Proof That Israel Is Not Condemned

In this chapter 11, in the first 10 verses Paul answers the question whether or not God has rejected Israel.  Of course the answer is negative and the proof of the answer is Paul himself and the other elect in the record of the Jewish people.  This reaches back to Chapter 9 where we have learned that not all Israel is Israel (Romans 9:6).  “But this is the very thing Paul denies, namely, that God ever intended to save all ethnic Israelites. His purpose has always been to save a remnant within, but not the entirety of, ethnic Israel.”[1]  This must serve as an interpretative key for these important chapters.  The clear statement in 9:6 has to cover all of Chapters 9-11. “The proof that God still has a saving purpose for ethnic Israel, the proof that God has not rejected his people, is the present remnant, not a future restoration.”[2] 

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves! Paul goes on to ask a deeper question, “So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall . . .?” (Romans 11:11a, ESV).  Did they πταίω (err, make a mistake, sin) in order that they might (fall under judgment, come under condemnation)?  The NASB, I think is a better translation: “I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they . . .?”

So who are the "they"?   The overall context and especially the verses that follow suggest that Paul has in mind the nation of Israel as a whole.  As Dr. Moo states, "The “they” in this question might be hardened Israelites but probably refers to Israel in general (v. 7)."^[3]   So here’s my paraphrase: "Israel's error (by not all accepting the Good News (10:16) did not condemn them, did it?"  Notice that the tone is past/present not future.  I tend to swim against the tide on this.  Most read an optimistic, futuristic tone in Paul such as this commentator: "The stumbling is admitted; an irreparable fall is not. This is a broad hint of the future salvation of Israel that Paul goes on to affirm."[4]  That may be true but it cannot be affirmed at this point, to say the least.

No, in 11:1 Paul is affirming: God has not rejected His people, has He?  And in 11:11, similarly, Paul is affirming, God has not condemned His people, has He?  In other words, Paul is not peering into the future, he is looking at the past and reviewing the realities of Romans 9 and 10 and concluding:  Israel's failure did not bring about final condemnation.  The salvation of Paul and the salvation of the Jewish elect is proof of that.  So Paul's answer is that emphatic: By no means.  There's that word again: γίνομαι, God forbid, by no means.

In verse 1 of chapter 11, Paul's defense of the fact that God has not rejected Israel is his own salvation and that of other chosen Jews, a remnant.   Interestingly and in parallel, in verse 11, Paul's defense of the fact that God has not condemned Israel is the salvation of the Gentiles.  “So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.” (Romans 11:11, ESV).  Notice the present tense is retained: through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles." 

Most Bibles rightly cross-reference this with Acts 13:46 (ESV), ⁴⁶ And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

The goal is to make Israel jealous.  The Greek word is παραζηλόω. It could mean jealous in a good way that results in emulation and envy, or a response provoked by anger and bitterness.  It would seem that by Paul’s use of the idea, he has the notion of emulation in mind.  For example he writes in verse 14, “in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them.” (Romans 11:14, ESV).  Here we have another proof that Israel is not condemned.  Individuals, moved by some sort of jealousy can still trust the Savior and be redeemed.  At this point there is no wide-scale national return in mind.

So the failure of Israel as a nation has not deterred God from His original purpose, i.e., to keep “. . . a remnant, chosen by grace.” (Romans 11:5, ESV).  And this failure of Israel has resulted in the door being opened to the Gentiles, which in turn has been a means of grace to awaken the desire of some Jews to be saved.  

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Previous Blogs on this topic:

1	God Will Never Reject Those He Has Chosen	Romans 11:1-6
2	The Cooperation of God in the Choice to Reject Him	Romans 11:7-10
3	Proof That Israel is Not Condemned	Romans 11:11-12

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[1] Storms, Sam (2013-04-30). Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative (Kindle Locations 5146-5147). Christian Focus Publications. Kindle Edition.

