190908 Standing on the Rock

 Romans 9:30-33 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; ³¹ but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. ³² Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, ³³ as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

God has not failed — he has fulfilled his purpose. It is all by faith. Romans chapter 9 concludes with an illustration of man’s responsibility. We are unable to work our way to salvation. Neither can we hold back letting God do all the work. Instead, we are to stand on the rock and not stumble over it. We must believe in the Lord Jesus in order to be saved (Acts 16:31) because, “to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Now let’s move on into Romans 10.

One of the concerns that people have when they think about Election, or predestination, is this. If God knows already what is going to happen, and in fact his predetermined all things, then we have no need to witness to our unsaved family members. In fact, it is a waste of time to pray for them! Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul directly challenges those false ideas by…

Praying for lost family. Let’s read on Romans 10:1-4. Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. ² For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. ³ For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. ⁴ For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

The Apostle makes a very strong case in favor of praying for our lost family members. He has a deep-seated concern for his family and he prayed that they might be saved. When we move into chapter 10 we are shown the other side of the coin, so to speak. Chapter 9 begins with Paul affirming that the lost condition of Israel gives him great sorrow and even mental and spiritual anguish. His pain was so deep that he would be willing to give up his own place in heaven if it could result in their salvation. On the surface it would seem that God had failed with regard to his people. Nothing could be farther from the truth. God has not failed! Israel has failed! They pursued salvation by trying to earn it. God rejected Israel because Israel rejects the gospel. If a person is without Christ it is not because they are not elected but because they are rejecting Christ. At least five times in this chapter the responsibility of Israel is emphasized. Salvation is not based on works…

Salvation is based on faith. Romans 10:5-10 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. ⁶ But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) ⁷ “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). ⁸ But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); ⁹ because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Moses writes about righteousness based on good works. An effort that brings Christ down from heaven or up from the abyss. Instead, Paul tells us, all of their efforts failed because it was not established by faith. People fail to find Christ because their efforts do not fit into their religious self-righteousness. The truth is just too simple! The gospel is filled with mystery and simplicity. First, it calls on us to believe that Jesus is Lord. Second, we are called on to have a heart belief that God raised Jesus from the dead!

The only righteousness that can change our relationship to God from lost to saved is by the gift of grace through faith. We must recognize that…

The Law serves a purpose. Romans 10:11-13 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.”

Paul has already shown that there is no difference between Jews and Greeks. There is one Lord and one Lord alone. The writer of Hebrews takes the same approach. Let’s turn to Hebrews 4:1-2. Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. ² For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.

Israel, as a people, had everything they needed to obtain salvation. The problem is all that they had in the law was not connected by faith. They heard the good word but it failed to connect because of a lack of faith on their part. The law served the purpose of bringing people to Christ for salvation. Instead, it became a burden that they could not bear. The law was instituted to point out the failure of mankind. It was designed by God to prepare for the Messiah. Or, it was a schoolmaster pointing to faith.

If we believe that salvation is by grace through faith we need to be sure that our friends and family members have enough biblical information to make a decision. Instead, most Christians are guilty of…

The sin of silence. Let’s read on Romans 10:14-15 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? ¹⁵ And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

We say that everyone must openly confess Jesus as Lord and sincerely believe that God raised him from the dead. We have already read that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How will the unsaved know that they must do this? How are they going to hear? Our silence is a sin! We should often pray for direction in how to present the truth to our unsaved family and friends.

Paul’s heartfelt concern for his people has been shown at the very beginning of the letter to the Romans.

Have they heard the gospel? Let’s go back to Romans 1:18-20. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. ¹⁹ For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

What can be known about God is known. It’s important that they hear the gospel. At the same time, the creation around them calls them toward belief. The wrath of God is revealed against mankind because we have all turned aside from what is very obvious. God’s power revealed in the creation calls us to him. But the idea of God’s wrath is offensive to self-righteous religionists. God’s wrath is directed against ungodliness. God’s wrath is directed against human unrighteousness. God’s wrath is especially directed against the suppression of the truth! God has revealed himself in the creation surrounding us. God has revealed himself in Jesus Christ who John described as the Word as well as in his written word — the Bible

Romans 10:16-18 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.”

Not everyone who hears the gospel will choose to respond in obedience. Isaiah saw this in his time causing him to ask the question “who has believed? ” Responding in faith requires hearing and hearing requires a messenger. Though mankind may deny they have heard the gospel the truth is it has gone out over the whole earth.

