The Deliverer From Zion
“The Deliverer [Jesus] will come out of Zion. And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins” (Rom. 11:26–27).
Many Christians believe this passage refers to Jesus’s first coming (during his earthly ministry, from approximately AD 1 to AD 30). However, the scriptural evidence shows it refers to his second coming (in AD 70).
As the New International Version (Bible) study notes point out, Romans 11:26–27 cites from Isaiah 26–27 and Isaiah 59:20–21, which are passages about judgment.
For example, Isaiah describes the stones of the altar [temple] ground like chalkstone (Isa. 27:9), the desolation of the city of Jerusalem (Isa. 27:10), and the avenging of the blood of the martyrs (Isa. 26:21). Sound familiar?
Compare this to Jesus’s description of his “cloud coming,” in which Jesus said “not one stone [of the temple] will be left upon another” (Luke 21:5), the city of Jerusalem will be desolated (v. 20), and the blood of the martyrs will be avenged (Matt. 23:35–36). These passages describe the same judgment as Isaiah 26–27 (above). And when did Jesus say this judgment would happen? Within a generation (Luke 21:32, Matt. 23:36)—which refers to approximately forty years (Heb. 3:8–10, Num. 14:30–34, Neh. 9:21). Therefore, since Jesus uttered these passages around AD 30, they must have been fulfilled by around AD 70. This timing fits perfectly with the Jewish/Roman War of AD 67–70, during which the city of Jerusalem and temple were destroyed. Over 1.1 million Jews were killed, and another 97,000 were taken into slavery.[1] This is when the judgment happened.
Romans 11:26–27 also cites from Isaiah 59, which describes the Lord “putting on garments of vengeance” (Isa. 59:17) and “repaying his enemies in full” (Isa. 59:18). This, too, should sound very familiar because Jesus and the apostles associated these events with the second coming. For example, Jesus warned in AD 33: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near (Luke 21:21)…For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled (v. 22)…And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations (v. 25)…Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (v. 27). And when did Jesus say this event would happen? Within a generation (v. 32).
Paul, likewise, said in around AD 50 that Jesus would come in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who do not know God (2 Thess. 1:6–8).
These judgment passages refer to Jesus’s second coming, not his first coming. Jesus came the first time in humility (Phil. 2:7–8); but he came the second time in judgment (Luke 21:22).
Since Romans 11:26–27 quotes passages about judgment, then it must have been fulfilled at the judgment in AD 70.
The Coming of Salvation
Romans 11:26 also says this would be when “sin was taken away.” While the atonement certainly began at the cross, it was not completed/consummated until the second coming. As Jesus said in Luke 21:
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27).
This refers to the judgment aspect. However, Jesus goes on to say:
“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (v. 28).
This refers to salvation! Then Jesus said it would all happen within a generation (v. 32), or by AD 70.
As theologian Don Preston has so aptly stated, “Salvation came by the cross…not at the cross.” And the writer of Hebrews agrees:
AD 62 “But now, once at the end of the ages, He [Jesus] has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself [first coming]…To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation [second coming] (Heb. 9:26–28).
Salvation came by the cross, not at the cross. It was initiated at the cross…but was consummated at the second coming in AD 70.
This is when the Deliverer from Zion took away sin!
For more information about the topics discussed in the article, get my book The End Is Here: How the New Testament’s Prophecies Were Fulfilled, available Fall 2024.
By Alex Polyak, Director of The Bible Fulfilled, 10/25/24.
[1] According to the first-century historian Josephus