[2] Storms, Sam (2013-04-30). Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative (Kindle Locations 5199-5201). Christian Focus Publications. Kindle Edition.

^[3] Moo, D. J. (2002). Encountering the book of Romans : a theological survey (p. 167). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

[4] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Romans/Exposition of Romans/VI. The Problem of Israel: God's Righteousness Vindicated (9:1-11:36)/F. Israel's Temporary Rejection and the Salvation of Gentiles (11:11-24), Book Version: 4.0.2

What Is This Wisdom That Paul Is So Worked Up About?

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In 1 Corinthians, Paul hits a death blow to human wisdom.  We should be careful not to think that Paul is against reason; nor we should not think that Paul sees that reason is somehow incompatible with Christianity.  What makes it difficult for us in this modern day to understand what was going on in Corinth is that this "wisdom of the world" is not a well-defined system of thought.  It's not a specific philosophy.  It's not a cult.  It's not a false doctrine, per se. It's not something that you can take and study in an institute.  You can't pick it up, turn it over and touch it. Perhaps the best way to understand this "wisdom" is to see it in light of what Paul says in Romans 12:

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1–2, ESV)

The "wisdom of the world" is that set of values that can be described as "conformity to the world".  It's the prevailing attitude of the day.  It's the spirit of the age.  It is that value system that John describes as “. . . —the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16, ESV).   This is a wisdom that is joined to the human condition after the Fall. It is earthly in its fixation and incomplete in its knowledge.  It is very susceptible to self-deception for indeed it sounds plausible (Colossians 2:23).  It is driven by passion and desire and it is obsessed by self-promotion, status and self-determined success.

This "worldliness" is so integral to culture and society that it is as real as the air we breathe and can be embraced just as subconsciously.  It is so caught up with individualism, ego-centricity and self-centeredness that it is blinded by the reality.  Apart from rigorous comparison to the Cross and the Gospel we are bewitched into a blindness that is incapable of seeing just how much we are motivated to personal pleasure and satisfaction.  Even the pursuit of spirituality is so individually motivated that Self eclipses God; and God starts to be and act more like Self.

It runs so diametrically opposed to Christ (Philippians 2:5-11) because it breeds competition and selfishness.  As C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity:

"Now what you want to get clear it that Pride is essentially competitive – is competitive by its very nature – while the other vices are competitive only, so to speak, by accident. Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. We say that people are proud of being rich, or clever, or good-looking, but they are not. They are proud of being richer, or cleverer, or better-looking than others"

This "wisdom of the world", "spirit of the age" (call it what you will) fundamentally glamorizes self-exaltation and superiority, not humility, simplicity or "ordinariness".  And certainly not a "self-emptying", a "making Himself nothing", as found in Christ. No, the goal tends to be comfort, ease and an avoidance of abstinence, delayed gratification and suffering. Personal honor and esteem, self-actualization become achievement awards instead of servanthood, obedience and mortification of self.

This wisdom says, "I look out for #1. If I don't who will?"   Such a pursuit of personal advantage can be attained without embarrassment, even at the cost of hurting others.  Sadly, this mentality is not only murderous, it is suicidal.

Amazing Contrasts!!

I never saw this before.  In my chronological Bible[1], the translators insert Luke 6:24-26 right after Matthew 5:1ff.  Note the contrast:

Matthew 5:3–12 (ESV)

Luke 6:24–26 (ESV)

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

The contrast is stark.  The believer who is poor in spirit as compared to wealthy by the world’s standards will inherit the kingdom of heaven.  Those who laugh now will someday mourn.  Those who mourn will be comforted.  Those who are full now will be hungry.  Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, will be filled.  Blessed are those who are today persecuted.  Woe to those who are liked by everyone.  Wow!!!

