Reading through Romans-The contrast between God's righteousness and our attempts at righteousness

Romans 10:4-8, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, "The man who does those things shall live by them." But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' " (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, " 'Who will descend into the abyss?' " (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):"

Jesus is the end of the law for those believe. The law ends for the believer in the sense that our obedience to the law is no longer the basis for our relationship with God. The law has not come to an end in the sense of no longer reflecting God's standard or no longer showing us our need for a Savior.

The man who does those things shall live by them: The Law of Moses makes the path to righteousness through the law plain. If you want to live by the law (find life through the law), you must do the law - and do it completely and perfectly.

But the righteousness of faith is based on Jesus, and we don't have to "work" to get Jesus. It is not as if we have to ascend into heaven or descend into the abyss to gain Jesus. We believe and receive.

But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart." Instead of having to go to great lengths to achieve righteousness by the law, we can immediately receive righteousness by faith, by trusting in the word of the gospel.

Oh Dear Holy God, Your Righteousness is so perfect and so much more than I could ever try to achieve through your perfect law.  Thank you for making me perfectly righteous through the work of Jesus!  I love you!

Reading through Romans-The righteousness that guarantees eternal life

Romans 10:1-3, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God."

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel: Paul again feels compelled to relate his heart regarding his fellow Jews. Paul does not rejoice that they have stumbled at that stumbling stone (Romans 9:32).

Paul's heart's desire also translated into concrete action: prayer to God for Israel. Paul didn't just "care," he prayed.

I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God: Paul will readily recognize that Israel has a zeal for God but he also sees that it is zeal not according to knowledge.

This is where so many religious people - even sincere Christians - go astray. They have plenty of zeal but little knowledge.

Zeal for God, but not according to knowledge is a perfect description of Paul himself before his conversion. Saul of Tarsus was a notorious persecutor of Christians before Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-20).

Their lack of knowledge is reflected in the fact that they are ignorant of God's righteousness, and want to establish their own righteousness.

Paul has ably demonstrated in the first several chapters of Romans how futile this is. Plainly put, by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified.(Romans 3:20)

Seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God: Israel had a lack of knowledge. But that wasn't their only problem. They also had a moral problem: they have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

People cannot come to Jesus without the right information about the gospel but information alone is not enough to save anyone. There must be a radical submission to the righteousness of God, putting away our own righteousness.

Dear God, thank you for clearly showing me the folly of my own righteousness as a way to eternal life!  I pray that everyone I know and love can be given that same knowledge and will place their trust for eternal life on your righteousness and not their own. 

Reading through Romans-Cast off because of righteousness through the law

Paul emphasizes the reason why Israel seems cast off from God's goodness and righteousness: Because they did not seek it by faith.

Romans 9:32-33 "Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."

a. Because they did not seek it by faith: We might expect Paul to answer the question "Why?" again from God's perspective, and simply throw the matter back on the sovereign choosing of God. Instead, he places the responsibility with Israel: Because they did not seek it by faith … they stumbled at that stumbling stone.

i. Paul has already shown in Romans that the only possible way to be saved is through faith, not the works of the law; and that this salvation comes only through the work of a crucified Savior - which was a stumbling block to Israel (1 Corinthians 1:22-23).

b. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone: So, Paul shows that Israel is responsible for their present condition. Has Paul contradicted everything he has previously said, which emphasized God's sovereign plan? Of course not, he simply presents the problem from the other side of the coin - the side of human responsibility, instead of the side of God's sovereign choice.

Dear Holy God, I thank you for YOUR righteousness!  I submit my pride and desire to work for your approval to You and lay my filthy works at your feet so that I can trust in the righteousness of Christ alone for my eternal life!

Reading through Romans-Righteousness through faith, not the law

Romans 9:30-31, "What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith;31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written,

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;

and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

“What then shall we say?” Paul asks in verses 30-31. “That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal.” The Jews were trying hard to be righteous, but they failed, and the Gentiles, who were ignoring it, were given righteousness by God.

