In Romans 10, Paul passionately shares his desire for Israel to be saved, highlighting the profound simplicity and depth of faith in Jesus Christ.
The Reading: Romans 10
World English Bible1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.
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2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
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3 For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn’t subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
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4 For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
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5 For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, “The one who does them will live by them.”
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6 But the righteousness which is of faith says this, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down);
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7 or, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)”
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8 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:
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9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
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10 For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
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11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”
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12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
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13 For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
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14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?
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15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”
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16 But they didn’t all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”
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17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
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18 But I say, didn’t they hear? Yes, most certainly, “Their sound went out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
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19 But I ask, didn’t Israel know? First Moses says, “I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, with a nation void of understanding I will make you angry.”
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20 Isaiah is very bold, and says, “I was found by those who didn’t seek me. I was revealed to those who didn’t ask for me.”
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21 But as to Israel he says, “All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Paul's Heartfelt Desire
Paul begins by expressing his deep wish for the people of Israel to find salvation through faith in Christ. He notes that while they have great enthusiasm for God, it's not based on the right understanding. They're trying to create their own sense of righteousness instead of accepting the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus.
The Role of Faith
Paul points out that Christ is the culmination of the law, providing righteousness to everyone who believes. He explains that faith doesn't require us to climb up to heaven or dive into the abyss to find Jesus; rather, it's as simple as believing in our hearts and confessing with our mouths that Jesus is Lord. This belief leads to salvation, emphasizing that anyone who believes in Him will not be disappointed.
The Call to Preach
Paul stresses how crucial it is to hear about Jesus to believe in Him. There's a beautiful chain: people can't call on the Lord unless they believe, they can't believe unless they hear, and they can't hear unless someone preaches to them. He quotes from Isaiah, illustrating the beauty of those who spread the Good News of peace and salvation. Despite this, he acknowledges that not everyone has listened.
Israel's Response
He reflects on Israel's situation, noting that God intended to provoke them to jealousy by including those outside their nation. In this way, God reveals Himself to those who weren't seeking Him, while Israel remains disobedient. Paul finishes by expressing God's longing for them, illustrating His outstretched hands towards a people who have turned away.
Why It Matters
The Simplicity of Faith
Romans 10 teaches us that faith in Jesus is accessible to everyone, not limited by background or past actions. It's about believing in our hearts and confessing with our mouths.
The Importance of Sharing
This chapter reminds us of the vital role we play in sharing the Good News. Just like the beautiful feet of those who preach it, our actions and words can lead others to faith.
A Call to Action
We're encouraged to be the ones who speak out and share our faith. Let's not keep the news of salvation to ourselves. If you're looking for a community to share and grow in faith, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. It's through community and shared belief that we can grow and support each other on this journey.
God's Desire for All
Finally, Paul's words remind us that God's arms are wide open, yearning for everyone to find Him. No matter where you come from, you are welcomed into His family.
Coming Up Next: Romans 11
In the next part of our journey through Romans, we'll explore Chapter 11, where Paul discusses the future of Israel and God's unbreakable promises. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into these powerful themes!