Romans 11:20-21:
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
The last couple weeks, my reading has encouraged me that the Christian Church is God’s people. Thus, I am one of God’s people. This week reminds me that I am not to be highminded of this fact because if God didn’t spare the “natural branches” then he won’t spare me. I must stand by faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If I do lose faith, then God won’t spare me; I would be treated the same (or worse?) than the “natural branches” of the olive tree. Also, these verses remind me that only unbelieving “natural branches” were broken off so that gentiles may be grafted in. In other words, regardless of race, creed, or national origin, God’s criteria for salvation is belief in his son, and those who believe are brothers & sisters of each other. Those who share this belief are God’s “olive tree” which bears much fruit.