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[1] Smith, F. LaGard (2013-12-30). The Daily Bible® -- in Chronological Order (NIV®) (Kindle Locations 47472-47474). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Gracious Words Incite Anger

Luke 4: 16-30 is an amazing passage. In his hometown of Nazareth. Reading the Scriptures on the Sabbath from Isaiah 61:1-2, Jesus claims that on that day He fulfilled it! "And he began to say to them, 'Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.'"

The ESV Study Bible clarifies:

"Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor quotes Isa. 61:2, but the background of the Year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:10) is also in view in this entire passage. Jesus carries out the role of a prophet by proclaiming the “good news,” but he also carries out the role of Deliverer (or “Savior,” Luke 1:74) as the one who saves his people (Matt. 1:21)."

Jesus fulfills the so-called Law of the Shemitah! The people were "amazed at the graciousness of His words."

Knowing their heart He anticipates their request for a miracle to authenticate His claim. What he says stings:

"Citing examples from the ministries of Elijah and Elisha, Jesus reminds the people of Nazareth that when Israel rejects God’s prophets, God sends them elsewhere, even to Gentiles. At this the crowd becomes angry (v. 28; cf. Acts 22:21–22)." ESV Study Bible.

Even in this encounter Christ shows that "not all Israel is Israel." That invokes great anger -- even as it does today!

"Pastoring with Both Eyes Open"

"Having been well trained theologically, the newly minted pastor has an excellent understanding of the enemies that oppose the believer and the work of Christ. What our man does not usually comprehend at this stage in his ministry is the shape in which these enemies will actually be appearing.  He expects to do battle with the devil; he does not expect the devil to show up in the form of well-respected and well-dressed church members.  He expects to do battle with the world out there; he does not expect the world to have infiltrated the hearts and minds of his congregation. He expects to do battle against the flesh; he does not expect to see such raw manifestations of the flesh among those who claim the name of Christ -- or at times within his own heart and life." [1]

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1. Gilley, Gary E., This Little Church Had None - A Church in Search of Truth, EP Books Darlington, England, 2009, Page 144

The Cooperation of God in the Choice to Reject Him

Has God rejected Israel? No. Not all Israel.  As Everett F. Harrison writes, "But the matter of numbers is not crucial. What is more important is the reminder that irrespective of its size, it is "chosen by grace." This means that the character of the remnant is also not important, as though the choosing depended on the quality of its constituency. 'The remnant has its origin, not in the quality of those saved, but in the saving action of God' (Herntrich in TDNT 4:203). Notice how this is brought out in the quotation 'I have reserved for myself seven thousand' (v. 4)."[1]

Paul continues his explanation that God has kept a remnant, a remnant chosen by grace, for Himself.  In Romans 11:7–10 (ESV) he writes,

"⁷ What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, ⁸ as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” ⁹ And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; ¹⁰ let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.”"

It is true: national, ethnic Israel – Israel according to the flesh, failed.  But the elect – the people of God, chosen from Jew and Gentile did not fail.  By grace they obtained the righteousness of God.  The rest of Israel, those who disobeyed the Gospel – those who did not have faith in God's Provision – they were "hardened".  Now we studied this concept before in Romans 9.  Using Pharaoh as an example, Paul wrote, “So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.” (Romans 9:18, ESV).  When we studied that, I wrote:

"I think it is right to say that God hardens the heart of a man, not by what He does, but by what He doesn't do.  In the case of Israel God turned His face of grace away from them and left them in the consequence of their sin." 

That is true, I believe, but even my definition is not complete.  In Romans 11, in relation to hardening, Paul makes it clear that God did do something.  “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”^[2]  "The rest of national Israel has been blinded. The Greek verb pōroō which is used for blinded, means to render insensitive."^[3]  Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 29:4 and Isaiah 29:10 that refers to the blindness and deafness of those who failed to trust God.  I would suggest that God's judicial action in this case is to render their decision as final. There is a sense that God gives to people exactly what they choose.

