Romans 9 - 10:4

Romans 9 - 10:4

This chapter reminds me that it's dangerous to base a doctrine or belief system on one passage. Paul begins by declaring his love for the Jewish people. He says that he would die for them, even be cut off from Christ, if it would save them. However, we know that this was not possible, and we know that Christ had already died for them. He goes on to rehearse some of the Jewish history using two examples from the Old Testament, Jacob/Esau and Pharaoh. These examples, which show God's total sovereignty, are somewhat troubling. Paul anticipated this. See v. 20, "Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God?" This is not to say that we shouldn't try to understand or even ask questions with the right attitude, but ultimately, we just have to believe God and trust Him. We know that from God's perspective there is no contradiction between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility.

Perhaps besides God's perfect sovereignty (His supreme power and authority), these examples also show us that salvation is God's work, not ours. He decided that Jesus would be the sacrifice for our sins, and that He would be satisfied with that payment. And in His sovereignty, God decided that we would have only one requirement, and that requirement is to believe. Look at Romans 10:4, "For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God." Yes, indeed, "all who believe in him are made right with God."

By the way, the "rock" mentioned 9:33 is Jesus. The Jews have for the most part rejected Him. "But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced."