Jews & Gentiles: Two Branches of the Same Olive Tree

Paul has given us his explanation of God's sovereignty in relationship to Israel. While those who reject Christ are responsible for their decisions, nonetheless they are also hardened according to God's decrees. Yet, we have seen that even in the hardening of some, God has a purpose, to bring the gospel to all His true Israel - all of His elect - that they might be saved. Now, Paul continues by showing the relationship of Jews and Gentiles within the New Covenant. They are all partakers of the same root of God's covenant blessing. Whereas God had promised both spiritual and national blessings to Abraham descendants; now He fulfills those spiritual blessings to the New Israel, which consists of Jews (natural branches as descendant of Abraham) and Gentiles (wild branches, grafted in through faith).