We must be careful not to unwittingly remove God from this active decision.  The Old Testament passage clearly states that God gave the this "spirit of stupor".  As Dr. Moo states so plainly: "When he hardens, he confirms the sentence that people deserve and have already chosen for themselves."^[4]

Then quoting from Psalm 69 (“Let their own table before them become a snare; and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, and make their loins tremble continually.” (Psalm 69:22–23, ESV), Paul as the inspired writer applies this sentence: "Let them experience misery and disappointment in their daily occupations and concerns, and let them find those things, of whatever description—whether sacred or common—which were calculated to be for their welfare and advantage, a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling–block, and a punishment to them."^[5]

This attribution of punishment comes from the same Paul who prayed, “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.” (Romans 10:1, ESV).  These ideas are not incompatible.  Far from treating someone as a robot, God affirms the choice of those who reject Him.

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Previous Blogs on this topic:

1	God Will Never Reject Those He Has Chosen	Romans 11:1-6
2

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[1] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Romans/Exposition of Romans/VI. The Problem of Israel: God's Righteousness Vindicated (9:1-11:36)/E. Israel Not Entirely Rejected; There Is a Remnant of Believers (11:1-10), Book Version: 4.0.2

^[2] The New International Version. (2011). (Ro 11:8). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

^[3] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 2254). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[4] Moo, D. J. (2002). Encountering the book of Romans : a theological survey (p. 166). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

^[5] Haldane, R. (1996). An exposition of Romans (electronic ed., p. 537). Simpsonville, SC: Christian Classics Foundation.

A Personal Look at Celebrity Pastors

I have a daughter that comes to me occasionally and says, "Daddy, I've been thinkin'!"  Well it's my turn.  I started my personal study of 1 Corinthians about six months ago; and along the road, I've been thinkin'! This phenomenon that Paul witnessed in Corinth, probably existing about A.D. 55ish whereby the Christian men and women were lining up under various leaders (1 Corinthians 1:12) is a bit of an enigma, but we know enough to come to some conclusions.  One of the conclusions is that the men involved did not promote such a practice, nor were they guilty of promoting something antithetical to true Christianity. 

There seems to be, at the one hand, a grassroots swell against the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 4:3); and an exaltation of a preferred leader (or the aggrandization of a preferred leader). Modern conversation on this trend is called "the celebrity pastor".  I really has to do with priorities, doesn't it?

There have been some interesting articles, of late, on this occurrence.  For example:

1. Together for the Gospel had a panel discussion on this theme.
2. The Gospel Coalition has had a myriad of articles posted on this topic.

Whenever some of us think of celebrity pastors we bring to mind such contemporary figures as Joel Osteen.  But we in so-called evangelical, reformed camps also have our celebrity pastors.  Undoubtedly in years past George Whitfield, Charles Spurgeon would have ranked in that category.  Today we have our John Pipers, John MacArthurs, Charles Swindolls, etc. Again, as in Corinth, I doubt if any man of God would seek for this austere position.  Nor do I think that it's wrong to have your favorites.

Here's what I've been thinking: One of the many dangers of this cult of personality is the undermining and obscuring of the local Church pastor or pastors.  It's the eclipse of the local shepherd. Now for the sake of full disclosure, I am a local church pastor.  An article like this is hard to write because of the obvious conflict of interest – the given bias and prejudice that I probably hold.   It's hard because I have personally experienced the piercing of my heart, because of this issue.  But that does not mean that I cannot speak somewhat to this issue with honesty.

In the last 26 years of church ministry, two very real scenarios occur that are disconcerting:

1. The unabashed criticism directed to the local pastor versus the seemingly unquestionable loyalty to the celebrity pastor; and
2. The blind sidedness that overlooks the reality that the local pastor's ambition is for your joy in comparison to the celebrity pastor's need for your money.