Paul quotes Psalm 19 which tells us that the heavens declare the glory of God! And that declaration goes out over the whole earth. The evidence in favor of God’s existence is not held back from anyone who will respond. Throughout the Bible God’s existence is rightly assumed.

We have already seen that those who preach the good news have beautiful feet! Indeed the very act of…

Carrying the gospel is beautiful. Let’s read on Romans 10:19-21. 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.”

Now Paul points us to the words of Moses. Even though Israel rejected the gospel message God turns their disobedience into a blessing for the Gentiles. God uses that rejection as a stimulus to Israel. There is a paradox in Christianity. Gentiles did not seek God but yet they found him. The Jews — God’s chosen people — rejected him. Israel’s repeated resistance to God’s will raises the question of their future. We will approach that subject next week.

It is important to see that Israel has had adequate opportunity to respond to the gospel. There is no lack of Old Testament support to the message of salvation. Israel has simply failed to stand on the Rock instead they stumble over it. Everything necessary to hearing the gospel has been put in place by God. Israel did not correctly understand the purpose of the Messiah coming. They still looked for a conqueror leading an army to destroy the Romans. They just did not grasp the idea of a Suffering Servant who would die for their sins — and ours. What have you done about it? Have you really trusted Jesus? Have you believed him? Are you resting in him?

All scriptures quotes are from: The Holy Bible: English standard version. 2001. Wheaton, Ill, Standard Bible Society.

190929 Has God Rejected Israel? (2)

Romans 11:25-27 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. ²⁶ And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; ²⁷ “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

In this passage Paul continues to deal with the question, “Has God given up on Israel?” He begins with an attention-getting statement. He does not want his readers to be “ignorant” concerning the “mystery” they are confronted with. He has spoken to us about Pharaoh’s hardened heart which contributed to God being recognized around the world. Paul has told us about God’s ability to “have mercy on” whomever he chooses. After all, he is God! In the same way, a hardening has come on Israel, until the “fullness of the Gentiles” has come in.

I am sure there are many people who are positive they know what the fullness of the Gentiles means. I am not one of those people. I can think of at least three meanings. It could refer to a specific number of people coming to faith. Or, it could refer to a worldwide revival bringing many people to faith in Christ from every nation. Or, it could mean simply a positive outflow of the gospel before Jesus returns.

It will help us to look back at Paul’s own words. These words give us…

Israel redefined. Let’s read Romans 9:6-7. But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, ⁷ and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.”

The adoption into God’s family for Jew and Gentile alike makes us part of one body. I can’t go along with those people who teach that there will be a restoration of Israel with a restored temple and animal sacrifices. The only sacrifice that counts now is that of Jesus. Once for all.

Physical descent from Abraham does not guarantee a place in the family of God. Abraham had several sons but God had affirmed to him that his offspring would be named through Isaac. Isaac was born as a result of Abraham believing God. He was the son of faith!

The Holy Spirit assures us today that we are children of the promise. Paul explained that to the Galatians by saying “we are not children of the slave but of the free woman” (Galatians 4:31). Before the end comes there will be a sweeping revival among the Jews. But it will not be a restoration of the synagogue. It will be an inclusion of the Jews into the family of God — the worldwide church! They will be grafted again into their own olive tree as the natural branches. We Gentiles are the wild branches grafted into Israel’s olive tree (Romans 11:24).

 Apparently, this will not happen…

Until the full number of Gentiles are complete. Look with me at what is to come. Rev 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰ and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

John, on the Isle of Patmos, saw what is to come. This comes closest to explaining, for me, what the “fullness of Gentiles” might mean. This vision came to John as part of events yet to come. If we will look ahead in Romans chapter 11 we will see that the Jews and Gentiles were enemies and it was for our sake that was true. The Gentiles were once isolated from the family of God but now they are brought to an equal position in God’s family. Verse 32 tells us that God has consigned all people to disobedience. That designation brings us all to the same place in relation to salvation. We are born separated from God in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). Paul then saw that as the riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge! What had been a mystery is now made clear in the common salvation of Jews and Gentiles.

You see…

The Redeemer will come. That promise came from Isaiah 59:19-20 So they shall fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the Lord drives. ²⁰ “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord.

At least 700 years before Christ was born Isaiah saw the Redeemer coming to Jerusalem to the people of God. We must remember that God chooses the best goals and the best path to those goals. It has always been God’s intention that all people have the possibility of salvation. God’s great plan of redemption is reflected in his wisdom. Isaiah saw both the coming destruction of the nation of Israel and also the coming restoration. We can look further back in the Old Testament story and see that the Redeemer would be…

The one who will bless all nations. The promise was made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Abraham is the first man in the Bible story who is called God’s friend! God promised Abraham that he would be blessed and those who bless him would be blessed as well. The person who curses the Jews will be cursed by God. We have certainly seen that promise fulfilled in my lifetime. The rise and fall of Nazi Germany is a clear example of how God cursed those who cursed him.

I believe that the USA has been blessed because of its blessing the Jews. Jesus ultimately is the one who would bless all avenues of the earth. It would be through a son of Abraham from the lineage of Isaac. God’s purpose is to reach out to all nations. There is no intention of destroying Abraham’s descendants. Instead there is every intention of bringing all mankind together under Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Ephesians tells us that God brings the Gentiles near, by the blood of Christ, breaking down the wall of division and creating one new man.

Not doing away with any race but instead bringing them together under Abraham.

Bringing the Gentiles to Abraham’s family. Let’s look at Ephesians 2:14-16. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility ¹⁵ by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, ¹⁶ and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

In 1 Corinthians 14:33, Paul tells us that “God is not a God of confusion but of peace. God’s peace means that in God himself and in all his actions he is separate from all confusion and disorder. He is involved in an amazing number of well-ordered activities simultaneously. He has killed the hostility in the body of Christ on the cross. Paul is amazed at the mystery being revealed. That mystery is like a great symphony hiding God’s plan and is beyond our ability to understand.

We are left with the question…

What about the Jews? Let’s go back to Romans 11:28-29. As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. ²⁹ For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

From the very beginning, Jews reflected animosity to the gospel. This makes them appear to be enemies of the believing Gentiles. God is often identified as the “God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”. There is no doubt that God has a plan that includes these chosen people. That plan does not include a nation of people who are saved as result of their ancestry separate from the church. God’s plan of election brings them into the new family of God. Jews and Gentiles alike are linked together in one body. Branches grafted into a trunk of faith by God’s grace. Their animosity to the gospel has opened the door to the Gentiles — and that’s us!

Recall, everywhere Paul went, on his missionary journeys, he went to the synagogue first then, when they refused to hear the gospel, he turned to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-48).

In the meantime, God has always been in charge. Now we come to Paul’s great benediction found in Romans 11:33-36. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ³⁴ “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” ³⁵ “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” ³⁶ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

In the Ephesian letter, Paul tells us that the mystery — hidden for ages in God — is that through the church the many-faceted wisdom of God is now made known throughout the creation. God’s purpose is not just to have outward obedience. He wants our heart, mind, and soul. Arriving at such commitment to God is not something that happens suddenly. Such a commitment is a process. Day by day we grow closer to God. We have a responsibility to root out our wrong ideas and values. We do this by meditating on his word day and night. We need to be able to clearly say who we are.

I wish I had the video from the movie “Overcomer”. In it, the young lady, Hannah, told coach Harrison, “Ask me who I am?” When he does she responded to the question like this:

“I am created by God. He designed me. So I’m not a mistake. His son died for me just so I could be forgiven. He picked me to be his own so I’m chosen! He redeemed me! So I am wanted. He showed me grace just so I could be saved. He has a future for me because he loves me! So I don’t wonder anymore, Coach Harrison. I am a child of God. I just wanted you to know.” And she turned and walked away.

Such a powerful movie should be seen by everyone. Too bad so many people simply won’t watch it to their personal loss!

God has not failed Israel as a nation, even though Israel was, and is, rejected by him, for God has always worked through the principle of election. He is the potter, and fallen humanity is the clay. Israel, however, is responsible to accept the simple gospel by which God lovingly stretches out his hands to sinners. But they were hardened, so the gospel went out to the Gentiles. However, one day, the blessing is going to return to Israel and there will be a great national repentance. Paul experienced a sense of wonder at a God who can so work in history. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33a) Everyone comes to God the same way! We are able to appropriate God’s grace through faith. There are no good works that can bring us to salvation. Have you trusted him? If not, will you today?

All scriptures quotes are from: The Holy Bible: English standard version. 2001. Wheaton, Ill, Standard Bible Society.