Why did Israel not attain their goal? Because they were trying to be righteous through the law. They focused on the law that made them distinctive and failed to see that it was leading them to Christ. They had a good goal, but they were pursuing it in the wrong way. “They pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works” (v. 32). The Jews focused on their advantages, but those things are ineffective in salvation. What we need is faith in Christ.

“They stumbled over the ‘stumbling stone’” — Christ (v. 32). “As it is written: ‘See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame’” (v. 33, quoting Isa. 28:16). The word of God predicted that most of the Jews would stumble against Christ, and that has come true. But the person who believes in Christ will be saved. A remnant will be saved.

Reading through Romans-God’s Word Is Not Being Frustrated, But Rather Fulfilled

Romans 9:24-28  "even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?  As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”   “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”  And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,  for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.”  And as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.”

In verses 23-24, Paul asks another “what if” or hypothetical question: “What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory — even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?” What if God’s patience is designed to help us appreciate his mercy? If God is patient with those who oppose him, how much more is he patient with those who turn to him?

Paul has dismissed the question about fairness and is now moving to statements about God’s calling. He starts by showing from the Old Testament that God is saving not only Jews, but also Gentiles.

“As he says in Hosea: ‘I will call them “my people” who are not my people; and I will call her “my loved one” who is not my loved one.’ In the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘children of the living God’” (Romans 9:25-26, quoting Hos. 2:23 and 1:10). Hosea is talking about the restoration of Israelites who had fallen away, but Paul is adapting the verse to say that God is calling Gentiles, who had never been part of God’s people.

God can reject Israelites who persistently reject him. He has no further obligation to them — they are in the same category as Gentiles. So, if he can make these rejected Israelites his people again, then he can make anyone his people. He can choose people he previously ignored, just as he did with Abraham and Israel. What God did with the Jews, he can also do with everyone else.

Paul moves into a slightly different idea when he quotes Isaiah 10:22: “Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality” (vv. 27-28). The word remnant is important.

“It is just as Isaiah said previously [in Isa. 1:9],” Paul says in verse 29: “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.” The surprise is not that many Jews reject the message, but that some accept it. If we were left to ourselves, we would be desolate. But because God has been merciful, a remnant of people are responding. God’s word has not failed — Isaiah’s prophecy has come true. A remnant is being saved.

Dear Holy God, Thank you for saving me in the midst of my desolation.  I praise your Holy Name!!!

Reading through Romans-His will, not mine

9:18-23 "So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump done vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory"

Doesn't the case of Pharaoh raise another problem? If God hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that He accomplished His purposes, if God is truly sovereign and His will is inevitable, then how can He blame us for our rebellion? Far worse than the charge often heard, ‘the devil made me do it,’ is the protest found here, ‘God made me do it.’

This question Paul refuses to answer immediately and reserves his response to the charge until the next two chapters. What Paul does attack vigorously is the attitude which occasions such a response. “Do you realize, O man, what you are doing?” “You, have set yourself above God, and have gone far beyond your privileges as a mere creature, to challenge the Creator of the universe!” “You’re completely out of line!”

I am reminded of the Book of Job where Job begins to challenge the wisdom and the justice of God in dealing with him as He had. The final chapters record for us the rebuke of God, the Creator, of a mere creature. “Where were you, Job, when I placed the heavens?” “What part did you have in the creation of the universe?” “What did you contribute to My works?” It is at this point that Job places his hand over his mouth and remains silent.

It is at this point that Paul has figuratively placed his hand over the mouth of the objector, reminded him of who he is, and more important, Who he is objecting to. God is the potter; we are the clay. God is just in disposing of us just as He wills. And we have no right to challenge His sovereignty, but we must submit to it or be crushed by it. We can be either a Moses or a Pharaoh. As a Moses we are the recipients of God’s grace, and we are vessels which God will employ to demonstrate His mercy. If we rebel we will be used as Pharaoh, and by our hardening we will be vessels by which God will reveal His wrath on sin. Either way, God is free to dispose of His creatures, and either way we will bring glory to Him. But, oh, what a difference for us!