You see I am not opposed to a person saying, "I follow _____________ ."  But when the adherence to that person or ministry supersedes and usurps the man or men, that God has called to "shepherd the church of God, which he bought with his own blood"^[1], this becomes a problem.  It is akin to ignoring your family needs and sending all your resources elsewhere.  Or as I knew of in one church where the pastor was living in poverty while thousands of dollars were being sent to the mission field.  The problem isn't the poverty, nor the mission field.  The problem is misplaced priorities.

I've been thinkin': When the men I read, I listen to and I "follow" get a "pass" that results in little or no scrutiny and my pastor becomes the object of very careful enquiry, my priorities are wrong.  When the one I "follow" takes the place of the one "who has to give an account for my soul", my priorities are wrong.

Paul wrote: “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, ESV).

The Greek word that has been translated "respect" in Paul's admonition is οἶδα.  It is pronounced: "I-do"! The KJV translators use the word "know".  That's not a bad translation. It has a variety of nuances and contextually "respect" is a good word.  But there is a depth in that word that "respect" doesn't totally convey.  Paul uses this word more often in this Letter than elsewhere.  (Thirteen times in five chapters!)  Most often this word is used in conjunction with "understanding". That nuance is not far removed from respect.  When we take the time to know, to understand, we also start to experience respect, honor, value. 

As a local church, non-celebrity pastor, it is an amazing joy when I am "known" by my Church.  They know my strengths and weaknesses.  They know when it's just a slip; or when it's necessary to criticize and restore. They celebrate my successes.  They are patient with my failings. They sense when it's right to encourage; and they know when applause will simply feed my sinful ego.  All that "knowledge" equates to one thing: R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  I can't think that an so-called "celebrity pastor" can claim any of that wealth.  I love Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of 1 Timothy 1:12: “I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry.” (1 Timothy 1:12, The Message).

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^[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Ac 20:28). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

God Will Never Reject Those He Has Chosen

Israel, as a nation, is cursed and cut-off from Christ (Romans 9:3). “But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel,” (Romans 9:6, ESV).   

The promises of God have never failed, for those promises can only be embraced by "true" Israel, i.e., Israel according to promise, PLUS, an elect remnant also from the Gentiles.  These comprise true Israel.  As he wrote to the Galatians: “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise . . . “For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.” (Galatians 3:29; 6:15–16, ESV).

In Romans 10, Paul elaborates on the sad reality that Israel failed to submit to God’s righteousness (10:3), and refused to believe the good news (10:16). Israel is, in short, “a disobedient and obstinate people” (10:21).  So Paul asks the question we ask, ". . . has God rejected his people?"^[1] To this Paul adds his infamous: "God forbid."  "May it not be!"  In the Greek: μὴ γίνομαι, me ginomai means not to come into being; i.e., "may it never come into being."  The idea that God would reject His people is unthinkable.  The majority of Israel refused to obey the Gospel.  Has God rejected them?

Some expositors frame this question by inserting a commonly-held anticipation of a revived Israeli state. For example: "Paul now emphatically insists that while Israel may have rejected God (in the form of Jesus Christ), God has not rejected them in return. Despite present appearances, Israel still plays a role in God’s plan of salvation, and His promises to Israel have not been invalidated."^[2]  One cannot assume that last sentence at this point.  The question is simply has God rejected Israel?  Paul answers to the emphatic negative.  And then he explains giving 3 pieces of evidence to prove that God has not rejected Israel:

• Proof #1. Paul. “. . .  For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.” (Romans 11:1, ESV).
• Proof #2. God's Foreknowledge[3]. "God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew ["whom he chose from the very beginning. – (NLT)"^[4]
• Proof #3. An Example from Elijah. "Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? ³“Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” ⁴ But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal."^[5]

One would have to be willfully blind not to see Paul's answer.  God has cast off the nation of Israel, but He has not cast off true Israel, the people within Israel that He has kept for Himself.  These are the people He has chosen from the beginning.  These are the people of promise.  The existence of the remnant is proof positive that God has not rejected His people.

