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Verse

Romans 11:5

ESV So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.
NIV So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
NASB In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.
CSB In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace.
NLT It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace — his undeserved kindness in choosing them.
KJV Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
NKJV Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

What does Romans 11:5 mean?

Paul is making the case that God has not rejected Israel as His people, as well as the fact that a remnant of Israel has remained faithful to God by faith in Christ. This small portion of the Jewish people have received Christ as Messiah instead of rejecting Him in order to try to be saved by their works through the law.

Paul proclaims now that this remnant has been chosen by God's grace. By this, Paul means that they have not earned their place in this faithful remnant of Israelites. Just as Gentile Christians are chosen by God's grace, these Israelites have received salvation as a gift. Paul wants to be clear they have not earned it in any way by being faithful to the law of Moses.

The following verse not only summarizes this point, it also stands alone as a crucial part of Christian theology. Grace cannot be mixed with good works—either salvation is attained according to God's grace, or it's earned by deeds. It cannot be both at the same time. Paul has already demonstrated that salvation by one's own works is impossible (Romans 3:10, 20).
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