Paul’s reference is that both vessels of mercy and vessels of wrath are made from the same lump. The same lump  is not the lump of innocent and deserving individuals, but the same barrel of rotten apples. Each of us deserve the wrath of God, but God has delayed His judgment of all in order to reveal His mercy toward some.

Just as God had chosen to bestow His blessings on the nation Israel, now He is blessing the Gentiles. Just as He once selected individual Jews to receive His grace, so He is choosing out some of the Gentiles for blessing as well.

Dear God, Your name and ways are Holy.  I submit to your will for my life and pray for your mercy in the lives of others.

Reading through Romans-God is Holy

9:17     For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

In verse 9:17, Paul used the story of Pharaoh as another allegory of God’s election, or fulfilling his purposes. The words this same purpose, auto-touto, actually means the same "thing." It does indicate a sense of will as we normally associate with the word "purpose." Why did God do this? So that his power might be shown.

Pharaoh was also raised up that "that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." A person’s name calls to mind all the attributes that go with that person. This is also true of God.

Notice, too, that Paul personified the scripture when he said, "the scripture saith unto Pharaoh."  This personification infers that it is God who is speaking since all scripture is the word of God. Such personification was a common manner of speaking and writing.

Dear God, I recognize your Holiness and submit to your Holy Name!

Reading through Romans-God alone is in control

9:16     So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.

In verse 9:16, in the light of his comments about God’s righteousness, Paul continued to rule out any attempt of mankind to bring about the choice, or election, of God concerning whatever gifts He desires to bestow upon people. Men’s striving or attempting to exert their will, represented by the metaphor of running a race, has no part at all in the process of election. God alone chooses whom he will have mercy upon.

There is no way men can influence God’s choice. Mercy can also include a specific call to whatever service God desires. This may include both individuals or groups, such as Jews or Gentiles, which is the election Paul was speaking about.

As we shall see later, Paul was still lamenting that some of the Israelites, who considered themselves to be God’s children because of their descent from Abraham, will no longer be considered as children, or followers, of God. This was due to the election, or choice, of God. When Jesus bore the sins of the world upon the cross, the whole scenario of salvation changed, although many of the Jews did not understand it.

Dear God, knowing that all mercy and salvation is your choice I am so much more grateful that you have given me eternal life!  I humbly pray that you will rain that same gift into the lives of the people I know and love.  I 

Reading through Romans-God's Omnipotence

9:14     What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

Paul continued his argument in verse 9:14 by asking questions designed to make his readers think. From a fleshly point of view, the case of Jacob and Esau appears to be one of favoritism, so Paul faced this possibility directly and his question went right to the heart of the matter. Can men charge God with playing favorites as some parents do with their children? His answer was, "God forbid."  No! God would never do that. In fact, the scriptures tell us that God is not a respecter of any man; he does not play favorites.

Paul used the negative me when he asked, "Is there unrighteousness with God?" When me it used with a question it demands the answer, "No." This was a common construction in the Greek language. Therefore, the grammar leaves no doubt about Paul’s intention when he asked the question.

9:15     For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. (Verse 9:15 was a reference to Exodus 33:19.)

"And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."

In context, this verse refers to the time when Moses asked to see Jehovah’s glory. There is a great deal to be learned in these verses from Exodus. Grace precedes mercy, and is always the first attribute of God. Mercy follows grace, and compassion follows mercy.

There is some dispute about whether mercy, eleeoo, or compassion,oikteireso, is the stronger. Thayer (p. 203) says,

Mercy is the feeling, and compassion is the act brought about by the feeling.

But, lest we lose the trend of Paul’s thoughts, remember that this verse was in answer to his earlier questions. Here, he used scripture to indicate that God has the right to show mercy and compassion on whomever he chooses. God is not under any obligation to show mercy or compassion to anyone; it comes entirely from his grace, and grace does not depend upon the character or goodness of those to whom it is given.

