Romans 9:30-33 & Romans 10:1-13
Q.1. How can God declare Gentiles to be righteous? What was the fatal flaw in Israel’s pursuit of the Law? How is this confirmed by people’s rejection of Christ? – (Rom.9:30-33)
The Gentiles did not accept the validity of God’s Law. However, Paul could still declare that any Gentiles who had faith in God were right in His sight (see Rom.9:30). Israel had been entrusted with His Law. However, they had pursued righteousness as though it could be achieved by self-merit and works, when in fact the Law should have produced a yearning for a Saviour. When Jesus came, instead of trusting in Him – 32 … they stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 just as it is written, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed” (Rom.9:32-33). They lacked faith in the very One Whom God had provided to declare them righteous.
Q.2. How did Paul view the zeal of the Jews? Did they understand the basis of righteousness? How does Christ nullify the human attempts at earning righteousness? – (Rom.10:1-4)
No one could criticize Israel’s zeal for God. However, it was based on their own efforts – For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God (Rom.10:3). Sinners can never get even close to fulfilling the demands of God’s Law. However, God has provided a way through His perfect Son, who met the Law’s demands. This provision became ours by His substitutionary atonement – For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Rom.10:4).
Q.3. Can human righteousness qualify us for Heaven or defeat death? What is the power of the gospel? How does it bring a right standing with God? – (Rom.10:5-10)
Paul went on to explain the impossibility of trying to please God by law-keeping. The righteousness based on faith in our performance can never qualify sinners to enter a perfect Heaven. If we could enter Heaven, or escape the abyss by our own efforts, this would render Christ’s atonement unnecessary (see Rom.10:6-7). But salvation is based entirely on faith in the merits of Christ, so – that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Rom.10:9). This is the word of faith that we proclaim. It changes hearts and lives from glory to glory (see Rom.10:8 & 10).
Q.4. Will any who call on Christ to be saved be rejected? Is salvation restricted to a particular race? How did Paul confirm that God wants a relationship with us? (Rom.10:11-13)
The Bible is clear that it is eminently worthwhile to preach the gospel, because as Jesus promised – all that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me will certainly not be cast out (Jn.6:37). Paul quoted Isaiah – For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed” (Rom.10:11 c.f. Isa.28:16). Was this just promised to the Jews? This time Paul quoted from Joel – 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom.10:12-13 c.f. Joel 2:32). Paul was clear that God is overflowing with generosity toward all who call upon Him for salvation (Rom.10:12).
NOTE: It is dangerous to take the truth of the gospel out of context. Paul placed his teachings on God’s sovereign choice and the promise of salvation to all who call on the name of the Lord in the succeeding chapters of Romans 9 & 10. Any interpretation that devalues the truth contained in these chapters is drifting from the gospel into empty philosophy – Remind them of these things and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to quarrel about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved by God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Tim.2:14-15)