In Romans 10:11–13 (ESV) we read,
11 For
the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of
all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone
who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Why did Israel fall short of
salvation? Why did God reject this
nation? Well from Romans 9 we understand
that this occurred because it fell within the scope of God's sovereign electing
plan for the ages. But as we examine
Romans 10 we see that the human agency also played a condemning role in
this. Israel, according to the flesh,
failed to believe. If they had confessed
with the mouth that “Jesus is Lord” and believe in the heart that God raised
him from the dead, they will be saved.
Now at this point, Paul then opens this invitation to everyone (in
vv11-13). "Now, as the Old
Testament teaches, “anyone” who trusts in Christ will “never be put to shame”
(v. 11, quoting Is 28:16; cf. 9:33). “Everybody” who calls on Christ’s name can
be saved (v. 13; quoting Jl 2:32)."[1]
A right standing before God; salvation and
all that this implies, is available to all – all who believe – all who call
upon the Lord can be saved. "The
concept of salvation is as profound and extensive as God Himself. But the
method of securing that salvation is simple enough for a child. Anyone who
calls upon God will be saved. The word “saved” is picturesque. If one needs to
be saved, he is in serious difficulty, as is clear from the very terminology.
The term further implies the subject’s inability to help or save himself. The
concept is that of rescue and deliverance.[2]
"This belief and its blessing is open
to Jew and Gentile alike. Whatever "difference" there may be in the
two groups in some respects, there is no difference when it comes to the need
for Christ and the availability of his salvation (cf. 3:22). The source of
their spiritual life is found in "the same Lord," whose blessings are
richly bestowed upon them without partiality."[3]
To all who believe, who call upon the Lord, who place their faith
in Him, they can be sure that they will not be ashamed (v11). "It may be observed that almost all men have some hope in prospect
of the bar of God. But many have hopes founded on falsehood. There is a vast
variety in the opinions of men with respect to the ground of hope; and, besides
the common ground, namely, a mixture of mercy and merit, every unbeliever has
something peculiar to himself, which he deems an alleviation of guilt, or
singularly meritorious. But in the great day all shall be ashamed of their
hope, except those who have believed in Christ for salvation."[4]
The invitation to trust Christ is open to all. There is no other promise that will survive the scrutiny of God other than faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. What are you hoping in?
Previous Blogs on this topic:
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1
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Romans 9:30-33
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2
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Romans 10:1-4
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3
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Romans 10:5-9
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4
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Romans 10:11–13
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5
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[1] Moo, D. J. (2002). Encountering the book of Romans : a theological survey (p. 160).
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
[2] Criswell, W. A., Patterson, P., Clendenen,
E. R., Akin, D. L., Chamberlin, M., Patterson, D. K., & Pogue, J. (Eds.).
(1991). Believer’s Study Bible
(electronic ed., Ro 10:13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[3] 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
[4] Haldane, R. (1996). An exposition of Romans (electronic ed., p. 518). Simpsonville, SC:
Christian Classics Foundation.
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