This point is often missed by those who still live with a spiritual "us and them" complex. God has no "us and them" in his mind. He loves everyone equally regardless of their status, and his grace allows him a full range of actions. He is The God, and there is no unrighteousness with him. He always acts in a righteous manner even though we humans might not consider him impartial. However, who are we to judge The God?

Dear Holy God, Forgive me for the times I've judged You!  I praise you and your Holiness and ask that you help me to lean into you more and more until I am trusting You completely!

Reading through Romans-God's Omniscience

Romans 9:10-13, “Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad — in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls — she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger’ [Gen. 25:23]. Just as it is written [Mal. 1:2-3]: ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’”

The word hated doesn’t imply hate as we know it — the construction is a Hebrew figure of speech to emphasize the love for the other. God blessed Esau, but he did not choose him for the covenant he gave Israel. Instead, the promise was carried through the line of Jacob.

All this supports the point Paul made in verse 6: not all the Israelites are God’s people. God can choose the people he works with, and when, and for what purpose. He had a special purpose for Israel, and he did not choose everyone for that role.

But Paul has not yet solved the problem he began with — if God is not giving salvation to all of Jacob’s descendants, what good is it to be a descendent of Jacob? It looks like God is not keeping his promises.

Dear God, I don't always understand your purposes and in my independent heart I want to determine my own.  But I acknowledge your Holiness and omniscience and humble myself to your will.

Reading through Romans-Children of the free not of the flesh

9:8    "That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."

Verse 9:8 refers back to Ishmael who was considered a child of the flesh. Rather than waiting for God’s promised child, Abraham and Sarah resorted to their own efforts. Although it may have been socially acceptable for Abraham to have a child by Hagar, Sarah’s hand maiden, it was not according to God’s plan. Therefore, Hagar’s child could not be counted as the son of promise. By acting on his own, Abraham created a people that still remain the enemy of Israel, or at least the present nation of Israel.

Paul was using Abraham and Sarah’s experience to teach a truth about the relationship of Jews and Gentiles. Those of the flesh, or those who follow after the flesh, as Abraham did in siring Ishmael, will never be counted as a child, or follower, of God. Paul used the example of Ishmael to demonstrate that Abraham and Sarah lacked faith.

9:9     For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.

Verse 9:9 was a reference to Old Testament scriptures which revealed that Isaac was the child of promise.

"And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him" (Genesis 18:10). "And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac" (Genesis 21:1-3).

When Isaac was born, Sarah was about 90 years old and Abraham was 100 years old. Both Abraham and Sarah were incapable of having children. But, God rejuvenated them, and they continued in the good health of youth for quite a while. Sarah lived to be 127, and Abraham lived to 175.

Ishmael was the son of the flesh and Isaac was the son of promise. Paul used these two births as an allegory illustrating those who walk after the flesh and those who walk after the spirit. This was made clear in Galatians 4:28-31.

"Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free."

Dearest Lord, Thank you for adopting me into your family based on my faith and not my lineage!  Now I glorify you as my Father!

Reading through Romans-In God's family through faith

9:7     Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

The Jewish people had long reveled in the fact that all but the proselytes were descendants of Abraham. In verse 9:7, Paul was disputing what most of the Jews believed. They believed that because they were descended from Abraham they were automatically assured of being a child of God. Paul said that this was not necessarily true, that they were not all children.

Then, he explained why: "In Isaac shall thy seed be called," which is a reference to Genesis 21:12. The Israelites would come through Isaac, while most of the Arabian nations would come through Ishmael, Abraham’s son by Hagar. Paul clarified this point in Galatians 3:29:

"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

The faithfulness of Jesus Christ made it possible for Gentiles to became Israelites. Many people are confused about who joins whom. Many Christian groups who attempt to convert the Jews fail to understand that the Gentiles became a part of Israel, judicially speaking, through the sacrifice of Jesus. Through his death, all became Israelites. However, being a "true Israelite" was a matter of faith. Just as the natural born Israelites were not all "true Israelites" neither were all the Gentiles now "true Israelites," or believers.