Robert Haldane offers this great summary: "The people of God, whom He foreknew, were those whom He chose from all eternity, according to His sovereign pleasure; and in this sense the expression is clearly explained, when they are declared, in Romans 11:5, to be a “remnant according to the election of grace,” and when it is said, in verse 4, that God had “reserved” to Himself His true worshippers in the time of Elijah."^[6]

So Paul is turning the question on its head.  Did God reject His people?  No, not if your definition of "His People" are those whom are chosen from eternity!  But there is another side to this coin.  There is the distinct probability that God has indeed rejected those who are not part of His foreknown plan.  Paul's answer to his question in verse 1 is answered in Romans 11:5 (ESV), "⁵So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace."

Now here Paul makes an astounding comparison.  Paul uses the word "grace" to be synonymous with the notion of election. "God’s grace means that those who become his people owe nothing to their own accomplishments or works and everything to God."^[7]  This profound comparison by Paul essentially obliterates any notion that God might foresee believing faith and then decide to choose that person to be saved.  Not a chance!  “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6, ESV).  The ESV Study Bible is correct: "Election and grace are inseparable, for both show that salvation is God’s work alone."^[8]

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Previous Blogs on this topic:

1	God Will Never Reject Those He Has Chosen	Romans 11:1-6
2

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^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ro 11:1). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[2] Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ro 11:1). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

[3] "Foreknew reaches back to the OT, where the word “know” emphasizes God’s special choice of, or covenantal affection for, his people (e.g., Gen. 18:19; Jer. 1:5; Amos 3:2). See Rom. 11:2, where “foreknew” functions as the contrast to “rejected,” showing that it emphasizes God’s choosing his people (see also 1 Pet. 1:2, 20)" - Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (pp. 2171–2172). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ro 11:2). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ro 11:2–4). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[6] Haldane, R. (1996). An exposition of Romans (electronic ed., p. 532). Simpsonville, SC: Christian Classics Foundation.

^[7] Moo, D. J. (2002). Encountering the book of Romans : a theological survey (p. 166). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

^[8] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2176). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The Buck Stops Here

I love the Bible!  A fully orbed, systematic exposition of Scripture, not only reveals the unity, but also brings great balance to one's theology.  In Romans 9 we are faced with the ground-shaking tsunami of God's unconditional, sovereign election of who will be saved.  The inspired writer cared enough to deal with some of our natural objections.  But as we have read on, the subject of Israel's rejection by God cannot fully be explained by God's sovereign freedom.  God is not to blame!  Romans 10:16–21 (ESV) makes this abundantly clear.  For we read:

¹⁶ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” ¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. ¹⁸ But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” ¹⁹ But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” ²⁰ Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” ²¹ But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

I'm going to use some important words here.  God's sovereign election of the saved is the ultimate, primary cause of anyone's salvation.  But there are necessary, secondary conditions that must be met.  The Gospel must be preached.  It must be heard.  And it must be believed (obeyed) in faith.  Paul's Scriptural proof, as it generally is, comes from the Old Testament – Isaiah 53:1 (“Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”).  "The report was Isaiah’s message of the gospel concerning the Messiah. It was brought to the mouths of the Jews and offered to them, but that message was not obeyed."^[1]  We know that the message is obeyed when one believes and entrusts himself or herself to the content of the message. 

Verse 17 is Paul's summation: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, ESV).  This is a stunning verse.  One must believe the message in faith, but one can only come to faith through hearing the message.  The message that Paul believes will save is the word of Christ[2]. "Paul emphasizes the importance of proclamation; righteousness comes by faith, and faith comes by hearing the gospel message."^[3]  Faith is a gift (Ephesians 2:8), but it is also a necessary condition for salvation! 

