Romans 10 - The Law and the Gospel

  1. Paul had begun to lament Israel's unbelief despite their privileges, affirmed God's sovereign mercy and election, and highlighted that true heirs are the children of promise through faith, not works
  2. Now with chapter 10, Paul continues to nail down those points:
    1. He expresses his heartfelt desire and prayer for Israel's salvation, acknowledging their zeal for God but criticizing it as misguided
    2. They are without real knowledge of His righteousness, for they are without knowledge of the Father (John 8:18-20)
    3. They sought to establish their own righteousness and did not submit to God's (v. 3), ignoring Christ as the fulfillment of the law for believers (v. 4\)
    4. He teaches that righteousness comes by faith in Christ, not by striving to keep the law, and this was not access given only to Gentiles, but to all
    5. Those who still rely upon the law are like those who blaspheme in the manner found in Deuteronomy 30 (vv. 12-13), which Paul quotes in verses 6 and 7
      1. They ask who will ascend into heaven or descend into the abyss on their behalf?
      2. By doing so, they disregard what Christ has already done for them, in having descended into the abyss and ascending into heaven
      3. Rather, the one with belief would not even say such a thing in his heart, knowing that Christ has already done this
    6. For we should follow as the apostle here explains Deuteronomy 30:14 was telling all man he must do, which was to confess Jesus as Lord and believe in His resurrection (vv. 9-10), for all who call on Him are saved (vv. 11-13).
    7. He emphasizes the necessity of preaching the gospel for faith to arise, as the means by which Christ obtains His people
    8. Faith comes upon the elect hearing the message of Christ (v. 17\)
    9. Despite widespread proclamation (v. 18), Israel did not obey and Isaiah's prophecies were fulfilled in this
      1. By Israel's disobedience/deafness
      2. By the gentile's inclusion to the people of God
  3. This chapter urges us to proclaim the accessible gospel boldly, trusting in God's sovereign plan to save all who believe, while acting as fuel for our prayers for the lost and gratitude for faith as His gift