The terms "Israelite" and "Jew" and "Hebrew" are not synonymous although some people use them that way. Being an Israelite was a matter of faith, indicating those who were under the covenant.

Being a Jew now refers to someone of the Jewish faith. In biblical times, however, it was a matter of lineage, indicating someone who was in the line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Gentile proselytes could become Israelites, but they could not become Jews, and they were not allowed in certain parts of the temple, being limited to the court of the Gentiles.

Hebrews, at least in New Testament times, were those who spoke the language. Only the educated Jews spoke Hebrew, while the common Jews spoke Aramaic. The term "Jew" became particularly common starting in the postexilic period.

All people have been put in Christ, or under the dominion of Christ, but not all are believers. All are children of God, but not all are obedient children. To become an obedient child of God requires coming to faith in God. Some of the Israelites failed to do this and therefore they were not counted as "true children."

This was not only true of the Old Testament people about whom Paul was speaking, but is also true of all the Gentiles who have judicially become a part of Israel. Isaac was a man of faith, and only those of faith will be counted as children, and will be considered both his and Abraham’s progeny .

Reading through Romans-The Word and its effect

Romans 9:6     "Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel"

In verse 9:6, not, ouk, is the absolute denial of that which follows. The word of God, or the inspired scripture, is absolutely not failing in the effect which God wished it to have. By using a double negative, Paul was stating a positive. In other words, the word of God had taken effect.

The phrase hath taken none effect comes from ekpiptoken, written in the perfect, which means that it has come to a conclusion but the effects continue. Ekpiptoken means "to fall out, to fall from its place".

The word of God never fails; it always produces an effect. If accepted, it can change our lives. If rejected, it can determine our penalties.

"For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel" was a continuation of Paul’s previous statement that the word absolutely has not failed. Some of the Israelites heard the word of God and gave it the proper regard.  However, there were those who did not hear the word, nor did they give it any regard at all. This division was what Paul referred to.

Those who did hear were blessed and were the true representatives of God before the Gentiles. They heard the word of God and respected it. They were the true Israel.

Dear Lord, I praise you and am so thankful for your Word!  Help me to savor it each day and take it in to the depths of my soul.  Let your Word (every day) be a lamp unto my feet!

Reading through Romans-Israel's rejection of the Messiah

Romans 9:5, "Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen."

Paul lists two more Jewish advantages in verse 5: “Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.” This verse is one of the few in which Jesus is called God. The grammar is sometimes debated, but it seems most likely that the Messiah is being called God and given a praise doxology appropriate to God. But Paul’s main point here is that Jesus is a Jew, the fulfillment of the promises given to the patriarchs.

So if Israel has all this, what’s the problem? Paul doesn’t directly say! But he implies that since the Jews have rejected Jesus, they are missing out on salvation, which gives the appearance that God’s promises to them have been broken.

Oh Dear God, please let me not reject the many promises you offer...open my heart to receive you completely!

Reading through Romans-Paul's desire for his people to be saved

Romans 9:3-4, "For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen[a] according to the flesh,  who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises"

Chapter 8 ended with rejoicing and confidence in God’s love, and then all of a sudden Paul says he is full of anguish. He hasn’t even said why — he delays that for rhetorical effect until verse 3. He just said that nothing will be able to cut us off from the love of Christ, and yet he says, “For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ…” He is making a huge contrast, wishing for something he has just said is impossible.

What has filled him with anguish? It is “for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel” (vv. 3-4). Just as Moses offered to give himself up for Israel (Ex. 32:32), Paul also says that he is willing to be cut off from salvation, if such were possible, so his people could be saved.

Why does he begin with a three-fold assertion that he is telling the truth? Probably because some people thought that Paul had abandoned his people.

Paul has deep concern for his people, and he is convinced that without Christ, they are headed for destruction, despite all their advantages. He lists some advantages: “Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises” (v. 4).

