The Roman’s Road to Righteousness (Chapter 10:1-13)‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏

Hello Friends!

Welcome Back! Let’s continue our journey through the book of Romans – “The Romans Road to Righteousness.”
 

The Roman’s Road to Righteousness (Chapter 10:1-13)

 
This week we will begin reading chapter 10, verses 1-13 as we consider Israel’s Need for the Gospel…

The Apostle Paul continues this great chapter of “Israel’s” place in God's prophetic plan – representing the “Jews” present condition. This section of Scripture could also be entitled "Israel's ignorance" as it would give us the theme of these sobering passages. 

Historically, the “Jews” occupied themselves in a self-effort to understand God's “truth” and they pursued “knowledge” about God as a way of life. In fact, if you were a child born into the Jewish religious culture, you would begin from your very early years to learn the Old Testament. You would learn the Jewish traditions and their commentaries on Scripture so that you might know and understand the “truth.” Sadly, you would also be educated from your youth in what the “Jews” wrongly believe to be the “truth” about Jesus Christ…

 

We learned earlier in chapter 9 that the Apostle Paul loved the Jewish people, his “countrymen according to the flesh” to the point of being “accursed from Christ” if that were possible. He wanted nothing more than for them to be “saved”:

For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh – Romans 9:3

However, moving forward to chapter 10 we find that there are five elements in the current “ignorance” of “Israel” outlined here in this section:

 

First ~ The “Jews” were “ignorant” of the Person of God.

Second ~ The “Jews” were “ignorant” of the Provision of Christ.

Third ~ The “Jews” were “ignorant” of the Place of Faith.

Fourth ~ The “Jews” were “ignorant” of the Perimeters of Salvation.

Fifth ~ The “Jews” were “ignorant” of the Prophecies of Scripture.

To begin with, The Apostle Paul here again expresses a sincere “prayer” and “desire” for Israel – his “Brethren“ – to be “saved”:

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved – Romans 10:1

Please note that Paul is not acting as some cold and indifferent “hyper-Calvinist” spewing out sound doctrine pertaining to Sovereign Election without having a true “heart’s desire and prayer to God” for the “lost.” His “desire” is so strong that his “heart” cannot rest in complacent theological indifference. Paul is drawn unceasingly to a beseeching and begging supplication to “God” that “Israel” might be “saved” – born again from above!

The “Jews” were “ignorant” of the Person of God:

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 – Romans 10:2-3

The Jews did indeed have a “zeal for God” but it was not “according to knowledge” and they were “ignorant of God's righteousness" Sadly, “Israel” does not have true “knowledge” and is indeed “ignorant.” These people whose very life had been bound up in the religious pursuit of “knowledge” and “truth” – “have not submitted” – and actually have no “knowledge” and are “ignorant” of God’s saving “truth.” It is a somber fact that “Israel” thought they had “knowledge.” That's the toughest kind of person to reach. It's fine if you don't know and you know you don't know. But when you don't know and you think you know… You're in big trouble! 

 

In fact, the Prophet “Hosea” also said of the “Jews”:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge I will also reject you – Hosea 4:6

The “Jews” were “destroyed” because of a “lack of knowledge.” It wasn't that they admitted it – They wouldn't admit it! They “rejected knowledge” and were bound to their “ignorance” in a religious illusion. And so throughout their history “Israel” has suffered greatly. They have walked a path of pain, turmoil and sorrow. They were dispossessed, judged, hated and maligned. It's been very difficult for the nation of “Israel” to understand why they suffer so much – because they think they have “knowledge.” Paul remembers that this too was his own personal testimony as a religious Jewish Pharisee prior to his “calling” conversion to Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus!

 

The “Jews” were “ignorant” of the Provision of Christ:

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes – Romans 10:4

They didn't realize they needed the “Savior” because they had invented a “God” whose righteous standard they could live up to on their own. So why did they need a Savior? Jesus Christ had to come and raise the standard to show them that “God” was holier and more righteous than they thought He was and realize that they could not attain His perfect standard. Therefore, they would look to a “Savior” who could do for them what they could never do for themselves. Jesus Christ came to provide a “righteousness” of which they could never attain. He was the “end of the law” to “everyone who believes.” The Greek word “end” here is telos which means “to terminate.” Jesus Christ telos the quest for “righteousness” by the “law.”That's the reason He came! But they were “ignorant” of that fact as well. It was their abhorrent theology that led to an abhorrent Christology. They didn't understand that they needed a “Savior” who could fully and completely pay the penalty for their “sin” debt.

 

The “Jews” were “ignorant” of the Place of Faith:

For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them” – Romans 10:5

To verify the place of “faith,” Paul again refers back to the Old Testament by quoting “Moses.” Paul doesn't want to be criticized for having some kind of “new doctrine” so he uses Mosaic sources to show that “Moses” also talks about “law righteousness” and “faith righteousness” by making a reference to Leviticus:

So you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, by which a man may live if he does them; I am the Lord – Leviticus 18:5

Paul uses this reference to emphasize that to attain “righteousness” through keeping the “law” of “God” means you've got to perfectly live that way all the time. Which of course is absolutely impossible! 

 

Then Paul chooses to personify the “righteousness of faith”:

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) – Romans 10:6-7

Here Paul quotes from Deuteronomy chapter 30 and he is essentially saying “Don't think that you have to respond to God by “ascending into heaven” or by “descending into the abyss” to collect the “truth.” In other words, you do not have to go on some impossible journey. The “Jews” were trying to “ascend to heaven.” That's what a religious works-based system does – save yourself by crawling up to heaven on your own. The “Jews” did believe that ascending to “heaven” or going down to the “abyss” was to do the impossible.

 

So, don't think you've got to go all the way up to “heaven” as if to bring Jesus Christ “down” – He already came in His Incarnation! Paul uses the Greek word abussos – “bottomless depths.” You also don't need to climb down into the “abyss” to bring Jesus Christ back “up” from the dead – He already rose in His Resurrection! Jesus Christ had been in the “bottomless depths” of hell's carnival. When He was physically dying on the cross and while His body was still hanging there, the demons – and wicked man – were celebrating His demise. But Jesus Christ has proclaimed His eternal triumph and through His bodily “resurrection” He defeated the power of “sin,” “death” and the “grave” – Praise the Lord!

 

“But the righteousness of faith” is available where? – “what does it say?” Good question! Paul continues:

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) – Romans 10:8

God’s “word is near you.” How near? It is “in your mouth” and “in your heart” – it has been revealed through the “Gospel” of Jesus Christ! It's in the covenant of “grace” that you simply “believe” and receive. The message of “Salvation” is a familiar discussion. “God” has made the word of incarnation and the word of resurrection familiar words. It's not only “in your mouth” it is “in your heart.” The truth is quite familiar and it is “the word of faith which we preach” – AMEN!

 

The “Jews” were “ignorant” of the Perimeters of Salvation:

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation – Romans 10:9-10

These are two of the most familiar verses in all the Word of God and represent the most significant doctrinal question facing the church today – How does one become a Christian? Two words are critical here: “faith” and “confession.” Those are the two words that dominate these verses and are absolute tenants of Christian doctrine. They are two sides of the same coin! The words “faith” and “believe” are one in the same. This is the ONLY way to be made “righteous” – right with God – “delivered” and “saved” from His wrathful “judgment” to come!

 

When you “confess” that Jesus Christ is the “Son of God” and “Lord” of your life. When you believe in Him – “confess with your mouth” – you then receive the “righteousness” of God. In other words, God imputes to you His holy character and His holy nature. He makes you “righteous” and He declares you “righteous.” You now stand “justified” before Him! It means “forgiveness” of “sin.” It means acceptance with God and a personal relationship with Him. The infinitely Holy God will never allow into His intimate “fellowship” anyone who is “dead” in their trespasses and covered with an unrepentant and unpaid “sin” debt… 

 

Therefore, when we “believe” in our “hearts” that “God has raised Him from the dead” and “confess” our “sins” with our “mouth” we are covered with His perfect “righteousness” and are “saved” from eternal punishment in “hell.” The “resurrection” from the dead proved that Jesus Christ was who He said He was and is the verification, proof and validity of the “ministry of reconciliation to God” in Him. That's the key truth element to the Christian “faith.” In fact, “Righteousness” has to do with what we become. “Salvation” has to do with what we don't become. “Righteousness” has to do with what we receive. “Salvation” has to do with what we don't receive. These are two great terms describing two sides of God's “saving” work!

 

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS: Do the demons “believe” and “confess” that Jesus Christ is “Lord” in this same manner? No! In fact, when Jesus went to Gadera one of them said to Him, "What have we to do with You?" They do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as “Lord.” Demons believe all the right facts but have no capacity to submit to the “Lordship” of Jesus Christ. That's why the Bible calls it the “obedience of faith.” It is “faith” that leads to “obedience” and submission to the “Lordship” of Jesus Christ in the life of the “believer.” Plain and simple! So, the point is this… Have you acknowledged Jesus Christ as “Lord,” Sovereign ruler – kurios – and Yahweh over your life? That is the issue!

 

The “Jews” were “ignorant” of the Prophecies of Scripture:

For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved – Romans 10:11-13

The “Jew” had a very difficult time accepting a message that was also given to “Gentiles” because they believed they were the only “chosen” people of God. Paul says here that they were “ignorant” of the extent of saving “faith.” They were also “ignorant” of how far God’s “Gospel” was intended to reach. Paul then continues this discussion with another Old Testament quote from one of their favorite and most beloved Prophets:

Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame – Isaiah 28:16

What he is saying is that salvation by “faith” has always been God's plan. But more than that, he adds the word "whoever" with emphasis. Even “Isaiah” said the extent of the “Gospel” is to anyone. It's the "whoever" that is the issue here. It shows that anyone who “believes” on “Him” is not “put to shame” – disappointed. Paul says he's never “ashamed” of the “Gospel.” In other words, it always accomplishes the work that God intends to accomplish! As “whoever” has “believed” in the God of the Old Testament is not disappointed, so “whoever” “believes” in Jesus Christ in the New Testament is not disappointed – Thank you Jesus!