Now, back to Israel.  Have they heard?  Yes (cf: 10:18).  Now this is amazing and an important lesson to check the New Testament cross-references.  Paul quotes Psalm 19:4 which is a psalm of David about God's revelation. There he writes, “Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,” (Psalm 19:4, ESV).  David here is clearly referring to natural revelation. "Here he borrows language about God’s universal revelation in nature to assert that God has revealed his special purpose in the gospel to Israel in general."^[4]  (Paul does something we ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DO J).  So we are not left hanging on this one rung, Paul also takes the reader back to Moses, back to Deuteronomy 32:21 where God showed that He would uses the Gentiles to provoke national Israel into jealousy.  Paul's going to continue this theme in Romans 11 but for now we see "The failure of the Jews cannot be excused because they did not hear the message, or because they could not understand it. Moses and Isaiah contrast God’s own people with those who lack understanding (Deut. 32:21), and with those who were not God-seekers but who were brought to know Him (Is. 65:1).^[5]

"Those who lacked special revelation and the moral and religious training God provided for Israel have proved more responsive than the chosen people."[6] Israel is nothing short of disobedient and obstinate.  God says, "All day long I have held out my hands . . .."^[7] How has God done that?

1. He has ". . . hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light.” (Hosea 6:5, ESV);

2. He has “. . . warned your fathers when I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, warning them persistently, even to this day, saying, Obey my voice.” (Jeremiah 11:7, ESV);

3. He has said to them: “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes?” (Isaiah 5:3–4, ESV); and

4. He cried, ““O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37, ESV).

"The Lord God has patiently dealt with Israel throughout history (all day long) but she has been disobedient to His love. She is therefore guilty of spurning the love of God, and the responsibility for her future is clearly her own."^[8]

Conclusion from Chapter 10

In this and the preceding chapter it becomes very clear that God uses a very tangible way to save men and women: the Gospel message.  But this message must be accompanied by the influence of His graceful intention and power to save.  Without His sovereign, electing grace accompanied by the gift of faith, all of us would be as unbelieving Israel: lost and rejected.  And when skeptics of biblical theology arrogantly attack such reality, they soon forget that everyone, like Israel, has sufficient evidence to believe and be saved. ^[9]  The bottom-line?  There is no excuse. To the reader: "the responsibility of your future is clearly your own."  Believe and be saved.

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Previous Blogs on this topic:

1	His Righteousness Versus Their Righteousness	Romans 9:30-33
2	Never Reaching the End	Romans 10:1-4
3	Jesus is Lord	Romans 10:5-9
4	The Ground of Hope	Romans 10:11–13
5	The Chain of Evangelism	Romans 10:14-15
6	The Buck Stops Here	Romans 10:16–21

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^[1] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 2253). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

[2] "This could mean either the word about Christ or the word proclaimed by Christ. The former sense is somewhat favored by the fact that in Isaiah 53, which may still be in Paul's thought, the Servant is not a proclaimer but a suffering Redeemer. On the other hand, the second possibility cannot be ruled out. Barrett, for example, says, "Christ must be heard either in his own person, or in the person of his preachers, through whom his own word (v. 17) is spoken; otherwise faith in him is impossible" (in loc.)." - Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Romans/Exposition of Romans/VI. The Problem of Israel: God's Righteousness Vindicated (9:1-11:36)/D. Israel's Failure to Attain Righteousness Due to Reliance on Works Rather Than Faith (9:30-10:21), Book Version: 4.0.2

^[3] Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ro 10:17). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

^[4] Moo, D. J. (2002). Encountering the book of Romans : a theological survey (p. 162). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

^[5] Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ro 10:19). Nashville: T. Nelson.

[6] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Romans/Exposition of Romans/VI. The Problem of Israel: God's Righteousness Vindicated (9:1-11:36)/D. Israel's Failure to Attain Righteousness Due to Reliance on Works Rather Than Faith (9:30-10:21), Book Version: 4.0.2

^[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ro 10:21). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[8] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 2253). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[9] Credit some of these thoughts from: Haldane, R. (1996). An exposition of Romans (electronic ed., pp. 524–525). Simpsonville, SC: Christian Classics Foundation.