Gentiles had many of these advantages, too — they can be adopted through Christ, offered the divine glory, a new covenant and wonderful promises. But Paul is referring to special events in Israel’s history: when God adopted the nation at the exodus, when God’s glory filled the tabernacle, the covenants given to Abraham, Moses, Levi and David, the sacrificial rituals and the promises given through the prophets.

Those things were a head start in salvation, one would think, but they hadn’t helped much. The Jews were so proud of these good things that they were overlooking the best thing — Christ. If salvation is in Christ, then it’s not in the law and the temple worship, and many Jews were not willing to admit the relative unimportance of something that had always been an important part of their culture and religion.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I and all of my friends and family may know the fullness of salvation through Christ!

Reading through Romans-Praying for those who don't yet know God

Romans 9"1-2 "I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart."

In Romans chapters one through eight, Paul thoroughly convinced us about man's need and God's glorious provision in Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit.

Now, in Romans 9 through 11, Paul deals with the problem associated with the condition of Israel. What does it mean that Israel has missed its Messiah? What does this say about God? What does it say about Israel? What does it say about our present position in God?

The question goes something like this: How can I be secure in God's love and salvation to me when it seems that Israel was once loved and saved, but now seems to be rejected and cursed? Will God also reject and curse me one day?

"If God cannot bring his ancient people into salvation, how do Christians know that he can save them? Paul is not here proceeding to a new and unrelated subject. These three chapters are part of the way he makes plain how God in fact saves people." (Morris)

Paul's sorrow.

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.

I have great sorrow and continued grief in my heart: In Romans eight, Paul left us at the summit of glory, assuring us that nothing can separate us from the loved of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. So why has Paul now become so somber in his tone?

Paul has sorrow and continual grief because now he considers a people who seem to be separated from God's love: unbelieving Israel, who rejected God's Messiah.

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit: Paul uses every possible assurance to declare his great sorrow over Israel. This is something that really bothered Paul and was on his heart.

Dear Holy God, Thank you for drawing me to yourself through the love of Jesus Christ.  I pray for all of my dear friends and family, that they may also know the sweet assurance of eternal life through your sacrifice.  May I trust that your love for them is even greater than mine and that you are seeking them every minute.

Reading through Romans-The ultimate assurance!

Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"

In 8:38-39 Paul pulls out all the stops. In his emotion he even switches to the first person: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Please notice the passionate phrase, “I am convinced . . .” Paul chooses a Greek perfect tense verb that conveys an existing condition brought about in the past with present realities. This means something like, “I was convinced in the past and I am fully convinced in the present.” When Paul says he is convinced, he speaks as a man who has staked his life upon certain unchanging realities.

There are three pairs in 8:38-39: (1) Death/life: Nothing in this life and nothing in death can separate a believer from God’s love. The two things we fear most, living and dying, are not threats to our eternal life. Whether we live or die, we are in God’s love. (2) Things present/things to come: Nothing in our present experience, nor anything to come, can separate us from God’s love in Christ. (3) Height/depth: If we were to travel to the “highest” or “lowest” points in the universe, or anywhere in between, we would never arrive at a place where we could escape Christ’s love. There is nowhere we can go where anyone or anything can take our eternal salvation away from us. By using these three pairs Paul could not be any plainer or clearer. Eternal life is eternal: Nothing in life or in death, nothing in our present or in our future, nothing in the entire universe, no matter how “high” or “low” we might go—nothing can separate us from His love. Paul selected these pairs because each represents the extreme of something dear to us (i.e., existence, time, and location). Just like we can’t cease being the children of our earthly parents once we are born, so we can’t cease being children of God once we are born again. We can no more be unborn spiritually than we can go back and be unborn physically. When we trust in Christ for salvation, by His grace, at that very moment, we become members of God’s family forever.

