Paul’s Inspired Summary: Election, Hardening, and the Glory of Grace

In Romans 11:7–10, Paul draws together his teaching from chapters 9–11 by explaining why only a remnant within Israel has obtained righteousness while the rest remain hardened. Israel as a nation zealously sought righteousness but failed because it pursued acceptance with God by works rather than by faith. In contrast, the elect remnant obtained righteousness solely by God’s gracious choice, proving that salvation rests entirely on divine election, not human effort. The remaining majority were judicially hardened by God—confirmed in the unbelief they had already chosen—fulfilling what the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings had long foretold. Paul shows that God’s sovereignty operates in perfect justice and mercy: grace explains why some believe, and hardening explains why others persist in unbelief. This passage humbles human pride, warns against self-righteous religion, and magnifies the glory of God’s sovereign grace, calling believers to respond with faith, reverent fear, and grateful worship.