Video Notes: 

• Hosea 2:23 (not my people, not beloved/pitied)
• Hosea 1:10
• Isaiah 10:22-23
  • “Only a remnant…” – Only is not in the Greek text.
  • God is calling out vessels of mercy “from the Jews”. This is the remnant being saved.
  • Notice the distinction between Israel’s election to being God’s chosen nation on earth through whom God’s Word and promises came and the election to salvation.
  • God’s judgement will be decisive and complete and His patience will not extend into eternity. The time will be ended. (Matthew 24:21-22). When Jesus references the cutting short of time it’s a good thing. It may well be here, too.
• Isaiah 1:9
  • This passage reminds us of what all of Israel, and indeed all mankind, deserve, utter destruction. Yet, God shows mercy and preserves a remnant.
  • Interestingly, the Isaiah passage says, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us a few survivors,” but Romans says, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring.” The Bible often refers to Jesus as the offspring (of Eve, Abraham, David, etc.). Also, earlier in Romans 9, it spoke of Abraham’s offspring being those who believe in Jesus.
    • This can be understood in a few ways. God was preserving a remnant right then, the Christians, both Jew and Gentile, who were made vessels of mercy. It could also be seen in reference to Jesus. Had God not preserved remnant after remnant of Israel throughout history in order to preserve Israel and continue His promises of a savior, we would all be lost.
• Ultimately, the passage makes it clear that the vessels of mercy include both Jews and Gentiles and all out of God’s own will. The vessels of wrath also include both Jews and Gentiles who have are resisting and rejecting God’s mercy in Jesus Christ.