Paul also used two non-pairs of expressions. One is a triplet and one is a single image: (1) Nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers. This triplet refers to angelic and demonic powers. Paul has already made it crystal-clear that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love. However, he decided to mention a specific concern that his readers might have had. Angels and demons are more powerful than we are. They are unseen. Yet, there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love—including angels and demons. While the Devil and demons can make believers’ present lives miserable if we yield to their influence, they cannot take away our eternal life. “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

(2) Nor any other created thing. Let me ask you a question: Are you a creature? Well, of course you are. There are only two classes of beings in existence: The Creator and the creatures. If you are not God, the Creator, then you are one of His creatures, a part of His creation. Therefore, this phrase includes you. Paul has struggled to be as comprehensive as possible. Every conceivable chasm has been filled. All theological bases have been covered. Nothing can separate us from His love. That includes anything that we as believers might do, think, or say. Paul’s reason for including this last element is to fill out the list. God is clear that nowhere, no way, at no time can we be removed from His love. The moment we place our trust in Christ alone to save us we can and should know that we are completely forgiven and secure in the love of Christ. So the question is not, “Can I lose my salvation?” but rather, “Can God lose me?” The only way you can lose your salvation is if you are more powerful than God! This chapter begins with “no condemnation” (8:1) and ends with “no separation” (8:39). Moreover, the phrase “Christ Jesus our Lord” occurs at the end of chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (4:24; 5:1, 21; 6:23; 7:25; 8:39). Security comes from Christ!

But won’t this teaching that we are secure promoting ungodliness? There is no teaching, no matter how correct, that will bring back all of God’s wayward children—or keep all of God’s children from becoming wayward. Prodigals are a regrettable, but unfortunate reality.  However, security should lead to stability and productivity. Suppose a young woman becomes engaged to a man. She knows that he is trustworthy. He will keep his word to marry her. Does she then use this promise as an excuse to sleep with other men, knowing that her fiancé will marry her no matter what? Of course not! She loves her suitor. His commitment to marry her makes her love him more. Secure in his love, she wants to please him in everything.  Similarly, the Christian life should lead to gratitude and obedience, not waywardness.

So how can we apply this great doctrine? First, claim the promises of God’s Word. Memorize Scriptures such as Romans 8:38-39; John 5:24; and 1 John 5:11-13. Stand on them! Knowing that you are saved is the most liberating, life-changing doctrine you can ever grasp. Security acts as a fortress of strength against the condemnation of Satan and our own fleshly doubts, and it adds zeal and vitality to Christian service. An uncertain salvation is a sad one, which repels rather than attracts others. Do not waste years in self-introspection and doubt. Move forward with confidence that you are secure in Christ.

Second, love others with God’s unconditional love. If you are secure, you will be able to love others. If you are insecure you will be introspectively concerned about yourself. Yet, God’s love for you should compel you to have His love for others. Has one of your children adopted a rebellious lifestyle? Has your spouse been unfaithful? Why not unconditionally love them just as God unconditionally loves you? When those around you stumble and fall, when they act unloving and unmerciful, don’t wash your hands of them. Show them the love of Christ by being ready and willing to forgive and to restore them always.

Closing prayer: There are three kinds of security:

(1) Sure, but not secure. These people believe that they have confirmed reservations in heaven. But they are self-deceived. They are like the legalists of Christ’s day who mistakenly thought that God would accept them on the basis of their own good efforts (Luke 18:9-14).

(2) Secure, but not sure. Such a person has trusted in Christ as Savior and is held firmly in the protective hand of God (cf. John 10:27-29). But, when failure occurs and guilt comes in like a flood, or when mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion set in, such a person becomes confused by feelings.

(3) Sure and secure. This person has trusted in Christ and continues to affirm his/her security is based upon the promises of God’s Word. It is as if you were to ask me whose son I am, I would respond, “I am the son of Richard and Pat Krell.” I have proof that would stand up in a court of law—a birth certificate. A piece of paper assures me that I am their son. God has given us a piece of paper—the inspired Word of God. It assures us that once we’ve trusted Christ, we are His. Our salvation is based upon a promise that cannot be broken. It comes from a God who cannot lie.

Dear Holy God, I claim the gift of spiritual  rebirth that you offer through the work of Christ on the cross, and I cling to Your Word which assures me of my eternal life with you in your family!  Praise be to You alone!!!