Romans Part 31

It is God's prerogative to choose when and how He extends mercy by calling people out of spiritual darkness. Paul’s desire and prayer for Israel is that they would be saved. Israel's great mistake was not a lack of zeal, but a lack of understanding. They sought to establish their own righteousness instead of submitting to God's definition of righteousness. They made themselves the authority and created their own laws in addition to God’s and measured themselves according to their obedience to their laws.

Eventually, they lost sight of God. In Romans 10:3, Paul indicates that Israel became ignorant of God’s righteousness because they did not submit to God’s definition of righteousness.  

In Romans 10:4, Paul writes that "Christ is the end of the law." The Greek word telos means "goal," "purpose," or "culmination," rather than termination. The law points us to its intended goal, which is reconciliation with God and a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Christ is the One in whom the purpose of the law is fulfilled, bringing believers into a right relationship with God through justification by faith.

Verses 9 and 10 are often quoted as though they provide a complete formula for salvation, but Paul is not reducing salvation to merely confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart. Rather, he is highlighting two essential aspects of genuine faith. Scripture consistently calls believers to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength, demonstrating complete surrender (Deuteronomy 6:5, Mark 12:30).

Faith begins in the heart, involving genuine conviction and trust in God, while confession is the outward acknowledgment of that faith. Paul has already established throughout Romans 3 and 4 that justification comes through faith, as illustrated by Abraham. Confession is an important part of repentance because it openly acknowledges our need for God's mercy. Acts 2:38 emphasizes repentance, and confession is included within true repentance, just as Proverbs 28:13 teaches that whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will receive mercy. The expression "with the mouth" simply means making that confession known. A person unable to speak could sincerely confess through writing or sign language.

When Paul says in verse 11 that "everyone who believes" will not be put to shame, the statement must remain within the context of everything he has already written. Biblical belief is never mere intellectual agreement. Genuine belief is grounded in truth and demonstrated through obedience. Jesus Himself warned that not everyone who says, "Lord, Lord," will enter the Kingdom, but only those who do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21). In verses 12 and 13, Paul's emphasis is not that obedience is unnecessary, but that salvation is available without distinction of race, gender, or cultural background. Jew and Gentile alike are invited to call upon the Lord.

Beginning in verse 14, Paul anticipates an objection. How can Israel be held accountable if they have not believed? Have they not heard the message? Paul answers by demonstrating that they have indeed heard. Through the Law, the Prophets, and the preaching of God's messengers, Israel had repeatedly been warned that God would eventually extend His calling to the Gentiles. Rather than introducing a new argument, Paul pauses to prove that Israel had every opportunity to hear God's message. The discussion of why many still failed to believe is reserved for the next chapter.

Verses 15 and 16 remind us that Jesus came first to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel," and after His resurrection He commissioned the apostles to continue proclaiming the gospel to an expanded audience. The work of reaching Israel was not completed in the first century and continues through the Church's mission today, understanding Israel to include the modern descendants of the ancient tribes as well as the Jewish people.

Verse 17 contains one of the key principles of the chapter, 

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." 

Hearing here is not merely the physical act of listening but receiving and understanding God's truth. It is important to hear and to seek teachers that speak the truth.

In verses 18 and 19, Paul distinguishes between hearing and understanding the truth. Israel had heard God's message repeatedly, yet many failed to grasp its significance.  

Finally, verses 20 and 21 reinforce a theme that has run throughout Romans. God is the One who grants understanding according to His purpose. For centuries, His work focused primarily on Israel, yet many rejected Him. When God extended His calling to the Gentiles, many responded with faith. The difference was not found in human merit, but in God's sovereign calling and in the willingness of those called to respond in faith and obedience.

Epistles of Paul is a course taught at ABC by Mr. Steve Myers. Recordings from the 2023–2024 class year are available on the ABC website.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.