 

There is no “distinction between Jew and Greek” and the “Lord” is “rich” (in mercy, grace, love, etc.) to “all” who will “call” upon “Him” for Salvation. The “Jews” are very “zealous” and to this very day have been preserved through the centuries despite having a “zeal without knowledge” for their own racial identity and religious heritage. But Paul says “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek.” The word "distinction" – diastole – means “difference” or “division.” There's no "distinction" at all. – An amazing statement!

 

And finally Paul says “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” That's the only condition – “whoever calls.” The idea of “calling” on God here in this text is the idea of expressing “faith” toward God – being a “believer.” It is the effectual “call” for salvation. This element is the other side of that saving work of the Spirit. God “calls” men and in response men “call” back to God for His “forgiveness,” His “mercy” and His “grace.” So where did Paul get this idea? You guessed it… The Old Testament!

whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved… – Joel 2:32

This “calls on the name of the Lord” in the Old Testament is an interesting phrase. It primarily refers to worship – a “calling” out to God – in terms of adoring wonder and praise. It speaks of His majesty and virtue and humbling yourself beneath His Sovereign power. It is an Old Testament expression of true hearted worship! In the New Testament it is to “call” upon the name of the “Lord” whose Name is revealed in “Jesus Christ.” God has come to “save” men and to deliver them from “sin,” “death” & “hell.” And to whom is His “salvation” offered? The Scriptures declare that “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” When we “call” upon the “name of the Lord” it means we acknowledge all that He is, all that He's done and all that He claims to be – The essence of His Holy Name!

 

FUN FACTS! The word “saved” is used some 300 times in the Scripture. It is a very important word! In the book of Acts Jesus Christ is called “Savior” two times and he is called “Lord” 92 times! And in the entire New Testament, the word "Lord" appears approximately 700 times and “Savior” appears some 10 times. It is also interesting to note that “Savior” never appears before “Lord” – always after! Therefore, the context of “Salvation” in Jesus Christ is the full embodiment of the word kurios – Sovereign ruler!

 

In closing:

 

The "nation" of “Israel” was judged because of her own “unbelief.” On the one hand in chapter 9 we  have the Sovereignty of God and on the other hand in chapter 10 we have Man’s Responsibility. Here we can clearly see that “Israel” has indeed rejected her Messiah. Therefore, the “Gospel” by “faith” and the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross has been rejected by the “Jews” because of their willful “unbelief.” 

 

In dealing with the doctrine of Justification by Grace through “faith” the Apostle Paul must explain the “unbelief” of “Israel.” Why? Because anyone who listens to Paul might be prone to question: "If your new Gospel is true, why didn't the people of God accept it?” In other words, if this “Gospel” message is really from God, why didn't “Israel” having received all the rest of the revelation from God – namely the Old Testament – “believe” it?" So Paul must explain the “unbelief” of “Israel” as a defense of the validity of God’s “Gospel” of “Salvation” in Jesus Christ.

 

With that said, we too must not allow our personal theology of the Sovereignty of God to eliminate Man’s Responsibility and the possibility of anyone being “saved.” We ought to be praying with all of our “heart” for those that are outside of “salvation” in Jesus Christ. Israel's “salvation” is possible! Individual “Jews” can indeed come to know their “Savior” – even today! We are not supposed to sit back and try to figure out God's private electing decree… We are to proceed with evangelistic “prayer” for the “lost” and leave the results to Him – Halleluiah!

 

Someone once said to Charles Spurgeon:

"If you believe in the election of God, why don't you just preach to the elect?"

Rather facetiously Mr. Spurgeon replied:

"If you'll pull up their shirttails so I can see if they have an ‘E’ stamped on their back, I will. Otherwise I'll preach to everyone!"

The Sovereign elective decree of God is a secret thing and it is not for us to know – it is for Him alone to know! What we do know is that we as Christians must “pray” for the “lost” that they may be “saved” through Jesus Christ! We preach and we pray. We testify and we intercede. We supplicate on behalf of the lost. We do not know “who” God’s elect are so we “preach” to “all!” – Praise the Lord!

 

Finally, as the Apostle Paul also said to the young Pastor Timothy:

I endure all things for the elect's sake that they may be saved – 2 Timothy 2:10

May this be said of us as well…

Please continue reading verses 1-13 of the tenth chapter of Romans.

We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

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Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

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