November 19 - Romans 10-12
As we read this passage today, I would like to point out some things for you to consider. Most people believe that chapters 9-11 are a message about Israel and how Paul desires for his countrymen to be saved. It is used by many people to push a rigid structure of predestination that teaches that God chose randomly some people to be saved, and the rest are incapable of being saved because they were not chosen before the world began. I believe this belief is a misunderstanding of the Bible. It imposes a mindset on the Bible that is not there. This passage is a good example of that.
In chapter 10 Paul states that his desire is for Israel to be saved. (v.1) This is an impossible prayer, if salvation comes by random choice. Then, he proceeds to speak about belief or faith as the basis of salvation at least 7 times in this chapter. Paul makes it clear in verses 12 and 13 that God is rich to all who call upon Him, and whoever calls upon Him will be saved. Then, to top it all off he ends the chapter with a quote from Isaiah 65, which speaks of God stretching out His hands to Israel, but they are rejecting Him. Why would He come after them, if they were not able to respond?
In chapter 11 Paul continues his message by making it clear that not all of the Jews are in unbelief, because he is a Jew. God did not cast away those He foreknew would accept Christ, only those who would freely reject Him. (v.2) There was a remnant God had saved by grace through faith. (v.5) Paul assures us that the Gentiles have been saved, so that the Jews would be jealous and turn to God, too. How is that possible, if salvation is only by random choice? He makes it clear that Israel has fallen, because of unbelief, not because they were not chosen. (v.20) If they do not continue in unbelief, they will be grafted back into the tree. (v.23) That is the only possible reasoning behind this message on Israel. They can be saved, if they will turn to Jesus in faith.
In chapter 12 the theme changes to living a holy life by presenting ourselves body, soul, and spirit to God. Even though, as believers, we have different gifts and a unique walk of faith with the Lord, we can be unified in harmony with other believers. It should be our aim to allow the Spirit to guide us to love each other and to be at peace with each other all of the time. If this unity is broken, we should restore it quickly for God's glory and for our own good.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Romans 13-16.
In chapter 10 Paul states that his desire is for Israel to be saved. (v.1) This is an impossible prayer, if salvation comes by random choice. Then, he proceeds to speak about belief or faith as the basis of salvation at least 7 times in this chapter. Paul makes it clear in verses 12 and 13 that God is rich to all who call upon Him, and whoever calls upon Him will be saved. Then, to top it all off he ends the chapter with a quote from Isaiah 65, which speaks of God stretching out His hands to Israel, but they are rejecting Him. Why would He come after them, if they were not able to respond?
In chapter 11 Paul continues his message by making it clear that not all of the Jews are in unbelief, because he is a Jew. God did not cast away those He foreknew would accept Christ, only those who would freely reject Him. (v.2) There was a remnant God had saved by grace through faith. (v.5) Paul assures us that the Gentiles have been saved, so that the Jews would be jealous and turn to God, too. How is that possible, if salvation is only by random choice? He makes it clear that Israel has fallen, because of unbelief, not because they were not chosen. (v.20) If they do not continue in unbelief, they will be grafted back into the tree. (v.23) That is the only possible reasoning behind this message on Israel. They can be saved, if they will turn to Jesus in faith.
In chapter 12 the theme changes to living a holy life by presenting ourselves body, soul, and spirit to God. Even though, as believers, we have different gifts and a unique walk of faith with the Lord, we can be unified in harmony with other believers. It should be our aim to allow the Spirit to guide us to love each other and to be at peace with each other all of the time. If this unity is broken, we should restore it quickly for God's glory and for our own good.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Romans 13-16.