop striving in your own strength and rest in the grace of God. Trust that He is still keeping His promises, still preserving a remnant, and still saving those who come to Him in faith. When life feels dark, remember that He is not finished. Pray for those around you to come to the end of themselves, so that they too may experience the joy of surrender and the power of God’s grace.
“God has always had a remnant to preserve His truth. Though the church may be brought low, yet it shall never be brought to nothing.” – Thomas Watson
surrendered devotions 