Continued from Part 9
"You will say, 'Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.' Granted. But they were broken off for unbelief and you stand by faith. So don't be highminded but fear. For if Elohim (God) did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Note then the kindness and severity of Elohim (God) - severity to those who have fallen but Elohim's (God's) kindness to you, provided you continue in His kindness, otherwise you too will be cut off. And even the others, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in again for Elohim (God) has the power to graft them in again" (Romans 11:19-23).
Natural-Born Israelites
Once again we have a pretty plain message. Paul is referring to those Israelites who did not believe the gospel of Yah'shua (Jesus) Christ and so these branches were cut off from the tree of life. And He is also making this point to the Gentiles so that they themselves do not get on their high horse and be cut off from the people of Elohim (God). Elohim (God) can cut them off just as he cut these Israelites off from the people of Elohim (God).
Ingrafted Gentiles Can Be Cut Off Too
Carefully notice the language. "Branches were broken off." Broken off from what? The answer is obvious. They were severed from the true people of Elohim (God). "Elohim (God) did not spare the natural branches." Elohim (God) did not spare these Israelites. They have fallen and Paul warns the Gentiles that if they also do not abide in Elohim (God)'s kindness they too will be cut off just like these Israelites.
Conclusion
There is no escaping this message without all kinds of mental gymnastics and contrived interpretations complete with a denial of the message. Paul is plain. These people of Elohim (God) were cut off!
Quod Erat Demonstrandum
The Israelites who refused to follow King Yah'shua (Jesus) as their Messiah were cut off and lost their salvation. The Gentiles grafted into Israel through trusting Christ can themselves be cutt off if they stop trusting. Both, once cut off, can be grafted back in again if they repent and start trusting again! Therefore there is no such thing as 'Once Saved, Always Saved' or the 'Perseverence of the Saints'. It is a false Calvinist doctrine. The only guarantee or assurance of salvation that you have is if you choose to remain saved!
Also see Once Saved, Always Saved
More examples in Part 9
Continued in Part 10
