Romans 9 - 10

Paul Prays For Israel

Chapter 9 begins with a lament from Paul for his Jewish brethren to see the light of Jesus Christ and be saved. His desire is that they be saved.  He knows that they are familiar with spiritual matters and are privilege by God with promises specifically for them.  He explains that not all of the descendants of Abraham are heirs to the promise, only those through Isaac. Paul uses this to illustrate the sovereign nature of God and His election.

Isaac was the son promised to Abraham and Sarah, and through Isaac and Rebekah came the twins Esau and Jacob.  Yet, before they were even born, God has chosen Jacob and rejected Esau (9:13).  This is not unfair because God is under no obligation to give any sinful man grace.  However, he is free to offer grace to whom he chooses.  Thus, Paul realizes and teaches that God choose both Jew and Gentile for His own pleasure and to fulfill His Word.  It is not based on Israel's attempt to keep the law, because it is not based on any man's or peoples' ability or efforts.  The gift of salvation is based on God's sovereign choice. He provided His Son, Jesus Christ to fulfill and satisfy the requirements of the law, that all people would have the opportunity to know and follow Him.

Chapter 10 continues the theme with Paul reiterating his desire "for the people of Israel to be saved." (10:2).  He knows they are zealous for the things of God, but that their zeal is focused or directed to the wrong thing.  They still have God in the law and not in Jesus Christ.  So even though a Jew would keep all the letter of the law, without Christ they would be lost.  And the Gentiles, who had no knowledge of the law to begin with are lost without Him, too.

This is where the preaching of the Word and the New Testament ministry comes into effect.  Jew and Gentile alike must hear the Truth of God's Word.  But how can be saved without knowing Him.  And how can they know withing hearing? And how can they hear unless someone is sent to them to preach?  And how can someone preach unless God calls him?  (10:14-15).  God anoints His angels lights in this day to bring the Word of Truth to us that we can hear and know Him and be saved.