Romans 10:1-13 Israel Rejects the Gospel

Having rejected the gospel and divinity of Jesus Christ the need for Israel to hear and believe in the gospel seemed obvious to Paul. The apostle now focuses on the basis of salvation which is faith in God’s only begotten son, the messiah Jesus Christ.

1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” (Romans 10:1)

Paul’s desire for the Israelites to be saves has been obvious since the beginning of this letter to the Roman churches. His love and passion for both his audience and the Jews was at the root of this epistle.

2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” (Romans 10:2-3)

The Jews’ love for God is unquestionable however the path taken by the Israelites to get to God was misled. Based on works rather than faith, the nation of Israel continued to submit to their own righteousness through the law of Moses rather than accept Jesus Christ as the promised messiah thereby rejecting the gospel.

4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4)

Until Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of a messiah the Jews had the law. Once Christ died offering Himself as sacrifice for all those who sinned, He ended the reign of the law over men, over anyone who, through faith believes in Him.

5 Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: “The man who does these things will live by them.” (Romans 10:5)

Here Paul describes the first type of righteousness, by works which has proven to be impossible since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?'” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?'” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” (Romans 10:6-7)

Paul now addresses salvation by faith which requires a loving heart and trusting mind. The Jews had been waiting for their messiah to come down from heaven which He would not, or for the messiah to be resurrected once more.

The Jews’ denial of Jesus’ divinity would eventually become their demise as they, on their own cast themselves into hell because of their lack of knowledge of the truth.

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:8-9)

Unlike salvation by works which required impossible commandments no one could keep, salvation by faith only requires words spoken through a loving, trusting heart. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ, accepts Him as Lord and savior and repents of their sins will be saved.

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:10-11)

To trust in God’s promise and accept Jesus Christ as Lord ensures a person will never be cast down to hell, will be rewarded with eternal security. Just as the gospel promises, through faith in Jesus Christ a simple prayer has indeed endless rewards.

12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:12-13)

Here Paul proclaims the gift of eternal life is available to all men, both Jews and Gentiles through faith in Christ. Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved from death and risen onto eternal life.

Through this message those in Christ are reassured of God’s promise while anyone not yet saved should look to the gospel for salvation, for deliverance from evil through faith in Jesus, God’s only begotten son and the fulfillment of prophecy. Let us pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre